Everyone is a Critic: My All-Time Favorites – Westerns
Posted: June 15, 2026 Filed under: Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, Review, Western | Tags: A Fistful of Dollars, Everyone is a Critic, For a Few Dollars More, Movie Review, Review, The Good The Bad and The Ugly, The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Quick and the Dead, The Unforgiven, Tombstone, Westerns, Writing to be Read, Young Guns 5 CommentsThere are some movies that I can watch over and over and never get tired of them because they are so fun to watch. I’m sure certain movies are the same for everyone, in this respect. For “Everyone is a Critic” in 2026, I’d like to talk about my all-time favorites, because if you haven’t seen them, they are worth watching, and if you have, maybe this will remind you how fun they are, and you’ll give one or two another go. I’ve categorized them by the values I find in them, or the reason that I watch them. Many of them, I have watched so many times, I can quote them word for word through many parts. (And, yes, I am old, but they really don’t make them like they used to.)
Now, here, I will share them with you in the hopes that you will get the same enjoyment I have from watching them. For those who have seen the movie, the quotes will bring certain scenes alive in their minds. And if you haven’t seen the movie and you watch it, when you see the scene, you’ll understand why I chose the quotes that I did.
Westerns – Always a Favorite of Mine (Yep. I like Clint Eastwood)
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), with Clint Eastwood and Chief Dan George
Set during and after the American civil war, Eastwood plays Josey Wales, who looses his family to the Union red-legs, and joins up with Bloody Bill Cantrill with a vow to kill as many as he can in his vengeance. He becomes an outlaw after the war, when he refuses to surrender and runs from the Union troops, gathering a rag-tag following of colorful characters in the process.
This movie is quite long and there are too many great quotes to list them all here, but I’ve given you several.
I have this one in my personal movie collection.
Favorite Quotes: “I reckon in that war we all died a little.” – Fletcher (John Vernon)
“Get ready, little lady. Hell’s coming to breakfast.” – Lone Watie (Chief Dan George)
“I’m pert as a rutting buck.” -Kid (Sam Bottoms)
“Cures just about anything. How is it on spots?” -Josey Wales (Eastwood)
“You gonna pull them pistols or whistle Dixie?” – Josey Wales (Eastwood)
“Dying ain’t much of a living.” – Josey Wales (Eastwood)
“Reckon I’m right popular.” – Josey Wales (Eastwood)
“All I have is this piece of hard rock candy. But it’s not for eating, it’s just for looking at.” – Lone Watie (Chief Dan George)
“I’m glad you stopped me. I might have killed her.” – Lone Watie (Chief Dan George)
Favorite Scenes: Josey Wales meets and talks with Ten Bears, chief of the Commanche, to bargain for his friends’ lives. (I can quote the entire exchange, but it’s too long to feature here.)
The Missouri Boat Ride
Josey Wales and Lone Watie on horseback: “Any time I get to liking someone, they ain’t around for long.” – Josey Wales (Eastwood) “I notice when you get to disliking someone, they ain’t around for long neither.” -Lone Watie (Chief Dan George).
A Fistful of Dollars (1964) & For a Few Dollars More (1965), with Clint Eastwood
In A Fistful of Dollars, Eastwood plays a man with no name, a drifter who blows into town, looking for an opportunity to profit. He learns that the town has two bosses, the Rojos and the Baxters, vying for control and he positions himself between them and plays them against one another.
In For a Few Dollars More, Eastwood plays a bounty hunter named Manco, and Van Cleef plays an old war hero named Colonel Mortimer, who are both seeking the notorious outlaw, Indio, and his gang.
I watch both of these on Pluto T.V. for free.
Favorite Scenes (Fistful): The offended mule scene.
The final shootout, when Ramon thinks he’s losing his touch and the man with no name won’t die.
Favorite Quotes (Fistful): “When a man with a forty-five meets a man with a rifle, you said, ‘the man with the pistol is a dead man.’ Let’s just see if that’s true.” – Man with no name (Eastwood)
“You mean the American government on one side and the Mexicans on the other, and me in the middle? Uh, huh. Too dangerous.” – Man with no name (Eastwood)
Favorite Scene (Few Dollars): The final gun battle between Colonel Mortimer and Indio.
Favorite Quote (Few Dollars): “Two hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money. We’re going to have to earn it.” – Manco (Eastwood)
“No, old man. Thought I was having a problem with my adding. But it’s okay now.” – Manco (Eastwood)
“I generally smoke just after I eat. Why don’t you come back in about ten minutes.” – Colonel Mortimer (Van Cleef)
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966), with Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach
A civil war tale of survival and greed. This is a lengthy movie, but well worth it. There are so many great quotes, it is difficult to pick favorites. I have this one in my personal movie collection.
Favorite Quotes: “When you have to shoot, shoot. Don’t talk.” – Tuco Rameriz (Wallach)
“You know when I take a job, I always see it through.” Angel Eyes (Van Cleef)
“Take a swig of this, Captain. Keep your ears open.” – Blondie (Eastwood)
“Such ungratefulness. After all the times I’ve saved your life.” – Blondie (Eastwood)
“It’s good to know you’ve always got a brother who won’t deny you a bowl of soup.” – Tuco Ramirez (Wallach)
Favorite scenes: Sad Hill Cemetery (Cool Fact: Sad Hill Cemetery was built specifically for this movie. The set was just abandoned when they finished, but it was restored after fifty-five years by a dedicated group of film fans in 2015.)
Bridge Explosion (Cool Fact: They used three cameras on the first take, and the explosion blew the cameras up, so they had to reconstruct and do a second take using nine different camera angles to ensure success. No computer animation back then.)
The Unforgiven (1992), with Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman
When a bounty is posted to avenge a prostitute who is scarred for life, widowed pig farmer William Muney returns to his old killing ways to save his farm and feed his children.
An original and thought-provoking story line, accompanied by excellent acting from all players. I have this one in my personal movie collection.
Favorite Quote: “I ain’t like that anymore.” – William Munny (Eastwood)
“It’s a hell of a thing, killin’ a man. Take away all he’s got, and all he’ll ever have.” – William Munny (Eastwood)
“All right, I’m coming out. Any man I see out there, I’m gonna shoot him. Any sumbitch takes a shot at me, I’m not only gonna kill him, but I’m gonna kill his wife, all his friends, and burn his damn house down.” – William Munny (Eastwood)
“He should have armed himself if he’s gonna decorate his saloon with my friend.” – William Munny (Eastwood)
Favorite Scene: Confrontation between Munny (Eastwood) and Little Bill (Hackman).
The Quick & The Dead (1995), with Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, and Leonardo DiCaprio
This has to be Sharon Stone’s absolute best role as the strong female protagonist. A gripping storyline for her character necessitates our rooting for her to triumph. Gene Hackman plays Herod, the cruel villain through and through.
I watch this one on Pluto T.V. for free.
Favorite Quotes: “Today I am.” – The Lady (Stone)
“You need a bath.” – The Lady (Stone)
“Some people deserve to die.” – The Lady (Stone)
“The law’s come back to town.” – The Lady (Stone)
“Sorry, John. Changed the rules. From now on, all the fights are fair.” – Cort (Crowe)
“I’m so damned fast I can wake up at the crack of dawn, rob two banks, a train and a stage coach, shoot the tail feathers off a duck’s ass at 300 feet, and still be back in bed before you wake up next to me.” – The Kid (DiCaprio)
Favorite Scenes: The Lady puts the dirty old man in his place
Young Guns (1988) & Young Guns 2 (1990), with Emilio Estevez, Kieffer Sutherland, and Lou Diamond Phillips
This telling of the story of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War is brought to life by an all-star cast, in both the original movie and Young Guns 2. I have both in my personal movie collection.
There’s plenty of action and plenty of old west humor. Both are very quotable movies.
Favorite Quotes (First): “I’ll make you famous.” – Billy the Kid (Estevez)
“If we’re caught, we’re gonna hang… But there’s many a slip twixt the cup and the lip.” – Billy the Kid (Estevez)
“Did you see the size of that chicken?” – Dirty Steve (Dermot Mulroney)
“Many nights while you were sleeping, I could have slit your throat. Glad I didn’t kill you, Steve.” Chavez y Chavez (Phillips)
Favorite Quotes (Second): “Stop napping on the job, Bob.” – Billy the Kid (Estevez)
“Best dollar eighty I ever spent.” – Billy the Kid (Estevez)
“It’s the real lynch mob! Skin out!” – Billy the Kid (Estevez)
“I shall finish the game.” – Billy the Kid (Estevez)
“I’d rather drink turpentine and piss on a brush fire.” – Sheriff Kimball (Jerry Gardner)
“White Oaks, you can kiss my ass.” – Jane Greathouse (Jenny Wright)
“Let me tell you what you really are! You rode a 15-year-old boy straight to his grave, and the rest of us straight to hell… straight to hell! William H. Bonney! You are not a god!” Josiah ‘Doc’ Scurlock (Sutherland)
“You’ll get down below all right. You’ll get down below. You’re Billy the Kid, too, you know. You’re all Billy the Kid. Little Billy bastards.” – John Chisholm (James Colburn)
“Incumbered by idjits, I pressed on.” – Pat Garrett (William Peterson)
Tombstone (1993), with Kurt Russel, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot, Bill Paxton and Powers Boothe
This is a telling of the events leading up the shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, October 26, 1881. The all-star cast brings the story to life, with Kurt Russell playing Wyatt Earp, and Sam Elliot and Bill Paxton playing brothers Virgil and Morgan. The notorious Doc Holliday is played by Val Kilmer and Curly Bill Brocious (Powers Boothe) and his cowboy buddies play the villains. I have this one in my personal movie collection.
Not historically correct on many aspects but entertaining none-the-less.
Favorite Scenes: The afternoon horse race & The faceoff between Doc Holliday (Kilmer) and Johnny Ringo (Michael Beihn)
Favorite Quotes: “I’m an oak.” – Wyatt Earp (Russell)
“You tell them I’m coming, and hell’s coming with me.” – Wyatt Earp (Russell)
“I’m your huckleberry.” Doc Holliday (Kilmer)
“You’re a daisy if you do.” – Doc Holliday (Kilmer)
“I’ve still got one good arm to hold you with, Ally-girl.” – Virgil Earp (Elliot)
About Author Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
____________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
_______________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” with Robbie Cheadle is sponsored by The Women in the West Adventure Series andWordCrafter Press.
Women in the West Adventure Series and a Digital Doubles Deal
Get books 1 & 2, Delilah & Sarah, both for one low price of $10.
June 1 – 30, 2026
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Everyone is a Critic: Novocaine
Posted: May 11, 2026 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, Review | Tags: Everyone is a Critic, Kaye Lynne Booth, Movie Review, Novocaine, Writing to be Read 3 Comments
Novocaine (2025), with Jack Quaid
We’ve all wished we couldn’t feel pain at one time or another, most likely, when we’re in a situation that makes us scream with the pain. But that old saying, ‘Be careful what you wish for’ applies here. Just ask Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), who has lived a life of caution due to a physical condition which sort circuits his pain sensors and makes him a danger to himself at times. But when the new girl in his dreary, humdrum life as a bank manager, is taken hostage in a bank heist, Nathan uses his affliction to turn himself into a superhero, as he singlehandedly chases down the bank robbers and dispatches them one by one. To do so, Nathan must go through some very painful stuff, and although we know he can’t feel it, the scenes are so visceral, that we almost feel it for him, as he turns his fists into lethal weapons by grinding them into crushed glass, or shoves his hand into a vat of hot oil to retrieve a gun.
What an interesting premise. What would you do if you couldn’t feel pain? At first, you might think you’d do whatever you wanted with no pain to stop you. The love interest in this movie, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), states it well, forshadowing what’s to come, when she says, “Wow! You’re a superhero.” And, while battling the bad guys, Nathan seems to be unstoppable. But there’s a dark side to the absence of your body’s defense mechanisms, because pain is there for a reason. He doesn’t feel the pain and so he just keeps going, but the question Nathan must ask himself is can he find the girl and save her before he does so much damage to his body that it shuts down completely? How much abuse can one man take, and survive?
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
__________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
________________________________
This segment of “Read and Cook” with Robbie Cheadle is sponsored by The Women in the West Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
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Marta: Coming in 2026
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Everyone is a Critic: My All-Time Favorites – Humor
Posted: April 13, 2026 Filed under: Everyone is a Critic, Humor, Movies, Review | Tags: Dumb and Dumber, Everyone is a Critic, Idle Hands, Kaye Lynne Booth, Movie Review, Talladega Nights, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, The Great Outdoors, The Jerk, The Three Amigos, Writing to be Read 9 CommentsThere are some movies that I can watch over and over and never get tired of them because they are so fun to watch. I’m sure certain movies are the same for everyone, in this respect. For “Everyone is a Critic” in 2026, I’d like to talk about my all-time favorites, because if you haven’t seen them, they are worth watching, and if you have, maybe this will remind you how fun they are, and you’ll give one or two another go. I’ve categorized them by the values I find in them, or the reason that I watch them. Many of them, I have watched so many times, I can quote them word for word through many parts. (And, yes, I am old, but they really don’t make them like they used to.)
Now, here, I will share them with you in the hopes that you will get the same enjoyment I have from watching them. For those who have seen the movie, the quotes will bring certain scenes alive in their minds. And if you haven’t seen the movie and you watch it, when you see the scene, you’ll understand why I chose the quotes that I did.
Humor – Make me laugh and just be silly
The Great Outdoors (1988) with John Candy and Dan Aykroyd
Roman (Dan Aykroyd) is the uninvited guest on Chet’s (John Candy’s) family vacation. When you put these two guys together, there’s never a dull moment and the laughs never stop. This movie makes me laugh every time I watch it.
I have this one in my personal movie collection.
Favorite Quotes: “B… b…big…, big bear!” – Chet Ripley (Candy)
“S…Six…Six…Six…Sixty-s…six times!” – Reg (Britt Leach)
“Lips and ass holes.” – Roman Craig (Aykroyd)
“Let go of the rope, Dad!” – Ben Ripley (Ian Michael Giatti)
Favorite Scenes: Bat in the Cabin & Water Skiing
The Jerk (1979), with Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters
Born into a poor black family, Navin never quite fits in. So, he sets off on his own to see the world and find his special purpose.
Only Steve Martin could pull off this role, in this rags to riches comedy.
Favorite Quotes: Opening -“Huh? I am *not* a bum. I’m a jerk. I once had wealth, power, and the love of a beautiful woman. Now I only have two things: my friends, and… uh… my thermos. Huh? My story? Okay. It was never easy for me. I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sittin’ on the porch with my family, singin’ and dancin’ down in Mississippi…” – Navin R. Johnson (Martin)
“Sir! You are talking to a nigger!” – Navin R. Johnson (Martin)
“You mean I’m going to stay this color!” – Navin R. Johnson (Martin)
“The new phone books are here! The new phone books are here! I’m somebody now!” – Navin R. Johnson (Martin)
“He hates these cans. Stay away from the cans!” – Navin R. Johnson (Martin)
“First I get my name in the phone book and now I’m on your ass. You know, I’ll bet more people see that than the phone book.” – Navin R. Johnson (Martin)
Favorite Scenes: Leaky Oil Cans & Cat Juggling & Broke and Hitting the road – “All I need is this ashtray. And that’s it.” – Navin Johnson (Martin)
The Three Amigos (1986), with Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short
Three out of work silent screen stars are invited to come to Santa Pocho, a small village in Mexico, to save the people from a terrible bandit. The three amigos, Lucky Day (Steve Martin), Dusty Bottoms (Chevy Chase), and Ned Nederlander (Martin Short), mistakenly believe they’re being invited to do a performance there and gladly answer the call, resulting in some hilarious situations when they come up against the real band of outlaws.
These three guys are true entertainers, all. Never get tired of this movie.
I have this one in my personal movie collection.
Favorite Quotes: “You sons of a motherless goat.” – Dusty Bottoms (Chase)
“Excuse me. We’re not Mexican.” – Lucky Day (Martin)
“It wasn’t me. It was my stuntman. But I think I remember how.” Ned Nederlander (Short)
Favorite Scenes: My Little Buttercup, & Good Night Ned, & The Singing Bush and The Invisible Horseman
Dumb And Dumber (1994), with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels
Two buddies set off a road trip to Colorado, when the woman of Lloyd’s (Carey) dreams leaves her brief case at the airport and he is determined to return it to her. Unbeknownst to him, the briefcase contains ransom money and was left on purpose.
This movie is so dumb you can’t help but laugh. I mean, how dumb can it get?
I watch this one on Pluto T.V. for free.
Favorite Quotes: “Are those your skis? …. Both of them?” – Harry Dunne (Daniels)
“Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this… and totally redeem yourself!” – Harry Dunne (Daniels)
“Nice set of hooters you got there.” – Harry Dunne (Daniels)
“She gave me a bunch of crap about me not listening to her or something. I don’t know, I wasn’t really paying attention.” – Harry Dunne (Daniels)
“So, you’re telling me there’s a chance. Yah!” – Lloyd Christmas (Carey)
“What was all that one in a million stuff?” – Lloyd Christmas (Carey)
“That’s as good as money, sir. Those are I.O.U.s.” – Lloyd Christmas (Carey)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), with Will Ferrell
Ricky Bobby loves to go fast, making him the ideal race car driver, but his philosophies on life are a little messed up, and all he really wants is to impress his long-lost daddy.
Another one that is so stupid, you just gotta laugh.
I watch this one on Pluto T.V for free.
Favorite Quotes: “If you’re not first, you’re last.” – Ricky Bobby (Ferrell) – (“Or…, you’re on fire?” – Me. Lol)
“I’m all jacked up on Mountain Dew!” – Texas Ranger Bobby (Greyson Russell)
“Shake and Bake.” – Cal Naughton Jr. (John C. Riley)
“I was only gone three hours!” – Ricky Bobby (Ferrell)
Idle Hands (1999), with Devon Sawa, Seth Green, Elden Hensen, and Jessica Alba
This one has an original story line that naturally leads to humor. What do you do when your hand is possessed, turning you into a serial killer?
I watch this one on Pluto T.V. for free.
Favorite Quotes:
“We’re gathered here today… um… because you’re all dead.” – Anton (Sawa)
“Anton, it’s killing me to see me to see you this stressed-out man. You cut off your hand in the interest of who knows how many others.” – Mick (Green)
“Why would we go to hell? We’re not bad, we’re not exactly good or anything, but at least we don’t go around killing people!” – Pnub (Hensen)
“We need a place to kick it. Don’t be selfish, Anton! No one else’s parents are dead!” – Pnub (Hensen)
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966), with Don Knotts
Don Knotts plays a bungling newspaper typesetter with aspirations to be a reporter, challenged to spend the night in the local haunted house, called ‘the murder house’, to get a story and prove himself to the whole town.
This movie may be old, but that doesn’t make it any less funny. Who can watch Don Knotts and not laugh. Not me. This is just a fun movie to watch, plain and simple.
Favorite Scenes: Finding the secret passage, and organ playing by itself
Favorite Quotes: “Atta boy, Luther!” – man in the crowd
“My whole body is a weapon” – Luther Heggs (Knotts)
“And they used Bon-Ami!” – Mrs. Cobb (Nydia Westman)
“Now you’re apt to see some pretty frightening things, but don’t panic, you’re in no real personal danger. Now you ladies of the jury, stay close together. Hold hands if you wish.” – Luther Heggs (Knotts)
About Author Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
__________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
____________________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” is sponsored by the Small Wonders and WordCrafter Press.
https://books2read.com/SmallWonders
The Rock Star & The Outlaw: https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Star-Outlaw-Time-Travel-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0CJBRRCN1/
The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles: Coming in May, 2025
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Everyone is a Critic: The Running Man – Then & Now
Posted: March 9, 2026 Filed under: Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, Review, Science Fiction | Tags: Action, Everyone is a Critic, Kaye Lynne Booth, Science Fiction, The Running Man, Writing to be Read 5 CommentsToday we’re going to take a look at two versions of the same movie: The Running Man, based on the novel by Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman. It’s been a long time since I read this book, since it was released back in the 1980s, but I can tell you now that the movie which just came out with Glen Powell and Josh Brolin is definitely closer to the original story line of the book. That puts it higher in my opinion than the 1987 movie with Arnold Swarzenhegger and Richard Dawson, although the first movie is a good story in its own right.
In the reality TV show The Running Man, the only objective is to stay alive.
This “slam-bang action suspense” (Gilbert Cruz, Vulture) from Stephen King is now a major motion picture from Paramount.
Ben Richards has no job, no money, and a young daughter who urgently needs medical attention. Desperate, out of options, he signs up for The Running Man, “the biggest show in the country.” It’s an ultraviolent competition where the stakes could not be higher. Ben must stay alive for thirty days while an elite strike force, trained to kill, hunts for him. If he can survive for a month, he wins a billion dollars. No contestant has ever lasted longer than eight days. Can Ben Richards win this ultimate game of life and death?
The Running Man (2025) with Glen Powell and Josh Brolin
Ben Richards is a man with a conscience and a family, and when he speaks out against the networks in this futuristic world where the networks run the show, he falls from the group of haves, into the category of the have nots. Blackballed from working for the networks, with a sick child to care for, he tries out for the reality shows as a way to earn the money for the much-needed medicine to save his daughter’s life, and is cast in a spot on the deadliest game of all: The Running Man. Contestants must survive for thirty days, evading the Network Hunters, with everyone in the city out to collect the bounty. The running man has no friends because to help him is to risk their own livelihood. The Network is everywhere and ratings are everything.
If you read my descriptions of these two films it may sound like the big difference between these two films is the fact that Richards is a willing contestant in one and is forced to play on the other. While this is one big difference, the 1987 film also differs in the game playing field. While the book and the 2025 movie play the game out in the real world and members of society may earn prizes by reporting contestants’ whereabouts, the 1987 film veers from the plotline with a contained playing field and sensational hunter characters to be cheered by members of the audience.
Author of the original story says the differences in the character of Ben Richards, played by the two actors is the biggest difference between the two films, in a U.S. A. Today article, “Stephen King, Edgar Wright explain why ‘Running Man’ is the new ‘Die Hard’ – Exclusive“:
“Arnold didn’t look like somebody who had been missing many meals. He was ripped,” King says. Also, “he doesn’t seem like an Everyman. He seems like Arnold. And Glen seems like a regular guy: You would believe him in this part. He’s handsome, but he’s not a Clark Gable, big movie star kind of guy. He’s a regular guy who’s just better looking than most of us.”
The Running Man (1987) with Arnold Swartzenhagger and Richard Dawson
Ben Richards (Arnold Swarzenhegger) is an ex-military good guy who defied orders and refused to kill innocent, unarmed people. When he is sent to prison for his alleged crimes and makes a spectacular escape, he catches the attention of Network Executive Damien Killian (Richard Dawson), who sees his rating potential. In this futuristic world, where the Networks run the show, (pun intended), you don’t sign up to be a contestant on the reality shows, and after his recapture, Richards is forced to play The Running Man, a reality game show, where the hunters play for keeps, and the networks will do anything for ratings.
I think the 2025 movie actually has more nonstop action than the 2005 film, each has its own merits.
Both versions are good stories. Both are entertaining. And both are full of surprises. As a huge fan of the story’s original author, I lean more toward the version that is closer to the storyline in the book.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
____________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
__________________________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” is sponsored by the Time Travel Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
When a Girl with a Guitar Meets a Man with a Gun, It’s Time to Travel
Back the Kickstarter campaign now to get signed print copies and more: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kayelynnebooth-wcp/the-rock-star-and-the-outlaw-2-double-visions
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Everyone is a Critic: My All-Time Favorites – Chick Flicks
Posted: February 9, 2026 Filed under: Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, Review, romance | Tags: Chick Flicks, Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, romance, Writing to be Read 4 CommentsFebruary is a month for lovers, what with St. Valentine’s Day and all, so I though it would be appropriate to begin this series in 2026 with the mushy romance stuff, so here are my all-time favorite chick flicks.
Chick Flicks – I may be an old chick, but I’m still a chick (Yep. I like Patrick Swayze)
There are some movies that I can watch over and over and never get tired of them because they are so fun to watch. I’m sure certain movies are the same for everyone, in this respect. For “Everyone is a Critic” in 2026, I’d like to talk about my all-time favorites, because if you haven’t seen them, they are worth watching, and if you have, maybe this will remind you how fun they are, and you’ll give one or two another go. I’ve categorized them by the values I find in them, or the reason that I watch them. Many of them, I have watched so many times, I can quote them word for word through many parts. (And, yes, I am old, but they really don’t make them like they used to.)
Now, here, I will share them with you in the hopes that you will get the same enjoyment I have from watching them. For those who have seen the movie, the quotes will bring certain scenes alive in their minds. And if you haven’t seen the movie and you watch it, when you see the scene, you’ll understand why I chose the quotes that I did.
Dirty Dancing (1987), with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey
It was the summer of 1963, and Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (Jennifer Grey) is spending it with her family at a Catskills resort. Bored and feeling out of place, she inadvertently discovers the underground world of dance through the resort’s entertainers. When one of the girls is unable to finish out their summer itinerary, Baby volunteers to train and take her place, putting her in direct contact and very close proximity of the lead male dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Parick Swayze).
This movie is total fantasy fulfillment for me. What I would have given when I was younger to be Jennifer Grey. This is a movie I never get tired of watching, even to this day.
Favorite Quote: “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.” – Johnny Castle (Swayze)
“Look, spaghetti arms. This is my dance space. This is your dance space. I don’t go into yours; you don’t go into mine. You gotta hold the frame.” – Johnny Castle (Swayze)
“I’m scared of what I saw, I’m scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” – Baby (Grey)
“We’re supposed to do the show in two days, you won’t show me the lifts, I’m not sure of the turns, I’m doing all this to save your ass, what I really want to do is drop you on it!” -Baby (Grey)
Favorite Scene: The final dance & the lift on the log
Ghost (1990), with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze
When banker Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) is murdered, leaving his girl Molly (Demi Moore) grieving in their new loft apartment. But Sam doesn’t cross over and learns that his best friend, Carl, is behind his murder. Now he must find a way to warn Molly from beyond the grave, as Carl tries to move in on Molly.
This is another movie which I love. Of course, it helps that the male star is Patrick Swayze. I would watch it just for that reason, but it also has a original paranormal story line of a true love cut short, and the character of Oda Mea (Whoopi Goldberg), is so entertaining that both merit kudos in their own rights.
Favorite Scene: The pottery wheel scene, (of course) & the subway scene where he forces the other ghost to teach him to manipulate solid matter in his ephemeral form.
Road House (1989), with Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliot
I watch this movie strictly because of the stars. I like Sam Elliot, but I’ve always had a thing for Patrick Swayze. A young Swayze is just eye candy that I never get tired of seeing, even at my age. He really shows it off in this one, which only adds to the story line of big guy pushing the little guy and the little guy pushing back, with some pretty great fights, mixed with a romance story line and some very hot scenes with Swayze. Winner all around.
Favorite Scene: Any scene with Swayze in it.
Pretty Woman (1990), with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere
What starts as a week-long business arrangement between a billionaire Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) and a high-end hooker, Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), turns into something more in this ultimate rags to riches romance, changing the way they both view life, and love. It’s funny and entertaining, and good for a laugh every time.
Favorite Scene: The bubble bath scene & the shopping spree
Favorite Quotes: “You and I are such similar creatures, Vivian. We both screw people for money.” – Edward Lewis (Gere)
“Do you have anything in this shop as beautiful as she is?” – Edward Lewis (Gere)
“I can do anything I want to, baby. I ain’t lost.” – Vivian Ward (Roberts)
“In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight.” – Vivian Ward (Roberts)
” Did I mention my leg is forty-four inches from hip to toe; so, basically, we are talking about eighty-eight inches of therapy wrapped around you for the bargain price of three thousand dollars.” – Vivian Ward (Roberts)
“Big mistake. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now.” – Vivian Ward (Roberts)
“Oh, it was so good, I almost peed my pants!” – Vivian Ward (Roberts)
Thelma and Louise (1991), with Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis
Thelma (Susan Sarandon) and Louise (Geena Davis) are friends to the end in this female bromance adventure. What starts out as a weekend road trip quickly turns into an adventure from which there is no turning back after a man tries to rape Thelma, and Louise comes to her aid and shoots him.
This is a story of female empowerment in spite of its tragic ending. An endearing tale of friendship that never gets old.
Favorite Scene: Outside the bar in the parking lot where Thelma is assaulted.
Favorite Quotes: “You shoot off a guy’s head with his pants down, believe me, Texas is not the place you wanna get caught.” – Louise (Sarandon)
“You’ve always been crazy, this is just the first chance you’ve had to express yourself.” – Louise (Sarandon)
“Well, we’re not in the middle of nowhere, but we can see it from here.” – Louise (Sarandon)
“Hey Louise, better slow down, I’ll just die if we get caught over a speeding ticket.” – Thelma (Davis)
“I’m not sorry that son-of-a-bitch is dead. I’m just sorry it was you that did it and not me.” – Thelma (Davis)
“Good mornin’ ladies and gentlemen. This is a robbery. Now, if nobody loses their head, nobody will lose their head. Simon says y’all lie down on the floor, please, right away. Thank you. Ma’am, would you get down? Not you, sir. Let’s see who’ll win a prize for keepin’ their cool. Sir, will you do the honors? Take all the cash out of the drawer, put it in a paper bag.” – Thelma (Davis)
About Author Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
_________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
___________________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” is sponsored by the Time Travel Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
When a Girl with a Guitar Meets a Man with a Gun, It’s Time to Travel
The Rock Star & The Outlaw: https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Star-Outlaw-Time-Travel-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0CJBRRCN1/
The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles: Coming in March 2025
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Everyone is a Critic: “Without a Paddle”
Posted: November 10, 2025 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies | Tags: Adventure Comedy, Everyone is a Critic, Kaye Lynne Booth, Without a Paddle, Writing to be Read 2 Comments
Starring Seth Green, Mathew Lilliard, and Dax Sheppard, Without a Paddle is a 2004 feel-good, three-way bromance with self-discovery and male bonding themes. Sounds kind of kinky, huh? But seriously, this movie has all the makings of a good adventure comedy and the right combination in the leading actors to pull it off.
After the early death of school chum in a parasailing accident, the three high school buddies gather in their old tree house to reminisce and say good-bye to their friend, Billy. When they find a map Billy left there, supposedly leading to D.B. Cooper’s treasure, they feel they owe it to their friend to follow his lifelong dream and search for the treasure. They set out on a road trip and wilderness adventure together, with hopes of getting rich, but finding so much more.
This was a fun movie to watch. I couldn’t help but smile as these three unleash their ridiculous antics, proving that they are their own worst enemies. Once in the wilderness, they learn a lot about themselves in this hilarious adventure where they face wild animals and illegal marijuana farmers in their quest for the treasure of the infamous D.B. Cooper. They encounter hippie nature women living in a treehouse deep in the forest and make a new friend or two with just the right amount of comedy added.
Do they find the treasure? Hey, no spoilers here. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out. I was surprised by what happened in the end. I will say that.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
________________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
________________________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” with Kaye Lynne Booth is sponsored by The Women in the West Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
Historical Western Women’s Fiction
Get Your Copy Today!
Delilah: https://books2read.com/DelilahWiW1
Sarah: https://books2read.com/Sarah-Women-in-the-West
Marta: Coming in 2026
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Everyone is a Critic: “Cell” & “1408”
Posted: October 20, 2025 Filed under: Everyone is a Critic, Horror, Movies, Review | Tags: 1408, Cell, Everyone is a Critic, horror, Writing to be Read Leave a commentFor October, I thought I would review two scary movies, both based on Stephen King novels: Cell & 1408. Interestingly enough, both have the same leading actors as well: John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson. But no matter these similarities, they are two very different horror movies. While Cell is King’s very different take on a zombie story, 1408 is more of a paranormal horror story. Both are deserving of a review just in time for Halloween.
Cell
When cell phone frequencies suddenly trigger violent behaviors in their owners, it seems the world has gone mad. While artist Clay Riddell, played by John Cusack, is unaffected because his cell phone battery died at the strategic moment when the electronic pulse was broadcast, along with a few others, those who are affected turn viciously violent against anyone in their vicinity. They aren’t zombies, they are still alive, but they do seem to be mindless, reacting with violence and brutality in response to the signal being broadcast everywhere.
Together with survivors, Tom McCourt, played by Samuel L. Jackson, and Alice Maxwell, a teen who had to kill her affected mother in self-defense, Clay makes his way to his home to determine the fate of his wife and son. It is kill or be killed, as there is no reasoning with those who are affected. When he finds an empty house and a message from his son, he is compelled to carry on alone to find his boy and discover what is really going on.
I read the novel by Stephen King when it first came out, back in 2006, and the movie stuck fairly close to the book, which is one thing I always like about movies based on King novels. I imagine it is because King is one of the few authors with a big enough name to secure some say so in the production of the movie, because I see his influence. Anyway, all that to say, if you liked the book, you will no doubt like the movie. I did on both counts.
1408
This is a horror movie that hits you on a psychological level and leaves you thinking about it long after it ends. This one also sticks fairly close to the original short story of the same title, which appeared in Everything’s Eventual (2002). Also note that the version I saw had the original ending, since they made three different endings for this movie. After reading the descriptions of all three, I’m glad I viewed the original, as it sounds to be the best fit for the story to me, and also the most positive.
John Cusack plays writer Mike Enslin, who is making his living through a series of books about reportedly haunted places, but as a paranormal skeptic, his goal is to refute the reported hauntings. Following an anonymous tip on a postcard from The Dolphin Hotel, which he receives as a challenge when warned off of Room 1408, he goes there and requests that very room. Although the hotel manager, Mr. Olin, played by Samuel L. Jackson, does everything he can to discourage, warning of the room’s history, which is enough to turn away even the most determined of ghost hunters, Mike insists, forces Olin to rent him the room.
Mr. Olin had warned that most occupants don’t even make through the first hour in room 1408, and as Mike Enslin begins to describe the unimpressive room into his recorder, he finds himself haunted by the room’s former occupants, most of whom are now deceased, which raise ear and disgust, and by his own memories, which send him through a gamut of old emotions which still feel raw and exposed, throwing so much at him that he is no longer sure of what is real and what is not, and neither are the viewers.
After an illusion that he has escaped is proved to not be real, it becomes obvious that there is no escape from the evil room 1408 except suicide. Short of that, he is destined to relive the horrors of the last hour over and over for eternity. If you want to know what he chooses, you’ll have to watch the movie or read the story. No spoilers here.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
___________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
____________________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” is sponsored by the Midnight Dark Fiction Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Tales: https://books2read.com/MidnightRoost
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: https://books2read.com/MidnightGardenAnthology
Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares: (Pre-Order): https://books2read.com/Midnight-Oil
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Everyone is a Critic: “Red Eye”
Posted: August 11, 2025 Filed under: Everyone is a Critic, Movie Review, Movies, Psychological Thriller, Thriller | Tags: Everyone is a Critic, Kaye Lynne Booth, Movie Review, Psychological Thriller, Red Eye, Writing to be Read 4 Comments
I stumbled upon this movie on Pluto TV and thought I’d give it a try. I don’t know what I was expecting when I chose it. At the beginning, I thought I’d picked up a romance, when the protagonist, Lisa (Rachel McAdams), meets a man, Jackson (Cillian Murphy), at the airport and they have a drink together. This impression was reinforced for me when he ends up on the same Red Eye flight and he takes the seat next to hers. My mind was quickly changed when his true intentions are revealed and it becomes obvious that this story is actually a smashing psychological thriller.
It is no coincidence that they met, or that they were on the same flight, for it turns out Jackson has been watching Lisa for quite some time, and his plans involve using her for his own dark purposes after making her his psychological hostage, threatening to do harm to someone she loves. It turns out Jackson is an international terrorist, making Lisa a vital part of his diabolical plan for a political assassination.
Both the main characters play their parts convincingly and I was easily sucked in and swept away in this gripping thriller. Directed by Wes Craven, this movie exceeds the B list in both the writing of the story and in the performance of the actors. I was pleasantly surprised by my discovery of Red Eye and if you enjoy psychological thrillers, you will, too.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw,as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
_______________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
_______________________________________
This post is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories: 20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Roost-Kaye-Lynne-Booth-ebook/dp/B0CL6FPLVJ
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: 17 authors bring you 21 magnificent dark tales. Stories of magic, monsters and mayhem. Tales of murder and madness which will make your skin crawl. These are the tales that explore your darkest fears. Read them in the Midnight Garden… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Garden-Where-Tales-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DJNDQJD3
Midnight Oil: Stories to Fuel Your Nightmares: Coming in October, 2025!
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Everyone is a Critic: “The Last Stop in Yuma County”
Posted: May 12, 2025 Filed under: Crime, Everyone is a Critic, Movies, Psychological Thriller, Review | Tags: Everyone is a Critic, Psychological Thriller, The LAst Stop in Yuma County, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
When I noticed The Last Stop in Yuma County (2023), my first thought was that it sounds like a western, but the image on the cover indicated something else. Set in a 1970s Arizona diner, this fast paced crime drama that ratchets up the tension with every passing moment, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. Filled with a plethora of twists and turns, and plenty of surprises.
When a traveling knife salesman, (Jim Cummings), pulls in to the last stop in Yuma County, he is stranded at the diner waiting for a fuel tanker that will never come. The waitress, (Jocelin Donahue), serves up coffee and he bids his time, anxious to get going to spend his daughter’s birthday with her. Things heat up when they are joined by two bank robbers, (Richard Brakes and Nicholas Logan), with an empty tank and hair triggers, and each new patron who comes in adds a new complication. It seems everyone has a gun, and it is anybody’s guess what will happen next.
Although psychological thriller takes place mostly in the diner, the tension is more than enough to make you keep watching. Thoroughly enjoyable. This is one that you’ll never guess the ending.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw,as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource. Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
___________________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
________________________________________
This segment of “Chatting with New Blood” is sponsored by the Time Travel Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
When a Girl with a Guitar Meets a Man with a Gun, It’s Time to Travel
The Rock Star & The Outlaw: https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Star-Outlaw-Time-Travel-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0CJBRRCN1/
The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles: Coming in 2026
Everyone is Critic: “The Faculty”
Posted: October 13, 2025 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Commentary, Horror, Movie Review, Movies, Review | Tags: Everyone is a Critic, horror, Movie Review, The Faculty, Writing to be Read | 2 CommentsThe Faculty is a 1998 science fiction/horror movie which I somehow missed until now. Reminiscent of horror classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the faculty and most of the student body at Herrington High School are being taken over by aliens, and it’s nearly impossible to tell who is still human. One group of industrious, survival-minded students has figured out what is happening, how to detect the aliens, and how to destroy them. Now they just have to find the head alien and destroy it before the whole school, and then the town, is taken over.
Although, not an original plot, it is fashioned after a classic. At least the aliens didn’t scream at each other whenever a human was detected. When the queen alien is revealed, I have to say I saw it coming, but they placed enough red herrings, so that I couldn’t be one hundred percent certain until the truth is unveiled.
The special effects seem a bit primitive in this dawning age of technology, but for 1998, they’ve got a pretty cool queen alien monster. While some things, such as the method of beating the aliens, seemed a bit too convenient, horror movies, in general, are pretty formulaic, so perhaps that’s to be expected. At any rate, it held my attention, and I had to see how things turned out, which is basically the point, right?
The Faculty is everything a horror movie should be, using the aliens to keep our heroes boxed in, misdirection to keep viewers guessing, and plenty of tension to keep our attention. What more could you want from a horror movie?
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
_______________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
________________________________________
This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” is sponsored by the Time Travel Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
When a Girl with a Guitar Meets a Man with a Gun, It’s Time to Travel
The Rock Star & The Outlaw: https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Star-Outlaw-Time-Travel-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0CJBRRCN1/
The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles: Coming in 2026
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