Chapter 35
THE SPRINKLER Chapter Thirty-Five
7.1.2026
Editor – Mykal - Content – Technical - Layout
Research & Editor – Mike - Content - Layout
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Chapter 35
A Monthly Film-First Dispatch
Psycho Studios (Phoenix)
Film Image of the Month
John Carpenter’s The Thing is one of our favorite sci-fi, horror films! It’s in my top 25 favorite films of all time! Carpenter borrowed elements from the 1955 The Thing from Another Planet as well as the novella the ’55 classic was based on. Amazing location, cast, story, special effects with incredible tone and pace! This is a must watch or rewatch! Nobody trusts anybody, we’re all very tired.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Our format change has been in place for several months. I have received some very positive feedback. We will continue to tweak this newsletter as we move through the rest of the year.
Contents:
Film: New release review, and our Psycho Scale.
From the Vault: Films from the 1930s through the 1980s. Simply a watch suggestion.
VHS Corner: One film suggested, do you own a VCR?
Music: This is about music that is directly linked to a film or films. One soundtrack suggested.
Spotlight: Sometimes we honor those film & music greats from days gone by.
**We use the Psycho Scale when reviewing movies with a score, it is 0-Psycho (10) and these scores are real and true.
FILM
New Release
Backrooms – 2026 Rated R – runtime 1h 51m
By the Numbers:
Budget - $10 million – Box Office $330 million
I'd rather watch Weapons again and that's not a compliment.
The biggest surprise surrounding Backrooms isn't what's on the screen, it's the box office. The film has grossed more than $300 million, proving once again that commercial success and personal enjoyment don't always go hand in hand. The beauty of film is that none of us are right or wrong. Movies move people differently, and what resonates with one audience may completely miss another.
For me, Backrooms is simply a bad movie.
The story never finds its footing, the dialogue feels flat, the pacing drags, and the tone never settles into anything compelling. Add performances that range from average to occasionally over-the-top, and the result is a film that became increasingly difficult to sit through. It also suffers from being highly predictable. After the opening scenes, I felt I already knew where things were headed, and the film rarely surprised me along the way.
I originally considered giving Backrooms a Psycho Scale of 1/10, but then I remembered Cannibal Campout (1988), which still occupies that basement level for me. By comparison, Backrooms earns a slightly more generous 1.5/10.
Visually, the film appears relatively inexpensive, with much of its success likely driven by an effective marketing campaign rather than what ultimately appears on screen. From the first couple of scenes, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was watching another attempt to capture the same audience as Weapons, and unfortunately that's exactly where it landed for me.
As Mykal said while we were talking afterward, So many bad movies out there. It's a funny observation because there are certainly films that leave us scratching our heads while simultaneously earning enormous amounts of money. Go figure.
At Psycho Studios, one of our guiding principles has always been simple: smart films do not have to cost more. I still believe audiences appreciate intelligent storytelling, memorable characters, and thoughtful dialogue. Movies don't need massive budgets to be compelling; they simply need to be well written and well executed.
When the credits rolled, I wasn't angry as much as I was disappointed. I always go into a movie hoping it's going to surprise me or become a new favorite. Backrooms never came close. It felt unfocused, the characters failed to connect with me, and the performances often came across as formulaic rather than authentic.
Then again, at least it wasn't CHUM.
Not my kind of film
Psycho Scale: 1.5 out of 10.
Stick with the front room!
New Release
Obsession – 2025-2026 Rated R – runtime 1h 49m
By the Numbers:
Budget - $750K – Box Office $370 million
As I've said before, I always go into a new film with an open mind and a healthy dose of hope. My hope is simple: give me at least a solid 5 out of 10 and keep me engaged for most of the runtime. Thankfully, Obsession does far more than that.
Mykal first mentioned the buzz surrounding the film, and after watching the trailer I couldn't help but feel it revealed a bit too much. Fortunately, the movie itself delivers where it matters.
From its opening moments, Obsession establishes a confident tone and pace that rarely lets up. Writer and director Curry Barker takes a premise nearly everyone can relate to: becoming consumed by feelings for someone else. Whether it's an unrequited love, a failing relationship, or an unhealthy fixation, most of us have experienced some version of obsession. Barker amplifies those emotions into something unsettling and cinematic while never completely losing sight of the humanity underneath.
The film belongs to its two leads.
Michael Johnston is exceptional as Bear, creating a character who is sympathetic, frustrating, vulnerable, and increasingly difficult to predict. Equally impressive is Inde Navarrette as Nikki. Her performance anchors the emotional core of the film, and she absolutely owns every scene she's in. For me, neither actor was familiar before this movie, which made discovering both performances even more rewarding. There's something refreshing about seeing talented faces who aren't already attached to a dozen blockbuster franchises.
One of the film's greatest strengths is its intimacy. Obsession is proof that smart filmmaking isn't measured by the size of the budget. Most of the story unfolds indoors, with only a handful of exterior driving sequences, yet the limited locations never make the film feel small. Quite the opposite. Barker creates an atmosphere that becomes increasingly claustrophobic, drawing the audience deeper into the emotional spiral of its characters.
The supporting cast deserves recognition as well. Megan Lawless is outstanding as Sarah, delivering one of the film's strongest supporting performances. Most of the ensemble contributes meaningful work, although Cooper Tomlinson, who plays Ian, struggles at times to match the emotional intensity and natural chemistry displayed by the other principal actors. His performance isn't poor, but it does stand out against such a strong cast.
Discussing specific scenes would quickly venture into spoiler territory, and Obsession is a film best experienced with as few details as possible. What I can say is that the movie rewards patience with excellent dialogue, confident direction, memorable character work, and several unnerving special-effects sequences that enhance the psychological tension rather than overwhelm it.
The 109-minute runtime moves surprisingly quickly because the film remains invested in its characters first and foremost. That's something I always appreciate.
It's also fascinating to compare Obsession with Backrooms. Both films generated significant audience interest, yet my experience couldn't have been more different. Where Backrooms left me frustrated, Obsession reminded me why I love independent filmmaking. It's another example of something we firmly believe at Psycho Studios: smart films do not have to cost more. Give me compelling characters, sharp dialogue, confident direction, and a filmmaker with a clear vision over an inflated budget any day of the week.
Obsession certainly has its flaws, as every movie does, but I'd rather celebrate what it accomplishes than dwell on what it doesn't. This is a thoughtfully made psychological thriller with heart, style, and two breakout lead performances that I won't soon forget.
It was a treat from beginning to end.
Totally my kind of film
Psycho Scale: 8.5 out of 10.
I’m Obsessed!
FROM THE VAULT (1930s–1980s)
Reanimator 1985 Rated R – runtime 1h 35m
Reanimator is one of those defining horror films for me. I vividly remember going into a mom-and-pop video store and seeing the VHS cover and thinking, this movie is going to suck. Little did I know the film would rock and blow my mind. Mykal had a similar reaction without the videotape experience. Wild story, great cast, over the top gore and special effects make this a titular 1980’s horror film! 80’s vibe all the way!
VHS CORNER (Available only on videotape)
Cannibal Campout 1988 Rated R – runtime 1h 28m
This film is one of the worse movies I’ve ever seen, and I have seen in excess of 2K films. The acting, dialogue, story, special effects & script make it unwatchable. I should get an award for watching all 88 minutes of it! It’s the little things, things could be worse, I could be watching reality TV! Psycho Scale – 1 (Still a must watch for insane 80’s horror fans)
MUSIC (That collides with film)
To Live and Die in L.A. 1985 – 18 tracks – Runtime 1h 18m
This month’s soundtrack recommendation is 1985’s To Live and Die in L.A. 18 tracks on this incredible album (Special Anniversary Edition) drive this film’s eclectic, fast paced and unique tone! Wang Chung is the creative force behind this sound track not only providing several excellent songs, but also providing the entire musical score.
Clint Eastwood has been one of those actors that Mykal and I have been a fan of for decades. His directing talents have been a highlight over the years given his vast subject matters and genre variety. Revenge of the Creature, in 1955 was Eastwood’s first feature film. His directorial debut was 1971’s Play Misty For Me.
In Memoriam Oliver Tree
Oliver Tree was an amazing artist that transcended music, art and cultural trends. Tragically he was killed in a helicopter accident on June 14. Mykal has been a huge fan of Oliver’s for years and shared Tree’s music with me. I grew to appreciate his special sound & talents. His music gave our musical bond even more strength. He will be missed by many.
CLOSING THOUGHT
We refrain from speaking to politics, religion and the strife across the globe. Film has been an incredible connection and enthusiastic distraction, hobby and life pursuit. 2026 is Psycho Studio’s year, and we look forward to sharing thoughts, experiences and the like. We will start sharing some interesting details about this journey in the next chapter of The Sprinkler. We wish everyone a safe and happy summer.END
Mykal and I shared this credo with one another a couple years ago; it was poignant then & surely is today!
Be cool to one another
Please subscribe to our newsletter; back issues available with some great content!
We have thoroughly enjoyed writing this newsletter each month for almost three years! We will continue with our unique voice in a sea of sameness and will do so through 2026 with a newly streamlined format. Less is more!
Mykal and I wish everyone a positive June! Be safe and stay psycho! We would love to hear from our audience. Comments, feedback and suggestions are welcome!
Email us at - psychostudios66@gmail.com
Reach us at our website: www.psycho-studio.com
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The Sprinkler is dropped on the first of each month.
Mike & Mykal - Psycho Studios Phoenix – 7.1.2026
Thank you, Psychos! Chapter 35