Monday, January 20, 2025

Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for January 22, 2025

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

OCT242163 AFTER SCHOOL ETUDE GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $14.99
NOV241695 ALLEY OOP AND THE MAN FROM 2166 TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV241697 ALLEY OOP MEETS JULIUS CAESAR TP (C: 0-1-2) $75.00
SEP241225 ALL-NIGHTER TP VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2) $22.99
SEP241226 ANDRZEJ SAPKOWSKIS WITCHER EDGE OF THE WORLD HC (RES) (C: 0- $17.99
OCT248388 ANGEL NEXT DOOR SPOILS ME ROTTEN GN VOL 03 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $12.99
OCT241100 ARCBOUND #3 CVR B PANOSIAN $4.99
OCT241101 ARCBOUND #3 CVR C TBD $4.99
NOV240972 ARCHIE IS MR JUSTICE #2 (OF 4) CVR A REIKO MURAKAMI $4.99
NOV240973 ARCHIE IS MR JUSTICE #2 (OF 4) CVR B JAMAL IGLE $4.99
NOV240974 ARCHIE IS MR JUSTICE #2 (OF 4) CVR C MATT TALBOT $4.99
SEP241696 ATLAS ARTIST EDITION HC VOL 02 AL WILLIAMSON (C: 1-1-2) $125.00
SEP241230 AVATAR FRONTIERS OF PANDORA SOLEKS JOURNEY TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
OCT242132 AYAKASHI TRIANGLE GN VOL 13 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $13.99
OCT241808 BACKTRACK DLX ED HC (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $39.99
OCT242165 BEETLE HANDS GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-1) $19.99
OCT241682 BEHIND THE HORROR AND DEATH NOSFERATU TP MAIN CVR (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV241132 BEST OF MY LITTLE PONY TP VOL 03 $8.99
OCT241106 BLACK HAMMER SPIRAL CITY #3 CVR A KRISTIANSEN $3.99
NOV241679 BODY TRADE #4 (OF 5) $4.99
SEP241232 BOWLING WITH CORPSES & OTHER STRANGE TALES HC (RES) (C: 0-1- $24.99
SEP241233 BUTCHERS BOY TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
OCT242166 CAT FROM OUR WORLD & FORGOTTEN WITCH GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99
OCT242167 CAT ON HEROS LAP GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
SEP241234 COMPLETE ELFQUEST FUTUREQUEST TP (C: 0-1-2) $29.99
NOV240427 CREEPSHOW VOL 3 #5 (OF 5) CVR B NGU (MR) $3.99
OCT240451 DEADLY TALES OF GUNSLINGER SPAWN #2 CVR A FAILLA $2.99
OCT240452 DEADLY TALES OF GUNSLINGER SPAWN #2 CVR B SPEARS $2.99
OCT241450 DEVILS DOMINION #1 DLX RUDICH (MR) $10.00
OCT241454 DEVILS DOMINION #3 DLX GAY (MR) $10.00
OCT241456 DEVILS DOMINION #4 DLX MEYER (MR) $10.00
OCT242170 DIARY OF A FEMALE LEAD SHUJINKOU NIKKI GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0- $13.99
NOV241669 DICK TRACY #7 CVR A GERALDO BORGES $4.99
NOV241670 DICK TRACY #7 CVR B FRANCAVILLA $4.99
OCT242171 DINGHAI FUSHENG RECORDS GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV242175 DOGS & PUNCHING BAGS GN (C: 0-1-2) $24.95
NOV242044 DRA-Q GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99
AUG240520 DRAWING BLOOD #7 (OF 12) CVR A EASTMAN $3.99
AUG240521 DRAWING BLOOD #7 (OF 12) CVR B BISHOP $3.99
AUG240522 DRAWING BLOOD #7 (OF 12) CVR C WAGNER $3.99
SEP241238 EC ARCHIVES TALES FROM CRYPT TP VOL 05 (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV241720 EC EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #7 (OF 12) CVR A BERMEJO $4.99
NOV241206 EXPOSURE TOP SECRET BOXED SET (C: 0-1-1) $59.99
JUN241175 FORTUNE & GLORY MUSICAL TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
OCT242175 FREE LIFE FANTASY ONLINE IMMORTAL PRINCESS GN VOL 09 (MR) (C $13.99
OCT241306 FURRLOUGH #197 (C: 0-1-1) $4.99
NOV242045 GACHIAKUTA GN VOL 05 (C: 0-1-2) $12.99
NOV241667 GATCHAMAN #6 CVR A INAKI MIRANDA $4.99
NOV241668 GATCHAMAN #6 CVR B BATISTA VECHICLE $4.99
NOV240447 GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #313 CVR A KUBERT & BONVILLAIN $3.99
NOV240448 GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #313 CVR B KUBERT $3.99
AUG240396 GIRL REBELS HC (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV241093 GODZILLA MONSTERPIECE THEATRE #3 CVR A SCIOLI $6.99
NOV241094 GODZILLA MONSTERPIECE THEATRE #3 CVR B SCIOLI $6.99
NOV242047 GREAT CLERIC GN VOL 12 (C: 0-1-2) $12.99
NOV240957 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #92 CVR A SEAN CHEN $4.99
NOV240958 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #92 CVR B IGOR VITORINO $4.99
NOV240959 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #92 CVR C PAUL GREEN $4.99
NOV240960 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #92 CVR D IVAN TAO $4.99
NOV241413 HEADSMAN #1 (OF 3) CVR D AUSTRALIAN VAR (MR) $5.99
NOV241680 HEXILES #3 (OF 6) (MR) $4.99
NOV241568 HISTORY COMICS ELLIS ISLAND GN (C: 0-1-0) $13.99
NOV241569 HISTORY COMICS ELLIS ISLAND HC GN (C: 0-1-0) $21.99
NOV241675 HOUR OF THE WOLF #3 (OF 4) $4.99
OCT242177 HOW MY DADDIES BECAME MATES GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $14.99
OCT240486 HYDE STREET #3 CVR A REIS MIKI ANDERSON $3.99
OCT240487 HYDE STREET #3 CVR B LIEBER & DZIOBA $3.99
OCT240488 HYDE STREET #3 CVR C PERALTA $3.99
OCT242178 I ABANDONED MY ENGAGEMENT GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $13.99
NOV242051 ICEBLADE SORCERER SHALL RULE WORLD GN VOL 12 (C: 0-1-2) $10.99
SEP248396 INCAL HC NEW PTG (2024) (MR) $49.99
OCT242135 INSIDE TENTACLE CAVE GN VOL 04 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $15.99
SEP241240 JOY OPERATIONS TP VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $24.99
NOV242052 KEI X YAKU BOUND BY LAW GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99
OCT240496 KING SPAWN #41 CVR A LEE $2.99
OCT240497 KING SPAWN #41 CVR B KEENE $2.99
JUN241776 KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #316 (C: 0-0-1) $15.99
OCT242184 LADY KNIGHT & BEAST EARED CHILD GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99
OCT241092 LIFE #4 CVR A ZEZELJ (MR) $8.99
OCT241093 LIFE #4 CVR B CHIANG (MR) $8.99
OCT247505 LIFE #4 CVR D GIANGIORDANO (MR) $8.99
NOV241203 LINK CLICK HC VOL 03 (OF 4) (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV240939 LIQUID KILL VOL 2 #4 (OF 4) CVR A IUMAZARK (MR) $4.99
NOV240940 LIQUID KILL VOL 2 #4 (OF 4) CVR B SARMENTO (MR) $4.99
OCT241121 MAGIC ORDER V #4 CVR B B&W BUFFAGNI (MR) $4.99
NOV241893 MANGA CLASSICS SHERLOCK HOLMES GN VOL 01 A STUDY IN SCARLET $19.99
OCT247803 MARK SPEARS MONSTERS #2 2ND PTG CVR A BEHEADED $5.99
SEP241244 MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE REVOLUTION GN (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
SEP241245 MEGAGHOST GN (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV241570 MIXED UP GN (C: 0-1-0) $14.99
NOV241571 MIXED UP HC GN (C: 0-1-0) $22.99
OCT242136 MONSTER MARRIAGE SHOP GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $13.99
OCT241810 MR MUFFINS TP $14.99
NOV241423 MUD AND MADNESS #3 (OF 4) CVR A MIRANDA M (MR) $4.99
NOV241424 MUD AND MADNESS #3 (OF 4) CVR B SARPONG JR (MR) $4.99
OCT242191 MY KITTEN IS A PICKY EATER GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99
NOV242055 NINJA VS GOKUDO GN VOL 05 (C: 0-1-2) $13.99
NOV240498 NULLHUNTER #4 (OF 12) CVR A WALSH (MR) $3.99
NOV240499 NULLHUNTER #4 (OF 12) CVR B VARGAS (MR) $3.99
NOV240500 NULLHUNTER #4 (OF 12) CVR C TRAKHANOV (MR) $3.99
SEP249034 ONLY I KNOW THE WORLD IS ENDING GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-1) $13.99
NOV241343 OPERATION COVER UP GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-0) $12.99
NOV241344 OPERATION COVER UP HC GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-0) $22.99
NOV241634 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR A NAOMI GRIFFIN (MR) $5.99
NOV241635 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR B NAOMI GRIFFIN (MR) $5.99
NOV241636 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR C TODD SKULL/ NAOMI GRIFFIN (MR) $5.99
NOV241637 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR D TODD SKULL/ NAOMI GRIFFIN (MR) $5.99
NOV241638 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR E KIRK MANLEY (MR) $5.99
NOV241639 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR F NAOMI GRIFFIN HOLOFOIL FLIP (MR) $19.99
NOV241640 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR G SKULL/ GRIFFIN HOLOFOIL VIRGIN FLIP (MR) $29.99
NOV241641 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR H SKULL/ GRIFFIN METAL (MR) $99.99
NOV241642 PAPA DUKE #1 CVR I BLANK SKETCH (MR) $9.99
NOV240402 PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ #1 $3.99
NOV240921 PINUPOCALYPSE #1 (OF 6) CVR A FOXY FEATURE (MR) $4.99
NOV240922 PINUPOCALYPSE #1 (OF 6) CVR B TARUSOV (MR) $4.99
NOV240923 PINUPOCALYPSE #1 (OF 6) CVR C CLASSIC HOMAGE (MR) $4.99
NOV240924 PINUPOCALYPSE #1 (OF 6) CVR D THE WALKING RED HOMAGE (MR) $4.99
NOV240928 PINUPOCALYPSE #1 (OF 6) CVR H HORROR MOVIE HOMAGE (MR) $4.99
OCT241309 PLANET COMICS #32 (C: 0-0-1) $4.99
NOV241685 PRAIRIE GODS #4 (OF 5) (MR) $4.99
OCT241229 PROJECT CRYPTID TP VOL 02 (MR) $17.99
OCT241464 PSYCHO LIST #1 (OF 6) DLX BLAINE $10.00
NOV241913 RECORD OF RAGNAROK GN VOL 13 (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
NOV241930 RED RIVER 3-IN-1 ED GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $16.99
NOV241163 RESURGENCE VALIANT FINALE ONE SHOT CVR A FAJARDO $5.99
NOV241164 RESURGENCE VALIANT FINALE ONE SHOT CVR B DI MATTIA $5.99
NOV241165 RESURGENCE VALIANT FINALE ONE SHOT CVR C ORTIZ $5.99
NOV241166 RESURGENCE VALIANT FINALE ONE SHOT CVR D FAJARDO VIRGIN $5.99
NOV241167 RESURGENCE VALIANT FINALE ONE SHOT CVR E DI MATTIA VIRGIN $5.99
NOV241168 RESURGENCE VALIANT FINALE ONE SHOT CVR F ORTIZ VIRGIN $5.99
NOV242067 REVENGE OF MY YOUTH GN VOL 01 RE LIFE WITH ANGELIC GIRL (C: $13.95
OCT241736 REVOLUTION 9 #3 (OF 4) $4.99
NOV241846 ROCK & ROLL BIOGRAPHIES #3 TOOL IN COLOR (MR) (C: 0-1-0) $3.99
OCT242199 ROLL OVER AND DIE GN VOL 06 (C: 0-1-0) $12.99
SEP240606 SAVAGE DRAGON #275 CVR A LARSEN (MR) $3.99
SEP240607 SAVAGE DRAGON #275 CVR B LARSEN (MR) $3.99
JUL247518 SAVAGE DRAGON #275 CVR C KOUTSIS (MR) $9.99
OCT248032 SAVAGE DRAGON #275 CVR D BLANK SKETCH CVR (MR) $9.99
NOV242178 SHIMAZAKI IN THE LAND OF PEACE GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $13.95
NOV241911 SNOWBALL EARTH GN VOL 04 (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
NOV241572 SONG OF A BLACKBIRD GN (C: 0-1-0) $17.99
NOV241573 SONG OF A BLACKBIRD HC GN (C: 0-1-0) $25.99
NOV241105 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG BEST OF SHADOW ONESHOT #1 $7.99
NOV241686 SOUL TAKER #6 (OF 6) (MR) $4.99
NOV240514 SPAWN RAT CITY #10 CVR B FAILLA $2.99
NOV241687 SPECTRUM #2 (OF 6) $4.99
NOV241106 STAR TREK #28 CVR A ROSANAS $4.99
SEP241249 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC ADV PHASE III TP VOL 02 (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV241909 STEEL OF THE CELESTIAL SHADOWS GN VOL 05 (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
NOV241649 STITCHES #2 (OF 3) CVR A TODD SKULL NAOMI GRIFFIN (MR) $5.99
NOV241650 STITCHES #2 (OF 3) CVR B SKULL GRIFFIN HOLOFOIL (MR) $19.99
NOV241689 SYNAP #2 (OF 5) $4.99
OCT241188 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES NIGHTWATCHER #5 CVR A PE $3.99
OCT241191 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES X NARUTO #2 CVR A JIMENEZ $4.99
OCT241192 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES X NARUTO #2 CVR B PRASETYA $4.99
OCT241193 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES X NARUTO #2 CVR C AMOR $4.99
OCT241194 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES X NARUTO #2 CVR D LINDSAY $4.99
DEC230862 THE AWL GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
SEP241620 THE EDGE #7 (C: 0-0-1) $4.99
OCT241087 TIME WAITS #3 CVR A TO $8.99
OCT241088 TIME WAITS #3 CVR B IGNAZZI $8.99
OCT247504 TIME WAITS #3 CVR F MARTIN $8.99
NOV240527 TIN CAN SOCIETY #5 (OF 9) CVR A MOBILI & CHUCKRY $3.99
NOV241827 TINY OGN (C: 0-1-0) $14.99
NOV241125 TMNT BEST OF NOBODY ONESHOT #1 $6.99
NOV241924 TOKYO ALIEN BROS GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
NOV241157 TOXIC AVENGER #4 (OF 5) CVR A HARPER (MR) $3.99
SEP247489 TOXIC AVENGER #4 (OF 5) CVR D HARPER BAGGED W TC CARD (MR) $4.99
OCT242208 TRAPPED IN DATING SIM WORLD OTOME GAMES GN VOL 11 (C: 0-1-1) $12.99
OCT231032 TRAVELING TO MARS TP (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $29.99
NOV241912 TRILLION GAME GN VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
SEP241505 U & I TP VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $17.99
JUL242357 ULTRA HEAVEN GN VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $24.95
NOV241923 UNDEAD UNLUCK GN VOL 18 (C: 0-1-2) $11.99
SEP241252 USAGI YOJIMBO CROW TP (C: 0-1-2) $24.99
NOV241605 VERY BAD AT MATH GN (C: 0-1-0) $15.99
NOV241606 VERY BAD AT MATH HC GN (C: 0-1-0) $24.99
NOV240534 VOID RIVALS #16 CVR A DE FELICI $3.99
NOV240535 VOID RIVALS #16 CVR B HOMARE $3.99
OCT240560 W0RLDTR33 #12 CVR A BLANCO (MR) $3.99
OCT240561 W0RLDTR33 #12 CVR B BOO (MR) $3.99
OCT241466 WILDER #1 (OF 5) DLX DA SILVA $10.00
OCT241468 WILDER #2 (OF 5) DLX MEYER $10.00
OCT241470 WILDER #3 (OF 5) DLX WATSON $10.00
OCT241472 WILDER #4 (OF 5) DLX WHITE $10.00
OCT241474 WILDER #5 (OF 5) DLX GONZALES $10.00
SEP241254 WILLIAM OF NEWBURY TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
NOV241703 WILLIE NELSON GN (C: 0-1-0) $14.99
NOV240977 WORLD OF ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #147 (C: 0-1-1) $9.99
OCT242137 YANDERE DARK ELF GN VOL 02 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $14.99
SEP241481 YOR HUNTER FROM THE FUTURE #3 CVR A KELSEY SHANNON $4.99

MAGAZINES

SEP242100 COMIC BOOK CREATOR #37 (C: 0-1-1) $10.95
SEP241615 COMIC SHOP NEWS (100CT BUNDLE) #1953 (NET) $18.99
NOV241566 FANGORIA VOL 2 #26 (C: 0-1-0) $19.79
AUG241899 LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #51 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $14.95
OCT248404 OTAKU USA MAGAZINE #9 SPRING 2025 (C: 0-1-2) $7.99
OCT241764 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #222 (MR) (C: 0-1-1) $14.95

BOOKS

OCT240397 ART AND MAKING OF ULTRAMAN RISING HC (C: 0-1-2) $50.00
NOV240376 CAPTAIN AMERICA THE SHIELD OF SAM WILSON PROSE NOVEL HC (C: $27.99
OCT242215 FREE LIFE FANTASY ONLINE IMMORTAL PRINCESS L NOVEL VOL 08 (C $15.99
NOV241807 GESTURE DRAWING DYNAMIC MOVEMENT & FORM SC VOL 00 (C: 0-1-0) $24.95
NOV241855 GREAT ANTONIO SC (C: 0-1-2) $7.99
NOV241577 REVELATIONS IN THE WINK OF AN EYE SC (C: 0-1-0) $20.00
OCT242213 RUN WILD SA YE SC NOVEL VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
SEP247771 RUN WILD SA YE SC NOVEL VOL 01 LTD ED (C: 0-1-2) $29.99
OCT242223 SHE PROFESSED HERSELF PUPIL OF WISE MAN LIGHT NOVEL VOL 12 ( $15.99
SEP241551 WORLD OF WARCRAFT VOICES WITHIN HC (C: 0-1-0) $29.95

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Review: Netflix's "DAY SHIFT" is More Action-Comedy Than Vampire Horror

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 5 of 2025 (No. 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux

Day Shift (2022)
Running time: 113 minutes (1 hour, 53 minutes)
MPA – R for strong violence and gore, and language
DIRECTOR:  J. J. Perry
WRITERS:  Tyler Tice and Shay Hatten; from a story by Tyler Tice
PRODUCERS:  Shaun Redick, Yvette Yates Redick, Jason Spitz, and Chad Stahelski
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Toby Oliver (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Paul Harb
COMPOSER:  Tyler Bates

ACTION/COMEDY/HORROR

Starring:  Jamie Foxx, Dave Franco, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Meagan Good, Karla Souza, Steve Howey, Scott Adkins, Oliver Masucci, Eric Lange, Peter Stormare, Zion Broadnax, and Snoop Dogg

Day Shift is a 2022 American action-comedy and vampire horror film from director J. J. Perry.  The film is a “Netflix Original” and began streaming on Netflix, August 12, 2022.  The film focuses on a hard-working, blue-collar dad who uses his pool-cleaning service as a front for the true source of his income – hunting and killing vampires.

Day Shift introduces Bud Jablonski (Jamie Foxx).  He is the blue-collar dad of Paige (Zion Broadnax), the daughter he shares with his ex-wife, Jocelyn Jablonski (Meagan Good).  On the surface, Bud is a hardworking man who runs a pool-cleaning service, “Valley Pool Services,” in San Fernando Valley, California.  Bud really hunts and kills vampires in the Valley under the guise of being a pool cleaner.  Every time he kills a vampire, which is very difficult, Bud collects their fangs and sells them to a pawnbroker, Troy (Peter Stormare).

However, killing vampires isn't quite earning him the income he needs, so Bud decides to return to “the Union.”  That would be the “Hunters Union,” from which he was expelled.  He turns to his close friend, the very successful vampire hunter, John Dante Eliott a.k.a. “Big J” or “Big John,” for help.  John is able to get Bud provisionally reinstated, but union boss, Ralph Seeger (Eric Lange), won't let Bud work the “Night Shift,” which yields the most profitable vampire kills.

Instead, Bud must work the “Day Shift,” which he was already doing on his own.  In addition, Bud is forced to partner-up with Seth (Dave Franco), a young union supervisor.  If that were not bad enough, Bud has been targeted for revenge by Audrey (Karla Souza), an ambitious vampire who plans to take over San Fernando Valley where she poses as a real estate agent.

I was familiar with the mixed reviews that Day Shift received, and I had been putting off watching it.  However, I am about to watch the latest Jamie Foxx “Netflix Original” movie, Back in Action (2025), in which he costars with Cameron Diaz.  Back in Action is the fourth “Netflix Original” in which Foxx has starred (as far as I can tell), following Project Power (2020), They Cloned Tyrone (2023), and Day Shift.  For some reason, I feel as if I had to see Day Shift before I watch Back in Action.  Go figure.

Tyler Tice and Shay Hatten are credited with the screenplay, but apparently Tice is the originator.  Tice's creation is more action-comedy than it is vampire movie, but I do recognize elements that are borrowed or are at least are similar to that of numerous vampire films.  As I watched Day Shift, I found that parts of it made me think of Blacula (1972), The Lost Boys (1987), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Daybreakers (2010), and Priest (2011), to name a few.  Of course, no movie featuring vampires hunters and their prey could escape the shadow of the Blade film series, and this movie seems inspired by Blade (1998), Blade II (2002), and Blade: Trinity (2004).  Also, Day Shift is obviously rubbing up against Men in Black (1997) and its sequels.

Day Shift's premise is indeed a garbage soup made out of a bunch of leftover ingredients, and the fact that it throws in so many ideas makes it almost seem original... almost.  Still, as garbage soup films go, Day Shift is quite tasty.  It is more action-comedy than vampire-horror, and director J. J. Perry (in his directorial debut) gets the most out of his film editor, Paul Harb.  When Day Shift is moving because of extended, multi-player fight scenes or through its one extended car-truck-motorcycle chase, Day Shift pops the way action movie junkies want their action movies to pop.

The best thing a popcorn entertainment action movie can do is have a star as its hero or as its villain.  Day Shift has the Oscar-winning actor, Jamie Foxx (Ray), as its star, and Foxx is the one who gives this film any credibility that hit has.  Yes, Dave Franco does a nice turn as Seth, the reluctant sidekick, and any comedy that manages to snag Snoop Dogg is very lucky.  However, Foxx willingly buys into this film's goofiness, and the professionalism of his performance keeps Day Shift from seeming like the vampire equivalent of one of those Sharknado movies.
 
6 of 10
B
★★★ out of 4 stars

Monday, January 20, 2025


The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site or blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "PRODIGY: Slaves of Mars #5" is a Family Affair

PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS #5 (OF 5)
DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar
ART: Stefano Landini
COLORS: Michele Assarasakorn
LETTERS: Clem Robins
EDITOR: Daniel Chabon
EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin
COVER: Stefano Landini with Michele Assarasakorn
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stefano Landini
40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (January 2025)

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars is a five-issue comic book miniseries produced by writer Mark Millar.  It is the third entry in the Prodigy series, following the original 2018-19 six-issue miniseries, Prodigy, and the 2022 miniseries, Prodigy: The Icarus Society.  This new series' creative team is comprised of artist Stefano Landini; colorist Michele Assarasakorn; and letterer Clem Robins.  Prodigy focuses on the adventures of the world's smartest man, Edison Crane.

In Prodigy: Slaves of Mars, Edison returns to New York City from an adventure in the Himalayas to find his company, Crane Solutions, in disarray.  He also learns that his father, the former Senator Whitney Crane, is dead on Mars after discovering some shocking secret.  Now, a wanted man, Edison only has one person left to whom he can turn.  That would be his older, smarter brother, Elijah Crane.

Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #5 opens on Mars.  Elijah ascertains that he and Edison's father, Whitney, discovered a series of “star gates” on Earth.  So Edison and Elijah head to the most consequential star gate, the one in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, and that's how they got to Mars.

Now, it is time to get down to three mysteries:  First, who murdered their father?  What is the full story behind the secret mission to Mars?  And what is the terrible fate of the human race is facing sooner than it thinks? The answers are shockers.

THE LOWDOWN:  This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics.  The latest title to mark my return is Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #5.

While the fourth issue was a blast to read, Prodigy: Slaves of Mars #5 offers the reader a chance at a variety of emotions.  The issue is at once humorous and then, scary.  It contemplative and talkative by measures before moving onto weird conspiracies and threatening futures.  Millar goes full “Ancient Aliens,” secret space programs, and the Anunnaki.  You already know about Millar's love of secrets and conspiracies if you have read Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 or read Prodigy: The Evil Earth, the trade collection of the first miniseries.

The art team of illustrator Stefano Landini and colorist Michele Assarasakorn, as in the earlier issues, unveil the surprises in a steady stream of straightforward storytelling.  Landini's storytelling here is more cautious, and does not race across the pages.  Now, Landini wants us to savor doom, and Assarasakorn colors it all in the red hues of bad dreams.  As always, Clem Robins provides the perfect soundtrack to this chapter with his classic lettering – this time more muted and ominous.

Without spoiling things, I can say that Millar's script is the kind that a father would write, with its resolutions and redemption.  It is more about legacy than inheritance, and more about pointing the way than making the way.  That makes Prodigy: Slaves of Mars a unique entry in a idiosyncratic franchise.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of his comic book, Prodigy, will want to read Prodigy: Slaves of Mars.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Both a Kindle and a trade paperback edition of "PRODIGY: SLAVES OF MARS'" is a Amazon. 

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Saturday, January 18, 2025

Review: Very Scary "WOLF MAN" is Gleefully Gruesome

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 4 of 2025 (No. 2010) by Leroy Douresseaux

Wolf Man (2025)
Running time:  103 minutes (1 hour, 43 minutes)
MPA – R for bloody violent content, grisly images and some language
DIRECTOR:  Leigh Whannell
WRITERS:  Leigh Whannell and Corbett Tuck
PRODUCERS:  Jason Blue and Ryan Gosling
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Stefan Duscio
EDITOR: Andy Canny
COMPOSER:  Benjamin Wallfisch

HORROR/THRILLER

Starring:  Julia Garner, Christopher Abbott, Matilda Firth, Sam Jaeger, Benedict Hardie, Zac Chandler, and Ben Prendergast

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:
Wolf Man is a scary, scary movie – a real scary movie that delivers the thrills, the chills, and some gruesome, gory moments.

It is one of the best werewolf movies in recent memory, without ever using the term “werewolf” in the movie, but it is the real deal in bark-at-the-moon, horror movie craziness.


Wolf Man is a 2025 American horror film from director Leigh Whannell.  The film follows a father, a mother, and their daughter in their struggle to fend off a murderous creature, even as the father begins to rapidly transform into something monstrous.

Wolf Man opens in 1995 in the remote mountains of Oregon.  A hiker has disappeared, and people in the isolated local community speculate that he may have fallen victim to a virus called “Hills Fever,” linked to the region's wildlife.  However, the Indigenous people of the area call this ailment, “the Face of the Wolf.”  During a deer hunt, survivalist Grady Lovell (Sam Jaeger), and his son, Blake (Zac Chandler), spot a mysterious creature lurking in the forest.  They have a terrifying encounter with it.

Thirty years later, Blake Lovell (Christopher Abbot) lives in the big city with his wife, Charlotte Lovell (Julia Garner), and their daughter, Ginger (Matilda Firth).  One day, Blake finally receives documents indicating that his long-missing father has been declared dead.  Blake convinces Charlotte that they should travel to Grady's remote home and take possession of his belongings.

The trip starts off well enough for Blake, Charlotte, and Ginger, but an accident leads them into an encounter with a fast-moving and mysterious creature (Ben Prendergast), which scratches Blake's arm.  The three are able to escape the attack and arrive at Grady's home, where they barricade themselves.  Although the creature lurks outside, the house, which had long been fortified by the paranoid Grady, offers some security.  However, the scratch on Blake's arm has turned bloody and infected, and now, he is changing... into something.

Once upon a time, Universal Pictures wanted to build a “shared universe” (like the Marvel Cinematic Universe) around the portion of its film library known under the brand name, “Universal Monsters,” by rebooting select films from that brand.  The shared universe was known named “Dark Universe,” and the film that launched it was the heavily-criticized, box office disappointment, The Mummy (2017), and I am talking about the one with Tom Cruise.

After that disappointment, Universal decided to move away from a shared universe concept, but kept the idea of rebooting its Universal Monsters films.  The new direction was launched with writer-director Leigh Whannell's 2020 hit horror film, The Invisible Man, a reboot of the 1933 film, The Invisible Man.  Now, Whannell is back in the Universal reboot game with Wolf Man, which is apparently a re-imagining of Universal Picture's 1941, classic horror film, The Wolf Man.

If you are wondering, dear readers, if Leigh Whannell's new Wolf Man is scary, it is scary as f*ck.  It is a true scary movie.  It is a scary-ass movie.  Now, I think that Whannell and his co-writer Corbett Tuck offer shallow characters and melodramatic interpersonal character tropes, but they fashion a wild, hairy-ass horror movie that is not ashamed of being a gruesome, gross, and gory werewolf movie that leaks bodily fluids all over the place.  By the way, the terms, “werewolf” and “wolf man,” are never used in this film as far as I can tell.

Whannell's collaborators are on their “A” game with this film.  Hair and make-up and visual effects slow grind Blake's grisly transformation and throw us a nasty curve ball on consumption.  It seems as if Benjamin Wallfisch is trying to use his film music to make me choke on my own fear, and the film editing is a constant fear machine.

The cast is quite good at selling us that all of this is real.  The characters might by shallow, but the actors go deep into their craft, deep enough to make me feel as if I was there waiting to be slashed and gored by a... “mysterious creature.”

I didn't see Whannell's The Invisible Man, but Wolf Man makes me want to see all his films.  Whannell may be best known for creating the 2004 film, Saw, with director James Wan, that launched a two-decade old franchise.  However, I'd like him to return to the macabre world he has created with this new film.  Wolf Man is not perfect, but it is a perfectly scary movie.  Some of you might need a barf bag or some “Depends” undergarments in order to make it through the grim terror that is Wolf Man.

7 of 10
A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Saturday, January 18, 2025


The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

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Marvel Unleashes First "DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN" Trailer

Marvel Television has shared the first trailer for Daredevil: Born Again, the highly anticipated new series debuting March 4, 2025 on Disney+. Charlie Cox returns as lawyer-slash-vigilante Matt Murdock, with Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin/Wilson Fisk. The series also stars Jon Bernthal, Deborah Ann Woll, and Elden Henson.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 12th to 18th, 2025 - UPDATE #9

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 1/10 to 1/12/2025 weekend box office is Lionsgate's "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" with an estimated take of 15.5 million dollars.

From THR:  Although "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" just arrived and also topped the weekend box office, director Christian Gudegast says that "Den of Thieves 3" is already being developed and could begin shooting as early as this year (2025).

HISTORY - From NPR:  The Central Archives of the Special Jurisdiction (CABR), the largest World War II archives in the Netherlands, has published the names of nearly half a million people who collaborated with the Nazis during Nazi Germany's occupation of the Netherlands online for the first time.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American film and television director, visual artist, and musician, David Lynch, has died at the age of 78, with his family announcing his passing on Thursday, January 16, 2025.  Lynch's most notorious work includes "Eraserhead" (1977), "The Elephant Man" (1980), "Dune" (1984), and "Blue Velvet" (1986), to name a few.  He won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for his 1990 film, "Wild at Heart."  He was nominated for the "Best Director" Oscar three times and once for "Best Adapted Screenplay."  Lynch received "Academy Honor Award" (the "Honorary Oscar") in 2019.  Lynch is also known for the former ABC drama that he co-created with Mark Frost, "Twin Peaks" (1990-91).  He also directed the series' prequel film, "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" (1992).  He returned to "Twin Peaks" for the Showtime revival series, "Twin Peaks: The Return."

From Vulture:  Writer Matt Zoller Seitz discusses David Lynch's career spent contemplating life, death, and the realms between.
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From ESPN:  Former Major League Baseball (MLB) players, American sports broadcaster, and actor, Bob Uecker, has died at the age of 90, Thursday, January 16, 2025.  From 1962 to 1967 played catcher for four MLB teams, and was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals 1964 World Series Champions.  He was the radio broadcaster of his hometown Milwaukee Brewers from 1971 to 2024.  As an actor, Uecker was the co-star of the former ABC sitcom, "Mr. Belvedere" (1985-90), and he appeared in the 1989 baseball film, "Major League" and its sequels.  TV talk show host, Johnny Carson, gave Uecker the nickname by which he was best known, "Mr. Baseball."

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BOWL SCHEDULE - From YahooSports:  Here is your 2024-2024 college football bowl schedule with games, matchups, times, and dates.  Most of the games are on ESPN.

It begins with the "Cricket Celebration Bowl" on Saturday, December 14th featuring Jackson State vs South Carolina State at Noon EST on ABC.

The first round of the "College Football Playoff" begins Friday, December 20th with Indiana at Notre Dame at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN.

It all climaxes January 20th, 2025 with the "College Football Playoff National Championship" on ESPN.

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MOVIE AWARDS:

From THR:  The winners for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" won "Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy" and "Best Motion Picture - Non-English Language."  "The Brutalist" won "Best Motion Picture - Drama."  "Wicked" won in the new category, "Cinematic and Box Office Achievement."  "Flow" won "Best Motion Picture - Animated."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 77th Annual Directors Guild Awards have been announced.  In the awards' marquee category, "Theatrical Feature Film," the nominees are Jacques Audiard ("Emilia Perez"), Sean Baker ("Anora"), Edward Berger ("Conclave"), Brady Corbet ("The Brutalist"), and James Mangold ("A Complete Unknown").  The winners will be announced February 8th.

From EW:  The Screen Actors Guild has cancelled the 2025 / 31st SAG Awards nominations announcement live-stream because of the current wildfires sweeing through the Los Angeles area.  The nominations will be announced Thursday morning, January 9th via press release and on SAG Awards website.  The SAG Award ceremony will be hired Feb. 23rd.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 2025 / 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards have been announced.  Netflix's "The Piano Lesson" leads with 14 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 21st and 22nd.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins "Best Movie About Women."  Coralie Fargeat's "The Substance" wins "Best Movie By a Woman (directing)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the annual Portland Critics Association (PCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" won in 10 of the 13 categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Dakota Film Society (NDFS) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Hawaii Film Critics Society (HFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" took four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Wild Robot" won two awards - "Best Picture" and "Best Animated Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Music City Film Critics Association (MCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won four awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 George Film Critics Association (GFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) EDA Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Kansas City Film Critics Circle (KCFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore), 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Challengers" has won "Best Film" and "Best Director" (Luca Guadagnino).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 DiscussingFilm's Global Film Critics Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" won "Best Picture."

From EW:  The nominations for the 2025 / 82nd Annual Golden Globes have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" leads with 10 nominations.  The winners will be announced January 5, 2025 on CBS and Paramount+.

From THR:  The winners at the 2025 National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) Awards have been announced. "Nickel Boys" has won the award for "Best Picture" of 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Edward Berger), and "Best Actor" (Ralph Fiennes).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Conclave" has won three awards, including "Best Narrative Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Columbia Film Critics Association (COFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Substance" has won four awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Actress" (Demi Moore), 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 29th Capri, Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards have been announced. "Emilia Perez" won six awards, including "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Critics Association of Central Florda (CACF) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 UK Film Critics Association (UKFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" won "Film of the Year" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) Awards have been announced. "Anora" has won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Online Association of Female Film Critics (OAFFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" won six awards, including "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat). and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore).  "The Substance" shared the "Best Film" honor with "Anora."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Philadelphia Film Critics Circle (PFCCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) Awards have announced.  "The Beast" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Bertrand Bonello).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Nevada Film Critics Society (NFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has taken six awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Zone of Interest" was named "Best Film" and its director, Jonathan Glazer, won "Best Director."  Although the film was released in Dublin this year, it was eligible for the Academy Awards in 2023.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critic Association (DFWFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has won three awards: "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Southeastern Film Critics Associations (SFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Iowa Film Critics Association (IFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" won three awards: "Best Film," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), and "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison).

From AwardsWatch: The winners at the 2024 New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Substance" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) Awards.  "The Substance" has won six awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Coralie Fargeat), and "Best Leading Performance" (Demi Moore), and "Best Supporting Performance" (Margaret Qualley).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross)

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 St. Louis Film Critics Association (StLFCA) Awards have been announced. "Dune: Part Two" has won three awards, including "Film" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has announced the nominations in the category of "Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures." The winners at the 2025 / 39th Annual Producers Guild Awards will be announced Saturday, February 8, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced. "Anora" has been named "Best Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Online Film Critics Association (BOFCA) Awards have been announced. "The Brutalist" has taken five awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Brady Corbet), and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody). 

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Dune: Part Two" has won six awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Denis Villeneuve).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards have been announced.  "Nickel Boys" has won "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (RaMell Ross). "Sing Sing" has won "Best Actor" (Colman Domingo) and "Best Supporting Actor" (Clarence Maclin).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Phoenix Critics Circle (PCC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has been named "Best Picture."  The films four total wins including for "Best Director" (Brady Corbet) and "Best Actor" (Adrien Brody).

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Chicago Film Critics (CFC) Awards have been announced.  "The Brutalist" has won "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Awards have been announced.  "Sing Sing" won "Best Picture," won of three awards it received.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Michigan Movie Critics Guild (MMCG) Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture," one of its four wins.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 2024 Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Film," one of four awards it won.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Washington Area Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Wicked" has won the award for "Best Feature."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners of the 49th Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Anora" was named "Best Picture."  Marianne Jean-Baptiste (for "Hard Truths") became the first Black woman to win a lead performance honor in the groups history.

From AwardsWatch:  The winners for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," wins "Best British Independent Film."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2024 Boston Society of Film Critics (BSFC) have been announced.  "Anora" wins "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Sean Baker), "Best Actress" (Mikey Madison), and "Best Original Screenplay."

From AFI:  The American Film Institute has named its top ten films and television series.  Among the films honored are "Dune: Part Two," "Nickel Boys," and "Wicked."

From THR:  The winners at the 2024 / 37th European Film Awards have been announced.  "Emilia Perez" wins the award for "European Film."  It also won the directing (Jacques Audiard), writing (Audiard), and actress (Karla Sofia Gascon) honors.

From NBR:  The National Board of Review has named its 2024 film honorees.  "Wicked" wins "Best Film" and "Best Director" (for John M. Chu).

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2025 / 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.  Cannes 2024 Palme d'Or winner, "Anora," and "I Saw the TV Glow" each lead with six nominations apiece.  The winners will be announced Saturday, February 22, 2025.

From Deadline:  The winners of the 2024 / 90th New York Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  Director Brady Corbet's three-hour epic, "The Brutalist," has won "Best Film" and its star, Adrian Brody, has won "Best Actor."

From Variety:  The winners at the 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards have been announced.  Writer-director Aaron Schimberg's "A Different Man" has won the "Best Feature" award.

From Deadline:  The 2024 / 34th Gotham Awards kick off the 2024-25 movie awards season by announcing its nominations for achievement in film.  Director Sean Baker's "Anora," which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes this year, leads with four nominations.  The winners will be announced Monday, December 2, 2024.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2024 / 27th British Independent Film Awards have been announced.  The Irish film, "Kneecap," leads with 14 nominations. The winners will be announced Sunday, December 8, 2024.

BEST PICTURE WINNER COUNT:

From AwardsWatch:  This link will take you, dear readers, to "AwardWatch's" article, "Who Won What? - The 2024/2025 Film Award Precursor Guide."

"Anora": 15 wins (Atlanta Film Critics Circle; Austin Film Critics Association; Boston Society of Film Critics; CACF: DFWFCA; Georgia Film Critics Association; IFCA; LAFCA; Michigan Movie Critics Guild; North Dakota Film Society; OAFFC; NTFCA; Philadelphia Film Critics Circle; SFBAFCC; SFCA)

"The Beast": 1 win (Florida Film Critics Circle)

"The Brutalist": 11 wins (AWFJ; BOFCA; Chicago Film Critics; Golden Globes-Drama; HFCS; MNFCA; Nevada Film Critics Society; NYFCC; Phoenix Critics Circle; Phoenix Film Critics Circle; Portland Critics Association)

"Challengers": 1 win (GWNYFCA)

"Conclave":  2 wins (North Carolina Film Critics Association; Oklahoma Film Critics Circle)

"A Different Man": 1 win (Gotham Awards)

"Dune: Part Two" - 4 wins (LVFCS; Music City Film Critics Associations; St.LFCA; UKFCA)

"Emilia Perez":  3 wins (Capri, Hollywood-International Film Festival Awards; European Film Awards; Golden Globes-Comedy or Musical)

"Kneecap": 1 win (British Independent Film Awards)

"Nickel Boys": 4 wins (AAFCA; DiscussingFilm; National Society of Film Critics; TFCA)

"Sing Sing": 1 win (San Diego Film Critics Society)

"The Substance": 6 wins (COFCA; Indiana Film Journalists Association; KCFCC; NYFCO; OAFFC; Seattle Film Critics Society)

"Wicked": 2 wins (National Board of Review; WAFCA)

"The Wild Robot":  1 win (Utah Film Critics Association)

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Thursday, January 16, 2025

Review: John Carpenter's "VAMPIRES" is Still Fun (Happy B'day, John Carpenter)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 36 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

John Carpenter’s Vampires (1998)
Running time:  108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong violence, and gore, language, and sexuality
DIRECTOR:  John Carpenter
WRITER:  Don Jakoby (based upon the novel by John Steakley)
PRODUCER:  Sandy King
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Gary B. Kibbe (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Edward A. Warschilka
COMPOSER:  John Carpenter

HORROR/FANTASY and ACTION/THRILLER

Starring:  James Woods, Daniel Baldwin, Sheryl Lee, Thomas Ian Griffith, Maximilian Schell, and Tim Guinee

Vampires (also known as John Carpenter's Vampires) is a 1998 American action, neo-Western, and vampire horror film from director John Carpenter.  It was adapted from the 1990 horror novel, Vampire$, by author John Steakley.  Vampires the movie focuses on an caustic vampire slayer who must track down the vampire master that ambushed and destroyed his team of slayers before the creature can find a relic that will allow it to walk in sunlight.

John Carpenter's Vampires introduces Jack Crow (James Woods), a vampire hunter for the Catholic Church.  He leads his "Team Crow," a band of roughnecks and mercenary types who hunt and kill vampires.  They destroy a nest of goons (vampires) in rural New Mexico, but Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), a 600-year old master vampire, ambushes and massacres Team Crow during their victory celebration at a small motel.

Only Crow and his assistant, Montoya (Daniel Baldwin), survive, but Crow ignores the Vatican’s demands that he reform his team.  Crow, Montoya, and Father Adam Guiteau (Tim Guinee), a young priest, with tagalong Katrina (Sheryl Lee), a survivor of Valek’s attack, pursue the master vampire through the high deserts that ends in a confrontation to stop Valek from becoming unbeatable.

John Carpenter’s Vampires is a fun action horror flick that rises above being straight-to-video material in large measure because of James Woods hilarious and over-the-top performance as Jack Crow.  Crow curses like a pack of sailors, and won’t even spare holy men his vulgar tirades.  He beats priests and asks them inappropriate questions about their anatomies and lusts.  Woods’ performance is the one thing that entertains even detractors of Vampires.

The film is gory and action-packed, but a little light on genuine scares.  It has the charming qualities that make Carpenter’s film fun and unique – pulp storytelling, weird science, and the strange blend of real myth, lore, and culture spun from his fertile imagination.  While the characters here, other than Crow, don’t match up to some of Carpenter’s memorable creations from his earlier films, they’re adequate.  Vampires is a fun spin on the American pop culture version of vampires, and worth a viewing.

7 of 10
B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

March 19, 2005

EDITED:  Sunday, January 5, 2025


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