THE UPRISING (2026)

September 10, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. It can be challenging to relate to an historical drama set in the 14th century, yet the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 in medieval England sometimes hits quite close to home. Writer-director Paul Greengrass directed three of the Jason Bourne movies, so we can expect the action sequences to be frenetic and thrilling … often relying too heavily on handheld cameras.

Andrew Garfield is ‘Ploughman’, a self-imposed moniker since “I am what I do”. We watch as he works his plot of land around the three graves near his cabin. He’s grieving and lonely, having paid a steep price from the bubonic plague known as “Black Death”. While he’s toiling away, the council for teenage King Richard II (Woody Norman, C’MON C’MON, 2021) is plotting behind closed doors whether to save the kingdom by taxing the rich or by taxing the poor. The rich would expect a seat at the proverbial table, so it all falls to the poor, of course. Ploughman doesn’t take kindly to the announcement and violently lashes out in anger … an action that John Ball (Jamie Bell) and Wat Tyler (Cosmo Jarvis) use as step one in the uprising of the frustrated masses.

The king’s council of corruption and manipulation is made up of elders: Archbishop Sudbury (Stephen Dillane), Chief Justice Belknap (Stanley Townsend), Treasurer Hales (Tom Hollander), and Mayor of London William Walworth (Jonny Lee Miller). While this group protects their own cone of power, the young king cowers in dark corners, escaping nightmares and uncertainty. Even his mum (Katherine Waterston) struggles to get him to govern.

Those in the rebellion are joined by Alyce (Thomasin McKenzie), a character clearly designed to represent the strong and determined women of the era. Injustice is readily accepted in no particular era, so an upswell of anger towards an oligarch by the oppressed is not surprising … although Ploughman’s elite fighting skills certainly are. The progression of the story and the battle scenes deliver significant intensity, and we can’t help but wince as those involved prove the adage, ‘power corrupts’.

If you know any of this history, you know the timid King makes a shocking turn, and one can only assume filmmaker Greengrass had no qualms about any modern-day symmetry shown in this saga from almost 650 years ago. The performances are quite good, and the Bavarian shooting locales perfectly capture the time period. Cinematographer Pal Ulvik Rokseth (ARMAND, 2024) embraces the feel of this setting, despite the trademark Greengrass overuse of handhelds. History can provide lessons of inspiration or lessons of caution, sometimes within the same story.

Opens nationwide in theaters on September 11, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Action, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

DON’T FORGET ME: EDDIE COCHRAN (2026, doc)

September 9, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. With new music being created every day, it’s important to keep alive the history of those early musicians who, decades later, are still influencing contemporary songwriters and musicians. This is exactly what Kirsty Bell accomplishes with her informative profile of Eddie Cochran, a young man whose stardom and artistic pursuits were cut short by a fatal car crash at age 21.

Most are familiar with “the day the music died”. On February 3, 1959, a plane crash in Iowa killed Buddy Holly (age 22), Richie Valens (17), and JP “The Big Bopper” Richardson (28), each a talented and rising star. Not as many are familiar with the car crash that killed Cochran barely one year later, on April 17, 1960. Cochran wrote and performed the classic “Summertime Blues”, which charted for him, and has since been recorded and performed by many artists, including The Beach Boys, Blue Cheer, The Who (yes, at Woodstock) and Alan Jackson.

Filmmaker Bell serves up a true profile of Eddie Cochran, going back to his childhood and his formative years in music (studio sessions). Jack Harris appears periodically as Eddie in reenactments and as narrator, as does Frances Barber as his beloved mother. Eddie’s older sister is interviewed, reminding us that not only is his story musical history, it’s also a personal tragedy. We learn Cochran’s guitar playing was influenced by Chet Atkins and that he was enamored with the music of Ray Charles. He not only befriended Gene Vincent (of “Be-Bop-A-Lula” fame, and another too-soon passing), but also the aforementioned Buddy Holly, with whom he had a friendly competition that found the two passing musical notes and ideas to each other.

The list of icons interviewed here includes Keith Richards, Albert Lee, Ronnie Wood, Peter Frampton, Alice Cooper, Cliff Richard, John Waters, Suzi Quatro, Garry Tallent, Yungblud, Rod Stewart, Roger Daltrey, Sting, and Kiefer Sutherland (among others). It’s a partial lineup that demonstrates just how influential and respected Eddie Cochran was, despite his unfortunately short career. Of course, I’ve only mentioned “Summertime Blues”, but Cochran left other memorable tunes, including “C’mon Everybody”, and “Twenty Flight Rock”. Because of his age, we will never know what directions he might have gone – music production, film acting, and/or continued songwriting and performing.

The film travels back to Cochran’s hometown of Albert Lea, Minnesota and also goes into detail about his 1960 European Tour with Gene Vincent. We are fortunate to have the 1956 movie, THE GIRL CAN’T HELP IT, which features a performance from Eddie (and others). In a remarkable twist of fate, it was Police Officer Dave Dee who found Cochran’s guitar after the fatal crash. This police officer went on to be part of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, an English rock band from the 1960’s (and mentioned in Quentin Tarantino’s DEATH PROOF). The message delivered by Kirsty Bell’s film and Eddie Cochran’s story is that good music connects the generations … even if tragedy strikes far too often.

The film opens in UK cinemas on September 11, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

2 Comments | Documentary | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

WHO MOVES AMERICA (2026, doc)

September 9, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Whether it’s flight attendants, dock workers, or Amazon, we tend to think about, and dread, the inconvenience a labor strike will cause us personally. Documentarian Yael Bridge gives us a rare peek inside … sometimes behind closed doors … to show us how a potential work stoppage (strike) could affect those workers and their families. This time, the company is UPS, which according to the film handles approximately six percent of all goods in the United States.

The film opens with some archival footage of the first UPS strike in 1997, before jumping to 2023 when the 340,000 UPS workers are preparing for collective bargaining on a new contract. Coming off the post-COVID era where UPS profits soared, the Teamsters union members are requesting and expecting many favorable changes. Filmmaker Bridge focuses on three people: a relatively new UPS driver in California, a long-time New York employee who was around during the 1997 strike, and a struggling part-timer in Kentucky. It should be noted that part-timers make up about 60% of the UPS workforce, and based on some of what we learn here, the company may have been skirting legalities in this area.

Solidarity is built through education and communication, and it’s a slow process when the workers are spread throughout the country and the expectations vary widely. At the time, drivers averaged $39 per hour and part-timers averaged $16 per hour. Of course, higher wages were one demand, but so were better working conditions (breaks, holidays, etc). It’s pretty interesting to hear these discussions, and even more enlightening to see which employees take a leadership role. The Teamsters’ national President, Sean O’Brien, makes the rounds and provides video updates for the employees. He’s also the one who announces a ‘tentative agreement’ (one that not every employee loves) that is subject to voting passage. Since each subsequent labor contract is built upon previous negotiations, generations of workers play a role … and this time it appears the union will plan ahead for the next round coming in five years.

The film opens September 9, 2026 in NYC’s IFC Center, kicking off a nationwide release that expands to Los Angeles on September 24, followed by Philadelphia, Boston, Encinitas, and additional cities throughout the fall.

WATCH THE TRAILER

2 Comments | Documentary | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

MAYDAY (2026)

September 3, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. I guess we were due for a “Cold War Buddy Comedy”. And who better to deliver than co-directors John Francis Daley and Johnathan Goldstein, the team behind GAME NIGHT (2018) and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES (2023). This time out, they deliver excellent visuals to go along with stellar comedic chemistry between first class wisecracker Ryan Reynolds and expert straight man (and Oscar winner) Kenneth Branagh.

Reynolds stars as hotshot Navy pilot Troy Kelly, nicknamed “Assassin” for not-so-heroic reasons held at bay until near the film’s end. The year is 1987, which is forty years into the Cold War, and Reynolds is shot down while on a Top-Secret reconnaissance mission deep into Russian territory. A terrific visual effect has us following Troy’s ejection and fiery parachute down towards a very rough landing. He’s rescued by Nikolai Ustinov (Branagh), who it’s soon learned is a former KGB agent. Now living like a hermit miles from civilization, Nikolai prefers to be called ‘Nick’ and is thoroughly obsessed with all things American, especially TOP GUN … of which his prized possession is a Kramer-style bootleg of the film shot in a theater.

We are treated to a Jackie Chan-style bar fight, where Nick surprises with advanced skills. This forces the two men on a road trip, where Troy hopes he can be returned to freedom, and Nick hopes his efforts to save Troy will result in the ultimate relo to the U.S. for him and his daughter (an underused Maria Bakalova). While on this road trip, the men are being pursued by an ambitious and relentless Soviet agent played by Marcin Dorocinski (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE, 2023). Other memorable visuals include a chase scene through a parade involving a nuclear missile launcher and fisticuffs midflight while the plane door is open.

Cinematographer Barry Peterson deserves credit for visuals that maintain the pace of the Reynolds – Branagh back-and-forth, and the accompanying Bruce Springsteen songs don’t hurt either (a result of the Boss selling off his catalog). David Morse has a small role as Troy’s dad, but the subplot feels a bit slapped on, even if it doesn’t really distract from the overall entertainment value delivered by this latest Daley-Goldstein project. A key element on display is how both sides fall prey to propaganda.

The film will be released globally on Apple TV on September 4.

WATCH THE TRAILER

2 Comments | Comedy, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: THE FIRST CORAL REEFERS (2026, doc)

September 3, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. With the mere mention of Jimmy Buffett, we immediately envision a sea of ‘Parrot heads’ sipping margaritas and having a blast as they sing along to the feel-good coastal tunes being played at a sunny outdoor venue. The beloved singer passed away three years ago, and now documentarian John H Cunningham provides an in-depth look at the early days. This is the origin story of the cultural phenomenon that Buffett built with his band … The Coral Reefers.

Oscar winner Jeff Bridges is a fitting narrator, and throughout the film we hear from former band members, those who were influenced by Buffett, and those who collaborated. A partial list includes guitarist Roger Bartlett, singers Deborah McColl and Mac McAnally, music producer Norbert Putnam, songwriter Keith Sykes, and country music star Kenny Chesney. What is immediately obvious is the respect these folks had for Buffett and their appreciation for having been associated with him, and his role in creating his own genre of music.

The stories from the 1970’s are fascinating. Sure, partying was central to the lifestyle – especially after Buffett relocated from Nashville to Key West, but it’s the associations and exchanges between musicians of the era that really strike a chord. Connections with Glenn Frey of The Eagles and the great James Taylor were important, and in fact, legend has it that Timothy B Schmitt was the first to use the ‘Parrot heads’ moniker. Filmmaker Cunningham is correct in titling this ‘The First Coral Reefers’, because there was certainly band turnover – some of it caused by the excessive partying of the time.

What the film does best is recount the foundation of the music, the band, the early albums, the changes in attitude (get it?), and the growth of a loyal fan base. The film ends with a list of former Coral Reefers who have ‘sailed on’, and Cunningham’s film will live on as a history of how Jimmy Buffett’s music became synonymous with “fun”. That’s not such a bad legacy.

The film will begin its theatrical release in major cities in early September timed to Jimmy Buffett Day (September 4, 2026) with a TVOD/ digital release to follow in November in the US/Canada.

WATCH THE TRAILER

1 Comment | Documentary | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

COYOTE VS ACME (2026)

August 27, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. For those of us who grew up belly-laughing at Looney Tunes, the characters are considered sacred ground, so a bit of anxiety hits when movies like SPACE JAM (1996) hit the big screen. This especially holds true for this latest from director Dave Green, since we know so many of the beloved characters will be on display. Samy Burch (MAY DECEMBER, 2023) adapted the screenplay from a 1990 article in “The New Yorker”, with an assist from James Gunn (SUPERMAN, 2025) and Jeremy Slater (FANTASTIC FOUR, 2015). The blend of animation and live action is reminiscent of the 1988 classic, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT.

The two opening scenes set a high bar. A tongue-in-cheek title card reading “Based on a True Story” leads to the two action sequences. Dr. Lorre frantically escapes from Acme Labs and the more familiar pacing of Wile E Coyote trying (yet again) to nab the Road Runner serve as an introduction to the endless stream of Acme products that the amazingly persistent Wile E Coyote has used during his decades long bird chasing. Persistence is usually an admirable trait, though in this case it has led to his stockpile of gadgets and his shot in court … once he sees the advertisement by local law firm Avery, Jones, and Maltese (a nod to original Warner Bros animators Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, and Michael Maltese). Will Forte plays lawyer Kevin Avery whose catchphrase is “There’s always someone to blame”. Avery is a lazy lawyer and his specialty is quickly settling damage suits and then moving on to the next one.

Think of Kevin Avery’s approach as similar to what we saw on “Better Call Saul”. Avery’s hand gets forced when Wile E Coyote’s case against Acme becomes massive – thanks to Avery’s niece Paige (an excellent Lana Condor) – and a settlement collapse with Acme’s arrogant lead attorney, Buddy Crane (John Cena in alpha-male mode) falls through. Paige’s idealism contrasts with Avery’s skepticism and Crane’s over-confidence, making for quite a show in the courtroom run by Luis Guzman’s judge.

Many scenes were filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico – one of Bugs Bunny’s favorite spots – and the desert landscape makes for the perfect setting. Wile E Coyote is the epitome of a silent movie star, and we are reminded that he has ‘a limited number of signs’ for communicating. He has long been the aggressor and is now the victim seeking justice … going against the powerful mega corporation. Along the way, we see many of our Looney Tunes favorites, including Daffy Duck, Granny, Tweety Bird, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Witch Hazel, and Foghorn Leghorn (as Acme’s CEO). Many of the voices are provided by the great Eric Bauza – though of course, the legendary Mel Blanc lives on in our hearts (and ears).

Looney Tunes has long magically combined silliness with seriousness. This film (along with the human characters) play it straight, which ensures the comedy lands perfectly. Warner Bros had previously shelved the project (for tax purposes) prior to finding the new distributor. Even the politics and finances of Hollywood couldn’t stop this crew. The legacy of these iconic cartoon characters remains intact, and Looney Tunes fans will surely be satisfied. Meep Meep.

In theaters beginning August 28, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

2 Comments | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THRESHOLD (2026, doc)

August 27, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. We envision the makeup of a champion to be confident, fearless, and to possess the heart of a lion. Documentarians (and brothers) Lars Brinkema and Torsten Brinkema profile legendary cross-country skier Jessie Diggins who courageously shatters that myth while telling her very personal story.

Jessie begins by informing us of her desire to be perfect from a very early age. We assume this is going to be the tale of PA – Perfectionists Anonymous. Of course, her story takes a much different path. She’s from Afton, Minnesota, and trains there when she’s not traveling for events. Her parents, Clay and Deb, show us Jessie’s baby photos and family videos. They are clearly supportive … not just of her athletic endeavors, but also of her personal challenges.

Winning her first high school varsity race as a 7th grader “changed everything” for Jessie. She became obsessed with being the best, and defined that by working harder than anyone else and suffering for her art/sport/goals. In the 2018 Olympics, Jessie won the first ever Cross-Country Skiing gold medal for the United States. She also became the World Champion, widely acknowledged as the sport’s best. However, Jessie tells us that despite her successes and global adoration, she was facing issues with body image and an eating disorder. With the courage of a champion, she decided to go public.

The reason Jessie’s story is so important is because it acts as a cautionary tale. Until she went public, no one knew her struggles. We hear from her parents, her husband Wade, and her team coach Matt Whitcomb. These are the people closest to her and the ones who cared more for getting her ‘well’ … Jessie refers to it as being “sick”. Racing became the reason Jessie wanted to beat this. In fact, the race footage is stunning. This highly trained athlete experiences exhaustion at a level that more than 99% of human beings will never know. She builds up her body only to tear it down. Imagine doing this while battling a eating disorder and mental health issues. Jessie often hid behind a mask of big smiles, yet once the truth was known, those smiles could not be trusted. I go back to cautionary tale – know the truth about yourself and your loved ones.

Available on VOD beginning August 28, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

1 Comment | Documentary | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE MARCHING BAND (2026, France)

August 26, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Circumstances. Fate. Luck. Determination. It’s been said that what we make of our lives is up to us. Still, it seems likely that these factors play a role- often a significant role. Writer-director Emmanuel Corcol and co-writers Irene Muscari, Oriane Bonduel, and Khaled Amara have delivered a film that’s touching, funny, and grounded in emotional sincerity. The film never moves too quickly or too slowly, instead allowing the characters to guide the pace.

Benjamin Lavernhe (THE FRENCH DISPATCH, 2021) plays Thibaut, a world-renowned orchestral conductor. The film opens with him conducting to the point of apparent exhaustion. We (and he) soon learn it’s leukemia that has drained his energy. A bone marrow transplant is his only hope, and his sister Rose (Mathilde Courcol-Rozes) readily volunteers to be tested. The surprise is not that she’s no match, but rather that they aren’t true brother and sister. Thibaut was adopted long ago. Soon, he’s tracked down a biological brother he was previously unaware of. Jimmy (Pierre Lotin, THE STRANGER, 2026) is a working class divorced dad employed in a school kitchen.

The two brothers had been separately adopted at an early age, and when Thibaut learns that Jimmy also has a love of music, the flashing lights of ‘nature vs nurture’ cannot be ignored. Thibaut quickly realizes his own privilege, having been classically trained from an early age, and Jimmy can’t help but feel envious of the life his brother has led, while still accepting his own. After the procedure, Thibault discovers Jimmy is in a local marching band filled with townspeople who are striking against the town’s largest employer. The band is its own community with friends and history … oh, and music. It doesn’t take long for Thibaut to offer his talents when the band is in need, and it becomes a razor thin line on whether Jimmy is grateful or angry with the development.

Watching these two newfound brothers struggle through a relationship with no actual history is made believable thanks to the script and the actors. Sabrina (Sarah Suco), who plays the trumpet and is attracted to the oblivious Jimmy, is actually instrumental in keeping the two men moving forward. The contrast between the world of Thibaut and the world of Jimmy is obvious as the two men search for connection. Both men ask ‘what could have been’ without uttering a word. At the center of this fine film is the power of music, and those involved ensure it never devolves into the sentimental hogwash we too often see in American movies.

Nationwide theater expansion begins August 28,2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

1 Comment | Drama, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

IF I TELL YOU (2026)

August 26, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Writer-director Tessa Blake and screenwriter Jennifer Manocherian have adapted Lisa O’Donnell’s 2014 novel, “Closed Doors”, and set the story in small town Minnesota rather than Scotland. This relocation works beautifully thanks to the contrast of the wide-open natural spaces of Boundary Waters with the claustrophobic nature of family life. Parents are tasked with a balancing act: protecting kids with teaching them, while also maintaining our own peace of mind. Where is the line between being honest with kids and protecting them from situations that are beyond their age bracket?

Michael (Etienne Kellici, YOU GOTTA BELIEVE, 2024) is a normal twelve-year-old who likes playing with his group of friends and enjoying the freedom that comes with small town living. Michael is also a perceptive kid, and he’s spotted a shift in his once close-knit family. His dad Brian (Bill Heck, “The Old Man”) is struggling with his unemployment to the point of it affecting his daily moods and his family relationships. Michael’s mom Rosemary (Allison Miller, “A Million Little Things”, and a young Linda Purl lookalike) is loving and kind, while Granny (Carol Kane) is a trusted family elder living with them.

Michael’s initial concerns shoot to another level one evening when his mother comes home late, and he hears his parents arguing behind closed doors. His concern grows again when he sees mom’s face is injured and she’s a bit withdrawn. The adults tell Michael not to worry, but of course, he does. When Rosemary stays silent, rumors circulate around town, adding even more stress to the family. Michael’s best friend Alice (Kennedi Butler, “True Detective”) lost her mother a year ago, and now she’s faced with her dad re-marrying, providing her a ‘new mom’. These kids take on the stress of the parents … and no amount of silence will protect them.

The film is such a grounded display of just how complicated life can be … even in a bucolic small town, and even for twelve-year-olds. As Michael jumps to conclusions while trying to solve the mystery, Rosemary’s decision soon delivers a wave of guilt, showing just how difficult personal decisions can be – and how the impact can go far beyond one’s own nuclear family. These five actors are all excellent at capturing the essence and internal turmoil of the characters, and how the desire to protect kids is often at odds with honesty and openness.

Opening in select theaters nationwide on August 27, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE (2026)

August 21, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Ben Gregor may have delivered the rarest of films in this day and age … one filled with adventure, goodness, and life lessons … and one the entire family can watch and enjoy together. Simon Farnaby (PADDINGTON 2, 2017) adapted the screenplay from Enid Blyton’s series of four books published between 1939 and 1951. Ms. Blyton passed away in 1968, yet she remains one of the best-selling authors of children’s books.

Tim (Andrew Garfield) and Polly (Claire Foy, “The Crown”) are a married couple with three kids. Polly comes home in a stupor one evening, confessing to Tim that she quit her job due to a principle that meant a great deal to her. Since she’s the breadwinner of the family, and their car and apartment were tied to the job, they find themselves instantaneously broke and homeless. Their plan is tied to a ‘Dream Binder’ put together many years ago, and off they go to live in a rustic barn landlorded by marble-mouthed Brian (the film’s writer Simon Farnaby) and Bella (Farnaby’s real life wife Claire Keelan). Rustic is a bit of an understatement as the place is a mess and has no electricity.

Youngest daughter Fran (Billie Gadsdon, HERE, 2024) doesn’t speak much, while Joe (Phoenix Laroche) is having video game withdrawals. Beth (Delilah Bennett-Cardy) is the angry teen who wants nothing to do with a place lacking WIFI and friends. Daddy Tim is the dreamer, while Mama Polly is the practical one. Together they plan to grow tomatoes and market Tim’s delicious tomato sauce recipe. Meanwhile, Fran discovers the titular magic tree which leads to an enchanted land of colorful characters, including the charming and delightful Fairy Silky (Nicola Coughlan, “Bridgerton”) and the skeptical Moonface (Nonso Anozie, “Sweet Tooth”). Things escalate once Fran’s siblings join in the magic. Trips to Land of Goodies (“Don’t be greedy”) and Land of Birthdays (cold due to icing) also involve an angry Pixie, Saucepan Man, Mr. Wazisname, and Dame Washalot. The kids find out it’s not all rainbows and unicorns when they cross paths with the vicious Dame Snap (Rebecca Ferguson).

Polly’s ultra-wealthy and snobbish mother (screen veteran Jennifer Saunders) can’t comprehend this new lifestyle and looks forward to telling them, “I told you so.” Of course, this is a throwback fairy tale, so we are fairly certain she won’t get the chance. The closest comparisons to the film would be along the lines of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA (2005), THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN (1988), and most any Monty Python feature. This particular family adventure leads to some wonderful life lessons and yes, brings the family closer together. The books from Enid Blyton are from another era, but the film has a contemporary feel as it reminds us that somewhere along the line, we lose the magic we had as kids … well, all except Tim, who has held on tightly.

Opens nationwide in theaters on August 21, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

2 Comments | Fantasy | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

« Previous Entries