Media Captures - June 2025

MOVIES

Sinners – 10

Probably the biggest hit of 2025, this Ryan Coogler-directed opus is actually two terrific movies unnecessarily combined into one.  The first is a story of twins, both played with great gusto by Michael B Jordan, who return to the Mississippi Delta after making an ill-gotten fortune in Chicago.  Their plan is to gather together a lot of blues musicians and open a juke joint.  Mississippi is famous for their Juke Joints.  (see https://www.amazon.com/Last-Mississippi-Jukes-Robert-Mugge/dp/B07M9QQYBX) This first part of the story is a wonderful depiction of blues and the delta, with an unfortunate appearance by the KKK.  I could have easily watched a full two hours of the story of the first spectacular night of singing and dancing.

But, then suddenly the story transitions into a vampire story.  It would be easy to say this was a mistake, but as an expert in the field of Vampires (a graduate of the Buffy school of Vampire-slaying) I have to say they hit all the right notes.  The momentum completely changes, but it was worth it.  There are some crazy pieces here, but in the end, it was worth it. 

One word of caution.  Stay for the credits.  There is much to see after they start and if you are watching on the streamer Max, they are prematurely trying to pull you into the next movie.  For this movie, that commercialism is disgusting.  HBO Max has always treated movies with great reverence, but they really crap the bed on this one.  They should be ashamed.  Be sure to click on the square and watch the full credit sequence – it adds quite a bit to the story. 

The Life of Chuck – 9

Actually went to the theater to see this well-reviewed flick, based on a Stephen King story;  Tom Hiddleston stars as Chuck, apparently a non-descript accountant whose career is winding up.  The movie has 3 chapters, shown in reverse order.

The first they show, the most effective, is one where the world is ending, apparently because of Chuck.

It features a great performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor who is baffled as to what is happening, and I haven’t seen many end-of-the-world depictions any better than this one.  It’s low key and methodical.  Just brilliant. The second and third parts unfold less well, but it’s still pretty engrossing. 

Gladiator II – 8

On our 10-hour flight back from Rome I thought it would be totally appropriate to watch a movie about Rome that I would never have otherwise watched.  I found it fairly entertaining for a sequel that had been widely panned.  Maybe movies are just better a mile high.

Wolfman – 7

Here’s one there’s no way I would have watched if I wasn’t on an airplane.  I’m not much on Blum House horror movies, but I can see why they are popular.  This is a compact, well put together story of a man who gets bit, turns into a Wolfman, and wants to chomp on his family. 

10 Things I Hate About You – 9

The last of my airplane trio was this alleged classic, anchored by Heath Ledger’s first performance and Julia Stiles portrayal of his love interest.  A pleasant surprise, worthy of its reputation.  If you missed it originally like I did, circle back.  Great characterizations and a very nice conclusion.

Havoc – 6

Never has there been a movie with a more appropriate name.  Total chaos and violence galore.  When you are in a blood and guts mood.

Old Guard 2 – 4

I waited until Netflix released this sequel on July 2^nd, before I wrote this. I doubt I’ve looked forward to a sequel this much since The Empire Strikes Back.   The first movie, a Netflix original starring Charlize Theron, was smart, innovative, and action packed.  I knew it was going to be difficult to recapture the magic of the first movie.  That is an understatement.

The movie falls flat.  Charlize Theron tries her best to pull it together, but the surprises don’t work, and it seems they were so intent on trying to restore Andy’s (Charlize) immortality that they even bungle the amazing story of her best friend who has been in an underwater cage for 500 years.  It’s been a long time since I was this disappointed in a sequel.

 

STREAMING/BINGING and what’s left of Network Television

Fubar – 8

When I realized that the Academy Award nominated actress Monica Babaro (for her great performance in A Complete Unknown as Joan Baez) was into her second season in a TV show I figured it was time to check it out.  The surprise here is that Arnold Schwarzenegger (as her father) displays enough comedic timing to elevate this action series enough above the norm to make us stick around for both seasons.

 The hook is that they didn’t know that they are each in the CIA.  They are horrified of course, when they learn the truth, and they are forced to partner up, which leads to some entertaining, if over the top, fun and games.  A nice surprise.

DOCUMENTARIES

Pee Wee Herman as Himself – 9

Paul Ruebens was a struggling improvisational actor with several characters in his repertoire.  He was floundering when he decided to just stick with his most popular character, Pee Wee Herman.  Eventually he shot to fame and fortune, but he wrestled with many demons and he talks freely with the filmmaker until right before his death.  The movie-makers did not know that Ruebens was suffering from cancer, and shortly before his death, he stopped the interview process.  Ruebens goes into detail about his decision to stay in the closet to enhance his career, and the heartaches of fame.  This is a wonderful and very personal documentary.