Book Review- A CENTURY OF HITCHCOCK: THE MAN, THE MYTHS, THE LEGACY by Tony Lee Moral

June 1, 2026

Alfred Hitchcock certainly earned the moniker ‘The Master of Suspense’.  Through his many classic films and superb TV show, “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” (1955-62, 268 episodes), Hitch consistently built tension that frayed our nerves to the point that we could neither look away, nor hardly wait for the next film or episode. The list of filmmakers influenced by his work is endless, and as film lovers, we are continually drawn back to his movies due to emotions and nostalgia. While all of that remains true one hundred years after his debut feature film, the reputation of Alfred Hitchcock the man was forever changed/damaged with the unauthorized biography by Donald Spoto and the memoir of actress Tippi Hedren.

Author Tony Lee Moral, a British filmmaker and film historian, has devoted countless hours to research in offering a counterpoint, or rebuttal, to the previous accusations hurled at Hitchcock. His interviews and real-world examples provide a profile of a genius filmmaker who was described (in various ways) by his co-workers as an often quiet gentleman dedicated to maintaining structure on his sets. Since Hitchcock passed away in 1980, unable to defend himself against the later accusations, Mr. Moral offers perspective from the other side. Moral’s book is less about the fascinating films Hitchcock directed (there are literally hundreds of publications dedicated to this), and more about his personality, demeanor, and approach to the work – as recalled and documented by those he worked with.

Part 1 of the book details young Alfred’s rise through German, British, and ultimately, American filmmaking. Part 2 dives into the psychology of Hitchcock – both real and perceived, specifically the allegations brought by Ms. Hedren, and Francois Truffaut’s role in providing a contrasting prospective. Part 3 provides context to Hitchcock’s overall legacy and how revenge, greed, the need for attention, and changing social mores likely played a role in shifting attitudes. It’s important to note that this book is not designed to provide critical film analysis or a creative breakdown of any of film in the Hitchcock oeuvre. Rather, at its core, this is an author and film historian providing a measured and detailed response to the attempted character assassination of a deceased man. Moral even provides substantial information on what was possibly behind the words of Mr. Spoto and Ms. Hedren.

As a film lover and film critic, I’ve long been an admirer/fan who obsesses over Hitchcock’s body of work. I’ve also been fascinated by how he turned himself into an iconic public figure through film cameos, measured interviews, and especially, the hosting of his TV series. Author Moral lays out the memories of many who worked with Hitchcock, and includes the importance of the director’s long-time wife and frequent collaborator, Alma Reville. We also learn of Hitchcock’s penchant for practical jokes … a trait that contrasts with his meticulous approach to structure on the set. It’s likely many will find interest in Hitchcock’s intent to create a new movie star out of a beautiful model with little acting experience. His success in this venture may be best judged by the films they made together, THE BIRDS (1963) and MARNIE (1964) … as well as her acting career post-Hitchcock. The legacy of Alfred Hitchcock is certainly more complex now than it was at time of his death. The MeToo# movement played a part in the shift, while the movies and words of all collaborators must be considered. This book from Tony Lee Moral helps us do so.

The book is available on Amazon beginning June 9, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

GEORGIA O’KEEFE: THE BRIGHTNESS OF LIGHT (2026, doc)

May 30, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. The “Mother of American Modernism”, while impressive as a moniker, seems to fall short in describing the impact, influence, and lasting legacy of artist Georgia O’Keefe. Oscar winning director Paul Wagner (short film THE STONE CARVER, 1984) has put together one of the most comprehensive and detailed biographical documentaries I’ve seen, and he couldn’t have selected a more deserving subject.

The film opens with an O’Keefe retrospective in Europe … the area’s first real exposure to her work. It’s rare for someone to be so famous and influential in the states, and yet relatively obscure in Europe. One gallery exhibit changed that. Most of us recognize O’Keefe’s work through her use of color and the ties to nature. It’s fascinating to see the path she took towards being the most important female artist of the twentieth century. Mr. Wagner delivers an encompassing profile, beginning with her birth in 1887 on a Wisconsin farm – even showing us the oldest known O’Keefe drawing – a 1901 sketch of laundry day.

Sprinkled throughout the presentation are archival clips from 1960 and 1977 on camera interviews that O’Keefe sat for, as well as numerous other video clips and photographs. The sheer volume of photographs is not surprising given her connection to renowned photographer and art promoter Alfred Stieglitz. The two eventually married, but the professional side may have eclipsed the personal in regard to importance. O’Keefe was a favorite subject of Stieglitz and his camera, and Wagner doesn’t shy away from showing us some of the more risqué shots – a side of O’Keefe rarely seen.

So many things stand out about O’Keefe’s life, and her travels around the country are quite startling, given the era. We trace her from Wisconsin to Virginia to New York to Texas and ultimately New Mexico, where many of her most famous works were crafted. This is a woman who enjoyed life in a NYC skyscraper, a home at Lake George, the dusty plains of Texas, and the New Mexico desert. The energy she drew from bones, skulls, antlers, rocks, and trees all inspired her work and her way of living. Her ‘Ghost House’ in New Mexico was isolated, keeping her connected to nature.

Georgia O’Keefe passed away in 1986 at the age of 98. We learn that at an early age she stopped painting for four years, and we also learn that what brought her back to the canvas was the idea that art begins with abstraction, rather than recreating the works of others. We hear perspectives from an impressive lineup of professors, biographers, curators, and art experts. These are the folks who can adequately place O’Keefe in historical perspective. She’s now a symbol, and this Paul Wagner documentary should be sought out by all aspiring artists and anyone looking to blaze their own trail in life.

A nationwide digital launch begins June 1 on Apple+, Prime Video, Google Plus, and more

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU: MARILYN MONROE: A LIFE IN 100 TAKES by Andrew Wilson

May 29, 2026

Glamour is the descriptive word that comes to mind when we think back to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The stars shone brightly in the days of Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor. However, many would agree that the brightest star and the most glamorous was Marilyn Monroe. She might also have been the most tragic. This detailed and intricately researched book from author Andrew Wilson pulls back the curtain on Marilyn’s façade of glamour, while serving up specifics about her childhood, her desire to be loved, and her recurring depression. The book may not be a traditional tribute, but in fact it serves as proof of how she struggled to overcome her personal challenges.

Wilson’s book is timed to release in celebration of what would have been Marilyn’s 100th birthday. Of course, it’s a tragedy that she only lived for 36 years, and we discover even more tragedy and sadness as the book guides us through a childhood (as Norma Jeane) we wouldn’t wish on anyone … foster homes and orphanages. This led to her foundation of fear and insecurity. Wilson describes how her need to be loved and wanted was often at odds with her public image of glamorous blonde bombshell, as was her commitment to reading and learning – despite being a high school dropout.

As proof of her iconic image as a movie star and celebrity, it’s truly fascinating to note the number of legends, rumors, and conspiracies linked to Marilyn. Wilson discloses his access to the archives (tapes, interviews, documents, letters) of 1985 biographer Anthony Summers, who wrote “Goddess: The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe”. Additionally, Wilson researched so much more on his own, making this work truly stand out despite the dozens of books already published profiling Marilyn. What we learn is that stories and tales and memories of Marilyn are easy to come by. The difficult part is separating fact from fiction, especially when so much of the fiction has been fed to us over the years. Wilson lays out the facts and admits when he’s drawing his own conclusions. This is in stark contrast to how he feels about Norman Mailer’s 1973 “Marilyn: A Biography”, which Wilson describes as ‘sloppily researched.’

When it comes to beloved icons, the real money makers are conspiracy theories and rumors when trying to sell one of those many Marilyn books. Wilson methodically addresses the facts as applied to such items as her being sexually assaulted as a minor, the white piano, multiple miscarriages, her endometriosis, the clashes with Laurence Olivier, the ‘wrong door raid’, her conversion to Judaism, that infamous dress from “Happy Birthday, Mr. President”, her three marriages (the first at age 16), brothers John and Bobby Kennedy (each get their own chapter), and of course, her death at such a young age and under mysterious circumstances. Also included is the story behind Hugh Hefner obtaining the Marilyn photos he used in the 1953 launch of “Playboy” magazine.

For those interested in Marilyn’s three marriages, Wilson includes plenty. First husband Jim Doughterty, a police officer, wrote two books about her, while neither Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio nor Pulitzer Prize winner Arthur Miller did. In fact, the latter two remained quite close-lipped when it came to discussing Marilyn after her death. Specifics on the marriages are included, and as you’d suspect, it wasn’t all rosy for Marilyn. Other romances and rumored romances are part of her story. This includes Frank Sinatra and Yves Montand, as well as screenwriter Jose Bolanos, supposedly her final lover.

Famed acting coach Lee Strasburg not only worked with Marilyn, but also became one of the few she trusted implicitly. Wilson covers her lifelong connection to therapists, including her time with Anna Freud, daughter of Sigmund. Marilyn’s struggles with mental health and depression were a constant battle, and given her childhood and fame, it’s actually understandable. Arthur Miller is quoted as telling her, “You’re the saddest girl I ever met.” Compare that to what Oscar winning director Billy Wilder said: “When I met her, she did not impress me. When I saw what the camera saw, I knew she was special.” Wilder directed Marilyn on THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH (1955) and SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959), the former included the iconic scene of Marilyn standing on the grille as the wind blows her skirt up. It’s that transformation in front of the camera that Wilson notes a few times.

Clark Gable passed away twelve days after filming wrapped on THE MISFITS (1961 screenplay by Arthur Miller), and it became the final feature film released for both Gable and Marilyn Monroe. The last public photos of her were taken at Dodger Stadium for a charity game with kids, and yes, writer Andrew Wilson covers her death and funeral and how those have been analyzed and debated since. It’s interesting to note that Marilyn lived in more than fifty different places during her short life, and the only house she purchased had an inset in the tiled doorway that read “Cursum Perficio”, translated to ‘My journey ends here’. And what a journey it was … despite ending much too soon. Marilyn’s cover story is glamour, but Andrew Wilson separates the person from the star.

The book by Andrew Wilson is available on Amazon beginning June 2, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

MAGIC HOUR (2026)

May 29, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. We all love a good (and sneaky) twist in a movie. It takes exceptional storytelling and acting to pull it off, and it’s a bit funny when it becomes obvious that the screenwriter just kind of ran out of ways to maintain the suspense. That’s what happens about twenty minutes into this one from writer-director Katie Aselton, real life wife of filmmaker Mark Duplass, who also co-wrote this script.

Ms. Aselton (“The League”) also stars as Erin, whom we meet in the opening sequence as she’s filming her efforts to cure her husband Charlie (Daveed Diggs, HAMILTON, 2020) of his fear of heights. Their stint on the amusement park Ferris Wheel is filled with laughter and a chance for us to quickly get to know both. The next scene has their friend (Brad Garrett) showing the rental cabin in Joshua Tree National Park (where filming took place). He explains how this is the perfect place to work through things.

We see Erin and Charlie having discussions, but quickly (around the 20-minute mark) realize that some challenges must be dealt with rather than overcome. Much of the heavy-lifting is done by Ms. Aselton, but Mr. Diggs is a solid complement. Supporting work is minimal here, with two exceptions. A very odd night with drag queens (is that term still acceptable?) and a makeover is a real head-scratcher, and Erin’s mother (Susan Sullivan) shows up to deliver this memorable line: “You can be miserable and still have fun.”

Cinematographer Sarah Welden gets a few opportunities to capture the stunning scenery, even when the story, and the idea of letting go, falters a bit. In fact, the film might have worked best as a Short Film.

Releasing on March 29, 2026 in select theaters

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Posted by David Ferguson

GROUNDSWELL (2026, doc)

May 20, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. There haven’t been many documentary trilogies over the years, yet this is the third in a series from husband-and-wife documentarians Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell. The first two were KISS THE GROUND (2020) and COMMON GROUND (2023), and all three deal with the importance of regenerative agriculture … a solution to our food problem and, it’s no exaggeration to say, the key to our future.

The film clearly defines regenerative agriculture and explains the importance of the movement. The bottom line is that decades of industrial agriculture (designed to feed an exploding population and maximize profits) has degraded farmland soil to the point that entire ecosystems have been damaged and biodiversity lost. Thousands of farms across five continents have been studied and the film takes us trotting around the globe to witness both the damage and the efforts to turn things around. We learn the importance of elephants in Kenya, how coffee crops in Columbia have been affected, and what damage in Brazil’s Amazon region has meant. We also learn how India is working to reverse the severe negative impact of industrial agriculture by transitioning to regenerative farming.

For skeptics, it should be noted that this is not some extreme liberal theory that the other side tends to dismiss so easily. Regenerative agriculture means the healthy soil better holds carbon and water to enhance the global ecosystem of fungi-plants-animals. The solutions exist, and some steps are as simple as having cows rotate pastures for grazing. We are reminded that, if we allow it, nature can heal itself. Birds are the best indicator that the system is healthy … the importance of birds could fill another documentary.

Actors Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore once starred as husband and wife in the 1993 film INDECENT PROPOSAL. Here, they narrate the Tickells’ film and explain that the very achievable goal is one billion acres transitioned to regenerative agriculture … that’s ten percent of the world’s farmland. The reward for saving the soil is that it also saves our climate and our food source … meaning it also saves our world. We are cautioned, “Don’t treat soil like dirt”. It’s a catchy phrase delivering a vital message. Joshua and Rebecca Tickell have been awarded the Golden Globes Prize for Documentary at this year’s Cannes. If this advice is followed, much bigger awards await.

The film will release on Prime Video this summer.

Trailer not available at this time

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE HYBRIDS (2026, doc)

May 20, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Are there alien-human hybrids living amongst us right now? That’s the question documentarian Serena DC is looking to answer with this latest. She is a published author and talk show host, and has directed other documentary projects with subjects from ‘beyond’. The first thing we learn is also the first thing that puts us a bit on the defensive: there are many definitions of hybrid. The generally accepted definition is “half ET/hal human”. In other words, shared DNA.

Most of this, including the interviews with those who identify as hybrids, is presented as accepted as fact. Of course, you will need to make up your own mind. Personally, I fall on the skeptical side, and honestly watched this as I’ve watched previous shows on Bigfoot or Sasquatch. I certainly believe that such things are possible … it’s just that I fall into the group described here as not accepting our “intergalactic heritage”.

What seems clear is that we believe these folks believe. They don’t come across as crazy, and even when interviewing one of the ‘hybrids’, the story makes sense from the viewpoint of ‘possibility’, just not of ‘probability’. One of the experts informs us that we don’t yet comprehend “consciousness”, which leads to our inability to accept such things. The promise of psychic or other special powers is mentioned a few times, yet no hard evidence is presented.

The Knights Templar were formed in the year 1118, and a modern-day Grand Master is interviewed, recounting the legends passed along over the last (nearly) one thousand years. Most would likely believe that astral visitations may have occurred, and possibly even human abductions by aliens … it’s just that the only evidence provided is hearsay. Are the aliens “out there” or “around here”? Nothing is proven, but again, we believe that they believe. Serena DC certainly structures the documentary as presenting facts, and for those who wish to believe, this might just be the key.

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Posted by David Ferguson

A BLIND BARGAIN (2026)

May 20, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. For those of us who love movies and watch entirely too many each week/month/year, we have hardened to the fact that every so often we find one that simply doesn’t click for us. Even then, we hope to latch on to a particular character, setting, or element to the story that will keep us engaged. Sometimes the really odd, unconventional films are the ones with the most to offer – even though they often require the most ‘mental’ effort to connect.

As for oddity, it’s tough to beat a modern-day reimagining of a “lost” 1922 silent film starring Lon Chaney. Writer-director Paul Bunnell and co-write John Falotico have adapted a story by Bing Bailey, while theoretically paying homage to that original, and delivering a trippy story set in 1970. As proof of embracing the bizarre, we find the Master of Odd, Crispin Glover, cast at Dr. Gruder, a twisted physician who seems to relish human experimentations on reverse aging.

Seeing as I spent most of the film’s runtime wondering what was going on and why there were so many bizarre characters introduced, my explanation here will be quite broad. A Vietnam veteran named Dominic Fontaine (Jake Horowitz, the excellent THE VAST OF NIGHT, 2019) is desperate for drug money and cuts some deal that allows the mysterious Dr. Gruder to run his experimental anti-aging treatment on Dominic’s mother, Joy (Amy Wright, BREAKING AWAY, 1979). Joy is a former silent film actor and spends time watching her old flicks. She seems to have only a slight inclination of why she is at the Gruder Institute. Her hope is to be young again.

The film succeeds in creating an eerie atmosphere, and the cars of the era are on full display throughout … as is some wild and creative costuming. Some of the moments and scenes are a bit overly dramatic, and who better to score the film than Ego Plum, who has been known to claim artist Frieda Kahlo and Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky as grandparents (they weren’t). For me, the highlight was the amazing Mary Hopkin singing “Those Were the Days” as the film came to an end.

A limited theatrical release

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- NOLAN: THE SINGULAR LIFE OF AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL

May 15, 2026

Author: Tim Brown

The Ryan Express. Tex. Nolie. However you refer to Lynn Nolan Ryan, he was without question one of the most exciting players and dominating pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Sure, he had some detractors, but few of those are knowledgeable baseball fans or among those who were lucky enough to see him pitch. Renowned sportswriter and author Tim Brown serves up plenty of ‘inside baseball’ here as it relates to Nolan’s career, yet some of the most interesting bits and pieces are in regard to Ryan as a man.

Some standard biographical information is included, with an emphasis on Ryan’s childhood in Alvin, Texas (born in Refugio) and his lifelong connection to the area. He’s been married to local girl Ruth Holdorff since 1967 and if anything, Ruth’s continued support of and importance in Nolan’s career might be slightly underplayed in the book. We are talking about a woman who would gear up and catch Nolan Ryan pitches in the offseason. Still, this is a book about Nolan, and some terrific stories are recollected. This includes that incredible baseball career of 27 seasons, and also the post-playing career, which led to his continuing need to scratch the competitive itch.

We learn the importance of Red Murff (an entire chapter), the baseball scout who discovered Nolan and so believed in his potential, that he persuaded the New York Mets to draft him … leading to his MLB debut at age 19 and his only World Series appearances in 1969 for the legendary “Miracle Mets.” After the 1971 season, the Mets traded the young fireballer to the Angels, where he pitched some of his most dynamic and spectacular games. Eight seasons later, Nolan seized the chance to play near his hometown of Alvin for the Houston Astros. With this move, he became the first major leaguer to earn more than $1 million per season. After nine seasons in Houston, Nolan jumped to the Texas Rangers, where he would end his playing career five years later … at the age of 46.

Those are the numbers and years, yet as Tim Brown’s book stresses, there are more pertinent ways to capture Nolan Ryan, the man. A consistent theme appears at the point of those career moves. Ryan felt disrespected by the owners/management teams of the Angels, Astros, and ultimately the Rangers (after he became a part-owner and Team President). In keeping with the ‘strong, silent type’, Ryan demanded respect and saw no need to put up with anything less. The true way to judge a man’s character is by hearing what others say about him, and Brown’s book excels at telling such stories and laying out the foundation of why Nolan Ryan remains a Texas and baseball legend.

Some numbers are crucial in further understanding Ryan’s legacy. You should know that his 27-year career resulted in 324 wins, seven no-hitters, 12 one-hitters, 18 two-hitters, and 5714 career strikeouts. An obvious Hall of Famer, Ryan refused to rest on his laurels after his playing career ended. Instead, his resume includes rancher (with a beef business), banker, spokesperson, college baseball assistant coach and part owner (with his son) of Ryan Sanders Sports and Entertainment (owner of minor league Round Rock Express). All of this was after his time as President/CEO/part owner of the Texas Rangers and Special Assistant to the Houston Astros.

Brown devotes a full chapter to a breakdown of each of Nolan’s seven no-hitters, including naming the catcher, providing the final score, and the number of strikeouts and walks. Other chapters speak to the important figures in his career: Gene Autry, Bobby Valentine, Tom Grieve, Tom Seaver, Phil Garner, Tom House, Tim Purpura, and (not in a good way) John McMullen. Of course, the Robin Ventura episode is detailed, as is the underreported meeting between the two men a few years later (again, true character shining through). Hardcore baseball traditionalists will find immense pleasure the “The Bow Tie” chapter which speaks directly to Nolan’s use of intimidation while on the mound … or hulking around the mound … or reacting to batter’s bunts or smiles.

As a young kid just getting into baseball, I first saw Nolan pitch in the 1969 World Series for the Mets (on TV). Through the 1970’s, 1980’s, and early 1990’s, I was fortunate enough to see him in person as he pitched for the Angels, Astros, and Rangers. Each outing began with anticipation and excitement over what ‘might’ happen, and the confidence of knowing it would be memorable, regardless of the outcome. Brown’s last few chapters detail how Ryan has spent his time since retiring. There is also a section on how it’s possible the Texas Rangers might have folded and/or relocated if not for the timely addition of Nolan Ryan to the roster, and his subsequent impact in the front office. When the franchise finally secured a World Series win in 2023, those conversations and thoughts resurfaced.

Of course, there have been quite a few previous books written about Nolan Ryan. Even today, young pitchers can learn from “Nolan Ryan’s Pitcher’s Bible” (co-written by Ryan and Tom House). Still, it’s this latest book from Tim Brown that is so thorough and comprehensive. It covers so many aspects of the man. The legacy of Nolan Ryan remains massive from a baseball perspective, yet his lasting impact is that of being a man of principle, a man of honor, a devoted husband and family man, the ultimate competitor … and a final description that seems all too rare these days … a worthy role model.

The book releases on May 19, 2026

Amazon link to order

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Posted by David Ferguson

DRIVER’S ED (2026)

May 15, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. The Farrelly Brothers (Bobby and Peter) were the creative force behind such comedy classics as DUMB AND DUMBER (1994), THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY (1998), and one of my personal favorites, OUTSIDE PROVIDENCE (1999). At some point, the brothers decided to split up and work on their own projects. Peter won a couple of Oscars for GREEN BOOK (2018), and now Bobby, working from a screenplay by Thomas Moffett (AN ACTOR PREPARES, 2018), delivers one more in line with the brothers’ early works.

Sam Nivola (“The White Lotus”, and son of actors Alessandro Nivola and Emily Mortimer) stars as Jeremy, a high school senior – lovesick and concerned since his girlfriend Samantha (Lilah Pate, MONSTER SUMMER, 2024) headed off to college a year ahead of him. In a setup that would have been unimaginable back in my day, Jeremy and three other seniors are taking part in a Driver’s Ed class. Aparna (Mohana Krishnan, “I Am Frankie”) is the class valedictorian, Yoshi (Aidan Laprete, SWIPED, 2025) is the school’s drug dealer, and Evie (newcomer Sophie Telegadis) seems to have a growing attraction to Jeremy.

Their substitute driving instructor is Mr. Rivers (Kumail Nanjani, THE BIG SICK, 2017), who is battling not one, but two broken arms … neither of which slow down his one-liners or his lackadaisical approach to the assignment. A certain spontaneous decision finds the drivers-in-training on a road trip for romance, sans instructor, to reunite Jeremy and Samantha. This also sends Principal Fisher (Molly Shannon) into a frenzy and campus security guard, Officer Walsh (Tim Baltz, “The Righteous Gemstones”) on their trail.

This teenage road trip has some comical moments, and getting to know each of the participants is the film’s strength. The actors each have an opportunity to shine, and as we would expect with students this age, there are moments that find us rolling our eyes and others that leave us impressed with the emotional depth shown. This is a film that features such highlights as reading a sext out loud in class, introducing us to teen phone separation anxiety, educating us that far too many students are prescribed anti-depressants and mood drugs, and what a frat party looks like these days (not much has changed evidently). There is also a three-legged cat, a Vintage Furs van, a hillbilly bandit, and a hot Good Samaritan (Marley Aliah) who appeals to a couple of the renegade students.

While most of the time is spent on a misguided romantic road trip to save a relationship, it evolves into a journey of self-discovery, as most things do at that age. It’s quite fun to watch this group of fairly young actors do their thing and outperform the adults, and the best line in the film is an odd one: “Most 8th graders don’t generally read obituaries”.

In theaters and On Demand beginning May 15, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN (2026)

May 15, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Stories on geopolitics are almost always interesting, and this latest from writer-director Olivier Assayas (CARLOS, 2010) and co-writer Emmanuel Carrere is also quite timely, given the current state of international events. The film is based on the 2022 fictionalized novel by Giuliano da Empoli, and it’s inspired by the life of Vladimir Putin’s former Deputy Chief, Vladislov Surkov … named here as Vadim Baranov.

Paul Dano (THERE WILL BE BLOOD, 2007) stars as Baranov, initially as a young man working as an avant-garde filmmaker. As a framing device for the film, Assayas uses American writer Rowland (Jeffrey Wright) interviewing Baranov for a biography, a couple of years after he stepped away from his duties. As Baranov recalls the past, we see it unfold on the screen. This includes the rise of a certain ex-KGB agent named Vladimir Vladimiriovich Putin (played by familiar Brit Jude Law). We watch as the more friendly Russian ways under Gorbachev and Yeltsin are re-structured to fit Putin’s power-hungry ideals. Baranov is the behind-the-scenes guy who arranges much of what occurs.

As often happens in real life, we see some characters come and go. Former Russian Oligarch Boris Berezovsky (Will Keen, VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN, 2015) has an interesting story that ends in exile, while Dmitri Sidorov (Tom Sturridge) and Ksenia (Oscar winner Alicia Vikander) also cross paths with Baranov … the latter ultimately becoming his wife and the mother of his child. While some of Baranov’s personal life creeps in, this is predominantly a story about power, politics, and getting things done. Gorbachev’s ‘glass of milk’ and the segment on Boris Yeltsin’s decline add flavor to Putin’s shift. We are told that he has changed Russia back to “a prison the size of a country.”

One of the interesting things about this presentation is how low-key the movie is – especially the demeanor of Baranov, who we presume carried out many orders that were certainly not low-key or laid back. This tone actually adds to the frightening nature of political power on display. It’s stated in the movie that Russia has “always been forged with an axe”, although the film would have us believe much of it was surgical. For those who are interested in geopolitics, the film will hold appeal, and you’ll likely agree that the material might have been best served as one of the 3-4 episode miniseries which are all the rage these days.

 Opening in theaters on May 15, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

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