Def Rec

 Def Rec: JCVD Season Welcome to Splitsville: We’re nearing the end of summer but you still have time to watch hard-hitting (and roundhouse kicking) blockbusters starring none other than Jean-Claude Van Damme. But which of JCVD’s fiery action movies should you choose? I started the sweltering season with a mission to refamiliarize myself with the Muscles From Brussels. After weeks of chops, sweeps, punches, and headbutts, I can definitely recommend what Van Damage is right for you. I’m only in the first phase of my movie martial arts journey, so this sizzling selection is from the early era of the legendary actor’s career. Full disclosure: I did some time-hopping and revisited Timecop (1994) but mostly stayed within the blazing beginning of international superstar’s film streak. Now it’s time to split and run down the Van Damme movies I’ve screened so far. At the end, I’ll reveal which out of all of them I definitely recommend. Like JCVD’s ESL speaking lines, I’ll keep these as sh...

  Def Rec: Non-Spoiler Review of the newest Spider-Man Movie Should you watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)? It’s not a question of whether or not I definitely recommend that you watch the latest Tom Holland-starring Spidey flick - it’s not even an issue of when you ought to see it. Most people are rushing to the theaters to see it or seeking any alternative means to do so. Let’s be honest, this is a Marvel movie that actually feels like it matters (for a change, in my opinion), so there is a serious sense of urgency. In addition to simply being excited about this new MCU adventure, eager fans are also wanting to avoid online spoilers. In order to escape crucial plot details, you would have to go completely dark, which the vast majority of folks aren’t willing to do. It’s sad, but this is the world we live in. Yet there are those among us who are either legitimately willing to hold out for streaming or just can’t go to the cinema for whatever reason. Regardless of when or where...

 Eric Icarus: Mythos is here Fans of superheroes, sci-fi, teen drama, emotional trauma, revenge, and robots - this adventure anthology is for you. I’m excited to launch my newest book, Eric Icarus: Mythos, an action-packed four-part collection of short story prequels. The world of Unsecret Identity and Unsecret Origin keeps expanding and reaching new heights. As the series developed, the characters and their unique histories grew to where there was more lore to explore. This set of “untold tales” can be read as standalone stories though they do all connect. You do not need to read Eric Icarus Books One or Two since Mythos takes place before those events. Synopses: Unmask the truth, unleash the heroes - the Mythos begins here. Years before the rise of Eric Icarus, these are untold tales of dangerous secrets, fractured heroes, and the buried history of the Super Society, the legendary defenders of New St. Cloud City. THE SUPERVILLAIN’S OATH: For the first time in print! Teen...

  Def Rec: Best “Day” Movies Training Day (2001) Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) gives Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) a run for his money by having maybe the worst 24-hour shift ever. On his first day on a new gig as a narcotics detective, Jake gets to partner with really seasoned LAPD vet Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). The pair break laws, bend truths, and get wet. Director Antoine Fuqua created an immortal film about street crime and cop corruption that lives on in memes and is infinitely quotable. People loved the movie so much that a television adaptation debuted in 2017. Starring Bill Paxton as Detective Frank Rourke and Justin Cornwell as Detective Kyle Craig, this “Day” only lasted thirteen episodes. Similar to the likes of 24: Legacy (2016-2017) and the TV series version of Dark Blue (2009-2010), you simply can’t bottle the lightning of the original cast. Reason To Rec: Washington’s bigger than life - and Oscar-winning - performance is worth the price of admission. This is...

  Def Rec: A Diamond In the Rough or Just Another Biopic? Song Sung Blue (2025) does a solid job of differentiating itself from other rockin’ biopics like Michael (2026), Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (2025), Straight Outta Compton (2015), Rocketman (2019), Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Walk the Line (2005), Bob Marley: One Love (2024), Ray (2004), A Complete Unknown (2024), Elvis (2022), I Can Only Imagine’s 1 & 2 (2018, 2026)… Boy, there have been a lot of these. Sure, they’re all based (sometimes very loosely) on true stories, but the crucial element separating this celebration of Neil Diamond’s music is that it’s not about Neil Diamond’s life. Inspired by the documentary of the same name, Song Sung Blue tells the (love) story of Mike “Lightning” Sardina (Hugh Jackman) and Claire “Thunder” Sardina (Kate Hudson), following their huge ups and devastating downs along their musical journey as a Neil Diamond tribute act. Since the film revolves around the catalogu...

  Movie Mash-Up Names of Same-Day Big Releases What is the “Barbenheimer” name for Supergirl (2026) and Jackass: Best and Last (2026)? They share the same release date of June 26, 2026 (well, the same weekend, anyway), and while the hype for both films isn’t evenly matched, these are two popular and well-known intellectual properties coming out at the same time. So, naturally, the question has arisen - what is their movie mash-up name? For the latest live action adventure of the Girl of Steel and what is implied to be the final stunt showcase of Johnny Knoxville and company, their combined title is… probably not repeatable in decent society. But we can’t deny Girl Jack. Or Super Best if we use the Jackass subtitle, but that’s not as fun. Jacker Girl, Super Jack, Sackerass - there’s no end to the possibilities! If you only watch one of these two summer blockbusters*, the movie I definitely recommend is… Well, my honest opinion is neither. But Def Rec is, among other things, a reco...