December 22, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. We give thanks to the movie Gods for filmmakers like Josh Safdie, as there is zero chance that he will ever make a movie that bores us. This is his first solo movie in many years after frequent collaborations with his brother, Benny (UNCUT GEMS, 2019; GOOD TIME, 2017). But fear not, because working alongside the writer-director are other frequent collaborators: screenwriter Ronald Bronstein, cinematographer Darius Khondji, composer Daniel Lopatin, and costume designer Miyako Bellizzi.
The film opens in 1952 New York City where Marty Mauser (two-time Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet) is working as a shoe salesman, barely managing to stay a half-step ahead of bill collectors. Marty uses the shoe storage room for quickies with childhood friend Rachel (Odessa A’zion, SITTING IN BARS WITH CAKE, 2023), who is married to a stereotypical inner-city brute named Ira (Emory Cohen). Rachel much prefers Marty, while also realizing his big dreams of greatness and grandeur prevent him from ever settling down for family life. It’s startling how quickly we come to understand the personalities here.
Marty manages to get himself to the table tennis championship tournament where his skill in the game is almost as obvious as his too-big-for-his-britches persona. He’s all American in that his arrogance shines through his fast-talking entitlement … diametrically opposite to his Japanese opponent in the finals. Marty’s hustler instincts score him a luxury hotel upgrade as well as an introduction to once-popular movie star Kay Stone (Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow) and her husband (played by “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary). Marty smooth-talks one of them into bed, while attempting to fast-talk the other into a business deal.
If you’ve seen previous Safdie films, you know he thrives on a frenetic pace and characters who create chaos. As an example, we are subjected to a cringe-inducing honey-licking visual, as well as a bathtub accident and related dog incident, both succeeding in generating shock value. This is a hectic story about a chaotic guy (supposedly loosely based on real life ping pong player/entertainer Marty Reisman). After losing in the tournament finals, our Marty endures a crazy year that includes ping pong against a seal and performing halftime showboating at Globetrotters games – his work properly described as a vaudeville act.
Safdie sprinkles in some familiar faces throughout, including NBA legend Geroge Gervin, Fran Drescher (as Marty’s mom), Larry Sloman, Sandra Bernhard, and film director Abel Ferrera (in a key role as a dog owner). We even get (musician) Tyler the Creator as Marty’s hustling cohort. Sharp-eyed basketball fans might spot Kemba Walker and Tracy McGrady as Globetrotters. Marty’s crazy year does culminate with him finding a way to Japan for the next world championship tournament, where kissing a pig becomes the big risk. Some of Marty’s antics may sometimes be in the mold of the Three Stooges, but he’s clearly very talented at table tennis … it’s just the ‘life with integrity’ thing that he finds difficult – even drawing in Rachel and Kay. The ending is not unlike many sports movies, but the path Marty and Safdie lead us down is absolutely unique and entertaining.
Opens in theaters on Christmas Day 2025
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2 Comments | 
Drama | Tagged: Abel Ferrera, Daniel Lopatin, Darius Khondji, Emory Cohen, Fran Drescher, George Gervin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Safdie, Kevin O'Leary, Larry Sloman, Miyako Bellizzi, movies, Odessa A'zion, Ronald Bronstein, Sandra Bernhard, Timothee Chalamet, Tyler the Creator | 
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Posted by David Ferguson
December 22, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. ‘Do what you love’ and ‘Pursue your passion.’ That’s the traditional advice we give youngsters, so they won’t grow up to live a mundane life filled with regrets. Perhaps there is no better example of living your dream than the real-life love story of Mike Sardina and Claire Stengl-Sardina. These two Milwaukee residents not only found a path to sing on stage, they also found true love with each other.
Writer-director Craig Brewer (the underrated DOLEMITE IS MY NAME, 2019) was inspired by watching the 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs with the same title and same subject. Speaking of inspired, the casting of Hugh Jackman as Mike (or as he prefers to be called, Lightning) and Kate Hudson as Claire certainly qualifies. Their harmony is obvious in both their singing and their acting. We first see Mike at an AA meeting, celebrating 20 years sober. He then heads to the Wisconsin State Fair where he is scheduled to take part in a musical legends program. Only he refuses to fulfill his duties as Don Ho, but does take notice of Claire and her performance as the great Patsy Cline.
It’s Mike who envisions the two being billed as Lighting (him) and Thunder (her), but it’s Claire who pitches the idea of a Neil Diamond ‘interpretation’ … as opposed to an impressionist. If you are fan, you know that Neil Diamond was a prolific songwriter with hundreds of songs from his career spanning more than five decades. Even if you aren’t a Neil Diamond fan, you are likely to know many of the songs – especially “Sweet Caroline”, which is a bit of a running gag in the film (and in real life as well).
Filmmaker Brewer brilliantly mixes the pursuit of stage fame with the blended personal family life – two teenage daughters, Rachel (a terrific Ella Anderson) and Angelina (King Princess), and a young son, Dana (Hudson Hensley). The family moments ground the film and allow us to accept the human side of Mike and Claire – especially after tragedy and near tragedy strike. Other supporting work is provided by Jim Belushi, Fisher Stevens, Michael Imperioli, and Mustafa Shakir.
There is an excellent sequence where Mike and Claire get to open for Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam when the grunge band’s tour hits Milwaukee. This is one of the feel good moments – and there are a few of these, as well as a few that don’t feel quite so good. Mental issues, physical issues, and personal issues all create obstacles for these folks, and yet the dreams stay alive. Hugh Jackman is all in as Mike, and yet it’s Kate Hudson who is the memorable one with both her performance and her surprisingly elite singing voice. Ms. Hudson’s performance in ALMOST FAMOUS (2000) will always be iconic, however, she built a career doing many films of which I’m not particularly fond. Her work here is awards-worthy … or as Mike would say, “Huge”. The film is a crowd-pleaser that’s neither corny nor lame. Brewer includes a closing shot of the real Mike and Claire as the credits roll.
Opens in theaters on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025
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2 Comments | Drama | Tagged: Craig Brewer, Ella Anderson, Fisher Stevens, Hudson Hensley, Hugh Jackman, Jim Belushi, Kate Hudson, King Princess, Michael Imperioli, movies, Mustafa Shakir | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
December 20, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. Horror films are a dime a dozen (meaning there is no shortage from the genre), so it’s a revelation when a filmmaker has a legitimate feel for psychological horror – the kind that creeps us out and (likely) causes a nightmare or two. Such is the case for writer-director Paul Bickel. The scariest place on Earth is between our ears, and Bickel attacks the space by keeping us guessing as we attempt to solve the mysterious events occurring on screen.
We open on nearly indistinguishable flashes of memory until we zero in on Raya (the film debut of Raya Miles) waking up in the forest. She’s filthy, has an injured foot, and her clothes are in tatters. She’s a bit disoriented, yet finds her way home thanks to the barbed wire fence and local road. Once home, her hot shower is accompanied by flashbacks unrelated to her mysterious forest awakening. After the shower, she enters a bedroom where her partner, Paul (the film’s director Paul Bickel), is bedridden and non-communicative. She cares for him by spoon-feeding oatmeal, giving his beard a trim, and keeping the oxygen in stock. Mostly, she frets about this new life.
Well, ‘mostly’ is not the right word since the awakenings in the forest and staggering march home have become regular occurrences for Maya … and she’s still not understanding why or how. She Facetimes with her friend Amy (Tracie Thoms, GRINDHOUSE: DEATH PROOF, 2007) who expresses concern at the situation, but Maya tells her not need to visit. This is all filmed at Grout Creek in Big Bear, so the scenery is gorgeous (if you aren’t the one waking each morning oblivious to how you ended up in the forest), and the snow fall and Maya’s exhaustion are bonus elements to the overall atmosphere created by a nightmare situation she must interpret in order to bring about an end.
Maya’s daily existence manages to get worse as the nightmares become more intense (she wakes up in ever-deepening graves) and real – thanks to her own detective work and some truly frightening and unexpected developments. Missing women, pieces of gifted jewelry, and a recurring axe are crucial elements to the story. And even though we are forced to guess our way through most of the film, the ending is excellent … even the closing credits have flair. Much of this was filmed during the COVID pandemic as Bickel and Miles were secluded in the cabin. Other scenes were filmed once the world re-opened, and I believe most everyone will appreciate the camera work and individual shots throughout. Here’s hoping Raya Miles continues acting and Paul Bickel continues making movies for us.
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2 Comments | Horror | Tagged: Eugene Byrd, Horror, movies, Paul Bickel, Raya Miles, Tracie Thoms | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
December 18, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. Director Paul Feig hit it big with the outrageous comedy BRIDESMAIDS in 2011, and then he got a lot more interesting as a filmmaker by directing screen adaptations of Darcey Bell novels that were so popular with Book Clubs – A SIMPLE FAVOR (2018) and ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR (2025). There’s no need to mess with a good thing, right? This time he’s directing another Book Club favorite, Frieda McFadden’s 2022 novel. Adapted for the screen by Rebecca Sonnenshine, the movie subjects three gorgeous actors to some off-the-chart twisted and devious turns.
Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie, a young parolee who we see arrive at a stunning mansion (fabricated resume in hand) to interview for a live-in housemaid position. Amanda Seyfried is Nina, the lady of the house, and she has prepared a lovely charcuterie board for the interview before taking Millie on a tour of the place … including the attic room where Millie will be living as she cleans the house, does some light cooking, and sometimes cares for ice-cold young daughter, Cece (Indiana Elle). Millie sleeps in her car until the phone rings with Nina’s job offer.
Now, Nina was the dreamboat perfect host and potential employer during the first meeting, but upon Millie’s arrival, her temperament has shifted – full bore psychotic mood shifts, replete with throwing dishes, screaming, and false accusations. Of course, Millie must take the abuse and uncertainty or face serving out the rest of her prison sentence – the details come out much later in the film. Still, Millie might just crack if not for the calm, supportive nature of Nina’s rich male model-type husband, Andrew (Brandon Sklenar, MIDWAY, 2019).
Common sense would tell you that the crazy wife vs the desperate housemaid would be enough for a wild story, but oh, how wrong you would be. Things only get crazier from here, and if we’ve learned one thing sitting through bizarre movies, it’s that the best way to execute a preposterous and outlandish story line is to play it (mostly) straight. And that’s what we get here. Of course, many of the twists and turns are easy to predict, but that doesn’t cut down on the demented fun – even though it jumps the shark a bit.
It’s a fun, wild ride – despite the gaps and the unfortunate lack of substance for supporting characters like Elizabeth Perkins as Andrew’s mother, and Michele Morrone as Enzo the groundskeeper. More from either character would have been welcome, although the real star here is Amanda Seyfried who shows incredible range, and never once backs away from the psycho side. I haven’t read the book, but for those who have, this film version is more spicy than erotic (save for one hotel scene), and it easily qualifies as a guilty pleasure – especially for those book clubs out there.
Opens in theaters beginning December 19, 2025
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2 Comments | Thriller | Tagged: Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Elizabeth Perkins, Frieda McFadden, Indiana Elle, Michele Morrone, movies, Paul Feig, Rebecca Sonnenshine, Sydney Sweeney | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
December 10, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. The phrase ‘Third time’s the charm’ loses impact when the first two times were also charmed. Such is the case for writer-director Rian Johnson and his ‘Knives Out’ trilogy (so far). The filmmaker has really tapped into the joy of whodunits for those of us who are big fans of the genre. This third one has a darker tone and feel than the first two, but many of the elements remain in place – including a stellar ensemble of well-known actors, some whom only appear briefly.
Rising star Josh O’Connor plays troubled young Priest Jud Duplencity. If you are unfamiliar with O’Connor, I highly recommend REBUILDING (2025) and EMMA. (2020). After a physical confrontation, this Priest gets reassigned to Chimney Rock, where arrogant Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) rules over his loyal flock which includes devoted assistant Martha (Glenn Close), depressed Dr. Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), stressed out lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington), best selling sci-fi author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), cellist Simone (Cailee Spaeny), groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), and ambitious politician/social media influencer wannabe Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack). As I previously stated, it’s quite an ensemble … and it also includes Mila Kunis, Bridget Everett, Annie Hamilton, Jeffrey Wright, and James Faulkner.
Having this set at a church with two rival Priests make ‘The Good Friday Murder’ one for the Knives Out pages. When superstar detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) arrives on the scene, he calls it “The Holy Grail” of murder and a “perfectly impossible” crime. A ‘closed room’ murder with all suspects seated in the church pews – except Priest Duplencity, who is front and center at the altar, creates quite a conundrum for Blanc and the Priest. Of course, that’s where the fun comes in for Rian Johnson and his writing. He excels at weaving a tapestry of confusion sprinkled with just enough witty humor to prevent the mood from sinking too low.
A secret that’s been held for 60 years leads to another contemporary secret, as well as a few more between characters. Eve’s Apple and the religious inserts are a welcome addition, and mostly this is designed as yet another fun treat for the ‘Knives Out’ fan base. There’s even Tom Waits singing “Come On Up to the House” to close things out.
Opens on Netflix on November 12, 2025
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1 Comment | Thriller | Tagged: Andrew Scott, Annie Hamilton, Bridget Everett, Cailee Spaeny, Daniel Craig, Daryl McCormack, Glenn Close, James Faulkner, Jeffrey Wright, Jeremy Renner, Josh O'Connor, Kerry Washington, Mila Kunis, movies, Rian Johnson, Thomas Haden Church, Tom Waits | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
December 8, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. My apologies for this review posting months after it should have. The tardiness of the post has nothing to do with the quality of the movie, which I found quite entertaining and creative. It might be best described as an innovate storytelling approach to an age-old tale … with some very cool twists and turns. Ryan Coogler previously directed BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (2022), BLACK PANTHER (2018), CREED (2015), and FRUITVALE STATION (2013); however, this is his first fully original film as writer-director, and it certainly doesn’t lack ambition.
You likely know that Michael B Jordan starred in all of Coogler’s films mentioned above, and he’s back here as both “Smoke” (Elijah) and his twin brother “Stack” (Elias). The boys are fresh from Capone’s gang in Chicago, and intent on setting up a juke joint in their old Mississippi hometown stomping grounds. An abandoned sawmill that has seen its share of slaughters will do just fine (and no, you definitely shouldn’t read any foreshadowing or irony into the setting. Wink. Wink.). Since I mentioned the twins, you should know that the technical aspects are astounding (in addition to Jordan’s terrific performances). An early scene where the brothers share a cigarette amazed me in its execution and detail. This was the first of many.
Young, bloody Sammie (the film debut of Miles Caton) staggers to his preacher father’s alter carrying the neck of a shattered Charley Patton guitar. And this may be the closest Coogler’s film gets to a serene scene. What follows is a unique blend of too many bits to list, but definitely includes horror, monsters, blues music, biblical references, southern racism, historical events (Robert Johnson’s crossroads), mythology, mobsters, Mississippi Delta black culture, and enough violence for a few films. You may think you’ve seen all there is to see about vampire mythology, but Coogler doesn’t shy away from new blood (so to speak). Now, is all that just too much for one movie to tackle? Many will likely think so, however, those that go with it will likely find it as entertaining as I did.
The supporting cast is massive and filled with familiar faces and talented actors – too many to list here, but know that each contribution adds to the overall dynamic. I will mention Hailee Steinfeld, who plays Mary, a “dangerous” multi-racial woman who is the bridge between black and white (and perhaps good and evil). There are at least eleven other actors who excel in their role and have a memorable, and often surprising or shocking impact, but the only other one I’ll call by name is the legendary Buddy Guy who appears in the 1992 Epilogue. From a technical standpoint, acknowledging those who created the Southern Gothic horror atmosphere are Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Editor Michael P Shawver, and Composer Ludwig Goransson (a two-time Oscar winner). Filmmaker Ryan Coogler has established himself as one who combines a strong technical team, a stellar cast, and a sharp script to create films that have broader appeal than one might expect (superheroes, vampires, and culture clashes). His films are now must-see cinema.
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2 Comments | Fantasy, Horror, Thriller | Tagged: Andrene Ward-Hammond, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Jayme Lawson, Lola Kirke, Ludwig Goransson, Michael B Jordan, Michael P Shawver, Miles Caton, movies, Omar Benson Miller, Ryan Coogler, Saul Williams, Wunmi Mosaku | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
November 20, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. Is there such thing as an ordinary life? If so, what does it look like? Writer-director Clint Bentley and co-writer Greg Kwedar have collaborated twice before – first on the underrated JOCKEY (2021), and then on SING SING (2023), the latter of which they received Oscar nominations for writing. For this latest, they have adapted the late Denis Johnson’s 2011 novella for the big screen, and the result is one of the most soulful films we’ve seen.
The story follows Robert Grainier, and evolves into a character study running cradle to grave. After a rough childhood, though not one necessarily unusual for the late 1800’s, the adult Robert is portrayed by Joel Edgerton (a career best performance). Robert is a quiet man who works as a logger. We see him on crews that clear forests, build bridges, and lay railroads for a country that is rapidly developing. His jobs during logging season take him away from home for extended periods of time. This is never an issue until he meets Gladys (Felicity Jones). These two fall deeply in love and are clearly soul mates. A terrific scene finds the giddy and hopeful couple laying rocks on a riverbank to map out the foundation of the log cabin home they are to build. The two in love become three when baby Kate arrives. Robert’s extended time away from home becomes more challenging, yet he manages since he now has a reason to return.
Although Robert rarely speaks while on jobs, narrator Will Patton and the individual scenes tell us much about him and the interesting folks he works alongside. William H Macy plays Arn Peeples, an old-timer who is not only the dynamite expert, he’s also the on-site philosopher (acting as a life mentor to Robert). Other standout supporting characters include Clifton Collins Jr as an unfortunate soul, Paul Schneider as a bad luck apostle, John Diel as one who teaches us the importance of boots nailed to a tree, and Kerry Condon as a forester who shares a sense of loss with Robert. It’s Robert’s loss that becomes the heart of the story and sticks with him for the balance of his years.
Tragedy turns Robert into a hermit, a heartbroken hermit. His titular dreams sometimes have a hallucinogenic feel as they come in flashes. Some of this revolves around his regret for not doing more to stop the mistreatment of a Chinese man, Fu Shang (Alfred Hsing) on the railroad crew. He’s haunted by that event. Of course, Robert’s other dreams take him back to childhood or recall Gladys and Kate. When it seems that Robert can’t sink any lower, a local Native American store owner named Ignatius Jack (Nathaniel Arcand) selflessly offers support, kindness, and friendship. The sequence reminds us of the humanity that exists in all of us … and that there’s a fine line between offering kindness and needing it.
This beautiful film will undoubtedly remind many of the works of Terrence Malick, mostly thanks to the connection between life and nature. One of the messages conveyed is that the deeper one loves, the more painful loneliness can be when it arrives. Life and death make up the cycle as evidenced by majestic trees being cut down to build houses and bridges. Kerry Condon’s character has the film’s best line, “The dead tree is as important as the living one.” Beauty and harsh reality are as connected as art and tragedy. Cinematographer Adolpho Veloso uses creative framing throughout the film, while composer Bryce Dessner perfectly captures the essence – with an assist from Nick Cave’s song, “Train Dreams”. For those seeking emotional depth and philosophical meanderings, this film from Clint Bentley is tough to beat. And if that’s not your thing, just enjoy the beauty of nature.
Begins streaming on Netflix on November 21, 2025
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4 Comments | Drama | Tagged: Adolpho Veloso, Alfred Hsing, Bryce Dessner, Clifton Collins Jr, Clint Bentley, Denis Johnson, Felicity Jones, Greg Kwedar, Joel Edgerton, John Diehl, Kerry Condon, movies, Nathaniel Arcand, Nick Cave, Paul Schneider, Will Patton, William H Macy | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
November 19, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. I’ll begin by admitting two things. First, I don’t watch many romantic-comedies. Second, I do understand why the genre is appealing to so many. That second point seems especially true around the holidays when emotions run high and the Hallmark channel peaks. Netflix is joining in the fun with this latest from writer-director Mark Steven Johnson, who in 2010 explored the genre with WHEN IN ROME. Not one to shy away from gorgeous settings, this time Johnson takes us to Paris, France.
Minka Kelly (“Titans”) stars as Sydney Price, an ambitious executive whose boss is finally giving her an opportunity to close a big acquisition. Usually relegated to sourcing the deals, she views this as her chance to take the next step professionally. One added benefit is a trip to Paris, which leaves her sister Skyler (Maeve Courtier-Lilley) holding her to a pinky-swear to spend one night sightseeing, rather than working. Once at her gorgeous hotel, Sydney takes a walk to one of the iconic Paris bookstores. It’s here where she gets her meet-cute with Henri (Tom Wozniczka, “Slow Horses”).
Of course, we all know the formula. He’s charming and handsome. They flirt. Will they or won’t they? He turns out to have a surprise identity. They have their ups and downs, including a couple of misunderstandings. All of this happens concurrently with Sydney competing for the purchase of the champagne company owned by Hugo Cassell (Thibault de Montalembert, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, 2022). The fun really begins when Hugo invites Sydney and the other bidders to his stunning Chateau Cassell. The others are fronted by French local Brigitte (Astrid Whettnail, “The Missing”), German Otto (Flula Borg, THE SUICIDE SQUAD, 2021), and wildcard Roberto (Sean Amsing, “Parked”). Brigitte is conniving, while Otto is stiff and calculated (and believes DIE HARD is a tragedy since Hans Gruber dies), and Roberto is a party animal and son of a billionaire … and provides most of the film’s comic relief.
Sydney and Henri get a flirty, sparkling evening ride on the giant Ferris wheel, as well as a light show under the Eiffel Tower. The setting and sights are breathtaking – both Paris and the Chateau. Despite the formulaic approach and lack of any real suspense, the film serves its purpose by delivering a love story with some laughs in an incredibly romantic and stunning setting. Just remember that “Champagne isn’t just a drink, it’s a celebration”, so “taste the stars” (and don’t dig too deep).
Premieres on Netflix on November 19, 2025
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Leave a Comment » | Rom-Com | Tagged: Minka Kelly, Mark Steven Johnson, Flula Borg, movies, Maeve Courtier-Lilley, Tom Wozniczka, Thibault de Montalembert, Astrid Whettnail, Sean Amsing | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
November 14, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. Like most who obsess over cinema, I went through my French New Wave phase. Actually, binge is likely more accurate since the phase has yet to end. I’ll always make time for Truffaut, Godard, Chabrol, Rohmer, Varda, and Demy. American director Richard Linklater clearly shares this fondness as he releases this homage on the heels of BLUE MOON, his other superb 2025 release. Co-writers on this film are Holly Gent, Laetitia Masson, Vincent Palmo Jr, and Michele Petin … two of whom have previous collaborations with Linklater.
While Linklater shows us the many faces and names of those behind the movement, most of this story focuses on Jean Luc Godard and his quest to make BREATHLESS (1960). Godard is played by relative newcomer Guillaume Marbeck and the trademark sunglasses. Godard is a film critic turned writer turned director. In fact, we hear him repeat, “I have to direct”, seeing as his goal to direct his first feature by age 25 has already been missed. He talks reluctant and skittish producer Georges de Beauregard (Bruno Dreyfurst) into financing the film by claiming Francois Truffaut (Adrien Rouyard) and Claude Chabrol (Antoine Besson) had co-written the script. Both men had successful films under their belts with THE 400 BLOWS and LE BEAU SERGE, respectively, so the producer viewed his risk as minimal.
Already a star at age 21, Jean Seberg (a terrific Zoey Deutch) finally agrees to join the cast, as does amateur boxer and new actor Jean-Paul Belmondo (Aubry Dullin). Linklater does a nice job in recreating the haphazard manner in which Godard worked. Of course, there was no script … other than what he wrote each morning over breakfast. He was after spontaneity, and this caused a clash with Seberg. Much of how he worked would be considered guerilla filmmaking, and it’s interesting to see how the cast and crew react to Godard’s ‘genius’.
Along with the music, Linklater and cinematographer David Chambille capture the authentic look and feel, and it serves as a tribute to the era, including ever-present cigarettes. The French New Wave, and especially Godard, offered a new vision for cinema. Their impact on future filmmakers cannot be overstated, and Linklater’s passion for the movement for cinema is obvious. He surely hopes the film inspires others to explore the revolutionists from the Wave that shook the foundation of cinema … even if “it’s no CITIZEN KANE”. Just keep in mind what Godard says, “All you need for a movie is a girl and a gun.”
Releasing on Netflix on November 14, 2025
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3 Comments | Drama, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: Adrien Rouyard, Antoine Besson, Aubry Dullin, Bruno Dreyfurst, David Chambille, Guillaume Marbeck, Holly Gent, Laetitia Masson, Michele Petin, movies, Richard Linklater, Vincent Palmo Jr, Zoey Deutch | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
November 7, 2025
Greetings again from the darkness. For those who think of Sydney Sweeney as just an attractive model for blue jeans or eye-candy on the red carpet, this is a movie that will change your mind. She plays tough. OK, not as tough as boxing champ and domestic violence survivor Christy Martin, whom she portrays here … but tough, nonetheless.
In a perfect world, writer-director David Michod (ANIMAL KINGDOM, 2010) and co-wrtiers Mirrah Foulkes (also Michod’s spouse) and Katherine Fugate would tell the uplifting story of the first great female boxer of the 1990’s and the first female boxer to make the cover of “Sports Illustrated” and fight on Mike Tyson’s undercard. While they do tell that part of the story, there is also the much darker aspect of Christy’s life. It’s actually a story of survival – and honestly, since I was not a boxing fan at the time, it’s the 2010 headlines of her surviving a vicious attack by her husband that come to mind when I hear her name. Michod and his cast handle both aspects very well.
It’s 1989 in rural West Virginia. Christy gets her first taste of boxing and takes to it immediately. However, her mother (Merritt Weaver, “Godless”) and meek father (Ethan Embry, “Sneaky Pete”) are humiliated by the rumors that Christy is hanging out with Rosie (Jess Garbor “Shameless”), a lesbian. When they threaten to send her to a priest for curing, Christy seizes the chance to pursue boxing. Trainer Jim Martin (Ben Foster) initially wants nothing to do with her, but he quickly realizes she could be his ticket to the big time.
The story follows Christy’s rise in boxing, while at the same time showing us the dark side of a relationship. Jim is an expert manipulator and controller, and Foster’s searing blue eyes deliver his patented icy and intimidating stare (in spite of that awful haircut) on more than one occasion. Shadowboxing in legendary promoter Don King’s (Chad Coleman, “The Wire”) office gives Christy the opportunity she needs in 1995. He labels her “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” and her pink outfits become a trademark.
Christy’s story has many parallels with the tragic Dorothy Stratten story. Her time as a Playboy model and violent fallout with her scumbag husband became the basis for Bob Fosse’s film STAR 80 (1983). In this film, when Michod finally shows the despicable act of Jim Martin on Christy, it’s stunning and memorable. We can’t help but think how unfortunate and tragic it was for Christy to battle both her husband and mother. Towards the end, we see the actual Christy Salters (she took back her maiden name) as a security guard who fist bumps the fighter on the way to the ring. It’s a nice touch. And kudos to Sydney Sweeney for taking on such a challenging role (physically and emotionally).
In theaters beginning November 7, 2025
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Leave a Comment » | Drama | Tagged: Ben Foster, Chad Coleman, Christy Martin, Christy Salters, David Michod, Ethan Embry, Jess Garbor, Katherine Fugate, Merritt Weaver, Mirrah Foulkes, movies, Syndey Sweeney | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson
Movie Reviews from the Dark 