Better late than never, right?? The TOP 10 list is now posted, and as tradition demands, I have also included some bonus films and categories so that you might find something a bit out of the comfort zone to watch periodically. I watched 231 films in 2025 and I promise you … some were as expected, some were less than expected, and some were pleasant surprises. Here is the link to the list:
Best of 2025
January 21, 2026
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Articles | Tagged: Best of 2025 | 
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Posted by David Ferguson
MEL BROOKS: THE 99 YEAR OLD MAN (2026, doc)
January 20, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. “Laughter is the best medicine.” Proof comes in the form of filmmaker Mel Brooks and this two-part HBO Documentary from two Emmy award winning directors: Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio. The title is a take-off on Brooks’ age and his decades-long-running gag, “The 2000 Year-Old Man”. This is a film for anyone who is a fan of any of Mel Brooks’ eleven feature film comedies, his long track record of comedy writing (TV, film, Broadway), or a general history of the comedy forum. Two parts cover the familiar pieces of his career, while also putting his work into historical perspective, and offering insight into his personal life, his inspirations, and his romance and friendships.
A modern-day (quite candid) interview with Brooks provides the structure, and it’s fascinating to see a man who will hit the century mark very soon be so engaging as he recalls life moments – and even specific jokes that he wrote decades prior. The two-part presentation is generally in chronological order; however, a generous inclusion of archival clips and TV interviews and talk shows with Brooks provide not just valuable insight, but also extreme entertainment. We learn he and his brothers were raised by an optimistic mother who provided hope, despite their poverty in Brooklyn. When he was of age, he enlisted in the Army and fought in WWII. It’s no surprise that his comedy sense was influenced by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and the Marx Brothers, yet Brooks is sure to include the Ritz Brothers as well. Much of his comedy work touched on his being Jewish … topics not always easy to laugh about in a post-war world. One of his great quotes: “If you don’t get killed in the Army, you learn a lot.”
The big break came when Sid Caeser hired him ‘off the books’ as a writer for “Your Show of Shows”. It was here where he worked with Neil Simon, Larry Gelbert, and Carl Reiner, the latter who would become a lifelong friend (and the straight man on “The 2000 Year Old Man” gag). By the mid-1960’s Brooks and Buck Henry would collaborate to create the TV hit “Get Smart”, a James Bond parody. The show’s success allowed Brooks to write his first screenplay for THE PRODUCERS (1967), which featured the now iconic comedy musical satire, “Springtime for Hitler” – and won him an Oscar. Brooks discusses his feeling of pride as a Jewish man being able to make fun of Hitler. It’s these moments that really hit hard in this documentary. Brooks felt a responsibility to poke fun at life’s inequities. It was with BLAZING SADDLES (1974) where he lampooned racism. It’s in this segment where Brooks discusses his professional teaming with Gene Wilder, and how (shockingly) Gig Young was originally cast as The Waco Kid.
Part Two of the documentary kicks off with Brooks’ classic (and my personal favorite) YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974), which he co-wrote with the film’s star, Gene Wilder. His beautiful answer to the question of why he filmed in black and white: it is “a valentine to James Whale”, the director of many classic horror films, including FRANKENSTEIN (1931). The film goes through Brooks’ next films SILENT MOVIE (1976) and HIGH ANXIETY (1977), and what I found to be the most touching moment occurred as Mel Brooks watched a clip of his beloved wife, Anne Bancroft, in a scene from SILENT MOVIE. Love, admiration, and sadness are all visible on his face as the clip plays and he takes in this intimate memory. Although his HISTORY OF THE WORLD: PART 1 (1981) was not a hit, another clip reminds us of the immense talent of another actress, the late great Madeline Kahn (one of my all-time favorites). Brooks discusses what he viewed as the importance of bonding art with the power of comedy. We also learn of Brooks’ production company backing such prestige projects as THE ELEPHANT MAN (1980) and THE FLY (1986). Although he directed and acted in more films, the next great Mel Brooks achievement was taking “The Producers” to Broadway in 2005. The production won a record 12 Tony’s (second place is “Hamilton” with 11).
The career is truly unparalleled, and Mel Brooks laid the foundation for contemporary film comedy, yet what sets this documentary apart is the personal aspect. It’s clear Apatow (a very successful filmmaker himself) reveres Brooks and provides the forum for Mel to relay any bits he’d like to pass along. Sure, we hear the important role Brooks played for other Jewish entertainers like Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, Jerry Seinfeld, Nick Kroll, Ben Stiller, and Barry Levinson, yet beyond that, it’s the friendships with Norman Lear, Sid Caeser, and especially Carl Reiner that accentuate the life of the man. Having seen the “60 Minutes” segment, many of us know that elderly Reiner and Brooks would spend most evenings watching “Jeopardy”, yet it’s so touching to learn (from Rob Reiner) what happened after Carl passed away. We hear from Brooks’ sons and his granddaughter, and we hope they recognize the wisdom and life lessons presented here. One of Brooks’ best quotes and a driving force of his work: “I think I can say anything serious if it’s funny.” Brooks’ best advice: “Be kind”; and possibly his best joke: when asked, boxers or briefs? … Brooks answers “Depends”.
Part 1, January 22, 2026 HBO
Part 2, January 23, 2026 HBO
2 Comments | Documentary | Tagged: Judd Apatow, Mel Brooks, Michael Bonfiglio, movies | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
THE RIP (2026)
January 15, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. A terrific opening sequence finds Captain Jackie Velez (Lina Esco, “S.W.A.T.”) being ambushed by a couple of masked men. She manages to send a text as she returns fire. It’s her final text. This film from writer-director Joe Carnahan (THE GRAY, 2011; SMOKIN’ ACES, 2006) and co-writer Michael McGrale (“CSI: Miami”) was inspired by true events within the Miami Police Department.
With their captain’s brutal murder unsolved, the job must go on for the team that mourns her death and lives with the frustration that no task force has been assigned. Newly promoted Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Oscar winner Matt Damon) takes his team on an evening job to which he’s been alerted. Money is involved, as is a chance to get a lead on the captain’s killer. His team includes (Oscar winner) Ben Affleck, Teyana Taylor (ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, 2025), Steven Yeun (“Beef”, NOPE, 2022), and Catalina Sandino Moreno (MARIA FULL OF GRACE, 2004). They are greeted at the stash house by Desi (Sasha Calle, ON SWIFT HORSES, 2024) who claims to know nothing about the money the team finds. It’s a lot of money. The kind of money that clearly has one source and that causes extreme stress within the team – and Desi.
Twists and turns and purposeful misdirection occur regularly throughout the film. We can’t always tell who is a good cop and who has ulterior motives. Did I mention that it’s a lot of money? At times it feels like Carnahan is trying to give us a story in the vein of the class THE DEPARTED (2006), what with all of the distrust, even amongst the cops. Kyle Chandler (ANNIVERSARY, 2025) plays a DEI Agent and Scott Adkins (JOHN WICK 4, 2023) plays a Federal Agent and Affleck’s brother. These characters add to the many complications and layers we wade through, including loyalties and motives.
It’s the complexity of the story and characters that work best here. Steven Yeun and Sasha Calle are especially strong in their roles, and it’s always a kick to see real life Boston buddies, Affleck and Damon, acting together. While the intrigue is a plus, the overwhelming gunfire and chase scenes towards the end actually take away from the story time fun – not enough to ruin it – just keep it from being what it could have been. The film includes my two favorite movie lines so far in 2026: “You look a little snitchy”, and “Can you sense my patience fraying?”. That’s a movie that deserves an audience.
Premieres on Netflix on January 16, 2026
1 Comment | Thriller | Tagged: Ben Affleck, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Joe Carnahan, Kyle Chandler, Lina Esco, Matt Damon, Michael McGrale, movies, Sasha Calle, Scott Adkins, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
DEEPFAKING SAM ALTMAN (2026, doc)
January 15, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. As far as non-political topics go, none are hotter than Artificial Intelligence (AI). What is the potential? What are the risks? Will it be used for good or evil? Who will control its use? Who am I kidding … AI is very much a political topic, and all of these questions have political and social implications. Award-winning documentarian Adam Bhala Lough has the same questions and concerns that we all do, and he decides to seek answers from the face of and driving force behind AI: Sam Altman, the founder of AI research organization OpenAI, which developed the chatbot, ChatGPT.
We watch his attempts to secure an interview with Altman through an endless stream of emails and voicemails – all with no response. In a somewhat comical bit, we see what are clearly OpenAI employees pleading ignorance to the whereabouts of the OpenAI building. For tech geeks, it’s the holy grail job and none are going to risk losing it by breaking an NDA. Upon realizing that the interview isn’t going to happen, Lough shifts into artist mode and decides to use AI to create SamBot … an imagined version of Sam Altman utilizing ChatGPT to answer Lough’s questions. This idea sends Lough to India for casting and a partnership with an AI developer.
It’s actually quite fascinating to watch this entire process come together, and of course, ethical and legal questions abound. The final interview with SamBot is obviously fake, yet Lough’s team of attorneys mull the legalities of marketing this. It’s no surprise that the legal risks are not the most entertaining piece of this puzzle. Instead, we watch SamBot (voiced by ChatGPT) actually manipulate Lough through the interview. Now, THAT is simultaneously entertaining and frightening, and speaks to the core issues with AI. Early on, Lough wonders if his young kids might someday have more AI friends than human ones, and this simple exercise shows just how possible that scenario is. Technology is your friend … right up until it isn’t.
Opens January 16 at the QUAD Cinema in New York City
January 30 at the Laemmle NoHo Theater in Los Angeles
Followed by a Nationwide Theatrical Roll Out
1 Comment | Documentary | Tagged: Adam Bhala Lough | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
SHUFFLE (2026, doc)
January 15, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. I really try to be a good citizen. I watch and read the news daily – even when it’s painful. I keep up with cultural and societal shifts. Despite my best efforts, every now and then something comes along that stuns me … catching me off guard to the point that I simply never suspected what’s really happening. My latest eye-opener comes courtesy of documentarian Benjamin Flaherty, who utilizes his own experiences (finally getting sober at age 41) to wake us up to the corruption that feeds the profitability of addiction centers (a billion-dollar industry).
South Florida is the rehab capital (another thing I didn’t know), and by the time Flaherty is finished telling the story, we can’t help but describe the rehab process as one big conspiracy of corruption and profit and deceit. The process is explained so completely, and he provides real life situations (focusing on three addicts), so we can’t feel anything but anger at those that profit and sadness for those caught in the loop. Insurance fraud has been a hot topic for a while, and the film serves up multiple examples (and proof) of just how some of these treatment facilities work the system – stooping to kickbacks for the ‘brokers’ who keep the addicts on the treadmill so that they qualify for treatment through insurance programs.
While we usually think of organized crime in terms of “The Sopranos” or Scorsese’s CASINO, the description absolutely fits what we witness here. One of those interviewed by Flaherty admits she’s been in 36 treatment centers (each covered by insurance). We hear that detox centers become like second homes. This is truly an example of the value expertly crafted documentaries can provide – information on topics we might not have access to. Flaherty’s message is impossible to miss: Wealth, not Health.
Opening at DCTV Firehouse Cinema in New York
January 16, 2026
1 Comment | Documentary | Tagged: Benjamin Flaherty | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
SHEEPDOG (2025)
January 15, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. We expect movies to entertain us, and the really good ones also carry a message or educate us on some important topic. This film from writer-director Steven Grayhm opens our eyes to the difficulties military veterans face when they return from war. Of course, numerous other films have taken on PTSD, and filmmaker Grayhm is sensitive to this history as he portrays the emotional, physical, and societal challenges that must be dealt with.
Grayhm undertook years of research with veterans and much of what we see here was derived directly from those personal discussions. The film opens with an elderly man in a parole hearing. We learn Whitney St. Germain (the always great Vondie Curtis-Hall) is a veteran and has served 30 years of a life sentence at Leavenworth. As he’s paroled, we skip to the final day at a paper mill in Massachusetts. Another veteran, Calvin Cole (Mr. Grayhm is also the lead actor) is one of those put out of work – or as Calvin calls it, “between gigs” by the closing of the mill.
It takes a while for these two men to cross paths. By the time they do, Calvin (thanks to drugs and booze) has been charged with assault and forced to participate in a VA program run by Dr. Elecia Knox (Virginia Madsen). An awkward exchange leads Whitney (also known as “Gunny”) to learn Calvin is the ex-husband of his daughter, Alice (Lilli Cooper). The two men share something else – Lilli wants nothing to do with either of them, which becomes the start of a bond … along with the fact they are both veterans, albeit from different eras.
His career as a dependable supporting actor has provided the chance to see Curtis-Hall in this substantial role. His level-headedness and desire to re-connect with his daughter lead him to be supportive of Calvin, who really goes through some emotional stuff thanks to the VA program. Basically, the idea is to tear down the man and rebuild him so that he can control the violent urges and contribute to family and society. Calvin is also helped by his friend and old hockey coach, Clarence (Dominic Fumusa), while Calvin himself does what he can to support his friend Darryl (Matt Dallas), yet another struggling vet.
Some of the banter from these men is so realistic that we assume filmmaker Grayhm used his research specifically. Gunny talks about being unappreciated on his return from Vietnam, while Calvin’s multiple brain injuries are little more than entries in the VA file. It would be nice if the film’s message would inspire some families and friends to reconnect with struggling veterans – those whose ‘normal’ doesn’t feel normal. Providing hope means a great deal.
Opens in limited theaters on December 17, 2025 and then wide on January 16, 2026
2 Comments | Drama | Tagged: Dominic Fumusa, Lilli Cooper, Matt Dallas, movies, Steven Grayhm, Virginia Madsen, Vondie Curtis Hall | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
MY NEIGHBOR ADOLF (2025)
January 12, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. We can pick our friends, but not our family or neighbors. However, we can (and do) speculate on and judge our neighbors – and that’s what occurs in this smart little film from writer-director Leon Prudovsky and co-writer Dmitri Malinsky. The premise of the film may initially seem absurd to some, but the final version is touching and quite entertaining.
A short prologue takes us to 1934 in Eastern Europe where a large Jewish family is enjoying their time together and posing for a family portrait. We then flash forward to 1960 South America. It’s after the war, and Polsky (screen vet David Hayman) is living a life of solitude in a dilapidated countryside home. Polsky still grieves for his many losses, while wearing the mark of a Holocaust survivor. He’s a grumpy man who shares pleasantries with neither the friendly postal carrier nor the inquisitive lady inquiring about the empty house next door … a house he would much prefer remain vacant. Polsky spends his days tending the black rose bush, which is his bond to happier times, especially those with his wife.
The previously mentioned inquisitive lady turns out to be Frau Kaltenbrunner (Olivia Sibush), charged with finding a home for the mysterious Mr. Herzog (Udo Kier), a process that means Polsky now has a neighbor – one whose German Shepard named Wolfie breaks through the fence and damages the beloved rose bush. The two men barely acknowledge each other, except for a property line negotiation. Polsky catches a glimpse of Herzog’s eyes without the sunglasses and immediately pegs him as Hitler. Heavy duty research follows as Polsky displays an urgency missing from his life for many years.
Remarkably, the premise is bizarre, yet rather than be the main thrust, it merely leads to the crux of the story. Of course, we understand why Polsky might not believe the media reports of Hitler’s bunker suicide, but he’s taken aback by how investigators show little interest in his evidence, and are more concerned about his own mental health. Almost accidentally, the two men slowly begin relaxing their defenses towards the other. A chess board thaws the ice, as does the slow-to-come conversation. What we soon see are two men, burdened by the past, finally opening themselves up to living again.
An odd twist is handled beautifully by the actors. A few bits of note to go with this one. Frau Kaltenbrunner’s last name is (probably not) coincidentally the same as that of Ernst Kaltenbrunner, former Director of Reich Security, and a convicted Nazi criminal. Our two lead actors, David Hayman and Udo Kier have had excellent careers dating back to the mid-60’s. Kier has long been a personal favorite, and he recently passed in November 2025. He also has a role in THE SECRET AGENT, Brazil’s submission for Best International Feature of 2025. The performances of these two men elevate the material and create emotion where it’s needed … and neither actor ever stoops to scene stealing. Prudovsky’s film is not just a pleasant surprise, it’s an excellent film worthy of attention.
Opens in theaters on January 9, 2026
2 Comments | Drama, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: David Hayman, Dmitri Malinsky, Leon Prudovsky, movies, Olivia Sibush, Udo Kier | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION (2026)
January 12, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. We always hear that the most challenging rom-coms to make are the friends-to-lovers stories. That theory has always confused me since one of the best, if not the best, of the genre was WHEN HARRY MET SALLY … a perfect example of friends-to-lovers. Along that path comes the film adaptation of Emily Henry’s romance novel, directed by Brett Haley (THE HERO, 2017) and written by Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, and Nunzio Randazzo.
Poppy (Emily Bader, “My Lady Jane) is a free-spirited travel writer who never misses a chance to talk about her desire to explore the world. Alex (Tom Blyth, “Billy the Kid”) is a reserved guy who prefers a quiet life. Despite growing up in the same small Ohio town, Poppy and Alex never met until she hitched a ride back home from Boston College. The ‘opposites attract’ theory doesn’t hold here … well, the two beautiful people are definitely opposites, but there would be no attraction were these two characters placed anywhere other than in the middle of a rom-com.
Against all odds, a bond of friendship does form. Poppy and Alex make a pact to meet once every year for a vacation – a way to get her mind off of work and a way for him to get a bit more adventurous. The film shows us different trips the two take together, and we see some of the blips that occur along the way. It’s obvious to see how Poppy learns to appreciate Alex’s stability, while Alex gains an understanding of Poppy’s wild side. Supporting work comes from Sarah Catherine Hook (Piper in “The White Lotus”) as Sarah, Alex’s on-again-off-again girlfriend, Lukas Gage as a guide they meet on a trip, and Molly Shannon and Alan Rick as Poppy’s hugging parents.
There is never any real doubt about where all this is headed – only how long will it take. Brett Haley’s movie will serve the same role as Emily Henry’s novel: a warm blanket for those who believe in the destiny of love.
Premieres on Netflix on January 9, 2026
1 Comment | Rom-Com | Tagged: Alan Rick, Amos Vernon, Brett Haley, Emily Bader, Emily Henry, Lukas Gage, Molly Shannon, Nunzio Randazzo, Sarah Catherine Hook, Tom Blyth, Yulin Kuang | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
WICKED: FOR GOOD (2025)
January 7, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. Let’s get this out of the way upfront. My only issue with this sequel is that it exists at all. It’s pretty much the definition of a money grab. Why should a successful stage production that lasted about three hours be turned into two films totaling almost five hours? There are only two possible answers: either more story to tell (nope, not here), or more money to make (yep!). Now, I have nothing against studios cashing in on a good thing – especially these days, when tickets are difficult to sell. So, my one issue with the film, really isn’t much of an issue at all … in fact, I really enjoy the spectacular visuals and could watch Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba any time.
Jon M Chu is back in the director’s chair and the key players are back on screen. Ms. Erivo deserves recognition and awards for her remarkable turn as Elphaba, and Ariana Grande uses that stunning voice as Glinda the Good. Also returning are Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz, (Oscar winner) Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiero (and Scarecrow), Ethan Slater as Boq (and The Tin Man), and Marissa Bode as Nessarose.
Friendship and the inner-strength to do the right thing are the messages here. However, the truth is that messages are less important here than the breathtaking visuals – special effects, costumes, and gorgeous sets. The songs aren’t quite as memorable as those in the first film, yet the singing voices are still tremendous. Corruption and darker personalities are at play here, and Erivo and Grande handle the dynamic very well. The final twist is a welcome relief – especially for parents of younger kids.
As a reminder, these characters are based on the originals created by L Frank Baum, and the film is based on the musical stage play by Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Winnie Holzman (stage book), the latter of whom gets screenplay credit alongside Dana Fox. The source novel was written by Gregory Maguire. Certainly deserving mention are Production Designer (Oscar winner) Nathan Crowley, Set Decorator (Oscar winner) Lee Sandales, Costume Designer (Oscar winner) Paul Tazewell, and Composers John Powell and (Oscar winner) Stephen Schwartz.
2 Comments | Fantasy | Tagged: Ariana Grande Butera, Cynthia Erivo, Dana Fox, Ethan Slater, Gregory Maguire, Jeff Goldblum, John M Chu, John Powell, Jonathan Bailey, L Frank Baum, Lee Sandales, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, movies, Nathan Crowley, Paul Tazewell, Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
RESURRECTION (2025, China)
January 7, 2026
Greetings again from the darkness. Chinese filmmaker Bi Gan’s third feature continues his string of visually stunning films and dramatic visual effects. However, this one runs 160 minutes, and seems to be inaccessible to most moviegoers, while the film will surely mesmerize a few. Bi Gan is a cinematic artist who is at ease toying with time and our sense of normalcy.
In the first segment, we learn that the secret to longevity – even immortality – has been discovered. Those who do not dream will be rewarded with long lives. Of course, rebels fight back. Here they are known as ‘Deliriants’ … those who hold fast to dreaming, recognizing that a life without creativity or imagination is hardly worth extending. Bi Gan structures the movie into five segments, each offering a bow to our five senses and to a specific era of cinema. Jackson Yee (BETTER DAYS, 2019) plays the deliriant in each segment. The eras range from silent movies with a nod to Melies to film noir to vampires. Stretching from science fiction to monsters to romance, the film refuses to be limited to any one label.
The film won a Special Jury Prize at Cannes in 2025, and in addition to writer-director Bi Gan, those deserving of recognition include the Production Design team of Liu Qiang and Tu Nan, Cinematographer Dong Jingsong, and composer M83 who somehow complements the various eras and styles. My take is that the film is lacking an emotional connection for most viewers, though the artistry and visual style ate stunning. Perhaps it leaves us with the question of whether eternal life is an admirable pursuit.
Opening in theaters on January 9, 2026
1 Comment | Fantasy, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: Bi Gan, Dong Jingsong, Jackson Yee, Liu Qiang, M83, Tu Nan | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
Movie Reviews from the Dark 