Category: Crime

Who’s Going With Me to MURDEROPOLIS?

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Anthony Neil Smith has a new novel that just dropped.  It’s called MURDEROPOLIS  and it sounds like a banger! (That shouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve read Smith’s stuff — he always entertains.)  Here’s the lowdown…

Drug dealer Morris and his gangbangers terrorize the halls of the drug-scarred Northside High School. That is until Roble Engstrom, a struggling Somali-American teacher and family man, joins forces with an old-school coach, dubbed as “Captain Karate”. The pair embark on a relentless mission to rid the school and students of the increasing drug problem. The unlikely duo step up their vigilante mission when Morris’ heroin kills one of their students.

Roble and the coach soon learn that Morris is just a pawn in a much more dangerous game. Up and coming gang leader of the Shifta Murder Squad, Sharmarke learns of the teachers meddling in his business, he will stop at nothing to climb his way to the top. Aided by a corrupt gang squad cop, Mika Feist, Sharmarke embarks on a violent campaign to eliminate everyone who stands in his way.

But how corrupt can one cop be? Can two teachers really take on a gang of murderous and ruthless teens playing gangster? And at what point do those who pledge their allegiance to Sharmarke turn against one of their own?

Welcome to Murderapolis!

“Reacher”: Season 3 (2025) starring Alan Ritchson, Maria Sten and Sonya Cassidy / Z-View

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Reacher: Season 3 (2025)

Directors: Sam Hill (Eps.1 – 2); Omar Madha (Eps. 3 – 4); Carol Banker (Eps. 5 – 6); Julian Holmes (Eps.7 – 8)

Teleplay: Nick Santora (Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer – Ep. 1); Scott Sullivan (Ep. 2, 5, 8); Penny Cox (Ep. 3); Cait Duffy (Ep. 4); Cait Duffy & Michael J. Gutierrez (Ep. 6); Penny Cox & Lillian Wang (Ep. 7)

Starring: Alan Ritchson, Maria Sten, Sonya Cassidy, Johnny Berchtold, Brian Tee, Anthony Michael Hall, Daniel David Stewart, Ronnie Rowe, Caitlin McNerney, Simon Northwood, Manuel Rodriguez-Saenz, Milton Barnes, Mick Betancourt, Jim Annan, Andreas Apergis, Sebastian MacLean, Aleks Paunovic, Drew Nelson, Greg Bryk, Anousha Alamian, Stephen Bogaert and Olivier Richters.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jack Reacher, an ex-Military Police Investigator, stops the kidnapping of Zachary Beck’s teenage son, Richard.  Beck’s business is a front for illegal gun sales.  Reacher brings Richard back to his father’s ocean-side mansion. After some questions and a quick background check, Beck offers Reacher a job.  This upsets Paulie, Beck’s giant security lead.  Reacher and Paulie take an instant dislike to each other.

Reacher doesn’t care about Beck’s illegal activities as much as getting to Beck’s boss, Quinn.  Years ago, Reacher killed Quinn (or so he thought) after Quinn killed one of Reacher’s friends.  Now Reacher plans to make sure Quinn is dead after he puts a bullet in his head.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was glad to see Frances Neagley played by Maria Sten brought back for season three.  I’m glad she’s getting her own show.

The anticipated fight between Reacher and the giant Paulie is well worth the wait.

Reacher: Season 3 is the best one yet.  Bring on Season 4.

“The Devil and the Daylong Brothers” (2025) starring Brendan Bradley, Nican Robinson & Jordon Bolden / Z-View

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The Devil and the Daylong Brothers (2025)

Director: Brandon McCormick

Screenplay:  Nicholas Kirk, Brandon McCormick

Stars: Brendan Bradley, Nican Robinson, Jordon Bolden, Mark Ashworth, Brad Carter, Adam Boyer, Eugene H. Russell IV, Kate Kovach, Matt Mangum and Keith Carradine.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Ish (Bradley), Enoch (Robinson) and Abe (Bolden) are the Daylong brothers.  They had the same father but different mothers.  Before they were born, their daddy sold their souls to the devil.  Now grown, the Daylong brothers are on a mission to win their souls back.  The boys have a list of people they have to kill then the devil will return their souls.

We all know how deals with the devil turn out… right?   Right?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I knew that The Devil and the Daylong Brothers would be a stylish crime drama with memorable characters and outrageous action.  I didn’t know that it was a musical.  Think O Brother, Where Art Thou? meets Quentin Tarantino.  It took me a second to get in the grove, but once I did I enjoyed the ride.

The Devil and the Daylong Brothers (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars

“The Accountant 2” starring Ben Affleck & Jon Bernthal – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for The Accountant 2 have done their jobs.  I liked the original film and this one looks to be even better.

Deal me in.

Two brothers. One mission. Watch the new trailer for The Accountant 2. See the movie first in exclusive Tax Day screenings, April 15, and everywhere in theaters April 25. Get tickets now: accountant2movie.com

Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has a talent for solving complex problems. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal), to help. In partnership with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), they uncover a deadly conspiracy, becoming targets of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.

“Neighborhood Watch” starring Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I like the looks of the poster and trailer for Neighborhood Watch starring Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman.

Deal me in.

When Simon (Jack Quaid) thinks he witnesses an abduction and the police refuse to believe him, he reluctantly turns to his next-door neighbor Ed (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) – a bitter, retired security guard – to help him find the missing woman.

Director: Duncan Skiles
Starring: Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry / Z-View

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JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE by Jonathan Maberry

First sentence…

For the record, I don’t believe in this stuff.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Joe Ledger is an ex-Army Ranger and ex-Baltimore police detective.  Ledger was recruited and is now an agent for the United States’ several-levels-above-top-secret Department of Military Sciences.  This organization deals with threats not only to the US, but the world.  Most of their missions involve stopping terrorists using advanced technology to create bio-weapons.  Some of Ledger’s assignments have ventured into the realm of the supernatural… and while Ledger might not believe in that “stuff” — his team has to deal with it.

JOE LEDGER: SECRET MISSIONS VOLUME ONE features six tales.  Five by Maberry and one (Mantis) by Maberry and Marie Whittaker.

  • A Footnote in the Black Budget – In a relatively small area in Antarctica the US, Russia and China have research facilities.  Less than 24 hours ago, the Russian and Chinese operations went dark.  Now communication with the US facility is dead.  Ledger, First Sergeant Bradley “Top” “Sgt. Rock” Sims and Master Sergeant Harvey “Bunny” Rabbit are sent in to investigate.  These are three of our best DMS soldiers.  They may not be enough.
  • A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight – In a small western Pennsylvania town (if you know, you know) Lucifer 113 was unleashed.  Lucifer 113 was a doomsday bioweapon. Near 100% infection rate, near 100% mortality rate. To be used only as a last resort.  If defeat was inevitable, release Lucifer 113.  And some terrorist has released it.
  • Alive Day – Ledger, Top and Bunny are sent on an off-the-books rescue mission for four members of Rattlesnake team.  Taliban warriors will be the least of their worries.  Haunted caves? Visions? What did happen to Rattlesnake team?
  • Wet Works: A V-Wars Story – Ledger and a doctor are barricaded in a room.  Ledger has used all his ammo.  Dead bodies litter the floor.  With only a knife to protect them, Ledger knows it won’t be enough.  The vampires (no, they don’t turn in to bats, or fly, but they ARE vampires) are waiting for reinforcements.  They will then bust through and kill Ledger and the doc.  Ledger will go down fighting, but he knows there are too many…
  • Mantis: A Rouge Team International / Arklight Adventure – An international child trafficking organization, a well-disguised well-trained vigilante, and Violin, one of Arklight’s most dangerous assassins — with Ledger smack dab in the middle.  What could go wrong?
  • Atoll – “Something has crashed on an island south of Hawaii.”  Ledger’s team is tapped to investigate.  When he asks why a closer squad out of Honolulu isn’t being sent, he’s told, “It was… we’ve lost contact with them.”  UFOs, time travel — more stuff Ledger probably doesn’t believe in.  At least at the start of the mission.

If you’ve never read any of the Joe Ledger novels, this is a good jumping on point.  You’ll get a nice taste of the kind of tales that feature Ledger along with some crossovers from other characters/situations in the Maberry universe.  Regular readers will love visits to the worlds of V-WARS, Pine Deep, Sam Hunter Case Files, Dead of Night, and Rot & Ruin.  Look for characters such Mr. Church, Echo Team, Havoc Team, Malcolm Crow, Mike Sweeney, Violin, Toys and others.

Jonathan Maberry has another winner!  I love the Joe Ledger tales.

Rating:

“Out of Time” (2003) directed by Carl Franklin, starring Denzel Washington, Sanaa Lathan & Eva Mendes / Z-View

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Out of Time (2003)

Director: Carl Franklin

Screenplay: David Collard

Stars: Denzel Washington, Sanaa Lathan, Eva Mendes, Dean Cain, John Billingsley, Robert Baker, Alex Carter,
Antoni Corone, Terry Loughlin, Nora Dunn, Tom Hillmann, Arian Ash and James Murtaugh.

Tagline: How do you solve a murder when all the evidence points to you.

The Plot…

Matt Whitlock (Washington) and his wife, Alex (Mendes) are separated.  He loves her, but realizes she’s moving on.  Their jobs were a big part of the problem.  Matt is Chief of Police in the small town of Banyan Key, Florida.  Alex just was promoted to detective in Miami.

Since the separation Matt has been secretly seeing Ann Merai-Harrison (Lathan).  They were a thing years ago.  Ann’s married to an ex-NFL quarterback named Chris (Cain).  It’s a bad marriage.  Chris has hit Ann more than once.

Things get worse when Matt takes Ann to a doctor’s appointment.  They learn Ann has an aggressive incurable cancer.  Ann’s only hope is an expensive new treatment.  She plans to take a cash payment on her life insurance policy to cover the cost.  Her hopes are dashed when she learns that it will take time to get the money.  Time she doesn’t have.

After some consideration, Matt decides to take the money from the evidence locker. He gives the cash to Ann. Matt made a major bust and had nearly $500,000 in the evidence vault.  The money has to stay put until after the trail and that’s months away.  Ann’s insurance will pay off by then and he’ll replace the cash.  No one will ever know it was missing.

At least that was the plan.

Matt gets a call of a major fire with two fatalities.  The blaze is at Ann’s house.  It appears Ann and Chris were killed before the fire was set.  Matt remembers that Ann had made him the beneficiary of her substantial life insurance.  The money Matt gave Ann is missing.

As the evidence unfolds, Matt realizes that he will be the main suspect.  He was secretly sleeping with the victim and is the beneficiary of her life insurance.  A neighbor saw him sneaking out of her house on at least one occasion.

Matt can’t imagine that this can get any worse.  Then he gets a call that the Feds have another case involving the cash in the vault — the cash Matt gave to Ann that’s now missing — and the Feds are on their way to get it.

Matt needs to find the killer(s), the cash and the clock is ticking.  Soon he will be… Out of Time.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Denzel Washington attended Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Fl.  It’s the same high school that Vince Carter (and I) attended.  Denzel was there before me and Vince after.

I love the ever increasing tension in this film.

Carl Franklin and Denzel Washington worked together before on Devil in a Blue Dress.  I wish they had done more films together.

The balcony fight scene is a standout.

Denzel Washington and (just the right amount of comedic relief from) John Billingsley made for a great team.

Out of Time (2003) rates 4 of 5 stars.

From the World of John Wick — “Ballerina” —  The second trailer is here!

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From the World of John Wick — Ballerina.  The second trailer is here!

Deal me in.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina – in theaters June 6! Starring Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, with Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves.

Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.

GOOD DAY IN HELL by J.D. Rhodes / Z-View

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GOOD DAY IN HELL by J.D. Rhodes

First sentence…

The first blow split Stan’s lip and knocked him into a stack of recapped tires at the back of the repair bay.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Jack Keller is an ex-vet who makes a living as a bounty hunter.  Keller still deals with personal issues from an attack that left him the sole survivor of his unit.  His relationship with sheriff’s deputy Marie Jones has been tested more than once because of this.

Keller’s latest assignment is to bring in Laurel Marks.  She’s a nineteen year old who didn’t show up for a court hearing.  Bringing her in should be easy money.

Meanwhile Deputy Jones is first on the scene of a brutal gas station robbery.  The owner of the station was repeatedly shot, with the death blow being point blank to the face.  The station owner’s son is missing.

Shortly after the gas station robbery, a trio of killers begin their mass murder spree.  They film the executions for a local newscaster.  The killings come hours apart and are low risk/high target spots.  The killers become immediate nationwide news sensations.

When Keller is almost killed following up on a lead, it becomes clear Laurel Marks is part of the murderous trio.  Keller is ordered by the police to stand down.  He refuses.  Now it’s personal.  Keller will bring her in, no matter the cost.

With every police officer in the state on the lookout for them, the killers know it’s just a matter of time before they’re brought down.  They’ve always planned to go out in a blaze of glory.  They want publicity.  What better way to get it than to take down a police officer broadcast live on television.  And what sweet revenge since it will be Keller’s lover, sheriff’s deputy Marie Jones.

+++++

This is the second in J.D. Rhodes’ Jack Keller series.  You don’t need to have read the first to enjoy this outing.

Rating:

“Sin City” (2005) directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller; starring Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba & Benico Del Toro / Z-View

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Sin City (2005)

Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller based on Sin City created by Frank Miller

Screenplay: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez

Stars: Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Devon Aoki, Alexis Bledel, Powers Boothe, Jude Ciccolella, Jeff Dashnaw, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, Elijah Wood, Carla Gugino, Josh Hartnett, Rutger Hauer, Greg Ingram, Nicky Katt, Jaime King, Michael Madsen, Frank Miller, Brittany Murphy, Nick Stahl, Nick Offerman, Jason Douglas, Michael Clarke Duncan, Rick Gomez and Tommy Flanagan.

Tagline: Walk down the right back alley in Sin City and you can find anything.

The Plot…

Four interconnected tales from Sin City…

The Customer is Always Right… A hitman that marks don’t see coming until it is too late. (Bookends the movie.)

That Yellow Bastard… For Detective John Hartigan (Willis) it’s his last day on the job.  He’s thinking about the thick steak his wife has waiting for him at the end of his shift.  But first, Hartigan is going to have a run-in with a serial killer who preys on children. Hartigan learns that the sick bastard is the son of a Senator, and is now prepping his next victim.  Hartigan knows this can only end one way.  He’ll save the child or die trying.

The Hard Goodbye… Marv (Rourke) is a ex-con hardcase.  Last night he had a one night stand with a goddess named Goldie.  She was beautiful beyond belief.  Marv wonders why she picked a big scary mug like him when she could have any man she wanted.  He’ll have to work it out later.  He just woke up.  Goldie is in bed beside him.  Dead.  Someone snuck in and murdered her while they were sleeping.  And now Marv hears cops coming up the stairs.  Someone set him up.  Someone killed Goldie.  Marv knows once he finds the killer the hell he sends the murderer to will seem like heaven after what Marv does to him.  But first the cops outside his door…

The Big Fat Kill… When Shellie’s ex-boyfriend, Jackie Boy (Del Toro) shows up unexpectedly with his crew, he’s surprised to find Shellie’s new boyfriend, Dwight (Owen) there.  The events that follow will lead to a potential turf war… unless Dwight and some of his friends from Old Town can set things right.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sin City, the movie, is what Robert Rodriguez called a “translation” of three of Frank Miller’s Sin City graphic novels – The Hard Goodbye; The Big Fat Kill, That Yellow Bastard and Miller’s Sin City short, The Customer is Always Right.  They are some of my all time favorite comics and the movie is a beautiful “translation”.

Quentin Tarantino is listed as a guest director.  Tarantino directed the scene between Dwight and Jackie Boy before the cop pulls the car over.

Rodriguez filmed the opening “intro” before Miller agreed to the Sin City “translation”.  Rodriguez wanted to prove that Miller’s Sin City tales could work as a movie that complemented the comics.  The comic panels from each tale were used as storyboards.

Robert Rodriguez working with Frank Miller to bring Sin City to the big screen was a dream project for me.  Magnificent casting was the icing on the cake.  If you like the comics, you should enjoy the movie.

Sin City (2005) rates 5 of 5 stars.