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Live on the KVTA Morning Show with Spence Rich Gualano and Diana Olea, 6:00am-6:30am
every Thursday morning on AM 1590 KVTA.
Films/Shows Previously Discussed
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
12/25/2025
Happy
Holidays!
12/18/2025
FINDING JOY (Amazon Prime; 2025)
Written, Directed and Produced by Tyler Perry
Starring Shannon Thornton, Tosin Morohunfola, Brittany S. Hall
A young fashion designer journeys from New York to Colorado where things
go terribly wrong for her. She decides to go back to New York but finds
herself stranded in the snow and ice. Fortunately, she’s rescued by a
handsome loner who just might be the one true love she’s been looking
for. A little long, very much by-the-numbers but entertaining enough to
pull you through to the end.
MAN VS BABY (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Rowan Atkinson
Atkinson stars as Mr. Bingley who is surprised to be offered another
house-sitting job after the disastrous Man Vs. Bee situation. This time,
he finds himself stuck with a baby and, as expected things go wrong from
there. Cute, but not as funny or as manic as the original, this should
put a smile on your face, mostly because of the looks on Atkinson’s.
LOVE ACTUALLY (Prime Video; Peacock; 2003)
Starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma
Thompson, Martin Freeman, Chiwetel Eljofor, Keira Knightly, Laura
Linney, Alan Rickman, Billy Bob Thornton, January Jones, Claudia
Schiffer, Denise Richards
In what’s become a Christmas classic, this film tells the tale of eight
very different couples from all walks of life and their varied
experiences a month before Christmas. Funny, full of heart, and with a
cast that’s hard to beat, this has become a holiday classic for a very
good reason..
12/11/2025
A MERRY LITTLE
EX-MAS (Netflix; 2025)
Starring
Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jemeela Jamil, Melissa Joan Hart
A separated couple tries celebrating one last Christmas together with
their grown-up kids before their divorce. When the husband brings his
new girlfriend to the celebration, things get complicated. Typical
holiday fare with not much to recommend it; neither funny enough nor
emotional enough.
MY SECRET SANTA
(Netflix; 2025)
Starring
Alexandra Breckinridge, Ryan Eggold,
A woman disguises herself as Santa Claus so she can work at a resort to
get a discount on her daughter's snowboard lessons. When she starts to
fall for the resort’s charming manager, things get complicated. Thanks
to a very funny performance by Alexandra and a charming appearance by
New Amsterdam’s Eggold, this one is a bright spot on a so-far dim
playing field.
RENTAL FAMILY
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring
Brendan Fraser
An American actor moves to Tokyo where his toothpaste commercial is
hugely successful. There, he finds himself working for a company that
hires actors for real people, like strangers to fill seats at a funeral,
pretending to be a fiancée or spouse, or appearing as the woman who
wrecked a marriage and wants to apologize. Uncomfortable with this gig
that truly affects lives, the actor finds real purpose in a pair of jobs
that require him to act as a lost father for a young girl, and as a
writer doing a bio for a legendary Japanese film star. There, he
rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection.
12/04/2025
JINGLE
BELL HEIST (AppleTV; 2025)
Starring Olivia Holt, Connor Swindells, Lucy Punch
Two strangers team up to rob one of London’s most famous department
stores. Of course, as they plan the heist, they start to fall in love.
Kind of boring at first with that British stiff upper lip but a cast
that give sit their best and a couple of nice twists near the end make
it worth a look.
OH. WHAT.
FUN. (Amazon Prime; 2025)
Starring Michelle Pfeifferr, Denis Leary, Felicity Jones, Chloe
Grace Moretz, Jason Schwarzman, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen
Claire plans a special Christmas, but is forgotten by her family. When
they realize that she's missing, their holiday is at risk until she
returns to give them the celebration they deserve.
CHRISTMAS
WITH THE KRANKS (Many streaming services; 2004)
Starring Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd, M. Emmet
Walsh, Cheech Marin, Jake Busey, Austin Pendleton, Felicity Huffman,
Erik Per Sullivan
Rotten Tomatoes: 5%
Audience Score: 40%
When their daughter, Claire, decides to go on a mission in Peru, the
Kranks decide to save money by skipping Christmas and taking an
expensive vacation instead. This doesn’t sit with their neighbors—all of
whom are hardcore Christmas season fanatics—and that chaos only gets
worse when Claire decides to come home for the holidays. Not nearly as
bad as the reviews will tell you, although not very good, (especially a
manic performance by our beloved Jamie Lee) but better than 5%.
11/27/2025
HAPPY
THANKSGIVING!
11/20/2025
THE RUNNING MAN
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring
Glen Powell, Lee Pace, Sean Hayes, Josh Brolin, Debi Mazar, William H.
Macy, Michael Cera
Powell stars as a man who joins a deadly television game show in order
to save his family. Lots of action, some fun lines and another great
performance by Powell make this re-make of the Arnold Schwarzegger
movie, and the novella by Stephen King, worth seeing.
THE BEAST IN ME
(Series; Netflix; 2025)
Starring
Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, Brittany Snow, Jonathan Banks
A reclusive writer finds herself enmeshed with a possible murderer when
he moves into a home near hers. Dark. Mysterious. With an delightfully
evil performance by Rhys.
A VERY JONAS
CHRISTMAS MOVIE (Disney+, Hulu)
Starring
Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas
Cameos by Laverne Cox, Randall Park, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Will Ferrell,
Andrea Martin, Kenny G,
The Jonas Brothers are on the verge of breaking up until a certain
someone tells them they aren't going home for Christmas until they
become brothers again. Way better than expected, and featuring fun
performances by the brothers (and their families!), this is one musical
Christmas journey worth taking.
11/13/2025
VACATION! Vegas, Baby!
11/06/2025
THE LOST BUS
(AppleTV; 2025)
Starring Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Levi McConaughey, Kay
McCabe McConaughey
Written and directed by Paul Greengrass
The story of the horrible fire in Paradise, CA in 2018 and a school bus
driver who, with a dedicated schoolteacher, try to get 22 kids back out
of the raging fire and back to their parents.
Gripping, terrifying, edge of your seat filmmaking with terrific
performances by McConaughey and Ferrera (and others) make this true
story even more harrowing. Of course, some parts of the story were
changed to simplify and intensify the story.
STILLER & MEARA:
NOTHING IS LOST (AppleTV; 2025)
A
documentary about the comedy legends and their family story directed by
their son, Ben Stiller.
GUNSLINGERS
(Netflix; 2025)
Starring Stephen Dorff, Heather Graham, Nicolas Cage
A ultra-low-budget Western in which a man on the run (after killing a
Rockefeller) finds a new home … until the posse looking for him come to
the town (named Redemption). A confusing story isn’t helped by a very
bizarre performance by Nicolas Cage (who sounds a little bit like Louis
Armstrong here) and special effects that look like they could have come
from an iPhone app. Boring, confusing and not much fun. Sitting at 5% on
rotten tomatoes, 20% for the audience score.
10/30/2025
ROOFMAN (Theaters;
2025)
Starring
Channing Tatum, Kristen Dunst, Peter Dinklage, Juno Temple, LaKeith
Stanfield,
Based on
an true story. Tatum stars as an Army veteran and struggling father who
turns to robbing McDonald's restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs,
earning him the nickname: Roofman. After escaping prison, he secretly
lives inside a Toys "R" Us for six months, surviving undetected while
awaiting phony documents. But then he falls in love with one of the
store's employees (Dunst) and all bets are off. Everything about this
film is good: the acting, the screenplay, the direction, the
photography. But it’s the lead character that makes it hard to swallow.
Are we supposed to feel empathy for a character who destroys two
families, burns down a dentist’s office and has held hundreds of people
at gunpoint while robbing them? Too bad it’s a true story.
IT:
WELCOME TO DERRY (HBO; 2025)
Starring Jovan Adepo, James Remar, Matilda Lawler, Bill
Skarsgard.
That nutty clown from Stephen King’s imagination is back, ripping
through the town and population of Derry, Maine once more. Truly
horrifying, scary and very familiar (the story almost mirrors IT), this
is Halloween horror for adults only, and only adults who can handle very
scary happenings, blood and guts and high-tension.
JOHN CARPENTER:
LIVE
Not
a movie but movie-related, legendary film director John Carpenter is
performing some of the scores from his acclaimed movies live at the
Belasco Theater in downtown L.A. But you've got to hurry. Only two dates
remain: 10/31/2025 and 11/01/2025. Tickets available at
www.thebelasco.com.
We went last week and it was a terrific performance. Carpenter and his
synthwave band (including his son, Cody) played over an hour of film
music, with film clips playing on the wall behind them. Carpenter has
amazing charisma as a live performer and the audience we were with was
enthusiastic and excited throughout.
John Carpenter films include:
HALLOWEEN
ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13
THE FOG
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK
THE THING
CHRISTINE
STARMAN
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA
PRINCE OF DARKNESS
THEY LIVE
VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED
ESCAPE FROM L.A.
VAMPIRES
GHOSTS OF MARS
10/23/2025
GOOD FORTUNE
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring Aziz
Ansari, Seth Rogen, Keanu Reeves, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh,
A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel meddles in the lives
of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist. Funny,
loveable and featuring a set of performances—especially Reeves—that
makes you fall in love with it.
VERONICA (Netflix;
2017)
Starring
Sandra Escacena, Bruna Gonzalez, Claudia Placer.
“Only 1 in 100 people who’ve tried to watch it on Netflix made it
through the entire film because it’s so scary.”
During a solar eclipse, a teenage girl and her friends want to summon
the spirit of the girl's father using a Ouija board. However, during the
session she loses consciousness and soon it becomes clear that evil
demons have arrived. Scary, but on a scale of “The Conjuring” rather
than “The Exorcist” or “When a Stranger Calls.”
THE BLACK PHONE
(Peacock; 2021)
Starring
Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeline McGraw
Based on a book by Joe Hill (Stephen King’s son)
After being abducted and locked in a basement, a boy starts receiving
calls on a disconnected phone from the killer's previous victims. Unique
story gives this supernatural slasher film a leg up on other horror
films. Sequel is in theaters now.
10/16/25
OUT SICK!
10/09/25
COMPANION
(HBO Max; 2025)
Starring
Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Harvey Gullen
Weird horror thriller in which an unpleasant young man (Jack
Quaid) takes his girlfriend to a remote cabin in the woods for a weekend
with his friends and things start to get weird when his girlfriend
murders their host. As I said, and that’s where it just
starts to get weird. Sophie Thatcher is
impressive as the girlfriend and Jack Quaid gives another terrific
performance with his quirky wit and style. A weekend getaway with
friends at a remote cabin turns into chaos after it's revealed that one
of the guests is not what they seem.
HALLOWEEN
BAKING CHALLENGE (HBO Max; 2015-2025)
Hosted by
John Hansen
Just like it sounds: A weekly baking competition centered around the
holiday of Halloween. Contestants must come up with stories based on
hints, and create a confection that coincides with it. Items include
such concoctions as Floating cakes, costume cakes, devilish desserts,
3-D Demon Doll Cakes, Vampire Dessert Buffets, and more. Host Hansen
keeps the fun level up with a never-ending series of Dad jokes, and the
cast of guest bakers are having a great time.
KINGS OF HORROR (YouTube; 2020)
A YouTube Exclusive Horror Anthology
Five brief horror movies (ranging up to 20 minutes each)
with plenty of Halloween scares, including scary stories, a little
bit of gore and a little profanity. You won’t know any of the stars,
and the stories get weaker as the anthology continues, but it’s good
enough for Halloween fare and playing in the background at your
Halloween party. Plus, it’s free!
10/02/25
ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Tell Toro, Regina Hall.
From director Paul Thomas Anderson, whose previous films have typically
been dark, gloomy and depressing but are always filmmaking of the
highest quality. I don't want to say that this one is more
light-hearted, but at least it's got a few really good laughs.
When Bob’s daughter is abducted by a crazed military commander, the
former revolutionist tries to go back to his old ways to get her back …
but things have changed over the past 16 years, including the priorities
of his friends and the way things work in today’s more technical world.
Terrific filmmaking throughout featuring stunning, in-depth
performances—especially Penn whose intensity nearly lights the screen on
fire—and a totally engrossing car chase but beware: lots of foul
language, violence and the vast majority of the characters aren’t good
guys at all.
CHAD POWERS (PrimeVideo; 2025)
Starring Glen Powell, Perry Mattfeld, Steve Zahn
Executive producers include Powell, Eli Manning and Peyton Manning.
After blowing his shot at the big time, a talented former college
quarterback disguises himself with movie prosthetics, changes his name
to Chad Powers, and tries to return to the game. Supposedly, this is a
stunt that Eli Manning really pulled. Glen Powell is terrific as a
totally unsavory character (who’s apt to change as the series
progresses) and the humor you’d expect from the Mannings (whose podcast
this idea sprang from) shine throughout. Not quite TED LASSO yet, but I
have a feeling it might get there.
HERETIC (HBO Max/Prime Video; 2024)
Starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Topher Grace
When visiting a house to spread the word of God, two young women are
lured into the house of a madman. What starts out as a fascinating, if
creepy, discussion of religion turns into pure horror as the madman’s
real plan comes to light. Creepy, thought-provoking, gory and scary with
a very different performance from rom-com favorite Hugh Grant.
THE CONJURING: LAST RITES (Theaters/VOD-10/07/2025)
Starring Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga
The “true” story of Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren’s
last case. As far as the ten films in the series are concerned, this is
one of the better ones. Part of the Annabelle series, which includes The
Nun, Annabelle and The Conjuring movies, it’s grossed $435 million so
far and had a budget of only $55 million.
09/25/2025
SWIPED (Hulu; 2025)
Starring Lily James, Ben Schnetzer, Myha’la, Jackson White, Dan Stevens,
Joely Fisher
The true story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, one of the original founders of
Tinder, and her trials and tribulations, as a woman in an industry
almost 100% controlled by men. Frustrating, angering and ultimately
triumphant, this well-made and well-acted story is entertaining, but in
the long run doesn’t feel as real as it should. Which might be even more
scary and infuriating if it is.
SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner,
Valerie Franco with cameos by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Fran
Drescher, Paul Shaffer, Chad Smith, Lars Ulrich, Questlove and Paul
McCartney and Elton John, both of whom also provide musical
performances.
If This is Spinal Tap was a five out of five, then Spinal Tap II is a 4
out of 5. While not as endlessly as funny as its predecessor, the
characters here seem more real, their experiences with aging genuine.
Plus, the film’s heart is even bigger this time around. It is
essential, however, that you see the first film before this one. The two
films are tied together very tightly and there's quite a bit of overlap.
BLACK BAG (PrimeVideo; 2025)
Starring Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Pierce Brosnan, Rege-Jean
Page
A husband and wife, both of whom are intelligence agents, find the
challenge of their lives when one of them is suspected of treason. A
super-tight script by legendary screenwriter David Koepp and crystal
sharp direction by filmmaker Steven Soderbergh—not to mention terrific
performances from each and every cast member—make this one a different
kind of spy movie. The kind of movie that simmers, instead of burns.
More of a spy mystery than a spy thriller but just as engaging.
09/18/2025
VACATION! (Palm Springs)
09/11/2025
THE PAPER (Peacock; 2025)
Starring: Domhnall Gleason, Oscar Nunez
Set in the same world as “The Office,” this show has a lot in common
with the original television classic, including the documentary crew
recording it all. Here, a young newspaper editor tries to save an
historic Midwestern newspaper with a wacky and well-drawn staff of
characters. Not “The Office” quality yet, but it keeps getting better.
Looking forward to next season.
AKA CHARLIE SHEEN (Netflix; 2025)
Through a series of surprisingly candid interviews, both with Charlie
Sheen and those who worked with and/or loved him, this documentary will
open your eyes to a man who went from the highest paid actor on
television to the laughing stock of the entire industry. Cutting, tragic
and enlightening all at once.
ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (Hulu; 2021-2025)
New Season (05)
Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, Nathan
Lane, Richard Kind. Guest stars: Bobby Cannavale, Renee Zellweger,
Christoph Waltz, Logan Lerman,
Just when
they thought the murders in the building may have finally come to a
close, the doorman of the Arconia is found dead … and a new mystery
begins to unfold.
09/04/2025
JAWS 50th (Theaters; Many streamers; 1975)
Starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary,
Murray Hamilton
The legendary summer blockbuster about a Great White shark terrorizing a
New England resort town returns for its 50th anniversary, in
3D, IMAX and DBOX formats. Still as terrific as it’s ever been. I’ve
seen this film over 250 times and noticed new things in this latest
release due to the flawless 3D conversion. DBOX is so-so, works best on
the loudest scenes and in the underwater sequences where the DBOX makes
it feel like you’re bobbing in the water. A classic in the truest sense
of the word, introduced by director Steven Spielberg.
MY LIFE WITH THE WALTER BOYS (Netflix; 2024)
New Season
Starring Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde, Ashby Gentry, Sarah Rafferty
(SUITS) and Marc Blucas
When tragedy strikes, Jackie Howard must move in with her guardian and a
family of 9 boys and one girl. Of course, she falls in love with two of
the brothers and can’t decide which one she really wants. Back-and-forth
Young Adult story is well-made, well-acted but predictable … and
definitely made for a teen audience. Still, entertaining enough if
there’s nothing else to watch.
PLATONIC (AppleTV+; 2023-2025)
New Season
Starring Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne,
Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne star as former best friends, whose lives have
taken different paths. Now, after one of them is divorced, their high
school personalities re-surface and they get back to their wild antics,
much to the chagrin of Byrne’s husband, despite each actually helping
the other. One of those shows that would be just so-so if it weren’t for
the cast, whose several times working in the past has given them an
energetic chemistry.
08/28/2025
DEVO
(Netflix; 2025)
The story of the notorious new wave
band and their (predicted) rise and fall has some surprising
revelations: John Lennon was a fan, David Bowie wanted to produce their
first album, Pee-Wee Herman convinced Mark Mothersbaugh to try out film
composing (which he turned into a second career.) We learn much about
the band from their days at Kent State (there were there on that fateful
day on May 4th 1970), what they were trying to do with their music, the
usual tales of woe regarding record labels and more.
HONEY, DON'T
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring Margaret Qualley,
Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Charlie Day
Directed and co-written by Etan Coen (of Coen Brothers fame: Raising
Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, True Grit, No Country for Old Men)
A dark comedy about small-town private
investigator Honey O'Donahue, who delves into a series of strange deaths
tied to a mysterious church. The cast is terrific but the story is a
little rough-and-tumble and some overly explicit (and sometimes kinky)
love scenes distract more than they enhance.
HOSTAGE
(Netflix; 2025)
Starring Suranne Jones,
Ashley Thomas, Martin McCann
When the British Prime Minister's husband is kidnapped, and the French
President blackmailed, they have two choices: Either fight the
blackmailers together or resign from their posts. They choose the former
and wind up uncovering a conspiracy that could have changed the face of
Europe forever. Quick, five-episode (shot episodes) series that could
almost play as a movie. A Sharp cast, and a tight script overcome many
of the plot holes that are present here.
08/21/2025
NOBODY 2
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen,
Christopher Lloyd, Sharon Stone
Suburban dad Hutch Mansell, forced to return to the assassination
industry, decides to take a short vacation to make up all the time he's
gone from home. Unfortunately, when he arrives at his vacation spot, he
unwittingly uncovers a new gang of bad guys—drugs dealers, bad cops,
etc.—and things escalate from there. Just as much fun as the 2021
original with Odenkirk kicking some John Wick-type butt and plenty of
laughs galore.
SMOKE
(Apple+; 2025)
Starring Taron Egerton, Jurnee
Smollett, John Lequizamo, Greg Kinnear, Anna Chlumsky
Based on the true story about California most prolific arsonist, this
intense manhunt follows the podcast (and book by Joseph Wambaugh) it was
based on. At first, it sticks to the true story, which makes it a little
boring for those of us who have read the book or heard the podcast,
but—with a little artistic interpretation thrown in—it manages to
entertain throughout.
FREAKIER FRIDAY (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan,
Mark Harmon
Twenty-two years after Tess and Ann endured a supernatural identify
crisis, Anna now has a daughter and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As the
navigate the challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna
discover that lightning might strike twice ... or maybe four times. A
new body switch movie from perhaps the most popular body switch movie,
FREAKER FRIDAY will keep you laughing from beginning to end, and super
fans for the first film will find lots of references to relish as well.
08/14/2025
THE PICKUP
(Amazon Prime; 2025)
Starring Eddie Murphy, Pete
Davidson, Keke Palmer, Andrew Dice Clay, Marshawn Lynch A routine cash
pickup turns into a deadly pursuit when two mismatched armored truck
drivers are ambushed by ruthless criminals with plans beyond the cash. A
painful lack of chemistry, an annoying character from Davidson and an
awful screenplay make this one almost unwatchable.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30445556/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_THE%2520PICKUP
WEAPONS (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Julia Garner, Josh
Brolin, Amy Madigan, Benedict Wong
When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the
same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who
or what is behind their disappearance. Weird, non-linear film with a
haunting mystery that sets up an explosive finale. Riveting and eerie
throughout.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26581740/?ref_=ttfc_ov_bk
ALIEN: EARTH (Hulu/Disney+; 2025)
Starring Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Timothy Olyphant
Created, directed and written by Noah Hawley
(Fargo, When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young
woman and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery
that puts them face-to-face with the planet's greatest threat. Feels
like the early Aliens movies, with its interesting spaceship interiors
and deadly monsters. Sometimes a little slow as it develops a truly
fascinating sub-plot. Definitely worth watching, especially if you're a
fan of the franchise.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13623632/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl
08/07/2025
LEANNE (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Leanne Morgan, Kristen Johnson, Ryan
Stiles, Black Clark, Celia Weston, Tim Daly
A grandmother's life is upended when her husband leaves her after 33
years of marriage. She navigates this new chapter with the help of her
family, grace, dignity, and Jell-O salad. Starts out kind of slow,
despite a terrific cast who does well with so-so material, but gets
better—and funnier—as you learn more about the characters.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32213668/?ref_=ttfc_ov_bk
STAR PEOPLE (Theaters 8/8, VOD 8/15; 2025)
Starring Kat Cunning, McCabe Slye, Connor Paolo
A photographer receives a tip that could shed light on her childhood UFO
sighting, but a heat wave and some unexpected guests threaten to derail
her investigation. Surprisingly in-depth study of an obsessed person and
what led them to their obsession. Dialogue-driven with impressive
performances (only one of which feels overdone) makes this an
interesting watch. Closer to CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND
than ALIEN.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32166167/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
RESIDENT ALIEN (Syfy/Peacock; 2021-2025)
Starring Alan Tudyk, Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Gary Farmer, Linda
Hamilton
A crash-landed alien takes on the identity of a small-town Colorado
doctor and slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret
mission on Earth. Like the Alien (Tudyk) we’ve come to love the
characters on this show, who are equally funny and genuine and have an
amazing chemistry. We’ll miss them all after the last episode (which
airs 8/8) but there will always be re-runs.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8690918/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_resident%2520alien
07/31/2025
HAPPY GILMORE 2 (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald,
Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, Bad Bunny, John Daly, Dennis Dugan, Haley Joel
Ozment
Gilmore’s successful golf career ends in tragedy and he quits golf,
becomes an alcoholic and loses everything. Now, he works at a
supermarket and lives with his only daughter and youngest child Vienna,
while his four rowdy sons—Gordie, Wayne, Bobby, and Terry—have all moved
out and are working to support their father and sister. Vienna wants to
pursue dancing, and her dance teacher, impressed by her skills,
recommends enrolling in a four-year ballet school in Paris, which costs
$75,000 yearly. Happy has to get the money somewhere and goes back to
what he does best. Don't listen to the naysayers. HAPPY GILMORE 2
is nearly as entertaining as the original and shares its big heart.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31868189/?ref_=ttfc_ov_bk
FANTASTIC 4: FIRST STEPS (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon
Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser
Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic
world.] Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm as they
face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as
heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth
from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his
enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to
devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it
suddenly gets very personal. Good film, but not a great one. The whole
thing feels plastic at times (thanks, maybe, to all the vintage plastic
machinery due to the film's era). The cast is terrific though, the story
and action strong, and the special effects are ... well, mostly
well-done.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116483/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_4_nm_1_in_0_q_happy%2520gilmore
UNTAMED (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Eric Bana, Sam Neill, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lily Santiago
A National Parks Service agent investigates a brutal death at Yosemite
National Park. Another dark murder mystery worth watching to its
superior cast but with nothing new to offer in the genre.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2062731/?ref_=tt_cst_t_4
07/24/2025
SUPERMAN (Theaters; 2025)
Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan,
Nicholas Holt, Alan Tudyk
Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human
upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice
and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as
old-fashioned. Terrific Superman film from director James Gunn,
featuring an unbeatable cast, characters that feel real and action that
is heart-stopping. Plus, you've got Krypto the Superdog!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5950044/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
HAPPY GILMORE (Netflix; 1996)
Starring Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald,
Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, After his grandmother's house is repossessed
by the IRS, a bad tempered hockey player takes his talents to golf to
earn the big bucks and get his grandmothers house back. Stupid,
crazy fun throughout.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116483/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_4_nm_1_in_0_q_happy%2520gilmore
MATCH GAME (ABC/Hulu; 2025)
Hosted by: Martin Short
Starring Kevin Nealon, Selena Gomez, BD Wong, Anthony Anderson, Cara
Delevigne
A new version of the hit game show hosted by Martin Short. Just not as
many zingers as the original with Gene Rayburn, but it works.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36742699/
07/10/2025
JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali,
Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend
One more trip to the world that Jurassic Park started. It’s been 32
years since Steven Spielberg and Michael Crichton brought us the first
movie and they’re just as much fun, if a little tired. I mean, who can
resist dinosaurs chasing after people? Great fun, a little silly (why do
the dinosaurs have to keep getting bigger and bigger?), but Scarlett
Johnasson can hold her own as an action star.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31036941/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_jurassic%2520world
HEADS OF STATE (AmazonPrime; 2025)
Starring John Cena, Irdis Elba, Priyanka Chopra
Jonas, Carla Gugino, Stephen Root, Jack Quaid
When the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of
England have to team up to stop a glob al conspiracy, sparks and
laughter fly. A movie truly built on the charisma of its leads. Silly
but at times hilarious, fun.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13357520/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_heads%2520of%2520stgate
COUNTDOWN (Amazon Prime; 2025)
Starring Jensen Ackles, Jessica Camacho, Eric Dane
An LAPD officer joins a secret task force to stop a terrorist attack.
Takes itself too seriously for a show that’s only about one level up
from “A-Team.” That being said, I’ve only seen the first episode so, who
knows? Maybe it gets better.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32559610/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
07/03/2025
F1 THE MOVIE (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Damson, Idris
Elba
Directed by Joseph Koskinksi
A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with
a younger driver. Much in the same vein as "Top Gun: Maverick"
(which Koskinksi also directed), this movie is a thrill ride from start
to finish, with Pitt delivering another electric performance. Fast.
edgy, and just familiar enough to hold your attention throughout.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16311594/?ref_=mv_close
PLEASE DON’T FEED THE CHILDREN (Tubi; 2025)
Starring Giancarlo Esposito, Michelle Dockery,
Zoe Colletti
Directed by Destry Allyn Spielberg (daughter of Steven Spielberg)
A gang of orphans travels to the south in quest of a new life after a
viral outbreak decimates the adult population of the nation, only to
find themselves at the mercy of a psychotic woman who is hiding a
perilous secret. An ugly-feeling movie that's supposed to feel
ugly, Spielberg's film is better than its screenplay which meanders too
much and yet not enough from the typical zombie fare.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27208407/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
THE WATERFRONT (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Holt McCallany,
Melissa Benoist, Maria Bello, Topher Grace
Created by Kevin Williamson
As their storied North Carolina fishing empire decays, the damaged
Buckleys grapple to revive their imperiled maritime heritage. A
Sopranos with fisherman instead of trash collectors, this intense drama
goes to far in the gore department but tells another story of a crime
family from a slightly different angle.
06/26/2025
PEE WEE AS HIMSELF (HBO MAX; 2025)
Starring Paul Reubens, Pee Wee Herman, Cassandra Peterson, John Moody,
Natasha Lyonne, Laurence Fishburne, Tim Burton, Debi Mazar, Judd Apatow,
David Arquette, Laraine Newman.
Two-part, 3.5-hour documentary about the creation and maintenance of the
Pee Wee Herman character. Sometimes inspirational, sometimes joyful,
often sad. I, for one, took the character for granted instead of
realizing how much work it took to create and maintain his world.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14419140/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_pee%2520wee
NONNAS (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Vince Vaughn, Lorraine Bracco, Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro,
Linda Cardellini, Talie Shire, Joe Manganiello
After losing his beloved mother, a man risks everything to honor her by
opening an Italian restaurant with actual grandmothers as the chefs.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28309594/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
MOBLAND (Paramount+; 2025)
Starring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Power is up for grabs as two warring crime families clash in a battle
that threatens to topple empires. In the crossfire stands Harry Da
Souza, a street-smart 'fixer' who knows too well where loyalties lie
when opposing forces collide.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31510819/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
06/19/2025
THE LIFE OF CHUCK (Theaters, 2025)
Starring Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Trembley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan,
Mia Sara, Carl Lumbly, Mark Hamill, David Dastmalchian, Harvey Guillen,
Matthew Lillard
A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King's novella
about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles
Krantz.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12908150/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
DEEP COVER (Prime Video; 2025)
Starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammad, Sean Bean,
Ian McShane
Three improv actors are asked to go undercover by the police in London's
criminal underworld
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31121295/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
ECHO VALLEY (Amazon Prime; 2025)
Starring Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney, Domhnall Gleeson
Kate is dealing with a personal tragedy while owning and training horses
in Echo Valley, an isolated and picturesque place, when her daughter,
Claire, arrives at her doorstep, frightened, trembling and covered in
someone else's blood.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27052633/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
06/12/2025
FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK: BALLERINA
(Theaters, 2025)
Starring Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston,
Gabriel Birney, Norman Reedus, Lance Reddick
An assassin sets out to kill the man who killed her father despite being
ordered not to. Incredible action, scenery, photography and performances
throughout. A real blast, with Reeves showing up again as John Wick.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7181546/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
MURDERBOT (AppleTV+, 2025)
Starring Alexander Skarsgard, David Dastmalchian, Sabrina Wu, Noma
Dumezweni, John Cho, Jazck McBreyer.
A security android unlocks his system governor and finds himself
struggling with human emotions and free will. A different kind of sci-fi
show with an android that makes you laugh out loud, a solid storyline,
and plenty of sci-fi action.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9288822/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
THE BETTER SISTER (Amazon Prime; 2025)
Starring Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Beal, Corey Stoll, Matthew Modine
A pair of estranged sisters—one much more successful than the other—must
team up when their son is accused of murdering his father. Banks and
Beal are terrific here, with a real sibling rivalry chemistry (thanks
for the writers as well) but every single person in this show has a dark
secret and soon the heaviness of it all weighs you down. Still, worth
watching, especially for Elizabeth Banks.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32260680/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
06/05/2025
MOUNTAINHEAD (MAX; 2025)
Starring Steve
Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, Ramy Youssef
Four
of the richest tech leaders in the world meet up for their annual poker
game weekend and discover that they may, in fact, have the power to take
over the world. Tough movie to watch because it’s dark and grim but the
scariest thing is you wonder just how possible it could be. From the
creator of SUCCESSION and you can tell.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35396529/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
BRING HER BACK
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring
Billy Barratt, Sally Hawkins, Mischa Heywood.
A brother and sister are sent to a foster home where something so
horrifying is taking place that neither can imagine it possible. Lots of
gore and an intense and mature story makes this another horror modern
classic from the filmmakers of TALK TO ME, this one isn’t for the meek,
although it’s smart, well-acted, and truly terrifying.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32246771/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
STICK (Apple+;
2025)
Starring
Owen Wilson, Peter Dager, Lilli Kay, Marc Maron, Timothy Olyphant, Judy
Greer
Wilson plays an aging ex-golfer who’s been fired from his job but finds
hope in a troubled teen prodigy. You really want to like this show
because much of the cast is so charming, but it’s clichéd to the point
you know everything that’s going to happen, and the conflict between
lead characters seems forced and unrealistic. Still, I’ll watch it to
the end.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31710249/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
05/29/2025
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Esai
Morales, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman,
Hannah Waddingham, Tramell Tillman, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham,
Ethan Hunt goes up against a global AI threat called “The Entity” and
everyone seems to want to stop him. Everything you’d expect from a final
Mission Impossible movie, including action (and Tom Cruise stunts), a
lot of heart and closure. Cinematic, in the true sense of the word.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9603208/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2_tt_6_nm_0_in_0_q_mission%2520impossible
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH (Apple+; 2025)
Starring John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eliza Gonzalez, Domhall
Gleeson, Stanley Tucci
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Two estranged siblings join forces to seek the legendary Fountain of
Youth. Using historical clues, they embark on an epic quest filled with
adventure. If successful, the mythical fountain could grant them
immortality. A poor carbon copy of Indiana Jones and National Treasure
films, this film has little charm, less action (that works) and is way
too dull.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27075958/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
WHITE COLLAR (Netflix; 2009-2014)
Starring Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay, Willie Garson, Tiffani Thiessen, Sharif
Atkins, Marsha Thomason, Diahann Carroll,
A white-collar criminal agrees to help the FBI catch other white-collar
criminals using his expertise as an art and securities thief,
counterfeiter, and conman. That rare TV series that goes for six
seasons, manages to maintain its charm and excitement, and gives you a
send-off that makes you want more … which is good because WHITE COLLAR:
RESURRECTION may be on the way.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1358522/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
05/22/2025
Vacation! Vegas!
05/15/2025
ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR (Prime Video; 2025)
Starring Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick, Allison
Janney, Alex Newell
Stephanie Smothers (a blogger) and Emily
Nelson (the wealthy businesswoman she wrote about) reunite on the island
of Capri, Italy, for Emily's extravagant wedding. Of course, murder and
betrayal happen again.
NONNAS (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Vince Vaughn, Lorraine Bracco, Susan
Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro, Linda Cardellini, Talia Shire, Joe Manganiello
After his grandmother passes away, a man
decided to open a restaurant to occupy his time ... and hires actual
grandmothers as chefs. Based on a true story.
MOBLAND (Paramount+; 2025)
Starring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, Hellen
Mirren
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Two warring crime families battle over
empires with a fixer, Harry Da Souza (Hardy) stuck in the middle.
05/08/2025
THUNDERBOLTS* / THE NEW AVENGERS (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David
Harbour,
A group of heroes teams up after an evil senator tries to erase them
from her history. Astoundingly entertaining film with tons of comic book
action, huge doses of humor and a heart that is bigger than all the
previous Marvel movies combined. Pugh and Harbour are stand-outs in an
amazing cast. Features a villain that is scary and very real.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20969586/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
THE FOUR SEASONS (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Tina Fey, Will Forte, Kerri Kenney, Steve Carrell, Alan Alda,
Marco Calvani, Erika Henningsen, Colman Domingo
Based on the 1981 movie written and directed by Alan Alda, this is the
story of three couples who vacation together each season, but things
change as life marches along and relationship and family dynamics
change. Co-created by Tina Fey, this mini-series features outstanding
performances, well-written dialogue and scenes and is equal parts funny,
tragic and real. Kerri Kinney is the real stand-out here, getting
the change to do more than the clown-ish character she played on Reno
911 to the full-bodied and tragic character she plays perfectly here.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30826447/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
THE GLASS DOME (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Leonie Vincent, Johan Hedenberg
A criminologist and her former police chief partner investigate the
disappearance of a local girl in a small Swedish village that just so
happens to be there criminologist’s former hometown, where she herself
was once kidnapped and held. Gloomy, slow but very well made and acted
throughout. We watched in the original Swedish language with
English sub-titles but a dubbed version is available as well.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30750108/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
05/01/2025
HAVOC (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Tom Hardy, Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker, Luis Guzman
Directed by Gareth Evans (The Raid: Redemption / The Raid 2)
After a drug deal gone wrong, a bruised detective must fight his way
through the criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son,
unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy that ensnares his
entire city. Ultra gritty, super-bloody, action film with not a
single pleasant character in sight. If you're into this sort of thing,
however, this might be right up your alley.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14123284/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl
THE ACCOUNTANT 2 (Theaters; 2025)
Starring Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, J.K.
Simmons, .
Christian Wolff applies his brilliant mind and illegal methods to
reconstruct the unsolved puzzle of a Treasury chief's murder. Better
than the first film, The Account 2 mixes high-octane action with a
perfect balance of humor, chemistry and terrific performances from its
leads.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8888540/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
THE PITT (MAX; 2025)
Starring Noah Wylie, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, many more
A day in the life of healthcare professionals in a Pittsburgh hospital
as they juggle personal crises, workplace politics, and the emotional
toll of treating critically ill patients, revealing the resilience
required in their noble calling. Amazing performances throughout,
with characters you really come to care about, and an unflinching
realism to the daily roughness of the emergency room.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31938062/?ref_=ttpl_ov
April 24, 2025
SINNERS (Theaters;
2025)
Starring
Michael B. Jordan (x2), Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, (Buddy Guy)
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to
their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater
evil is waiting to welcome them back.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31193180/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
G20 (Prime Video;
2025)
Starring:
Viola Davis, Anthony Anderson, Ramon Rodriguez, Antony Starr
(Homelander)
Terrorists take over the G20 summit with President Sutton, bringing her
governing and military experience to defend her family, company, and the
world.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23476986/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
MID-CENTURY MODERN
(Hulu) (2025)
From the creator of Will & Grace
Directed by
James Burrows (Cheers, Will & Grace, Taxi, Frasier, Mike & Molly, Big
Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Dharma & Greg
Starring: Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Nathan Lee Graham, Linda Lavin,
Pamela Adlon, Richard Kind, Billie Loure, Rhea Perlman, Jesse Tyler
Ferguson
Quick shout-out to the cast, directors, writers and crew of this show.
Linda Lavin passed away during the filming of the first season, and the
loving tribute they gave her was perfect. Writing her death into the
script, and allowing the stars to grieve—with real emotions—made us all
feel their pain, loss and love. Because he’s such a perfect comic actor,
sometimes you forget about how good Nathan Lane is … and he’s terrific
here.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32641461/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
April 17, 2025
THE AMATEUR
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring
Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Jon Bernthal, Hold McCallany, Laurence
Fishburne
When
his supervisors at the CIA refuse to take action after his wife is
killed in a London terrorist attack, a decoder takes matters into his
own hands. Different, intriguing and well-shot and acted, especially
Malek whose every emotion is apparent on his face.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9150192/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
DROP (Theaters;
2025)
Starring:
Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Reed Diamond
A widowed mother on her first date in years, who arrives at an upscale
restaurant where she is relieved that her date, Henry is more charming
and handsome than she expected. But their chemistry begins to curdle as
Violet begins being irritated and then terrorized by a series of
anonymous drops to her phone.
Simmering for the first hour and twenty minutes and then explosive for
the rest of the film, Drop is well-written, superbly acted and is one
intense movie experience. Built like Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in
Hollywood.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32149847/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
MID-CENTURY MODERN
From the
creator of Will & Grace
Directed by James Burrows (Cheers, Will & Grace, Taxi, Frasier, Mike &
Molly, Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Dharma & Greg
Starring: Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Nathan Lee Graham, Linda Lavin,
Pamela Adlon, Richard Kind, Billie Loure, Rhea Perlman, Jesse Tyler
Ferguson
After an unexpected death, three best friends--gay gentlemen of a
certain age--decide to spend their golden years living together in Palm
Springs, where the wealthiest one lives with his mother. How do you beat
a case like this, supported by a director of Burrows’ caliber? You
don’t. Nathan Lane’s comic timing is perhaps the best in the business
and Matt Bomer—who hasn’t age a day since White Collar—is hysterical as
the less-than-genius flight attendant (and apparently Bomer is okay with
that).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32641461/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
April 10, 2025
A WORKING MAN
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring Jason Statham, David Harbour, Michael Pena
Statham stars as Levon Cade, a man with a legendary past in
counter-terrorism who left his career to work construction and be a good
father. But when a local girl vanishes, he has no choice but to go back
to who he was before. Statham, as always, is great, but the screenplay
(by Sylvester Stallone and director David Ayer) is so full of tired
clichés – and the bad guys are such ridiculous cartoon characters – that
the movie has more unintentional laughs than actual humor.
Is it Jason vs Human traffickers? The Russian Mob? A collection of
post-apocalyptic killers? Or vampires?
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9150192/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
THE BONDSMAN
(Amazon Prime; 2025)
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Nettles
From IMDB: Resurrected bounty hunter, Hub Halloran, gets an
unexpected second chance at life, love and his nearly forgotten musical
career--only to find that his old job now has a new twist: He’s now
hunting demons for the devil. Although Bacon, as always, has an
electric presence, the show is a pale copy of Starz’ old series, Ash Vs.
Evil Dead, and shares none of that show’s style, humor and edge.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28256288/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_bondsman
THE STUDIO (Apple+) (2025)
Starring: Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn,
Peter Berg, Davd Franco, Bryan Cranston and guest appearances by Martin
Scorsese, Ron Howard, Greta Lee, Zac Efron, Steve Buscemi, Sarah Polley,
Olivia Wilde, Anthony Mackie, Paul Dano, Charlize Theron, Adam Scott,
Zoe Kravitz, Jean Smart, Rea Perlman, Ice Cube, Quinta Brunson, Johnny
Knoxville, Usher.
When he becomes the head of a major movie studio, Matt Remick wants to
create films that are hugely successful but also qualify as art. He
discovers that isn’t as easy as he hoped when it comes to the complex
relationships, back-stabbing and business considerations that are all
part of the Hollywood Studio world. Rogen is his usual self (he’ll make
you nervous but he’s always funny) and the rest of the cast … and the
stunning guests, will keep you intrigued and laughing throughout.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23649128/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
April 3, 2025
VACATION!
March 27th, 2025
VACATION!
March 20th, 2025
ELECTRIC STATE (Netflix; 2025)
Starring Chris Pratt, Millie Bobbie Brown,
Woody Harrleson, Alan Tudyk, Kurt Loder, Holly Hunter, Stanley
Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Jason Alexander, Marin Hinkle, Ke Huy Quan,
Anthony Mackie, Hank Azaria, Rob Gronkowski, Brian Cox,
Directed by the Russo Brothers (Avengers)
An orphaned teen hits the road with a mysterious robot to find her
long-lost brother, teaming up with a smuggler and his wisecracking
sidekick.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7766378/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
LONG BRIGHT RIVER (Peacock; 2025)
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Nicholas Pinnock, John Doman, Dash Mihok
A Philadelphia police officer searches for her sister, an addict who has
gone missing.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8332798/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_BRIGHT%2520RIVER
MONSTER FROM THE OCEAN FLOOR (Film Masters; 1954)
Starring: Anne Kimbell, Stuart Wade, Dick Pinner
Julie, an American on vacation in Mexico, spots a giant, one-eyed amoeba
rising from the ocean, but when she tries to tell the authorities, no
one believes her. She finally teams up with a marine biologist in an
attempt to destroy it.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047244/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl
March 13th, 2025
MICKEY 17 (Theatres; 2025)
Starring Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette
Written and directed by Bong Joon Ho (Parasite) (co-writer Edward
Ashton)
A low-level criminal, signs up to be an “expendable” on an ice planet
colony, in order to escape a mob debt. His job is to die, over and over
again, in situations too dangerous for human beings. Wildly original
sci-fi comedy with amazing performances, tight multi-level screenwriting
and jaw-dropping special effects make this one of the best pictures of
the year so far.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12299608/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_3_nm_4_in_0_q_mickey%252017
THE WHITE LOTUS (MAX; 2025)
Starring Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs,
Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger
The third season of the hit series takes place at The White Lotus
Thailand and features more wealthy Americans with various troubles and
situations. Detailed performances, beautiful scenery (Thailand is a
character as much as anyone else here) with mysterious plots slowly
unfolding make this as riveting as any other season of the hit show.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13406094/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL (PBS; 2025)
Starring Samuel West, Rachel Shenton, Anna Madeley, Nicholas Ralph
In the fifth season of the hit BBC/PBS show, it is Spring 1941 and with
the Second World War under way, Siegfried is taking up the slack at the
surgery, while Mrs Hall and Helen are considering their contribution
within the community, and Carmody is eager to step up.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10590066/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
March 6th, 2025
RUNNING POINT
(Netflix; 2025)
Starring Kate Hudson, Drew Carver, Elaine Ko, Max Greenfield, Justin
Theroux
Created by Mindy Kalling, Ike Barinholtz, Elaine Ko
Isla Gordon (Hudson), overlooked her whole life, is appointed President
of the LA Waves basketball team, a family business, despite her
brother’s pushback. She experiences challenges every which way as she
leads her team toward the play-offs. Just like many other sports
comedies out there (i.e., Ted Lasso, Ballers, etc.) but with an engaging
cast that draws you through.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14879018/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
DAREDEVIL: BORN
AGAIN (Disney+; 2025)
Starring Charlie Cox, Margarita Levieva, Vincent D’Onofrio
Daredevil, who has turned in his horn helmet and is no longer fighting
crime, has a change of mind when crime lord Wilson Fisk, better known as
Kingpin, wins the election as Mayor of New York City. Will the two go to
battle again? Well, probably. Intense fight sequences buoy this
well-made crime drama that, like Running Point, is a little too similar
to other crime/superhero series (i.e., The Penguin).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18923754/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_6_nm_2_in_0_q_dare
ANORA
(Theaters/Prime Video $5.99; 2025)
Starring Mikey Madison, Paul Weissman, Yura Borslov
A young stripper/escort from Brooklyn lives her dream when she falls in
love with the man who has hired her (the son of a Russian oligarch). But
once his parents find out about the marriage, they travel to New York to
get the marriage annulled. Again, kind of a familiar story but done with
such stupendous acting, writing and execution, it rises above the
others.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28607951/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_3_nm_4_in_0_q_anora
February 28th, 2025
SUITS LA (Peacock/NBC; 2025)
Starring
Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt,
Not a re-boot of the original SUITS, which gained renewed interest when
it began screening on Netflix, but the story of a different lawyer (Ted
Black) in a different city (Los Angeles). The first episode is kind of
crowded with introductions and setup but it's not terrible but it will
take additional episodes to see if the characters grow on you as they did
with the original series.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31122751/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
THE MONKEY (Theaters; 2025)
Starring
Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Adam Scott,
When a killer toy monkey continues to rain havoc on his family and those
around him, Hal (Theo James) must find a way to stop its evil ways for
ever. Over-the-top horror film that delights in going too far and offers
equal shares of scars and laughs. Based on a story by Stephen King and
directed by Osgood Perkins (Long Legs; son of Anthony Perkins).
CONCLAVE (Max; 2018)
Starring
Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow,
When the pope dies, Cardinal Lawrence must pull together 118 Cardinals
from all over the world, sequester them, and choose a new pope. Secrets
and conspiracies are uncovered, and the task becomes something far more
complex than Lawrence ever imagined..
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20215234/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
February 20th, 2025
CAPTAIN AMERICA:
BRAVE NEW WORLD (Theaters; 2025)
Starring
Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo
Esposito
Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, faces off with a new President
(Harrison Ford) who is hiding a secret that could bring the world to
war. Surprisingly complex, like a Jack Ryan (Tom Clancy) story but with
a decidedly Marvel edge. Terrific cast helps a lot. Many viewers
have complained that the Red Hulk doesn't appear enough in the film,
forgetting the movie is called "Captain America," not "Red Hulk."
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14513804/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_CAPTAIN%2520AMERICA%2520BRAVE
AFTERMATH
(Netflix; 2024)
Starring
Dylan Sprouse, Mason Gooding, Megan Stoff
A returning war veteran is trapped with his teenage sister on Boston's
Tobin Memorial Bridge as a heavily weaponized group of ex-military
revolutionists take everyone hostage. It’s DIE HARD on a bridge with a
low budget and way too many eye-rolling moments.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26545708/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_aftermath
APPLE CIDER
VINEGAR (Netflix; 2025)
Starring
Kaitlyn Dever, Alycia Dbnam-Carey, Aisha Dee
The disturbing story of Belle Gibson, a woman who faked having brain
cancer and then built an empire of fitness advice, recipes and self-care
which she claimed cured her.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30428143/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_4_nm_4_in_0_q_apple
February 13th, 2025
PRESENCE
(Theaters; 2024)
Starring
Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang,
A ghost story told from the ghost’s point of view. A family moves into a
new home where there’s a ‘presence’ of some sort that causes some minor
disturbances. Really a family drama with a ghost story backdrop,
“Presence” is a simmering drama that builds to a terrifying climax and
ends with a terrific plot twist. From director Steven Soderbergh
(Ocean’s Twelve & Thirteen, Magic Mike, Logan Lucky) and screenwriter
David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Jack Ryan) .
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28249919/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
MOUSE OF HORRORS
(Tubi; 2024)
Starring
Lewis Santer, Stephen Staley, Chris Lines
In a seaside town, chaos erupts as Doctor Rupert's monstrous creations
“The Killer” (aka Mouse) and “The Bear” (Winnie the Pooh) stalk the
night, harvesting body parts for a sinister purpose. No one is safe.
Especially any viewer who watches this cheap, sadistic mess. The best
part is during the fight between the monsters when a giant shark, out of
nowhere, leaps out of the water and eats one of them. From the makers of
“Megalodon: The Frenzy” and the star of “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and
Honey 2” and “Pinocchio: Unstrung.”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32119171/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_cdt_t_1
SAKAMOTO DAYS
(Netflix; 2025)
The story
of the world’s greatest hitman who has given it all up to run a grocery
store and sell beef pies with his beloved family. Sworn to never kill
again, Sakamoto finds that difficult when a one billion yen bounty is
put on his head and dozens of hitmen come out of the woodworks to try
and kill him. Funny, filled with action and containing all the tropes of
anime, this show is one anime worth watching.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17069148/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
February 6th, 2025
YOU’RE CORDIALLY
INVITED (PrimeVideo; 2025)
Starring
Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Jack McBrayer, Bobby Moynihan
When two weddings are double-booked at the same venue, the father of one
bride and the sister of the other bride try to preserve the wedding
weekend. Sometimes funny, sometimes decidedly not. Saved by performances
from a restrained Ferrell, a sharp Witherspoon and another great comedic
performance from McBrayer (30 Rock).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21227864/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_you%27re
THE BRUTALIST
(Theaters; 2024)
Starring
Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce
When a visionary architect and his wife flee post-war Europe in 1947 to
start over again, a wealthy client brings them success and destruction.
Three and a half hours of serious drama, led by a stunning Brody, but
eventually this stylistic film leaves too many questions unanswered and
is often violently unpleasant.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8999762/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
HOLLYWOOD SQUARES
(CBS/Paramount+; 2025)
Hosted by
Nate Burleson
Starring Drew Barrymore, Whitney Cummings, Tiffany Haddish, J.B. Smoove,
Julie Bowen, Bobby Moynihan, Thomas Lennon, Pete Holmes, Triumph the
Insult Dog; Nicol Byer, Drew Carey, Debi Mazar, Margaret Cho, Kevin
Nealon, Leslie Jones, RuPaul, Tyra Banks, Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal,
Rita Moreno, Max Greenfield, Jay Leno, Jeff Dunham, Jeffrey Ross, Chaka
Khan, Vicki Loawrence,
A reboot of Hollywood Squares. A tic-tac-toe game show where contestants
agree or disagree with celebrities. Lots of mindless fun, especially
when the celebrities start playing.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32268798/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
January 30th, 2025
THE SUBSTANCE (Theaters; 2024)
Starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid,
A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating
substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
What starts out as an intriguing story about aging becomes a full-blown
horror movie. Gooey, gross and buoyed by truly great performances.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17526714/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
STAR TREK: SECTION 31 (Paramount+; 2025)
Starring Michelle Yeoh, Omari Hardwick, Sam Richardson
In Star Trek: Section 31, Emperor Philippa Georgiou joins a secret
division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of
Planets, and must face the sins of her past. It’s like Suicide Squad
meets Star Trek. Maybe not up to Star Trek standards, but fun
nonetheless.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9603060/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
PARADISE (Hulu; 2025)
Starring Sterling K Brown, James Marsden, Krys Marshall, Julianne
Nicholson
When the President is assassinated, it's up to his security agent,
Xavier Collins, to find the culprit and to make sure justice is served.
What starts out as a simple mystery turns into so much more with plot
twist upon plot twist, some of which are truly epic.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27444205/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
January 23th, 2025
MOTHER’S INSTINCT
(Hulu; 2024)
Starring
Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Josh Charles
Set in the early '60s, best friends and neighbors Alice (Jessica
Chastain) and Celine (Anne Hathaway) both live an idyllic traditional
lifestyle with manicured lawns, successful husbands, and sons of the
same age. Life's perfect harmony is suddenly shattered after a tragic
accident. Guilt, suspicion and paranoia combine to unravel their
sisterly bond a psychological battle of wills begins as the maternal
instinct reveals its darker side.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32134886/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
WOLF MAN
(Theaters; 2025)
Starring
Julia Garner, Christopher Abbot,
A family at a remote farmhouse is attacked by an unseen animal, but as
the night stretches on, the father begins to transform into something
unrecognizable.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4216984/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
BACK IN ACTION
(Max; 2018)
Starring
Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, McKenna Roberts, Kyle Chandler, Glenn Close,
Andrew Scott
Former CIA spies Emily and Matt are pulled back into espionage after
their secret identities are exposed.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21191806/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
January 16th, 2025
AMBER ALERT (Hulu;
2024)
Starring
Hayden Panettiere, Tyler James Williams, Kevin Dunn
A ride-share turns into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse after it
follows a car fitting the description of an AMBER ALERT. Absolutely
ridiculous chase film is still very watchable, due to the cast
(especially Tyler James Williams) and some genuine “Duel”-like suspense.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31450182/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
GOOSEBUMPS: THE
VANISHING (Netflix; 2025)
Starring
David Schwimmer, Barbara Walsh
Based on the best-selling books of R.L. Stine.
Season Two starts with “Stay Out of the Basement, Part 1.” Schwimmer
stars as a biologist with a tragic past who, with the help of his
children, discovers a new species that eats meat, controls cars and who
knows what else. Old-fashioned fun that fans of the original series will
enjoy.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31241619/?ref_=ttep_ep_1
DEN OF THIEVES
(Max; 2018)
Starring
Gerard Butler, 50 Cent, Pablo Schrieber
An elite unit of the LA County Sheriff's Dept. and the state's most
successful bank robbery crew clash as the outlaws plan a seemingly
impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank. So much testosterone it
would make Ernest Hemingway explode but lots and lots of action, and
apparently successful enough to generate a sequel seven years later,
which was #1 in Theaters this weekend.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1259528/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_den%2520of%2520thieves
January 9th, 2025
THIS WAY UP (Hulu;
2019-2021)
Starring
Aisling (“Ashlyn”)Bea, Sharon Horgan, Tobias Menzies,
A young English-as-a-Second language teacher puts her life back together
after suffering from a nervous breakdown. Created by and starring
British comic Aisling Bea.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8430356/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
WALLACE & GROMIT:
VENGEANCE MOST FOWL (Netflix; 2024)
Starring
the voices of Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel
Gromit the dog must save Wallace from an army of mechanical yard gnomes
who his master invented himself. Seriously funny, incredibly detailed
and a wonder to watch. A true delight.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17163970/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
NIGHTBITCH (Hulu;
2024)
Starring
Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Snowden,
Adams stars as a mother who puts her career on hold to be a stay-at-home
mom. As she wrestles with not only a two-year-old boy and a full-time
employed husband, the disappointment in not being able to pursue her
dreams leads her into a surreal canine kingdom—in which she’s entirely
free to be and do whatever she wants. Although the theme is certainly
worth exploring, the story never really focusses completely.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12810074/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1
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