RIP: James Carlos Blake

It was announced that James Carlos Blake died on January 11, 2025.  Mr. Blake was 81.  The cause of death was pneumonia.

Although Mr. Blake wrote off and on from his teens, it wasn’t until the 1980s that he began to write seriously for publication.  At that point James Carlos Blake began to get his short stories published in literary journals.  In 1995, his first novel, THE PISTOLEER saw print. It was a finalist for that year’s Best Novel of the West award from the Western Writers of America.

James Carlos Blake would go on to write 13 more novels and gain worldwide recognition (and awards) for his fiction.

I’ve been a James Carlos Blake fan for years.  His books are always entertaining.  If you’re a fan of crime fiction, then by all means seek them out.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to James Carlos Blake’s family, friends and fans.

“Al Capone” (1959) starring Rod Steiger / Z-View

Al Capone (1959)

Director:  Richard Wilson

Screenplay:  Malvin Wald, Henry F. Greenberg

Stars: Rod Steiger, Martin Balsam, Fay Spain, Nehemiah Persoff, Robert Gist, Lewis Charles, Joe De Santis, Sandy Kenyon, Raymond Bailey, Al Ruscio, Louis Quinn, Ron Soble, Steve Gravers, Fred Aldrich and James Gregory.

Tagline: It was the age of speakeasies and jazz… when everybody sinned, ginned and broke the laws… while a vicious crime lord almost took over the nation!

The Plot…

The fictionalized account of Al Capone (Steiger).

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Rod Steiger and Martin Balsam would go on to become Academy Award winners but not for this one.

Al Capone (1959) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Young Dillinger” (1965) starring Nick Adams & Robert Conrad / Z-View

Young Dillinger (1965)

Director:  Terry O. Morse

Screenplay:  Arthur Hoehl, Donald Zimbalist

Stars: Nick Adams, Robert Conrad, John Ashley, Dan Terranova, Mary Ann Mobley, John Hoyt, Anthony Caruso, Emile Meyer, Frank Gerstle, Wally Rose, Walter Sande, Joy Harmon and Victor Buono.

Tagline: The Big Thrill-Story of the Killer Who Became Public Enemy No. 1!

The Plot…

The fictionalized account of John Dillinger (Adams), Pretty Boy Floyd (Conrad) and Baby Face Nelson (Ashley) joining forces to rob banks throughout the midwest.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Robert Conrad won the role of Jim West for The Wild, Wild West during production of Young Dillinger. Although Conrad plays Pretty Boy Floyd in this one, in 1979 Conrad would play Dillinger in The Lady in Red.

Young Dillinger (1965) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Devil Rides Out” (1968) starring Christopher Lee / Z-View

The Devil Rides Out (1968)

Director:  Terence Fisher

Screenplay:  Richard Matheson; based on THE DEVIL RIDES OUT by Dennis Wheatley

Stars: Christopher Lee, Charles Gray, Leon Greene.

Tagline: The beauty of woman… the demon of darkness… the unholy union of “The Devil’s Bride”!

The Plot…

Duc de Richleau (Lee) discovers that his friend’s grown son is mixed up with aa devil-worshipping coven.  It may be too late to save him, but De Richleau is going to try.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

It was Christopher Lee’s idea to adapt the Wheatley novel.  Lee has said it is one of his favorite of the Hammer films.

The Devil Rides Out (1968) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Ragtime” (1981) directed by Milos Foreman; starring James Cagney, Elizabeth McGovern & Howard E. Rollins Jr. / Z-View

Ragtime (1981)

Director:  Miloš Forman

Screenplay: Michael Weller, Bo Goldman (uncredited); based on RAGTIME by  E.L. Doctorow

Stars: James Cagney, Elizabeth McGovern, Howard E. Rollins Jr., Brad Dourif, Moses Gunn, Kenneth McMillan, Pat O’Brien, Donald O’Connor, James Olson, Mandy Patinkin, Mary Steenburgen, Debbie Allen, Jeffrey DeMunn, Robert Joy, Bruce Boa, Jeff Daniels, Fran Drescher, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jeter, Ted Ross, John Ratzenberger and Norman Mailer.

Tagline: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was Ragtime

The Plot…

An African-American baby is left in the yard of a wealthy family.  When the police discover the young unwed mother nearby, they are ready to put the child in an orphanage and the mother in jail.  The family decides to take in the mother and child until the mother can get on her feet.

The baby’s father shows up.  His name is Coalhouse Walker Jr.  He wants to marry the mother and support the child now that he has a job.  The wedding is planned and all is looking up until a group of racist firemen put horse manure in Coalhouse’s new car.  When the police and the courts refuse to make things right, Coalhouse decides to get his own revenge… against the city.

The famous architect Stanford White has placed a nude statue at the top of Madison Square Garden.  Evelyn Nesbit, a former chorus girl reportedly posed for the figure.  Now Evelyn is married to millionaire Harry Kendall Thaw.  Thaw is outraged and demands that White remove the statue.  White refuses.  Thaw murders White at a huge social event.  The court case will be considered the trial of the century.

These events will converge to become a part of American lore.  Like the tagline says, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was Ragtime.”

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Ragtime was nominated for eight 1982 Academy Awards

  • Nominee – Best Music, Original Score: Randy Newman
  • Nominee – Best Music, Original Song: Randy Newman for the song “One More Hour”
  • Nominee – Best Costume Design: Anna Hill Johnstone
  • Nominee – Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: John Graysmark, Patrizia von Brandenstein, Tony Reading, George DeTitta Sr., George DeTitta Jr., Peter Howitt
  • Nominee – Best Cinematography: Miroslav Ondrícek
  • Nominee – Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Michael Weller
  • Nominee – Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Elizabeth McGovern
  • Nominee – Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Howard E. Rollins Jr.

Ragtime would be James Cagney’s final film.  He hadn’t appeared in a movie in 20 years.  Cagney was in poor health during filming and so in most of his scenes he is seated.

This was also Pat O’Brien’s final film.  O’Brien and Cagney co-starred together in several films during the 30s and the 40s.

Jeff Daniels made his film debut in Ragtime.

Ragtime (1981) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Riff Raff” starring Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Pete Davidson & Bill Murray – The Trailer is Here!

The trailer for Riff Raff starring Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Pete Davidson and Bill Murray has won me over.

Deal me in.

Riff Raff – Watch the trailer now! In theaters February 28.

Starring Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Miles J. Harvey, Emanuela Postacchini, Michael Angelo Covino, Pete Davidson, and Bill Murray.

Oscar nominees Bill Murray and Ed Harris star alongside Emmy winner Jennifer Coolidge and Pete Davidson in this darkly comic crime thriller about how far you’ll go to protect the ones you love. Vincent (Harris) and his family plan to share a quiet New Year’s Eve together until his sketchy past catches up with him and the night reveals secrets no one could ever imagine. Gabrielle Union and Emmy nominee Lewis Pullman also star.

“Gladiator II” (2024) directed by Ridley Scott; starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal / Z-View

Gladiator II (2024)

Director:  Ridley Scott

Screenplay:  David Scarpa; story by Peter Craig, David Scarpa based on characters created by David Franzoni

Stars: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, Matt Lucas, Alexander Karim, Tim McInnerny, Alec Utgoff, Riana Duce and Rory McCann.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

It’s been sixteen years since the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, known as the last of the Five Good Emperors.  Rome is now ruled by the twin brothers Geta (Quinn) and Caracalla (Hechinger). The twin Emperors care nothing for their subjects.  Geta and Caracalla crave power and look to control the world. To that end they sent the great General Acacius (Pascal) to conquer lands in their honor.  When Acacius returns victorious, the twin Emperors host on-going gladiatorial games to celebrate.

General Acacius has seen too many soldiers die for no reason other than the demands of the Emperor twins.  The Roman people suffer and Acacius plans to return Rome to the people.  In ten days his soldiers will march into the city and Acacius will lead the revolt.  What Acacius doesn’t see coming is a betrayal.

Macrinus (Washington) also sees the time of the twins rule is coming to an end.  Macrinus believes that he can make moves behind the scenes to put himself in power.  He buys a young gladiator named Hanno (Mescal).  Macrinus plans to use Hanno’s abilities in the arena to make him a for the people.  Meanwhile Macrinus will become close friends with the twins.  When the time is right, Macrinus will have the twins killed and assume control.

As each faction moves to take control of the throne, the twins learn of the deception.  Many will die and Rome may never recover.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Gladiator 2 was nominated for one Academy Award…

  • 2025 Nominee – Best Achievement in Costume Design: Janty Yates, David Crossman

If you’ve seen Gladiator, you’ve seen Gladiator II is a snarky kind of take.  But truthfully, it’s not too far off.  Both movies hit the same beats.  The good news it that the story, cast, direction and special effects are entertaining.

Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal own their scenes. I’m surprised that Denzel wasn’t nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award.  (This is the first time he hasn’t been the leading man in a film since Antwone Fisher.)

Some folks were upset that this film makes it appear that Maximus (Crowe) from Gladiator, (supposedly) cheated on his wife since he is the father of Hanno.  Granted, if that’s the case, it does tarnish the character.  My bigger nit to pick is that Lucilla, who was unlikable in the first film, has done a 180.

Ah, but why complain when we have gladiators fighting: gladiators, baboons, rhinos, sea battles, sharks and more.  “Are we not entertained?”

Why, yes, yes we are.

Gladiator II (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Sinners” directed by Ryan Coogler & starring Michael B. Jordan – The New Poster and New Trailer are Here!

I’m diggin’ the new poster and trailer for Sinners.

Deal me in!

The night belongs to sinners. #SinnersMovie only in theaters April 18.

From Ryan Coogler — director of “Black Panther” and “Creed” — and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.”

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

“You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.”

Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, “Sinners” stars Jordan (the “Black Panther” and “Creed” franchises) in a dual role, joined by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld (“Bumblebee,” “True Grit”), Jack O’Connell (“Ferrari”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Passenger”), Jayme Lawson (“The Woman King”), Omar Miller (“True Lies”), and Delroy Lindo (“Da 5 Bloods”).

The film is produced by Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler. The executive producers are Ludwig Göransson, Will Greenfield and Rebecca Cho.

Coogler’s behind-the-camera artisans include his “Black Panther” franchise collaborators: director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler, editor Michael P. Shawver, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, and Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents A Proximity Media Production: “Sinners.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theaters only nationwide on April 18, 2025, and internationally beginning on 16 April 2025.

“The Channel” (2023) written & directed by William Kaufman; starring Clayne Crawford and Max Martini / Z-View

The Channel (2023)

Director:  William Kaufman

Screenplay: William Kaufman; story by Paul Reichelt

Stars: Clayne Crawford, Max Martini, Nicoye Banks, Juliene Joyner, Jaren Mitchell, E.K. Spila, Linds Edwards, Todd Jenkins, Gary Cairns, Mike Lobo Daniel, Paul Rae, Jay Moses, Tyler Galpin  and Michael Thomas.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Jamie’s daughter needs a life-saving operation.  So he agrees to join his brother Mic and a crew of ex-soldiers on a bank robbery.  When the heist goes sideways, cops are killed.  Now the FBI has brought in a crack team and the city has been locked down.

Mic was already on edge. Now he’s out of control.  As the cops and FBI close in the body count rises.  Family got Jamie into this mess… now family might get him killed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Channel has enough action to entertain.  While it at times feels like a low-budget Heat, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  The run-in with the gang bangers with the acid bath is memorable.

Max Martini can be seen on The Lioness Season 2 as Tracer.

The Channel (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Happy Face” – The Poster and Teaser are Here!

The poster and trailer for Happy Face has my attention.  This could be good.

Stream the two-episode premiere of Happy Face on March 20, followed by new episodes every week.

Inspired by a true-life story, Happy Face tells the story of Melissa Reed, daughter of Keith Jesperson, aka the Happy Face Killer. After decades of no contact, Keith forces his way back into his daughter’s life, and Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. In the process, she must face a reckoning of her own identity.

ROBERT B. PARKER’S BUCKSKIN by Robert Knott / Z-View

ROBERT B. PARKER’S BUCKSKIN by Robert Knott

First sentence…

An all-day celebration had been taking place.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

The fever has come to Appaloosa.  Gold was discovered just north of town on land owned by two groups.  A group of business men led by Henry Baptiste own one piece.  The other belongs to the McCormick brothers.  The McCormicks bought their land from Baptiste before the gold was found.  Now Baptiste has regrets, but the McCormicks aren’t selling the land back.  Tempers have flared.  Both sides brought in gunmen.

First a miner disappeared.  Then another was found dead.  Now one of the Baptiste’s men has been murdered. So US Marshall Virgil Cole and his Deputy Everette Hitch are called in.  

Meanwhile, miles away, a sociopathic escaped convict hooks up with a mysterious woman with grudge.  The woman plans to use the psycho as an instrument of retribution.  The escaped con and his muse head for Appaloosa.

The citywide Appaloosa Days festival is going to be one to remember.

Rating:

“Special Ops: Lioness” aka “Lioness”: Season 2 (2023); created by Taylor Sheridan; starring Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly with Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman / Z-View

Special Ops: Lioness aka Lioness: Season 2 (2024)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan

Director: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-2); Michael Friedman (Eps. 3-4); Stephen Kay  (Eps. 5-8)

Teleplay: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-8)

Stars: Zoe Saldaña, Lays la De Oliveira, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Genesis Rodriguez, Michael Kelly, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Thad Luckinbill, Hannah Love Lanier, Nicole Kidman, Bruce McGill, Jennifer Ehle, Martin Donovan, Taylor Sheridan, Celestina Harris, Martin Donovan, Max Martini, Kirk Acevedo, Robyn Lively,
Jay Huguley, Demián Castro
and Morgan Freeman.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Joe McNamara (Saldaña) is a CIA squad leader in charge of the Lioness program.  When a cartel sends assassins to the US, a Congresswoman is kidnapped and family massacred.  Joe’s team is sent to Mexico to retrieve the Congresswoman.

After the mission, it is decided that the leadership of the cartel is getting too bold.  A message will be sent on Mexican soil.  It will be Joe and the Lioness program that delivers it.  The new recruit to the program has the connection needed, but can she be trusted… when it’s a family member she will betray?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Season two is even better than season one.  It starts with a bang and never lets up.

Taylor Sheridan writes every episode, directs the first two and even shows up acting in some.

Special Ops: Lioness aka Lioness: Season 2 rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Smuggler’s Cove” (1948) starring Leo Gorcey and the Bowery Boys / Z-View

Smuggler’s Cove (1948)

Director:  William Beaudine

Screenplay: Tim Ryan, Edmond Seward; based on Smuggler’s Cove 1933 serial in Blue Book Magazine by Talbert Josselyn

Stars: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Martin Kosleck, Paul Harvey, William ‘Billy’ Benedict, David Gorcey, Benny Bartlett, Eddie Gribbon, Gene Roth, Emmett Vogan and John Bleifer.

Tagline: They’re SLY SPIES…In a Harum-Scarem Adventure!!

The Plot…

Slip mistakenly believes he’s inherited a creepy old remote mansion.  He takes the gang to see his new digs.  What none of them know – but will soon find out — is a gang of criminals are using the deserted house as a base of operations!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Smuggler’s Cove is one of the best of all the Bowery Boys movies.  The old house is full of hidden passages, paintings used for spying, false panels — everything you’d expect in a film of this era.

Smuggler’s Cove (1948) rates 3 of 5 stars.