Still 5 days in October, and here are the September 2026 reviews. YAY on catching up a little, despite October being a very busy month!
Not only did I still have to spend some time fulfilling my Frost Harrow Kickstarter, but I also put out my annual Halloween Frost Harrow story, “The Thing on the Mound.” Check out the book series and the stories; they’re great Halloween reading.
* – This film is not good. Avoid it unless you tolerate dreck well.
** – A flawed film. You may enjoy it if you like this genre or the folks in it.
*** – A good solid film. If you like this genre, you’ll probably like this film.
**** – A superior film within its genre. Thoroughly enjoyable.
***** – An outstanding film on many levels. A great example of its genre.
Note that some shows I’ve given a parenthetical star rating, usually adding (occasionally subtracting) stars, depending on how your amusement may differ from mine. I’ve explained the meaning in the reviews themselves. Mostly.
House of the Dragon (S3 – 2026) **** The battle for the throne of Westeros heats up, and Rhaenyra finally seems to have the upper hand, though at terrible cost. The special FX are really good, the battle scenes brutal and realistic. But the real question in this series now is: Who do you root for — but cause all the shades of gray have gotten even grayer. Matt Smith remains a delight as Daemon.
Skinford 2 (2025) *** The man who can’t be killed because his girlfriend is immortal is back, and so is his evil dad and the other factions And this was fun, but honestly, I didn’t catch on that they were doing an origin story in flashback until way too late. Maybe it was just me multitasking. Or maybe not.
They Came from Beyond Space (1967 Sven) **(*) This flick starts out as an interesting, Quatermass-like story of meteors falling in a rural countryside and people being taken over by alien intelligences. By the end, though, our heroes are on the way to the moon to parlay with aliens whose motives for doing all the bad shit they’ve done doesn’t seem to make much sense. Has a nice 1960s SF Hammer/Amicus look to it, though.
Bergerac (2026 S1) *** This reboot of the classic John Nettles series has some of the hallmarks of the original Jersey-set series, but doesn’t really play up the location the way the first did. Also the new Bergerac has twice the problems and none of the charm of the original. It’s not bad, but just a fairly rote modern detective series. Have you ever seen the “How sad is your detective chart?” Kind of nails modern Brit detectives. 😀
Sharksploitation (2023) **** A good look at shark movies through the history of film, concentrating on the sharksploitation craze started by Jaws in the 1970s, and running up through Sharknado, Sharktopus, etc. A fun watch.
Mannix (S1) ***(*) One of the best detective shows of all time didn’t start off in the same format that it became famous for. In the first season Mannix (Mike Connors) works for a high-tech detective agency, InterTech, run by his by-the-computerized-book boss, Lew Wickersham (Joseph Campanella). Mannix was the square peg in in this computerized world, and rather than having him buck that system every episode, in the second season, the producers decided why not just have him working on his own bucking The System of society, the police, etc. Mannix being a hired hand makes this first season a weird to fans of the show (like me), but it still has a lot of the Mannix hallmarks: car chases, shootouts, and the kind of two-fisted action that would later have TV violence opponents in an outrage. (Which probably helped lead to the series cancellation, though only after a good long run.) If you don’t know what’s coming, though, this version of Mannix — with its typical hard-boiled mysteries — is good enough to rock your socks. It only loses that 4th star if you’ve seen the series it soon becomes.
Spanish Main, The (1945) ***(*) Paul Henreid is wronged by the Caribbean authorities and turns to a life of piracy to get his revenge. Hooks up with the always lovely Maureen O’Hara as a kidnapped bride, and battles Walter Slezak as a corrupt governor. What makes this more fun (for me anyway) is the inclusion of Anne Bonney, a real-life pirate, as a character, and some women swinging swords, too.
You Never Can Tell (1951) **** When a dog inherits a fortune, he is mysteriously murdered. But animal heaven sends him back in the body of a man (Dick Powell) to solve his own murder. Sent with him is a famous racehorse, who even though human, can’t resist checking in on how her foals are doing at the racetrack. This movie is sweet and funny and the murder mystery is pretty decent, too. Powell chewing on dog kibble makes me laugh every time.
Spartacus (1960) ***** Kirk Douglas is the title character, a slave sent to be a gladiator who foments a slave revolt after being mistreated by callous Romans. One of the all-time classic historical action picture has great characters and acting and plenty of subtext, too.
Fly, The (1958) **** David Hedison is a scientist who makes a teleportation machine that could change the world. Unfortunately, an accident with the machine mixes his genes with those of a housefly. Kid-shocking horror ensures. Vincent Price plays his brother-in-law in this sci-fi horror classic. Great makeup for the monster.
End of Oak Street, The (2026) ***(*) A mysterious electrical storm transports a nice neighborhood and its citizens into the a past time brimming with… dinosaurs! The dinos then proceed to pick off many of the people living there, and not even all our main characters are safe. I enjoyed the ride here, and the family mostly does sensible stuff. If you love dinos, give it an extra star. I get the feeling I may like it even better in a second watch. The dino effects are top notch
Reacher (S4) ***** Once again Jack Reacher finds himself in a tough spot when brutal murders seem connected with a congressman running for president and his wife and staff. It all starts with a woman killing herself on the subway, and soon Reacher has collected both the woman’s cop brother and a struggling local policewoman on his side. But with some sinister variation of the CIA on their tails, unknown criminals killing people, and an Asian woman being hunted… Well, let’s just say Jack has a lot to sort out. One of the best series of this show.
Brokenwood Mysteries 2-1 Leather & Lace **** When the seemingly popular coach of a record-losing rugby teams turns up dead tied to a goalpost, and with panties and a rugby ball stuffed into his mouth, Mike, Kristin, and Breen have a lot to sort out. This is my 2nd time through this Kiwi mystery series, so you know I’m digging it. Again.
Rockford Files movies 1-1 I Still Love L.A. **** Jim Rockford is back, still with the answering machine, still in the same trailer, though he’s trying to sell it. This series of TV movies picks up in modern Los Angeles, and takes us through the LA riots, fires, and other current events. Jim has an ex-wife (NOT Beth) who sucks him in to trying to defend two 20-somethings who’ve been accused of murdering their mom. But can Rockford sort it all out and get his life in order, too? A good continuation of the original series with many actors reprising their iconic roles. No Rocky, though, but he is mention as still being alive here.
Tale of the Mummy (Russell Mulcahy’s 1998) **(*) Christopher Lee has a small part in the start of this flick, which is set in a tomb in Egypt. From there, we come to the present, where the mummy (whose tomb killed some folks) is now on the loose. What he wants, I don’t remember, but there are some cool scenes, and interesting ideas. The CGI doesn’t hold up, though, and the story didn’t hold together for me. It was also slow at times. But if some interesting horror stuff is good for you, give it that extra star.
Dracula 2000 (2000) **** I didn’t expect this Dracula film to be much, but it turned out to be surprisingly interesting and well done. I can’t tell you why their origin for Dracula tickled me, but I will say it explains his aversion to crosses and silver. Has a memorable ending, too. Generally, I don’t think we need an origin for Dracula, and certainly not one that includes a lost love (not in this), but this worked for me. I’ll watch it again.
Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The (1966) **** Don Knots is a copy boy at a newspaper who wants to be a reporter. When he accepts a dare to spend the night in the local haunted house, he sees things that scare the dickens out of him. “His” story about it makes him a local hero, but he’s then sued by the house’s owners, and must return to the haunted manor to prove what he saw. A fun, family friendly Knots movie with a haunted house. “Attaboy, Luther!”
Neagley (S1 2026) ***** In this Richer spin-off, when one of Neagley oldest friends walks in front of an elevated train, the private detective takes it upon herself to find out why. She doesn’t believe that he was a drug user, and her investigations soon lead to a cult-like farm outside Chicago and a team up with a street kid and an ambitious secretary in her firm. The big-business meets Jonestown story worked for me, and this is a great kickoff for a great character. Can hardly wait for more.
Phantom Express, The (1932) *** This low-budget effort features a phantom train that is bearing down on other trains at night. What is this mysterious specter, and what is its purpose? An ambitious railroad heir takes a job in a wheelhouse to try to figure it out in this comedy mystery. Some of the miniature FX are fun, and the solution is interesting — so I won’t spoil it for you (as it was spoiled for me). The phantom train is…?
Saracen Blade, The (1954) **(*) William Castle directed this low-budget knights & maidens staring Ricardo Montalban as a young man who wants to be a knight. He gets mixed up with some evil lords and, somehow, manages to keep 3 beautiful women on the string, including Yvonne DeCarlo (Lily Munster). Somehow, none of them seem jealous, including when one of the beauties is his slave — or is it the other way round? Lack of budget shows in the castle and “big” fight scenes. If you’re a W. Castle fan, might amuse.
Swashbucklers (1976) **(*) Robert Shaw and James Earle Jones star in this tale of pirate buddies being pursued by (what else) an evil nobleman (Peter Boyle) who wants to destroy all pirates and rule with an iron hand, too. Some nice locations, sets, and fight scenes. Plot doesn’t old up a few places, and Boyle’s villain is unfortunately fey, and that homophobia loses this at least one star for me, though it’s otherwise a pretty decent actioner.
Psych (S3) ***** Psych really hits its stride with its special brand of quirky comedy-mystery this season. Highlights include Detective Jules in the roller derby, a Friday the 13th parody, a late season serial killer, and believe it or not, a girlfriend for Shawn. I love this series and hope they really do revive it and do more, as they keep teasing.
Night of the Living Dead (1990) **** Special FX man Tom Savini directed this authorized remake of George Romero’s flesh-eating ghouls classic, and it is surprisingly good. It’s respectful of the original and yet adds new twists and turns, including an interesting update on the shock ending of the original. As horror film remakes go, they don’t get much better than this.
Chuck Amuck: The Movie (1991) ***** Chuck Jones spends a lot of time at the drawing table, recreating his famous take on the WB characters and explaining what he’s doing in this fascinating documentary that also covers the Looney Tunes characters (Bugs, Daffy, Porky, etc.) in general. If you want to learn about animation, and creativity in general, this is a good place to start.
Monster Walks, The (1932) **(*) Pretty standard mysterious goings on i the old dark house in this movie, where our protagonists go to — what else — attend the reading of a will. Naturally, people are not pleased that the young woman gets the inheritance, and shenanigans are sure to follow. Oh, and there’s an ape (chimp) in the basement, possibly getting loose and menacing people. An extra star if you like ape films.
Neath the Arizona Skies (1934) *** This B-Movie western features John Wayne as a cowboy who’s unofficially adopted a Native American girl who turns out to be the heir to oil-bearing land that a bunch of people want. While some folks scheme to control her and her riches, a similar set of folks rob a local business and frame Wayne’s character. Naturally, there’s a pretty girl who believes him innocent, not knowing her brother was in on the robbery. It’s all full of chases and gunfights and really packed with stuff for a flick that runs under an hour long. Good fun.
Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960) *** Richard Greene reprises his role as Robin Hood in this Hammer Produced adventure film. Robin turns down a pardon from the Sheriff of Nottingham (Peter Cushing), who wants Robin to turn over a wounded man he rescued in Sherwood Forest. Soon, Robin is mistaken for a peasant archer and a nobleman tries to hire him to assassinate someone. But Robin is revealed and soon discovers the assassination plot is against the Archbishop of Canterbury, and advisor to King Richard. Naturally, Robin has to stop this with a climactic fight in a nunnery. Oh, Maid Marian and the Merry Men are here, too, with Nigel Green as Little John, and Naill MacGinnis as Friar Tuck. Uncredited role as the wounded man for Desmond Llewellyn as the wounded fugitive and Oliver Reed as a nobleman’s thug. Despite his TV experience with the character, Richard Greene lacks flair as Robin. I’d have preferred Nigel Green in the title role.
Swordsman of Siena, The (1962) **** Stewart Grainger is Thomas Stanwood, an experienced swordsman who flees a romantic entanglement and ends up in Siena, Italy. There he is hired by a usurper Spanish Don to protect his bride-to-be, Orietta, but court intrigues keep him busy sword fighting. There, he falls in love with Orietta’s sister, Serenella, though the Don killed their father to take power. When Serenella is killed, Stanwood joins the rebels to take back Siena. Stanwood must win a horse race through the city against the Don’s man in order to start a popular uprising, even as the Don tries to have him killed. Some wild stunts in the race. I hadn’t heard of this film before TCM played it during swashbuckler month (Sept. 2026), but it’s got plenty of swordplay by Grainger and some good action and twists. Grainger is good, as usual, cuts a dashing figure, and he’s great with a sword.
Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965) ***(*) Back in the early days of flight, a rich man gets it in his head that there should be a contest to fly across the English Channel to France, and offers a prize to the winner of the race. So, flyers (all men, natch) gather from all over to compete in a wacky array of airplanes — which apparently could really fly; way before CGI here. And if you’ve seen the later Wacky Races series, you kind of get what this is like. There is a woman who wants to fly, and a romance, and all the usual stuff in beautiful 1960s color. An extra star if you love that stuff.
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The (1924) **** Lon Chaney, Sr., is the title character in this adaptation of the classic story of a deformed bell-ringer who falls in love with a gypsy, who unfortunately is also lusted after by an evil churchman. Universal built amazing full-scale replica sets for this flick, and Chaney’s makeup was groundbreaking for the time. The story suffers a little in comparison to the 1939 version, but still a classic.
Backrooms (2026) **** A furniture store owner discovers a hidden portal in his basement that leads to a weird dimension filled with empty rooms, old furniture, and… Something that stalks you. The characters discovering this anomaly behave fairly sensible, but of course their clever plans start going wrong. Based on a YouTube video series, this flick made by a very young first-time filmmaker has enough suspense and creepy ideas to satisfy this old horror movie fan.
Death Becomes Her (1992) *** Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Meryl Streep are tangled up in a crazy romantic triangle (divorce and remarriage) that then just gets worse as they grow older — or at least some of them do. Soon, Meryl’s character falls in with a mysterious woman (Isabella Rossellini) who promises eternal youth. From there, things get wild and the special effects makeup in this flick won an Oscar. Very amusing, and I think I might like it even more on a second watch.
So that rounds up September 2026. Total for this month is a mere 31 films, series, and notable shorts (was I busy in September or something?) bringing our 2026 Total to 391. Still better than 30 per month over the year, despite the mighty efforts I put into Frost Harrow and its Kickstarter in September. 500 reviews for the year is still possible. Stay tuned!
NEXT MONTH: Frost Harrow fulfillment is well under way, as I try to get everyone their books before Halloween, 2026. I also spent 5 days driving to and attending Gamehole Con (great con!), which cut into my viewing time. But it’s Halloween Season, so you know I’ll be spending as much free time as possible watching monster movies. Although there is this World Series thing that our beloved Milwaukee Brewers are in for the first time since 1982 (back when I was working at TSR on Dungeons & Dragons). What impact will all that have on my totals for October 2026? Hang around and find out!
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