“Smilin’ Jack Ruby” Looks at “Dolan’s Cadillac”

Craig / / 2001, Celebs, Unmade Films

Smilin’ Jack Ruby [gotta love that name!] posted a very positive review of the script for “Dolan’s Cadillac” over at Fandom.com. Jack had some very interesting things to say…

“I had the opportunity to read the script and not being ABKing [SZ regular Andrew! – Craig Zablo], I am skeptical of all things SLY STALLONE. Well, this role is tailor-made for him.”
“He’s the ultimate heavy, the kingpin of Las Vegas organized crime and the guy who runs the Mandarin Casino, which rises high over the strip.”

“I have read the script and it’s pretty interesting. You wouldn’t think it, but it actually combines some elements of “The Shawshank Redemption” into a revenge thriller, though this story never tries to get to that level. It’s a revenge pic, pure and simple.”

“If you read the short story, you’ll find out what this big revenge thing is. Needless to say, it is something incredibly cinematic that makes me really, REALLY want to see this movie.”

“KEVIN BACON as Tom is perfect casting…”

“I’m sure this will turn into a project with a lot of good actors as the parts are well written.”

“I have to hand it to SANDY TITLE and JONATHON PENNER, this is an adaptation I want to see…”

“It is well-cast, well-written… really keeps the tone of STEPHEN KING intact in the script.”
The underlined sections are parts that I highlighted for emphasis.

 

To read the complete review, click |HERE|. – Craig Zablo [February 18, 2001]

Rambo Action Figure

Craig / / 2001, Rambo

On January 27, 2001 we reported that Rambo would be the first in a new line of action figures from N2Toys. At that time we even previewed a figure based on preliminary work.

Now we can show you the actual Rambo figures which were on display at a recent Toy Fair. Click on the images at the right (6″ action figure) and below (12″ version) to see larger pics.

Thanks to Dedrick of D & G Electronics and Toys for the images.
– Craig Zablo (February 11, 2001)

“Dolan’s Cadillac” Confirmed

Craig / / 2001, Avenging Angelo, Unmade Films

On January 30th, the SZ announced that SLY was planning to star in an adaptation of STEPHEN KING’s “Dolan’s Cadillac.” Fans became excited by the prospect of SLY in the role of a Las Vegas kingpin who thinks he’s gotten away with murder.

Well, it wasn’t just STALLONE fans who thought that this was newsworthy! The same day that our story ran, Dark Horizons and Chud posted the news as well! [Chud got their info from DH… and DH was sent the tip by Lilja of The World of Stephen King who had also e-mailed the SZ.]

Yesterday Zorianna Kit of The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that SLY is set to star [and KEVIN BACON is in negotiations to join him] in “Dolan’s Cadillac,” based on a STEPHEN KING novelette. The movie is scheduled to start production in May with writer-director STACY TITLE [“The Last Supper”] directing from her own adaptation.

In “Cadillac,” STALLONE will play a Las Vegas kingpin who thinks he’s gotten away with the murder of an innocent woman, though the spouse of the victim has big revenge plans.
This will be SLY’S fourth film for Franchise. He starred in “Get Carter” as well as the upcoming “Driven” and SLY will start filming “Avenging Angelo” with MADELINE STOWE in mid-April and then begin work on “Dolan’s Cadillac” in May.

– Craig Zablo [February 7, 2001]

EW’s Advance Look at “Driven”

Craig / / 2001, Celebs, Driven

The February 16, 2001 issue of Entertainment Weekly contains the following write-up about “Driven”

starring SYLVESTER STALLONE, BURT REYNOLDS, KIP PARDUE, ESTELLA WARREN written by SYLVESTER STALLONE directed by RENNY HARLIN

what’s the big deal? SLY writes himself a Rocky of the racing circuit

The last time STALLONE buddied up with action auteur HARLIN – for 1993’s Cliffhanger – they rappelled back to base camp with $260 mil worldwide. And since the thriller was also STALLONE‘s last hit, it makes sense that he’d tap the Finnish director to help steer him back onto the fast track. In fact, it’s why STALLONE penned this race-car-driving saga. “I’m trying to do something different with my career,” he admits. “Yeah, this movie has action and adventure, but it’s really a drama underneath, like Rocky.” How so? Well, the actor plays a retired driver whose days in the victory circle are over. Then a sage racing-team owner [REYNOLDS] offers him a second chance – not to get behind the wheel, but to help train a cocky young prodigy [Remember the Titans‘ Pardue]. Still, despite all the human drama, HARLIN promises it’s the wipeouts that’ll fuel this vehicle. “The way we’re shooting these crashes is brand-new,” he says. “You’ve never seen it before. The viewer’s going to be right there in the driver’s seat, spinning out of control.” Pass the Dramamine. [April 27]

I really like the overall positive tone of this write-up. It’s especially gratifying that the writer feels that the “big deal” about “Driven” is that SLU wrote the screenplay himself!

– Craig Zablo [February 4, 2001]

Frank Stallone Checks In

Craig / / 2001, Celebs, Frank Stallone, Unmade Films

FRANK STALLONE e-mailed the SZ to thank us for the kind words that he’s been receiving from SZ fans about his newly designed site. He also wanted us to know that he’s updated it again with a ton of never before seen photos! Included are some really cool family pics, as well as photos of FRANK and some of the many celebrities that he’s worked with over the years. Click |HERE| to check it out.

FRANK also wanted us to know that he will be starring in Walker, Texas Ranger on February 10th at 9 pm PST on CBS. Appearing with FRANK will be his “big band.” In addition to his dramatic role, FRANK will also sing three songs!

FRANK also answered a question that many STALLONE fans have been wondering about for some time… Will the film “The Good Life” [FRANK starred in the movie and SLY appeared in a cameo] be released now that the lawsuits have been settled? FRANK‘s response, “I would honestly say no. We have distanced ourselves from it. for it was bad scene. Now my brother and I are closer than we ever were, so after it all that was only positive thing that came of it.”

We really appreciate FRANK taking the time from his busy schedule to send us an update. Be sure to check out his site at frankstallone.com as well as his appearance on “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The SZ will continue to provide updates from FRANK as we get them!

– Craig Zablo [February 4, 2001]

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY PREVIEWS “DRIVEN”!

Craig / / 2001, Celebs, Driven

The February 16, 2001 issue of Entertainment Weekly contains the following write-up about Driven starring Sylvester Stallone, Burt Reynolds, Kip Pardue, Estella Warren written by Sylvester Stallone directed by Renny Harlin

What’s the big deal? Sly writes himself a Rocky of the racing circuit.

The last time STALLONE buddied up with action auteur Harlin – for 1993’s Cliffhanger – they rappelled back to base camp with $260 mil worldwide. And since the thriller was also Stallone’s last hit, it makes sense that he’d tap the Finnish director to help steer him back onto the fast track. In fact, it’s why Stallone penned this race-car-driving saga. “I’m trying to do something different with my career,” he admits. “Yeah, this movie has action and adventure, but it’s really a drama underneath, like Rocky.” How so? Well, the actor plays a retired driver whose days in the victory circle are over. Then a sage racing-team owner (Reynolds) offers him a second chance – not to get behind the wheel, but to help train a cocky young prodigy (Remember the Titans‘ Pardue). Still, despite all the human drama, Harlin promises it’s the wipeouts that’ll fuel this vehicle. “The way we’re shooting these crashes is brand-new,” he says. “You’ve never seen it before. The viewer’s going to be right there in the driver’s seat, spinning out of control.” Pass the Dramamine. (April 27)

+++++

I really like the overall positive tone of this write-up.It’s especially gratifying that the writer feels that the “big deal” about “Driven” is that Sly wrote the screenplay himself! – Craig Zablo (February 4, 2001)

Sly in Dolan’s Cadillac

Craig / / 2001

The following e-mail arrived at the SZ today:

“Here is an article that was in the Hartford Courant:
You know all those stories about name talent in Hollywood being booked and double-booked into pre-strike movies – and how there are almost no stars of marquee value left with free space on their schedules?  Well, now we can tell you that even boxoffice-challenged SYLVESTER STALLONE is hurrying into a pre-strike project – and a promising one at that.

It’s “Dolan’s Cadillac,” a STEPHEN KING story in which STALLONE will play a Las Vegas kingpin who thinks he’s gotten away with murder, though the spouse of the victim has big revenge plans.

The CRUISE-WAGNER project [as in TOM CRUISE and PAULA WAGNER] is scheduled to start the last week of April in Mexico. That’s last minute for production and post-production, considering the strike could start June 30th.

Lilja”
—
Lilja’s Library – The World of Stephen King

Thanks to Lilja for her tip! – Craig Zablo [January 30, 2001]