Anyone Going to SAHARA?

The official site for Sahara has opened up with a Quicktime trailer.

While it looks like it's going to be a fun movie, it doesn't quite give me the feel I had when I read the bestseller of the same name by Clive Cussler.

For one thing Matthew McConaughey seems a bit young to be playing world adventurer Dirk Pitt. But if they're looking to build a tentpole out of this series, then younger is probably better.

The other thing that jumped out at me as a bit diferent than the book is how funny Steve Zahn is as Pitt's sidekick is. Don't get me wrong, there's a good mix of humor in the book, but the trailer really played it up... which again, may not be a bad thing.

And Penelope Cruz is always a plus!

Sin City Trailer

Oh, man! I just can't wait
to see Sin City up on the big screen.

If you're a long time ZONE reader, you've [repeatedly] heard how much I love
Frank Miller's Sin City.

You also already know how juiced I became when I heard that Miller was teaming [as
co-director] with Robert Rodriguez to bring Sin City
to the big screen.

Then the cast started coming on board... Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Benicio Del
Torro, Rosario Dawson, Elijah Wood...

How could it get any better?

Take a look at this trailer and you tell me!

Hostage - Two Great Rides?

Hostage could be one of the sleeper hits of 2005.

Bruce Willis has a way of choosing good projects and was attached to this one from the start.

It's based on the novel of the same name by Robert Crais. If it's half as good as the novel, we're in for a great ride.

You may want to buckle up for the trailer.

The Trombone Dancer!

If you haven't seen the Trombone Dancer you're in for a treat.

Click Here and get ready to smile.

If you want to learn more about the Trombone Dancer, click HERE, but nothing is as funny as the 1st clip.

RIP: Reggie White

It's just been posted that Reggie White died today of a massive heart attack. Man, one of the best loved and greatest NFL defensive players ever... dead at 43.

"Today our beloved husband, father and friend passed away," White's wife, Sara, said in a statement through a family pastor. "His family appreciates your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of Reggie White. We want to thank you in advance for honoring our privacy."

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Reggie's family and friends.

AC @ FX

If you're planning to attend the FX show in Orlando next month [January 28th -30th], in between getting autographs from movie and tv stars and sketches from comic artists; you may just want to try and get yourself one of the exlusive toys and collectibles available only at the FX Show!

My buddy, "Wild" Bill Black, publisher of AC Comics will debut three limited edition versions of a new line of action figure toys based on Bill's Femforce and major AC characters. These toys are 8 inches tall with full articulation, are created in the Mega style of the 1970's, and will actually wear a costume made of cloth which is applied over the plastic figure. The figures, produced by Cast-A-Way Toys, are planned for early 2005 release but the limited figures [Fighting Yank, Black Terror and Miss Masque] will be available ONLY at the FX show.

Bill's a great guy. If you make it to the FX show, please be sure and swing by Bill's AC booth and tell him, "Hi." He won't pressure you to buy anything, but after you meet him, I'll bet you may walk away with something... and it may even be one of his new action figures!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

It's just a bit after six AM, and the family is still sleeping.

Although the house is quiet now, soon the sounds of Christmas morning will be everywhere.

Still in this period of calm, as I reflect on the many blessings that I have, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Wonderful Kwanzaa, or great whatever you celebrate. And if you don't celebrate anything, have a good day anyway!

Are You Stressed

With Christmas quickly approaching, I'm sure that many of us are experiencing various levels of stress. As a public service to Zoners everywhere, here is a quick stress test that was used in a major hospital study to determine stress levels in patients.

The picture below has 2 almost identical dolphins in it. Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The dolphins are identical.

A closely monitored, scientific study of a group revealed that in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical, a person under stress would find differences in the two dolphins.

If there are many differences found between both dolphins, it means that the person is experiencing a great amount of stress.

Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you may want to take a vacation.

Travolta: Be Cool

Recently on the SZ Message Boards the topic of "King of Cool" came up. Naturally John Travolta's name was quickly listed.

Yeah, Travolta is cool, no doubt.

If you don't believe me check him out in the trailer for, uh, "Be Cool."

Not only does Travolta look cool, so does the movie.

War of the Worlds

Cruise and Speilberg are teaming to remake "War of the Worlds" as a big summer movie... you just KNOW that it's gonna rock.

The new trailer is out. I really like how the voice over works. Using the original lines with this updated version is creepy... still, the trailer left me wanting more.

Which could be a good thing.

Especially if the movie is as good as I'm hoping it'll be.

Here Come the Holiday Specials

One sure way to tell that Christmas is upon us is that the networks start airing holiday specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

As kids, we always looked forward to the Christmas specials. They were sort of an appetizer to the coming holiday. And doesn't it seem like everyone has seen A Charlie Brown Christmas at one time or another.

Don't believe me? Ask your friends. It may be their favorite holiday special, but I'll bet they've seen it.

I remember seeing A Charlie Brown Christmas when it premiered in 1965 and the next day in school, it was THE topic of discussion. [Now you have to remember that I was in first grade at the time.] Seems everyone saw it and everyone loved it. Surprisingly though, it almost didn't get made! "Television executives hated it from the start... It was criticized as being too religious...for featuring contemporary jazz... for not having a laugh track..." and for even using the voices of real children instead of actors. Despite all of these concerns, A Charlie Brown Christmas was an instant hit.

You can read more interesting facts about A Charlie Brown Christmas by clicking HERE. Then I'd love to hear which special is your favorite.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith: I'm Not Convinced Yet

Brad Pitt. Angelica Jolie.

Together in an action / comedy. Can't miss, right?

Watch the trailer and let me know your thoughts.

As for me, I'm not convinced yet.

"Batman Begins" Teaser Disappoints

The "Batman Begins" teaser has been popping up everywhere. Click HERE and you can see a larger version of it.

I'm looking forward to the new Batman movie.

I think that Christian Bale [as Batman] and Christopher Nolan as the director are exciting choices. I even think that the poster is well done, with a nice design and colors.

I just don't think that it gives us the right "feel" for Batman.

First of all, why the heck is Batman hanging his head? "Batman Begins" is supposed to be Batman at the start of his career. He should be excited about going out to kick criminal butt... or at least to "strike fear into the heart's of evil-doers." Instead he gives off the vibe of that famous picture/statute of the Indian who's at the end of the "trail of tears." [And don't get me started about that image.]

Also, what's with the clouds and sky? Batman is an urban hero. He needs to be on a rooftop or in a gritty alleyway at night... not among the clouds and sunshine.

Still, I have high hopes that "Batman Begins" will be an excellent movie.

Brute Force

Brute Force may be one of the best movies that you've never heard of.

Made in 1947, Brute Force is a hard boiled prison drama starring Burt Lancaster as a criminal plotting an escape from prison and the sadistic Captain Munsey [played perfectly by Hume Cronyn].

If you're a fan of noir, then you should give Brute Force a look. If you've seen it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

"Brute Force" rates a B

Grave Digger Deserves A Long Life

Way back in September, I gave everyone a "heads-up" on a new comic called Grave Digger. From the previews that I'd seen, I thought that it'd appeal to many of our ZONErs. I received my copy last week and I've probably read it four or five times since then. It's great stuff. As you can see HERE, HERE, and even HERE, I'm not alone in my opinion.

Mills and Burchett have come together to create a comic that truly entertains. I'm hoping that the book will do well enough for more Grave Digger tales to be told.

If Grave Digger looks like something you'd enjoy, then by all means, have your local comic dealer order you a copy.

Or, if you want to get your copy quicker, you can order one on-line [at a discount] by clicking HERE.

And no, I don't get a kickback on this -- I just want to do my part to support a book that I really like!