TV Show: Steven Seagal: Lawman

In this reality show we join action movie star Steven Seagal as he goes
on patrol with real life cops.

Seagal has supposedly been a serving deputy sheriff for 20 years and has just now decided to make this public. Income from the straight to dvd market can't be so good.

In the three episodes I have caught so far Seagal looks better than he has done in his last few movies, gone is the long leather coat, and he seems very comfortable on camera in some potentially dangerous situations.
At one point a suspect reaches under the seat of his car after announcing that he has a pistol. Up steps Big Steve to unceremoniously wrench the guy from the car and send him sprawling across the street. When things settle down the unfortunate induividual comes to his senses, looks around and whispers to another cop "That's Steven Seagal over there" when the cop tells him it was Seagal that threw him out the car the guy becomes starstruck. From menacing thug to starstruck fan in two minutes, priceless.

Elsewhere we have Seagal and the team helping out with rebuilding houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and Seagal and his band (he is an accomplished musician and I happened to catch a gig in Glasgow in 2007 where he put on a great show) performing a charity concert for a local children's hospital.

Far better than any film he has made in the last few years so highly recommended for any Seagal fan or anyone who enjoys any real life cop shows.

Look out for Seagal's return to the big time in the upcoming film Machete in which he stars alongside Robert De Niro.

Rick's Rating: 88%

Top Books read in 2009

1. THE LOCH BY STEVE ALTEN

Murder mystery set against the legend and magnificent backdrop of Loch Ness.

2. STILL BLEEDING BY STEVE MOSBY

Disturbing tale takes you on a journey to the dark side of the internet and into the world of murder and suicide memorabilia. Mosby is one of the most original authors on the scene today and I highly recommend his books, but be warned, they are not for the faint of heart.

3. WICKED PREY BY JOHN SANDFORD

The long running Lucas Davenport series still delivers the goods but you'd need to start way back at the beginning with Rules Of Prey to get the best from this one.

4. BLOOD BROTHER BY JACK KERLEY

Carson Ryder tracking his serial killer brother in this top notch thriller.

5. INFECTED BY SCOTT SIGLER

Join "Scary" Perry Dawsey as he tries to stop "The Triangles" taking over his body. This book is far more than you'd expect. Highly recommended.

Top Films Of 2009

1. AVATAR

Ignore the predictability of the story and just enjoy the sheer spectacle. You too will want to be a Na'vi.

2. STAR TREK

Everything a re-make should be.

3. SEVEN POUNDS

Will Smith gives an excellent portrayal of a man looking to make amends.

4. INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

Tarantino is back on form with this WWII drama. Top notch script and great performances all round.

5. THE HANGOVER

Most unusual these days, a comedy that's actually funny and literally about a hangover. Brilliant.

6. WATCHMEN

Dark comic book adaptation.

7. SURVEILLANCE

Violent unpredictable drama.

8. DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM

Not as good as the original but Cyril Raffaelli and David Belle should be given a break in Hollywood after another amazing set of action scenes.

9. X MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE

Appearances by Marvel characters Gambit and Deadpool along with another good turn by Jackman and great action earn this one a place on the list.

10. DEFIANCE

Daniel Craig is much better than any of his Bond performances in this WWII tale of survival.

Book: Blood Brother by Jack Kerley

Fourth and best book so far in the Carson Ryder series.

This installment takes Ryder out of his usual Alabama juristiction after his brother Jeremy escapes the mental institution he has been in since murdering five women.

Ryder does not dominate the book and in fact Jeremy and Ryder's partner, the ever loyal Harry Nautilus , steal the show.

This is a serial killer novel that provides gruesome killings, believable characters and even a couple of twists that a veteran of these type of novels like me didn't see coming.

There is no need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one but they will add a decent amount of background, especially to the relationship between Carson and Jeremy.

Highly recommended for fans of the genre.

Jack Kerley's website sates that the decision to go with J.A instead of Jack was a marketing one. Go figure.

Rick's Rating: 80%

Graphic Novel: Green Arrow - Year One

The origins of The Emerald Archer are retold in this very good graphic novel.

Oliver Queen is a Playboy Millionaire chasing thrills and over indulging in wine & women when he hears an interesting business proposition from long time associate Hackett.

Our Hero ends up marooned on a remote island and is forced to survive using his skills as an Archer.

A potential rescue uncovers whats really happening on the island and Queen must overcome his own Demons to save himself and others.

Excellent atmospheric artwork and an action packed story make this an excellent starting point for anyone with an interest in the character.

A while back there were rumours of a Green Arrow movie, lets hope that happens.

Rick's Rating: 70%

Film: Law Abiding Citizen

Gerard Butler takes on "The System" after the murder of his wife and daughter.

Other reviews have heaped praise on this one but unfortunately I can't do that.

What starts out as a very entertaining and serious drama with shocks and speeches (see the courtroom scene) that make you really get behind this guy descends into an almost Pink Panther (see ridiculous disguises) type unbelievable adventure.

Don't get me wrong, this is very enjoyable in parts and, if you can ignore Butler's dodgy accent, the performances are pretty good.

Excellent first half let down by a script that doesn't quite know where to go and a rather silly anti-climactic ending.

Rick's Rating: 51%

Book: The Shell Game by Steve Alten

This is the second Steve Alten book I have read (see review of The Loch elsewhere here) and he is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.

In a change from his usual subjects he tackles the very real problems of diminishing oil reserves and the truth behind 9/11 in this fictional tale peppered with very relevant real life quotes from some very notable people.

The story of Ace Futrell, a former American Football player, carrying out his wife's final wishes to expose the truth behind Iraq war, 9/11 and the oil crisis is secondary to the facts that Mr Alten uses within it.

For that reason the book suffers, there isn't really a lot here that hasn't been (or could better be) covered by a documentary and for anyone interested in the subjects I'd recommend A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash, The Corporation and Loose Change, all well worth seeking out.

The story it'self is still enjoyable as we join Ace on his mission to Saudi Arabia where he meets some very unsavoury characters but back in the U.S.A it's all a bit confusing with too many characters all of which seem to have an ulterior motive.

To sum up, this is excellent if you have an interest in any of the subjects covered but as a stand alone fictional novel it doesn't quite seem able to decide which type of story it is.

Rick's Rating: 61%

DVD: Star Trek

This all new version of the adventures of the USS Enterprise ticks all the right boxes.

Starting with a spectacular space shoot out the action doesn't let up as we then move on to join Kirk and Spock as young guys trying to find their way.

The story, a slightly confusing time travel tale, eventually brings them together as they and the crew, including new portrayals of all the old favourites, set off to do battle with a foe from Spock's future, an unrecognisable Eric Bana.

Future Spock is of course played by the indomitable Leonard Nimoy and he adds a fantastic nostalgic feeling to the film while being completely relevant to the story.

Zachary Quinto (Heroes) is also great as young Spock and the chemistry between him and Kirk (Chris Pine) is every bit as good as the original pairing of Nimoy & Shatner.

Amazing action scenes, good script, and great performances make this a serious contender for Film Of The Year although a few points are lost for the time travel confusion.

Rick's Rating: 90%

Film: Harry Brown

Michael Caine stars in this UK equivalent of Gran Torino.

Harry lives on an estate ruled by the local NEDS (Non Educated Delinquents) and decides to take a stand after the death of his friend.

This film is perhaps a bit too realistic for my liking and the story mirrors todays news headlines and real life tv cop shows so accurately that the experience of watching it kinda drags you down and doesn't lift you up again.

Caine's performance is fantastic but the whole film is just too depressing for me to recommend.

Rick's Rating: 42%

DVD: Blood And Bone

Michael Jai White (Spawn, Exit Wounds) takes the leading role in this
fighting extravaganza.

Isiah Bone (White) finds that illegal street fighting earns him a quick buck on his release from prison and it also lets him get close to someone who needs taught a lesson.

The story, keeping a jailhouse promise, is secondary to the action as White demonstrates his considerable martial arts skills and physical prowess.

Featuring cameos by real life fighters Kimbo Slice and Bob Sapp this is an
undemanding Saturday night beer and take away movie that fans of any
type of action flick will enjoy.

Rick's rating: 65%

Book: Dead Men's Dust by Matt Hilton

Matt Hilton introduces his hero vigilante Joe Hunter in this thriller.

Hunter's brother is missing and our man with the plan has to track him down.
Unbeknown to Hunter, his brother John has crossed paths with serial killer The Harvestman and this leads to the inevitable confrontation.

Joe Hunter reminds me of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, another super-tough ex soldier and this is a fine introduction.

The Harvestman is an interesting character too and the final third of the book cranks up the excitement.

If you enjoy this format and fancy starting a fresh series with a new character check it out.

Rick's Rating: 70%

Film: Saw VI

Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) carries out Jigsaw's dying wishes
in the latest installment of this franchise.

Fast paced right from the opening sequence this one doesn't let up and it is better than no.5 as more flashbacks reveal aspects of John Kramer's life leading up to him becoming Jigsaw.

The game this time involves an unscrupulous health insurance salesman who must survive each trap in order to reach his family.

Tobin Bell turns in another good performance as the cancer stricken Kramer but the amount of flashbacks and the timeline does get a bit confusing.

Box Office returns and Tobin Bell himself suggest that there is more to come from this story so look out for Saw VII next year.

Recommended if you liked any of the other movies but I'd advise starting at the beginning and watching them all for the story to make sense.

Rick's Rating: 71%