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