Category: Crime

Sin City Photos

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I can’t wait to see Frank Miller’s Sin City on the big screen.

It’s still hard for me to believe that it’s being made. Especially when you add Robert Rodriguez [one of my favorite directors] to the mix.

When the topic of comic adaptations to movies would come up, my first choice was always Sin City.

But the fly in the ointment was that Sin City creator, Frank Miller, had said that Sin City would never be made into a movie. Frank didn’t want to turn over his creation to a studio that would Hollywoodize it and turn it into something else.

But that was before Robert Rodriguez showed Frank exactly how he would adapt Sin City to make it faithful to the comics. Robert even brought Frank on board to serve as co-director!

When it was announced that Rodriguez and Miller were teaming to create Sin City, I thought, “How can it get any better?”

Then the cast began to form… Mickey Rourke… Bruce Willis… Jessica Alba… Rosario Dawson… Benicio Del Toro… Michael Clarke Duncan… Josh Hartnett… Michael Madsen… Clive Owen… Nick Stahl… Elijah Wood.

Ain’t It Cool News just posted some screencaps from Sin City. You can see them by clicking HERE. Cool aren’t they?

Now if we could just get a release date for the movie!

Carlito’s Way

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One of my favorite Al Pacino movies is Carlito’s Way.

If you haven’t seen it, you should give it a look, especially if you’re a fan of Pacino, Sean Penn, or gangster movies. It’s directed by Brian DePalma and is really, good. [I’d place a link to the dvd, but they’re coming out with a Special Edition in the near future so you should wait if you’d like a copy for your collection.]

At any rate, Carlito’s Way is one of my favorite movies. So you think I’d be excited to hear that a prequel may be in the works, right?

Well, unfortunately what JoBlow is reporting, is that if there is a sequel it doesn’t look like Pacino, Penn or DePalma will be involved!

The cool thing is that no matter what happens with the prequel we’ll always have the original.

“Carlito’s Way” rates an A

I Want "Sin City" Now

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I can’t wait to see Sin City on the big screen.

Frank Miller.

Robert Rodriguez.

Mickey Rourke.

Bruce Willis.

Jessica Alba.

Rosario Dawson.

Benicio Del Toro.

Michael Clarke Duncan.

Josh Hartnett.

Michael Madsen.

Clive Owen.

Nick Stahl.

Elijah Wood.

Whew! This baby is gonna rock.

Don’t believe me? Read this interview with Robert Rodriguez [brought to us by Quint at AICN] and you’ll be a believer! Man, I can’t wait…

Knowing Too Much…

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As most of you know, Michael Mann and Tom Cruise are teaming on Collateral.

It’s the story of a hitman [Cruise] who hires a cab driver [Jamie Fox] to drive him to five locations in one night.

What the driver doesn’t know [at least at first] is that a hit is taking place at each stop.

The initial teaser trailer was released a few weeks ago, and while it looked interesting, I wasn’t completely sold.

The full trailer is now available, along with some more stills from the film. I’ve got to admit that NOW the movie is starting to look better. The producers have to walk a thin line in how much they show though… they need to show enough to get interest up, but if they give away too much, then no one will want to see the movie.

Knowing too much can be a bad thing. If you don’t believe me, just ask the taxi driver.

Miller & Rodriguez Talk Sin City

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Comics Continuim has coverage of MTV’s Total Request Live behind-the-scenes look at Sin City.

Brittany Murphy, who plays Shelly, hosted and was joined by Sin City creator and film co-director Frank Miller, director Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. For full details click HERE.

I am so stoked for this movie. Frank Miller used to say that a movie would never happen, but Robert Rodriguez won him over by bringing in stars and filming a sample reel of what he would do if given the chance to direct Sin City on the big screen.

What makes this story even cooler is that Miller came on board as co-director! And the cast they’ve assembled is unreal. Bruce Willis is Hartigan. Jessica Alba is Nancy Callahan. Michael Clarke Duncan is Manute. Josh Harnett is Dwight. Mickey Rourke is Marv. Bennico Del Torro, Michael Madsen, Clive Owen, and Nick Stahl also appear.

Shield Back for 4th Season

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FX has picked up The Shield for a fourth season. This is the first time FX has ever brought back any of its original series for a fourth season. Fifteen new episodes are scheduled to begin airing in early 2005. This is great news — especially since we have another month to go before this season ends.

As most of you know I’ve been talking up The Shield since the very first episode. The series started strong and unlike many shows just keeps getting stronger. The cool thing is that The Shield is a hit with viewers and critics alike.

In tonight’s episode Michael Chiklis, who won the best-actor Emmy winner in 2002 for his role as Vic Mackey, makes his directing debut. David Mamet [Glengarry Glen Ross] directed the episode which premieres on May 18th!

Miller & Rodriguez on Sin City

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Frank Miller‘s Sin City directed by Robert Rodriguez! Man, that news is just too good to be true.

Frank Miller’s a genius. Daredevil... Ronin… The Dark Knight Returns… 300… and my personal favorite, his Sin City series.

Robert Rodriguez is the man behind El Mariachi, Desparado, Once Upon a Time in Mexico and the Spy Kids Series… 1, 2 and 3D.

Now Rodriguez is teaming with Miller to bring Sin City to the big screen. And when I say, “teaming,” I mean as co-directors.

According to Harry at Ain’t It Cool News the screenplay will pull from Sin City, That Yellow Bastard, The Big Fat Kill and possibly Booze, Broads & Bullets.

The only thing cooler than that is how Miller and Rodriguez got together.

Con Man’s Daughter

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I think I’ve found a great character for Sly to bring to the big screen!

Ed Dee Dee introduces ex-cop, ex-prize-fighter Eddie “God help me… I love a brawl” Dunn in his latest novel, The Con Man’s Daughter.

Dunn was a decorated NY City Detective who was forced to resign in disgrace and then worked for a Russian mobster. Now in his mid-50’s and retired, Dunn must return to the mean streets of New York and go toe to toe with a variety of the worst that the city has to offer in order to save his kidnapped daughter.

If you like hard boiled heroes and stories that keep you guessing, then this one is for you… and Sly!

Shield Too

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The Shield doesn’t premiere until March. Like I told you here, that really disappoints me. The Shield is one of my favorite if not my very favorite tv shows going.

The good news is that at the same time the third season premieres, a new comic based on The Shield will also premiere. Jeff Mariotte, the writer, promises that like the tv show, the comic will be “a bit edgy, a bit dark…” and will stretch “the boundaries of its medium.”

I’ve pre-ordered my copy and I’m hoping that it lives up to the hype… or at least the tv show on which it’s based.

That’s That About That

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If you like The Sopranos, The Godfather, or Wiseguy, then you probably should check out ABC‘s new drama, Line of Fire.

It’s on Tuesday nights at 10pm and follows the lives of FBI agents and the underworld criminals they have sworn to take down.

 

Line of Fire has an interesting structure in that it shows how the mobsters‘ lives parallel those of the agents after them. The show is well written, well directed and well cast. I’ve watched every episode since the first and it just keeps getting better.

“And that’s that about that.”

Waiting for Mackey

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The 3rd season of one of the best shows on tv, The Shield, won’t premiere until March!

Man, that really stinks. Especially when you consider that most series started their new seasons last September. At least the second season will be out on dvd this month.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather have the series take the time needed to keep up the consistantly high quality. And when March rolls around, I’ll be there every Tuesday night at 10 watching Vic Mackey and the rest of the Strike Force.

Do I Have Your Confidence

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I finally got a chance to see “Confidence” which is directed by James Foley and stars Edward Burns, Rachael Weisz, Morris Chestnut, Luis Guzmán, DustinHoffman, Andy Garcia, and Robert Forrester.

“Confidence” is the story of some mid-level grifters who accidently rip-off a mobster. When they discover their mistake, he’s already on to them. Their only hope is to get him his money back by pulling off a major scam under the watchful eye of the police, the mobster, and a special agent hot on their trail.

Doug Jung‘s excellent script is full of twists and everything in this movie worked for me; the direction, the acting, the music, the cinematography… everything. Special mention should be given to Dustin Hoffman — he’s just perfect in his role as the mobster who was swindled and Rachael Weisz — she’s perfect for her role as well and has never looked more attractive.

You ought to check out this film. It’s really good. Trust me, I wouldn’t con you.

“Confidence” rates an A

Movies, Robbers & More

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  • “The Hulk” earned a little better than $62 million to force “Finding Nemo” into second spot. I’ll still bet on the fish in the long run.
  • “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” opens next Friday. I waited to rent the original, but plan to see this one on the big screen!
  • I just finished reading Robbers by Chris Cook. This is his first novel and I’d say that he’s going to become a “name” to anyone who enjoys a good crime story!
  • One of the scariest movies that I ever saw as a kid, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” got a little write up today. They’re out there!
  • Mike Tyson got involved in what is being described as a “street brawl.” Even though it appears that Tyson didn’t start it, he could get a year in the slammer if convicted. When is“Iron Mike” gonna learn…
  • Lennox Lewis kept the title but may have lost his desire to continue. If history tells us anything, he’ll fight again though.
  • Archaeologists in western China discovered five earthenware jars of 2,000-year-old rice wine in an ancient tomb. “Ah, do you have anything in a 0003 vintage?”
  • Anybody else been keeping up with the news about U.S. bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman who was arrested by Mexican authorities while attempting to bring Andrew Luster, the fugitive heir of the Max Factor fortune and convicted rapist back to the USA? This has been my favorite news item this week… it’s like something out of a movie — which I bet it will be.

Zeck, Grant & More

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* In 1997 Mike Zeck [penciler] teamed up with writer Steven Grant, inker Denis Rodier and colorist Kurt Goldzung to create one of my all-time favorite comic mini-sereies. It was a hard-boiled crime story called DAMNED. Finally a trade paperback is scheduled to ship in August. This book is well worth the price!

* A failing British company fired 2,500 employees by sending text messages to their mobile telephones. ” U R Fired.”

A wanted man was arrested after his parole officer spotted him kissing his girlfriend in a live crowd shot displayed on the scoreboard at a Cincinnati Reds game. If convicted he could get up to 18 years in prison. He could be heading for the [grand] slammer.