Ballad Of A Small Player

2025 Netflix

Rated: R

Length: 1 hr 41min

Drama ~ Psychological Thriller

Starring: Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings, and Tilda Swinton.

Every gamble is more than just a game.

Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell) is a troubled British gambler trying to escape his past and mounting debts in the opulent casinos of Macau. Doyle’s world is defined by risk and uncertainty, and his fortunes shift with every card he plays. Amidst the neon glow, he strikes up an unlikely connection with Dao Ming (Fala Chen), a casino worker who offers him both sympathy and subtle guidance. Their relationship brings moments of genuine warmth, even as Doyle struggles to find meaning and redemption in his turbulent lifestyle.

As Doyle’s luck teeters between boom and bust, the story delves into themes of chance and consequence. The arrival of Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton), a private investigator from England, complicates his desperate bid for freedom. Cynthia challenges Doyle to confront uncomfortable truths about his past, and their interactions provide both tension and unexpected compassion. Macau itself becomes a vibrant character in the film, contrasting glitzy casino life with the darker realities lurking beneath.

The film explores Doyle’s evolving relationships and the emotional costs of living on the edge. Dao Ming (Fala Chen) acts as a confidant and a compass, while Cynthia (Tilda Swinton) exposes Doyle’s vulnerability and forces him to reconsider his choices. Each encounter pushes Doyle closer to facing the consequences of his actions, making his journey through Macau both suspenseful and introspective.

Colin Farrell delivers an engaging and nuanced portrayal of a flawed, desperate gambler, while Fala Chen and Tilda Swinton add depth and intrigue to the story. The film’s stylish depiction of Macau’s casino world, combined with its blend of dark humor and emotional depth, creates a unique cinematic experience. Though it’s not a traditional thriller or straightforward drama, its haunting mood and layered storytelling make it a captivating watch. Ballad Of A Small Player and Colin Farrell invite us into a world of risk, regret, and the search for redemption.

Frankenstein

2025 Netflix

Rated: R

Length: 2 hr 29min

Epic ~ Gothic Drama ~ Fantasy ~ Gothic Horror ~ Sci-Fi

Directed by: Guillermo del Toro

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz.

Life sparked. Death unleashed.

Only Monsters Play God.

In 1857, the Arctic ice traps a Danish expedition vessel whose crew discovers Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) badly wounded on the frozen wasteland. Victor warns them of a powerful Creature (Jacob Elordi) hunting him relentlessly. Inside the warmth of the Captain’s cabin, Victor begins to tell his harrowing story, a tale of ambition and loss that led to this desperate moment.

Victor grew up under the stern hand of his father, Baron Frankenstein (Charles Dance), and the death of his beloved mother (Mia Goth) left deep scars. Encouraged by grief and driven by an obsessive desire to conquer death, Victor pursues radical medical experiments. With funding from an arms dealer, Henrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), Victor creates a gruesome but brilliant new life form, hoping it will change humanity forever.

Victor’s creation, part man, part monster, is awakened amid a storm and darkness, but the being’s emergence unleashes consequences Victor had never imagined. The Creature struggles to understand its own existence while Victor wrestles with guilt and fear. Around them, loyalties and betrayals form, as Elizabeth (Mia Goth), Victor’s love interest, and William (Felix Kammerer), his brother, navigate the tangled web Victor’s ambition has spun.

As Victor’s world spirals into chaos, the bond between creator and creation becomes more complicated and threatening. The story explores themes of family pain, societal rejection, and the dangerous thirst for power, all set amid the haunting grandeur of Victorian-era landscapes. This is not just a monster story, it is a deeply emotional and dark journey of both man and what he dares to create. Del Toro’s Frankenstein stands as a towering epic in monster cinema, a visually stunning and emotionally resonant reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic tale. Del Toro’s signature style shines through in every frame, blending dark gothic horror with profound humanity and complex character dynamics.

Oscar Isaac delivers a commanding and layered performance as Victor Frankenstein, capturing the scientist’s obsessive brilliance and profound torment. Jacob Elordi’s Creature is both terrifying and tragically sympathetic, bringing depth to the monstrous figure beyond mere horror iconography. Mia Goth impressively anchors dual roles with nuance and intensity, embodying pivotal influences on Frankenstein’s psyche. Christoph Waltz’s portrayal of the calculating Henrich Harlander adds a sinister sophistication to the narrative. Overall, the ensemble cast elevates Del Toro’s monstrous creation, making this Frankenstein an unforgettable cinematic journey that balances spectacle with deeply felt performances.

Turn off the lights and devices,

Make some popcorn,

Grab a beverage,

and Stream This Movie

on Netflix!

The James Bond Movies: Story & Timeline

Ian Lancaster Fleming (1908–1964), a British intelligence officer turned author, created the iconic James Bond spy series that inspired the celebrated film franchise. His twelve novels and two short story collections introduced readers to the suave MI6 agent 007, blending espionage, adventure, and sophisticated style. The James Bond movies are based on Fleming’s literary works, though filmmakers often took creative liberties, altering plots, characters, and settings to adapt his stories for the screen and keep the franchise fresh over decades. While some films such as “Dr. No,” “From Russia with Love,” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” stay relatively faithful to Fleming’s narratives, others diverge significantly, introducing new storylines and villains. Despite these adaptations, Fleming’s books remain the blueprint for much of the cinematic Bond universe, providing the rich foundation from which the enduring spy saga grew

1. Dr. No (1962)
James Bond (Sean Connery) investigates mysterious deaths in Jamaica, uncovering Dr. No’s (Joseph Wiseman) plan to sabotage US rocket launches using a radioactive device. With the help of Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress), Bond navigates deadly traps to foil the plot.

2. From Russia with Love (1963)
Bond (Sean Connery) is tasked with retrieving a Soviet encryption device, facing off against SPECTRE agents Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya) and killer Red Grant, while forming an uneasy alliance with Tatiana Romanova (Daniela Bianchi). The mission spans from Istanbul to Venice in a world of espionage and deception.

3. Goldfinger (1964)
Bond (Sean Connery) takes on gold magnate Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe), who plans to contaminate Fort Knox’s gold to boost his own wealth. Fellow agent Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) aids Bond as he uses gadgets and cunning to stop the scheme.

4. Thunderball (1965)
In the Bahamas, Bond (Sean Connery) pursues SPECTRE’s Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi) after nuclear warheads are stolen. Domino (Claudine Auger) provides key assistance in this underwater espionage thriller.

5. You Only Live Twice (1967)
Bond (Sean Connery) travels to Japan to halt Blofeld’s (Donald Pleasence) plan of triggering global war by hijacking spacecraft launches. With ally Kissy Suzuki (Mie Hama), Bond infiltrates a deadly volcano lair.

6. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
Bond (George Lazenby) by chance falls in love with Tracy Draco (Diana Rigg) while racing to stop Blofeld’s (Telly Savalas) biological warfare plot from a Swiss clinic, blending romance and espionage.

7. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Bond (Sean Connery) investigates diamond smuggling that leads to Blofeld’s (Charles Gray) sinister satellite weapon plot. Tiffany Case (Jill St. John) becomes a key ally in this globe-trotting adventure.

8. Live and Let Die (1973)
Bond (Roger Moore) faces Caribbean drug lord Kananga/Mr. Big (Yaphet Kotto), mixing voodoo and crime with the support of Solitaire (Jane Seymour).

9. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
Bond (Roger Moore) hunts the assassin Francisco Scaramanga (Christopher Lee), who wields a deadly golden gun. Mary Goodnight (Britt Ekland) assists in thwarting his deadly plans.

10. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Bond (Roger Moore) partners with Soviet agent Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach) to prevent nuclear war orchestrated by Karl Stromberg (Curt Jürgens) from his undersea fortress.

11. Moonraker (1979)
Bond (Roger Moore) investigates a space shuttle magnate Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale), discovering a plan to exterminate humanity from orbit. Bond teams with Dr. Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles).

12. For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Bond (Roger Moore) retrieves a lost communications system for a nuclear sub while combating villain Aristotle Kristatos (Julian Glover) and is aided by Melina Havelock (Carole Bouquet).

13. Octopussy (1983)
Bond (Roger Moore) allies with Octopussy (Maud Adams) to stop nuclear weapons smuggling, encountering Soviet General Orlov (Steven Berkoff) amid circus and espionage drama.

14. A View to a Kill (1985)
Bond (Roger Moore) faces industrialist Max Zorin (Christopher Walken) who plans to destroy Silicon Valley. Stacey Sutton (Tanya Roberts) plays a crucial part in stopping this catastrophic scheme.

15. The Living Daylights (1987)
Bond (Timothy Dalton) helps a defecting Soviet general, Georgi Koskov (Jeroen Krabbé), and fights arms dealer Brad Whitaker (Joe Don Baker) in this tense Cold War thriller.

16. Licence to Kill (1989)
Bond (Timothy Dalton) turns rogue to avenge his friend Felix Leiter (David Hedison) by taking on drug lord Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi) in a gritty and darker story.

17. GoldenEye (1995)
Bond (Pierce Brosnan) faces treachery from former MI6 agent Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), who unleashes the deadly GoldenEye satellite weapon. Natalya Simonova (Izabella Scorupco) assists him.

18. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Bond (Pierce Brosnan) battles media mogul Elliot Carver (Jonathan Pryce), who manipulates the news to start a global war. Wai Lin (Michelle Yeoh) joins Bond in this action-packed story.

19. The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Bond (Pierce Brosnan) protects oil heiress Elektra King (Sophie Marceau) against terrorist Renard (Robert Carlyle) amid schemes involving energy pipelines and betrayal.

20. Die Another Day (2002)
Bond (Pierce Brosnan) infiltrates North Korea to stop diamond magnate Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens), with the help of NSA agent Jinx (Halle Berry) in this gadget-filled finale.

21. Casino Royale (2006)
Bond (Daniel Craig) earns his 00 status after defeating financier Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) in a high-stakes poker game. Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) is his crucial emotional counterpart in this gritty reboot.

22. Quantum of Solace (2008)
Bond (Daniel Craig) seeks revenge for Vesper’s death, uncovering Dominic Greene’s (Mathieu Amalric) scheme to control global water supplies, with support from Camille Montes (Olga Kurylenko).

23. Skyfall (2012)
Bond (Daniel Craig) protects M (Judi Dench) from the vengeful cyberterrorist Silva (Javier Bardem), confronting his own past in a deep and personal story.

24. Spectre (2015)
Bond (Daniel Craig) uncovers the sinister Spectre organization, led by Franz Oberhauser/Blofeld (Christoph Waltz), as he reunites with love Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux).

25. No Time to Die (2021)
Bond (Daniel Craig) comes out of retirement to stop Safin (Rami Malek), who wields a deadly bioweapon. Bond faces ultimate sacrifices with help from returning allies.

The Indiana Jones Movies: Story & Timeline

The Indiana Jones movie franchise originated from the creative partnership between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg in the late 1970s. Inspired by the serialized adventure films and pulp magazine heroes of the 1930s and 40s, Lucas conceived the character initially named “Indiana Smith,” modeled after real-life explorers such as Roy Chapman Andrews. The character was later renamed Indiana Jones at Spielberg’s suggestion. Together, Lucas and Spielberg crafted a thrilling archaeological adventure centering on Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr., an archaeologist and professor with a knack for escaping danger, exploring ancient mysteries, and fighting evil.

Their goal was to bring the excitement, spirit, and style of classic movie serials into a contemporary cinematic format. The 1981 release of Raiders of the Lost Ark, with Harrison Ford embodying the titular hero, launched the franchise, which became an iconic blend of action, history, humor, and mythic storytelling that has captivated audiences worldwide ever since. The series combined Lucas’s imaginative storytelling and Spielberg’s dynamic direction, creating a timeless pop culture phenomenon.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

1981

Archaeologist Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) embarks on a globe-trotting mission to locate the biblical Ark of the Covenant before Nazi forces do. Indiana’s wit, daring escapes, and legendary whip skills are put to the test alongside Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), his spirited former flame.

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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

1984

In a darker prequel, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) arrives in India to rescue enslaved children and retrieve a sacred stone from a sinister cult. Accompanied by nightclub singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and youthful sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan), Indy faces supernatural dangers amid thrilling action.

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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

1989

Set in 1938, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) teams with his estranged father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), and allies Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) on a daring quest to find the Holy Grail before the Nazis. Joined by art historian Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), the adventure combines humor, heartfelt family moments, and pulse-pounding challenges.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) returns in a Cold War-era adventure, racing Soviet agents led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) to uncover mystical Crystal Skulls and prevent global catastrophe. Father-son dynamics emerge with Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf), adding new layers to Indiana’s legacy.

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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
2023

The latest installment finds Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) drawn into a time-bending battle involving a mysterious device known as the Dial of Destiny. Older and reflective, Indy faces new threats while confronting his past and legacy.

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Eden

2025 Vertical

Rated: R

Length: 2 hr 9min

Adventure ~ Drama ~ Survival ~Thriller ~ True Story

Directed by: Ron Howard

Starring: Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, Sydney Sweeney, Daniel Brühl, Felix Kammerer, Toby Wallace, and Richard Roxburgh.

Inspired by the accounts of those who survived.

If you go to google maps, wherever you are at, zoom way out until you see the continents. Then locate South America and on the northern left side you’ll see Ecuador and the equator line running through it headed west over the ocean. Slowly zoom in on Ecuador, follow the equator to the left, and they will start to appear, the first name you see will be Puerto Ayora, a city on the Island of Santa Cruz. Followed by the city of Seymour on Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela and then the thirteen main islands of The Galapagos Islands. At the bottom of the Galapagos in the center you will find the small island of Floreana, Isla Floreana. It was here in 1929 that a disillusioned Dr. Friedrich Ritter and his patient turned companion, Dore Strauch came all the way from Germany to escape the rising tide of Fascism, Adolf Hitler and The Nazi Party.

It was here in 2015 that Ron Howard came to vacation with his family and became fascinated with the story of the first eight settlers on Floreana Island and the drama, intrigue and unsolved mystery of what transpired between 1929 and 1934. The Wittmers, Heinz, Margaret and their son Henry arrived in Floreana in August 1932, also from Germany, and Baroness Eloise Wehrborn de Wagner-Bosquet and her two lovers, Rudolf Lorenz & Robert Phillipson arrived in October 1932. At the end of 1934 only Heinz, Margaret and their son Henry remained, Baroness Eloise and Robert Phillipson had vanished without a trace, Rudolf Lorenz’s mummified body was found on the northern island of San Cristobal, Friedrich Ritter had died mysteriously of food poisoning and Dore Strauch had fled back to Germany.

It is a mystery to this day what transpired on the island between the seven adults that ended with two dead and two missing. Dore Strauch wrote a book published in 1936 titled Satan Came to Eden: A Survivor’s Account of the “Galapagos Affair”, and Margaret Wittmer wrote a book published in 1959 titled Floreana: A Woman’s Pilgrimage to The Galapagos. Both books have different accounts as to what actually transpired on the island. There is a 2013 Documentary titled The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden that features photos and film footage of the inhabitants of the island. It also includes a 4 minute Silent short film filmed on the island featuring Baroness Von Wagner and Robert Phillipson, titled The Empress of Floreana.

The title alone is a clue to the drama that transpired on the island after the Baroness’ arrival. Dr. Ritter and Dore had come to the island to escape humanity, and did so living like Robison Crusoe, surviving off the island completely isolated from any other human beings. The Wittmer family changed that but Dr. Ritter, Dore and the Wittmer’s managed to keep their distance and co-inhabit the small island. It was the Baroness’s arrival with her two lovers, along with the intention of building a huge luxury hotel for the millionaires in their yachts who frequently passed by the island, that completely changed the dynamic and tore apart Friedrich and Dore’s quiet, isolated Eden.

It is this mystery and dynamic between seven adults isolated on Floreana that Ron Howard has captured in Eden. Well portrayed by Jude Law (Dr. Friedrich Ritter), Vanessa Kirby (Dore Strauch), Daniel Brühl (Heinz Wittmer), Sydney Sweeney (Margaret Wittmer), Ana de Armas (Baroness Eloise Wehrborn de Wagner-Bosquet), Toby Wallace (Robert Phillipson) and Felix Kammerer (Rudolph Lorenz), it is a fascinating look at what happened when Satan came to Eden. I think that Ron Howard and the crew did an excellent job bringing this mystery to life. It is a tantalizing, mesmerizing study of man’s desire to be alone, and the temptation and evil inherently bred into man that cannot be constrained, even on a remote island with only eight inhabitants.

Well worth a watch, as is the documentary The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden.