Movie #3671 ........................."The Odyssey" (movie theater - true IMAX at Seven Bridges)

 Movie #3671 "The Odyssey" (movie theater - true IMAX at Seven Bridges)  Yep, we had to make a reservation two months in advance to see this one at 7:45 a.m. on a Sunday morning a few weeks ago.  One person in the audience was from Minnesota because there wasn't a rue  Imax theatre in his state. (this Seven Bridges one is the only one in Illinois!  and we happened to live near it, so we thought we should see it that way.  I am glad we did because I was NOT going into this thinking I would like the movie -- not a fan of the Iliad or Odyssey when I had to read it for a classics class, not a fan of the period in history, not a mythology fan, and don't like to see lots of fights!  However, I really liked the film -- the pacing, the hugeness of the visuals, the realness of the visuals, the clear sound, the vastness of the ocean, the remoteness of the locations, the excellent acting and direction -- I could go on and on, but it's a film that we should be proud of have done in by our American film industry.  And it was reasonably priced!  I couldn't believe all the work that went in to make this happen.  I was wowed.  but another however.... I would give it 4.5 because there was way too much fighting at the end.  I would have shortened that so much more -- but that's just one vote .  I highly recommend it, and if you can see it in true IMAX, do it.  I don't think you'd be disappointed at all!  and you may like it and appreciate it even more (like I did!)

"THE ODYSSEY"        2026       R      2 hours and 52 minutes        Imax theater

After the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops, Sirens,  Circe, and Calypso along the way.

Director:  Christopher Nolan

Writers:  Christopher Nolan, Homer

Actors:  Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Samantha Morton

Movie #3670 ........................."Colin from Accounts" Season 2 (Paramount +/Amazon Prime)

 Movie #3670 "Colin from Accounts" Season 2 (Paramount +/Amazon Prime)  After  Season 1 and the meet cute (car hitting a dog (Colin))  and sharing of the care of the dog (and even sharing a house to do that even though they are like oil and water) , they are now a couple in Season 2.  So the show deals with how oil and water their friends and relatives are, as well.  And, of course, they get into the weirdest discussions and situations that turn out to be more funny stuff --- we can't believe the stuff that happens in these shows --- so crazy and awkward and out there.  They have to deal with their jobs, as well -- his brewery is in dire need of money, and her job is tough because she has such a misogynist for a boss (she's trying to be a doctor).  Then there are dealings with previous exes.  Still funny, so we are still watching and just started Season 3 last night.  Season 2 I'd give 4.5.

"COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS"         Paramount Plus    2025     8 episodes, 27 mins each

A microbrewery owner and a student doctor are brought together by a car accident that injures a stray dog (Colin) whom they agree to adopt, forcing them to navigate each other's vulnerabilities.

Creators are the actors:  Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer (and they are married)

Movie #3669 ........................."Patience" Season 2 (PBS)

Movie #3669 "Patience" Season 2 (PBS)   - continuation of season 1 with one big difference -- a different detective for Patience to work with -- this time the woman is bossy, mean to Patience, and has a backstory we have to get to know before we better understand her.  It took 4 episodes to like this woman, so it was tough continuing this series; however, the last episodes in this series were the best from both seasons, we thought.  So we are looking forward to Season 3.  Patience in this season has an on again off again courtship with a cute guy who is on the forensic team.  And we get to know more about Patience's backstory and some important information is revealed.  I'd give this one a 4.5, too.

"PATIENCE"      PBS     2026    7 episodes , about 45 minutes each      

the same info as last time except Bea Metcalf, the new detective Frankie Monroe,  is played by  Jessica Hynes.     

Movie #3668 ........................."Patience " - Season 1 (PBS)

Movie #3668 "Patience" Season 1  (PBS)  What a lovely character in the series.  She is on the spectrum, works in criminal records and has a gift of keen observation and memory that is put to use in the crime department in York, England (beautiful walled-in city that we got to visit when traveling to the UK).  It takes a while for the main detective in this series to learn how to get the most out of Patience's abilities -- she finds she really needs to have patience to deal with her!  and what makes it more important to this  detective  is that her son has a lot of the same characteristics that Patience has.  They learn to build a functioning  relationship, and it's a shame that the actress who plays the detective does not show up for Season 2 due to other commitments.  I'd give this season a 4.5 --- steady and strong all the way through --- a few of the cases were kind of out there, but still the characters pull the story back in to the audience.

"PATIENCE" - Season 1     2025     7 episodes, about 45 mins each     PBS

Patience catalogues evidence in the Yorkshire Police records department.  A brilliant self-taught criminologist with keen crime scene instincts, her talent is spotted by Metcalf, opening new worlds for the archivist.  The detective Bea  Metcalfe and Patience form an unlikely but brilliant team for solving the most complex of murders committed within the historic city of York.

Creators:  Laurent Burtin, Alexandre de Seguins

Actors:  Ella Maisy Purvis,  Laura Fraser, Mark Benton Nathan Welsh, 

Moie #3667 ........................."Mayday" (Apple)

 Movie #3667 "MayDay" (Apple)  Ryan Reynolds, Kenneth Brannagh!  How could I not see the two of them in a movie!  And I'm glad I did .  It's funny, fast paced, topical, big train scene, everything in an action movie you would want, and then some -- I can do without the massive and long fight scenes, but that goes with the genre.  And surprise!  No time for romance....rather it's a  bromance!  A building of a friendship even though one is a Navy fighter pilot (hard to believe how good he is) and the other a Russian whose dream is to live in America (that's not hard to believe! ) Some twists and turns along the way make way for a very entertaining film that I would give  a 4 to.  See it because it's fun to watch these two work with each other!

"MAYDAY"     2026      PG-13     1 hour and 50 mins     Apple

Lieutenant Troy Brennan's reconnaissance mission over Soviet territory goes awry, forcing him to crash-land and survive in Russian wilderness while evading capture or rescue.

Dirrectors:  John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein

Writers:  see above

Actors:  Ryan Reynolds, Kenneth Branagh

Movie #3666 ........................."Juror #2" (netflix)

Movie #3666 "Juror #2" (netflix)  This was Clint Eastwood's last directorial job, and I can't remember liking one of his movies more.... This was definitely a think piece, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end..... and I wanted to talk about it afterwards, which is a big selling feature for me, as well.  IF anyone is reading this and has seen the film, let me know so we can exchange thoughts on it.  Anyway, a couple of big twists I didn't see coming, and it made me think a lot about lawyers and how much power they can wield within the confines of a case.  And how we can get in trouble by just not saying anything... I don't want  to give anything away, so I will just make a comment or two on the acting -- very well done -- (Love Zoey Deutch and she is outstanding as the wife of the juror in this one and actually the main reason I watched the movie in the first place).  The pacing is good, too.   Never boring to me.  I'd give this a 4.5.

"JUROR  #2"      Netflix   2024     PG-13     1 hour and 54 mins

While serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial, a family man finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma, one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict or free the wrong killer.

Director:  Clint Eaastwood

Writer:  Jonathan A Abrams

Actors:  Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, Zoey Deutch 

Movie #3665 ........................."The Five Star Weekend" (Peacock)

Movie #3665 "The Five-Star Weekend" (Peacock)  Usually don't like to watch a series like this - (I turned off "White Lotus" and other popular shows like it), but this was well-acted and the script was pretty strong.  It was laugh-out-loud  funny in some spots, and could move you to tears in the next.   There were  some clunker lines here and there, but for the most part very universal about friendship, old and new, marriage and what holds that together,  & mother-daughter very definitely was put under the microscope....Because it was a series, I felt some of the arguing and confrontations were forced and mean, to stretch in out into a miniseries, but the ending was satisfactory to me --- show  could have been shorter -- but I say that for most series these days.  I'd give it a 4, and I am starting to trust Jennifer Garner a bit more in what she is in. (Beautiful house and scenery)

"THE FIVE-STAR WEEKEND"   2026     9 episodes, about 50 mins each    Peacock

A beloved food influencer grappling with loss hosts four friends from different chapters of her life for a weekend on Nantucket, where hidden truths emerge and relationships evolve amid coastal luxury. 

Creator:  Bekah Brunstetter

Actors:  Jennifer Garner, D'arcy Carden, Gemma Cha, Regina Hall, Chloe Sevigny

Movie #3664 ........................."People We Meet On Vacation" (Netflix)

 Movie #3664 "People We Meet on Vacation" (Netflix)  I had never heard or seen these two actors (that I remember), but I was very impressed with them.  This movie had very funny moments -- not all that believable at times, but the conflict came across real to me, and the couple spoke truth many times and showed a great amount of chemistry.  I love rom-coms so this was a movie I would probably like anyway, but I have seen so many of them now,  I rarely see something new within the confines of the genre, but this one made me laugh - the personalities of the couple - nice combo.  And I might add better than the Glenn Powell one recently with Sweeney as the girl.  I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5. PS - based on a popular book, which is possibly why the plot moved smoothly along?)

"PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION"      2026   PG-13    1 hr, 57 mins       Netflix

Poppy wants to explore the world and Alex prefers to stay home with a good book, but somehow they are the very best of friends .  They live far apart, but for a decade they have spent one week of summer vacation together -- then seem to bring out the best in each other?

Director:  Brett Haley

Writers:  Yulin Kuang, Amos Vernon, Nunzio Randazzo (Emily Henry, author of book)

Actors:  Emily Bader, Tom Blyth, Sarah Catherine Hook

Movie #3663 ........................."Dumplin'" (Netflix)

Movie #3663 "Dumplin'" (Netflix)  Well, after I revisited Dolly in "9 to 5,"  I thought I would check out a movie I knew she had worked on music wise, rather than acting in it.  Jennifer Anniston and this young girl playing her daughter did a really good job of handling a difficult subject --- overweight girls and their place in a beautify pageant.  Aniston plays the mom and main pusher of this traditional event in town, and her daughter, dealing with grief (her aunt died) feels compelled to enter the contest  for the first time to honor her aunt.  This puts mom in a pickle because she worries a lot about what others think, and her daughter doesn't seem to be beauty pageant material...... like I said, a difficult subject to tackle in a film, but it is done in good taste here.  There's even a high school romance that adds to the charm of the film.  Not to mention the Trans chorus line from the local bar who help the young girl with her confidence and talent portion of the pageant.  Oh, and I should mention the whole film revolves around the young girl admiring Dolly Parton and singing to her music constantly.  This was a fun watch, and I thought it handled the touch subject well.  I would give it a 4 out of 5.  And hats off to Parton's music -- she wrote all the songs in here and again established just what a prolific composer she was .   

"DUMPLIN'"    2018      PG-13      1 hour and 50 mins

Willowdean (Dumplin) the plus-size teenage daughter of a former beauty queen, signs up for her mom's Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town.

Director:  Anne Fletcher

Writers:  Kristin Hahn, Julie Murphy

Actors:  Danielle MacDonald, Jennifer Aniston, ODeya Rush

Movie #3662 ........................."9 to 5" (Disney+)

Movie #3662 "9 to 5" (Disney+)  Who didn't watch this show shortly after Dolly Parton died?  Like so many others, we had to watch it again to remember just how good she and the other two women were in the film.  It came across a bit dated in the feminism department esp. but the laughs were still there --- and Fonda, Tomlin and Parton were at their best.... The cute vignette dreams the women had were a stitch , too.  The script was tight and nominated for a Golden Globe, and Dolly got most of the acting accolades bestowed upon the film ....but that song..... fits the film so well, and will forever remain a great memory of the movie.  5 out of 5 from me.

"9 TO 5"   1980      PG      1 hour and 49 mins

Three secretaries turn the tables on their obnoxious boss.

Director:  Colin Higgins

Writers:  Colin Higgins, Patricia Resnick

Actors:  Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton     

Movie #3661 ........................."Enola Holmes - 3" (Netflix)

 Movie #3662 "Enola Holmes - 3" (Netflix)  We like this franchise so we moved on to this one.... we like the rapid repartee , the way it is filmed (uses trick camera moves to keep it busily going on from one plot point to the next, and the settings are great, too, not to mentioned the humor.  Anyway, the same stuff we enjoyed in this one, too -- but the mom was even better in this one!  And there was romance added to it which made it better, and this one moved better through the middle.  I give it a 4.2 out of 5.  Looking forward to the next one, if there is one?

"ENOLA HOLMES - 3"        2026      PG-13      1 hour and 45 mins (shorter is better in this franchise?)

   Director:  Philip Barantini

Writers:  Jack Thorne, Nancy Springer

Actors:  Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter

Movie #3660 ........................."Enola Holmes - 2" (Netflix)

Movie #3660 "Enola Holmes 2" (Netflix)  The opening on this one caught my interest right away, but the middle dragged a bit, but once it started building to the end, it hit that part of the movie quite solidly.  This one had more humor (especially. with the mother ) and good repartee with brother Sherlock when he showed up.  I would rate it a 4 out of 5.

"ENOLA HOLMES - 2"      Netflix      2022     PG-13       2 hours , 9 mins

Now a detective-for-hire, Enola Holmes takes on her first official case to find a missing girl as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that requires the help of friends -- and Sherlock himself -- to unavel.  

Director:  Harry Bradbeer

Writers:  Jack Thorne, Harry Bradbeer, Nancy Springer

Actors:  Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, David Thewlis 

Movie #3659 ........................."Voicemails for Isabelle (Netflix)

 Movie #3659 "Voicemails from Isabelle" (Netflix)  This is my kind of movie --- rom-com- that makes few mistakes (although it does depend on not telling the truth when first starting out in a relationship), humor, an energetic couple that has chemistry, believable conflict, lots of heart,...let's just say it has a lot to it than "just another dopey rom-com" (which I might add there are not that many of those, especially. these days ) .  Anyway, I am a big Zoey Deutch fan , and if you aren't you might want to look her up on IMDB -- I first saw her in  the Mark Rylance film "The Outfit"  --- and as good as I thought that film was, she still stood out as one of the best parts in it!  Since then, I have followed her career and tried to see everything she does (she was the love interest voice in the most recent "Minion" film) - when I saw she was in this, I had to watch it , and I found it most entertaining.  The bonus I didn't know about the film was that Nick Robinson was the male lead here, and I so enjoyed him in "Love, Simon" a few years ago, so I was happy for  the casting decision that  put these two together.  Up until this time I had not seen a movie based on voicemails left on a phone due to grief , and so that sparked an interest in the plot for me from the get go.  Capable Acting, entertaining on many levels, good amount of humor, a somewhat authentic look at how 30 year olds are navigating the dating scene, and a focus on how we deal with grief are all the positives.  I give it a 4.5  and highly recommend it.  Especially. if you don't mind a solid rom-com.

"VOICEMAILS FOR ISABELLE"      Netflix    1 hour 58 mins     2026

Jill leave voice messages to her deceased sister telling her about her chaotic life in San Francisco.  Unwittingly a mysterious Austin Texas real estate agent begins to receive them.

Director:  Leah McKendrick

Writer:  same as above

Actors:  Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson 

Movie #3658 ........................."Love Heist" (Hallmark)

Movie #3659 "Love Heist" (Hallmark)  This one had a little better storyline than the one I just wrote, but yes, this is still another non-christmasy hallmark movie --- forgive me.  It had heists in the title, so I had to try it out.  Anyway, the girl is sooooooo good (one of my favorites, full of lots of energy and has comic timing) that she makes the stiffness of the guy almost believable --- She is a dress decorator - puts things together  --- so maybe a stylist?  She has a Liz Taylor dress stolen from her apartment (I honestly can't remember who we find out took it (didn't care?) but the guy is the head security guy for the hotel and if he can find the robber, he will have an automatic promotion.  So they work together to find the dress -- and that means going to balls and whatnot --- flimsy story, but it has the standout girl, lots of pretty gowns and costumes, and a really nice ending.  So I give it 3.8 out of 5. (P.S.  takes place in Chicago and actually uses some of Chicago in the storyline)  but not sure it was filmed IN Chicago .

"LOVE HEIST"     hallmark        2026       

Celebrity stylist Kayli must team up with hotel security chief Mills to track down an iconic piece of fashion history after it goes missing on her watch before the Chicago Costume Gala.

Director:  Kevin Fair

Writer:  Holly Gent

Actors:  Lyndsy Fonseca (like her!)  Peter Porte 

 

Movie #3657 ........................."The Greek Aisle" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3657 "The Greek Aisle" ()Hallmark)  I know, it isn't Christmas, but sometimes I want something on in the background while I am doing certain chores (like folding laundry).  I am glad the t.v. was on Hallmark this particular day because this movie offered gorgeous places in Corfu, some I recognized after being there last year, and many that made me want to go back and either re-visit or see for the first time.  The story was flimsy, the actors were okay, and I'd give it a 3.5 , but I'll just leave you with one word...location, location, location.  

"THE GREEK AISLE"    Hallmark    2026    1 hour and 24 minutes

When Georgia trails to the Greek Island of Corfu to finalize an inheritance, she unexpectedly discovers that marrying her handsome co-inheritor is the only way to meet the requirements.  

Director:  Maclain Nelson

Writers:  Betsy Sullenger, Maclain Nelson

Actors:  Nikki DeLoach (one of my favorites), Apostolis Totsikas

PS --- just found out the house used in this film was the same one of my beloved Durrells t.v. show --- how terrific is that!  

Movie #3656 ........................."Hawk" (netflix)

Movie #3656 "Hawk" (netflix )  Boy, this is a don't bother so this blog will be short and sweet.  It is supposed to be about golf, but it really isn't.  It is supposed to be funny (with Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon and Fortune Feimster) but it really isn't. It is supposed to be a possible love story - love for his ex wife?  love for his son?  love for the game?  But it really shows no respect for any of those things.  So what is it supposed to be?  What is the audience for this show?  I give it a 1 because I think there were a couple of moments I laughed at or I thought was worth watching.  Sorry, not a fan of this.

"HAWK"    2026       10 episodes (ugh!)  at 30 mins each) (Ugh!)   Netflix (really?)

Creators:  Will Ferrell, Chris Henry, Harper Steele

Actors:   Will Ferrell, Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro, Fortunę Feimster

Movie #3655 ........................."Scarpetta" (Prime) Season 1

 Movie #3655 "Scarpetta" (Prime - Season 1)  On the one hand, I wanted to see this because of the author I respect (Highsmith) and the actors I also respect (Nicole Kidman, Bob Carnival, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Debose, Simon Baker) , but on the other hand, I dislike watching a lot of blood.  This was bloody, but not overly excessive or a turn off to me....yet.  The last scene in this season was awful, but otherwise, there was a lot to like in this show.  Oh, there was way too much over the top acting by Jamie Lee Curtis, but she was playing an over-the-top sister so I get it.  But a lot of arguing, a lot..... the A.I. discussions with Ariana's dead wife were interesting to watch --- possible? not sure, but they kept my interest. Anyone thinking about watching this show should know how swiftly it moves from past to present --- thank goodness they changed Nicole's character, but note that the cast changes quite a bit with the other characters as well (her sister, her partner, her husband, etc.)  that's a lot of people to keep track of -- so you have to be willing to do that.  Sometimes it was a bit confusing to me and kind of helter skelter as far as decisions in going back and forth --- sometimes I was wondering: now why did they have to go back?  So the editing to me was a bit scattered at times.... oh, and I guessed who the serial killer was way before they wanted us to (which was the end) , but I guess I watch a lot of these kinds of shows.  Anyway, it was a well-acted ,dramatic thriller to me, and I think I'm hooked to watch the next season so I can better understand the ending to this season!  ugh!  .  4 out of 5.

"SCARPETTA"     2026          8 episodes about 50 mins each     Prime

A brilliant forensic pathologist uses forensic technology to solve crimes.  This one deals with a serial killer from days of old, and now the MO shows up again.

Creator:  Elizabeth Sarnoff

Actors are mentioned above.

Movie #3654........................."Colin from Accounts" (Paramount +, Amazon Prime)

Movie #3654 "Colin from Account" (Paramount +, Amazon Prime)  We stumbled on this series and watched season 1 in less than a week and found it quirky and out there --- but there's something that keeps us watching.  The girl is from the DMV show we were fans of, and it's Australian and the dialogue overlaps at times, and goes at a fast speed,....I guess it is the timing, the humor and the situations they get into --- I sometimes laugh out loud because I can't believe what is on the screen is happening or I can't believe they are talking abut what they are talking about in this show. But I know it isn't for everyone.  It is very quirky and the language is way out of control  --- so if that bothers you, don't watch this!  But I must say it all centers around a dog , Colin, that they accidentally do damage to, and they are beholden to him and intend on taking care of him and that is endearing.  So there is somewhat of a moral compass here....occasionally.  I'd give Season 1 a 3.8 out of 5 --- we are more than halfway through Season 2 already, and we find it even more bizarre, but we still watch it.  

"COLIN FROM ACCOUNT"  2022  --- 12 episodes, 27 minutes each - comedy 

A microbrewery owner and a student doctor are brought together by a car accident that injures a stray dog that they agree to adopt, forcing them to navigate each other's vulnerabilities.

Creators:  Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer

Actors:  see above

Movie #3653 ........................."Ride or Die" (Season 1 - Amazon Prime)

 Movie #3653 "Ride or Die" (Season 1 - Amazon Prime)  This was a series we latched on to because it seem to deal with spies and heists and the two female actors we enjoy watching.  It sure kept our interest, and a bit too bloody for us, but we stuck with it and liked the strength of the females.  The big negative is how outrageous it is --- hard to believe --- but it's a fun watch and we think we'd watch season 2, too.  I give it 4 out of 5.

"RIDE OR DIE"   2026    8 episodes, about 45 minutes each

Debbie discovers that her friend of 20 years, Judith, is secretly an assassin .  After a hit goes wrong, they go on the run while being targeted by a mysterious enemy , forcing them to confront the secrets between them.  

Creator:  Tessa Coates

Actors:  Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddington, Ed Skrein 

Movie #3652 ........................."Tuner" (movie theater)

 Movie #3652 "Tuner' (movie theater) This is one of the best movies I have ever seen, and probably very few people have heard about it --- It's about a piano tuner who works for one of the best in the business played by Dustin Hoffman , who is trying to show this young guy everything he knows --- but he doesn't have to work hard because this young guy is the best already --- He was a concert pianist but had to quit because he has hypersensitivity to sound and has to wear  double  sets of tuning out devices --- ironic, isn't it, that he can still do his job so well?  There is something else he discovers he can do --- crack safe vaults because he can hear the clicks --- he is in need of quick cash and a hoodlum discovers his ability and uses him for a bunch of jobs --- well, you might be able to tell the rest, but there are enough turns and twists that keep the film most engrossing --- I give this a 5 out of 5 and recommend it very highly;  I loved this film --- and there's a nice love story in it, as well.  And well acted.

"TUNER"     2025    R     1 hour and 47 mins    amazon prime

A talented piano tuner who suffers from hyperacusis discovers an  unexpected aptitude for  cracking safes, turning his life upside down

Director:  Daniel Roher

Writers;  Daniel Roher, Robert Ramsey

Actors:  Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, Alisen Richmond-Peck

Movie #3651 ........................."Minions & Monsters" (theatre - 3D)

 Movie #3651 "Minions & Monsters" (theatre 3D)  Disclaimer -- Big fans here for the minions --- we love the humor of it all and actually judge many of the despicable movies on just what we think of the minions in that particular movie --- anyway, so I was a tad worried that too much of the minions might be ....well, too much, but that isn't the case with this movie at all (didn't like the Sandra Bullock one for that reason).  Why is this better?  Because while letting the minions  do their schtick, this film becomes an homage to film itself, and you can watch it on a different level --- if you do, you'll see tributes to many of the classic films like Citizen kane, singing' in the rain, etc.  so i ended up loving this one and giving it a big 4. 5 out of 5. (writing depends on a lot of physical comedy in the second half - so could use   better writing?)    And I also ended up loving the two new minions that are introduced.  This is one you want to watch along with your kiddies.

"MINIONS & MONSTERS"     2026     PG     1 hur and 30 mins       

Director:  Pierre Coffin

Writers:  Brian Lynch, Pierre Coffi

Follows the Minions in 1920s Hollywood as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and must save the planet after unleashing monsters.

Movie #3650 ........................."Tow" (on a plane)

 Movie #3650 "Tow" (saw it on pane)  I saw this movie several weeks ago, but it is still very clear in my memory, so it must have been effective.  Rose Byrne has been doing these smaller films on women's serious, heavier issues in comparison to her comedy stuff like Bridesmaids  & the Seth Rogen stuff.  This is based on a true story about a women living out of her car who is trying to find a job while still keeping up a relationship with her teen daughter who is living away from her (Rose has lost custody rights for some reason, perhaps alcoholism? drug usage?  She is trying to just get by while not letting anyone know the dire straits she is in with her living situation.  Anyway, during an interview for still yet another job, her car is impounded by the corporation that owns the lot she left it in and she spends the rest of the film trying to get it back.  On her journey, she meets lots of people, some who try to help and there who don't but it is astounding how hard it is for this one woman to get that darn car back --- even with a lawyer who isn't getting paid to help her out.  She's not a happy camper through most of the film, but the residence she shows is amazing  And she's not a dummy, as most people think the homeless people are judged to be.  This film made me angry for her and I highly recommend it --- 4 out of 5.

"TOW"    Amazon Prime      2025     1 hour and 45 mins                 rated R

The story of Ama Amanda Ogle, a homeless Seattle woman, who fought her way out of tow-company hell to reclaim her life and car after receiving a tow bill for $21,634.

Director:  Stephanie Laing

Writers:  Jonathan Keasey, Brant Bolvin

Actors:  Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer, Ariana Debose, Jason Cottle

Movie #3649 ........................."The Four Seasons" - Season 2 - netflix

 Movie #3649 "The Four Seasons" - season 2 (Netflix)  Tis continues to be a very solid show, even thought this Season started out a tad slow.  The first couple of episodes seemed to be filled with exaggerated situations and characters --- hard to believe, but they were going through grief from their best friend and traveling companion in Season 1 -- esp. Forte.  Thank god for Tina Fey to keep all of them in line --- she's very natural, and she along with Colman Domingo can handle the dramatic scenes really well.  I am very impressed with the woman who plays the widow of Steve Carell in this season -- she can handle drama and comedy and she's fun to watch.  As this season progressed, it got more focused and funnier --- better writing , esp. in the funny area, and it came to a good ending for season 2 --- and it looks like it is a for sure to come back, so looking forward to season 3 already.  These characters are fun to watch.  I'd give this season a 4 and recommend.

"THE FOUR SEASONS" SEASON 2      2026    30 minutes per episode,  eight episodes

  Spring:  A trip upstate to spread Nick's ashes on a mountaintop becomes an uphill battle as tensions climb between anne and Ginny. Summer:  the group unwinds at the beach, but Kate and Jack aren't on the same wavelength.  A recent arrival turns the tide in Ginny and Ane's relationship.  Fall: Thanksgiving - Danny and Claude dish out big news at an overstuffed Tday gathering.  Jack and Kate "hack marriage by each doing their own thing.  Winter:  Kate gives Danny the cold shoulder on a visit to the Italian Alps.  Anne's resemblance to a Christmas witch leaves her questioning her life choices.

Creators:  Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, Tracey Wigfield

Actors:  Tina Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo 

Movie #3648 ........................."Toy Story 5" (theater)

Movie #3648 "Toy Story 5" (theatre)  Well, I can't say this is the best of them because it isn't --- mainly, for me because the beloved characters like Woody et al, don't say very much at all.  This is Jessie's movie and Buzz (because he tries to profess his love to her through the whole thing) , and I must say, her character got a bit annoying to hold the whole movie.  However, Conan O'Brien  (the pooper) and his two friends  were so good, I wish they would have slowed them down a bit so we could appreciate even more their humor.  They were kind of fast!  and talking under and over each other.  It also seemed a tad long, with two high points ----and when the whole crew is together they are boxed in a garage, so it is difficult to see each one exclaim their funny lines.  But the humor and emotions are still there, and it comes to a very nice close.  And I am so glad I got a chance to see it --- wouldn't have missed it for the world.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5 and highly recommend it.  PS - I forgot to say what I loved most about this particular movie --- it was the smart treatment of the electronics toys vs. real toys --- what great nostalgia -- hope it gets kids back to playing with their real toys and less on the electronics!!!!

"TOY STORY 5"     2026    PG    1 hour and 42 mins

Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime.

Diorectors:  McKenna harris, Andrew Stanton

Writers:  Andrew Stanton, McKenna Harris

Actors:  Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack

Movie #3647 ........................."A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" (plane)

 Movie #3647 "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" (plane)  Beats me what this one was about, although with its winning actors, I bought into the entertainment of it but story?  hmmmm.  Missed it --- It was cinematically pretty, but didn't get much else about it --- I like rom-coms and this one was in that genre, along with the road trip genre, but didn't get much out of this.  I'd give it a 3.8 for style, thought,

"A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY"      2025     R    1 hr and 49 mins

Two strangers who meet at a mutual friend's wedding have the chance to relive important moments from their pasts, illuminating the path that led them to the present and gain the opportunity to change their futures.  In this tale, David heads o a wedding in his old car with unique GPS. He met Sarah, and together, they embark on a journey suggested by the GPS.  Along the way, they confront their pasts and explore painted landscapes, leading to a deeper connection.  As they contemplate their future, they face a crucial decision about their  relationship.  (fantasy, ah hah!  that's why I wasn't enthused with the plot)

Director:  Kogonada

Writer:  Seth Reiss

Actors:  Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie

Movie #3646 ........................."Now You See Me , Now You Don't" (plane)

 Movie #3646 "Now you See Me, Now you don't"  (plane0  I watched a couple of these back in the day, and not sure where this fits in, but since I had slim pickings on the movies on the return flight, I made time to watch another one from this franchise.  I caught up quickly even with the new characters I wasn't introduced to yet.  I like mostly the magic they perform, and less interested in the plot turns and twists but this one wa good.  Not outstanding but good....I'd give it a 4 out of 5

"NOW YOU SEE ME NOW YOU DON'T     2025    PG-13     1 hour and 53 mins

The Four Horsemen reunite and team up with a new generation of young illusionists to expose a diamond heiress's global money laundering scheme for criminals.

Director:  Rubin Fleischer

Writers:  Michael Lesslie, Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese

Actors:  Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco 

Movie #3645 .........................."Kiss of the Spiderwoman" (Plane)

 Movie #3645 "Kiss of the Spiderwoman" (Plane)  Years ago I was bedazzled watching Chita Rivera as the Spiderwoman on Broadway ---I remember it being very entertaining, wondrous to watch her dance,  & entertaining because of the bossanova beat vs. the serious lives being shared in the prison by the two lead guys (the structure of dark vs. light set up much like the musical "Cabaret" where the prisoners in this show dream of a better life while daily living with little food or water and being tortured).  As much as I like Jaylo , she wasn't Chita Rivera (who could be?)  so her dancing was just average --- the staging was so elaborate in the film that it took away the "dream" idea --- would be better if the sets were being transposed from what was on stage into the dream sequences.  And the story lost its luster because of the way it was told.  It was plodding along, and only got better when the dramatic scenes took over.  That is, the musical sequences seem to interrupt instead of enhance the story.  That being said, it still is an interesting overall idea and I give it 3.8 and moderately recommend for seeing an out-of-the-box broadway musical.

"KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN"  2025    R    2 hours and 9 mins

Valentin, a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina, convicted for public indecency.  An unlikely bond forms as Molina recounts a Hollywood musical plot starring Ingrid Luna.

Director:  Bill Condon

Writers:  Bill Condon, Terrence McNally, Manuel Puig

Actors:  Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, Jennifer Lopez

Movie #3644 ........................."Midwinter Break" (plane)

 Movie #3644 "Midwinter Break" (Plane)  Whew this one was another slow one --- podded along, but I knew it going into it.  What I was interested in is Lesley  Manneville  (Mrs. Harris) and Ciaran Hinds  (Belfast)  were the actors in it , and I respect both of them for their acting.  People married for eons reckoning with the future and how it will play out --- the same thing day after day?  Leslie's character is looking for something different --- very different, and she tries to convey that to her husband.  I'd give it a 3.8 and not recommend it really --- unless you, too, like thee two characters, and you, too, are wondering where your life goes from here....

"MIDWINTER BREAK"      2026     PG-13     1 hour and 30 minutes

A longtime couple take a life-changing trip to Amsterdam.

Director:  Polly Findlay

Writers:  Bernard MacLaverty, Nick Payne

Actors:  Lesley Manville, Ciaran Hinds, Julie Lamberton

Movie #3643 ........................."Escape Net" (plane)

 Movie #3643"Escape Net" (plane)  This one's memory did no stay with me like the others, but I remember the story being an interesting one.  Basically, it's about a woman who plays on a basketball team with the major reason that she wants to ross the Iron Curtain to reunite with her beloved brother who is prisoner there.  I remember that she went through a lot to do this, and I thought it was a witty way to beat the system.  A nice historical film centered on a woman athlete (bur recently a new mother).  I would give it a 4, and if you don't mind all the subtitles, you might enjoy it.  I kept getting names and faces mixed up a bit, but the lead woman was really good.

"ESCAPE NET"      2025    1 HOUR AND 50 MINUTES

In the Soviet era, a young woman plays basketball as her only chance to cross the Iron Curtain and reunite with her brother.

Director:  Dzintars Crelbergs

Writers:  same as above, Ligita Lukstraupe

Actors:  Agnese Budovska, Arturs Skrastins, Artur Smolyaninov

Movie #3642 ........................."Housemaid" (plane)

 Movie #3642 "Housemaid" (plane)  Well, the major thing I would say about this movie is that it is better than the book..  Thank goodness, because I found the book quite silly and wondered why I even read it --- except it is a popular one that people were talking about.  I like thrillers but the book was just too silly to take seriously.  Anyway, in the hands of this director and two very capable actresses (Seyfried and  Sweeney)  the script seemed a tad more plausible and I was quite entertained by the film.  Still there are problems with it --- it borders on horror, I think, and that's a genre I don't care about at all!  If you google the differences film vs. book, there are several --- movie characters aren't as deeply structured (that makes sense since there is less time to develop them) the punishments are more violent in the movie (to keep watchers more entertained?) , the little girl shows she understands by using a doll house to show her feelings (shortcut method used in film) the atmosphere of the house was evidently better in the movie, and I agree with that, too.  What's the big deal to me is the ending --- I don't want to give anything away, but the movie ending has both women involved and to me that was more satisfying to watch.  Made it smarter, to me.  I would give this a 3.5 and not overly recommending it.  I watched it to compare it to the book, and I'm glad I did.

"HOUSEMAID"     2025     R    2 hours and 11 minutes

Millie a struggling young woman becomes live in maid for a wealthy couple Nina and her hubby Andrew.  She enters a mansion of secrets, manipulation, and escalating psychological games that pull her into a dangerous relationship dynamic.  

Director:  Paul Feig (the director who won best director  oscar for "One Battle after Another" this year)

writers:  Rebecca Sonnenshine , Freida McFadden (author of the popular book)

Actors:  Sydney Sweeney (Millie), Amanda Seyfried (Nina ) Brandon Sklenar

Movie #3641 ........................."Roofman" (plane)

Movie #3641 "Roofman" (Plane)  This was a fun one I watched on the plane --- fun with a mixture of drama --- very poignant ending.  Billed as a true story it concerns a guy who is in need of money and goes about getting money in an unconventional way.  Enough said, because I wouldn't want to give anything away.  Lots of chuckles here, a competent staff, and a storyline that kept me interested all throughout the time I spent on the plane watching it.  I'd give it a 4.5 and recommend it for its quirkiness.

"ROOFMA"      R    2 hours and 6 minutes      2025

A charismatic criminal, while on the run from the police, hides in a hidden space of a toy store.  There,l he adopts a new identity and becomes involved with an employee, beginning a relationship as unlikely as it is risky.

Director:  Derek Cianfrance

Writers:  Derek Cianfrance, Kirt Gunn

Actors:  Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Lakeith Stanfield 

Movie #3640 .........................The History of Sound (on a plane)

 Movie #3640 "The History of Sound" (on a plane )  Why did I watch this?  Well, I was on a plane for many hours and didn't feel like reading and there wasn't much to pick from.  And the second reason is the cast:  it had Josh O'Conor and Paul Mescal, two of my favorites so I chose it.  I have to say it is not a film for everyone --- it is sooooooo slow paced  that many viewers might say:  "Nothing much happens here."  And it is about a very particular subject that not a lot of people will probably be interested --- the making of sound canisters of folk songs , but what made the story a tad more significant or universal is the relationship between the mentor and his assistant --- it struck me as a "Brokeback Mountain" kind of love, ie., what was considered "forbidden love" at this time in history they are recording the songs.  The two guys are outstanding so if nothing else, the film not only gives you the flavor of the music at the time, but a tremendous exercise in acting.  I'd give it a 3.5 but not recommend it to everyone.  (beautiful cinematography, forgot to add)

"THE HISTORY OF SOUND"    2025      R    2 hours and 8 mins

Two young men during WWI set out to record the lives, voices nd music of their American countrymen.

Director:  Oliver Hermanus

Writer:  Ben Shattuck

Actors:  Paul Mescal, Josh O'Connor, Chris Cooper

Movie #3639 ........................."Hacks" Season 5 (HBO Max)

 Movie #3639 "Hacks" Season 5 (HBO Max)  We hate to see this show leave because it was always something we would look forward to for so many reasons, mostly the amount of humor in each show, dependent on mostly character, but sometimes on the stories they brought with or some bit of physical comedy. I must say, this season had a slow start --- some real out of the box kind of things happening, especially. some clown choreography that jean Smart did with her daughter for a contest (which i remember her losing) -- and a lot of drinking, and carousing, and hanging out in beautiful locations, mostly Vegas (and that's not bad) but the story lines weren't as tight as other seasons.  But what a sendoff!  The two women walking off into the sunset with Barbra and Judy (Streisand and Garland) singing  their famous duet of "Happy Days are here again" --- all the little sub stories ended, and we were left with a reminder of just how far these two women grew throughout the show and how they cemented this special relationship even though they were years and years apart.  Loved it and miss it already -- I would give the very last show a 5, but the season a 4 out of 5.

"HACKS"  SEASON 5    HBO MAX  2026     30 min episodes, 10 episodes 

This show explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old writer.

Creators:  Lucia Aniello, Paul  Downs, Jen Statsky

Actors:  Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Paul W. Downs

Movie #3638 ........................."The Cases of Mystery Lane: Death is Listening" (Hallmark)

 Movie #638 "The Cases of Mystery Lane:  Death is Listening" (Hallmark series) I haven't really watched many of the Hallmark mystery offerings, but this one caught my eye because:  1) paul campbell had something to do with it, 2) husband and wife team up to solve the crimes, and    3)  they seem like a bumbling, typical couple who enjoy mystery podcasts, but who have better than average detective skills.  I am glad I tuned in because the story revolved around a podcast guru who was killed on her show and her two big fans, this couple, try to solve the case.  It has a silly substory with Paul campbell being deathly afraid of mice, and some exaggerated moments, but otherwise, it was a fun watch.  I'd give it a 4 and need to look for more in this series.

"THE CASES OF MYSTERY LANE:  DEATH IS LISTENING"   Hallmark   2024  1 hr, 24 m

As Birdie and Alden's relationship grows, they share a love of true crime podcasts.  When their favorite host dies, they help Officer Newton investigate sinister suspects.

Director:  Mike Rohl

Writers:  Joel Dovey, Margaux Froley

Actors:  Aimee Garcia, Paul Campbell, Matt Hamilton

Movie #3637 ........................."Devil Wears Prada 2" (theatre)

 Movie #3637 "Devil Wears Prada 2'"(theatre)  I saw this a couple of weeks ago,but was on a trip and not able to get to blogging how really good this movie is --- It's rare when the sequel is as good as the first one, but I think this is one of those examples of that happening.  The women are all strong in their parts and Stanley Tucci, too)  , and they all have substantial moments here and are important to the plot.  And the plot is logical, costumes are delicious,  and the pacing is strong,; that is, after the slowness of the opening where they re-introduce the major characters, which is necessary to catch us up from Part 1.  I must say this film is not for the filmgoer who enjoys slowly-paced storylines, with more stress on character study than action -- no chase scenes, here ,though --- just rapid firing of lines in usually a smarmy way.  I would give it a 4.5 and recommend it, esp. to those who enjoyed Part 1, costumes .  But this is still watchable even if you skipped the first one --- 

"DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2"     theatre     PG-13  1 hr and 59 mins

Andy Sachs reunites with Miranda Priestly as they navigate their careers amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing.

Director:  David Frankel

Writers:  Aline Brosh McKenna, Lauren Weisberger

Actors:  Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci

Movie #3636 ........................."How We Met This Christmas" (GMA channel)

 Movie #3636 "How We Met This Christmas"  (GMA channel)  The reason I watch this channel (ugh) is for Danica 's films == though she is on Hallmark periodically, as well.  This has the same tropes as all amnesia films -- and yes, this is another amnesia =romance film that is so popular , it might as well be a genre in itself ----but  it rarely differs .  This one has beautiful scenery, and an extra added ugh to it --- that is, the guy she doesn't know when she wakes up was an exboyfriend in the past , so the film is about how she falls in love with him again.  It's a 3.8 --- no need to see unless it might get you into the Christmas spirit.  I watched it during the Christmas season, but just noticed I hadn't done a blog on it.  Well, here it is.

"HOW WE MET THIS CHRISTMAS"    2025    1 hr 24 mins      

After a car wreck leaves her with amnesia, a real estate exec recovers at a small town inn at Christmas.  Unaware of their past connection, she falls for the innkeeper's son - until her returning memories jeopardize their budding romance.

Director:  John Morrison Newman

Writers:  Danica McKellar, Riley Weston

Actors:  Danica McKellar, Jesse Hutch, John Posey

Movie #3635 ........................."Marty, Life is Short" (Netflix)

Movie #635 "Marty, Life is Short" (Netflix)  This is a documentary on Marty Short, and his rise to stardom.  He's always been a character actor, even though he has anchored some films ....and you can see from watching this how he developed a lot of his characters --- and just how many he has done.  I have often thought of him as a bit narcissistic actor who seems overly confident in his work, but after watching this film, it's just another character he is playing.  I think back on when we took students to see him and Bernadette Peters in the musical "Goodbye ,Girl" and he stood in the vestibule of the front of the house and performed and talked to our ohs there kids for at least 30 minutes, and we were the talk of the school the next day because we got to meet him.  A wonderful meeting with a wonderful guy, so giving of his time to some h.s. students fro some small suburb of Chicago.  I can never thank him enough for that experience, and I will be a fan of his forever.   This film underlined his multitude of talents, especially showng the famous people who are his devoted followers, and although i am not famous like Tom Hanks, or Steve martin, etc, I count myself as one of those devoted fans.  I give the documentary a 4 and recommend it.

"MARTY, LIFE IS SHORT"    2026     1 hour and 39 mins

The definitive documentary on comedian Martin Short, exploring his career across film, television, theater and comedy.

Director:  Lawrence Kasdan

Actors:  Martin Short, Steve Martin, John Mulaney, and many others  

Movie #3634 ........................."The Sheep Detectives" (theater)

 Movie #3634 "The Sheep Detectives" (theater)  We loved this movie --- and we keep recommending it to everyone we see.  What fun it was to watch it -- we spent a lot of time guessing the voices (a lot of really famous people ) and also guessing where this fun story was going.  It's no surprise the sheep are trying to find out what happened with their owner (you can see in the trailer that it is probably Hugh Jackman), but you can't tell much more from the trailer the intricate whodunit outline of the story , and it is lots of fun to watch it unfold.  There are so serious, dramatic moments that are quite endearing, but then the script is balanced with a wonderful sense of humor.  You definitely will leave the theater with a different attitude about sheep.  And even though the little ones might not follow the detailed mystery, they sure will learn about sheep and think more kindly about animals we share the planet with.  I give it a 5.

"THE SHEEP DETECTIVES"    2026   PG (YES IT IS FOR KIDS, TOO)    1 hr and 49 mins

Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand.  When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it.

Director:  Kyle Balda

Writers:  Craig Mazin, Leonie Swan

Actors:  Hugh Jackman, Brett Goldstein, Patrick Stewart

 Ba

Movie #3633 ........................."Good Karma Hospital" - Season 4 (Acorn)

Movie #3633 "Good Karma Hospital"  - Season 4 (Acorn)  Well, we were unhappy when this one finally finished for us because we really enjoyed all the characters and stories in all the seasons.  This one is especially good because it covered so much ground -- one in particular was a disease much like Covid that took over a village, and they had to save one girl who was debilitated by it.  Love stories are tied up for the viewers, and we leave with a lot of hope that the characters we came to love will have have careers (fictionally) continue working at this hospital.  We will miss it.  Throughout the years we got to see some downton abbey actors, and that was an added bonus.   I give this season a 5.

"GOOD KARMA HOSPITAL"     Season 4 (Acorn)   Credits have been shown already a number of times.

Movie #3632 ........................."Remarkably Bright Creatures" (Netflix0

 Movie #3632 "Remarkably Bright Creatures" (Netflix)  i read this book a couple of years ago, so I was anxious to see this rendition of the book.  I am happy to report that we found this most enjoyable Sally Fields was very strong, and Bill Pullman's son did a nice job with this dramatic role.  Much  nice bonding between Sally and him and Sally and the octopus -- and all three .  With the book , I had a couple of things preventing me from giving this book above a 4 -- too many coincidences esp toward at the end of the book that made the ending a bit unbelievable at times, the sudden appearance of the pocket watch, and the pacing to get to the ending was a bit slow .  Well, it's as if they read my blog on this book because they corrected all of the problems I thought the book had.  So the movie gets a 5 from me.

"REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES"      2026     netflix   q hour and 51 minutes

Through unlikely bonds formed during the night shifts at a local aquarium, Tove, an elderly widow ,. learns of a life-changing discovery that may bring her joy and wonder once again.

Director:  Olivia Newman

Writers:  Olivia Newman, John Whittington, Shelby Van Pelt

Actors:  Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Colm Meaney

Movie #3631 ........................."Rooster" Season 1 (Max)

 Movie #3631 "Rooster" Season 1 (Max)  Well, this took a couple of episodes to get into the type of humor (fast, mean at times, snarky, and lots of rough language that might turn some people off) but we enjoyed watching this show and hope it continues.  The cast is a lot of fun to watch (could do without some of the college kids, though) with Steve Carell in the lead role --- who can do comedy and tragedy and some times in  back to back scenes --- his daughter keeps up with him, too. And Ted Lasso fans will find her ex was a lead in that show.  I'd give it a 4 and look forward to more situations this father daughter get into on a college campus.

"ROOSTER"    2026    11 episodes, about 30 minutes each      on HBO/Max

A comedy revolving around an author's intricate bond with his daughter, set against the backdrop of a college campus.

Creators:  Bill Lawrence, Matt Tarses

Actors:  Steve Carell, Danielle Deadwyler, Phil Dunster

Movie #3630 .........................Good Karma Hospital (Season 3 -Acorn)

 Movie #3630 "Good Karma Hospital (Season 3 - Acorn)  We got a little tired of the love story that went up and down in this season, but the stories continue to be interesting and have emotional impact.  We give it a 4 this season and look forward to seeing Ruby outside of the hospital with her new father for a bit.

Credits are same as above and don't need to be repeated.

Movie #3629 ........................."Michael" (theatre)

 Movie #3629 "Michael" (theatre)  We didn't go into the theatre to see a true biopic of Michael Jackson, and we recommend you do the same, and just enjoy the energy and power of dance.  And watch how wonderfully talented this nephew of Michael Jackson really is, and you will come out feeling good of having seen this. The film has been controversial, but don't let that overshadow the talent in putting this together.  Both Michels are unbelievably good, along with Colman Domingo as the abusive dad.  I am probably a bit partial on this film for two main reasons....1)  I love dance -- I love doing it, I love watching it --- everything about it.  and 2)  my nephew is in the credits for dressing the sets (look for Zachary Kramer in the first couple of minutes of the credits)  and I think he and his crew did a beautiful job.  We found the movie was great fun to watch on the big screen.  4.8.

"MICHAEL"     PG-13     2 hours and 7 minutes     2026

The early life of musician Michael Jackson, from the discovery of his talent as the lead of the Jackson 4 to the artist whose creative ambition fueled a pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.

Director:  Antoine Fuqua

Writer:  John Logan

Actor:  jaffa Jackson, Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller

Movie #3628 ........................."Good Karma Hospital" Season 2 (Acorn)

 Movie #3628 "Good Karma Hospital"  (Season 2 - Acorn)  We stuck with this show through Season 2 and found it as good, if not better than the first season.  I know everyone is watching "The Pit"  and I am sure it is terrific, but I just can't watch it -- everything is too intense and hurried , they show too much of the medical stuff, and I just don't have a good stomach to watch that show.  This one takes time with the cases, tries to cover three stories all in the one hour of the episode, and it has a lot of humor and I find getting attached emotionally to each of the stories, the patients (in India - actually filmed in Sri Lanka) and the doctors, esp. Ruby.  I give this a 5, and highly recommend it.

"Good Karma Hospital"       Acorn    2017-2023     6 episodes , each 1 hour

Doctor Ruby Walker arrives in India looking for a job and a distraction from her heartbreak.  She anticipates the sunshine and picture-perfect beaches, but not the realities of work at an under-resourced hospital

 Creator:  Dan Sefton

Actors:  Amanda Redman, Darshan Jariwala, Amrita Acharia

Movie #3627 ........................."All Her Fault" (Peacock)

 Movie #32627 "All Her Fault" (Peacock)   I liked the story, and although it dealt with the kidnapping a child (which has been done many times before) the intensity and drama were sustained throughout --- mostly because of the excellent acting of the two moms --- and the two young nannies.  There were a few too many twists to be believable by the end, but it was a gutsy way to present the story.  I applaud their effort to make this story different from all others on the subject.  I'd give it a 4 and recommend it.

"ALL HER FAULT"   2025      8 episodes, each about 1 hr    Peacock

When her son vanishes after a play date at the park, a mother is thrust into a desperate search to uncover the truth behind his disappearance.  

Creator:  Megan Gallagher

Actors:  Sarah Snook, Dakota Fanning, Michael Pena,  Jake Lacy

Movie #3626 ........................."Good Karma Hospital" (Season 1, Acorn)

 Movie #3626 "Good Karma Hospital" (Season 1, Acorn)  I don't usually watch medical shows because they make me nervous -- I am never comfortable in hospital settings,  but this show focuses more on the workers there --- it very rarely shows us bleeding or wounds or any operations -- and that's the way I like it --- they deal with problems but they aren't always physical.....we are in India, and so the patients are all of a different culture, and I am learning so much about that culture and their physical AND mental aches and pains.  The lead woman we enjoyed in "New Tricks" but she's not as friendly in this series --- but she still is knowledgeable.  The other lead woman is so much fun to watch --- a very good actress and she has such kind eyes, even when she exhibits anger -- she's the fish out of water, a pediatrician that is asked to do surgeries she has never done.  The other characters are fun to watch , too, since this is a character-driven rather than story-driven kind of show.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5, and starting to watch season 2 already.

"GOOD KARMA HOSPITAL"    2017-2023    45 minutes, 6 episodes    Acorn

Doctor Ruby Walker arrives in India looking for a job and a distraction from her heartbreaks.  She anticipates the sunshine and picture-perfect beaches, but not the realities of work at an under-resourced hospital .  

Creator:  Dan Sefton

Actors:  Amanda Redman, Darshan Jariwala, Amrita Acharia, James Krishna Floyd

Movie #3625 ........................."Shrinking" (Apple - Season 3)

Movie #3625 "Shrinking" (Season 3, Apple)  I just rewatched Season 1 and 2 this past weekend and noticed that it was worth rewatching because I missed so many jokes the first time around --- disclaimer:  the language is pretty raunchy, some situations are, too, but the writers have such a handle on the characters that it really is a joy to watch, and Season 3 was better than ever.  This time it centers around Alice going to college, and her dad prepping for it through the whole season.  Note:  Brett Goldstein (from Ted Lasso and a producer here) and Harrison Ford's partner aren't in this season much at all,   Ford did a lot of therapy within the family, but also  sought help from Michael J. Fox for his Parkinson's, which was a great add.  Gaby goes through a lot with following her dream and getting a steady boyfriend who is a nice add to the mix.  There's baby stuff galore with Brian and his partner getting "help" from Liz and her hubby.  And the young man with the food truck is "moving" on..... I'd give this season 4.5 - can't wait for this show to continue!!

"SHRINKING"     Season 3 - Apple        2025       11 episodes, each about 35 minutes

Jimmy is struggling to grieve the loss of his wife while being a dad, friend, and therapist.  He decides to try a new approach with everyone in his path:  unfiltered, brutal honesty.  Can he help himself by helping others?  Will it bring him back into the light

Creators:  Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, Jason Siegel

Actors:  Jason Siegel, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, Christa Miller, Wendie Malick

      

MOVIE #3624 ........................."THE LAST THING HE TOLD YOU" (SEASON 2 ON APPLE)

 Movie #3624 "The Last Thing He Told You (Season 2, Apple)  After having read this book and watched Season 1 and enjoyed it, I did not expect a Season 2 -- since the book ended.  But the author decided to continue the story and so offered Season 2 along with her second book.  I don't know about the second book, but I can say that the direction the season went into was quite intriguing.  I thought it might get tiring to see the two women (stepmother and husband's daughter) continue to bond and move on the run from one place to another, but it didn't.  Paris was one of the places so that was fine with me, being one of my favorite places in the world.  The story went in a believable direction,  adding Judy Greer to it as the daughter of the bad guy chasing them,  allowing the daughter to mature, giving Garner's  husband much more acting time, introducing us to the grandmother, and spending a lot more time with the husband's dad, David Morse, one of my very favorite actors.  What  a wonderful job he does here, and for my money he should get an emmy nomination for it -- I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't wait for the last episode ---- and I do believe it won't come back this time, but who knows?  I'd give this season a 5.

"THE LAST THING HE SAID TO ME"       2025    8 episodes, about 50 mins each   Apple

 A woman forms an unexpected relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter while searching for the truth about why her husband has mysteriously disappeared. 

Creators:  Laura Dave (author) Josh Singer

Actors:  Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Judy Greer  

Movie #3623 ....,....................."The Roses" (Hulu/Prime Video))

 Movie #3623 "The Roses" (hulu/Prime Video)  this is a movie that is loosely based on the old classic film "War of the  Roses" with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner - this time the competitors in the marriage are even better:  Olivia Coleman and Benedict Cumberbatch, and boy are they guide -- quick patter --- I could barely keep up the pace of their insinuations , accusations, smarmy cuts to each other --- and those poor kids of theirs.  The arguing and fighting go way beyond the believable, but it ws a fun watch --- if you can stomach all of the arguing.  I give it a 4 out of 5.

"The Roses"      2025     R    1 hour and 45 mins  (hulu, prime video) 

A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the facade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband's professional dreams come crashing down.

Director:  Jay Roach

Writers:  Warren Adler, Tony McNamara

Actors:  Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kate McKinnon

Movie #3622 ........................"Nobody Wants This" - Season 2 (Netflix)

 Movie #3622 "Nobody Wants This"  - Season 2 (Newetflix)  I really really enjoyed the first season and this one had some episodes better than others, but all over I felt it was a bit repetitive.  It keeps pushing toward her  (Kristen Bell) thinking about converting to her boyfriend's Judaism, but it also focussed on the secondary characters even moreso in this season - especially. the sister, who thinks she has found her soulmate in her therapist.  The rabbi gets a job offer by Seth Rogen, but it seems to be too liberal of a group for the rabbi --- but he tries to stick with it because they are lenient about his girlfriend being a non-jew.  The ending is a lot like the ending of the first season, and that's why even though there were changes in a lot of areas during season 2, it seems to have moved very little with the same kind of ending as the first season.  Still, the scripts are funny for the most part, and the acting is strong.  I would give this season a 3.8.

"NOBODY WANTS THIS"    SEASON 2     2025      30 minutes , 10 episodes

An agnostic sex podcaster and a newly single rabbi fall in love, discovering if their relationship can survive their wildly different lives and meddling families.

Creator:  Erin Foster

Actors:  Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe

Movie #3621 ........................."Ella McCay" (Hulu, Prime video)

 Movie #3621 "Ella McCay" (Hulu, Prime video)  I saw the trailer for this one, and it looked like fun, but it was not one I would recommend after watching it.  It was all over the place --- Up and down, dialogue full of starts and stops, everyone seemed to overact, pushing the movie which was annoying.  The one saving grace was Jamie Lee Curtis, who, as usual, did not disappoint.  I was disappointed with the script because the lead woman has so much talent that she deserves better.  There was a lot unsaid that needed to be said .  A weak 3 out of 5 from me.  Disappointing from James L. Brooks, a usually great director

"ELLA McCaY"    2025      PG-13      1 hr and 55 mins       Hulu/Prime Video

An idealistic young woman juggles her family and work life in a comedy about the people you love and how to survive them.  

Director:  James L. Brooks

Writer:  James L. Brooks

Actors:  Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks

Movie #3620 ........................."Project Hail Mary" (theatre)

 Movie #3620 "Project Hail Mary" (theatre)  This was a Wow movie for me!  From the opening to the closing, I sat in awe, fascinated by the story, by the acting, by the photography and the music.... I could write all day on this one, but I need to go to bed to catch a plane tomorrow, but I want to take a few minutes to tell you how much I enjoyed the film.  And it is right out of the gate for this year's offerings of films.,.... this is a movie that SHOULD BE REMEMBERED COME OSCAR TIME!  We need to keep mentioning it throughout the year because the oscars seem to be given to movies that open way at the end of the year.  I am so glad we didn't have to wait for this one.  The "fish out of water" character  fits Ryan Gosling so well in his portrayal of a h.s. science teacher who has made a discovery that turns out to be useful to Nasa.  I don't want to give too much away, but  it is science fiction in its approach, and it is slow in pacing at times (although kudos to the writers and directors who kept  trying to energetically keep our attention throughout with humor, dazzling photography, music, etc;)  and if I hear this  negative one more time!!!!!! okay, it runs loooooooong, but I honestly didn't notice that ---- and I don't remember hearing that about the Adrian Brody's  movie two years ago, and that was brutally long!  Putting those negatives aside, this is one you want to see ---- I know not everyone will like it as much as I did, but it sure is a think piece and has a theme that's so needed right now --- it's time to make friends, to extend a hand to others in peace and love --- and there's so much more to the story and theme, but I must end this now.  I'd give it 4.5, just because I think we could have been told a bit more at times. Otherwise, spot on!

"PROJECT HAIL MARY"    2026     PG-13    2 hours, 37 mins

A science teacher wakes up alone on a spaceship.  As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing Earth's sun and that an unexpected friendship may be the key.

Directors:  Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Writers:  Drew Goddard, Andy Weir

Actors:  Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller, James Ortiz (Rocky)

Movie #3619 ........................."Swing Into Romance' (GAF channel, Amazon)

 Movie #3619 "Swing into Romance" (GAF channel, Amazon)  I normally don't watch movies on the GAF channel (competitor with Hallmark) but when I see Danica McKellar on it, I get interested.  I remembered she was on DWTS a few years back and didn't win, but she was pretty good, so when I saw how much dancing she had to do in this film, I decided to watch it.  To add to the fun of watching her dance, they cast a DWTS pro as her exporter, and she got to dance with him, as well.  Weak story, but loved her and the dancing.  I'd give it a 3.8.

"SWING INTO ROMANCE"    2023       1 hour and 30 mins    Prime video

When former dancer Christine Sims returns to her hometown, she discovers her family's store is in trouble.  In an effort to save the business, she needs to dust off her dancing shoes , face her ex-fiance and maybe find love

Director;  Bradley Walsh

Writer:  Scott Sveslosky

Actors:  Danica McKellar, David Hayden-Jones, Taya Messier, Gleb Savchenko

Movie #3618 ........................."Regretting You" (plane)

 Movie #3618 "Regretting You" (plane - Paramount +, Prime video)  I saw the trailer for this on t.v. and noticed that one of my favorite actresses was in it (McKenna Grace - I have been a fan since she was a little girl in "Gifted")  and also that it was based on a Colleen Hoover book (not a fan, but I know she's popular) so when it appeared as a choice on United flight, I watched it --- couldn't finish it, but found it on Amazon and saw the end.  I read one critic's view:  "Fantastic and horrible" --- yeah, it has a "creep" factor in it (people sleeping around with people they shouldn't be and causing lots of family angst) but what a story!  Some good twists and turns along the way, and some heart in it --- I esp. like the boy McKenna is dating and how he caretaker his grandpa and moves a county line sign around so he can get the grandpa his health benefits.  So it is a tough one to rate, but I'd give it a 3.8 because for me there was more to like than dislike --- and seeing some good mother/daughter discussions made the rating higher for me.  I recommend it.

"REGRETTING YOU"        prime video 2025       PG-13     1 hour and 56 mins

A mother and daughter must grapple with what's left after a devastating accident reveals a shocking betrayal  and forces them to confront family secrets, redefine love, and rediscover themselves .

Director:  Josh Boone

Writers:  Susan McMartin, Colleen Hoover

Actors:  Allison Williams, McKenna Grace, Dave Franco

Movie #3617 ........................."Dead of Winter" (plane)

 Movie #3617 "Dead of Winter" (plane - hulu, Max)  This was a movie that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.  It's quiet, in the dead of winter, out in the middle of nowhere.  Emma plays a woman who is grieving over the loss recently of her husband, who takes a trip to a place way out from where she lives (and she lives in an isolated area already!) with a mission - we find out what it is later, but the important thing is that she sees a woman in distress and quickly realizes she is the only one who could save her....but can she?  I really liked this one a lot -- very entertaining, esp. on a plane.  I give it a 4 out of 5.

Director:  Brian Kirk

Writers:  Nicholas Jacobson-Larson , Dalton Leeb

Actors:  Emma Thompson, Judy Greer

Movie # 3616 ........................."Rental Family" (plane)

 Movie #3616 "Rental Family" (plane - hulu)  I loved this movie and learned so much about this actual agency that works in Japan.  It is a cool idea in concept:  you need extra mourners at your dad's funeral, hire actors to  play the part.  You need a dad for an interview to get into a high--powered school and he isn't available, hire an actor to play him..... there are so many situations that Brendan Fraser, a freelance actor in Japan, finds in Japan to use his acting talents....but more importantly to feel needed.  But that's the problem --- he's an actor who is in search for more than a job, so this rental agency needs some changes because he finds that emotional attachments with his clients are causing problems.  The story is charming, emotional, and light-hearted with poignant moments, as well, and good humor.  I am not a Brendan Fraser fa, but this is the best I have seen him.  I give this a 5 and highly recommend.

"RENTAL FAMILY"         2025   PG-13   1 hour and 49 mins

An American actor in Tokyo struggling to find purpose lands an unusual gig:  working for a Japanese rental  agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers.  He rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection.

Director:  Hikari

Writers:  Hikari, Stephen Blahut

Actors:  Brendan Fraser

Movie #3615 ........................."Zootopia 2" (on plane)

 Movie #3615 "Zootopia 2"  (on plane)  In any other year (a year without  K-pop demon hunters) this would have been a shoo-in for the Oscar for Animated Feature, but it didn't make it. Still, quality is here for the sequel to a an equally good opening movie.  This movie is very involved -- there's "meanwhile back at the ranch" type of editing, so it is showing at least two stories at once (in a kid's movie), the humor is directed a lot to the adults, rapid pacing and dialogue throughout would keep the young ones' attention I should think, and I esp. loved the sloth!  And the energy and story line.  This was an all around fun watch for adults as well as kids.  I highly recommend and give it a 4 out of 5.

"ZOOTOPIA 2"      2025   PG      1 hour and 48 mins        Disney

Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up to crack  a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers.

Directors:  Jaren Bush, Byron Howard

Writer:  Jared Bush

Voices:  Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman

Movie #3614 ........................."Exes of Christmas Past " (Netflix)

Movie #3614 "Exes of Christmas Past" (Netflix)  We watched this because we knew the little girl in the cast, and she was fun to watch.  Otherwise, this was a step below Hallmark because the script/actors weren't all up to par.  The stage business was boring with typical xmas stuff which has been done over and over and over... nothing new here.  Except it was fun to watch someone in the film whom we knew,  and we are looking forward to more work from her in better films.   I'd give it a 3 out of 5, just okay.

"EXES OF CHRISTMAS PAST"  Netflix    2025     1 hour and 26 minutes

An ambitious hotel manager returns to her family's B&B for Christmas to find all three of her high school exes staying there.  

Director:  Jake Jarvi

Writers:  Jake Jarvi, Eliza Toser

Actors:  Brittany Underwooid, Alex Trumble, Debo Balogun, and our friend Genevieve Jane

Movie #3613 ........................."Nuremberg" (Netflix)

Movie #3613 "Nuremberg" (Netflix)  I saw this film a while ago, but I still remember it.  I wondered why it wasn't up for any oscar nominations  because it really was well done.  I am not a fan of Russell Crowe, but I think he did a very convincing job of portraying this monster  Goring.  And I felt Rami Malek held his own in the scenes with him.  This was a very talkie movie that demanded attention to every word, and I was fascinated by the whole story. I would give it a 4 out of 5 --- not as good as "Judgement at Nuremberg" but still an important story to be told from a different viewpoint

"NUREMBERG"     2025  PG-13       2 hours and 28 minutes    Netflix

A WWII psychiatrist evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials, growing increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Goring.

Director:  James Vanderbilt

Writers:  James Vanderbilt, Jack El-Hai

Actors:  Rami Malek, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon 

Movie #3612 ........................."Normal" (Phoenix Film Festival)

 Movie #3612 "Normal" (Phoenix Film Festival)  This was the last film we saw art the Phoenix Film Festival last night, and boy is it a doozy.  I do not have the stomach to watch a lot of violence , and this one put me to the test.  I think someone should have said something in the packet about the extreme body count and amount of blood this film used in the last 45 minutes.  Up until then, there was a mystery about this town that just experienced the death of their sheriff, and Odenkirk now comes in as the interim sheriff to this place called Normal, but is anything but "normal."  Example: the restaurant owner has loaded guns displaying on all of his walls --- the town just finished collecting millions of dollars to revamp a building --- in this small town?  And then the movie started with a very bloody scene....how is it connected to this town?  Seriously, I would have walked out of the film about 45 minutes into it when I started to watch things (and people) blow up.  But I felt I would have disrupted the movie, and Dave wasn't sitting next to me, so I just sat there, sometimes with my head down.   I got that the violence is so overblown that it is supposed to be laughable, but ....not for me.  I loved the humor (that was about anything not violent or death-related) --- I got the humor --- I applaud the guts this film has --- it probably will do well at the box-office (which will almost do anything these days to get people to come into the theaters) but I am so tired of fighting and guns and blood and the push for revenge and violence without peaceful ways to solve problems that i don't need to see it in films any more.  I don't need to see what a head looks up blown up --- I just don't have the stomach for it, and I'm searching for a different direction to get people into the seats.  But that's just me.  I think a lot of people will "enjoy" this movie, and for all i've said about wanting to walk out, I give this movie a 4 for being out there, different, and trying so hard to entertain.  Just not my type of entertainment.

"NORMAL"      2025       strong R      1 hour and 30 mins

Centers on a temporary small-town sheriff who uncovers dark mysteries after a local bank robbery.

Director;  Ben Wheatley

Writers:  Derek Kolstad, Bob Odenkirk

Actors:  Bob Odenkirk, Ryan Allen, Bill MacLellan, Henry Winkler

Movie #3611 ........................."On A String" (Phoenix Film Festival)

 Movie #3611 "On A String" (Phoenix Film Festival)  This was the third film we saw last Saturday, and I enjoyed this one a lot.  It was full of interesting people doing a nice acting job with their small, supporting parts.  And the lead girl was fun to watch as she searches for her purpose in life --- she's good at playing her viola, and we discover through the film just what her life is like  when  using that talent and being part of the art world --- lots of mini concerts, funerals, clubs, bar mitzvahs, teaching, trying out for the philharmonic, playing in a backup band for a very bad singer.... etc.  And  we also get to watch how lonely it can be   when ultimately it is you and your musical instrument going from one job after another.  I loved all the music that was played so passionately --- I loved the humor as she moved through her life with her quirky family and uptight, no-nonsense friends.  I'd give this a 4 --- and a wished the ending was a little clearer, but Dave and i had quite a discussion afterwards in the car on what we thought about the ending --- and doesn't that make for a good film ultimately?  

"ON A STRING"    2025    R    1 hour and 18 minutes    Phoenix Film Festival

A juilliard-trained violist navigates the New York City freelance classical musician scene, playing gigs that often draw her into the personal lives of strangers, all while living in her odd family's NYC apartment.

Director;  Isabel Hagen

Writer:  Isabel Hagen

Actors:  Isabel Hagen, Oliver Hagen

Movie #3610 ........................."Flowers Beyond the Dark" (Phoenix Film Festival)

 Movie #3610 "Flowers Beyond the Dark" (Phoenix Film Festival)  Well, this was the second film we saw, a documentary on Ukrainian/Russia war.  I thought it would give more information to me than what I just got on the news, but no such luck.  The main thrust is that war crimes have been committed here by the Russians, hitting civilians, hitting hospitals, schools, high rise buildings that house working people, etc.  There were a few people followed, but the problem is that the film doesn't let us get attached to them.  So it ends up to be a very quiet documentary, lacking dialogue in many places where there should be dialogue.  It was boring.  I am not a huge fan of documentaries anyway, so the approach used in this film wasn't helpful to me at all.  I don't recommend it, and I would give it a 2 out of 5, for some pretty photography, but that's it.

"FLOWERS BEYOND THE DARK"    Phoenix Film festival    2025     1 hour and 18 mins

Amid the chaos of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Natalia and Serhly, a coupe of  artists separated by occupation, quickly lose any contact.  They feel paralyzed, drowning in helplessness and uncertainty.  At the same time, the soldiers Vitaliy and Serhiy, building unity and finding courage guarding "the road of life" evacuation route for civilians .  (that wasn't clear in this film)

Director:  Iryna Pravylo

1Movie #3609 ........................."Crystal Cross" (Phoenix Film Festival)

 Movie #3609 "Crystal Cross" (Phoenix Film Festival)  This was the first film we saw on Saturday at thePhoenix Film Festival, and I thought it was a mixture of  rom-com and  road trip --- a formula that I've seen quite a bit, being a big fan of rom-coms my whole life.  This was a film searching for a through-line, full of lots of montages, which in a Q and A with the director afterwards, he explained that the film (90 mins when we saw it) ran 4 hours when they first put it together --- so they took scenes out and made them montages.  Really the saving grace of the film was the actress who played Dotty--- she ran the film with her bubbly, overly Jesus-loving way of seeing the world --- and her maxims she delivered quite confidently whenever the guy seemed to need advice.  I say "seem to' because he was overly quiet to the point of being non-communicative, and like Harold in "Harold and Maude"  he was trying to commit suicide and felt a failure because he couldn't do that right either.  I know, sounds strange, and it was a quirky indie, indeed, and I'm not sure if it will ever be released to bigger audiences, but if it is, it might be a film some people find interesting.  I liked the humor,  Dotty, the ending and the song she wrote about her suicidal jesus boyfriend.  I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5.

"CRYSTAL CROSS"       Phoenix Film Festival    1 hr and 28 mins. 2025      R

Dotty, a Christian singer chasing fame, hitches a ride with James, a grieving father bent on ending his life.  On the road, their twisted love story unfolds as two desperate souls find faith, music and truth on the way to life and death.

Director:  Richie James Follin

Writer:  Richie james Follin

Actors:  Rubyrose Hill, Richie James Follin

Movie #3608 ........................."The Beast in Me" (series, amazon prime)

 Movie #3608 "The Beast in Me" (series, amazon prime)   I found this show to have a very smart script, even though it had lots of blood, esp. the last couple of episodes, and a lot of awkward tics and stuttering on Claire Dane's part -- That slowed the progress of the slow down, but they helped to establish her character and to get cross the theme that there are dark sides of all of us.l  The acting was really good, and the story was long, but easy to follow, but not to guess where the plot was taking us next.  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 and recommend it.  I especially. liked that it focussed on a writer.  

"THE BEAST IN  ME"  tv miniseries    2025      8 episodes, 50 mins each   amazon prime

Author Aggie Wiggs, grieving the loss of her son, finds new purpose unraveling the mystery behind neighbor Nile Jarvis' vanished wife and his suspicious dealings.

Creator    :  Gabe Rotter

Actors:  Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, Brittany Snow

Movie #3607 ........................."The lost Bus" (apple tv)

Movie #3607 "The Lost Bus" (netflix)  Finally, a good movie to watch --- almost too tense --- could use a few more resting times from the fire, but there was very little time to do that, though.  Based on a true story of a very heroic bus driver who saves a busload of kids in Paradise , California. This was really a big challenge to show the deadliest wildfire in the state's history.  I don't know how they did it, but it was quite believable to me and emotionally pulled me in.  I'd give it a 4 and recommend it.  But pretty intense!

"THE LOST BUS"    2025      R      2 hours and 10 mins.  (r rated for tenseness???)

Director:  Paul Greengrass

Writers:  Brad Ingelsby, Paul Greengrass, Lizzie Johnson

Actors:  Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera 

Movie #3606 ........................."It Was Just An Accident'" (Amazon Prime)

 Movie #3606 "It Was  Just An Accident' (Amazon Prime) What a waste of time watching this film !  It was nominated for foreign film, and in my opinion is was the weakest of them all --- pretty stagnant with scenes of arguing and very little build up to a high point.  I TRIED to watch the whole thing, but I must admit I moved forward quickly through a couple of scenes.  I don't recommend, and I give it a 2.

IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT"      2-25     PG-13    1 hour and 43min

An unassuming mechanic is reminded of his time in an Iranian prison when he encounters a man he suspects to be his sadistic jailhouse captor.  Panicked, he rounds up a few of his fellow ex-prisoners to confirm the man's identity.

Director:  Jafar Panahi

Writers:  Jafar Panahi, Nader Saeivar, Shadmehr Rastin

Actors:  Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi

Movie #3605 ........................."Weapons" (Amazon Prime)

 Movie #3605 "Weapons" (Amazon Prime)  Another movie I would never have watched if it wasn't nominated for an Oscar --- interesting sci fi idea that there is a teacher whose class has all disappeared over night, except for one kid --- the movie follows the parents and they try to find heir kids and figure out the why.  In enters Amy Madigan, playing Gladys,  a weird character with special powers.  The rest of the story shows how she uses them and the consequences of those actions.  Not much else --- typical horror picture to me, with lots of blood and moody music and chases through forests, etc.  I'd give it a 3.5 and also not recommend it, but if you just watch Amy do this character, you might enjoy those parts --- she is really good in this, but then she was good in most everything she has ever done, especially. "Field of Dreams."  I recommend that one instead.

"WEAPONS'''    R    2025   2 hours and 8 min

When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

Director:  Zach Cregger

Writer:  ach Cregger

Actors:  Julia Garner, Josh Berlin, Amy Madigan

Movie #3604 ........................."Bugonia" (Amazon Prime)

 Movie #3604 "Bugonia" (Amazon Prime) yikes!  What a wild idea for a well respected (well, at least  nominated for an oscar) movie offering for this year.  I must admit I wouldn't have probably sat through it if it weren't nominated, because it isn't a type of film I would be interested in.  It's really hard to believe the whole premise --- two white men (both with mental disabilities), kidnap Emma Stone because they think she is an alien ---well, one does, the louder, dominating Jesse Plemons, who pushes his younger brother around.    The acting is really well done with the two guys and Emma (the alien?) inhabiting most of the scenes --- and yes, they appear to shave her hair off right on the screen, there's lots of blood shed, cops that are pretty naive, and  a dumb ending....and not much more to say.  I really didn't care much when I was watching the film because it never pulled me in --- but then toward the end, it looked like it was going to have a fairly intelligent ending when the power appeared to switch to Emma, but then the film decided to go in a wayward direction and became laughable.  I'd give it a 3.5 for effort and acting, but I must warn you --- this is NOT a fun watch. There's a tension that is moderately effective, but it isn't good enough to keep this viewer watching.  I do not recommend it.  

"BGONIA"        2025     R       1 hour and 58 mins

Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet earth.

Director:  Yorgos Lanthimos

Writers:  Will Tracy, Jang Joon-hwan

Actors:  Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis

Movie #3603 ........................"Retirement Plan" (theatre)

 Movie #3603 "Retirement Plan" (theatre)  This was the last oscar-nominated animated short 2026 film we watched.   This was too simplistic for me, but possibly very universal --- just a list of what should be in your retirement plan.  Stick figure animation.  I'd give it a 3.  Some were funny.

"RETIREMENT PLAN"       2024   7 minutes   prime video

In the throes of his overstimulated, energy poor midlife, Ray fantasies about everything he'd love to do in retirement, once he finally has the time.

Director:  John Kelly

Writers:  John Kelly, Tara Lawall

Actor's voice:  Domhnall Gleeson

P.S.  it looks like if you good Awardswatch.com you can see most of these.  Just a thought.

Movie #3602 ........................."Butterfly" (theater)

 Movie #3602 "Butterfly" (theater)  This is the 4th oscar-nominated animated short 2026, and I didn't like it much -- hard to follow.  Here's what a critic said about it on Awardswatch.com:

If this category were only about rewarding the most innovative style of animation, Butterflywould be the unquestionable winner. The dreamy film tells the true story of Alfred Nakache, a Jewish competitive swimmer who competed at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, survived being separated from his family at Auschwitz, and went on to compete in the Olympics once again, this time in London in 1948. 

To bring this extraordinary tale to the screen, director Florence Miailhe made the unique choice to use animated oil paintings. This gives the film a swirling, fantastical energy, which not only calls to mind the movements of water that were so familiar to Nakache, but it also feels like watching someone else’s memory somehow brought to visual life. The transitions between moments are particularly stunning, flowing from one image to another in stylish, unexpected ways. It’s simply a gorgeous experience, using animation to tell its story with an emphasis on the unique qualities that are only possible in this medium.  

Now that I read the above, I respect the film more --- I'd give it a 4 and maybe root for it at the academy awards ceremony.

Director:  Florence Miailhe and Ron Dyens

Movie #3601 ........................"The Girl Who Cried Pearls" (theater)

Movie #3601 "The Girl W@ho Cried Pearls" (theater)  This is the third oscar-nominated animated short 2026 we watched and it was weird and gothic like.  And the animation was of a style I have never seen before, where doll's heads are on animated bodies.....dark sets.....not for kids really to watch.  A little girl is crying and a little boy sees that and discovers her teats turn to pearls --- he takes them to a pawn shop to get money for her, but things go awry.  The ending is up in the air because it is a story within a story -- a sobbing little girl is being told this by her grandpa and she asks him a question :  Did the crying girl exist?  the grandfather didn't answer the girl --- as if she didn't get the story was a metaphor?  Is it a comment on how some people feel about fables and storytelling?  If the story is't based on reality, is there still a lesson to be learned?  Maybe I missed the boat, but that's what I got out of it.    It kept my attention and made me think  so I'd give it a   4.

"THE GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS"     2025    17 mins   prime video

A haunting fable about a girl overwhelmed by sorrow, the boy who loves her, and how greed leads good hearts to wicked deeds (didn't get that from the film)

Directors:  Chris Lavis, Maciek Szczerbowski

Writers:  same as above + Isabelle Mandalian

Movie #3600 .........................."Forevergreen" (theater)

 Movie #3600 "Forevergreen " (theater)  This is the second oscar-nominated animated short 2026 that we watched, and I thought it was the best.  It is just a quiet, calm nice picture about a giant tree taking care of a baby cub --- and through some fire the cub actually starts, the cub is left on his own.....until the tree does a very brave thing.  Its focus I think was on how nature gets along with each other if left alone.  Once mankind interrupts with our greed and consumerism, we bring on destruction of nature.  I'd give it a 5.

"FOREVERGREEN"    2025    13 mis   prime video

an orphaned bear cub finds a home with a fatherly evergreen tree, until his hunger for trash leads him to danger.

Directors:  Nathan Engelhardt, Jeremy Spears

Writers :  same as above