“Dope Thief” – The Trailer is Here!

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The trailer for Dope Thief checks all the right boxes.

Deal me in.

It was the perfect grift until they chose the wrong mark.

Dope Thief, a new series from Ridley Scott & Peter Craig, premieres March 14 on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_DopeThief

Two lifelong friends (Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura) in Philadelphia pose as DEA agents to rob small-time drug dealers. It’s a perfect grift—until they choose the wrong mark and become targets of a massive narcotics enterprise.

MARSHALL ROGERS: BRIGHTEST DAYS & DARKEST KNIGHTS is Coming!

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Marshall Rogers burst on the scene and became a fan favorite with his art for Batman and Mr. Miracle.  He branched out doing more independent comics such as Demon with a Glass Hand (with Harlan Ellison), Detectives, Inc. (with Don McGregor) and Coyote (with Steve Englehart) to name a few.  Although Marshall Rogers left us prematurely, the impact of his art lives on.

A Marshall Rogers biography is coming.  Here’s the lowdown…

From underdog to icon, Marshall Rogers helped redefine Batman for generations, inspiring readers and up-and-coming artists alike. Initially savaged by editors at DC Comics, his style was uniquely complex with vast and angular architectural design anchoring his storytelling, and it immediately caught on with fans for his depictions of the Darknight Detective, Hugo Strange, The Joker, Silver St. Cloud, Dr. Strange, Cap’n Quick and a Foozle, and more. And though his output was relatively small in comparison to many of his contemporaries, his impact outlived the artist himself, and inspired a loyal following and affection.

Now, Rogers’ story is told by friends, collaborators, and family members, delving deep into a complicated and conflicted man and his art, as we feature inker Terry Austin, friend and fellow artist Michael Netzer, Dan Greenfield’s extensive interview with writer Steve Englehart (conducted for 13thDimension.com), and others recounting their time and camaraderie with Rogers, alongside an in-depth interview with Marshall himself, and a wealth of art both familiar and rarely seen.

Written by Jeff Messer and Dewey Cassell (authors of the Eisner Award-nominated Mike Grell: Life Is Drawing Without An Eraser), this book shines a light on the fan-favorite artist’s brightest moments and darkest days.

Featuring a new cover collaboration by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin!

MARSHALL ROGERS: BRIGHTEST DAYS & DARKEST KNIGHTS drops on July 8th.

“Delia’s Gone” (2022) starring Stephan James & Marisa Tomei / Z-View

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Delia’s Gone (2022)

Director:  Robert Budreau

Screenplay: Robert Budreau; based on Caged Bird Sing by Michael Hamblin

Stars: Stephan James, Travis Fimmel, Paul Walter Hauser, Marisa Tomei, Kate Moyer, Billy MacLellan and Genelle Williams.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Louis (James) is a mentally challenged young man.  He lives with his sister Delia (Williams).  One night Delia and Louis get into an argument.  Delia goes out to meet friends and Louis goes to bed.  The next morning Delia is found dead on the kitchen floor.

Louis is convicted of killing his sister.  He serves his time and is released to a halfway house.  One day a stranger visits Louis.  Before leaving the stranger says that Louis didn’t kill his sister.

Now Louis is on a mission to find his sister’s killer.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Stephan James is excellent as Louis.  Marisa Tomei shines as the gruff kick-ass Sheriff.

Delia’s Gone (2022) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Beyond the Borders” starring Zoe Saldaña, Garret Hedlund and Adria Arjona – The Poster & Trailer are Here!

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Here we have the poster and trailer for Beyond the Borders starring Zoe (The Lioness) Saldaña, Garret (Tulsa King) Hedlund and Adria (True Detective) Arjona.

Beyond the Borders premieres March 3rd.

Deal me in.

Along the treacherous U.S.-Mexico border, private dancer Esmee (Zoe Saldaña) kills a cartel member in self-defense. Fearing for her life, she flees Mexico with a group of undocumented immigrants led by a ruthless Coyote. Before crossing, a young mother she befriended is torn from the group, forcing Esmee to safeguard the woman’s daughter—and igniting a harrowing fight for survival.

THE WAKE-UP by Robert Ferrigno / Z-View

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THE WAKE-UP by Robert Ferrigno

First sentence…

The Engineer’s bodyguard gave Frank Thorpe the jitters.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Frank Thorpe was an operative for the shop.  But three months ago a job went sideways.  Their target, known as The Engineer, got the best of them.  Good people died.  The shop needed a scapegoat, so Frank got the boot.

Frank decides to get away and clear his head.  Traveling through the airport, Frank is jostled by an arrogant business man as he pushes past.  Frank almost starts after the jerk, but catches himself.  In his current mood, Frank knows he’d take it too far. Frank watches as the self-absorbed jerk pushes his way through the crowd.  A young boy who obviously needs money is selling candy and gum from a tray he’s holding. The boy says something to the hotshot.  The man, without breaking stride swings his crocodile briefcase, knocking the boy’s tray to the ground and striking the kid in the head.

As the jerk strides off, Frank moves to the kid.  Frank makes sure the boy is okay and then heads off to confront Mr. Big Shot.  Frank gets outside in time to see the man get into a Porsche driven by a beautiful blonde.  Frank decides Mr. Entitled needs a wake-up.  Nothing too extreme.  Just enough to get his attention.

Using skills from his past, Frank easily learns the man is an art dealer.  It’ll be a breeze to teach this cat a lesson.  Unfortunately, Frank’s plan unleashes an unexpected response.  Soon a laid back creator of designer drugs and his psychopathic wife are involved.  Frank’s wake-up puts him in line for a payback.  Vlad (a Romanian Frankenstein if there ever was one) and Arturo are hired killers working for the crazy wife.

Frank’s expertise will be put to the ultimate test.  And that’s before The Engineer returns for another round.

+++++

Robert Ferrigno has created another winner.

Rating:

“The Champion” (1949) starring Kirk Douglas / Z-View

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The Champion (1949)

Director:  Mark Robson

Screenplay:  Carl Foreman; based on Champion by Ring Lardner

Stars: Kirk Douglas, Arthur Kennedy, Marilyn Maxwell, Paul Stewart, Ruth Roman, Ruth Roman, Harry Shannon, John Daheim, Esther Howard, Sam Balter (voice), Polly Bergen (voice), Mushy Callahan and Bill Baldwin.

Tagline:  Fighting or loving, he was the… CHAMPION

The Plot…

Michael “Midge” Kelly (Douglas) and his brother, Connie (Kennedy) are down on their luck.  They hitched-hiked across country after sending their entire savings to become partners in a diner.  Only to find out they had been scammed.

When a local boxing promotor needs a fighter at the last minute, he offers Midge $35 to step in.  Midge does.  Although outclassed, Midge shows heart and that he can take a punch.  Boxing manager, Tommy Hailey (Stewart) offers to become Midge’s manager.  Midge declines.

Later when Midge realizes that professional boxing might provide the kind of life he dreams of, he reconnects with Tommy Hailey.  Midge is a fast learner and tough.  Midge climbs in the rankings beating everyone put in front of him.  Outside the ring, Midge sees every woman as a conquest.  Fame is going to his head.

As Midge gets closer to a title fight, he gets farther away from the people who truly care for him.  What is Midge willing to give up to become the Champion?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Champion was nominated for six 1950 Academy Awards, winning one…

  • Nominee for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture – Dimitri Tiomkin
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White – Franz Planer
  • Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay – Carl Foreman
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Arthur Kennedy
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Kirk Douglas
  • Winner – Best Film Editing: Harry Gerstad

Most folks know that Champion made Kirk Douglas a star.  He was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar. The film led to Warner Bros. signing him to a seven year contract.  Director Mark Robson, co-stars Lola Albright and Ruth Roman were also signed to studio contracts.

The Champion (1949) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Amber Alert” (2024) starring Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams / Z-View

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Amber Alert (2024)

Director:  Kerry Bellessa

Screenplay:  Kerry Bellessa, Joshua Oram

Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Tyler James Williams, Kevin Dunn, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Dinora Walcott, Kruz Valero and Claire Slemmer.

Tagline: Two Strangers Are Her Only Hope.

The Plot…

Jaq (Panettiere) is running late.  She offers a nice tip to Shane (Williams), an Uber driver who was quitting for the day to get to his son’s birthday.  During the drive an Amber Alert comes across.  At the next stop light, Jaq believes the car ahead is holding the kidnapped little girl.  Shane isn’t so sure.  As they try to get a closer look, the driver runs the light and jumps on the highway.

Jaq and Shane follow the speeding car.  Jaq calls 911 but are put on hold since so many calls about the alert are coming in.  As the driver heads away from the city, the little girl’s only hope are two strangers.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The writers and director made a film in 2012 titled Amber Alert.  The 2024 film is a bigger budget re-working.

My favorite scene is when the driver confronts Jaq and Shane in a deserted lot on the highway.

Amber Alert (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

Jack Carter by Sam Banchard aka Shlepzig!

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Sam Banchard aka Shlepzig had a unique style.  I loved it.  In addition to being an artist, Sam was a teacher, a fencer, a husband and so much more.  I met Sam in 2022 at HeroesCon.  I got the commission above, went back for another and introduced my friends to his art.  They got pieces and all commented on how humble and nice Sam was.

Sadly Sam passed away at the end of 2024.  He was way too young.  Thankfully his art will live on.