THE DANMAN CAN

R.I.P. Sam Kieth  (January 11, 1963 – March 15, 2026), my favorite comic book artist, responsible for my favorite comic book, The Maxx  (later an animated series on MTV).  I was so taken by Sam's art that I had a page from the first issue of The Maxx  tattooed on my back (pictured below). Sam wrote and/or illustrated many, many other comics as well, all worthwhile, and I have no doubt in my mind that I missed something from my collection in the images below.  Kieth had a one-of-a-kind (and instantly recognizable) voice and style, often blending techniques and media in ways that no other comic artist did. His work ran the gamut from child-like sketches to beautifully painted fine art. You'll be missed, Sam .

Another perfectly serviceable, entertaining film by Radio Silence , purveyors of perfectly serviceable, entertaining films. Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come (2026)* includes some fun (if a few underutilized) additions to the cast and some creative kills, but it's a touch longer than it needs to be and I wish the visual style was a little more distinctive. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett Feature Films Ranked *The title card for the film does not include the "2" and, personally, I think it's better without it (also, it's not necessary).

Liquid Sky   (1982) is a truly bizarre, unique, and highly influential cult film. I first saw it when I was 13 or 14 years old and it left a definite impression. If you love weird, transgressive cinema,  Liquid Sky  delivers one of a kind neon thrills with its blend of amateur acting (including brilliant dual androgynous performances by  Anne Carlisle ), early '80s NYC backdrop, Punk/New Wave fashion, a squonky/eerie  Fairlight CMI  score, and experimental style. I loved screening this for an unexpecting audience!

Perhaps it's the surreal and fantastical elements or his lack of shying away from occasional dark moments that set  Nobuhiko Obayashi 's films apart, but in another director's hands the same stories would feel overly sentimental. No one captures the qualities of youth (excitement, confusion, embarrassment, sincerity, melodrama, love, heartbreak) in the way that he does. The Girl That Leapt Through Time (1983) is a beautiful motion picture filled with Obayashi's visual flair. 🎶The idiot pear takes 18 years🎶 Nobuhiko Obayashi Feature Films Ranked

"I don't take my skates off." "It, it kicks. It, it turns. It curls up your belly. Makes you wanna freaky deaky, right?" "Those are really cool. Are they lizard?" "No, they're Italian." "This is the film I want them to remember me by." Paul Thomas Anderson Feature Films Ranked Top 20 Directors

"The sky is sure full of stars tonight." David Lynch Feature Films Ranked Top 20 Directors

I appreciate its ideas, its audacity, and its production design, but The Bride! (2026) could have used better editing, a shorter running time, and wow, what a schizophrenic film (reminded me a lot of 2013's  Gangster Squad   [ review ]).

A simple, unadulterated genre exercise featuring believable performances (most notably  J.T. Walsh  in the final role released during his lifetime), taut direction, a rich score by  Basil Poledouris , and a whopper of a finale,  Jonathan Mostow 's road thriller  Breakdown   (1997) is about 90 minutes of just pure tit (IYKYK).  Recommended for fans of  The Hitcher  (1986) [ review ],  Duel  (1971) [ review ], and  Hitch-Hike   (1977) [ review ].

Slays. John Boorman Feature Films Ranked

And ya don't stop