Entertainment
Criminally Underrated 90s Thriller Is A Brutal Blackmail Beatdown
By Robert Scucci
| Published
Confession time. When I first saw the title Johnny Skidmarks after firing up Tubi for my usual helping of unhinged and obscure cinema, my immature eighth-grade brain thought I was about to get into another disasterpiece like Buttcrack (my review here). I thought this even though the 1998 film’s cover clearly has tire tracks on it, referring to an entirely different kind of skidmark. You know, the kind from a car.
If you’ve been reading my reviews for any length of time, you know full well that I’ll click play on just about anything in hopes of finding hidden gems that may have been overlooked when they were first making their rounds. What truly sold me on Johnny Skidmarks was John Lithgow, whose back catalog I’ve been slowly working through because he’s just so good at playing a man who can keep it together right up until he absolutely cannot.
While Lithgow delivers one such performance in Johnny Skidmarks, the real appeal is the film’s mystery itself, which revolves around blackmail, murder, and what I consider to be the perfect amount of comic relief in the form of Jack Black reliably acting like Jack Black without overdoing it.
The Humanity Of It All
Peter Gallagher stars as Johnny Scardino, though he’s known among his peers as Johnny Skidmarks due to the nature of his work. Johnny is a crime scene photographer, and more often than not his assignments involve fatal car wrecks so authorities and insurance companies can process the paperwork and close their cases.
As a side hustle, Johnny also works as a blackmailer, and his operation is surprisingly simple. Prostitutes are hired to seduce influential people at a seedy motel, which allows Johnny and his crew to burst in, snap incriminating photos, and use them however they see fit.
Johnny is clearly on the verge of burnout from the gruesome images he encounters on a daily basis, which prompts Sergeant Larry Skovik (John Lithgow) to remind him to think about the humanity of it all. That approach doesn’t register with Johnny, though, as he’s become so desensitized to death that he barely views the subjects of his photos as people anymore.
The Burger Connection
Outside of work, Johnny lives a solitary life following his wife’s death. He spends much of his free time at Happy Burger, owned by his former brother-in-law, Jerry (Jack Black). Jerry dispenses sage-like advice largely because Johnny appears to be his only regular customer, and one of those bits of advice leads Johnny to strike up a conversation with Alice (Frances McDormand) when she stops in for a bite. The two hit it off almost immediately, which is unfortunate timing, because Johnny soon realizes he’s in serious trouble. The blackmailers he’d been working with up to this point start turning up dead in increasingly brutal fashion.
To make matters worse, Johnny is routinely called in to photograph these crime scenes himself. Since no one knows about his extracurricular activities, he’s forced to document the aftermath of murders that may be directly connected to him. Knowing he could very well be next, Johnny finds himself in an impossible position. He can’t go to the cops without exposing his illegal side business, and he can’t confide in Alice, who comes from generational wealth and may very well be connected to the powerful figures he’s been extorting this entire time.
Jerry, meanwhile, grows frustrated that Johnny is spending more time with Alice and less time with him, leaving Johnny without a single person he can fully lean on for support.
Late 90s Quirk, But Plays It Surprisingly Straight
At the end of the day, Johnny Skidmarks plays like a neo noir crime thriller with a sharp comedic edge. Much of the humor comes from the story’s inherent absurdity, while Jack Black pops in at just the right moments to deliver his familiar energy without overpowering the narrative.
It’s a well-rounded mystery with a third act twist that’s further elevated by Peter Gallagher’s consistently deadpan reaction to the chaos unfolding around him. His restraint does a lot of the heavy lifting and keeps the film grounded even when things get strange.
Johnny Skidmarks isn’t a groundbreaking genre entry by any stretch, but it’s a serviceable and often funny thriller that likely slipped through the cracks upon its initial release. If you’re looking for a solid 90s flick to pass the time and pick up a few genuine laughs along the way, Johnny Skidmarks is currently streaming on Tubi for free as of this writing.
Entertainment
Amazons early Presidents Day deals include discounts on Apple, Roborock, and more
Best early Presidents’ Day deals as of Feb. 9:
If you missed out on last year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Presidents’ Day is the next major sales event worth shopping — and the first big opportunity of 2026 to save. Historically, this holiday is known for its discounted prices on large appliances, mattresses, and furniture, but if you know where to look, you can find some pretty good deals on smaller home goods and tech.
Here’s everything we know so far about Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale, including the deals you can shop right now.
When is Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale?
Presidents’ Day is Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. While Amazon has yet to announce an “official” sale event, the retailer typically treats the holiday as a long-weekend clearance event, and there are tons of deals already available. As we get closer to the weekend, we anticipate even more markdowns, particularly on Amazon devices (e.g., Echos, Kindles, Fire Sticks) and floor-care brands like Roborock and Dyson.
When does Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale end?
As with previous sales events, Amazon’s Presidents’ Day deals will run through the three-day weekend, likely capping off late Monday night. In true Amazon style, we expect some Lightning Deals to pop up in the days leading up to the holiday, but don’t expect the best inventory to linger past Monday.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best early Presidents’ Day deals we could find as of Feb. 9:
Best Presidents’ Day Apple deal
$299
at Walmart
$399
Save $100
Why we like it
The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) is down to $299 right now. That’s a $100 discount, which isn’t too shabby for a deal this early in the year. It’s the lowest price we’ve tracked on this model (according to CamelCamelCamel, it last hit this price on Dec. 30, 2025).
The Series 11 is a Mashable Choice Award winner that features advanced health tracking, up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge (normal use), and a more durable exterior that’s 2x more scratch-resistant than the previous generation.
More Apple deals
Best Presidents’ Day Amazon device deal
$179.99
at Amazon
$219.99
Save $40
Why we like it
The Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) was just announced this past October as part of Amazon’s big smart home refresh, and it’s already hitting its lowest price ever. Right now, you can grab it for $179.99, which is an 18% discount off the list price of $219.99.
It features a vibrant 11-inch Full-HD display (offering 60% more viewing area than the Echo Show 8) and room-filling spatial audio, making it a legitimate kitchen TV for streaming Netflix or Prime Video while you cook. It runs on the AZ3 Pro chip for faster responses and includes Alexa+ integration. Plus, the camera is upgraded with auto-framing and zoom for better video calls.
More Amazon device deals
Best Presidents’ Day TV deal
$179.99
at Amazon
$349.99
Save $170
Why we like it
The Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-55F501NA26) is 49% off right now, bringing its price down to an impressive $179.99. That’s a solid deal for a 55-inch TV with smart capabilities (it’s also an Amazon’s Choice product with a 4.3-star rating from over 6K+ Amazon reviews).
Mashable Deals
The F50 Series includes an Alexa Voice Remote and features a 4K Ultra HD display with dynamic range, DTS Virtual:X sound, and Amazon’s Fire TV experience built in for seamless streaming. You’ll find your favorite streaming platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max, plus millions of free movies and TV episodes.
More TV deals
Best Presidents’ Day robot vacuum deal
Why we like it
Right now, you can get the Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum-mop combo for $299.99, down from $549.99. This is the lowest price we’ve ever tracked for this model, and it’s our all-time favorite “quietest” robot vacuum.
Mashable’s vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, says this combo vac offers the best bang for your buck. With 10,000 Pa of suction and an auto-lift feature for the mop (so it doesn’t wet your carpets), you honestly can’t go wrong with the Q10 S5+.
More robot vacuum deals
Entertainment
When will Wicked: For Good be streaming? What to know to watch it at home.
Table of Contents
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande returned to the big screen to conclude Elphaba and Glinda’s story this past fall with Wicked: For Good.
Directed by Jon M. Chu once again, Wicked: For Good continues the story from the Broadway musical adaptation Wicked, which absolutely dominated the box office in 2024. Part one also picked up 10 Academy Award nominations, winning two for production design and costume design, and setting the bar extremely high for part two.
Besides Erivo and Grande, Wicked: For Good also stars Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode. It hit theaters in November 2025 and is now officially available to watch at home. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in — including when and where it’s streaming.
What is Wicked: For Good about?
Wicked: For Good picks up where Wicked leaves off — in the wake of Elphaba’s (Erivo) showdown with the Wizard of Oz (Goldblum). Having been labeled as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba now lives in hiding. Glinda, on the other hand, has become a symbol of good as well as a public figure. Glinda hopes to protect Elphaba from an actual witch hunt, all the while, an outsider (Dorothy) arrives in Oz. The second act follows Dorothy and her Yellow Brick Road-trekking pals from the perspective of Elphaba.
Check out the official trailer below.
Is Wicked: For Good worth watching?
It’s tough for a sequel to live up to its predecessor, and Wicked: For Good struggles to match the magic of the first movie. On Rotten Tomatoes, for instance, Wicked holds an 88 percent critic score. Wicked: For Good, on the other hand, holds just a 66 percent. Audiences are pretty enthralled with both, though. Both films have over a 90 percent audience rating, though many people have debated whether two separate films were necessary in the first place.
“In the end, Wicked: For Good is sure to enthrall fans of the Broadway show, the first movie, and just about anyone who loves a splashy movie musical. Despite its faults, it’s still good,” writes Mashable’s entertainment editor, Kristy Puchko.
Check out our full review of Wicked: For Good.
How to watch Wicked: For Good at home
Credit: Universal Pictures
There are now a few different ways you can watch Wicked: For Good at home. You can buy it or rent it at digital-on-demand retailers for as low as $19.99, or you can stream it on Peacock. See the details below.
Mashable Top Stories
Buy or rent it on digital
Wicked’s second act is available as of Dec. 30, 2025, to buy or rent at digital-on-demand retailers. If you choose to rent, you’ll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it instead, then it’s yours to keep with no watch limits.
Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:
Stream it on Peacock
Following the same timeline as its predecessor, Wicked: For Good will start streaming on Peacock on March 20, 2026. That’s almost exactly a year to the day since Wicked part one made its streaming debut.
If you don’t have a Peacock subscription, you can sign up for $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without. Before you get ahead of yourself, though, be sure to check out the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.
The best Peacock streaming deals
Best Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription
$109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%)
The best Peacock deal for most folks is the annual subscription deal. You’ll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. That’s a total of $109.99 with ads (which breaks down to just $9.17 per month compared to $10.99) or $169.99 without ads (which breaks down to $14.16 per month compared to $16.99). That’s about $21.89 in savings on the ad-supported tier or $33.89 on the ad-free tier.
Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts
Credit: Peacock / Xfinity
Free for select Xfinity customers
Xfinity customers should check the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock, as you might be able to score a subscription for free. Check out the breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity below (or head to Xfinity.com for more details).
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Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
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NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
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New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
Best Peacock deal for students and young adults: Save $5/month for one year
$5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month)
$5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month)
Students and young adults can save $5 per month on a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Just verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the cost down to just $5.99 instead of $10.99. Note that after the promo year is up, you’ll be charged full price again unless you cancel.
Best for first responders, medical professionals, military, and teachers: Save $4/month
$6.99 per month (save $4 per month)
$6.99 per month (save $4 per month)
$6.99/month (save $4 per month)
First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all secure a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month by verifying their professional status via SheerID. Unlike the student deal, however, it’s not limited to a year. Those who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew their subscription at a discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Rates are also subject to change year to year.
Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers
Credit: Instacart / Peacock
Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year)
An Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value) on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. Plus, if you’re new to Instacart+, you’ll get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Just be sure to cancel before you’re charged the full amount — do yourself a favor and set a calendar alert.
Best for Walmart shoppers: free Peacock Premium for Walmart+ members
Walmart now offers Walmart+ members the ability to choose Peacock Premium (or Paramount+) as a free perk. A $109.99 value, your $98 Walmart+ membership is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Add in free shipping (with no order minimums), fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart’s major shopping events, and you’ve got yourself a pretty sweet subscription. Amazon Prime who?
UPDATE: Feb. 9, 2026, 11:51 a.m. This article has been updated with new streaming details.
Entertainment
Sukhie’s Lipstick Trick Is Too Good
Do you have a holy-grail beauty product or trick? A few months back, Joanna shared five products she swears by, and it got us thinking about the tried-and-true favorites we’re devoted to: the nail polish we go back to over and over again; the world’s best-smelling sunscreen; that one little tip that totally changed the way we do our hair (for me, it was this post!). This week, after seeing Sukhie Patel’s gorgeous lipstick on Instagram, we asked her to share her secrets. And boy did she deliver…
Sukhie’s lipstick trick: “I apply a thin layer of Anastasia Lipstick in American Doll, blur the edges around my lip line with my pinkie, then add a layer of Weleda Skin Food, which keeps my lips moisturized all day.” How gorgeous is the effect?
The duo works for blush, too. “Next, on the back of my hand, I mix a tiny dollop of Skin Food with liquid lipstick, and dab it on my cheeks for a sheer, glossy blush that inherently compliments my lips,” says Sukhie. “Finally, I add a couple dots of plain Skin Food to the tops of my cheekbones as a highlighter — et voila.”
How about her runners up? “My magical mousse for curly hair gwôrls: Evo Whip It Good — I even buy travel bottles for work trips. Plus, skin scrubby mitts, the bulk bag of Epsom salts (16 oz tins in this economy?!), Clinique bottom lash mascara that gives a kitten flick at the corners of your lashes and doubles as an eyebrow gel; and using my electric toothbrush in the shower to combat sensory challenges.”
Thank you, Sukhie!
Do you have a favorite product or trick? In the past, we asked folks about their beauty uniforms. Now we want to know about your heroes: those few things you will love forever. More posts like this coming up soon. xo
P.S. Sukhie’s week of outfits, and the random $10 beauty product we swear by.
Amazons early Presidents Day deals include discounts on Apple, Roborock, and more
When will Wicked: For Good be streaming? What to know to watch it at home.
