The Art of Sin City

FRANK MILLER is a genius. Although he's worked in both movies and comics, it is in the latter that he has really made his mark. In the early '80s, MILLER re-invented Daredevil taking him from a thrid rate hero to one of the most popular comics hitting the stands. After Daredevil came Ronin, and then Dark Knight Returns, the series that woke up mainstream America to the fact that comics were still around. MILLER went on to create Batman: Year One, Sin City and the groundbreaking 300.

But it is MILLER's SIN CITY series that remains my favorite. All of the stories are set in the same corrupt big city and quite often feature overlapping characters. Every tale is well worth the price of admission and now MILLER even has released a book dedicated to The Art of Sin City. My copy hasn't made it to the bookshelf yet, as I keep looking through and admiring the genius that is FRANK MILLER.

JOHN RIDLEY is best known for his "noir" novels. He wrote Stray Dogs which was turned into the cult classic movie "U-Turn" which starred SEAN PENN, JENNIFER LOPEZ [before she hit it big], and BILLY BOB THORTON. His other books have for the most part been in the same vein...

The Drift is unlike anything that RIDLEY has written before. Well, that's not exactly true. You see, RIDLEY's other book s have all been very good and The Drift is no exception. In fact The Drift may be RIDLEY's best book yet.

The Drift is the story of a man[Charles Hanson] who seems to have it all... a good job, a loving wife and a child on the way. Charles sees it differently. He sees his life becoming more and more repetitive. He feels confined... until he decides to leave it all behind for a life on the rails. That's right, he decides to become a modern day hobo. He meets many strange characters [most who wish to do him harm] and has many adventures in his effort to save a young girl from the life he has chosen for himself. The problem is, he has to find her before she is murdered. To say more would be to say too much.

Crowe's Roll

RUSSELL CROWE'S on a roll, and the trailer looks good. So it might be worth it to check out "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World." [The title could use some help though...] Based on novels by PATRICK O'BRIAN, CROWE plays "Lucky" Jack Aubrey, Captain of the H.M.S. Surprise...

If the trailer is any indication, CROWE's roll will continue.

Last Samauri

I don't know. Maybe it's because the "Kill Bill" trailer rocked so hard.

Maybe it because TOM CRUISE has had such a great run in selecting projects. [OK... I do remember "Eyes Wide Shut"... but I didn't say perfect run, just a great one.]

At any rate I just saw this pic from CRUISE's "The Last Samurai" and after reading the synopsis, I have to say that it looks like it could be a winner.

Maurice Gibb - RIP

MAURICE GIBB of the Bee Gees has died. He suffered cardiac arrest before abdominal surgery last week and had been listed in critical but stable condition. He was 53.

I've always been a Bee Gees fan. I liked their music before the disco craze hit, loved the stuff that they did during it, and continued to enjoy their work even after it was no longer cool to do so. 53 is way to young to die.

We've lost another talent, but as cliche as it sounds, the music will live on. Our prayers go out to MAURICE GIBB's family, friends and fans.

Vin is a Man Apart

VIN DIESEL's next film, "A Man Apart," has VIN playing a narcotics cop whose wife is murdered when when drug dealers attempt to kill him. Man, if they think he was after them before...

Although the advance word has been mixed, the trailer looks pretty good and with VIN in the lead, ya gotta imagine that it'll do well.

Personally, I can't wait until DIESEL returns in "Pitch Black II: The Riddick Chronicles" but this will help get me through the wait.

Can You Dig It?

Dreamfield Entertainment announced today that it has reached a licensing agreement with Paramount Pictures to market action figures and accessories based on WALTER HILL's 1979 classic "The Warriors." The toys are expected to be released this summer.

I remember seeing "The Warriors" during it's initial theatrical release. I'm somewhat surprised that they're making aciton figures of it twenty years after its premiere. But then again, it is considered a cult classic and it does have characters that will make cool looking action figures.

Can you dig it? I knew you could.

Rucka & Robertson on Wolverine

GREG RUCKA is one of my favorite writers. Best known for his Atticus Kodiac novels, RUCKA has also written quite a few comics [including the very popular "White Out" series].

It has been announced that RUCKA is going to be the writer when Marvel unleashes a new Wolverine series next May. DARRICK ROBERTSON is going to provide the artwork and has this to say about RUCKA's take on Logan: "You will be getting a very, very different Wolverine... I think some fans aren't going to like it all. Greg sees Logan like the Hulk in that he shouldn't just go berserk all the time, but when he does, it's a big deal and there will be so much building up to his explosion, that we he does cut loose, it will be momentous."

The series seems to have a lot of potential. I know that I will be watching for the first issue.

Sometimes Wrong is Right?

There's been a lot of talk about "Joe Millionaire" the reality show on Fox. It scored high ratings with tons of people tuning in to see twenty single women competing for the attention of a bachelor that they are led to believe is a millionaire. The catch is that he isn't. He's a normal guy who brings down about $20,000 a year.

First of all, why anyone would care a bit about women fighting to "win" the attention of any guy is beyond me. I guess I'm alone in that respect though. There have been a bunch of shows just like it... "Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire"..."The Bachelor"... "The Bachelorette"... and now this... and I'm sure others to come.

What gets me is that if a guy was trying to pass himself off as a millionaire in order to get women, we'd call him a jerk. Yet a network does it and scores a ratings hit.

Bruce Willis's Tears

Anyone here like BRUCE WILLIS? Ok, hands down.

Anyone here enjoy "Training Day?" Good, good.

Anyone want to see BRUCE WILLIS team up with the director of "Training Day" for an action - adventure movie? I thought so.

Well then, click HERE to see the trailer and HERE to visit the official site. Class dismissed. See you tomorrow!

FX is Coming

This weekend JOHN "Big" BEATTY and I will be attending the FX Collector's Toy, Comic and Fantasy Convention at Orlando's Orange County Convention center. As if this weren't reason enough to go, other guests scheduled to appear include LINDA ["The Exorcist"] BLAIR, DOUG ["Hellraiser"] BRADLEY, The Insane Clown Posse, and a whole bunch of comic book artists such as MARTIN NODELL, ALEX SAVIUK, and BILL BLACK.

JOHN will be selling some of his newly designed T-Shirts and doing some sketches while I will be checking out the place with my son and helping with the booth if it gets crazy. If you're planning to attend, please make sure that you drop by and say, "Hi."

Big Beatty

JOHN BEATTY has been my best friend forever. So I'm really happy to say that he's starting to kick his personal web site into high gear. It's going to be a blast. Many of you probably know of JOHN through his work for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, etc.

JOHN is still doing some work in comics [he's currently inking Birds of Prey over CASEY JONES] but is also expanding into T-Shirt Design and more. The business "stuff" will be available online at Big Shot Graphics and the fun stuff will be on his personal site and I can promise you that it's going to be a hoot. Be advised the humor and language will sometimes not be for kids.

Guns and Monsters

STEVE NILES writes a mean hard-boiled novel. He also writes a wicked horror novel. What makes NILES unique is that he does this in the same book! Guns, Drugs and Monsters is actually the second in a [hopefully long-running] series featuring Cal MacDonald. Cal is a human with the gift / curse that he knows that monsters walk among us. He knows this because he hunts them. Well, a guy has to make a living somehow, doesn't he?

NILES skillfully combines the best elements of CHANDLER and HAMMETT along with a dose of KING, plus a good bit of humor as well. I read through Guns, Drugs and Monsters in nearly one sitting [it's that much fun]. It also features spot illustrations by ASHLEY WOOD that are the icing on the cake. I've already ordered Savage Membrane [the book that started the series]. If it's just half as good as Guns then I'll still have a winner.

Kill Bill Trailer Party

I just saw the trailer to "Kill Bill." Four times. I'll watch it again after I post this. It's that good. Everything works... the colors, the heightened reality, the MUSIC, the editing, the action... oh baby, the ACTION!

If you're a fan of QUENTIN TARANTINO, UMMA THURMAN, kung fu, 70's revenge flicks or movies that rock then stop reading and watch this trailer! Then head over to the "KIll Bill" site. You'll be glad you did.

Talk to you later -- I'm heading back to check out the trailer again!

Narc's Buzz

It's been a while since there's been a movie that I've really looked forward to seeing as much as "Narc." The positive buzz on the film has been building, the trailer makes it look like the real deal and the web site made me want to see it even more.

"Narc" stars RAY LIOTTA, JASON PATRIC, and CHI McBRIDE. It's written and directed by JOE CARNAHAN [who may be a guy to watch], and produced by RAY LIOTTA and TOM CRUISE. I'm hoping to catch "Narc" the weekend that it opens. I hope it lives up to my expectations.

The Shield Scores

The second season of "The Shield" premieres January 7th at 10PM. If you've missed some episodes along the way then I'd suggest that you check out "The Shield" Marathon starting tonight. FX will run back to back episodes each night at 10PM January 1st - 6th. This will lead right into the new season. "The Shield" is widely considered to be one of the best shows on tv. And rightly so.

MICHAEL CHIKLIS [the lead actor] earned basic cable’s first ever Primetime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. CHIKLIS also captured the Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Drama.

"The Shield" picked up Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for creator SHAWN RYAN, and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for CLARK JOHNSON, both basic cable firsts. The series also received Television Critics Association Award nominations in the categories of New Program of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Drama and Program of the Year.

Even without all the awards, I'd still recommend it as a "don't miss" show. Check out what I wrote way back on April 14, 2002! [Oh, and for you STALLONE fans reading this, CARL WEATHERS is set to appear in episodes later this season.]

Miss Ross, Indeed

Although I've never met her, the reports that she expects people to treat her as royalty... that she demands that people not look her in the eye and that they must ALWAYS refer to her as MISS ROSS has never set well with me. MISS ROSS, indeed.

Well, this came over the news wire just seven minutes ago: TUCSON, Ariz. - Singer DIANA ROSS was arrested early Monday on suspicion of drunken driving, police said. A breath test showed the pop diva with a blood-alcohol level of 0.20 percent, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent... Police pulled ROSS over after someone alerted them to a swerving vehicle...

ROSS, 58, received misdemeanor citations for driving under the influence; driving with a blood-alcohol content over 0.08; and extreme DUI, or having a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.15 percent. Her initial court appearance was set for Jan. 13. After arresting ROSS, police gave her a ride to where she was staying, Altieri said.

I guess we should just refer to her now as Miss Demeanor. [Yeah, I know but I couldn't resist.]

New Years Means Twilight Zone

One of my traditions for New Year's Eve [in addition to running movies, having some good food, and setting off fireworks for my sons, nieces, nephews and well, myself] is to catch several episodes from Sci-Fi's Twilight Zone Marathon. I really love the idea of a TZ Marathon -- even though I rarely catch more than a few shows, just knowing that they're available is fun.

The last time the TZ Marathon ran, I recommended "Terror at 20,000 Feet" and "To Serve Man." They're my favorites and if you can only catch two, then they're the two.

If you're looking to expand your horizons, then I suggest "The Invaders" which will start at 9:06 on December 31st. "The Invaders" is the story of an old woman who lives alone, way out where there are no neighbors or electricity. Her life is changed forever when a miniature space ship carrying invaders arrives. How will she survive when they come after her?

Another episode worth your time is "The Shelter" which airs at 10:45 the same night. Several neighbors who are obviously good friends have gotten together to celebrate Dr. Stockton's birthday. Everything is swell until the group hears an emergency announcement that the U.S. is in immediate danger of an attack. The President has warned everyone to seek shelter -- just the kind of shelter that Dr. Stockton has... unfortunately not everyone will fit in the shelter. Just what will friends do to each other in order to get a chance at survival? You'll know if you watch!

Herb Ritts - RIP

HERB RITTS died today. He was only 50 years old... and such a talent. RITTS was best known for his celebrity photographs. The black and white photo that Mr. RITTS took of SLY is one of the most requested on my main site.

Although best known for his black and white celebrity portraits, "unglamorized portraits of glamorous people," as David Fahey, RITTS' gallery representative, once told the Los Angeles Times, he was equally adept with moving pictures. In 1991 RITTS won as MTV's Director of the Year for both the Male Video of the Year [CHRIS ISAAK] and Female Video of the Year [JANET JACKSON]. HERB RITTS photographed just about everyone ranging from MADONNA to the DALAI LAMA.

HERB RITTS is survived by his mother, Shirley Ritts; a brother, Rory; a sister, Christy; and his partner, Erik Hyman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

RIP - Ken Tobey

I really wasn't planning a Zablo Zone update on Christmas, but I just read that KEN TOBEY died on December 22 at the age of 85. Many of you might not recognize the name, but I'm sure you'd recognize his face. Mr. TOBEY appeared in 100 movies and made nearly as many tv show appearances.

He usually played a cop or soldier, as in his most famous role, that of Captain Patrick Hendry in the original "The Thing From Another World." You'll also find KEN TOBEY popping up in movies such as "Beast From 20,000 Fathoms," "Marlowe," "Billy Jack," "Airplane," "Big Top Pee Wee,"... well, you get the idea.

If you'd ask me to list my favorite actors, it 'd have been a while before I got around to listing his name. Reading that he'd passed on though, reminded me of just how many times he has entertained me. Check out his filmography and list of tv appearances and I'm sure that you'll feel the same way.

So that's why I decided to do an update... because what better gift can you get on Christmas, than one filled with fond memories?

Be Careful What You Ask For

What is the old saying? Be careful what you ask for... because you just might get it.

Dick Giordano tells a great story that illustrates just that point. If you don't know who Mr. Giordano is, let me simply say, he's one of the legends of comics. In addition to inking all of the best artists of the last 50 years, Dick was also the head honcho of DC Comics [you know, the folks who publish Superman, and Batman], worked with Neal Adams at Continuity Studios, and currently co-owns, with Bob Layton, Future Comics.

Dick had the assignment of pencilling a cover that featured a sexy female super-hero. He turned in the pencils for final approval and received back a note from the editor who shall remain nameless [ *cough* Jim Shooter *cough*]. The note said, "Make her breasts bigger."

Now Dick is known for drawing well-endowed women. He shook his head and went back and re-drew the breasts larger. He sent the artwork back to the editor.

Once again the page was sent back to Dick and this time with a note that simply stated: "MORE BREASTS."

Dick didn't want to disappoint the editor so he sat back down, drew a third breast on the character and sent the page back in. Needless to say, it wasn't returned again.

Not My Rawhide Kid

One of the comics I enjoyed as a boy was The Rawhide Kid. The Rawhide Kid was young, quick with a gun and thought to be an outlaw but wasn't. He traveled from town to town, stayed long enough to right a wrong and then moved on. He never drew his gun first, was shy and even drank milk. He even had a real cool "costume" that was easily recognizable. Sure, he sounds like a cliché, but don't most kids' comics when you break them down into the essentials? At any rate, he was a great role model for a young 'un like myself.

When the western craze died out, so did The Rawhide Kid.

Now he's returning in a new mini-series called "Slap Leather." I can't recommend it though. See, Marvel has decided to make the Rawhide Kid gay... not that there is anything wrong with being gay. My problem with the series is: 1) They're approaching it as a joke. You know, like NOW we know why he was shy and moved from town to town * wink* *wink*... and 2) If they wanted to create a gay cowboy, why not create a new character instead of one that has been around for nearly 50 years?

And consider this... if the argument is that it will give a role model to young gay kids... how is it going to make them feel when they realize that the "hero" is being treated as the punchline?

Anomalies Unlimited

Yikes! Sorry, if I scared you with the picture to the left.

As you're probably aware, if you read my Zablo Zone commentaries, I enjoy unexplained phenomena, conspiracy theories and the like. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fanatic but I do enjoy them from time to time.

If you do as well, then check out Anomalies Unlimited. It's a site dedicated to strange stuff... UFOs, Aliens, Conspiracy Theories, the missing link... You can find all kinds of interesting stuff here.

Some will amuse you [optical illusions], some will surprise you [Disney secrets],some may intrigue you [aliens, ufo's, etc.] and some will gross you out [odd pics]. And some items, like the one about the Evolution of Michael Jackson's Nose will do all of the above.

Don't say I didn't warn you!

Da Goon

Eric Powell writes and draws "The Goon" which is published by Albatross Exploding Funny Books. The Goon combines horror, sci-fi, humor, zombies, ufos, humor, gangsters, humor, werewolves... well, let's just say anything that Eric wants to write or draw about would work in the series. And did I mention that it's fun and funny?

Right now the second issue of the second series is on newstands. But don't worry, you can still get all of the back issues and a trade edition is coming in January. I'll be getting it, even though I already have the issues off the stands. That should tell you just how much I enjoy Eric's work. I'll bet you would too.

So check out his site, and tell him I sent ya! [If ya don't expect a visit from The Goon -- and I ain't talking about Big Beatty or myself!!]

Dick the Bruiser

For some reason, the image of an obviously enraged Dick the Bruiser all dressed up in a suit and bow tie and sporting stitches in his head seems such an odd combination, that every time I see the picture I smile.

Dick the Bruiser, whose real name was Richard Afflis, was a real-life tough guy. He played professional football and developed a reputation as a bar room brawler. Bruiser was 6' 1" and 260 pounds of muscle, so when his football career ended, it was only natural that he turn to professional wrestling.

Bruiser started his wrestling career in the 50's and wrestled into the 80's! Even after he retired, he worked as a talent scout for the WCW. Bruiser died in 1991 at the age of 62. He left behind a legacy as one of the most popular wrestlers to ever step into the ring.

I was fortunate to see the Bruiser wrestle live many times when I was growing up. Those memories bring an even bigger smile to my face than the picture.

Below Rises to the Top

On October 11th, there are three films coming out that I really want to see. My bet is that you've heard of two of them.

The films are "Below," "Knockaround Guys," and "The Transporter." Had you heard about all three, or was I right?

"The Transporter" has been advertised everywhere and looks to be an, action-packed thrill ride. "Knockaround Guys" has a great cast including Vin Diesel. Despite the fact that it's been sitting on the shelf for quite a while, I think it's going to be enjoyable and will do well at the box office. It's funny, the one I want to see most has had the least press.

What's "Below" then? It's co-written and directed by David Twohy. Twohy did the same duties on "Pitch Black." Remember how that turned out? "Below" is the story of an American submarine facing Nazi war ships on the surface and something worse below. Harry Knowles calls it "a haunted house flick, where there is no door to sneak out of..." that "... combines elements of CAINE MUTINY, Robert Wise’s THE HAUNTING, LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, DAS BOOT and some stuff that I haven’t seen in any of those movies." Stuff that Harry hasn't seen?!
Whew!

Still not sold? Check out the full review. Want to see more? How about a look at the trailer? Here's the website. I think that despite the terrible publicity, this will be the movie to see on October 11th.

It's been a while since there have been three movies coming out on the same day that I want to see.

Any bets on which one I'm gonna see first?

A Real Hardcase

Have you heard of Dan Simmons?

Simmons' first published story, "The River Styx Runs Upstream," won the Rod Serling Memorial Award. His first novel, Song of Kali, won the World Fantasy Award. His first horror novel, Carrion Comfort, won the Bram Stoker Award. His first science fiction novel, Hyperion, won the Hugo Award.

Even with all the awards, I was only vaguely familiar with his work. I don't read fantasy, and very little science fiction or horror. I do love a hardboiled thriller though! You know, the kind written by Vachss, or Izzi, Hunter, or Stark... or Simmons. That's right! With one book, Simmons has jumped to the top of the list!

Joe Kurtz was a PI... before he was an ex-con. See he killed a man, a couple of men actually. They'd murdered his girl and unborn child. While it's pretty reasonable to me that he threw one of 'em off a six story building, the jury didn't see it that way.

Now, out of prison after eleven-and-a-half years...

...you'd think things would be looking up for Kurtz. You'd be wrong. Too many people want him dead...

Hardcase is the best novel that I've read this year [tied with Jack Kelly's Line of Sight]. For more about Hardcase, click here.

Ever heard of Dan Simmons?

My prediction is that you will. But remember that you FIRST heard about him here!

Hardcase rates an A+

Emmy Predictions

In the last few years I've found myself being much more selective about the television that I watch. I map out my viewing for the week and then pretty much stick to that. This helps me to not miss the few shows that I really enjoy, and it also helps me avoid "vegging" out in front of shows I don't care about.

The Emmy Awards are on tonight, and while I probably won't watch them [I haven't mapped out the week yet], there are a few shows/actors that I hope win.

In the best DRAMA category, I am pulling for West Wing but I wouldn't be upset if 24 won against CSI, Law and Order, and Six Feet Under.

In the COMEDY category, it would appear that Friends is a lock against Curb Your Enthusiasm , Everybody Loves Raymond, Sex and the City and Will & Grace.

For best WRITING for a DRAMA series, there are several very worthy contenders. I would like to see The Shield • Pilot • Shawn Ryan, Writer win because it was such a groundbreaking episode, but it would be hard to argue against Alias • Truth Be Told (Pilot) • J.J. Abrams, Writer; ER • On The Beach • John Wells, Writer; 24 • Midnight - 1:00 a.m. (Pilot) • Joel Surnow, Robert Cochran, Writers; or The West Wing • Posse Comitatus • Aaron Sorkin, Writer.

The LEAD ACTOR in a DRAMA is another [though not as] tough category. I am going to pull for either Michael Chiklis as Detective Vic Mackey in The Shield or Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer - 24 who are up against Michael C. Hall as David Fisher - Six Feet Under, Peter Krause as Nate Fisher - Six Feet Under and Martin Sheen as Josiah Bartlet - The West Wing.

I'm gonna pull for Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow star of Alias for the LEAD ACTRESS in a DRAMA category. She's up against Amy Brenneman as Judge Amy Gray - Judging Amy; Rachel Griffiths as Brenda Chenowith - Six Feet Under; Frances Conroy as Ruth Fisher - Six Feet Under; and Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg - The West Wing.

The SUPPORTING ACTOR in a DRAMA is dominated by West Wing actors and my choice is John Spencer as Leo McGarry - The West Wing up against Victor Garber as CIA Agent Jack D. Bristow - Alias; Freddy Rodriguez as Federico Diaz - Six Feet Under; Dulé Hill as Charlie Young - The West Wing; Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman - The West Wing; and Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler - The West Wing.

These are the categories in which I am "pulling" for a winner. For the full list click here. I would have given my predictions in other categories but it's time for me to plan out my viewing for the week. ; )

The Mechanic

Charles Bronson had a long career staring and co-staring in a bunch of great movies. "The Dirty Dozen." "The Magnificent Seven." "Death Wish." "Hard Times." One of my personal favorites is "The Mechanic."

Never heard of it? Well, it's coming out on dvd on October 8th and you owe it to yourself to at least check it out.

Bronson is a hit man... perhaps the best in the business. If he takes a job, the target is as good as dead. Jan Michael Vincent is the son of a mafioso who becomes Bronson's protoge... not knowing that Bronson has recently murdered his father...

"The Mechanic" was directed by Michael Winner [who also directed Bronson in "Death Wish"] with a flair for action without compromising the story. [The opening scene shows Bronson setting up a hit and goes on for several minutes without a word of dialogue!] And although I won't give it away, be prepared for a great "surprise" ending!

I'm looking forward to adding "The Mechanic" to my dvd collection. Watch it once, and odds are you will too!

"The Mechanic" rates an A

Bobby the Brain

Bobby Heenan. "The Weasel." "Bobby the Brain." Call him what you want, but you'd have to admit that he was an "entertainer."

Heenan spent nearly 40 years in the world of pro wrestling. He wasn't your typical wrestler. He wasn't gigantic. He wasn't musclebound. He didn't fly through the air [unless being thrown by the Bruiser or some other good guy].

Fans loved or hated him, but no one was neutral about Bobby Heenan. He could "rassle" with anyone and make them look better. No one could work a crowd like "the Brain." And Bobby Heenan was witty. His one-liners and off-the-cuff comments were at times more entertaining than the matches themselves.

Bobby Heenan has written a book and he "tells all the stories, names all the names and doesn’t care who gets mad about it." Hulk Hogan, Andre "The Giant," and Vince McMahon are just a few of the many colorful characters that Heenan discusses.

Heenan's book is available now [and at a 30% discount]. So call him what you want... Brain... Weasel... Entertainer... but be sure and add author to the list!

Bobby the Brain rates an A

The Biz

Isn't the drawing to the left really nice? It's been a while since I've seen a piece of art that has really blown me away like this piece does.

It's by Simon Bizley. The Biz is best known for his work on Judge Dredd... but he is able to do so much more.

Check out this site and you'll see what I mean.

Hostage as Cool as Elvis

I was lucky enough to discover Robert Crais with his second novel, Stalking the Angel [ his first was The Monkey's Raincoat which introduced detectives Elvis Cole and Joe Pike.] The series was modern, well written and reminded me of an updated version of Robert B. Parker's Spenser and Hawk [well actually, an updated Spenser and Sylvester Stallone's Cobra].

Crais is one of the few authors whose work I buy in hardcover as soon as it's published. With my time being what it is, I just got around to reading Hostage, Crais' latest [which is now out in paperback]. Although not an Elvis Cole novel, it is without a doubt my favorite work by Crais [who as I've said is always very good].

The cool thing about this novel is that the suspense starts on page one and continues to build and build and build. The book has received outstanding reviews from critics and fans alike. Bruce Willis has optioned the book for a movie [which would be an excellent vehicle for him]!

So what are you waiting for? Click here to order the paperback... and watch for Elvis and Joe Pike to return soon in Crais' The Last Detective!

Diesel's Streak

Vin Diesel has a great streak going... Pitch Black... The Fast and the Furious...

...and now XXX.

All of these films are/will be in my dvd library.

With talks of sequels for both Pitch Black and XXX, Vin could actually join Sean Connery, Sly Stallone, and Harrison Ford who all have had TWO movie franchises going at the same time!

XXX works. Diesel is more than believable as the extreme sports junkie recruited to become a government agent. The set-up and "training" sequences are really fun and include some of the best scenes in the movie. [And ya gotta love how they show a James Bond type trying to survive in this "new world.] Samuel L. Jackson is always a plus and I hope that we get to see more of him [in action] in the sequel.

Vin Diesel's next film could be the sequel to Pitch Black followed by the sequel to XXX. Both of these are fan favorites so it looks like the streak will continue to grow...

... and so will my movie collection!