BOB'S MOVIES: 10-word summaries | 6-word reviews
2026 movies by date watched
2026: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June:
Nowhere to Land (2000)
Watched: 06/16/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Pilot must disable ticking nerve gas bomb on trans-Pacific airliner.
6-word review: Thrills and suspense! Competent disaster flick.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring Jack Wagner
Air Patrol (1962)
Watched: 06/16/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Helicopter-flying policeman solves theft of valuable painting, romances saucy secretary.
6-word review: Nice twist on routine cop caper.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Merry Anders, Robert Dix
John Doe: Vigilante (2014)
Watched: 06/16/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Man kills evil people who have escaped the justice system.
6-word review: Slow, thought-provoking film with nice twist.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring an Australian cast
Sheba, Baby (1975)
Watched: 06/14/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: After murder of her father, PI retaliates against thugs responsible.
6-word review: Quintessential badass Grier. Film's unremarkable, listless.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Pam Grier
Plane (2023)
Watched: 06/13/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Pilot must emergently land plane in jungle, then fight revolutionaries.
6-word review: Butler's great in exciting, fast-paced thriller.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Gerard Butler
Tomorrow at Ten (1963)
Watched: 06/13/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Child kidnapped, hidden with ticking bomb; police race to rescue.
6-word review: Great mix of police procedures, psychology.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring John Gregson, Robert Shaw
The Wrong Cruise (2018)
Watched: 06/12/26 Provider: Pluto TV
10-word summary: Mother, daughter expecting relaxing cruise, instead wooed by charming murderers.
6-word review: Absolutely no logic. Silly, suspenseless, entertaining.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV moving starring Vivica A. Fox
Double Harness (1933)
Watched: 06/12/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Woman tricks wealthy playboy into marriage, unexpectedly falls in love.
6-word review: Modern pre-code marriage ideas; intelligent performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Ann Harding, William Powell
Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
Watched: 06/11/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: American judge oversees trial of jurists accused of Nazi atrocities.
6-word review: Brilliant acting, excellent writing, overreaching subplots.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring an international ensemble cast
The Savage Bees (1976)
Watched: 06/10/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Experts battle killer bees attacking New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
6-word review: Bad bees. Bad script. Bad acting.
Rating: ★½
Note: TV movie starring Michael Parks
The Wrong Life Coach (2024)
Watched: 06/09/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Woman hires coach not knowing she festers longstanding teenage grudge.
6-word review: No surprises in routine cheesy melodrama.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring Vivica A. Fox
Panic in the Skies (1996)
Watched: 06/09/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Lightning strike kills pilots; stewardess, aided by fugitive, saves airliner.
6-word review: Iconic stars try hard; dreadful film.
Rating: ★½
Note: TV movie starring Kate Jackson, Maureen McCormick
The Cosmic Man (1959)
Watched: 06/04/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Alien visits Earth seeking peace, mutual benefits; meets military hostility.
6-word review: Timeless message in entertaining low-budget film.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Bruce Bennett
The Day Mars Invaded Earth (1962)
Watched: 06/04/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Martian intelligence lands, begins inhabiting human brains; ultimate takeover inevitable.
6-word review: Jargon-soup science leads to perfect ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Kent Taylor, and Marie Windsor
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Watched: 06/03/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Small-town beauty pageant turns deadly; winning is everything to someone.
6-word review: Wry, funny, insightful dark comedy mockumentary.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Kirsten Dunst, and ensemble
May 2026 | Back to top
A Hero Ain't Nothing But a Sandwich (1977)
Watched: 05/28/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Family is torn apart by 13-year-old son's ongoing heroine addiction.
6-word review: Superficial, detached, uneven, predictable. Fine actors.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield
The Bonnie Parker Story (1958)
Watched: 05/28/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Fictionalization of the notorious 1930s criminal couple Bonnie and Clyde.
6-word review: Low-budget gem with Provine hilariously shrewish.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Dorothy Provine
Crash Landing (1958)
Watched: 05/28/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Engine failure necessitates commercial airplane to crash land at sea.
6-word review: Exciting early disaster film holds up.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Gary Merrill
September (1987)
Watched: 05/27/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Six angst-ridden people spend a weekend lamenting their shallow lives.
6-word review: Cast great at playing self-involved whiners.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Mia Farrow headlines all-star cast
The Centerfold Girls (1974)
Watched: 05/24/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Religious zealot murders nude models to make the world clean.
6-word review: Lurid representation of twisted religious extremism.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Andrew Prine
Cone of Silence [a.k.a. Trouble in the Sky] (1960)
Watched: 05/22/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Investigators look for airplane defect versus respected pilot's possible error.
6-word review: More training film than movie entertainment.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Michael Craig
Stormy Monday (1988)
Watched: 05/22/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Woman dangerously involved with crooked developer, handsome drifter, wise jazzman.
6-word review: Mostly boring. Muddled plot. Good cast.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Melanie Griffith
Hijacked: Flight 285 (1996)
Watched: 05/20/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Convicted murderer hijacks plane, seeks revenge, makes demands, torments passengers.
6-word review: Expected stereotypes, tense moments, happy outcome.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring an ensemble cast
Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970)
Watched: 05/20/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Cops hound preacher who hid swindled money in cotton bale.
6-word review: Entertaining mix: comedy, action, social commentary.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
Murder on Flight 502 (1975)
Watched: 05/18/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Pilot and ground security scramble to discover who's killing passengers.
6-word review: Familiar faces and double twist ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring an all-star cast
Teacher's Pet (2025)
Watched: 05/18/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Serial killer takes teaching job, becomes obsessed with bright student.
6-word review: Builds slowly to very unlikely climax.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Barbara Crampton
Lady Cocoa (1975)
Watched: 05/17/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Cops spring gangster's incarcerated girlfriend to testify in high-profile trial.
6-word review: Slick, but boring, sitcom-paced blaxploitation film.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Lola Falana
The Wrong Boy Next Door (2019)
Watched: 05/14/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Spoiled teen falls for hot murderous psychopath living next door.
6-word review: Formulaic thriller, attractive cast, terrible acting.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Lifetime TV movie starring Vivica A. Fox
The Naked Road (1959)
Watched: 05/14/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Model captured by criminal group to work as high-end prostitute.
6-word review: Need a nap? Watch this movie!
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring no one famous
Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street (2019)
Watched: 05/14/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Retrospective on Nightmare 2, Mark Patton's life, film's controversial legacy.
6-word review: Excellent look at Hollywood 80s homophobia.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Mark Patton
Swallowed (2022)
Watched: 05/12/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Muled lethal parasites (instead of drugs) endanger naive paid smugglers.
6-word review: Stick with this slow-until-end, genre-shifting oddity.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Mark Patton
The Brain from Planet Arous (1957)
Watched: 05/11/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Evil alien brain inhabits scientist's body; plans to conquer Earth.
6-word review: Competent acting and fun special effects.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring John Agar
The Wrong Tutor (2019)
Watched: 05/09/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Obsessive teen stalks star athlete; lies, blackmail, murder soon follow.
6-word review: Glossy, cheesy thriller that ultimately disappoints.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Lifetime TV movie starring Vivica A. Fox
Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
Watched: 05/02/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Fictionalization of the making of classic Nosferatu, starring real vampire.
6-word review: Good performances in slow, bizarre film.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe
April 2026 | Back to top
The Dreadful (2026)
Watched: 04/28/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Young medieval widow, domineered by demonic mother-in-law, wooed by fisherman.
6-word review: Good performances, slow uneven supernatural plot.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Sophie Turner, Kit Harington
Never Take Candy from a Stranger [a.k.a. Never Take Sweets from a Stranger] (1960)
Watched: 04/26/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Parents attempt to prosecute powerful man who molested young daughter.
6-word review: Excellent ahead-of-its-time film exploring sensitive subject.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Janina Faye, Patrick Allen
The Painted Smile (1962)
Watched: 04/25/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Student, framed by prostitute for pimp's murder, must prove innocence.
6-word review: Engaging noir without a dull moment.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Liz Fraser, Kenneth Griffith
Hammer (1972)
Watched: 04/25/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Boxer unknowingly gets involved with crime syndicate, faces moral conflict.
6-word review: Sparse-action blaxploitation actioner, familiar sports plot.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Fred Williamson; favorite line: "Don't get got while trying to get..."
The Giant Spider Invasion (1975)
Watched: 04/23/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Meteorite unleashes giant, flesh-eating spiders that attack small Wisconsin town.
6-word review: Cheesiest special effects, laughably bad classic.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Barbara Hale, Steve Brodie; best line to a young friend from Alan Hale Jr. playing the sheriff: "Hi, little buddy!"
Something Wild (1961)
Watched: 04/21/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Rape victim saved from suicide held captive, then marries, mechanic.
6-word review: Baker, Meeker outstanding in downbeat drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Carroll Baker, Ralph Meeker
Fragilé (2025)
Watched: 04/18/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Resident struggles to revitalize town with 50-foot leg lamp statue.
6-word review: 83 minutes of inane small-town squabbling.
Rating: ★★½
Note: A documentary featuring the iconic prop from A Christmas Story (1983)
The Killing Kind (1973)
Watched: 04/14/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Falsely jailed on sexual assault charge, twisted ex-con seeks revenge.
6-word review: Creepy psychological thriller. Sothern's campy best.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Ann Sothern, John Savage
The Space Children (1958)
Watched: 04/13/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Brain-like alien controls children to stop launch of nuclear warhead.
6-word review: Excellent anti-war sci-fi; strong children's performances.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
Deadfall (2012)
Watched: 04/11/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Murderous on-the-run thief and his incestuous sister invade family's Thanksgiving.
6-word review: Several stories going on, bleak scenery.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Sissy Spacek and an ensemble cast; a favorite quote: "A panicking woman is no good to anyone."
Bucktown (1975)
Watched: 04/10/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Returning to hometown, man battles racism and his allies' corruption.
6-word review: Blaxploitation offering exaggerated action, bad acting.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Fred Williamson, Pam Grier
Edge of Eternity (1959)
Watched: 04/09/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Grand Canyon town sheriff investigates murders linked to gold smugglers.
6-word review: Entertaining mystery. Thrilling canyon cable-car climax.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Cornel Wilde
Autumn Lights (2016)
Watched: 04/08/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Rejected after fling with selfish bored woman, photographer whines, pouts.
6-word review: Beautiful Iceland scenery but incredibly slow.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Guy Kent
She Waits (1972)
Watched: 04/08/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Newlywed haunted by husband's dead first wife, annoyed by mother-in-law.
6-word review: Slow start, then Patty chews scenery!
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring Patty Duke
Weapons (2025)
Watched: 04/08/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: 17 third-graders disappear; their teacher, and a parent seek answers.
6-word review: Compelling mystery takes voodoo zombie turn.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, with an Oscar-winning performance by Amy Madigan
Katie Says Goodbye (2016)
Watched: 04/05/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Kindhearted waitress, sometime prostitute, falls for smoldering hot, volatile ex-con.
6-word review: Outstanding performances, downbeat with hopeful ending.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Olivia Cooke, Mireille Enos
The Wrong Woman (2013)
Watched: 04/05/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Woman's idyllic world crumbles when arrested for bludgeoning husband's mistress.
6-word review: Slow start, gets better, unexpected twist.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring Danica McKellar
The Face of Marble (1946)
Watched: 04/04/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Doctor's experiments to revive dead result in vicious zombie dog.
6-word review: Not terrible, low-budget, entertaining, supernatural horror.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring John Carradine
Crime 101 (2026)
Watched: 04/01/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Hunted by determined detective, thief plans heist with insurance broker.
6-word review: Modern noir, action-packed story with heart.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring an star-studded ensemble cast
March 2026 | Back to top
Asking for It (2021)
Watched: 03/29/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Rape victim joins vigilante group of women targeting toxic masculinity.
6-word review: Good intentions, no depth, choppy storylines.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring an ensemble cast featuring Gabourie Sidibe
The Mad Magician (1954)
Watched: 03/25/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Illusionist becomes murderer after employer steals his tricks and wife.
6-word review: Grandly sinister Price. Clever, cheesy fun.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Vincent Price, Eva Gabor
Madam Satan (1930)
Watched: 03/25/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Woman attends masquerade ball on zeppelin to woo cheating husband.
6-word review: Lavishly bizarre, surprisingly flat, genre-hopping musical.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Kay Johnson, Lillian Roth
20.0 Megaquake (2022)
Watched: 03/24/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: High-strung experts using high-tech computers predict an impending high-devastation disaster.
6-word review: Learned nothing from 70s disaster films.
Rating: Abandoned
Note: TV movie starring a smug ensemble cast
Restless (2024)
Watched: 03/22/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Woman driven to brink of insanity by loud partying neighbor.
6-word review: Great first half, terrible second half.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Lyndsey Marshal
The Return of Dracula (1958)
Watched: 03/19/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Dracula goes incognito in sleepy California town, continues his shenanigans.
6-word review: Lederer's chilling performance highlights oft-told tale.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Francis Lederer
Night of the Blood Beast (1958)
Watched: 03/18/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Outer-space aliens impregnate male astronaut's body to reproduce superhuman beings.
6-word review: Interesting concept, but oh so bad.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
The Pass (2016)
Watched: 03/17/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Tormented love story of two closeted footballers, their betrayals, guilt.
6-word review: Tovey excellent in stagy, tragic drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Russell Tovey
The Ice Cream Truck (2017)
Watched: 03/17/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Creepy ice cream man murders sinful teens in white-bread suburb.
6-word review: Slow — occasionally funny — slasher; attractive cast.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Deanna Russo, John Redlinger
Boston Strangler (2023)
Watched: 03/17/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Notorious serial murders told thru perspective of investigating women reporters.
6-word review: Detailed storytelling, also highlights workplace sexism.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: TV movie starring Keira Knightley, Carrie Coon
Roofman (2025)
Watched: 03/16/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Escaped convict hides in toy store for months, romances employee.
6-word review: Well-acted cheery comedy turns refreshingly realistic.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst
Johan (1976)
Watched: 03/12/26 Provider: Fawesome TV (LGBTQIA+ Collection)
10-word summary: Independent film director auditions actors to play his incarcerated lover.
6-word review: Artfully mixes documentary, social commentary, porn.
Rating: ★★★
Note: In French, starring all-French cast
Terror from the Year 5000 (1958)
Watched: 03/11/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Female time travels seeking males to repopulate her radiation-destroyed planet.
6-word review: Familiar premise, too serious, terrible acting.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Salome Jens
You Can't Stay Here (2023)
Watched: 03/09/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Frequenting gay cruising park, conflicted man repeatedly encounters mysterious murderer.
6-word review: Diaz excellent, others amateurish, plodding story.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Guillermo Diaz
Deleted Scenes (2010)
Watched: 03/08/26 Provider: Fawesome TV (LGBTQIA+ Collection)
10-word summary: Gay male prostitute and a paranoid druggie have troubled relationship.
6-word review: Slow — except for steamy sex scenes.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring a cast of unknowns
Shadow Force (2025)
Watched: 03/08/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Married assassins, targeted by former boss, chased by elite killers.
6-word review: Crowd-pleasing, if predictable, slick fast-paced thriller.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Kerry Washington
The Good Neighbor (2022)
Watched: 03/05/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: After-clubbing drunk journalist involved in hit-and-run death makes stupid decisions.
6-word review: Nice settings, noir atmosphere, little sense.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Jonathon Rhys Meyers, Luke Kleintank
SST: Death Flight (1977)
Watched: 03/05/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Disgruntled mechanic sabotages aircraft carrying deadly virus, causes big trouble.
6-word review: Formulaic 70s disaster, cheesy personal stories.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring great ensemble of 70s TV stars
The Navy vs. the Night Monsters (1966)
Watched: 03/03/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Prehistoric omnivorous walking trees from Antarctic, terrorize Pacific Naval base.
6-word review: Watchable fun, dim-witted characters, abrupt ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Mamie Van Doren, Anthony Eisley
The Winter House (2021)
Watched: 03/03/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Grieving writer rents isolated house, bonds with handsome enigmatic drifter.
6-word review: Beautiful intelligent film, outstanding emotional performances.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Lili Taylor, François Arnaud
Joshua (2007)
Watched: 03/02/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Creepy kid methodically eliminates his family, leaving only his uncle.
6-word review: Good performances, builds nicely, ambiguous ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Sam Rockwell, Vera Farmiga
February 2026 | Back to top
Burlesque in Harlem (1949)
Watched: 02/27/26 Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary: Revue featuring several musical, comedic acts from the "Chitlin' Circuit."
6-word review: Significant artifact of era's Black entertainers.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring among others Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham; #BlackHistoryMonth
Dolemite (1975)
Watched: 02/27/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Wrongly jailed man, his female kung-fu friends, avenge rivals responsible.
6-word review: Audacious, not great, quintessential 1970s Blaxploitation.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Rudy Ray Moore; #BlackHistoryMonth
Flame Barrier (1958)
Watched: 02/27/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Woman hires brothers to find wealthy jungle-lost, outer-space-studying, scientist husband.
6-word review: Competently mixes sci-fi with jungle adventure.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Arthur Franz, Kathleen Crowley
In Search of Bass Reeves (2024)
Watched: 02/26/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Meticulously detailed documentary of heroic long-ago Black Deputy U.S. Marshall.
6-word review: Fascinating slow look at forgotten legend.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: About Bass Reeves (July 1838 - January 12, 1910); #BlackHistoryMonth
Terri Joe: Missionary in Miami (2026)
Watched: 02/26/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Homophobic, racist, woman visits Miami; sins, seeks church for repentance.
6-word review: Silly, sassy, saucy, snappy, sarcastic, sardonic.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Kelon Campbell; #BlackHistoryMonth
The Diamond [a.k.a. The Diamond Wizard] (1954)
Watched: 02/25/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: U.S. agent teams with Scotland Yard to nab diamond-making criminals.
6-word review: More talk than action; expected outcome.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Dennis O'Keefe
No Escape (1953)
Watched: 02/25/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Hack songwriter clears himself and girlfriend of sleazy man's murder.
6-word review: Lackluster performances. Slowest. Chase. Scene. Ever.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Lew Ayres
Misgivings (2024)
Watched: 02/22/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Neglected wife takes solo holiday; learns of husband's long-held secret.
6-word review: Beautifully written. Authentic performances. Full of surprises.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring an Australian cast
Dead Before Christmas (2025)
Watched: 02/22/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Realtor meets mysterious woman, gets involved in lies, blackmail, murder.
6-word review: Very slow, unbelievable. Fun Christmastime climax.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring an all-Black cast; #BlackHistoryMonth
Sinners (2025)
Watched: 02/12/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Traditions, KKK, redneck vampires threaten 1930s Southern Black juke joint.
6-word review: Unconventional, daring. Biting cultural, religious commentary.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Michael B. Jordan (as twins), and an ensemble cast; #BlackHistoryMonth
Poor Pretty Eddie (1975)
Watched: 02/11/26 Provider: Dark Matter TV
10-word summary: Famous Black songstress becomes stranded at isolated Southern redneck motel.
6-word review: Tasteless mess. What was Leslie thinking?
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Leslie Uggams, Shelley Winters; #BlackHistoryMonth
Go Tell It on the Mountain (1985)
Watched: 02/10/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: 1930s Black teen struggles with tyrannical stepfather preacher, personal identity.
6-word review: Good exploration of religious hypocrisy, fanaticism.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: PBS American Playhouse TV movie with an ensemble cast, a film adaptation of James Baldwin's celebrated novel; #BlackHistoryMonth
Cooley High (1975)
Watched: 02/10/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Slice-of-life story of close-knit inner-city Chicago high-schoolers; comic to tragic.
6-word review: Well-told coming-of-age story, great Motown score.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Glynn Turman; #BlackHistoryMonth
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974)
Watched: 02/08/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Story of 110-year-old woman's courage — from slavery to civil rights.
6-word review: Tyson's brilliant in historic tragic epic.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: TV event starring Cicely Tyson; #BlackHistoryMonth
Native Son (1951)
Watched: 02/08/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Black man accidentally kills white heiress, incinerates body; big trouble.
6-word review: Wooden acting mars potent racism story.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Richard Wright, who wrote the novel; #BlackHistoryMonth
The Creeper (1948)
Watched: 02/07/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Mad doctor's experimental serum turns man into a cat-like killer.
6-word review: Interesting premise, dull production, terrible acting.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Onslow Stevens, June Vincent
Ganja & Hess (1973)
Watched: 02/07/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Man stabbed by sacred bone becomes addicted to human blood.
6-word review: Unusual vampire tale, stylish, sexy, surreal.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Marlene Clark, Duane Jones; #BlackHistoryMonth
Trick Baby (1972)
Watched: 02/07/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Two hustlers use racial tensions to their advantage in scams.
6-word review: Thin plot, thick grimy, inner-city atmosphere.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Kiel Martin, Mel Stewart; #BlackHistoryMonth
An Affair to Die For (2019)
Watched: 02/06/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Married woman meets younger lover for tryst, multiple murders result.
6-word review: Stylishly claustrophobic. Intriguing, then annoyingly incoherent.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Titus Welliver
Out of Darkness (1994)
Watched: 02/06/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Woman's 18-year struggle with schizophrenia. Finally controlled by medication, therapy.
6-word review: Authentic, realistic, gritty. Diana is outstanding.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: TV movie starring Diana Ross; #BlackHistoryMonth
Blacula (1972)
Watched: 02/05/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: 18th-century-African-prince-turned-vampire awakened in 1970s pursues woman resembling his dead wife.
6-word review: Ultimate campy Blaxploitation has its moments.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring William Marshall, Vonetta McGee; #BlackHistoryMonth
The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (2020)
Watched: 02/05/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Jesus-obsessed mother drives talented daughters to worldwide gospel music fame.
6-word review: Exceptionally detailed, but way too long.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Lifetime movie starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor; #BlackHistoryMonth
Take a Giant Step (1959)
Watched: 02/04/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Black teen navigates loneliness, racism in affluent predominantly white neighborhood.
6-word review: Frank depiction of racism. Good performances.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Johnny Nash, Ruby Dee; #BlackHistoryMonth
Rain (2008)
Watched: 02/04/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Bahamian teen with crack-whore mother trains hard for track scholarship.
6-word review: Heartfelt performances overcome clichés. Unusual setting.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring CCH Pounder, Renel Brown; #BlackHistoryMonth
Final Judgment (1992)
Watched: 02/03/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Tormented priest, suspect in stripper's murder, tracks down actual killer.
6-word review: Really bad. Offensive on every level.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Brad Dourif, Isaac Hayes; even a quirky cameo by Karen Black couldn't save this mess; #BlackHistoryMonth
The Undying Monster (1942)
Watched: 02/02/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Family cursed for centuries with members dying under mysterious circumstances.
6-word review: Atmospheric thrills and horror. Excellent production.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring James Ellison, Heather Angel
Black Caesar (1973)
Watched: 02/02/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Ghetto thug blackmails police, rises to lead NY crime syndicate.
6-word review: Violent, some good chases; overall meh.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Fred Williamson; #BlackHistoryMonth
Accidental Friendship (2008)
Watched: 02/01/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Complicated friendship between compassionate policewoman and damaged woman experiencing homelessness.
6-word review: An after-school-special-like treatment. Should've been better.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring Chandra Wilson; #BlackHistoryMonth
January 2026 | Back to top
Gone (2012)
Watched: 01/31/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Woman's sister missing. Police inept; woman tracks serial killer herself.
6-word review: Stupidest police ever. Seyfried only draw.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Amanda Seyfried
Gone (2011)
Watched: 01/31/26 Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary: Unstable nurse's daughter kidnapped, part of drug company's corruption cover-up.
6-word review: Not one bit believable — but exciting!
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV moving starring Molly Parker
Daniel's Gotta Die (2022)
Watched: 01/31/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Billionaire leaves fortune to one son, siblings try killing him.
6-word review: Amusing dark comedy, slapstick seems forced.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring mostly Canadian actors
Black Tuesday (1954)
Watched: 01/31/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Death-row criminals escape, take hostages, have relentless shootout with police.
6-word review: High-tension drama; Robinson at his meanest.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Edward G. Robinson, Peter Graves
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Watched: 01/30/26 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Scientific expedition discovers prehistoric gill-man living underwater in the Amazon.
6-word review: Great underwater photography; sympathy for creature.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Richard Carlson, Julie Adams
Double Cross (1941)
Watched: 01/30/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Cop falsely digraces himself to prove fellow cop falsely disgraced.
6-word review: Stagy, average melodramatic noir; handsome lead.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Kane Richmond
Married to the Mob (1988)
Watched: 01/29/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Mob widow assists FBI in bringing down vicious mafia boss.
6-word review: Broadly acted gaudy farce, abrupt ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Michelle Pfeiffer
Creature with the Atom Brain (1955)
Watched: 01/29/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Gangster uses atomically revived zombie corpses to kill his enemies.
6-word review: Low zombie thrills, high 1950s sexism.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Richard Denning
Down Three Dark Streets (1954)
Watched: 01/28/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: FBI agent assumes murdered partner's cases, determined to find killer.
6-word review: Tense police procedural, includes personal stories.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Broderick Crawford, Ruth Roman
Dream Boat (2017)
Watched: 01/27/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Documentary of an annual all-gay-men's ocean cruise providing needed escapism.
6-word review: Great potential, focuses on shallow clichés.
Rating: ★
Note: Documentary with a bunch of nobodies playing themselves
Maggie Moore(s) (2023)
Watched: 01/27/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Women with same name murdered. Baffled sheriff unravels multilayered case.
6-word review: Appealing cast makes convoluted film work.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Jon Hamm, Tina Fey
Theft (2008)
Watched: 01/27/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Small-town gay bar owner harassed by nut-job evangelist hypocrite preacher.
6-word review: Exaggerated stereotypes get the point across.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Matthew Charles Burnett
The Head (1959)
Watched: 01/26/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Doctor transplants crippled woman’s head onto stripper’s body; disastrous results.
6-word review: Interesting premise, avoids camp, seriously okay.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Horst Frank
Aaron... Albeit a Sex Hero (2009)
Watched: 01/26/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Bored tour bus guide stumbles into adventure involving cocaine smugglers.
6-word review: Attractive cast in unusual fast-paced actioner.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Matthew Charles Burnett
Prof Tom Foolery Saves the Planet! (2017)
Watched: 01/26/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Inventor regrets developing tree-chopping machine when it's used destroying forests.
6-word review: Boring satire; some clever musical numbers.
Rating: ★★
Note: Low-budget independent film with a cast of unknowns
Come As You Are (2019)
Watched: 01/25/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Nurse drives three disabled men to brothel to get laid.
6-word review: Great characters; heartwarming, funny, sad, triumphant.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Gabourey Sidibe
Angora Ranch (2006)
Watched: 01/25/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Young, conflicted man falls for rabbit farmer twice his age.
6-word review: Cute, unrealistic, occasionally insightful. Too wordy.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Low-budget independent film with a cast of unknowns
Pocket Mouse Protector (2022)
Watched: 01/24/26 Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary: Man takes gay-inducing drug while campaigning to save endangered mice.
6-word review: Funny, mischievous, witty, relevant screwball comedy.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Low-budget independent film with a cast of unknowns
The Gun Runners (1958)
Watched: 01/24/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Affable charter boat owner duped into smuggling guns into Cuba.
6-word review: Good nautical noir. Albert's truly sinister.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring: Audie Murphy, Eddie Albert
Empire of the Ants (1977)
Watched: 01/23/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Realtor takes clients to island inhabited by giant radioactive-waste-swilling ants.
6-word review: Head-shakingly bad effects, even worse acting.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring: Joan Collins, Robert Lansing
The Devil Commands (1941)
Watched: 01/22/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Scientist's obsessed with contacting dead wife through high-voltage EEG waves.
6-word review: Poignant low-budget horror with great sets.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring: Boris Karloff, Anne Revere
The Manor (2021)
Watched: 01/22/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Minor stroke sends vibrant woman to facility; strange happenings begin.
6-word review: Unbelievable even for supernatural; unexpected ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring: Barbara Hershey, Bruce Davison
Blue Sky (1994)
Watched: 01/22/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Promiscuous wife of 1960s army officer continually stirs up trouble.
6-word review: Outstanding politics, emotions mix. Lange's fantastic.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring: Jessica Lange, Tommy Lee Jones
Sapphire (1959)
Watched: 01/20/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Passing for white, pregnant girl murdered; fiancé, his family suspected.
6-word review: Excellent racism exploration — both investigated, investigators.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring: a British ensemble cast
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Watched: 01/20/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Hoodlum undergoes experimental violence and sex aversion therapy — questionable results.
6-word review: Futuristic violence mixed with black comedy.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring: Malcolm McDowell
Cry Panic (1974)
Watched: 01/20/26 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Man accidentally kills pedestrian, returns with police, the body's gone.
6-word review: A not-bad mystery, wrapped up neatly.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring: John Forsythe, Earl Holliman
Earth vs. the Spider [a.k.a. The Spider] (1958)
Watched: 01/19/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Small town terrorized by giant spider devises plan to survive.
6-word review: Townspeople much too calm; predictable outcome.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Only one big spider — hardly a global threat.
Shane (1953)
Watched: 01/19/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Enigmatic ex-gunfighter helps defend farmer's homesteads against evil cattlemen's gunslinger.
6-word review: Beautifully filmed. Classic western holds up.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Alan Ladd
The Man with Two Brains (1983)
Watched: 01/19/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Neurosurgeon weds shrewish wife, discovers sweet woman's brain as replacement.
6-word review: Dated humor, redeemed by clever wit.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Steve Martin, Kathleen Turner; brain in a jar gently voiced by Sissy Spacek
The Initiation (1984)
Watched: 01/18/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Amnesiac sorority pledge must spend night in empty shopping mall.
6-word review: Routine teen slasher lacks unexpected frights.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Daphne Zuniga
Best in Show (2000)
Watched: 01/18/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Diverse neurotic dog owners converge for prestigious national canine championship.
6-word review: Brilliant comedic cast overpowers quirky story.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring an ensemble of actors frequently seen in director Christoper Guest films
Girl in the Headlines [a.k.a. The Model Murder Case] (1963)
Watched: 01/18/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Investigating slutty model's murder, police uncover elaborate drug smuggling operation.
6-word review: Clever whodunit, wry humor, jazzy music.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Ian Hendry
Brewster's Millions (1945)
Watched: 01/17/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Man inherits $8M provided he spends $1M in two months.
6-word review: Fun screwball comedy about money's value.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Dennis O'Keefe; Memphis Tennessee Board of Motion Picture Censors, headed by Lloyd T. Binford, had banned showings of the film on grounds that it was "inimical to the public welfare" because the servant character played by African-American actor Eddie "Rochester" Anderson had "too familiar a way about him." The Board complained that the picture presented "too much social equality and racial mixture" for Southern audiences, and expressed fear that the film would "encourage" racial problems.
The Damned Don't Cry (1950)
Watched: 01/16/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Woman escapes working-class life, becomes gangster's mistress; violence, murder follow.
6-word review: Crawford great in soap-opera crime drama.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Joan Crawford
Johnny Eager (1941)
Watched: 01/16/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Sociopathic criminal falls for sultry dame engages in ruinous schemes.
6-word review: Stylish noir. Interesting underlying plot lines.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Robert Taylor, Lana Turner
Boogie Nights (1997)
Watched: 01/15/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Adult film actor's rise, downfall, comeback, interwoven with family-like characters.
6-word review: Insightful, matter-of-fact porn setting. Great music.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
Summer and Smoke (1961)
Watched: 01/11/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Repressed girl carries torch for playboy neighbor, tragedy changes both.
6-word review: Overwrought southern melodrama smolders without fire.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Geraldine Page, Laurence Harvey
The Wild Party (1929)
Watched: 01/11/26 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Troublemaking college party girl falls for handsome professor, reluctantly reforms.
6-word review: Has moments, more curio than good.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Clara Bow (in her first talking picture)
Abigail (2023)
Watched: 01/10/26 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Troubled girl defends bullied friend; kills people that annoy her.
6-word review: Very good thriller, surprisingly satisfying ending.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Ava Cantrell
The Unearthly (1957)
Watched: 01/10/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Scientist seeking immortality only produces basement full of deformed morons.
6-word review: Hammy melodramatic acting, fun low-budget film.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring John Carradine, Allison Hayes
Beginning of the End (1957)
Watched: 01/08/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Grasshoppers eat radioactive vegetables, grow to massive size, attack Chicago.
6-word review: Atrocious effects, terrible acting — yet watchable.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Peter Graves
Hand of Death (1962)
Watched: 01/07/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Scientist exposed to experimental nerve gas becomes hideous killing monster.
6-word review: Fun, kooky sci-fi thriller. Low-budget gem.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring John Agar
River of Gold (2016)
Watched: 01/06/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Devastating environmental and humanitarian consequences of illegal Amazon gold mining.
6-word review: Disturbing without being sensationalized. Beautifully filmed.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Documentary narrated by Sissy Spacek & Herbie Hancock
The Lady in Scarlet (1935)
Watched: 01/06/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Glib detective and sassy assistant handily solve a baffling murder.
6-word review: Lighthearted B movie with snappy dialogue.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Reginald Denny
Fate is the Hunter (1964)
Watched: 01/05/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Fatal airplane crash, pilot blamed, friend investigates to clear him.
6-word review: Compelling soap-opera story with great cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Glenn Ford, Suzanne Pleshette
The Maze (1953)
Watched: 01/05/26 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Annoying woman, abandoned by fiancé, tracks him to Scottish castle.
6-word review: Atmospheric mix of horror, sci-fi, melodrama.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Richard Carlson
The Greene Murder Case (1929)
Watched: 01/05/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Detective methodically follows clues to solve three family members' murders.
6-word review: Breezy whodunit makes murder seem fun.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring William Powell, Jean Arthur
Where the Lilies Bloom (1974)
Watched: 01/04/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: After being orphaned, headstrong mountain girl struggles keeping siblings together.
6-word review: Sweet, heartwarming story of strength, determination.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Filmed in the North Carolina mountains near Boone, using almost all local people
Them That Follow (2019)
Watched: 01/04/26 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Snake-handling preacher's betrothed daughter's pregnant by another, rejects fanatical religion.
6-word review: Brilliant acting captures depressed isolated cult.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Olivia Colman, Walton Goggins
The Morrison Murders (1996)
Watched: 01/03/26 Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary: Family murdered in southern town; sheriff suspects a surviving son.
6-word review: Suspenseful fact-based film. Tense, surprise ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring John Corbett
Dead Clever: The Life and Crimes of Julie Bottomley (2007)
Watched: 01/03/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Woman fakes death, frames husband, writes sensational bestseller about it.
6-word review: Excellent, until silly overdone shootout ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring Suranne Jones
Dangerous Youth [a.k.a. These Dangerous Years] (1957)
Watched: 01/03/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Tough guy drafted into Army gets into trouble, goes AWOL.
6-word review: Dramatic but clichéd. Attractive, overwrought actors.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Frankie Vaughan
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Watched: 01/02/26 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Santa Claus goes on trial to prove his real identity.
6-word review: Heartwarming, funny, intelligent, deserving classic status.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Maureen O'Hara, John Payne
The Girl Who Got Away (2021)
Watched: 01/02/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Captured serial killer escapes; killings resume. Is she again responsible?
6-word review: Slow buildup, many twists, unanswered questions.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring cast of unknowns
The Howling (1981)
Watched: 01/01/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: TV newscaster unknowingly goes to werewolf colony for a rest.
6-word review: Great effects, bad acting, cheesy fun.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Dee Wallace; successful film spawned 7 sequels:
- Howling II: Your Sister is a Werewolf (1985)
- Howling III: The Marsupials (1987)
- Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1988)
- Howling V: The Rebirth (1989)
- Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)
- Howling: New Moon Rising (1995)
- The Howling: Reborn (2011)
Black Bag (2025)
Watched: 01/01/26 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Top-tiered intelligence agent investigates wife, also agent, for possible treason.
6-word review: Slick well-acted thriller with top-notch cast.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett; a favorite quote: "Shut the fuck up when you talk to people."