Category: Celebs

“Landman: Season 2” written by Taylor Sheridan, directed by Stephan Kay, starring Billy Bob Thorton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Ali Carter and Sam Elliott / Z-View

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Landman: Season 2 (2026)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan, Christian Wallace

Director: Stephen Kay (Eps. 1-10)

Teleplay: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-10)

Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chavez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Sam Elliott, Colm Feore, Mustafa Speaks, Dougie Hall, K.C. Clyde, Stefania Spampinato, Guy Burnet and Francesca Xuereb.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Tommy Norris (Thorton) oversees the day-to-day operations for the M-Tex oil company.  It’s Tommy’s job to make sure everything runs smoothly and the company makes money.

Monty Miller owned M-Tex.  Since his death it’s become clear that although he was a billionaire (on paper), his dealings behind the scenes have the company on the precipice of losing everything.  With Monty dead, his wife Cami, who has no experience in business, is owner of M-Tex.  Tommy encourages Cami to sell the company.  The sale would bring Cami generational wealth.  Tami is set on moving forward with a drill that has a 10% chance of success.  If they strike oil, the money earned would be exponentially more than selling the business.  But if the drill doesn’t produce, Cami would lose everything.

In order to finance the new drill, Cami goes to Danny “Gallino” Morrell.  Morrell is a financier on the surface, but behind the scenes runs a drug cartel.  Cami ignored Tommy’s warnings about Morrell.  Morrell also has his hooks in Tommy’s son’s wildcat wells.

To complicate matters, Tommy’s 80 year old father has come to live with him and his daughter is about to leave for college.  Tommy cannot catch a break.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator, returns to write all ten episodes of season two.

Stephen Kay, who directed six of the ten episodes in season one, returns to direct all ten in season two. Kay is known for directing episodes of The Shield, Sons of Anarchy, The Punisher, Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, 1883, 1923 and one of my favorite films, Get Carter (2000).

The casting from the biggest to the smallest roles is on point.  Standouts include:

  • Billy Bob Thorton was born to play Tommy Norris.  Thorton is an excellent actor, and I’ve loved him in several roles.  This may be my favorite.
  • Ali Larter is excellent in a role that I love to dislike.
  • Michelle Randolph plays Elizabeth Strafford in 1923.  What a different character than the one she plays in Landman.  She’s excellent in both.  I guess that’s why they call it acting.
  • Jacob Lofland is more than holding his own.  I’ve seen Lofland before in Mud and Justified, but in Landman he shines.
  • Paulina Chavez continues to shine.
  • Kayla Wallace owns her role as the lawyer who goes for the throat in every interaction.  This season we also get to see another side of her.
  • James Jordan is fun to watch.  He has a supporting role in this and Lioness.  He helps make both shows so good.
  • Colm Feore – I’ve loved him in every scene he’s in.  Great addition to the show.
  • Andy García – projects the right combination of charm and menace.
  • Demi Moore – is perfect.
  • Mustafa Speaks – plays Theodore “Boss” Ramone, the lead oil crewman on Cooper’s second crew.  I’d love to see more of this character.
  • Francesca Xuereb – plays Cheyenne, a stripper turned physical therapist Tommy hires to help his dad.  I’ve never seen Xuereb before, but she’s one to keep an eye on.

Landman: Season 2 gets my highest recommendation.

Landman: Season 2 (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Rocky IV” 40th Anniversary Alt Poster by Sahin Düzgün!

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How cool is this alt Rocky IV 40th Anniversary poster created by Sahin Düzgün? Very cool is the correct answer.  Sahin is a graphic designer, poster artist  and movie lover from Berlin, Germany.

Here is what Sahin had to say about his design: Forty years later, the spirit of Rocky IV still hits like a punch to the chest — the snow, the sweat, the cold determination. It’s that relentless 80s intensity mixed with raw emotion, a clash of worlds, and a reminder of how powerful a simple underdog drive can be.

Rocky: Going in one more round when you don’t think you can – that’s what makes all the difference in your life.

“There Are No Saints” (2022) starring José María Yazpik, Paz Vega with Ron Perlman and Tim Roth / Z-View

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There Are No Saints (2022)

Director: Alfonso Pineda Ulloa

Screenplay: Paul Schrader

Stars: José María Yazpik, Shannyn Sossamon, Paz Vega, Tommy Flanagan, Ron Perlman, Tim Roth and Neal McDonough.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Neto Niente, a former mob enforcer known as The Jesuit, was just released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  Things get worse when his ex-wife’s husband kills her and kidnaps his son.  Now Niente is on a quest to save his son.

Things don’t always go as planned.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The film reportedly was a tough production.  Screenwriter, Paul Schrader was originally set to direct.  Because of production delays, Schrader moved on.  Oscar Isaac was originally set to star, but dropped out when the film lost financing.  Brian Cox was originally in the cast.  Reshoots were required when he dropped out and was replaced by Ron Perlman.

If you’re expecting a happy ending, don’t.  This one is brutal and dark.

There Are No Saints (2022) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Rip” (2026) written & directed by Joe Carnahan, starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno with Scott Adkins and Kyle Chandler / Z-View

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The Rip (2026)

Director: Joe Carnahan

Screenplay: Joe Carnahan, story by Joe Carnahan, Michael McGrale

Stars: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, Kyle Chandler, Daisuke Tsuji, Nestor Carbonell, Lina Esco, Cliff Chamberlain, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Marco Morales, Sal Lopez, Angel Rosario Jr. and Scott Adkins.

Tagline: Count the money. Count it again. Count on no one.

The Plot…

Rumors of crooked cops in the Miami-Dade Police Department are gaining traction.  When Captain Jackie Velez is murdered, suspicion falls on her Tactical Narcotics Team.  The TNT consists of Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Detectives J.D. Byrne, Mike Ro, Numa Baptiste, and Lolo Salazar.  One or more of them may be dirty.

Just before the end of the day, Dumars recieves a tip about a house in a new subdivision containing drug money.  It is the only occupied house in the area.  Dumars informs the team that it is supposed to contain $100,000 to $200,00 in cartel cash.

Desi Molina answers the door.  Desi is a young woman who recently inherited the house from her grandmother.  She lives alone.  Desi reluctantly lets the team in.  The search of the house reveals a hidden space in the attic.  The team discovers $20 million dollars in cash.

Lieutenant Dumars tells the team that they are not going to follow standard protocal.  Normally they would call in the location and amount of the seizure.  Dumars says he’s worried about crooked cops.  Dumars orders the team to give him their cell phones.  One or more of them could be crooked.  Or is Dumars one of the bad cops?

Then a call comes to the house. Dumars answers.  The voice on the other end says to take the amount of money called in and leave the rest.  They have 30 minutes to comply.  If they don’t everyone in the house will be executed.

Dumars and the team aren’t sure how to proceed.  Was it the cartel or dirty cops calling?  How did they know the money had been found?  Who can they trust?  What is the best thing to do?

The clock is ticking…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I went in to The Rip thinking it would be good.  I was wrong.  It was great.  I absolutely loved it.  Writer/director Joe Carnahan has crafted a story that has mystery, tension, suspense and action.  Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are joined by Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, and Kyle Chandler.  All are perfectly cast.

I love the mystery of who to trust.  The tension continues to mount as the minutes tick off.  Trapped with a team that may not have your back in a deserted subivision.  Afraid to call back-up because of dirty cops with the cartel closing in.

The Rip gets my highest recommendation.

The Rip (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Police Story” (1985) directed by and starring Jackie Chan / Z-View

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Police Story (1985)

Director: Jackie Chan

Screenplay: Jackie Chan, Edward Tang

Stars: Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung.

Tagline: From the master of action comes more screen excitement than you’ve ever seen.

The Plot…

Sergeant Chan Ka-Kui, an undercover officer in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force was part of a task force to bring down crime lord Chu Tao.  Things go sideways.  Now Tao wants revenge and his target is Sergeant Chan.

Step back, Jackie Chan is ready to roll!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Police Story is famous for several big stunts and set pieces.  In one, Jackie slides several stories down a pole of Christmas lights in a mall.  In this stunt, Chan burned his hands, injured two vertebrae and dislocated his pelvis.  The pole slide was done in one take, without rehearsals and without the use of wires.

Sly Stallone paid homage to a Jackie Chan action beat in Police Story.  In Tango & Cash, Stallone’s character stops a semi, the same way that Chan stops the bus.

Police Story (1985) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Death by Lightning” (2025) written by Mike Makowski, directed by Matt Ross, starring Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, Nick Offerman and Betty Gilpin / Z-View

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Death by Lightning (2025)

Created by: Mike Makowsky; based on DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC: A TALE OF MADNESS, MEDICINE AND THE MURDER OF A PRESIDENT by Candice Millard

Director:

  • Matt Ross (Eps. 1-4)

Teleplay:

  • Mike Makowsky (Eps. 1-4)

Stars: Matthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman, Laura Marcus, David Nykl, Alfie Tempest, Paula Malcomson, Barry Shabaka Henley and Vondie Curtis-Hall.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Congressman James Garfield went to the 1880 Republican National Convention to give a nomination speech.  Garfield’s oratory was so powerful that through an unlikely series of events he became the party’s nominee.  Although an underdog, Garfield won the election and became the 20th President of the United States.

Charles Guiteau, an ex-con, chronic liar and thief has dreams of glory and fame.  Guiteau admires Garfield and feels their destiny’s are intwined.  But they are not.

So Guiteau decides to kill the man he admires.  Guiteau shoots Garfield in the back.  Garfield is bedridden and in pain for months.  Eighty days after being shot he dies.  James Garfield was President just 200 days.  But his Presidency had a positive impact to this day that few realize.

Charles Guiteau dreamed of fame.  He was executed for his crime and is largely forgotten except to historians.

This is their story.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Death by Lightning is an amazing, but true story.  Although a dramatization, it sticks very close to the actual events.  Kudos to Mike Makowsky, who wrote the teleplay for all four episodes, and to Candice Millard who wrote the book which inspired the project.

The cast is amazing.  Matthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, Bradley Whitford and Nick Offerman give performances that deserve awards.  They are amazing.  It was also nice to see Barry Shabaka Henley and Vondie Curtis-Hall appear.

Death by Lightning gets my highest recommendation.

Death by Lightning (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Wrecking Crew” (2026) starring Dave Bautista and Jason Mamoa / Z-View

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The Wrecking Crew (2026)

Director: Ángel Manuel Soto

Screenplay: Jonathan Tropper

Stars: Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Morena Baccarin, Maia Kealoha, Stephen Root, Miyavi, David Hekili Kenui Bell, Lydia Peckham, Branscombe Richmond, Stephen Oyoung and Claes Bang.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Jonny Hale is a reservation cop living in Oklahoma.  James Hale is a Navy Seal living in Hawaii.  The two are half brothers who haven’t seen each other in ten years.  When their father is killed in a hit and run, Jonny returns to Hawaii for the funeral.

Jonny believes that his father was murdered.  Although unconvinced at first, James comes around when it becomes clear the Yakuza were involved.

Now Jonny and James have teamed to find the killers.  Hawaiians should take cover.  Things are about to get crazy.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Wrecking Crew features David Hekili Kenui Bell final film role. He died on June 12, 2025.

Dave Bautista and Jason Mamoa have great chemistry.  Kudos also to Jacob Batalon, Morena Baccarin and Stephen Root.

I wanted to like this film more, but it was a bit too over-the-top to be taken seriously.  They really leaned into the humor to the point that I never felt concerned for the duo’s safety.  The action (with a couple of gory scenes as well) is ratcheted up to match the humor.  Still, watching Bautista and Mamoa tear through the bad guys isn’t a bad way to spend an hour and half.

The Wrecking Crew (2026) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Hold the Dark” (2018) directed by Jeremy Saulnier, starring Jeffrey Wright, Alexander Skarsgård and Riley Keough / Z-View

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Hold the Dark (2018)

Director: Jeremy Saulnier

Screenplay: Macon Blair, based on HOLD THE DARK byWilliam Giraldi

Stars: Jeffrey Wright, Alexander Skarsgård, James Badge Dale, Riley Keough, Julian Black Antelope, Eric Keenleyside and Tantoo Cardinal.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Russell Core arrives at the small, remote village of Keelut, Alaska.  Core came at the request of Medora Slone.  Three children from the village (including Medora’s young son) are missing. A wolf pack is blamed.  Although there is no hope the children are alive, Medora wants Core to track and kill the pack.

Core agrees.  What he and others will soon learn, something much more sinister than a wolf pack is responsible.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

My main interest in this film was actor Jeffrey Wright (who is always excellent) and director Jeremy Saulnier (I loved his work on Rebel Ridge).

Hold the Dark (2018) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“A Working Man” (2025) starring Jason Statham / Z-View

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A Working Man (2025)

Director: David Ayer

Screenplay: Sylvester Stallone, David Ayer based on LEVON’S TRADE by Chuck Dixon

Stars: Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, Maximilian Osinski, Cokey Falkow, Michael Peña, Noemi Gonzalez, Emmett J. Scanlan, Emmett J. Scanlan and David Harbour.

Tagline: Human traffickers beware.

The Plot…

Levon Cade is a former Royal Marine Commando now working as a construction foreman.  When his boss’ daughter is kidnapped, Levon uses his skills to find her and do what he does best.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

A Working Man is the second film written by Sly Stallone that stars Jason Statham. Homefront (2013) was the first.

A Working Man (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Mayor of Kingstown”: Season 4 (2025) starring Jeremy Renner and Edie Falco / Z-View

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Mayor of Kingstown: Season 4 (2025)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan, Hugh Dillon

Directors:

  • Christoph Schrewe (Eps. 1-2; 5-6; 9-10)
  • Leslie Hope (Eps. 3-4)
  • Guy Ferland (Eps. 7-8)

Teleplay:

  • Dave Erickson (Eps. 1; 10)
  • Aalia Brown (Ep. 2)
  • Christian Donovan (Ep. 3)
  • James Arcega Tinsley (Ep. 4)
  • Wendy Riss (Eps. 5; 8)
  • Molly Forman (Ep. 6)
  • Christian Donovan & Jeremiah Wessling (Ep. 7)
  • Hugh Dillon (Ep. 9)

Stars: Jeremy Renner, Hugh Dillon, Tobi Bamtefa, Taylor Handley, Derek Webster, Hamish Allan-Headley, Nishi Munshi, Necar Zadegan, Nichole Galicia, Michael Beach, Lane Garrison, Richard Brake, D Smoke,Phil Rice, Denny Love, Laura Benanti, Lennie James and Edie Falco.

Tagline: You can’t bury the past.

The Plot…

After the events last season Kyle is headed for prison.  Mike is working every angle to get Kyle released. Evelyn is willing to cut Kyle a deal if he gives up Ian.  This puts Ian on edge and eager to do whatever it takes to get clear… including murder.

Mike meets with the new warden, Nina Hobbs.  She’s a hardcase and won’t give Mike (or Kyle) any consideration.  But she’s got secrets that could be exploited.

Meanwhile Bunny is offered a chance to work with a Detroit gangster named Frank Moses.  Moses is a legend. Bunny’s looking for a partner.  Moses is looking to expand his empire.

With Kyle in prison, Merle Callahan, the leader of the Arian Nation has a new way to get to Mike.  By hurting Kyle.

The tension mounts as the season progresses.  Every encounter is dangerous.  Several won’t survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mayor of Kingstown continues to be one of the best (if not the best) written, directed, an acted television series.  It has production values that rival those of feature films.

Jeremy Renner is perfect as the no-nonsense and fearless Mike McClusky.  Other standouts in the supporting cast include Edie Falco, Lennie James, Hugh Dillon, Tobi Bamtefa and Hamish Allan-Headley.  Actually, I should probably list every supporting actor/actress because they are all perfectly cast.

The surprises, twists and ever building tension make each episode must-see tv.

Mayor of Kingstown has been renewed for a shortened (8 episode) final season.  I cannot wait.

Mayor of Kingstown: Season 4 (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.