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Summer TV Roundup, Week 1

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 We’ve made it to summer. Memorial Day has passed, the days are getting longer, and, in most places, school is over. That might leave you with some extra time to pass in the air conditioning. But what of the new shows this summer is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this summer. Fridays: Star City, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV (Premiered May 29) About : The world of For All Mankind is getting bigger. That series, which debuted when Apple TV launched in 2019, presented an alternate history for the space race. In this alternate timeline, it was the Soviet Union that made it to the moon first. This new series, Star City, is a spin-off set in the same world. It takes the action back to the 1960s just as the Soviet Union lands on the moon first, telling the story from the perspective of the scientists, KGB officers, and cosmonauts that made it possible. The first two episodes dropped in a block Friday...
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Trek at 60: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

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This year Star Trek turns 60. For decades, it has enthralled and entertained audiences. Part of that legacy is 13 feature films. Over the next few weeks, I'll be looking back on each of the feature films in the franchise, including where I place them in my personal rankings! Kirk : Damn it, Bones, you're a doctor. You know that pain and guilt can't be taken away with a wave of a magic wand. They're the things we carry with us, the things that make us who we are. If we lose them, we lose ourselves. I don't want my pain taken away! I need my pain! Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) Franchise Ranking : 13 Starring : William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and Laurence Luckinbill Director : William Shatner About : As seems to happen when this franchise reaches a high, the follow up film falls back. The fourth installment is a creative wonder, and one of the best. This fifth installment, well as yo...
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2001 Rewind: The Fast and the Furious

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It's hard to believe, but 2001 was 25 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2001 that are turning 25 in 2026. Today, it's the humble start of a franchise. Dom : I live my life a quarter mile at a time. Nothing else matters: not the mortgage, not the store, not my team and all their bullshit. For those ten seconds or less, I'm free. The Fast and the Furious Starring : Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and Ted Levine Director : Rob Cohen About : I remember when I first saw The Fast and the Furious . It was a summer release, and it was a fun, action-packed adventure. It was pitched as Point Break with cars, and that felt apt for this first film. It was fun and engaging with a good cast and some good performances. I never imagined what it would lead to 25 years later, but I still appreciate this first film. It's not the best of the franchise, but it has a lot of charm and really sets the tem...
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AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 60

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Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Michael Dorsey : You don't have to. She's right here. And she misses you. Look, you don't know me from Adam. But I was a better man with you, as a woman... than I ever was with a woman, as a man. You know what I mean? I just gotta learn to do it without the dress. At this point, there might be an advantage to my wearing pants. The hard part's over, you know? We were already... good friends. Tootsie (1982) Original List Position: 62 Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, and Charles Durning Director : Sydney Pollack About: It's arguable that Mrs. Doubtfire does this formula better, but Tootsie got there first. An...
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AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 61

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Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Patton : Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man. If mountain ranges and oceans can be overcome, then anything built by man can be overcome. Patton (1970) Original List Position : 89 Starring : George C. Scott Director: Franklin J. Schaffner About: I am a fan of war films. I remember seeing Patton when I was in high school, which might not be the intended audience. There was something about it that popped off the screen and made it memorable. Likely it's the great lead performance from Scott. It's also probably some of the script, which was co-written by Francis Ford Coppola. This probably isn't an incredible film, and I know some ...
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Upcoming Releases: June, 2026

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 We've made it to June, the second month of the Summer season. It's fair to say, looking at the slate, blockbuster season is in full bloom. There is something for everyone this June at the theater. Let's dive in: Friday, June 5: * Master of the Universe (Theaters): This is the new take on the HE-Man universe. I'm mixed on the trailers, but this is a big-budget spectacal. * Power Ballad (Theaters): A smaller film that looks engaging. I really enjoy Paul Rudd, and I think he could be good in this part. This looks like a lot of fun from filmmaker John Carney. * Scary Movie 6 (Theaters): We need good comedies during the summer. It's been a while since we heard from this franchise, but there are plenty of interesting things for them to skewer. I'm low-key excited for this. Friday, June 12: * Disclosure Day (Theaters): You had me at Steven Spielberg. This is a strong cast, including Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor, and a premise that returns to some of Spielberg...
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Now Playing

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 This week Star Wars returned to theaters, but it was one of just a host of new films. My take on this week’s new releases is below. To keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. I Love Boosters (Theaters) Starring : Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, Naomi Ackie, Will Poulter, LaKeith Stanfield, Eiza Gonzalez, and Demi Moore Synopsis : There is no one quite like Boots Riley, the writer/director of this new film. It’s set kind of in the fashion industry, focusing on a trio of friends (Palmer, Paige, and Ackie) who shoplift from high-end boutiques to sell the goods and support themselves. There is one franchise and one designer (Moore) in particular who they target, both for her clothes and because she’s called them out publicly. But this journey of theft turned vengeance leads to some unexpected places. This is a wild film with a wild premise at times. It’s also a completely original look and style from Riley. This is the most colorful film of the year....
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