(Scene begins with a finger tap on a smartwatch as the 1994 American Gladiators plays. The scene cuts to James jumping down a cliff from the 0:00-0:03 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators' original run. The 0:04 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators shows James Faraci landing in Santa's sleigh and entirely morphing into James Faraci The Last Of The Americans Christmas mode with his long sleeve button-up Shirt with Christmas Trees on it, Blue cargo Jeans, and Black Work boots until 0:07 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run as scene cuts to James and Santa riding with the 12th Doctor and Clara at the 0:13 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run.)
(0:14-0:17 show Rebecca Yaun and Nick Yaun as the two run after the Grinch before cutting to Crosslyn Castillo and Doug Yaun baking cookies before cutting to the 0:17-0:19 mark as it shows Jessica Lopez-Barkl and Nick Lopez drinking their weight in "Holiday Cheer 200 Proof," Paulo & Brenda Fonseca popping in A Muppets Christmas Special on a player before cutting to the 0:20-0:28 mark as we see Eric Kurtzke, Andrew Beach and Olivia Horvath decorating.)
(Cuts to the doors outside of James' space and time machine as the 0:28 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators shows when James stands on top of his Time and Space device and tosses a candy cane then cuts over to multiple clips from the past twelve years of "The Last Of The Americans" Christmas reviews/top 12s as the Candy Cane flips end over end as the 0:36 mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run plays when James grabs it while on top of a slab while doing a heroic pose with Paulo & Brenda Fonseca, Eric Kurtzke, Olivia Horvath, and Jessica Lopez-Barkl on his right and Nick Lopez, Rebecca & Nick Yaun, Renee Miller, Doug Yaun and Andrew Beach on his left doing their own heroic poses dressed in Christmas Garb on a white background the 0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera pulls back to see James and everyone else on top of a slab with the words "The Last Of The Americans" on it before all while snow and jingling bells are heard and seen in the foreground. Cut to James in his office.)
TLOTA:
I'm James Faraci, The Last Of The Americans, and the views that I'm about to express are of my own and some of yours. It's December. I got my Santa hat on, and my gift list is budgeted at $100.00, which will stretch every last penny. There is "The Last Of The Americans Holiday Gift Guide" for 2025, AND... (James taps on the smartwatch screen and becomes James Faraci)
James Faraci:
The Top Five Moments of The Last Of The Americans from 2025. So, let's start off with the top five moments of The Last Of The Americans in 2025. (Scene begins with a smartwatch screen and a finger as it taps the screen and the 1994 American Gladiators plays as the scene cuts to a hand as it taps an app on his phone as it opens a portal.)
(It cuts to James and the characters he’s played until it cut to his face and the credit of “James Faraci” is shown as it cuts to “The Last Of The Americans'” current iteration then slides away to different images of Paulo Fonseca, Brenda Fonseca, Rebecca Yaun, Nick Yaun and the characters they’ve played until it cut to their faces. The credits of “Paulo and Brenda Fonseca, Rebecca and Nick Yaun” are shown then slides away to different images of Doug Yaun and Crosslyn Castillo, Nick Lopez and Jessica Lopez-Barkl and the characters they’ve played, until it cuts to their faces.)
(After that, the credits “Doug Yaun and Crosslyn Castillo, Nick Lopez and Jessica Lopez-Barkl” are shown, as it then slides away to different images of Andrew Beach Eric Kurtzke, Renee Miller and Olivia Horvath. Following this, the credits of “Andrew Beach, Eric Kurtzke, Renee Miller, Olivia Horvath” are shown as the 0:00-0:21 mark of the theme song plays.)
(Everything becomes a swirl of reds, whites, and blues, as the credits “Produced by First Choice Entertainment Productions in association with Manic-Expression.com"; “Executive Producers: James Faraci, Paulo Fonseca, Brenda Fonseca, Rebecca Yaun, Nick Yaun, Eric Kurtzke, Renee Miller, Andrew Beach & Olivia Horvath”; “Editing by Eric Kurtzke and James Faraci”; “Written and Directed by James Faraci” are shown, as the 0:21-0:26 mark of the theme song plays.)
(We then see an image of James as he jumps through the portal and lands with half of his team on his right. The other half on his left is on a black background. Finally, the title “The Top five THE LAST OF THE AMERICANS reviews of 2025” is shown, Lazer etched into Titanium as the last six seconds of the American Gladiators 1994 theme song plays. Cut to the swirl of red, white, and blue, and a number appears in the center as James does a voiceover.)
James Faraci (V.O.):
Number Five
(Cut to A "Dial" With "Destiny" and as James does a voiceover)
5) A "Dial" With "Destiny" and The Sound of "Thunderbolts"
James Faraci (V.O.):
Initially, the "Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny" review was meant to be the second review for July, and the "Thunderbolts" review was going to be the Tentpole review of August, with something else planned. Still, that plan got scrapped when I saw the movie review that is in the number one spot. But that didn't mean the impact wasn't avoided. I needed something to remind me to get over the bad points that just multiply daily. I liked having Jessica Lopez-Barkl and her husband, Nick Lopez, so much that I invited them to join the team to make up for the loss of Kyra Lee, who was leaving for greener pastures with only a month-to-month deal with an option for her to do cameos at my disposal. However, it did end with a good swansong for her time here. Of course, when the reviews came out, it was a step in the right direction for me to get out of the long-time funk that I've been in. Does it mean things are better? Not really, but they don't need to be for me to try and do better just by soldiering on and hoping for the best. Now let's get to The Last Of The Americans' Christmas Gift Guide.
(Cut to James and Team TLOTA in their Pajamas as they come rushing to the Christmas Tree and see different items they wanted and clean up as the camera turns to see the Wrapping Paper shrapnel "The Last Of The Americans Holiday Gift Guide" slide wipe to James in Cooking gear around the Kitchen in the Studio.)
TLOTA:
I've gotten into cooking more with Cast Iron as much as I've enjoyed cooking with Stainless Steel. Let's start with this Lodge Cast Iron Baking Pan. I have made some browned chicken and cooked a steak to a perfect medium well. It also does a great job with veggies, and the best part is that it multitasks. Bakes evenly in the oven and works as a cooking pan on the stovetop, with limits. But what works well is, of all things, the Lodge Cast Iron Casserole Pan; it works amazingly well as a cake pan, a casserole pan, and the best Prime Rib cooking device I have seen. Speaking of, (James pulls out the casserole pan to see the Prime Rib looking beautiful.) The Best part is how it makes a delicious Yorkshire Pudding. (James makes a Yorkshire Pudding) Doesn't that look great? Of course, one of the best things about Cast Iron is that it's excellent with induction. If you don't have a setup like this one? I suggest the XKitchen Portable Induction Cooktop it is great, despite what you may have heard from Uncle Roger, and I especially love the GasSaf Cast Iron Reversible Griddle that works great with it. The best part is that the griddle is reversible and great for all sorts of foods, especially Chicken. I love chicken, especially with Hot Sauce. And who came up with their own line of Hot Sauces? The Angry Video Game Nerd! That's right, and I got them on a preorder, so once they're more readily available, I will make the link the one that's fully ready for everyone. We have Angry Video Game Sauce, Cinemassacre's Monster Madness Hot Sauce, and Dumpin' Buffalo Sauce. Now I need someone to enjoy this with me. (Jessica Lopez-Barkl and Nick Lopez join James)
Jessica Lopez-Barkl:
Let's do this!
Nick Lopez:
Bottoms up, it's just like "Hot Ones." (James opens the first sauce)
TLOTA:
We're starting with the first one, "Angry Video Game Sauce." (The three try the sauce as they dunk it in some chicken and bite it.)
Nick Lopez:
A nice little bite to it.
Jessica Lopez-Barkl:
There's something in it I can recognize. Is there beer in this sauce?
TLOTA:
It's a mix of Farmhouse Ale and Serrano Chillies, and it's pretty hot. Next up: Cinemassacre's Monster Madness. (The three try the sauce as they dunk it in some chicken and bite it.)
Nick Lopez (As sweat starts to come off him):
They upped the heat. Can we check it out?
TLOTA:
A mix of Pumpkin and Habenero
Jessica Lopez-Barkl:
So that's it, it's getting spicier and spicier with every bite! Please tell me that the worst is behind us.
TLOTA:
(James says "Whew!" as he swishes some yogurt and spits it out in the empty glass as he sweats more profusely) One More! The Dumping Buffalo! It has Scorpion Reaper, and the yogurt seems to cool the burn! (The three try the sauce as they dunk it in some chicken and bite it.)
Nick Lopez:
Ooh, that heat is there! (Nick Lopez gets up as the sound of his guts gurgling is heard)
Jessica Lopez-Barkl:
I have to step away! (Jessica Lopez-Barkl gets up as the sound of her guts gurgling is heard)
TLOTA:
Something tells me I might be joining them right now! But first! (James taps on the smartwatch screen and morphs back to James Faraci)
James Faraci:
Here's Number Four on the best of The Last Of The Americans in 2025! (James runs out of the scene. Cut to a swirl of Reds, Whites, and Blues as the 0:21-0:26 mark of the theme song plays. We then see an outlined image of James as he morphs into "The Last Of The Americans" and lands with half of his team on his right and the other half on his left on a white background and the title "THE LAST OF THE AMERICANS" is shown it cuts to the swirl of red, white and blue and a number appears in the center as it cuts to "Monstertober 2025" as James does a voiceover)
4) Monstertober 2025: The Triple Crest Trilogy
James Faraci (V.O.):
This was, for the first time, a passion project and a challenge I wanted to try. Mixing the outlandishly bizarre "Twin Peaks" with the center of the Cornetto Trilogy, "Hot Fuzz." While initially getting some positive feedback, most of the people involved were skeptical. But I chose to go with my gut, and I ended up getting more people interested in the project. I was glad to get some help from people I've known at my college to help with this series. Getting Joseph Poon, my Computer Graphics professor, to play the Clergyman in the review, and he actually suggested the name "Sun Jung Moon." Jamie Brooks, a counselor and social event director at the College, was okay with some things, like wearing an eyepatch, though she had a problem with calling me a N--i. But I was able to negotiate it down to the two times I needed. Thankfully, everything had worked out in my favor, and the end results speak for themselves. Though next year, I will try not to do something that labor-intensive again, for a while. Now let's get back and watch me sweat! (Cut to James as he sweats in some exercise equipment.)
TLOTA:
While it is clear that I have looked better, I am trying my best. Between my DDPYoga and everything else, I have been trying, but unfortunately, I have had setbacks. Fortunately, I have to help get my legs back the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Row-N-Ride Glute & Leg Trainer. It works, obviously, the butt and the legs, it squats and tones and it allows me more physical endurance to keep moving. Speaking of movement, I find the Keppi Fitness Steppers for Exercise at Home Stair Stepper with Resistance Bands. It takes plenty of steps to keep me going, and with these resistance bands, I like working with these Blood Flow Restriction Bands for Arms Legs & Glutes Extra Wide 2" Straps for Occlusion Training Quick-Release Elastic Strap Ideal for Muscle Growth Without Heavy Weights. However, when you use these bands or any of the equipment and programs, you get a doctor to approve your routine. But while I sweat off the weight, let's head back to the top five in terms of the best of "The Last Of The Americans" from this year.
(Cut to everything becoming a swirl of Reds, Whites, and Blues as the 0:21-0:26 mark of the theme song plays. We then see an outlined image of James as he morphs into "The Last Of The Americans," landing with half of his team on his right and the other half on his left, on a white background. The title "THE LAST OF THE AMERICANS" is shown. It cuts to the swirl of red, white, and blue, and a number appears in the center.)
James Faraci (V.O.):
Number Three
(Cut to "The "Dawn Of" the 12th" review as James does a voiceover)
James Faraci (V.O.):
With the 2025 "Superman" movie having been released just around the time of my 12th anniversary, I knew I wanted to look through one more movie, which unfortunately is worse than "Batman and Robin" and "Superman IV: The Quest For Peace", and had come out and still was hard to deal with as a DC Fan. Initially, this was meant to be a crossover with James Daniel Walsh and me; however, I had him for only one day, and he was in the midst of some positive changes and couldn't commit to it. Luckily, Antoni Matteo Garcia was able to come in to fix the mess, improve the intro, and do his best to help make the crossover happen, and he made so much of the review better. It is one of the best of this year. Now back to yours truly as he tries to deal with the kids' toys for the great-nieces and the gifts for the youngest niece left. (Cut to James as he has the toys and his youngest niece.)
TLOTA:
So, by the time this is out, unfortunately, I won't be able to get my great-nieces, and Vivian is only available for this because...?
Vivian Lee Faraci:
Kinsleigh is in school, and Alaina is getting registered for school for next fall. But I am going to help you out, and I could help you with gifts for kids my age and me. First off, for the newest member of our family, let's check out the Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers 4-in-1 Kickin Tunes Jellyfish Jamboree Music & Language Discovery Gym. It's perfect for the baby; it will be able to understand music, lights, and colors, and stimulate the baby when it's not eating or doing its diaper thing. Next up for Kinsleigh and Alaina are the SYNARRY Wooden Puzzles for Toddlers 1-3, 6XSET Puzzles for Toddlers 2-4 with Rack, Learning Alphabet Number Shape Animal Dinosaur Vehicle, Education Toddler Puzzles. It will help them learn numbers, letters, vehicles, and dinosaurs. Next up is the LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo, to again teach the three of them about letters and animals. Now, about some of the stuff for me....
TLOTA:
Vivian, I have been keeping up with your "Influencers" and quite honestly, I am scared for you which is why I got the following books. Starting with Gnome Cave, it's about a man named Dante.
Vivian Lee Faraci:
I know some things, but I am too young to watch that movie. All I know is he says, "I'm not supposed to be here today!"
TLOTA:
Wrong Dante. In Gnome Cave, thirty years ago, THIS Dante and his friends dared to ride the notorious Gnome Cave, a theme park attraction known for its cheerful gnomes and infamous for its terrifying finale—a dragon so dreaded it led to the ride’s closure. When Dante’s own fear stopped his group from confronting the beast, their adventure ended prematurely, leaving him with a lifetime of regret. Determined to rewrite the past, Dante reunites his old friends to explore the now-abandoned park and finally finish the ride. But what has been lurking in the shadows for decades is far more sinister than childhood nightmares. Dante’s redemption may cost his friends more than they ever imagined. Growing up doesn't mean outgrowing the fear. Next up is... (The Blockbuster Buster teleports in.) I didn't even have to say your name and you arrive with the second in the Kassandra Killjoy books, Kassandra Killjoy Paranormal Private-Eye: The Caskets of Chaos. Would you be willing to tell Vivian and the audience about this book?
The Blockbuster Buster:
Gladly, (The Blockbuster Buster turns to the audience) in the second book in the tales of Kassandra Killjoy, a serial killer is on the loose in Obscure City. One whose victims hold the key to finding the Caskets of Chaos and ending the world. There is only one Paranormal Private-Eye with the skill and determination to put an end to this plot. Kassandra Killjoy is back, along with talkative feline familiar, Hime, and her trusty partner, Mad Chan, the new Sword Slinger. Together, they will face many dangers as they race against the clock to stop the killer from claiming another victim and prevent him from opening The Caskets of Chaos.
Thanks, hopefully this will get more people like Vivian to read more. (Vivian takes the book)
Uncle Jimmy, I love you, but you're becoming the dorky member of the family.
Well, do you still like Video Games?
Yeah (The Blockbuster Buster and Vivian walk away)
XBOX is in the lobby, and I will have some games set for the end of the guide. (James taps on the smartwatch screen and morphs back to James Faraci.)
When we come back, The Last Of The Americans is about to cross state lines, but is still on the county border. But first let's check out...
(Cut to everything becoming a swirl of Reds, Whites, and Blues as the 0:21-0:26 mark of the theme song plays. We then see an outlined image of James as he morphs into "The Last Of The Americans," landing with half of his team on his right and the other half on his left, on a white background. The title "THE LAST OF THE AMERICANS" is shown. It cuts to the swirl of red, white, and blue, and a number appears in the center.)
James Faraci (V.O.):
Number Two
(Cut to the reviews of "Family Feud," "Three Men and A Baby," &
The Top Ten Episodes of TV Trash" as James does a voiceover)
2) My Review of Family Feud, The Top Ten Episodes of TV Trash, & My Review of Three Men and A Baby
James Faraci (V.O.):
The Family Feud review was the most researched review I've ever done. I definitely thank The Game Show Reviewer and Connor Higgins for their videos on Family Feud, and as for the brief skits of me at my younger and regrettably dumber self. Mistaking Richard Dawson for James Callahan is something I couldn't believe I did! But let's face it, if you saw Richard Dawson in 1994 and James Callahan at that same time, it would've been as big a mistake that I have never forgiven myself for. But the numbers showed how many people loved this review, and earlier this year, I actually debuted on a local version of Family Feud, as supported by the College I have been a part of. As a contestant, I did great, anchoring my team and having a lot of fun. Now onto the "Top Ten episodes of TV Trash." It was around September, fifteen years ago, that I discovered TV Trash and Chris Lee Moore, AKA "Rowdy." Since then, I have checked out all of his work, and if you haven't, the top ten is a great starting point to put you on the path to finding this great character. Speaking of greatness, I always wanted to talk about (Cut to a still of Steve Guttenberg as a heavenly light shines and an organ plays heavenly music, and the words “THE GREATNESS OF GUTTENBERG!” are sung by Team TLOTA. Cut to the review of "Three Men and A Baby" as James does a voiceover.)
James Faraci (V.O.):
When the Los Angeles Fires beautifully decimated California, a reporter came upon someone helping move cars for first responders to handle the fire as best they could. The fact that no one knew it was Steve Guttenberg hurt, since people in my industry seemed to think he was bland or uninteresting. What I would like to do is get two addresses: Steve's to thank him for his good deeds, and a particular Chicago place, so I can send Steve over just to torment said company with his movies. But I digress, knowing that a celebrity was on the ground helping first responders, shows (Cut to a still of Steve Guttenberg as a heavenly light shines and an organ plays heavenly music, and the words “THE GREATNESS OF GUTTENBERG!” are sung by Team TLOTA. Cut to James standing on a small set of theater seats.)
TLOTA:
Right now, I am in the audience section of a small theater. This theater was the last to host the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival award-winning play "Carburetor: A Ghost Sonata," in which I was part of the cast. But if I were to step outside, I would find... (James steps outside) Farmland! Verdent, organic and fresh! (Cut to footage of the Performances shown at the Farm Arts Collective, including "Carburetor: A Ghost Sonata," as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
This is the Farm Arts Collective in Damascus, PA, on the Willow Wisp Organic Farms, mixing live theater performances with locally grown vegetables for people to enjoy. (Cut to James as he meets with Tannis Kowalchuk in her office at Farm Arts Collective.) Farm Arts Collective respectfully resides on the ancestral land of the Munsee Lenape First Nation People. I sat down with the Artistic Director, Tannis Kowalchuk, to talk about Farm Arts as a whole.
Tannis Kowalchuk:
The Farm Arts Collective was founded in 2019, with a performance piece called "Shakespeare On The Farm." I was looking to bridge my passions for farming and theatre, and use both disciplines to create a Creative and healthy community
TLOTA:
And how long did it take for the Collective to be successful in its mission statement
Tannis Kowalchuk:
We've been a success from Day One. People came when we offered workshops in Farming, Art, Food, and Ecology. They love the shows, and we sell out "Dream on the farm" (our big summer play), and when we have other performances like "Lucy Joseph" or "Decompositions" [starts to laugh], which is me dueting with a pile of compost. (Both James and Tannis laugh and then get composed) All the shows we do here are well attended and popular. (Cut to other shows done on the Farm Arts Collective and the improvements to the collective as Tannis and James continue their interview)
Tannis Kowalchuk (Audio only):
While we take January and February off, for obvious reasons, we do have shows and workshops in March until December. We've built a new Solar-Powered barn, we operate out of the theatre, and we have a teaching space that looks out into the farm. We're ADA accessible, Warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and we're very welcoming.
TLOTA (Audio only):
So I take it you have an active part in the community
Tannis Kowalchuk (Audio only):
Oh, absolutely, we make cool performances with people who live here. We again talk about environmentalism, climate change, and human rights in our shows, and we make exceptional art that is authentic, collaborative, and represents the people who make these plays. The doors are always open to artists, volunteers, and participants. Through our farm education program, we offer workshops people want, like "How to make Sauerkraut" or workshops on Soil health and seed saving (Cut to Tannis and James in her office).
Tannis Kowalchuk:
These are essential items for a lot of the folks here.
TLOTA:
Sounds like you enjoy your job here.
Tannis Kowalchuk:
It doesn't feel like a job or work here. I love what I do here. I love farming and theatre. I know I'm a lucky person. Even though it is many hours, especially in the summertime, I love putting in the many hours of work in a week because I love it here.
TLOTA:
So this place is not going away.
Tannis Kowalchuk:
No, we're going to be around for a long time. (Cut to James and Tannis in the kitchen of the Farm Arts Collective)
TLOTA (V.O.):
And I couldn't leave without tasting some of the Collective's tasty treats. (James enjoys a soup that was made on the farm)
TLOTA:
That is a tasty soup! (Tannis and James laugh as they enjoy the soup of the Farm Arts Collective. Cut to James in his office.)
TLOTA:
I would like to thank Tannis Kowalchuk for sitting down and allowing me to conduct an interview. You can check out more about the Farm Arts Collective at farmartscollective.org. And before I conclude the gift guide. (James taps on the smartwatch screen and morphs back to James Faraci.)
Let's check out... (Scene cuts to a smartwatch screen and a finger as it taps the screen, and the 1994 American Gladiators plays as the scene cuts to a hand as it taps an app on his phone, as it opens a portal.)
(It cuts to James and the characters he’s played until it cut to his face and the credit of “James Faraci” is shown as it cuts to “The Last Of The Americans'” current iteration then slides away to different images of Paulo Fonseca, Brenda Fonseca, Rebecca Yaun, Nick Yaun and the characters they’ve played until it cut to their faces. The credits of “Paulo and Brenda Fonseca, Rebecca and Nick Yaun” are shown, then slide away to different images of Doug Yaun and Crosslyn Castillo, Nick Lopez and Jessica Lopez-Barkl, and the characters they’ve played, until it cuts to their faces.)
(After that, the credits “Doug Yaun and Crosslyn Castillo, Nick Lopez and Jessica Lopez-Barkl” are shown, as it then slides away to different images of Andrew Beach, Eric Kurtzke, Renee Miller, and Olivia Horvath. Following this, the credits of “Andrew Beach, Eric Kurtzke, Renee Miller, Olivia Horvath” are shown as the 0:00-0:21 mark of the theme song plays.)
(Everything becomes a swirl of reds, whites, and blues, as the credits “Produced by First Choice Entertainment Productions in association with Manic-Expression.com"; “Executive Producers: James Faraci, Paulo Fonseca, Brenda Fonseca, Rebecca Yaun, Nick Yaun, Eric Kurtzke, Renee Miller, Andrew Beach & Olivia Horvath”; “Editing by Eric Kurtzke and James Faraci”; “Written and Directed by James Faraci” are shown, as the 0:21-0:26 mark of the theme song plays.)
(We then see an image of James as he jumps through the portal and lands with half of his team on his right. The other half on his left is on a black background. Finally, the title “THE LAST OF THE AMERICANS” is shown Lazer etched into Titanium as the last six seconds of the American Gladiators 1994 theme song plays. Cut to the swirl of red, white, and blue, and a number appears in the center as James does a voiceover.)
James Faraci (V.O.):
The number one "The Last Of The Americans" review is...
(Cut to the 2025 "Superman" review as James does a voiceover)
James Faraci (V.O.):
While I had planned to review this movie later on, I saw the film and decided to throw this in at the last minute. So it was ALL hands on deck to get it done quickly because I was moving into another new studio, and I needed to get it in where I was going to put the Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny and Thunderbolts reviews back-to-back as the last reviews done in the old building. Now I had to add one more and be done in four days, so the pressure was ON! I busted my hand, Andrew Beach suffered a whopper of a concussion and had to be out of work until September, per my suggestion to take time off to heal. As for the fight between The Last Of The Americans and Lex Luthor, many were surprised to see James get so angry and violent. But this is twelve years of being frustrated between the life he almost had not panning out, and that of the Anti-Heroes that everyone thinks are what we are supposed to be like! That the cult of "The Boys" and their Icons of "Homelander" & "Billy Butcher" of people thinking that they are the ones we should aspire to be like, and someone as earnest and full of humanity and heart is considered a pussy in their minds. While James Gunn did a FANTASTICALLY AWESOME job at making people eat their words when it came to Superman. This movie was the one fans had been waiting years for, and when it showcased Superman's greatness as a character, it proved that DC was back in the fight as a Comic-Book movie-making powerhouse. My review showed how it can be done. (Cut to movies released during the year as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (V.O.):
And now for the movies and the one series to buy this year:
At Number five, we have "Sinners," which was the first review of "Monstertober" of this year. Having checked it out before then, I was thoroughly engaged with how the story flowed and how much it reminded me of "From Dusk 'Till Dawn". Michael B. Jordan shines as twin brothers living in Depression-era Mississippi after fighting in the war, trying to make an honest living, when Vampires arrive to ruin the club's opening night. It's up to the remaining staff and management who haven't been turned to fight off Remmick and his ever-growing clan of vampires and save their club.
At Number four, we have "Novacaine." Jack Quaid, the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, and was in the "Hunger Games" and is in "The Boys," plays Nathan Cain, a man who can not feel any pain and works at a bank when he finds himself in the center of a bank heist set up by a woman he thinks he likes and goes on the hunt for those who kidnapped the woman. I like this because Jack shows he can hold the audience's attention and be both comedic and a badass without being a lapdog for "Billy Butcher" in "The Boys." Check it out.
At Number three, we have "Good Boy." Indy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, has to watch as his master, named Todd, played by Shane Jenson, deteriorates from a Chronic Lung Infection. This poor pup gets put through the wringer as Todd mentally and physically loses what he has left, and is facing off with a shadow demon that wants Todd. Can Indy save his master from deteriorating? You'll have to watch to find out.
At Number two, we have "Superman." David Corenswet and the cast of this movie give a fantastic performance that helps James Gunn and the DCU finally become a contender to the long-standing, what felt like an unstoppable juggernaut, the MCU. I went into spoiler-filled detail in my review I did earlier this year and if you haven't seen it, what are you doing checking this out? Watch it! It's that damned fun and good.
Now onto OR-HAC for the Number one pick. (Cut to "Blake's 7" series 2 as OR-HAC does a voiceover.)
OR-HAC (Audio only):
With sales of the first series proving successful, the BBC has relented and will bring Series 2 of "Blake's 7" to the North American Region. This season continues the tale of Roj Blake and his fight to end the Federation once and for all. Though this adventure is much darker, and some characters we grew to enjoy in the first season change in one way or another, we see the crew of The Liberator continue to fight for freedom for the Galaxy. The Blu-Ray contains multiple extras, including a tribute to Jacqueline Pearce, the actress who played the series' main antagonist, Servalain. Purchase this series to see the continuation and see the next chapter for Blake, Avon, Vila, Cally, and me in my original form and name of the adventure. (Cut to James, Vivian, and The Blockbuster Buster in the lobby.)
TLOTA:
So Viv, how are you and ERod doing?
The Blockbuster Buster:
Your niece is beating me at Minecraft, Among Us, Star Wars Outlaws, and has the highest score in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, even in Arcade classics you put into the console.
Vivian Lee Faraci:
Well, Uncle Jimmy and I play these games a lot. Even in "Dragon's Lair."
The Blockbuster Buster:
Okay, makes sense!
TLOTA:
Well, we can't stick around playing; we've got the celebration to get ready for.
Vivian Lee Faraci:
You're doing a lot better than Mr. Narducci. By this point, he would be pouting like Kingleigh and Alaina and crying like them.
TLOTA:
Uh, ERod, can you keep an eye on Vivian while I wrap it up?
The Blockbuster Buster:
No problem. (Cut to James as he walks into the studio)
TLOTA:
Well, 2025 is almost over, but that doesn't mean I'm done yet. Come back December 21st to see what a year for The Last Of The Americans is like!. Until then, I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans, wishing everyone Happy Holidays! (The Scene ends with James and the team waving at the camera, then fades to black. Scene changes to James looking out on the roof of the studio as Rowdy, Jessica Lopez-Barkl, and Nick Lopez walk up and join James as 7:12-8:32 from "Black and Blue" from "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice" soundtrack plays.)
Jessica Lopez-Barkl:
Doesn't the cold bother you?
TLOTA:
It's a reminder of...
Nick Lopez:
Where are you now?
TLOTA:
Yeah, trapped in winter. Waiting for the thaw to warm everything and bring back any sign of hope.
Rowdy:
Is that why you spend some time out here?
TLOTA:
To remember what had happened five years ago. It was lockdown Christmas, and I went to sleep on my couch, wanting to wake up and have the world be back to normal. I woke up on the Winter Solstice, and I saw someone. When I walked out, that person was gone, and I never saw whoever it was again. Since then, I've felt like I've been buried in the snow.
Jessica Lopez-Barkl:
James, Snow melts, Spring does come, and when it does, you will be ready to grow, and life will be there for you.
Nick Lopez:
She's right, and we are going to be there to help you get out there more.
Rowdy:
We can get there in 2026.
TLOTA:
Maybe! Let's get inside, I'm freezing. (The Three walk back in as it fades to black.)
