Tag Archives: Crime

SUNSCREEN SHOWER by J.P. Rieger

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Sunscreen Shower
A Detective Kev Dixit Novel 2
by J.P. Rieger
Genre: Crime Mystery, Dark Comedy

Baltimore Police Detective Kev Dixit is being stalked by a psychopath. He’s also saving lives and solving crimes. And he’s late for dinner.
Dixit temporarily heads the Criminal Investigation Division, a real stress inducer. Aided by humorless partners and eccentric high school friends, he investigates two vexing cases. Spouses are found shot to death in their home. Murder-suicide is the obvious call, considering one spouse had just cleaned out the couple’s joint accounts the day before. But all is not as it seems when Forensics takes a closer look at the victims’ DNA. Later, Dixit and his assigned mentee investigate a car bombing. What kind of person would viciously murder a likeable gym rat?
Oh, and that murder-suicide. It reminded Dixit of an earlier investigation, back when he was a mere newbie detective. One where he worked tirelessly to solve a string of increasingly vicious serial attacks on single women. One where he barely escaped with his life.

J. Paul (J.P) Rieger is a born and bred Baltimorean and mostly retired Maryland attorney. He’s the author of Clonk!, a police farce set in Baltimore and published in 2023 by Apprentice House Press (Loyola University-Baltimore). Clonk! was a finalist in 2023’s CIBA Mark Twain Award for Humor and Satire. He’s also author of The Case Files of Roderick Misely, Consultant, a 2013 mystery novel featuring a wannabe lawyer anti-hero. His third novel, The Big Comb Over, a slipstream fantasy/ comedy of manners, was a finalist in 2023’s Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Sunscreen Shower, a Detective Kev Dixit Novel is Paul’s fourth novel and a sequel to Clonk! Paul and his spouse lives in Towson, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb. Chek out his website: jpaulrieger.net.

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J. Paul Rieger © 2024
What advice I would give new authors?

I’m still learning as a writer. There’s something new to learn every day. But I can at least provide some practical advice for the new author.
First, only write when you feel in the mood, when it will be a fun experience. There’s no point in forcing yourself to engage in a “creative” activity when you’re not in a creative mood. If your writing becomes so popular that you find yourself writing constantly, that’s fantastic and its own reward. Until then, chill out and keep it fun!
Don’t get obsessed with outlines. If, like me, you do better by writing down various “scenes,” or perhaps series of phrases or snippets of proposed dialog, go for it. Just let the novel organize itself. Enjoy what you are doing, your way!
Write your book in any order you please. If you’re in the mood to work on a specific section or “scene,” just do it.
Don’t give away your book to people who have not asked for it. I know, this is a tough proposition. Your inclination is to the contrary. But giving away your unrequested book virtually guarantees that the recipient will avoid you in the future. Not because they dislike you. Only because they haven’t read your book and would be embarrassed to admit it. Or worse, some may have actually read it and disliked it. Giving a book away only to someone who requests it is a safe strategy.
Lastly, the new author must accept the possibility that, besides a loved one or two, no one may actually read their book. I know. Quite depressing, right? The novice must ask: “If absolutely no one reads what I am writing, would I continue writing?” If the answer is not, “yes,” the novice writer should consider some other artistic outlet.

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JOKER (2019) ~ Movie Review

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Would you prefer to watch the video review, instead of reading it? CLICK HERE

Comment below and tell me what you thought of Joaquin Phoenix as THE JOKER!!!

SHOW RATING OVERVIEW ★★★★★ (5 Stars)
Writing/Story: ★★★★★ | Cinematography:  ★★★★★ Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★★

IMDB STORY LINE:

In Gotham City, mentally-troubled comedian Arthur Fleck embarks on a downward-spiral of social revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his infamous alter-ego: “The Joker”.

WARNER BROTHERS STORY LINE:

Joker centers around an origin of the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. Todd Phillips’ exploration of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, a man disregarded by society, is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.

MY 2 CENTS:

This film is fantastic. It probably isn’t for everyone. I know it received a lot of negative reviews and a bunch of criticism for the amount of violence. However, it I feel that it also deserved some praise – both for the writing and the acting. I think the risks taken by writers Todd Phillips and Scott Silver were great. Before seeing the film, I was a bit concerned. I had heard that there was talk about extreme unnecessary violence. I had no idea what to expect. However, after seeing the film, I can honestly say that wasn’t the case at all. After watching the John Wick movies, which are just riddled with violence to the point that it is hard to remember a scene without violence, this film is more drama than violence. In fact, the first time Arthur Fleck ever kills anyone, it is in self-defense. Sure, it is clear in that moment you can tell he is enjoying it… and that is where you start to see the typical evil of The Joker come through.  

Writing/Story: ★★★★★

WOW! The origin story for The Joker has always been a bit confusing for me. I never really understood it and it has always seemed a bit unrealistic and contrived. However, writers Todd Phillips and Scott Silver really developed a believable, heart wrenching backstory that allows the audience not only to understand why and how Arthur Fleck becomes The Joker, but to also sympathize with his situation and even root for him at times.

This film really forces the audience to think about mental illness, how we as a society often fail to give the appropriate care, attention, and medical treatment to those that really need it. Arthur Fleck is functioning in society, it’s a struggle but he is doing it. Then, when the funding for his state funded therapy is cancelled and he can no longer talk to his therapist and get his medications he spirals downhill.

Cinematography ★★★★★

The camera angles used during some of the scenes were truly beautiful and helped to pull the right emotional strings of the audience. One scene in particular was when Arthur was dancing down the steps and the camera is lower down, staring up at him. The joy he is portraying is both frightening and delightful at the same time.

Another case would be when Arthur has been beaten down and the camera is low on the ground with him. As an audience member, being down there on the ground with him, you feel his pain, his fear, his anger, and just a complete rush of helplessness.

The way this movie was filmed really made me feel like I was watching a Martin Scorsese film, such as Taxi Driver, The King of Comedy, or even Raging Bull. After seeing the film, I read some reviews that said this same thing. However, were other people complained about this, I really liked it. I’ve always really liked Martin Scorsese’s film style.

Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★★

Joaquin Phoenix was brilliant in this film. I can’t think of another actor that could have played this role in quiet the same way or with the same amount of emotional connection. There are so many moments throughout the film where I was just swept away emotionally, and brought to tears even, because of what Arthur was going through. It isn’t because I agree with the violence and the killing, but its in the moments, such as the first time he attempts standup comedy, or when he is beaten down in the street (more than once) where as an audience member feel his fear, his pain, and his torment.

In an interview, Phoenix stated that perfecting the Joker’s laugh was the toughest part of playing the character and I can completely see why. Laughter is usually associated with joy and delight and comedy, however, when he laughs you see his struggle with pain, depression, and anxiety. It is in complete conflict with the act of laughing. He stated that he watched videos of people who suffered from pathological laughter in order to get it just right.

Joaquin Phoenix stated that he had been “interested in the light of Arthur for lack of a better word. It wasn’t just the torment, it was the joy, his struggle to find happiness and to feel connected. To have warmth and love. I don’t think of a character as tormented.” Ultimately, I feel that Phoenix was able to bring out all of Arthur’s deepest emotions and make him a character that audience members can both related to and sympathize with.

FUN FACT:

Robert De Niro‘s role as Murray Franklin, the talk-show host who gives Arthur Fleck his big break, and even the name The Joker, is an ironic role reversal from De Niro’s role in The King of Comedy (1982). In that film, De Niro played Rupert Pupkin, an unsuccessful, mentally-unstable comedian who stalked and kidnapped his favorite talk-show host, Jerry Langford (played by Jerry Lewis).

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“The worst part of having a mental illness is people expect you to behave as if you don’t.”

“I used to think that my life was a tragedy, but now I realize, it’s a comedy.”

TO SUM IT UP:

This film is a dark, terrifying, gritty, raw, and often uncomfortable character study of a man who has been mistreated, abused (both emotionally and physically), and overlooked by everyone in his life. This film dives into how the circumstances of life and long-term abuse have affected Arthur Fleck physically, emotionally, and mentally. I highly recommend seeing it on the big screen so you can get the full effect of the amazing camera angles and larger than life closeups.

Have you seen JOKER? If not, you should. If you have, let me know your thoughts, in the comments below. As always, I recommend seeing this film for yourself and forming your own opinion.

Check out my YouTube channel and the video review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.

JOKER (2019) Trailer:

Murder Mystery #SundayScreening Movie Review

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TITLE: Murder Mystery (2019)
DIRECTOR: Kyle Newacheck
WRITERS: James Vanderbilt
STARS: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Luke Evans, and Terence Stamp
GENRE(S): Action, Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Romance
RUNTIME: 97 minutes
RATED: PG-13

SHOW RATING OVERVIEW

WRITING: ★★★  CINEMATOGRAPHY: ★★★ STORY: ★★★ ACTING: ★★★
OVERALL: ★★★

STORYLINE:

A New York cop and his wife go on a European vacation to reinvigorate the spark in their marriage, but end up getting framed and on the run for the death of an elderly billionaire.

MY 2 CENTS:

Writing: ★★★ The writing is really the only thing holding this film together and it wasn’t that great. It has a decent plot – a New York cop and his wife go on a vacation they probably can’t afford and they end up getting framed for the murder of a billionaire. I guess they would have motive because they don’t have much money to start with, but come on.

Alternate Ending… There were hints at the beginning of the film… Jennifer Aniston’s character commented on how her husband, played by Adam Sandler, never listens. She has wanted to go on this vacation for years. In fact, it’s their honeymoon, but they have been married for a pretty long time already. Second hint… he was reading a murder mystery on the plane – she loves them. Where, as an author, I thought the film should go was that Adam Sandler was saving money for years, planning the perfect murder mystery vacation for his wife. In the end we would find out it was all a big game, just like in the movie The Game.

Nope, that isn’t what happened. You’ll just have to watch it for yourself to see the disappointing end.  

Cinematography:  ★★★ There were some decent shots when they were in the car chase, but other than that, the cinematography was nothing to write home about.

Story: ★★★ I thing I covered this when I was talking about the writing. I would have done things a bit different with the ending to allow for a plot twist that this movie failed to give the viewers.

Acting: ★★★ I’ve never been a huge fan of Adam Sandler; he tends to yell to much in his films. However, he didn’t do that in this one. No, in fact, he was very subdued. The acting wasn’t terrible, but it could have been better.

I like Jennifer Aniston, I have since her time on Friends, but she is a lot like Brad Pitt… nice to look at but a little one noted when it comes to character development.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“All women are actresses, dear. I’m just clever enough to get paid for it.”

Check out my YouTube channel and the video review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.

View the Official Trailers Here!

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John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) ~ Review

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Title:                                 John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)

Director:                           Chad Stahelski

Writers:                            Derek Kolstad, Shay Hatten, Chris Collins, & Marc Abrams 

Stars:                               Keanu Reeves (John Wick), Halle Berry (Sofia), Ian McShane (Winston), Laurence Fishburne (Bowery King), Asia Kate Dillon (The Adjudicator), Lance Reddick (Charon), & Randall Duk Kim (Doctor)

Genre(s):                          Action / Crime / Thriller

Length:                            2 hours and 11 minutes

SHOW RATING OVERVIEW†

  • Writing ★★★
  • Cinematography ★★★★★
  • Story ★★★★
  • Acting ★★★★
  • OVERALL RATING: ★★★★ (4)

STORYLINE:

In this third installment of the adrenaline-fueled action franchise, skilled assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) returns with a $14 million price tag on his head and an army of bounty-hunting killers on his trail. After killing a member of the shadowy international assassin’s guild, the High Table, John Wick is excommunicado, but the world’s most ruthless hit men and women await his every turn.

MY 2 CENTS:

Let’s start with this… Keanu Reeves is going to be 55 years old later this year, September 2nd to be exact. Now, I’m not saying 55 is old, because it isn’t. However, I’m not even close to 55 yet and there is no way I’d have the energy it must have taken to do that role. Nor do I have the amazing abs that Keanu has… I’d love to know his workout routine because come on, it is bikini season after all.

I joked with my husband, as we left the theatre. I said, I bet if you took everything except the dialog out of the script, you’d be left with about 5 pages. There was virtually no dialogue in this movie. Don’t get me wrong, it didn’t bother me. You don’t really go to a Keanu Reeves movie to hear him talk… he is eye candy, plain and simple. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t dive into his characters, he does. He gave 110% to the role of John Wick and I can’t wait to see the next one. Chapter 3 left the story open for another sequel and I’m sure fans of all ages, like me, will be lining up to see it.

This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The action starts the moment the lights go out and doesn’t stop until the credits start rolling. Seriously, the fighting is insane… Its raw, with the grit of the Jason Bourne movies and the improvisation of real life. I love how they didn’t pretend that their guns had an endless supply of bullets; numerous times throughout the movies the characters had to stop fighting to change out their magazines. No more bullets, that’s ok just throw the gun at his head. Can’t find a weapon, no problem just run to the nearest antiquities shop and start tossing around daggers and hatchets.

Probably the best action film series I’ve seen in a while. No, there isn’t much there in terms of story…

His wife dies… he gets a dog… the dog gets killed… he goes on a killing spree

Yup, that pretty much sums up all three stories.

I’m not going to tell you who gets hurt, who dies, who disappears, or who gets excommunicado, you’ll have to watch the movie to get all the gruesome details. Trust me, it is worth the watch!

Don’t wait until you can rent this one at home – See it on the big screen!

CHARACTERS

I’m not going to talk about John Wick… If you’re going to see the film you already love his character. I want to talk about two of the characters that I felt really stole the screen whenever they were on.

Lance Reddick who played Charon – the man who worked the front desk at the Continental Hotel. He was fantastic!!!

Randall Duk Kim the actor who played the doctor that helped John sew up his shoulder five minutes before his status of excommunicado was in effect. When he pulled out his gun and handed it to Wick so that he could shoot him it was powerful… emotional… and a sign of the honest friend he was. I thought his role, although small, was extremely well written. That had to be one of my favorite scenes in the whole movie.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

“If you want peace, prepare for war.” ~ Winston

Check out my YouTube channel and the video review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.

John Wick (Chapter 3 (2019) Official Trailer

John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) Official Trailer

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John Wick (2014) Official Trailer

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