Category: Trivia

“The Smashing Machine” (2025) written & directed by Benny Safdie, starring Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt / Z-View

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The Smashing Machine (2025)

Director: Benny Safdie

Screenplay: Benny Safdie

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten.

Tagline: The unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.

The Plot…

Mark Kerr was a high school state wrestling champion.  He was a NCAA Division I collegiate wrestling champion, a World Cup freestyle wrestling gold and silver medalist, and silver medalist in the Pan American Games.  Kerr was one of the first UFC fighters and a two-time UFC Heavyweight tournament champion.

This is his story.  Warts and all.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bas Rutten, Kerr’s former coach and friend plays himself.

Dwayne Johnson is transformed into Mark Kerr.  The make-up is amazing.  Also Johnson gets to show real acting chops in his most “real” performance.

The Smashing Machine (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Diabolique” (1955) directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, starring Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, and Charles Vanel / Z-View

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Diabolique (1955)

Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot

Screenplay: Henri-Georges Clouzot, Jérôme Géronimi, René Masson, Frédéric Grendel, based on  CELLE QUI N’éTAIT PLUS by Boileau-Narcejac

Stars: Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse, Charles Vanel

Tagline: Don’t Reveal the Ending!

The Plot…

Michel Delassalle is a cruel man.  Michel is the Principal of a boys’ boarding school owned by his wife, Christina.  Christina also works as a teacher at the school.  Michel enjoys flaunting his authority over his teachers including his wife.  He gets off on humiliating them at every opportunity.  To make matters worse, Michel has an on-going affair with Nicole Horner, another teacher at the school, who he also mistreats.

Surprisingly, Christina and Nicole have developed a friendship… and a plan.  They’ve devised the perfect albi so when they kill Michel, they will be above suspicion.

Or so they thought.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Alfred Hitchcock reportedly wanted the rights to the original novel but was beaten by just a few hours by Henri-Georges Clouzot who went on to direct Diabolique.

Véra Clouzot died suddenly of a heart attack five years after the release of Diabolique.  She was only 46. Her character in the film suffered from a weak heart.

Diabolique was ahead of it’s time.  It inspired filmmakers from William Castle to Alfred Hitchcock.  And what a twist ending!

Diabolique (1955) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“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 Running Man” (2025) directed by Edgar Wright, starring Glen Powell / Z-View

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The Running Man (2025)

Director: Edgar Wright

Screenplay: Michael Bacal, Edgar Wright based on THE RUNNING MAN by Stephen King

Stars: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, William H. Macy, Alyssa Benn, David Zayas, Greg Townley, Karl Glusman, Joey Ansah, James Frecheville, Lee Pace, Sean Hayes, Chris Rogers, Debi Mazar and Jayme Lawson.

Tagline: Survive 30 days while the world hunts you down.

The Plot…

In a dystopian future, most of the population lives in poverty.  Those lucky enough to have jobs barely get by.  The masses spend their days glued to the television watching game shows where contestants can win large sums of money.  The most popular is The Running Man hosted by Bobby Thompson.  Contestants actually risk their lives to play.  They are called runners, and are given $1,000 as well as a 12 hour head start.  Then, if they can survive 30 days, they will win one billion dollars.  Life changing money.  But there is a risk.  In addition to the show’s hunters, any one in the country can kill a runner.  If a citizen kills the runner, they win a small cash prize.

When Ben Richards is unable to afford needed medicine for his daughter, he decides to try out for a television show.  He hopes to win enough cash to pay for his daughter’s meds.  Richards is shocked when he is picked to appear on The Running Man.  He doesn’t want to die, but if he could somehow win, his family would be set forever.

Let the game begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the original The Running Man, appears on money used in the movie.

Stephen King’s novel, written in 1982, is a futuristic tale set in 2025, the same year as the film’s release.

The film starts out well enough, but by it’s very nature is so over the top that Geln Powell’s character, despite finding himself in tough situations, never really feels in danger.

The Running Man (2025) rates 2 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.

“The Thicket” (2024), starring Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke and Leslie Grace with Gbenga Akinnagbe / Z-View

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The Thicket (2024)

Director: Elliott Lester

Screenplay: Chris Kelley, based on THE THICKET by Joe R. Lansdale

Stars: Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Ned Dennehy, James Hetfield, Macon Blair, Arliss Howard, Leslie Grace,  Ryan Robbins, Teach Grant,  Derek Gilroy, Roger LeBlanc and David Midthunder.

Tagline: Death comes fast in Texas

The Plot…

Jack, his sister Lula and their grandfather Caleb, are on their way to Caleb’s 700 acre ranch in Montana.  At a ferry crossing they come across the infamous outlaw Cut-Throat Bill and her gang.  Caleb is murdered.  Jack left for dead and Lula is kidnapped.

Jack makes it to the next town.  There he sees part-time bounty hunters / grave diggers Reginald Jones and Eustace Howard in action.  Jones and Howard make an unlikely pair.  Jones has dwarfism and Howard is a black man.  Jack wants to hire them to help him rescue his sister.  Jones and Howard are hesitant to go against Cut-Throat Bill and her gang.  When Jack tells them he owns a 700 acre ranch in Montana and offers them land if they take on the job.  They agree knowing that success is unlikely.

What chance does a young kid, and part-time bounty hunters have against Cut-Throat Bill and her gang?  Let’s find out.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Thicket is based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novel of the same name released by Mulholland Books on September 10, 2013.  Making the film was a longtime passion project for Peter Dinklage.  Dinklage was first linked to the project in 2014.

Juliette Lewis has never been better.  She owns every scene as the frightening and murderous Cut-Throat Bill.

The Thicket (2024) rates 4 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.

“Good Time” (2017) directed by Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie, starring Robert Pattison, Benny Safdie and Jennifer Jason Leigh / Z-View

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Good Time (2017)

Director: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie

Screenplay: Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie

Stars: Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Barkhad Abdi and Laurence Blum.

Tagline: Are you ready for a Good Time?

The Plot…

Connie is a small time criminal who takes care of Nick, his mentally impaired and often violent younger brother.  Tired of struggling, Connie and Nick rob a bank.  During the getaway, a dye pack explodes ruining the cash and causing them to wreck the getaway car.  Now on foot, they are chased by the police.  Connie escapes.  Nick is caught.

Knowing that Nick won’t survive the night in lockup, Connie moves through New York City’s underworld, in an effort to raise enough cash to bail Nick out before his temper gets him killed.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Much of the movie was improvised.  Only Robert Pattinson and Benny Safdie were given scripts.  They other actors were given background and information about their characters.  The scenes were then improvised. The mall chase scene was done during regular hours.  The background characters were not actors and their reactions were real.

Benny Safdie is perfect as Nick.  He steals every scene.

Robert Pattison’s performance in Good Time is what brought him to Matt Reeves attention and made Reeves want him for The Batman.

Eric Roberts originally played the bail bondsman.  The scene was shot in Eric Paykert’s office.  Paykert is an actual bail bondsman.  The Safdies decided to reshoot the scene using Paykert as the bondsman.  Paykert’s real wife played his on-screen wife as well.

Josh Safdie said about the feel of the film: “We wanted to make a piece of entertainment that has a pulpy feel to it. The movie takes place in only one night. It’s a film like a dream, like a nightmare.” Mission accomplished.

Good Time (2017) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Wake Up Dead Man”: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) written & directed by Rian Johnson, starring Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis and Jeremy Renner / Z- View

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Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

Director: Rian Johnson

Screenplay: Rian Johnson

Stars: Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church, James Faulkner, Noah Segan, Kit Burden and Jeffrey Wright.

Tagline: He works in mysterious ways.

The Plot…

Benoit Blanc is asked to help solve a murder that occurred at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, a rural parish in upstate New York.  Jefferson Wicks, the controversial and charismatic Monsigner was stabbed in the back with a devil’s head knife.  Wicks was murdered in the middle of his sermon. He briefly stepped into a closet where he was killed.  Wicks had been in full view of the assembly.  No one else was in the closet and there were no other entrances or secret passageways.

Jud Duplenticy, the new assistant Priest, is the main suspect.  Jud claims his innocence and reluctantly works with Benoit to figure out who pulled off an impossible murder.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Benoit Blanc is this generation’s Columbo.  And that’s a wonderful thing.

Wake Up Dead Man is my favorite of the three Knives Out Mysteries.

Josh Brolin and Glenn Close shine.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“One Battle After Another” (2025) written & directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti / Z-View

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One Battle After Another (2025)

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson; based on VINELAND by Thomas Pynchon

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, Wood Harris, Starletta DuPois and Kevin Tighe.

Tagline: Some search for battle, others are born into it…

The Plot…

Bob and his sixteen year old daughter, Willa live off the grid in California.  Bob’s a stoner and over-protective of Willa.

But for good reason.

Seventeen years ago, Bob’s real name was Pat.  Pat was a member of a revolutionary group that robbed banks, broke immigrants out of detention centers and bombed military instilations.  Willa’s mother was also a member of the militant group.  She abandoned Pat and Willa when she fled to Mexico to avoid prison.

Bob and Willa’s peaceful existence is about to be shattered.  Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw, for secret personal reasons, wants Willa dead.

Lockjaw has the might of the US military at his disposal… and he’s closing in.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

One Battle After Another made more critics’ annual “best of” lists in 2025 than any other film, including the most 1st-place votes.

One Battle After Another features Chase Infiniti’s film debut.  She is excellent.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro and Teyana Taylor are perfectly cast.  Sean Penn, who is always excellent, deserves an Academy Award for his performance as Col. Lockjaw.

One Battle After Another is an excellent film.  It features over-the-top characters and outlandish situations.  It’s full of action with the right amount of humor.  I wouldn’t argue with anyone calling it their #1 film of the year (although I’d go with Sinners).  The acting, directing and writing is excellent.  However, I don’t feel that One Battle After Another is a film I’ll often revisit.  Your mileage as always may vary.

One Battle After Another (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Road to Paloma” (2014) directed by and starring Jason Mamoa / Z-View

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Road to Paloma (2014)

Director: Jason Momoa

Screenplay: Jason Momoa, Robert Homer Mollohan, Jonathan Hirschbein

Stars: Jason Momoa, Robert Homer Mollohan, Lisa Bonet, Tye Alexander, Henree Alyse, Chris Browning, Charlie Brumbly, Linden Chiles, Timothy V. Murphy, Michael Raymond-James, Tanoai Reed, Steve Reevis, Wes Studi and Lance Henriksen.

Tagline: On the road. On the run.

The Plot…

Robert Wolf has been on the run.  Six months ago Wolf murdered the man who brutally raped and killed his mother.   Now Wolf has returned home to collect his mother’s ashes.  He plans to spread them on land she loved.  But when the FBI closing in, Wolf’s last wish may not be fulfilled.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Road to Paloma  features Jason Mamoa’s debut as a director. He also was the star and the film’s co-writter and co-producer.

Although Jason Mamoa and Lisa Bonet were once married, they weren’t at the time Road to Paloma was made.

Wes Studi and Lance Henriksen have small but welcome roles.

I wanted to like Road to Paloma more than I did.  I liked the story concept and actors involved.  Mamoa shows promise as a director.  My problem was the pacing of the film.  For a man on a mission as well as on the run with the FBI closing in, the film lacked a sense of urgency.  Your mileage may, of course, vary.

Road to Paloma (2014) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“When Worlds Collide” (1951) produced by George Pal / Z-View

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When Worlds Collide (1951)

Produced by: George Pal

Director: Rudolph Maté

Screenplay: Sydney Boehm; based on When Worlds Collide stories published in Blue Book Magazine in 1933 by Edwin Balmer, Philip Wylie

Stars: Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen, John Hoyt, Larry Keating, Rachel Ames, Stephen Chase, Hayden Rorke, Sandro Giglio, Kirk Alyn, Stuart Whitman and Frank Cady.

Tagline: 44 Men and Women in Desperate Getaway Flight…To Escape Earth’s Destruction!

The Plot…

Scientists learn that Bellus, a recently discovered star, and Zyra, a planet being pulled along by Bellus, are on a collision course with Earth.  In just over eight months, Zyra will pass by Earth.  Nineteen days later, Bellus’ impact will destroy our planet.

Dr. Cole Hendron has a plan to build a spaceship to carry 44 people to Zyra as it passes Earth.  These 44 will repopulate the new planet and humanity will survive.  Two wealthy humanitarians agree to put up the money, but the project still needs more.  Sidney Stanton, a shrewd businessman agrees to put up the rest of the funds, if he can choose the people that get to go.  Dr. Hendron refuses the offer since Stanton isn’t qualifed to make the decision.  Staton agrees to put up the money if he is guaranteed a seat on the ship.

Panic throughout the world spreads as doomsday approaches.  Other countries are making plans to build their own rockets, but time is short.  As Zyra hurtles closer to Earth, massive earthquakes, tidal waves and volcanic eruptions wreak havok on the world.  Many countries declare martial law.  Dr. Hendron and his team work to make-up time, but as the day of launch approaches, and workers realize that not everyone can make the trip, tempers flare.

 As the clock ticks down, so too do the odds of humanity’s survival.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)… 

When Worlds Collide was nominated for two 1952 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Cinematography, Color – John F. Seitz, W. Howard Greene
  • Winner for Best Effects, Special Effects

Producer, George Pal hoped to film a sequel based on the stories of the struggles on the new planet, but the film never happened.

Some of the shots used in When Worlds Collide would be reused in other George Pal films such as War of the Worlds, The Time Machine and Atlantis: The Lost Continent.

Features Stuart Whitman’s uncredited film debut.

Also features the film debut of Rachel Ames (aka Judith Ames).  Rachael Ames and co-star Peter Hanson would go on to act on General Hospital together for decades.

Kirk Alyn, best known as the actor to first play Superman, appears uncredited as a rioter.

If you enjoy 1950s sci-fi, When Worlds Collide should be on your viewing list.

When Worlds Collide (1951) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” (2026) / Z-View

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I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not (2026)

Director: Marina Zenovich

Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Ryan Reynolds, Goldie Hawn, Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Paul Shaffer and Lorne Michaels.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Saturday Night Live premiered on October 11, 1975, and it was obvious from the start that Chevy Chase was going to be the breakout star.  When Chase anchored the “News Update” segments viewership would spike.  He came off as funny, goofy, personalble, girls thought he was cute and guys liked him as well.  And man, could he take a pratfall.

The only surprise when Chase left Saturday Night Live for Hollywood was how quickly it happened. He didn’t even complete the show’s second season.

Chase’s first starring role in a feature film (Foul Play) hinted at great things to come.  But his films were hit (Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation) or miss (Oh! Heavenly Dog; Under the Rainbow).  The misses started to outnumber the hits.  Rumors surfaced that Chase was “hard to work with” or worse still, just an ass.

I‘m Chevy Chase and You’re Not explores Chase’s life warts and all.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)… 

I was a Chevy Chase fan at the start of his career.  I thought Chase was going to be a big star.  And he was for a bit. Chase would have been on top longer, if not for his behavior. Maybe it was the drugs (which he discusses).  Maybe it was his ego.  Maybe it was unresolved issues from his childhood.  More likely it was a combination of all of these things.

I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not is interesting and informative even without the participation of folks who declined to be interviewed (Steve Martin, Martin Short, the entire cast and crew of Community – except for Jay Chandrasekhar who directed one episode with Chase).  Their silence says a lot.

After seeing I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, I have a better understanding of the man and his career.  He often appears to be his own worst enemy.  Yet, at 82, Chase still has a quick (often inappropriate) wit even if he can no longer take a pratfall.

I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not (2026)

“Security” (2017) starring Antonio Banderas and Ben Kingsley / Z-View

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Security (2017)

Director: Alain DesRochers

Screenplay: Tony Mosher, John Sullivan

Stars: Antonio Banderas, Ben Kingsley, Liam McIntyre, Cung Le, Chad Lindberg, Gabriella Wright, Shari Watson.

Tagline: It’s going to be a long night.

The Plot…

Eddie Deacon, a former US Marine Captain has been out of work for too long.  When Deacon is offered a job as a security guard at a remote mall, he accepts.  There he finds a security detail lead by a cop wanna-be and a team of slackers.  The hardest part of most nights is staying awake.

That all changes late one night when a young girl shows up banging and screaming to get inside.  Deacon brings her in.  The girl is terrified and claims that people are coming to kill her.  A man shows up and says he’s there to bring the girl home.  He’s calm and has answers for every question.  But Deacon senses something is not right.

The man changes tactics.  He offers money for the girl.  When that is refused he says that he has an elite squad of mercenaries that are going to break in, kill everyone  and then take the girl.  Communications to the mall are jammed and the mercenaries are seen prepping to attack.

It’s going to be a long night.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)… 

Lillian Blankenship, in her film debut, plays Antonio Banderas’ daughter.  Later in the same year, she would again play Banderas’ daughter in the film Acts of Vengeance.

Security is a fun, action-packed ride.  Banderas is perfect as the former marine unwilling to give up the child.  Ben Kingsley plays the villain with such calm it’s creepy.  Liam McIntyre’s character has an unexpected arc that he makes work.

If you like action films, then give Security a try.

Security (2017) rates 4 of 5 stars.

Craig’s Best of 2025: Films / TV / Books / Posts

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Happy New Year!

As we start 2026, let’s take a look at the BEST OF 2025. I hope you see something that you enjoyed or gets you interested to check out. Here we go…

Movies and Television Series

In 2025, I watched 375 movies and tv series. That number is down 21 from last year. My favorite films and limited series released in 2025 included (in alpha order):

  • A House of Dynamite
  • aka Charlie Sheen
  • Amateur, The
  • American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden
  • Americas, The
  • Caught Stealing
  • Chaos: The Manson Murders
  • Duster
  • Havoc
  • Last Samurai Standing: Season 1
  • Mayor of Kingstown: Season 4
  • Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
  • Paradise: Season 1
  • Pitt, The
  • Reacher: Season 3
  • Sean Combs: The Reckoning
  • Sinners
  • Sly Lives
  • Surviving Black Hawk Down
  • Tulsa King: Season 3
  • Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
  • Wick is Pain
  • WWE Unreal: Season 1

Books

In 2025, I read 37 books (down 9 from last year) My favorites from this year included (in the order I read them):

  • 1. Joe Ledger: Secret Missions 1 by Jonathan Maberry
    2. The Big Empty by Robert Crais
    3. Joe Ledger: Secret Missions 2 by Jonathan Maberry
    4. Burn to Shine by Jonathan Maberry
    5. The Friends of Pancho Villa by James Carlos Blake
    6. Blue Moon by Lee Child
    7. King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
    8. Ceremony by Robert B. Parker
    9. Hatchet Girls by Joe R. Lansdale
    10. Hunter’s Moon by James Byron Huggins
    11. Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz
    12. Front Sight by Stephen Hunter
    13. Fever House by Keith Rosson
    14. November Road by Lou Berney
    15. Hush Money by Robert B. Parker

My Most Popular Posts of the Year

I continue to find some surprises in what became my most popular posts each year. Here are the top ten for 2025 and some thoughts for each…

10. The Syfy Channel’s 2025 “Twilight Zone” Christmas Marathon Schedule is Up! – The Twilight Zone Marathon Schedule posts are always popular. Last year the TZ New Year’s Marathon Schedule clocked in at #10.

9. The 25 Best ’90s Movies – New to the top ten!

8. Evidence Points to Gary Francis Poste as The Zodiac Killer! – Fell from the #2 spot.

7. Wolverine (and that scary smirk) by John Byrne! – New to the top ten!

6. The Dichotomy Philosophy Quiz – New to the top ten!

5. RIP: Johnny Crawford – New to the top ten!

4. Syfy’s Twilight Zone 2025/2026 New Year’s Marathon Schedule is Up! – The TZ New Year’s Marathon announcement moved from the 10th spot to #4!

3. Batman – “It Was a Dark and Stormy Night” by Snoopy (Charles Schulz), Len Wein & Walt Simonson! – No change. Was in the #3 spot last year.

2. Schwarzenegger in “King Lear” & Robin Williams in “Jack and the Beanstalk” – moved from the #1 spot last year.

1. “CAUGHT STEALING” screenplay by Charlie Huston, directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Austin King, Regina King & Zoe Kravitz – The Trailer is Here! – Making it’s first appearance on the list and in the #1 spot.

My All-Time Most Popular Posts

10. The 2021 TWILIGHT ZONE New Year’s Eve Marathon is Coming and the Full Schedule is Out! – The Twilight Zone Marathon posts are always popular.

09. Gadot & The Rock Strike a Pose – this is the fifth year in a row that the Gadot & The Rock Pose post has remained in the 9th spot.

08. Steve Reeves as Superman – this is the third year in a row that Steve Reeves as Superman flew in to the 8th spot.

07. TOP 10 MOST ICONIC HORROR MOVIE VILLAINS! – For the second year in a row.

06. Billy the Kid Photo Discovered – holding strong for two years in a row.

05. Dracula Through the Ages – moved to the 5th spot last year and held on for the second year in a row.

04. SYFY’s 2023/2024 Twilight Zone New Year’s Eve Marathon Schedule is Up! – remains our 4th most popular post for the second year in a row.

03. Zodiac Killer Code Cracked? – Came in 3rd last year and held that spot.

02. Louis Meyers: Evidence He Was the Zodiac Killer – our second all-time most popular post for the second year in a row.

01. Schwarzenegger in “King Lear” & Robin Williams in “Jack and the Beanstalk” – our all-time most popular post for the third year in a row.

It’s always interesting to see which topics resonate with fans and continue to be popular long after their initial post.