Albert Lanier
@writeralbertlanier.bsky.social
Writer and film analyst
Ex-Journalist and Film Reviewer
Writer of The Final Cut and Retro Review Movie newsletters on Substack.
University of Hawaii- West Oahu grad.
Host of Final Cut Movie Podcast.
Ex-Journalist and Film Reviewer
Writer of The Final Cut and Retro Review Movie newsletters on Substack.
University of Hawaii- West Oahu grad.
Host of Final Cut Movie Podcast.
My Media Tour in 2026 begins with a return to The Mind of Sai Marie Podcast next Monday.
It's Awards Season and so as a film analyst, the writer/ editor of Final Cut and Retro Review and host of the Final Cut Podcast, I will be discussing the Oscar's and films of 2025 plus Weapons and Sinners .
It's Awards Season and so as a film analyst, the writer/ editor of Final Cut and Retro Review and host of the Final Cut Podcast, I will be discussing the Oscar's and films of 2025 plus Weapons and Sinners .
The Mind of Sai Marie podcast is thrilled to welcome journalist and film critic Albert Lanier this Groundhog Day for an exclusive breakdown of the 2026 Academy Award nominations.
#AlbertLanier #MindofSaiMarie #Oscars2026 #SinnersMovie #Frankenstein #Weapons #FilmCrit #academyawards
#AlbertLanier #MindofSaiMarie #Oscars2026 #SinnersMovie #Frankenstein #Weapons #FilmCrit #academyawards
January 29, 2026 at 9:07 PM
My Media Tour in 2026 begins with a return to The Mind of Sai Marie Podcast next Monday.
It's Awards Season and so as a film analyst, the writer/ editor of Final Cut and Retro Review and host of the Final Cut Podcast, I will be discussing the Oscar's and films of 2025 plus Weapons and Sinners .
It's Awards Season and so as a film analyst, the writer/ editor of Final Cut and Retro Review and host of the Final Cut Podcast, I will be discussing the Oscar's and films of 2025 plus Weapons and Sinners .
NFL HOT TOPICS CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY
YouTube video by The Ryder Report
youtube.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:45 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: It's clear to me that Belichick pissed off a number of people in the NFL over the years. Keep in mind, after he left the Patriots , no team with coaching vacancies hired him and no team that is have heard is considering him now for HC jobs.
Rejecting Bill was the right move.
Rejecting Bill was the right move.
This one-year penance business reeks of score-settling, petty grudges and arm-twisting, writes @buckinboston.bsky.social.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Bill Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub has a whiff of piety, score-settling
Were voters acting in the best interests of "The Shield" or were they using this election as a chance to throw a sucker punch at the Hoodie?
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:27 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: It's clear to me that Belichick pissed off a number of people in the NFL over the years. Keep in mind, after he left the Patriots , no team with coaching vacancies hired him and no team that is have heard is considering him now for HC jobs.
Rejecting Bill was the right move.
Rejecting Bill was the right move.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: I guess in one way or another Ive imagined all season long that these two teams would inevitably meet each other in the Super Bowl and my thoughts have been made real by the results of the Final playoff games.
Thank goodness the Super Bowl is in Santa Clara. No snow storms.
Thank goodness the Super Bowl is in Santa Clara. No snow storms.
January 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: I guess in one way or another Ive imagined all season long that these two teams would inevitably meet each other in the Super Bowl and my thoughts have been made real by the results of the Final playoff games.
Thank goodness the Super Bowl is in Santa Clara. No snow storms.
Thank goodness the Super Bowl is in Santa Clara. No snow storms.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: The NFC Championship was- thank goodness- a first rate game with two QBs playing pitch perfect football and a contest that went down to the wire.
Special Teams made a difference.
I dont mean the Rams rather lackluster unit but the Seahawks punter who was simply excellent.
Special Teams made a difference.
I dont mean the Rams rather lackluster unit but the Seahawks punter who was simply excellent.
After the Rams cut Cooper Kupp last March, he was stunned that the most powerful people in the organization never called to thank him for his time with the franchise.
In retrospect, his former bosses should have known better.
They certainly know better now.
In retrospect, his former bosses should have known better.
They certainly know better now.
January 26, 2026 at 6:55 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: The NFC Championship was- thank goodness- a first rate game with two QBs playing pitch perfect football and a contest that went down to the wire.
Special Teams made a difference.
I dont mean the Rams rather lackluster unit but the Seahawks punter who was simply excellent.
Special Teams made a difference.
I dont mean the Rams rather lackluster unit but the Seahawks punter who was simply excellent.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: In what I now nickname the Blizzard Bowl, the New England Patriots managed to barely beat the Denver Broncos by a field goal in one of the worst AFC championship games Ive ever seen.
Wisely, the Patriots had Drake Maye run for first downs in the 2nd half. It helped them win.
Wisely, the Patriots had Drake Maye run for first downs in the 2nd half. It helped them win.
As the New England Patriots head to Santa Clara next week, look for plenty of their people to play the respect card, how nobody gave them a chance and so on.
It’s one of the oldest torch songs in sports history.
The difference this time is that it happens to be true.
It’s one of the oldest torch songs in sports history.
The difference this time is that it happens to be true.
January 26, 2026 at 6:50 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: In what I now nickname the Blizzard Bowl, the New England Patriots managed to barely beat the Denver Broncos by a field goal in one of the worst AFC championship games Ive ever seen.
Wisely, the Patriots had Drake Maye run for first downs in the 2nd half. It helped them win.
Wisely, the Patriots had Drake Maye run for first downs in the 2nd half. It helped them win.
NFL HOT TOPICS DIVISIONAL ROUND
YouTube video by The Ryder Report
youtube.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:41 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: If the playoffs seem like movies sometimes, then the Bears/ Rams game was as cinematic as it gets. It even had a climactic Hollywood moment as Caleb Williams threw a TD to take the Bears into OT.
Sadly though, the Bears lost.
I guess there is no joy in mudville.
Sadly though, the Bears lost.
I guess there is no joy in mudville.
Anyone who had followed this season felt confident the Bears were positioned to finish the job.
Caleb Williams' TD to end regulation felt like the “meant to be” moment of all “meant to be” moments.
Until it wasn’t.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Caleb Williams' TD to end regulation felt like the “meant to be” moment of all “meant to be” moments.
Until it wasn’t.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
January 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: If the playoffs seem like movies sometimes, then the Bears/ Rams game was as cinematic as it gets. It even had a climactic Hollywood moment as Caleb Williams threw a TD to take the Bears into OT.
Sadly though, the Bears lost.
I guess there is no joy in mudville.
Sadly though, the Bears lost.
I guess there is no joy in mudville.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: At some point, I was wondering watching this game between the Patriots and Texans if comedian Rob Schneider would turn up at some point saying "fumblaya" "fumblruski".
The Patriots defense has suddenly turned into a effective unit in the playoffs.
The Texans were out of their depth
The Patriots defense has suddenly turned into a effective unit in the playoffs.
The Texans were out of their depth
The Patriots and Texans currently have eight combined turnovers, the most in a playoff game since 2015.
January 19, 2026 at 6:53 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: At some point, I was wondering watching this game between the Patriots and Texans if comedian Rob Schneider would turn up at some point saying "fumblaya" "fumblruski".
The Patriots defense has suddenly turned into a effective unit in the playoffs.
The Texans were out of their depth
The Patriots defense has suddenly turned into a effective unit in the playoffs.
The Texans were out of their depth
OUTSIDE THE NFL: A previous Seahawk team was known as the Legion of Boom. I call this team the Legion of Doom because opponents seem doomed to lose to this squad.
A case in point is the San Francisco 49ers who got only 2 FGs against Seattle who pulverised them in their playoff game this past week.
A case in point is the San Francisco 49ers who got only 2 FGs against Seattle who pulverised them in their playoff game this past week.
January 19, 2026 at 6:47 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: A previous Seahawk team was known as the Legion of Boom. I call this team the Legion of Doom because opponents seem doomed to lose to this squad.
A case in point is the San Francisco 49ers who got only 2 FGs against Seattle who pulverised them in their playoff game this past week.
A case in point is the San Francisco 49ers who got only 2 FGs against Seattle who pulverised them in their playoff game this past week.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Outside of the controversial calls in this game, the Buffalo Bills failed to beat Denver largely because Josh Allen chose to throw a pass that sailed past his receiver instead of picking up a first down in the final seconds of regulation. Sometimes, it's wiser to play safe.
For the sixth-seeded Bills to have had a shot to win this game, they needed Josh Allen to be a superhero.
It’s a massive ask, and as great as he often is, it does not appear to be a viable formula for getting a flawed team to the Super Bowl.
✍️ @mikesilver.bsky.social
It’s a massive ask, and as great as he often is, it does not appear to be a viable formula for getting a flawed team to the Super Bowl.
✍️ @mikesilver.bsky.social
January 19, 2026 at 6:41 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Outside of the controversial calls in this game, the Buffalo Bills failed to beat Denver largely because Josh Allen chose to throw a pass that sailed past his receiver instead of picking up a first down in the final seconds of regulation. Sometimes, it's wiser to play safe.
youtube.com/live/jih3032...
My thanks to.the hosts of
Soul Take on Pittsburgh's
DSEN station for taking
A rare phone call take from me.
My thanks to.the hosts of
Soul Take on Pittsburgh's
DSEN station for taking
A rare phone call take from me.
Mike Tomlin Stepped Down As Steelers HC After 30-6 Loss To Texans/Miami-Indiana CF/Pens/Pitt MBB/NBA
YouTube video by Pittsburgh's DSEN
youtube.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:27 AM
youtube.com/live/jih3032...
My thanks to.the hosts of
Soul Take on Pittsburgh's
DSEN station for taking
A rare phone call take from me.
My thanks to.the hosts of
Soul Take on Pittsburgh's
DSEN station for taking
A rare phone call take from me.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Easily the worst game of the WildCard Weekend of playoffs what was a great match up turned into a dull, uninspired exchange of field goals and battle of two defenses.
New England won because they finally got in the end zone late and their defense demolished the LA Chargers OL.Ho-hum
New England won because they finally got in the end zone late and their defense demolished the LA Chargers OL.Ho-hum
FINAL: Patriots 16, Chargers 3.
Drake Maye gets his first NFL Playoff win.
Drake Maye gets his first NFL Playoff win.
January 12, 2026 at 7:17 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Easily the worst game of the WildCard Weekend of playoffs what was a great match up turned into a dull, uninspired exchange of field goals and battle of two defenses.
New England won because they finally got in the end zone late and their defense demolished the LA Chargers OL.Ho-hum
New England won because they finally got in the end zone late and their defense demolished the LA Chargers OL.Ho-hum
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Playoff games in my analysis normally come down to less than a handful of plays made on one side of the ball and plays not made on the other side.
The 49ers beat the Eagles because they made plays offensively including a trick play for a TD.
The Eagles had no plays left in the end.
The 49ers beat the Eagles because they made plays offensively including a trick play for a TD.
The Eagles had no plays left in the end.
THE 49ERS UPSET THE EAGLES TO ADVANCE TO THE DIVISIONAL ROUND 🔥
San Francisco will face NFC West rival Seattle next.
San Francisco will face NFC West rival Seattle next.
January 12, 2026 at 7:13 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Playoff games in my analysis normally come down to less than a handful of plays made on one side of the ball and plays not made on the other side.
The 49ers beat the Eagles because they made plays offensively including a trick play for a TD.
The Eagles had no plays left in the end.
The 49ers beat the Eagles because they made plays offensively including a trick play for a TD.
The Eagles had no plays left in the end.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: If there was a fitting visual metaphor of Buffalo's win over Jacksonville, it was Josh Allen being pushed by his offensive line nearly into the end zone late in the 4th.
The Jaguars simply couldn't win the chess game of the playoffs.
Their defense failed when they had a late lead.
The Jaguars simply couldn't win the chess game of the playoffs.
Their defense failed when they had a late lead.
Josh Allen is 1st in all-time NFL QB rankings in some major postseason categories 🔥
The Bills lead the Jaguars at halftime of the AFC wild-card game.
The Bills lead the Jaguars at halftime of the AFC wild-card game.
January 12, 2026 at 7:08 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: If there was a fitting visual metaphor of Buffalo's win over Jacksonville, it was Josh Allen being pushed by his offensive line nearly into the end zone late in the 4th.
The Jaguars simply couldn't win the chess game of the playoffs.
Their defense failed when they had a late lead.
The Jaguars simply couldn't win the chess game of the playoffs.
Their defense failed when they had a late lead.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Chicago's electric 18 point comeback against the Packers to win their first playoff game in several years happened because:
1.The Packers missed three kick attempts including a point after
2. GB defense gave up two easy TDs in the 4th
3. The precision of the Bears late 4th qtr play
1.The Packers missed three kick attempts including a point after
2. GB defense gave up two easy TDs in the 4th
3. The precision of the Bears late 4th qtr play
Week 16: DJ Moore catches a game-winning TD to beat the Packers at home.
Wild Card: DJ Moore catches a game-winning TD to beat the Packers at home.
Wild Card: DJ Moore catches a game-winning TD to beat the Packers at home.
January 12, 2026 at 6:52 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Chicago's electric 18 point comeback against the Packers to win their first playoff game in several years happened because:
1.The Packers missed three kick attempts including a point after
2. GB defense gave up two easy TDs in the 4th
3. The precision of the Bears late 4th qtr play
1.The Packers missed three kick attempts including a point after
2. GB defense gave up two easy TDs in the 4th
3. The precision of the Bears late 4th qtr play
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Considering that most of the wild card playoff games have come down to a final score, this phrase below could describe what happened in more than one game but it pertains to the Rams/ Panthers game.
Despite an effective offense, Carolina ended up beaten at the end by LA on a TD
Despite an effective offense, Carolina ended up beaten at the end by LA on a TD
Matthew Stafford is INTENSE.
"One of the most gangster things I've heard," said Davante Adams
"One of the most gangster things I've heard," said Davante Adams
January 12, 2026 at 6:37 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Considering that most of the wild card playoff games have come down to a final score, this phrase below could describe what happened in more than one game but it pertains to the Rams/ Panthers game.
Despite an effective offense, Carolina ended up beaten at the end by LA on a TD
Despite an effective offense, Carolina ended up beaten at the end by LA on a TD
youtube.com/watch?v=kE5C...
Week 18 final regular season segment plus playoff preview
For Wild Card
On The Ryder Report.
Week 18 final regular season segment plus playoff preview
For Wild Card
On The Ryder Report.
NFL WEEK 18 HOT TOPICS
YouTube video by The Ryder Report
youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:15 AM
youtube.com/watch?v=kE5C...
Week 18 final regular season segment plus playoff preview
For Wild Card
On The Ryder Report.
Week 18 final regular season segment plus playoff preview
For Wild Card
On The Ryder Report.
As a Steelers fan, Im used to seeing Pittsburgh in the playoffs
This year was different. The failure of the Steelers to beat Cleveland thus setting up the one and done match up to either survive into the postseason or die at the end of season was nail biting but triumphant.
What a win.
This year was different. The failure of the Steelers to beat Cleveland thus setting up the one and done match up to either survive into the postseason or die at the end of season was nail biting but triumphant.
What a win.
Aaron Rodgers is back in the NFL playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season.
January 6, 2026 at 7:04 PM
As a Steelers fan, Im used to seeing Pittsburgh in the playoffs
This year was different. The failure of the Steelers to beat Cleveland thus setting up the one and done match up to either survive into the postseason or die at the end of season was nail biting but triumphant.
What a win.
This year was different. The failure of the Steelers to beat Cleveland thus setting up the one and done match up to either survive into the postseason or die at the end of season was nail biting but triumphant.
What a win.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Week 18 saw a couple of tight, excellent games mixed among a number of bland ones but the best was saved for last as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat their despised rival Baltimore by a couple of points.
The ending of this game seemed more Hollywood than NFL.
There is joy in Mudville.
The ending of this game seemed more Hollywood than NFL.
There is joy in Mudville.
In 35 days, we’ll have a Super Bowl champion.
The playoff field is set, with the final spot going to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who defeated the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 in an instant classic Sunday night to win the division.
The playoff field is set, with the final spot going to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who defeated the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 in an instant classic Sunday night to win the division.
January 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: Week 18 saw a couple of tight, excellent games mixed among a number of bland ones but the best was saved for last as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat their despised rival Baltimore by a couple of points.
The ending of this game seemed more Hollywood than NFL.
There is joy in Mudville.
The ending of this game seemed more Hollywood than NFL.
There is joy in Mudville.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: I've stated on my youtube show The Wiseguy Show and on my NFL segment on the radio show The Ryder Report that Seattle is one of the two best teams in the NFL this year along with the Rams.
Seattle seems satisfied with winning in different ways.
Will they keep winning?
We will see
Seattle seems satisfied with winning in different ways.
Will they keep winning?
We will see
In the NFC, the Seahawks appear the favorite.
"I like Seattle," another coach said. "They are complete on defense. They play hard. They run the ball, so the game is pretty short."
@sandonfl.bsky.social breaks it all down in this week’s Pick Six ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
"I like Seattle," another coach said. "They are complete on defense. They play hard. They run the ball, so the game is pretty short."
@sandonfl.bsky.social breaks it all down in this week’s Pick Six ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Seahawks the Super Bowl favorite? Who wins wide-open AFC playoff race? Pick Six
The stage is set for the most unpredictable playoffs in years, especially in the AFC. Coaches and execs helped us break down the field.
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:52 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: I've stated on my youtube show The Wiseguy Show and on my NFL segment on the radio show The Ryder Report that Seattle is one of the two best teams in the NFL this year along with the Rams.
Seattle seems satisfied with winning in different ways.
Will they keep winning?
We will see
Seattle seems satisfied with winning in different ways.
Will they keep winning?
We will see
OUTSIDE THE NFL: The Carolina Panthers lost to Tampa Bay but ultimately won their division a n d went to the playoffs thanks to Atlanta's win over New Orleans
What is interesting is that the Panthers have had a turn around season. It's nowhere near as good as the Bears and the Jaguars admittedly.
What is interesting is that the Panthers have had a turn around season. It's nowhere near as good as the Bears and the Jaguars admittedly.
With the Falcons’ win over the Saints, the Panthers clinched the NFC South and a spot in the playoffs.
The last time they clinched the division was 2015.
The last time they clinched the division was 2015.
January 6, 2026 at 6:39 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: The Carolina Panthers lost to Tampa Bay but ultimately won their division a n d went to the playoffs thanks to Atlanta's win over New Orleans
What is interesting is that the Panthers have had a turn around season. It's nowhere near as good as the Bears and the Jaguars admittedly.
What is interesting is that the Panthers have had a turn around season. It's nowhere near as good as the Bears and the Jaguars admittedly.
OUTSIDE THE NFL: The Las Vegas Raiders have had an abysmal season though on Sunday, they ended the year with a win over their hated rival Kansas City. HC Pete Carroll is now gone. The Raiders will have to start over again with a new coach and one hopes, a new offensive line.
The result of the Raiders’ Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs cannot change the top selection.
More details ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
More details ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Las Vegas Raiders clinch No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
The Raiders secured the No. 1 pick before even playing Sunday, while the Giants could fall out of the top five.
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:35 PM
OUTSIDE THE NFL: The Las Vegas Raiders have had an abysmal season though on Sunday, they ended the year with a win over their hated rival Kansas City. HC Pete Carroll is now gone. The Raiders will have to start over again with a new coach and one hopes, a new offensive line.
youtube.com/live/CdkiOHX...
I did a pre-recorded interview
For the Ryder's Rocking Eve,
A radio NYE countdown show
This week live from Temecula, California.
I talked about the Golden Globe
Nominees as well as movies in general.
I've never done a NYE show before.
Enjoyable booking.
I did a pre-recorded interview
For the Ryder's Rocking Eve,
A radio NYE countdown show
This week live from Temecula, California.
I talked about the Golden Globe
Nominees as well as movies in general.
I've never done a NYE show before.
Enjoyable booking.
RYDER'S ROCKING NEW YEARS EVE 2026
YouTube video by The Ryder Report
youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:39 PM
youtube.com/live/CdkiOHX...
I did a pre-recorded interview
For the Ryder's Rocking Eve,
A radio NYE countdown show
This week live from Temecula, California.
I talked about the Golden Globe
Nominees as well as movies in general.
I've never done a NYE show before.
Enjoyable booking.
I did a pre-recorded interview
For the Ryder's Rocking Eve,
A radio NYE countdown show
This week live from Temecula, California.
I talked about the Golden Globe
Nominees as well as movies in general.
I've never done a NYE show before.
Enjoyable booking.
