Book Review; STAR WARS: SHADOW FALL (Book 2), Alexander Freed

 

STAR WARS: SHADOW FALL (Book 2)
Alexander Freed
Del Rey / Disney
June 2020
416 Pages
Scifi / Fantasy

The series starts with Alphabet Squadron, where we meet a team of assembled rebel pilots with the purpose locating, and destroying the Imperial TIE fighter squad known as Shadow Wing. Shadow Fall picks up where Alphabet Squadron left off. (To recap the characters, and review of Alphabet Squadron, see my earlier review).

A quick recap: This is shortly after the battle on Endor. General Hera Syndulla and Caern Adan put together a team of five pilots. Imperial defector Yrica Quell is posted as the point person for the squadron. Her cohorts are Nath, Wyl, Chass, and Kairos. While the first mission for an attack was ruled a victory, two things must be noted. They didn't destroy the Shadow Wing, and they nearly blew up an entire planet. Hardly a victory.

Regrouped, and ready for a new attempt, a plan is forged. An out of the way planet loyal to the Imperials (because their planet is on a trajectory course with an all-consuming black hole, and Palpatine promised the world support before his death). Alphabet Squadron believes they can overtake the scarred planet, making a big enough fuss, to attrack the Shadow Wing. 

It sounds like a simple enough plan. However, nothing ever goes as planned. Instead, a quick coup becomes a viscous battle for survival!

In this second installment we get more deep and personal with all of the members of the cast. The insight is often disturbing, and troubling. We get to see how each member got to where they are. We also meet some new people. (With a slight flavor from Freed's Battlefront) We are introduced to the ground troops for the New Republic. And, eventually, the squadron and the ground troops get the chance to fight more side-by-side rather than by air and land.

I struggle with the shifting of one character between books. Soran Keize is mentioned a lot in the first book. He was Quell's Imperial superior--he was the one who insisted she flee after the destruction ofa planet because he knew she did not have the stomach to carry on. He also indicated he was going to flee. As he creates a new identity for himself in book one, all indicators point toward a better fit with the New Republic, and not the Empire. However, the character does a complete 180. And while some of the reasoning is explained, it didn't sit right with me.

Aside from that -- we have some personification of droids that is spectacular. Especially the relationship between Nath and his T5 unit, and Quell with Adan's IT-O torturer droid turned psychologist. But Nath and the T5 are reminiscent of Skywalker with his R2 when in the cockpit during a space dogfight against enemy TIEs.

To say a lot happens is so vague and unworthy of a review, but to get into it would clearly spoil the surprises that Freed has unfold in the tale. There are peaceful cults, angry characters, back stabbing allies, and the unexpected shift when trusted people in the know suddenly about-face and switch sides.

Overall, an un-put-down-able read! I was glued to the pages (except when I had to turn them). I am anxious for the third installment expected out later this year.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the scifi horror novel, ABSOLUTE ZERO

Book Review: STAR WARS: ALPHABET SQUADRON

 

 STAR WARS: Alphabet Squadron (Book 1)
Alexander Freed
Del Rey / Disney
416 Pages

June 2019
Fantasy / Scifi

For starters, this book, the first in the Alphabet Squadron series is crossover with the Marvel comic, TIE FIGHTER. In the hardcover edition, the center of the book contains several full-color comic book pages (with amazing illustrations by Roge Antonio). 

I am a huge fan of Alexander Freed. Was first introduced to his writing when I devoured the Star Wars novel, BATTLEFRONT: Twilight Company. So, when I learned he was doing a new series with a whole new cast of characters, I was super-psyched.

Alphabet Squadron does not disappoint! The Empire lost at the battle on Endor. The Death Star has been destroyed. The Emperor is dead. But those loyal to the Empire have not surrendered! Hera Syndulla is putting together a team. Caern Adan is spearheading the campaign. 

The goal is to assemble a team of pilots who can outmaneuver, and destroy the Empire's elite 204th TIE Squadron. The ruthless leader, Colonel Shakara Nuress, of the Starship Destroyer Pursuer dispatches what has become commonly known as Shadow Wing.

The Shadow Wing are known for heartless runs against often defenseless separatists, but also for engaging in battles --and winning them-- against the Rebel Alliance. They are a talented pool of pilots with the seemingly only agenda of decimating their enemy.

Alphabet Squadron is led by Empire defector, Yrica Quill. She flies an X-Wing. The remaining four on the squad are Karios, who wears a face covering helmet, and talks very little (and smells of iron and spice), flies a U-Wing. Wyl Lark, an A-Wing, Nath Tensent (Y-Wing) -- his entire squad was killed by the Shadow Wing. He was the lone survivor. And last, but absolutely not least, is Chass na Chadic (B-Wing).

Quill, partially charged with getting the squad prepared for battle, must also help Adan with figuring out where the 204th are in hiding. Tracking them down in the reaches of the galaxy is an issue. Beating them in a space dog fight is a near impossibility.

The book is explosive with action, wrought with character tension, and nail-bitingly intense as the stories of each of the members of the Alphabet Squadron come into play! Freed has started an amazing series. I love the time frame -- Just after Episode VI. There is a lot of name dropping, mentioning of the Rebel Alliance heroes and legends, such as Jyn Erso from Rogue One (novelization by Alexander Freed).

I hear constant complaints about the newer Star Wars movies, but you know what I rarely hear? Complaints about the books that stem from the universe. If you haven't read Alexander Freed before, Alphabet Squadron might be the perfect place to begin! Or Rogue One. Or Twilight Company . . .

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the scifi horror novel ABSOLUTE ZERO

Movie Review: PLEDGE

 

PLEDGE
Director: Daniel Robbins
Writer: Zack Weiner
Staring: Zachery Byrd, Phillip Andre Botello, Zack Wieiner, Aaron Dalla Villa
78 mins / March 2019

Horror / Thriller
Streaming: Hulu 

"Few Get In. None Get Out."

This movie is like what might happen if Revenge of the Nerds met Friday the 13th. It is Pledge-Week on a college campus. Three friends make their way from one fraternity to the next, certain they will get into one of the Greek frats.What they learn, instead, is that they are annoying, and creepy, and that the people at the houses they visit would rather make fun of them rather than let them pledge.

When a stunningly beautiful young woman invites them to a party, they decide to go. They have more than exhausted the campus opportunities. In a tucked away mansion, the three find themselves in the center of an amazing party. They are surrounded by loud music, hot chicks, and the group of guys running the house have taken a special liking in the trio.

When they come back the next day, they learn they are only 10 members ever in the "club," the three of them are the only pledges being considered. And then ... the hazing begins. The nightmare begins.

Trapped inside the mansion tucked in the middle of nowhere, the three friends realize their dream of joining a fraternity, of acceptance, inclusion -- are rocked to the core as the hazing turns to torture, One problem with escape. There is no way out . . . very little chance of getting away.

For a low budget horror film, the cinematography is top notch. Every single one of the actors does a great job, You can't help but like the three nerds (Byrd, Botello, Weiner), and Aaron Dalla Villa is a pretty cool villain.

The twist at the end, about the pledges, that was the kicker. That was what made a potential 6 Star review into an 8 Star review. In my opinion.

I found myself holding my breath more than once, and a few times, I even cringed and thought about looking away. (I was raised on horror, so looking away is never an option). This thrilling tale is far from perfect (as are most movies, even big budget films), but I really enjoyed this one! Know how I know it was compelling and entertaining? I didn't play with my phone once. (That right there is a good sign).

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime novel, YOU CHOOSE

Movie Review: THE CLOVEHITCH KILLER

 

THE CLOVEHITCH KILLER
Director: Duncan Skiles 
Writer: Christopher Ford
Staring: Dylan McDermott, Charlie Plummer, Madisen Beaty, Samantha Mathis 
Thriller / Crime / Drama  
109 mins / November 2018
Streaming: Hulu 

Are you in the mood for a slow-burn thriller, complete with creepiness, skin crawling, hair raising elements? The Clovehitch Killer just might be the movie you have been looking for. It was for me. Calling this film creepy just doesn't cut it. Maybe if I use a capital C? No. Nope. Still doesn't cover it.

Tyler (Plummer / Looking for Alaska) is living what he perceives as a normal teenager life. Tyler likes girls. Driving. And occasionally, sneaking out of the house to meet girls with his dad's truck. He is very involved in Boy-scouts, and his church. As are his parents. In fact his father, Don (McDermott / American Horror Story, The Practice), is the leader for Tyler's troop.

When a girl finds a bondage image ripped from the pages of a smutty magazine in the truck Tyler is driving, she spreads the roomer that Tyler is a pervert. Cindy (Beaty / Once Upon A Time in Hollywood), who hangs around outside the church, is rumored to be something of a little tramp with a fetish for the macabre. 

Tyler turns to Cindy for help, but not just because his reputation is being dragged through the mud, but because he can't shake the realization his father just might be the local serial killer. The two pair up and begin sharing clues and evidence.

As they leave no rock overturned, their search for answers alerts the Clovehitch Killer. Their own investigation has not gone unnoticed. The closer they get, the more desperate the killer becomes.

This is a fantastic film. I have no other way of putting it. Fantastic. Man, was it creepy -- did I already mention that? Somewhere at the beginning of the review? I think I did. Because, you know what? It was creepy!

Ford (Spider-man: Homecoming) carefully plots out the entire story. It is a thorough. He makes sure there are no questions left unanswered. While I found the action a bit surprising, maybe a little disappointing, I got it. I understand why Tyler does what he does, even if I don't agree with . . . how it all turns out.

It all comes down to the acting. Plummer and Beaty are good together. A little sexual tension, and plenty of awkward moments. However, McDermott's performance is absolutely unnerving (and, might I add, creepy?). 

Like I said at the beginning, if you want to kick back and watch a flick that immediately pulls you, twists your stomach into a knot, and doesn't let up until the final credits roll . . . The Clovehitch Killer is what you should be watching!

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime novel YOU CHOOSE 

Movie Review: PIECES OF A WOMAN

PIECES OF A WOMAN
Director: Kornel Mundruczo 
Writer: Kata Weber
Staring: Shia LaBeouf, Vanessa Kirby, Ellen Burstyn, Molly Parker
Drama / 126 mins
January 2021
Streaming: Netflix 

In this dramatic, heartbreaking film, Sean (LaBeouf), and Martha (Kirby) have decided on a home delivery for their first child. When she goes into labor, Martha doesn't feel right. When the midwife shows up their hopes of becoming new parents are destroyed.

Grieving, the couple decides to file criminal charges against the midwife, Eva (Parker).

The movie shows how the two attempt dealing with grief in their own ways. The ways are not exactly compatible. The differences make each seem less sympathetic toward the other. It makes the scenes more complex and compelling, and heartbreaking.

There isn't much more I can do to summarize the film, as it is a traumatic drama with only a glimpse --a small glimmer-- of hope at the very end.

The opening thirty minutes of the film, prior to even the screen Title appearing, is nothing short of intense. (It does carry-on a bit), but it shows the relationship between the couple, and teases at the expected hopes and dreams of a future family.

I love Shia LaBeouf. When I first saw him on Even Stevens, I knew the kid was going to grow up into a big star. He may have hit some rough mental patches. Isn't that almost expected with childhood actors as they grow up? Regardless, he is back and making some fantastic dramatic films. (An example would be The Peanut Butter Falcon). In this role he plays to the best of his ability a supportive husband who tries to deal with the anguish of loss and crushed dreams.

Not knowing much about Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), I wasn't sure what to expect from her performance. However, the actress blew me away. Her performance was authentic, and gut-wrenching. She impressed me with her obvious on-screen talent. I have the feeling Kirby will continue to land lead roles, as she clearly carried the film.

Interestingly, and sadly, the movie (and the play) are based loosely based on the true story, as experienced by the director (Mundruczo) and the writer (Weber), who in real life are married to one another.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the Contemporary Drama, BEFORE THE SUN SETS  

Movie Review: FROZEN

FROZEN
Director / Writer: Adam Green
Starring: Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, Kevin Zegers
Adventure / Drama / Thriller
March 2010 / 93 mins
Streaming: Hulu, Tubi

I was a bit pessimistic about watching a movie that takes place on a ski lift. I wondered how intense, how interesting, could such a film be?

Let me tell you what, FROZEN is very intense. Very interesting. It was actually frightening. I found myself almost immediately on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The plot is simple. Three skiers convince a ski lift operator to let them make one last run down the mountain. Thing is a storm is on the way in. The resort is shutting down for the next few days. The lift operator thinks he sees the last three skiers make their way down the mountain and past him, and shuts the lift.

Only problem is, they were the wrong three skiers. Our three were still on the lift, halfway up the mountain. With the storm making its way in, they are trapped a few hundred feet above the ground. There is no cell service in the remote area (of course). The elements, wolves, and a need to survive cause the three to make difficult decisions.

They have to make difficult decisions because if they just sit stagnate for the weekend they will surely freeze to death.

This is NOT Disney's FROZEN. This is a mighty taut thriller that no one should miss!

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime thriller YOU CHOOSE

 

Movie Review: BLACK OPS

 

BLACK OPS
Writer / Director: Tom Patton 

Staring: Shayne Ward, Bentley Kalu, Samantha Schnitzler
June 2020 / 102 min
Horror / Sci-fi
Streaming: HULU

The movie tagline grabs you: The Only Way Out Is Up

A Black Ops team, known as Hell's Bastards, is sent on a mission. There is a civil war happening around them. They are on some kind of recon assignment. One of the orders they have to follow is that on their way in, they are not to let anyone live ...When they breach a camp and take out the enemy, they also find civilians, prisoners. Following orders is not always easy. However, there is no way around following orders.

They are warned, however. The only way out is up.

The military team finds a doorway that leads to a staircase. And this is where the story unfolds. On a staircase. The staircase is never ending. Whether climbing up or down. It seems like an eternal "circle" of the same stairs. The same steps.

As the unnerved group continues to search for a way out, they are -- one by one -- forced to face and, in a sense, admit or atone for the sins they'd committed. The horrors of war, the horrors of their past, the crimes that their lives have become!

There are posted Exits on the stairwell. Crossing through the door is not the way to freedom. It is not a way out. There is only one way out. The way out is up.

For a movie I am assuming was made on a shoe-string budget, (I mean it literally takes place in a stairwell), I liked it! The filming is interesting. Blue, green, and red lenses are used. The effect gives the movie an overall cold feel. Icy. The acting is pretty darn good. The characters are developed enough that you care what happens to them.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the sci-fi / horror novel ABSOLUTE ZERO

Book Review: SEE ME, by Nicholas Sparks

 

SEE ME
Nicholas Sparks
Grand Central Publishing

496 Pages / October 2015
Thriller / Romance 

As a fan of Nicholas Sparks movies, I have recently started reading the books. I recently read Every Breath, and have just now finished See Me.

See Me was definitely more my speed. It is a taut thriller about revenge. Vengeance.

Maria used to work for the District Attorney's office. She landed the job when she graduated from law school. Prosecuting criminals was intense. Sometimes the work got to her. After one particular case went south, she decided it might be best to shift her specialty.

Colin spent some time in jail. He was arrested countless times for fights. Thankfully, he had a best friend who always had his back. Evan and Lily help Colin as best they can. For the last few years, Colin has kept out of trouble. He is enrolled in school with aspirations of becoming an elementary teacher. Keeping himself in line, Colin also fights for money. Mixed martial arts, MMA. He is also on five years probation. One wrong move and he knows he will be sent directly to prison.

Maria's sister, Serena, knows Colin and Maria might be perfect together. Playing matchmaker, she attempts to pull off the seemingly impossible. Just as things start to go good for everyone, Maria's past explodes on scene.

She has a stalker. Her life is clearly in danger. Colin is not one to sit by and do nothing. His involvement in trying to get to the bottom of the matter could get him in trouble, could land him in prison. Caring more about Maria than his own future, Colin is determined to find out who is bothering his girlfriend.

The problem is there are far too many potential suspects. Between the male lawyers at the law firm, and the old cases Maria worked on in her past, it could be any number of people after her, wanting to extol retribution for someone once done wrong.

Fast. Tense. And with great characters, See Me was a fantastic read. Gripping, and romantic, while also tender, and gritty! I highly recommend this book from readers who enjoy drama tales with romance and thrilling suspense!

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the legal thriller, ADVERSE IMPACT

Book Review: Every Breath, by Nicholas Sparks

 

EVERY BREATH
Nicholas Sparks
Grand Central Publishing 
306 pages / June 2018
Drama / Romance 

I have always loved Nicholas Sparks movies, with the exception of  The Notebook. (Don't shoot me, just being honest). That was my least favorite film of his. In all these years, I have never read a Sparks novel. My good friend lent me a copy of Every Breath. Said it is a fast read. I would enjoy it.

And I did read it fast, and I did enjoy it. At 300 pages, the first 2/3s are fantastic, and fast. The last third is a bit dry, but necessary. 

Truitt "Tru" Wells is a safari guide in Africa. Born and raised. He has a son, and an ex-wife. He receives a mysterious letter from a father he never met. The man wanted to meet his son and provided a plane ticket to the states. Always searching for more information about his mother, who died when Tru was very young, Tru flies to North Carolina and stays at his father's beach house not sure what to expect from the upcoming meeting.

Hope is staying at the family beach house for two reasons. Her friend from college is getting married, and she is a bride's maid, and because her father has been diagnosed with ALS, sometimes known as Lou Gherig's Disease. The family needs money, and selling the beach house might put them in a more stable financial situation.

Hope is not thrilled about the wedding. Seems like all of her friends are getting married, or married already, and her six-year relationship is moving backwards instead of forward. In walks Tru.

There are immediate sparks when the two meet. The love is almost instantaneous. The problem they face is simple. He is from Africa. She is from the US. She has a boyfriend, and he has a son back home. Add to the drama of the obvious, some wine, romantic dinners, and a whole lotta opening up . . .

But see, it all started with a mail box. the Kindred Spirit. This is where the last third of the book comes into play. that is all I will say.

My summation? Love waits for no one, unless it does.

A great novel. Glad I read it. I will be reading more!

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the romance novel BEFORE THE SUN SETS 

Movie Review: AFTER DARKNESS

AFTER DARKNESS
Starring: Natalia Dyer, Kyra Sedgwick, Tim Daly, John Patrick Amedori 
Director: Batan Silva
Writers: Fernado Diez Barroso
138 minues / Drama / Sci-fi / Thriller
2019
Streaming: HULU 

The sun is dying. The effect on the planet is detrimental. Cold. Darkness. Hunger. Earth is in danger (as would be the entire solar system). The movie focuses on the Beaty family. On the first day of spring, and the sun does not rise, The Beatys are trying to make the best of things. They have a big house, heat, and food.

It is Clara's birthday. Clara is portrayed by Stranger Things' Natalia Dyer. Her father is the head of the family. He is trying to take care of everyone. Raymond Beaty (Tim Daly - Wings) is beyond eccentric. His helicopter means of parenting is done with an iron fist. His pressure to keep the family safe becomes more intense when he realizes his family isn't taking the situation they are in more seriously.

The Beatys struggle keeping it together. They deal with real, every-family-type situations. Including the death of a loved one, and a baby on the way. There are plenty of secrets. The thing is everyone knows them, but no one will admit them. No one will talk about them.

Siblings. Children. Parents. In-laws. Considering they are all stuck living together under one roof during the end of the world, the making for intense family drama is all right there. The ingredients are poured, and the father is always churning away at them.

The family is waiting for help. Someone is supposed to come and rescue them. There is supposed to be sanctuary in some caves, somewhere. It seems like no one is coming to help. Their relatively safe life amidst the apocalypse is threatened. But is it by the world falling apart outside, or the family falling apart from within?

While science fiction, this is more of a family drama. Dysfunctional with a capital D. The dying planet seems almost secondary to the story of death, and loss, and love. The actors do a great job, and the dialogue is on point. Is there hope? Redemption? Or just the sun hurrying up and being dead so the misery can end?

I hate assigning a number rating to a film. But out of 10, I would give this film a well-earned 7 Stars.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the science fiction novella EXTINCTION 

Movie Review: The Owners

THE OWNERS

Staring: Maisie Williams, Sylvester McCoy, Rita Tushingham, Jake Curan and Ian Kenny

Director: Julius Berg

Writers: Mathieu Gompel, Julius Berg

92 minutes / Horror / Thriller / Suspense
2020

Streaming: Hulu

Three friends have a horrible idea. They heard about a safe in the basement of an old retired doctor, and his nurse. When the couple goes out for the evening it seems like the perfect time for a burglary. There are only two problems with the plan. Mary (Maisie Williams - GOT) is Nathan's girlfriend. They borrowed her car, and she is not leaving until she gets it back.

The second problem is much, much worse. The innocent old couple is not what they seem.

This is an almost fun thriller. While you have zero sympathy for the thieves, you soon learn feeling bad for the old couple is pointless. They may be old, and they may be retired, but you soon find yourself rooting fore them.

As a fan of Maisie Williams, I decided to give this new horror flick a shot. It is fast and at times a bit intense. The ending, a bit over the top, is horrific and scary. There is an Alice-in-Wonderland bizarre sense to the way the plot unfolds. I also got a little taste of Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibe. Remember the scene at the dinner table. "Hit her, grandpa! Hit her." Yeah - weird like that.

The movie is perfectly timed at just over an hour and a half. Any longer and the film would lose its bite. 

I enjoyed the suspense, and the calm, cool, and collective Dr. Huggins (Sylvester McCoy - Hobbit / Dr. Who). He was creepy as hell!

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the supernatural horror novel, Woman in the Woods