Movie #3431 ........................."Wolfs" (Apple)

Movie #3431 "Wolfs" (Apple)   We were looking for something entertaining to watch tonight and found it in this film.  A lot of the dialogue is delivered "close to the vest" and smarmy , esp. between the two leads, but that and the action keep us watching.  There's no doubt these two guys have chemistry, and it's fun to see them at odds because they both think they are the best person for the job, and they work better alone.  There's one terrific chase scene, and the revelation discussion towards the end is delivered in such a way that we had to play it several times to follow it --- smart script that keeps a just okay story going.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5 and recommend it.

"WOLFS"     2024      rated R     1 hour and 48 mins       Apple

Two rival fixers corsss paths when they're both called in to help cover up a prominent New York official's misstep.  Over one explosive night, they'll have to set aside their petty grievances and their egos to finish the job.

Director:  Jon Watts

Writer:  Jon Watts

Actors:  George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Amy Ryan

 

Movie #3430 ........................."Zero Day" (miniseries Netflix)

 Movie #3430 "Zero Day" (miniseries Netflix)  Confusing at first, by the 4th episode i was on the edge of my seat --- In the opening we are getting used to all the characters and trying to figure ou who is who, but then story starts to kick in , it is much easier and becomes quite a good series.  DeNiro plays a Biden like character, well-respected previous president (with a black president woman newly in the white house) who is asked to take the leadership of a commission to find out who is behind threats to our grid system.  The heat is on, and the former president is fighting his own mental demons (caused by aging and a drug he is taking which is supposedly supposed to help him in the aging process).  His wife is played very capably by Joan Allan, and a special shout out to his daughter played very well by Lizzy Caplan.  I wasn't too impressed with Matthew Modine in his scenes, but the rest of the casting is well done, and the story moves well, esp. in the last 3 spades.  I'd give it a 4.2 and recommend it ---the message is important to think about in this day and age.  It serves as definitely a warning to us.

"ZERO DAY"         2025    MINISERIES     50 MIN. 6 episodes

In the midst of crisis:  how can we discover the truth when it seems that the world is being destroyed by uncontrollable forces?  Also, to what extent are conspiracy theories our own inventions or products of our imagination?

Creators:  Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, Michael Schmidt

Actors:  Robert DeNiro, Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan

Movie #3429 ........................."September 5" (Paramount + & Prime Video)

Movie #3429 "September 5" (Netflix)  There's so much to like here for me --- the editing, the intrigue and intensity, the pacing, the realism of the whole thing, how you are thrown into the story right away and it never quits, great editing, and it really is a wonderful video back story, if you like to watch that kind of thing --- which I do.  I just thought at times it could be a bit clearer for those of us watching because it treats the audience like it isn't there.  I'd still give it a 4.5 and recommend it.  And what a powerful ending! 

P.S.  I esp. enjoyed watching the main woman - the translator because I had seen her in a German film last year which I recommended entitled the "Teachers' Lounge."  She is terrific here, too!

'SEPTEMBER 5"      2025       rated R    1 hour and 35 mins   Paramount + and Prime Video

nominated for one oscar for writing ----- 

During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, an American sports broadcasting team must adapt to live coverage of the Israeli athletes being held hostage by a terrorist group.

Director:  Tim Fehlbaum

Writers:  Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David

Actors:  Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin

Movie #3428 ........................."SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night" (miniseries Peacock)

 Movie #3428 "SNL 50:  Bey9ond Saturday Night" (miniseries Peacock)  There are 4 episodes that cover:  "Five Minutes" - the tryouts only last 5 minutes, so several are covered in this episode, "The Writers' Room " -- shows how the writing occurs and who does what.  "Cowbells" covers the cowbell sketch from idea to performance (which almost didn't happen), and finally the last episode is the worst Season - Season 11 --- when the performers didn't get along, and the problems that occurred that year.  All were really well done and worth the watch.  I'd give this 4.5, with my favorite episode being on the cowbells sketch.

"SNL 50:  BEYOND SATURDAY NIGHT"       TV MINISERIES    2024    4 hrs and 6 minutes

This docuseries explores the iconic Saturday Night Live, showcasing the audition process, writing, infamous sketches, and the pivotal 11th season that cemented the show's DNA under Lorne Michaels' leadership.

Directors:  Robert Alexander, Neil Berkeley, Marshall Curry, Jason Zeldes

movie #3427 ........................."An Unexpected Valentine" (Hallmark)

Movie #3427 "An Unexpected Valentine" (Hallmark)  Gotta see all the Lacey Chabert films, of course, and this one came around during Valentine's week, and I'm glad I watched it.  It had good acting, fun stage business to watch, very creative, and the story centered around an engagement ring that Lacey finds in an uber driven by a good looking guy.  (shocker, right?)  What might be shocking though, is that I thought this was a 5 out of 5 , and if it comes around again, I think you'd enjoy it, and it would put you into the Valentine's Day spirit.

"AN UNEXPECTED VALENTINE"     2025     Hallmark    1 hour and 24 mins

A chance encounter on Valentine's Day brings Hannah and Finn together as they race through New York City to return a lost engagement ring and save one couple's special day.

Director:  Michael Robison

Writers:  Nicole Baxter, Jennifer Barrow

Actors:  Lacey Chabert, Robert Buckley, Jess Brown 

Movie #3426 ........................."Perfect Setting" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3426 "Perfect Setting" (Hallmark)   I wanted to see this one because it took place in Antwerp, Belgium, and I knew I would enjoy looking at all the beautiful buildings, etc. in this beautiful place.  I would like to visit it some day. In this story, I learned a bit about diamonds and setting and the artistry that goes into preparing hem for rings, etc.  The girl was genuine throughout and very enjoyable to watch, but the guy was miscast, in my opinion.  He really had a forced performance with big hand gestures and starts and stops wit emotion.  I'm on the fence with recommending it, but if you would like to see Belgium, too, you may enjoy this.  I give it a 3.8.

"THE PERFECT SETTING"             Hallmark  2025    2 hour and 24 mins

An aspiring jewelry designer returns to Belgium to visit her grandfather and hopefully win the Valentines Day Diamond Contest.

Director:  Jonathan Wright

Writers:  Karine Harwood, Julie Kim, Nina Weinman

Actors:  Laci J. Malley, David Eisendoorn, Hans Royaards