Fan Boys (2009)

Posted on March 10, 2026 by robbinsrealm

When I was a child, I remember watching a story on the news about a family that, for all intents and purposes, made Star Wars their entire life. As the news crew documented the family’s house, every wall was covered, every surface was utilized, and every part of the floor was occupied by Star Wars memorabilia, except for a narrow walking path. Even the ceiling was enlisted for the family’s hobby, as replicas of space vehicles featured in the films hung from it on sturdy strings. The family’s love for Star Wars—or for anything, for that matter—was like nothing I had ever seen. Later, I would learn that when it came to George Lucas’s creation, the family’s devotion was the norm, not the exception.

Hutch (Dan Folger), Windows, played by Emmy winner, Jay Baruchel (Dragons: Race to the Edge), and Linus (Christopher Marquette), are Star Wars fanatics. They prove their fandom by showing up to parties dressed as characters from the films, wearing T-shirts which express their love for the franchise, as well as, having their respective bedrooms, like the aforementioned family, filled with Star Wars merchandise.   

At the beginning of the movie, Hutch, Windows, and Linus are at a Halloween party. It is 1998. While there they re-connect with one of their close friends, Eric (Sam Huntington), who they haven’t seen since high school graduation three years earlier. Eric works for the successful car dealership owned by his father, Big Chuck; a role acted by Emmy nominee Christopher McDonald (Hacks). Hutch and Windows are excited to see Eric, but Linus, who was Eric’s best friend is not.  

As the four friends are reminiscing, they begin to talk about a preposterous plan that they first formulated in elementary school. Their idea was to drive from Ohio to California, specifically to The Skywalker Ranch in Marin County. Once there, they are going to attempt to steal a rough cut of Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace. Eric is immediately disinterested. He encourages his friends to join the real world. A short while later, however, Eric learns from Hutch and Windows that Linus has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He won’t be alive when the film is set to premiere in theaters.  

Regardless of how crazy the idea might be, Eric wants to join his friends on their quest for the sake of his dying friend. The guys are also close with Zoe, portrayed by three-time Golden Globe nominee, Kristen Bell (Nobody Wants This). While she is not initially included as part of the road trip, she will play a vital role in whether or not the boys succeed. Will the friends plan to help Linus make his dying wish come true?    

Fan Boys was directed by Kyle Newman (A Disturbance in the Force). The screenplay was co-written by Ernest Cline (Ready Player One), Adam F. Goldberg (The Goldbergs), and Dan Pulick (Quantico). On February 6, 2009, the film was given a limited release in the United States. Parts adventure, comedy and crime, the movie has a runtime of 90 minutes. Cameos in the film include, Golden Globe and two-time Emmy winner, William Shatner (Boston Legal), BAFTA nominee and Grammy winner, Carrie Fisher (The Princess Diarist), and Emmy nominee, Billy Dee Williams (Brian’s Song).  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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I recommend this film first and foremost to Star Wars fans. In particular, those of you who have more than a casual interest in the franchise. For example, if you can name Chewbacca’s home planet, the film is most definitely for you.

In closing, the best word to describe Fan Boys would be fun. The movie should most definitely resonate with viewers who have chased an out-there dream with their friends, despite the minimal chances of success. As of the writing of this post, Fan Boys is streaming on Tubi, among other platforms.                                               

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Marshmallow (2025)

Posted on March 2, 2026 by robbinsrealm

I didn’t know a great deal about the film, Marshmallow, before I sat down to watch it yesterday afternoon. The two things I did know was its genres and that it primarily took place at a sleepaway camp. The prospect of watching yet another film in which a killer on the loose systematically eliminates campers and counselors was not one that I found enthralling. In terms of sheer entertainment value, I didn’t know how anything that used that particular plot could top the films that came before it. For example, the original Friday the 13th (1980), and Sleepaway Camp (1983). Being an occasional glutton for punishment when it comes to cinema, I decided to give it a shot, and I must confess, by its conclusion, I was pleasantly surprised.  

Morgan (Kue Lawrence), since moving to his new neighborhood is attempting to fit in, but hasn’t had much luck. An early scene in the film, shows him trying to play ball with some of the neighborhood kids, who taunt and tease him, as they ride off on their bicycles. One bright spot for Morgan is the relationship he has with his grandfather, Roy, portrayed by two-time Emmy nominee, Corbin Bernsen (LA Law).  

Despite the fact that Morgan is having trouble adjusting to his new life, his mother, played by Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black), and father (Todd M. Friedman), are borderline adamant that he attends Camp Almar. The camp’s motto is “Come to Grow.” The motto will take on significant meaning later on in the film. Being an adolescent, Morgan has no choice, but to follow his parents’ orders. Even though he has been told that he will have the best time of his life, and that people make lifelong friendships at camp, Morgan is not convinced.

When Morgan gets to camp, he encounters some counselors who seem to genuinely care; Rachel (Giorgia Whigham), and Franklin (Maxwell Whittington-Cooper), as well as some less than stellar role-models, the arrogant Kaszwar, a role acted by two-time Emmy nominee, Pierson Fode, and the pot smoking, Avery (Geoffrey James). The staff is led by Collins (Paul Soter), who is quick to crack an exceptionally corny joke, in pursuit of making the campers feel welcome. Morgan winds up making some good friends, chief among them is Dirk (Max Malas). He even has budding, puppy love interest from Pilar (Kai Cech). All is not well for Morgan, however – he is being bullied by CJ (Sutton Johnston). At one point, the older camper takes his actions to a dangerous level.

The catalyst that sets the majority of the film in motion, is a campfire story about an unsavory character called The Doctor. At first dismissed as nothing more than a means to scare campers to stay in their bunks, in no time at all, Morgan, who suffers from visceral nightmares, stumbles upon The Doctor in action. After warning his friends, The Doctor shows up seemingly everywhere. In The Doctor’s hand is his weapon of choice, not a machete or an axe, which would be standard for a deranged killer, but instead he brandishes a cattle prod.

Everywhere, Morgan and his friends run, they come across dead campers, but are they really? What exactly is taking place at the camp? Is there more to the story than merely a horrifying campfire tale come to  life. The short answer is—yes.   

Marshmallow was directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio (Other). The screenplay was written by Andy Greskoviak (Black Friday). The film had a limited release in the United Staes on April 11, 2025. Parts horror and Sci-Fi, the movie has a runtime of 93 minutes. 

 

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Credit to the filmmakers of Marshmallow for taking a worn-out plot, and infusing it with new life, that many viewers will probably not see coming. It is good to not read about the film, before watching it, as to not spoil the reveal. Most of the violence that takes place in the movie is implied rather than shown, and there is next to no gore, throughout the majority of the film’s runtime.  

Overall, a solid entry into the niche of summer camp horror movies, especially with its inclusion of science fiction. It wouldn’t surprise me if the film garners a sequel. As of the writing of this post, Marshmallow is streaming on Paramount +.                                              

                                                                                          

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Pixie (2020)

Posted on February 21, 2026 by robbinsrealm

Once Upon a Time in the West… of Ireland.

There is nothing unusual about seeing a drug heist gone wrong in a film or television show. Normally, however, the aforementioned does not take place in the confines of a church.      

The confident and mysterious Pixie, portrayed by the talented Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon) is planning to leave the small town she resides in, and move to San Francisco. The catalyst for her move is the passing of her mother. Pixie is the stepdaughter of a local crime boss, Dermot O’Brien; the part of which is acted by Golden Globe nominee, Colm Meaney (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). Her relationship to O’Brien plays a significant factor in the movie.

Before Pixie ventures to the United States, she has set a plan in motion to steal from drug dealers. In fact, the people she targets is a rival gang of her stepfather. The gang she has set her sights on, moves about with impunity disguised as nuns and priests. Of course, wanting her plan to go off without a hitch, there is inevitably trouble. Frank, played by Ben Hardy (The Conjuring: Last Rites), and Harland, a role acted by two-time BAFTA nominee, Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande), are two relatively good-hearted, but sort of naive guys that get entangled in Pixie’s plan. 

After obtaining the drugs in a situation where bullets fly and bodies grow cold, the trio of Pixie, Frank, and Daryl go on the run. They have in their possession an amount of drugs, that when sold, will in turn give the trio a life altering amount of money. The leader of the duplicitous pretend priest and nun drug dealers is the smarmy, Father McGrath played by three-time, Golden Globe winner, Alex Baldwin (30 Rock). He’s not about to allow the trio to get away with selling his gang’s supply and reaping the benefits. McGrath employs Seamus, a laconic hitman, portrayed by Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders) to go after them. Will the trio be able to sell the drugs, and lead a life far away from their pursuers?

Pixie was directed by Oscar nominee, Barnaby Thompson (Dear Rosie). The screenplay was written by Preston Thompson (Kids in Love). On October 23, 2020, the film was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Parts comedy, crime, and thriller, the movie has a runtime of 93 minutes.

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The film features both a clever script, and strong leads, whose chemistry with one another is never in question. The Irish countryside functions as almost an additional character in the film. It serves as a sharp contrast to the criminal activities transpiring. Even though the film is imbued with grittiness, it also contains a good balance of dark comedy. Negatives for certain viewers might be the films breaking off into subplots and back stories, which some might feel detract from the main storyline. I didn’t find that aspect of the movie to be a hindrance to my overall enjoyment of what I was watching. There were, however, a few parts that felt rushed, and could have benefited from further elaboration, but I’ll reiterate, thanks to the leads, I didn’t consider the movie a waste of my time. As of the writing of this post, Pixie is streaming on Paramount +. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

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Being There (1979)

Posted on January 29, 2026 by robbinsrealm

In the film Being There, three-time Oscar nominee Peter Sellers gives a nuanced performance as the character Chance. He has led a sheltered life inside the confines of a luxurious townhouse, owned by a man, who utilizes his services as a gardener. It is never explicitly stated when Chance was first taken in by his benefactor. What is established is that he receives room and board, but no salary. His meals are all prepared and served to him by the housekeeper and cook, Louise (Ruth Attaway). Chance’s world consists of tending to the garden and watching television. (As an aside: Peter Sellers won a Golden Globe for his performance in Being There).

Unfortunately, the owner of the house passes away. It is a concept that Louise understands. She knows that the man’s house is being sold by the estate lawyers, and that she has to leave. Chance, however, does not leave, until he is told by the estate lawyers that he must. When he opens the door to the man’s house, he steps out into a world of urban decay. The house is one of the last of its kind in what was once an affluent neighborhood in Washington, D.C. As Chance walks through the neighborhood with no particular destination in mind, he passes trash filled streets, and rundown buildings.

If not for a minor accident, Chance might have continued to wander. He is hit by a limousine belonging to Eve. The character is played by Oscar winner, Shirley MacLaine (Terms of Endearment). Eve is married to an extraordinary wealthy industrialist and influential business tycoon, Benjamin Rand, the part of which is acted by two time Oscar winner, Melvyn Douglas (Hud). Concerned for Chance’s injured leg, she insists that Chance come to the Rand’s austere mansion, so he can rest. While talking on the drive, Eve asks Chance his name. He introduces himself as Chance and mentions that he is a gardener. It is as if Eve is not even listening to him, because, when they arrive back at the mansion, she introduces him as Chauncey Gardiner. The name will stick for the remainder of the film.

Once Chance enters the world of The Rands, he is treated like royalty. He is attended to by a personal physician, Dr. Robert Allenby, played by Emmy winner, Richard Dysart (L.A. Law). His every need is catered to by the household staff. Chance is almost immediately befriended by Benjamin, who feels in Chance he has met a kindred spirit. Their new friendship leads to Benjamin and Chance speaking to the President of the United States, played by Emmy winner, Jack Warden (Brian’s Song). After speaking with Chance about the state of the economy, the President actually imparts the advice Chance had given him, during a press conference. The mere fact that Chance was Rand’s guest, highlights one of the film’s main points, that perception is oftentimes more important than reality. After the President’s remarks, the real fun, in a satirical manner, begins.

Being There was directed by Oscar winner, Hal Ashby (In the Heat of the Night). The screenplay was co-written by Oscar winner, Robert C. Jones (Coming Home), and BAFTA winner, Jerzy Kosinski, based on his novel of the same name. On December 20, 1979, the film premiered in New York City, New York. Parts comedy and drama, the movie has a runtime of 130 minutes. 

Trivia buffs take note: Peter Seller’s career had hit a downward spiral by the 1970s. That is why it took him almost nine years before Lorimar Pictures agreed to the project, primarily due to the successful revival of the Pink Panther franchise. The Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, North Carolina, was used as the Rand’s mansion in the film. AFI (The American Film Institute) listed Being There at number 26 on their list of the Top 100 Funniest American Movies. It was also included on Roger Ebert’s Great Movies list.

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Being There features a cast, each of whom gives a high-level performance, that doesn’t in any way detract from Peter Sellers’ star power as the lead. The filmmakers deliver a biting, satirical critique of the power of perception, those in the mainstream media who sometimes care more about appearance and superficiality, and the proverbial power brokers, who attempt to find validity in anything they say or do. I recommend Being There to viewers who like films such as Harold and Maude (1971), Shampoo (1975), and Network (1976).

                                                 

 

                                                                                                                         

                                                     

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Ballad of a Small Player (2025)

Posted on January 17, 2026 by robbinsrealm

Addictions can have a detrimental effect not only on the individual, but also on the lives of their friends, family, and co-workers. It frequently leads to the end of marriages, the loss of friendships, and financial ruin, which in turn can lead to homelessness or incarceration. While alcohol, drugs, and sex are all powerful addictions, many experts argue that none compare to gambling in its ability to claim a person’s life.   

Three-time Golden Globe winner, Colin Farrell (The Penguin), gives a compelling and captivating performance as Lord Doyle, who is in the midst of a downward spiral. Doyle is staying in an opulent hotel in Macau. He drinks expensive champagne, dines on lobster, and smokes cigars, all of which is being billed to his room, none of which he can afford. As he states at various times throughout the film, he needs just one big win. If he gets the victory he yearns for it will allow him to pay off his debts, and get his life back on track. Doyle’s game of choice is Baccarat.

Throughout his journey Doyle comes in contact with an assortment of interesting characters. Grandma (Deanie Ip), is a fellow Baccarat player, who is seemingly unbeatable. Adrian Lippett is a conman and high stakes gambler, played by BAFTA nominee, Alex Jennings (Unforgotten). He is the sort of person, who thinks nothing of rolling over on a friend, if it gets him out of trouble with the authorities. Blithe played by Oscar winner, Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton), works for a private investigation firm. She is attempting to collect a large sum of money from Doyle that he owes to one of her firm’s clients. Dao Ming (Fala Chen), is a casino hostess and credit broker, who could possibly offer Doyle his last chance at redemption. Her character presents interesting ambiguity to the viewer. Is she a figment of Doyle’s imagination? Could she be a ghost that has the ability to interact with Doyle and steer him in the right direction? Perhaps Dao Ming is a real person, who against her better judgment is willing to take a chance on the validity of Doyle’s claim that he will do the right thing if he gets his one big win.

At its center, Ballad of a Small Player is a story of redemption. It is not, however, straight forward. Viewers will have to follow Doyle to the end of the film to find out what he decides to do based on whether or not he gets his big win. If he does win big, will he keep the money for himself, and forget his statements about paying back his debts and changing the course of his life? If he doesn’t win, will he move onto another location, where no one knows him, and once more amass huge hotel balances, and casino debt, in a pursuit of a monumental pay day which may never come? Those questions and more will be answered by the film’s conclusion.

Ballad of a Small Player was directed by four-time BAFTA winner, Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front). The screenplay was written by BAFTA winner, Rowan Joffé (The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall), based on the novel of the same name written by Lawrence Osborne. On August 29, 2025 the film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. Parts crime, drama, mystery, and thriller, the movie has a runtime of 101 minutes.

 

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The cast as a whole was uniformly excellent, especially Farrell, who doesn’t allow the anxiety, degradation and desperation of his character to come across as cartoonish. The Macau setting is like another character in the film, and adds a layer of mystery that a commonly filmed local might lack. BAFTA and Oscar winner, Volker Bertelmann’s score effectively enhances what is transpiring on screen. Furthermore, Oscar winner James Friend’s (All Quiet on the Western Front) cinematography is oftentimes visually arresting and expertly captures the atmosphere and emotional tone of the film. As of the writing of this post Ballad of a Small Player is streaming on Netflix.

                                                                         

                                                                                                    

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Carol for Another Christmas (1964)

Posted on January 8, 2026 by robbinsrealm

Given the title, you might be wondering why I didn’t post this in December. Simple reason is because I felt it was too somber, and I didn’t want to bring down anyone’s holiday merriment. Carol for Another Christmas is a take on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, but it is not a literal one. Viewers expecting the same redemptive story, which ends in a joyous, uplifting manner, when Scrooge repents his mean-spirited ways will be disappointed.

Daniel Grudge, portrayed by BAFTA nominee, Sterling Hayden (The Godfather) is a heart-broken, bitter, and angry man. He has never recovered from the loss of his twenty-two-year-old son, Marley, who was killed in battle during World War II, on Christmas Eve 1944. Grudge has taken an extreme isolationist position. He feels that any American involvement in foreign affairs, especially as it pertains to war, is something that should not be tolerated.  

It is Christmas Eve, and Grudge is visited by his nephew, Fred, played by Emmy winner, Ben Gazzara (Run for your Life). Fred is not there for pleasantries or like in the Dicken’s classic to invite Grudge to his house for Christmas. Fred is upset with his uncle, for using his influence to cancel a cultural exchange program between the United States and Poland. It is a project that Fred’s university was sponsoring. The two get into a heated exchange. Fred exits the house, but not before offering his uncle a sarcastic Merry Christmas.

Throughout most of the remainder of the movie, Grudge is visited by three ghosts. The first is The Ghost of Christmas Past, a role acted by Emmy winner, Steve Lawrence (Steve and Eddy Celebrating Irving Berlin). The Ghost of Christmas Present (Pat Hingle) is next. Lastly, Oscar nominee, Robert Shaw (A Man for All Seasons) plays the Ghost of Christmas Future. The primary reason for the ghosts’ presence is not to confront Grudge about greed. They are there to bring to stark light the enumerable suffering that is caused to the victims of both the conflict of war, and what can happen when the collective good doesn’t intercede against those who seek to rule with an iron fist. Furthermore, the ghosts are in essence advocates for diplomacy. Even if the diplomacy starts with something like the cultural exchange program that Fred’s university wanted to implement.

In one particular powerful scene Grudge, and Lt. Gibson, the part of which is played by Oscar winner, Eva Marie Saint (On the Waterfront), are visiting the bombing site of Hiroshima. There they come across a field hospital run by an unnamed doctor, the character of whom is played by Golden Globe winner, James Shigeta (The Crimson Kimono). Grudge is touched when he hears female children singing. He asks the doctor if the girls’ children will suffer the effects of thermal radiation, but the doctor cuts him off. The doctor states that the girls’ faces were melted off because they looked up at the sky when the bomb detonated, and that they will never have children. If that weren’t sad enough Grudge gets to see the future, where a leader called the Imperial Me, portrayed by BAFTA and Golden Globe winner, Peter Sellers (Being There), rules over a portion of an apocalyptic world. It is a world where a person like Charles (Percy Rodrigues), attempts to advocate for diplomacy, understanding, and acting for the greater good with populations of other survivors only to be ignored and worse. Will the ghosts be able to sway Grudge’s heavy heart to see the errors of his ways in regard to isolationism?  

Carol for Another Christmas was directed by Oscar winner, Joseph L. Mankiewicz (All About Eve). The teleplay was written by six-time Emmy winner, Rod Serling (The Twilight Zone), and, as aforementioned, inspired by Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. It first aired on December 28, 1964 on ABC (American Broadcasting Company). Parts drama and fantasy the television movie has a runtime of 84 minutes.

Trivia buffs take note: Carol for Another Christmas was only intended to be shown once. In fact, after its original airing, it was not shown again until December 16, 2012, on TCM (Turner Classic Movies). Joseph L. Mankiewicz had never directed anything for television prior to the movie, and he never worked in television again after its completion. Two-time Golden Globe winner, Peter Fonda (Ulee’s Gold), who filmed scenes as Marley for the television movie, was edited out of the final production. Sterling Hayden was originally offered the role of Quint in Oscar winning director, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. He had to turn the part down because of tax problems, which kept him from working in America at the time. The role went to his Carol for Another Christmas co-star Robert Shaw. Furthermore, Percy Rodrigues provided the voice-over narration for the original trailers to Jaws, Jaws 2, and Jaws 3-D.

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This is the sort of television movie that can, and most likely will, cause mixed emotions. Certain viewers, probably many will find inspiration in the message that the ghosts are attempting to teach Drudge. There are other viewers, who while they might appreciate the message, might not like how it is delivered, feeling that the approach was too heavy-handed and dialogue driven. Unfortunately, regardless of how one might feel about the delivery of the message, the television movie is still relevant today, decades later.

I recommend this to those of you who like Serling’s work, especially fans of The Twilight Zone. As of the writing of this post, Carol for Another Christmas is streaming on HBO Max.                                                                                                                                                                

                       

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Miracle Mile (1988)

Posted on December 18, 2025 by robbinsrealm

Miracle Mile is a film I came upon by happenstance. I had been watching several clips on YouTube, and left to go do something else. The next day, when I signed into YouTube, I came across the trailer for Miracle Mile in the homepage recommendations section of the website. Not only was it a film I had never seen, it was one that I had never heard about. I was surprised given the leads, both of whom I had watched in a number of other films and television series. Instead of checking each streaming service individually, I spoke the name of the film into the remote. Within seconds, it brought the title up on the screen, and I saw that it was available to watch on Tubi. I added it to my list, and this past Sunday afternoon, I watched it.

Harry Washello, portrayed by Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Anthony Edwards (ER) is a trombone player. When the film opens, he is spending the day at the La Brea Tar Pits. While there he spots a woman, Julie Peters, who he is immediately attracted to. The part of Julie is played by Oscar nominee, and Emmy winner, Mare Winningham (Georgia). Harry and Julie begin talking, and make plans to meet up later that evening. Unfortunately, Harry lays down to get some rest, and while sleeping there is a power outage, and his alarm never goes off. When he does eventually wake up, it is hours past the time he was supposed to meet up with Julie for their date. (As an aside: Thirty years after filming Miracle Mile, Edwards and Winningham, both divorced, began dating, and got married in 2021).

Having never gotten Julie’s phone number, Harry’s only option is to go to Johnie’s Coffee Shop, where she works. The Los Angeles diner is located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Of course, Julie isn’t there, but there are a number of people who are. Viewers will more than likely recognize several of the patrons, such as Landa, the part of which is acted by Denise Crosby (Star Trek: The Next Generation). Furthermore, fans of the first three Terminator films, will know Earl Boen, who played Psychologist Dr. Peter Silberman. In addition, Robert DoQui, who acts the part of Fred the Cook, was Sgt. Reed in RoboCop. Although not a patron in the diner, fans of the Tarantino film Reservoir Dogs should get a kick out of Eddie Bunker, who portrayed Mr. Blue. In Miracle Mile he plays a gun toting, night watchman of a gas station that specializes in servicing taxis. (As an aside: Johnie’s Coffee Shop closed in 2000, but the location has been used for many other films, television shows, and music videos. For example, the movie Matchstick Men, and the television show Mad Men. On November 27, 2013, it was designated a historical landmark).   

Harry gets Julie’s phone number from her co-worker (O-Lan Jones). With hope that is short lived, Harry calls to apologize and explain what happened. Julie doesn’t answer. About to walk away from the phone, it begins to ring. Harry picks it up. It’s not Julie, but instead it’s what at first seems like a rambling person. The man on the other end of the phone, who believes he has called his father, is warning about an imminent nuclear attack. The residents of Los Angles have approximately 70 minutes to evacuate before the missiles hit the city.

At first the people inside Johnie’s don’t believe Harry. But after Landa places a phone call that confirms the information, people begin to panic. Fred is headed for the airport, but not before loading his truck with canned goods. Anyone who wants to come with him, is welcome, but he’s not stopping for anyone. Harry can’t go with those from the diner, because it would mean leaving Julie behind. Compounding the problem is that Harry knows Julie won’t leave without her parents, Ivan (John Agar), and Lucy (Lou Hancock).  

The remainder of the film becomes a race against time. Will Harry be able to get to Julie and leave Los Angeles, before the missiles hit, or will their potential love be reduced to one pleasant afternoon together?

Miracle Mile was written and directed by Steve De Jarnatt (The X-Files). It premiered at the Montréal World Film Festival on September 3, 1988. Theo van de Sande’s cinematography makes the Los Angeles neighborhood feel like another character in the film. He deftly captures the atmosphere of the night, which is awash with neon lights and shadows. Additionally, he focuses his lens on the architecture of the area’s buildings, highlighting the Art Deco style. Emmy nominee Paul Haslinger (Sleeper Cell) and Edgar Froese composed the score, which effortlessly imbues the perfect mood of each scene throughout the film. Part action, drama, and thriller, the movie has a runtime of 87 minutes. 

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The tension filled and suspenseful film never explains what instigated nuclear warfare. Most viewers probably won’t mind. The greater interest will pertain to if Harry and Julie survive.

Films like Miracle Mile are not often made these days. It’s subject matter was much more prevalent in the 1980s. I’m not sure if I’ll watch it again, but it held my interest for at least a one time viewing. I recommend the movie for fans of Edwards and Winningham.

                  

                                                     

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The Family McMullen

Posted on December 9, 2025 by robbinsrealm

There are certain films that I have watched over the years that I regularly revisit. That doesn’t mean I watch them every week, or month, but they’re films that I like having either a physical media copy of, or recorded on my DVR. For me, The Brothers McMullen is one of those movies. Perhaps it’s the family dynamic that I am attracted to. The obvious love the three brothers have for each other, without them being overly emotionally explicit. It could be the fact that it was filmed on Long Island, where I was born and raised. Regardless of the reason, I was pleased to learn, while listening to Ed Burns do media for his book A Kid from Marlboro Road, that a sequel to The Brothers McMullen was in production. On December 5, 2025, The Family McMullen began streaming on HBO Max.

Thanksgiving is a day that seemingly can bring families closer, or unfortunately tear them apart. Burns opts to concentrate his film on the former. Barry (Ed Burns) is hosting Thanksgiving dinner at his house in Brooklyn. His brother Patrick (Michael McGlone), due to marital difficulties that will be culminating in divorce, has moved in with him. Barry’s son Tommy (Pico Alexander) is in attendance. Arriving shortly will be Barry’s daughter Patty (Halston Sage), along with her boyfriend, Terrance Joseph (Bryan Fitzgerald). Molly portrayed by five-time Emmy nominee, Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Barry and Patrick’s sister-in-law, will also be attending.  

Prior to the start of Thanksgiving dinner, Patty announces that she and Terrance Joseph are engaged. The news doesn’t sit well with Barry. Molly starts a topic of conversation which sets up the remainder of the film. She points out how young both Patty and Terrance Joseph are, and the fact that getting married that young, could lead to one partner cheating on the other. Molly is speaking from experience, because she and her husband Jack, got married young, and he did stray from the marriage.  

Much to Patty’s surprise, Terrance Joseph proposes that he and Patty take a one month break in which they date other people. If at the conclusion of the month, they still feel the same about one another, then they will proceed with their plans. Patty is not enamored with the idea, but Terrance Joseph is insistent.

At its core The Family McMullen is about love. Love lost, love gained, second chances at what once was, or might have been had anything gone differently in the past. Tommy is adamant that he has never been in love, nor has he ever felt the butterflies that are associated with being with someone special. Could Karen (Juliana Canfield) change his mind? Does a chance encounter with his ex-girlfriend, Susan (Shari Albert), change the trajectory of Patrick’s gloomy outlook on life? How about Molly? Does the relationship she rekindles with a former co-worker, Walter, played by Grammy winner, Brian d’Arcy James (Into the Woods), lead her to where she should have been in the first place? Barry, through an unlikely coincidence also gets another shot at love with his ex, Nina, a role acted by Golden Globe winner, Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish). Will he make the most of it? And, what will happen with Patty and Terrance Joseph? Do they find their way back to one another, or go their separate ways? All of those questions will be answered by the conclusion of the film. 

The Family McMullen was written and directed by Ed Burns. On October 15, 2025 the film was released in theaters for one day. As aforementioned, HBO Max released the film on December 5th.  The drama has a runtime of 110 minutes.

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For those of you reading this that were fans of The Brothers McMullen, then this should be a movie you thoroughly enjoy. In many ways, it recaptures the charm and heart of its predecessor. I also recommend this to viewers who have liked the majority of Ed Burns other films. Furthermore, I recommend this for fans of the cast, from relative newcomers like Halston Sage to veterans such as Connie Britton.

While I would have liked to have had a sequel much sooner, as well as a few other entries pertaining to the McMullen family, the movie didn’t disappoint. I found it a pleasure to watch. Furthermore, I greatly appreciated that at no point did it veer off into any kind of messaging political or otherwise.                                                                                                                                          

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The Last Hart Beating By Nattie Neidhart

Posted on December 5, 2025 by robbinsrealm

The Hart family wrestling dynasty had its catalyst in 1946. After serving honorably in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, Stu Hart the patriarch of the family, began his wrestling career in what was then the New York territory. Later on, he would establish Stampede Wrestling, an iconic promotion based out of Calgary, Alberta. Stu and his wife Helen, would go on to have twelve children. Amongst them, two outstanding wrestlers would emerge: Bret Hart, who won multiple championships during his illustrious career, is considered by many wrestling analysts and peers to be one of the best the business has ever seen. The youngest of the Hart’s children, Owen, was also incredibly talented. In addition to winning various titles, he deservedly received a great many accolades for his in-ring performances. Tragically, an accident ended Owen’s life at thirty-four. 

Nattie’s mother, Elizabeth, one of four Hart daughters, met and married Jim Neidhart. Prior to Neidhart entering the wrestling business, he set a California high school record in shot put in 1973. The record stood for over a decade. After graduating from high school, Neidhart practiced and played preseason games for the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders. During his time in WWE, he teamed up with his brother-in-law, Bret and was one half of the dynamic Hart Foundation tag team, which won the WWE Tag Team Championship twice, and are considered one of the best teams in sports entertainment history. 

Nattie Neidhart was one of three daughters born to Jim and Elizabeth Neidhart. Jennifer and Kristen, Nattie’s sisters had no interest in pursuing a career in wrestling. When Nattie was old enough to start training to become a professional wrestler and she told her father her plans, he was less than enthralled.

His exact words to her were: “Nobody in our family has ever beaten the house.”

He didn’t discourage Nattie from wrestling, but he wanted her to be the first in the Hart family to get out of the business before she was either broke financially or broken physically. 

In brief, pertaining to Nattie’s career, she has been working in professional wrestling for almost two decades. Nattie was the first female to ever train in the Dungeon, the hardcore Hart wrestling training facility. She is also one of only two women, along with Jamie Henwood to graduate from the program. Nattie is a former WWE Divas Champion and a WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion. Furthermore, she is also a one-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion with Tamina; the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka.

The Last Hart Beating provides the reader with an honest look at the triumphs and tragedies of Nattie’s personal and professional life. If it were merely a recounting of her time in WWE, while I would have read it, and more than likely enjoyed reading it, I wouldn’t have bothered to review it. The autobiography, however, is the antithesis of such a book. It does delve into her in-ring life, but what should compel the reader, and certainly compelled me to keep reading one more chapter, was the information pertaining to her family life, both growing up, and the journey she has taken with her longtime partner and husband, TJ Wilson, former wrestler Tyson Kidd.

The reader will learn about Nattie’s deep, abiding love for her father, and how much his addiction to pain pills and alcohol affected her. While not a substance abuser, Nattie struggled early on with self-doubt, which led to her developing an eating disorder. To her credit, even though she didn’t feel she measured up in attractiveness to the other ladies in her profession, especially when she first entered the business, she knew she could work with anyone. Nattie had a relentless drive and determination to succeed. Early on in her career, regardless of whatever she was asked to do in the name of entertainment, she was a loyal team player. She felt, and rightfully so, that the more she went along with the plans WWE had for her in the beginning of her career, the more goodwill she could build up for the future. Her strategy paid off and over time helped Nattie to achieve meaningful career success.  

 

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The Last Hart Beating: From the Dungeon to WWE was published by BenBella Books in October of 2025. It is both candid and inspirational. Wrestling fans, especially those who have followed Nattie’s career, or those of the Hart family, should particularly enjoy the book. Women, especially young female athletes, who may be struggling with thoughts regarding their value, could take inspiration from Nattie’s autobiography. She never gave up on her dreams, and she encourages others to embrace their inner strength and persevere, no matter the odds.                 

                                                                       

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The Beast in Me (2025)

Posted on November 23, 2025 by robbinsrealm

Aggie Wiggs, portrayed by three time Emmy winner, Claire Danes (Homeland), has a severe case of writer’s block. At the start of the miniseries The Beast in Me, she is working on a book about the friendship between Supreme Court justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her work is going nowhere, much to the chagrin of her editor, Carol, played by Emmy nominee, Deirdre O’Connell (The Penguin). In addition to her career troubles, a tragedy that claimed the life of her son Cooper (Leonard Gerome), also helped to facilitate the end of her marriage to her wife, Shelly (Natalie Morales). As luck would have it, the Oyster Bay neighborhood in which Aggie resides, is about to get a new resident.

The exceptionally wealthy and powerful, Nile Jarvis, a role acted by two time BAFTA nominee and Emmy winner, Matthew Rhys (The Americans), has moved from Manhattan to Long Island. He didn’t make the transition for a change of scenery. Nile moved with his wife Nina, played by Brittany Snow (American Dreams), to escape the scandal surrounding the mystery of his first wife, Madison (Leila George). Although, based on the evidence that was discovered, the police have ruled Madison’s death a suicide, her body was never recovered. It has led to speculation by many, including FBI agent Brian Abbott (David Lyons), to believe that Nile killed Madison, and either he, or someone in his inner circle, disposed of the body.

Additional cast members include six-time Emmy nominee, Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul), as Martin Jarvis. He is the patriarch of the Jarvis family, and a man who will go to great lengths to protect what he desires to be his enduring legacy. Tim Guinee plays Martin’s brother Rick. His actions are primarily motivated by his love for Martin, and ensuring that Martin’s legacy is safeguarded against scandal. Teddy Fenig (Bubba Weiler), is the person whom Aggie directs her wrath towards. She blames him for Cooper’s death. Councilwoman Olivia Benitez (Aleyse Shannon), is attempting to thwart Martin and Nile’s plans of the construction of Jarvis Yards. She is a staunch advocate for the land they are building on, to be used instead for the construction of affordable housing.

On the verge of being terminated by her publishing house, Aggie pitches the idea of writing a book about Nile Jarvis. Although the relationship was contentious in the beginning, on Aggies end, she thinks that she can get him to talk. Carol is euphoric about the idea. No one has gotten Nile Jarvis to issue more than a few sound bites proclaiming his innocence in regard to Madison. While the thought of a book doesn’t make his father happy, Nile couldn’t care less. A fan of Maggie’s previous work, he agrees to let her write the book.

What, if any, price will Aggie ultimately have to pay for such an opportunity? Who, if anyone else, will get hurt along the way? Was Madison’s death a suicide? If Nile is innocent, was someone attempting to frame him for her murder? All of those questions and more will be answered by the conclusion of the miniseries. 

The Beast in Me was created by Gabe Rotter (The X-Files: I Want to Believe). Antonio Campos  (The Staircase), directed four of the episodes, two episodes each were directed byLila Neugebauer (Sirens) and Tyne Rafaeli (Summer Breeze). Erika Sheffer  (Little America), Mike Skerrett (Accused), three time Emmy winner Howard Gordon (Homeland), C.A. Johnson  (The Passage), and Ali Liebegott (Love Life), are credited with contributing to the writing of the miniseries. Gabe Rotter and Daniel Pearle (American Crime Story), wrote the teleplays. Netflix released The Beast in Me on November 13, 2025. Parts drama, mystery and thriller, the episodes run between 41 and 54 minutes each.

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From the start of the first episode to its conclusion I was invested. As others I have read have stated, I was also glad to see Claire Danes, who was excellent on Homeland,  back in a role worthy of her talent. Furthermore, it was also good to see Matthew Rhys. I haven’t seen him in much since the final episode of The Americans. Jonathan Banks as always brings believability to his work.

For the most part viewers will be able to piece together exactly what happened. There were no shocking reveals, but I still found the miniseries as a whole entertaining to watch. I recommend it especially for fans of the cast.

                                                                                  

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