Little Women

Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) puts her touch on the classic. You may say to yourself what I said, do we need another Little Women....YES. It goes back and forth between Joe's past and present - it never got confusing though. It really worked - I loved that she included the writers struggle and process. We see a lot more of the Joe character by seeing her more in-depth as an author. Saoirse Ronan (Hanna), Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Florence Pugh (Black Widow), Laura Dern (Wild), Timothee Chalamet (Lady Bird), and  Chris Cooper (Breach) also star. It was well acted - some very funny lines - well directed and well written. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Virgin River

This is a Canadian show - it's like a who's who if Canadian TV actors. A reviewer on IMDb writes, "Centers around Melinda Monroe, who answers an ad to work as a nurse practitioner in the remote California town of Virgin River and soon discovers that small-town living isn't quite as simple as she expected and that she must learn to heal herself before she can truly make Virgin River her home.
—Deadline". All in all, I say: SEE IT on Netflix

6 Underground

Michael Bay (Alcatraz) directs this gory, action film. A billionaire decides that he needs to take an "underground" approach to getting rid of bad guys. Doing what the law can't. He assembles a kick ass team. There are good one liners and lots of action. Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern), Ben Hardy (The Woman in White), and Melanie Laurent (Beginners) all star. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Netflix

Hellboy

IMDb writes, "Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.". It was strange. I didn't read the comics. I did kind of like the other movie better, but that's not saying much. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on HBO

Bombshell

This is based on the true story of what took down Roger Ailes at Fox news. Nicole Kidman (Stepford Wives), Charlize Theron (Mad Max), and Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad) all star. The best performance was Robbie. The writing and editing in particular was really good. It was better than I thought it would be. All in all, I say: SEE IT

The Holiday Calendar

A woman has gotten slightly off the path to her dreams of running an art studio where she can also showcase her photography. Her oldest and dearest friend, who has been wandering the world blogging about travel, returns to win her heart. It's cute. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Netflix

Christmas Inheritance

Netflix describes the movie as, "To be the CEO, an heiress is challenged by her dad to deliver a Christmas letter in person to his ex-partner in their hometown - traveling by bus, incognito and with only $100. Will she learn something from the people there?". It's about the equivalent of a Hallmark movie. It's not horrible, but it's not great. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Netflix

The Movies that Made Us

It's 4 fun one hour documentaries on how films like Die Hard, Home Alone, Ghostbusters, and Dirty Dancing got made and how they changed culture. They are edited to be super funny and entertaining.

All in all, I say: SEE IT on Netflix

Namesake

A comic book club selection. It's about parallel worlds where Namesakes go through fairy tale quests. For example, a Wendy always goes to her Peter Pan adventure. In book one - an Emma gets taken to Oz - it should have been a Dorothy. Sounds cool, right?! Problem is I felt like I needed to have read all 11 of Baum's books on Oz in order to understand the characters. The fairy is messed up and slightly confusing. All in all, I say: NOT SURE - maybe if I read the second book and understood more I might enjoy it more.

Neil Gaiman's A Study in Emerald

A reviewer on Amazon summed up what I was thinking perfectly. This is a comic I decided to get not only because it was on sale, but also because it's Sherlock - well kind of. "If it wasn't for the twist ending there'd be nothing extraordinary about this book. The addition of the Cthulhu mythos is barely a factor; more like flavorless garnish on a boiled potato meal. If this product didn't have Gaimen's name on the cover I seriously doubt it would receive the ratings it has received. Cult of celebrity affords a significant berth of forgiveness I guess." Travieso is the reviewer. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker

It's the end of something that started in 1974 - JJ Abrams wrote and directed this - it ties in perfectly to the first (actually 4th in timeline). It's got action - sadness - happiness. It's now my 4th favorite in the entire series. I liked all the homage to the original Star Wars. It worked. I bet 3D was amazing. All in all, I say: SEE IT - I felt the same sadness at the end that I felt after the last Harry Potter.

21 Bridges

Chadwick Boseman (42) lost his father - a cop -and grew up to be the one cop you call to catch cop killers and make them pay. He gets a call to work a case for JK Simmons (Oz) with a narcotics officer Sienna Miller (The Loudest Voice). It turns out to be way more complicated than it should be because things seem to be falling into place too easily. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Jumanji: The Next Level

Same concept - same group, but with 3 new editions: Danny DeVito (Taxi) and Danny Glover (Predator), as well as, Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians). The game is slightly broken, so the adventure and way to win is different than last time. There are some really funny parts and some long, drawn out parts that were boring. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Schitt$ Creek

Written and acted by Eugene Levy (Best in Show) has a man who lost all his wealth when his finance manager took all his money and didn't pay taxes for him in like forever. The only thing the family owns is a small, redneck town called....Catherine O'Hara (Best in Show) is the perfect counterpart - his wife. She's a former soap opera actress. Their two kids also join them. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Netflix

Hex Wives

A comic book club selection. It's a twist on Stepford Wives and Bewitched. There are a lot of holes and unanswered questions. It's only a 6 comics and then it ends. It had potential, but fell short. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Wind

A Pixar short. A boy and his grandmother live down in a dark cave. They need invent something that will get them high enough in the cave to catch wind to get out into the sunlight. Out onto land. She makes a sacrifice to get him out. It's a metaphor - it's deep. It's sad, like most Pixar. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Disney+

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby

Rose McIver (IZombie) continues in the Netflix sequal as Queen of a fictional European kingdom where she's trying to bring them to the modern age. It's more of a cute, mystery rather than a Christmas movie. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Netflix.

What/If

Renee Zellweger (Chicago) is a very wealthy and powerful women who has devised a plan. A plan that the viewer is never really sure went off with or without a hitch. Jane Levy (Castle Rock) stars as a young, smart woman who comes into the web of the wealthy woman. If was so boring and a little to complicated for no reason. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Netflix

Skins

A group of British teens growing up and all their issues - many, many issues. Early Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max) is one of the main characters. Some of the scenarios seem legit, but a lot is way over the top. I liked season one, but by two it all started to get old. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Netflix

The Chaperone

Julian Fellows (Downton Abbey) wrote this PBS movie about a woman (Elizabeth McGovern from Downton Abbey)seeking to see more of the world and get away from her lying husband played by Campbell Scott (Soundtrack). She agrees to accompany a talented dancer to NY - Haley Lu Richardson (Five Feet Apart). It's a little slow in parts, but Fellows always has a reason for that. It's worth it to watch it all. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Noelle

Bill Hadar (SNL) is supposed to take over for his father - Santa Clause. Problem is, as we become aware, he's not the one with the talents. It's his good-natured sister Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect).  It's not very well written, directed, or edited. The actors try, but their characters aren't relateable or likable. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Disney+

Iliza Shlesinger: Unvieled

This comedy special on Netflix centers around her wedding. She is so funny. I like her quarks that she puts in the act. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Jack and Jill vs. The World

Taryn Manning (Orange is the New Black) is a hippy chick with a disease. Freddie Prince Jr (Scooby-Do) is in marketing and not looking for a relationship, but falls in love. The editing and writing are horrible. The actors do the best they can, but it's pretty bad. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

What We Do in the Shadows

Based on the New Zealand movie which was a fake documentary about a den of vampires that live together and what their life is like. This is filmed the same way. It's a group of vampires that has a documentary crew following them around to document. Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Concords) is the creator. Super funny just like the movie. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hulu or FX

See

Jason Momoa (Stargate) is the chief of a tribe. One of many tribes ruled by a Queen who sends out military to finds witches. It's after a massive world war - so it's in the future, Everyone is blind for generations until one guy. He can see. He learns to read and goes around impregnating as many women as possible to create seeing children. He builds a world for them. 2 of his kids - twins - are in the care and raised by Momoa and his tribe. The action is so good - the premise is good. There Queen has some weird sex stuff, but other than that it's good. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Disney+

Purl

A pink ball of wool joins a human male dominated world. Everything is suits and gray. SHe tries to fit in and then changes her mind. It's cute. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Disney+

The Mandalorian

On Disney+ - and what makes Disney+ worth it. Jon Favreau (IronMan) writes and directs this series that predates the all Star Wars movies. Two words - Baby Yoda!!!!! Pedro Pascal (GoT) is a bounty hunter who goes against everything to rescue BABY YODA. It's got action and humour and more importantly BABY YODA. All in all, I say: SEE IT I'm obsessed.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Based on the true story of a reporter with issues interviewing Mr. Rogers and becoming good friends with him. It is filmed strangely - it's not what you might expect. Many people in the audience laughed at inappropriate times - I didn't get it. I liked the movie. Not as much as the documentary though. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time

His stand-up delves into his family mostly. He is pretty funny. There are some tangents that are hysterical. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Netflix

The Knight Before Christmas

A Medieval Knight gets transported into the future and meets a woman who has had a bad break-up. They fall in love. You would think it's a Hallmark movie, but it's Netflix. It's completely unrealistic, but it's a fun Christmas movie. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Frozen II

Same group as the first. There is some ancient spirit in the forest that is hurting the kingdom. Also, someone wants to propose. There isn't the "it" song. It seemed a little long and I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Holiday in the Wild

Kristin Davis (Sex and the City) is an empty nester and newly (unexpectadly) divorced. She takes a trip to Africa and ends up working as a big animal vet at a rescue place for months. While she's there she falls in love with a pilot who works at the refuge, Rob Lowe (Parks & Rec). All in all, I say: SEE IT

Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby

I like his stand-up and humour. He talks mainly about his life - wife and kids. At the end he switches roles and he does his stand-up from his wife's perspective. It is hysterical. All in all, I say: SEE IT so, so funny on Netflix

Watchmen

Regina King (Seven Seconds) is a badass. This is based on the graphic novels - much later in years than the movie. It is a fun alternative history in with the plot as well.Police wear masks to not be targeted, and a group of racists are planning something. There is more than one mad scientist too.  Jeremy Irons (Reversal of Fortune), Jean Smart (Designing Women), and Louis Gossett Jr (Hap and Leonard).All in all, I say: SEE IT on HBO

The Kid Who Would be King

Evil is returning to Earth and the only thing that can defeat it...King Arthur's ancestor and Excalibur. It's a cute little English film. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on HBO

For All Mankind

Joel Kinnaman (Hanna) stars in this re-imaging of a historical event - the Space Race. Russia makes it first and they have women in the program. You can really believe it though. We see the lives of the astronauts too, but it's not too soap opera ish. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Apple TV

Ford v Ferrari

Matt Damon (Bourne), Christian Bale (Batman), and Jon Bernthal (TWD) all star in this movie based on the true story of how Ford got into the racing game. It focuses on Ken Miles mainly. It was well done - acted, directed, written, and filmed. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Charlie's Angels

Elizabeth Banks writes, acts, and directs (Pitch Perfect) this re-vamp of Charlie's Angels. It's more hip and fun. Don't take it serious though. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Float

A Pixar short about a boy who is different. It is heartbreaking. The ending is good. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Disney+

Lady and the Tramp

Justin Theroux (Charlie's Angels) and Sam Elliot (The Ranch) voice this "live action" movie version of Lady and the Tramp. It looks like real dogs, but it's not - it's CQI. It was pretty bad. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Disney+

Dickinson

Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect 2) plays the poet in the fun, slightly modernized look at the poet's life. What many scholars have contemplated appear on the screen. How they think her relationship with her parents was like - her relationship with her siblings - her relationships period. It's all slightly exaggerated which makes it really fun. I loved this. All in all, I say: SEE IT on AppleTV

Terminator: Dark Fate

Sarah Conner (Linda Hamilton) has been hunting Terminators since Terminator 2. Something happens to John after that film. They changed things after 2, and it's because of those changes that Grace has shown up. Mackenzie Davis (Station 11) does an amazing job at the martial arts stuff. James Cameron writes the script for this and you can tell. So, ignore all the movies in-between 2 and this one - imagine they never existed and you will get the plot. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Harriet

Based on the true story of how Harriet Tubman escaped north and ended up on the Underground Railroad. It was so good and I was imagining the field trip I could to take all the kids and then it happens....the cursing!!! Normally, I wouldn't mind, but I wanted a field trip because her story is amazing. So pissed that I can't show it or take the kids now. All in all, I say: SEE IT

The Morning Show

Jennifer Aniston (Friends) is one anchor on a two anchor morning show. She wakes up one morning to find she has to do it alone because her co-star has been fired for sexual misconduct (Steve Carell from The Office). Billy Crudup (Almost Famous) who is a high up at the media company decides to get more involved and find a new anchor for the show. Reese Witherspoon (Friends) finds herself at the right place at the right time and ends up with the job. Mark Duplass (Bombshell) also stars. The acting is stellar. The writing is stellar. The directing is stellar. All in all, I say: SEE IT on AppleTV

Last Christmas

Emilia Clarke (GoT) has recently survived a sickness that lasted awhile. She is struggling to find joy, love, and forgiveness. Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh (Crazy Rich Asians) are doing their best to help her.

Spoiler*********


He is NOT alive - he's like an angel - they fall in love but he's not alive!!! So, NOT A ROMANTIC Christmas movie.

All in all, I say: SKIP IT

The Biggest Little Farm

A documentary about a city couple who move to the California countryside to start a farm...an organic farm. A sustainable farm to be exact. For example, they plant fruit trees, but slugs get into them, so they get ducks to eat the slugs. Then gophers appear, so they get large owls to eat the gophers. They make some mistakes, but they find natural, logical solutions to each problem and it's starting to work when fires erupt in CA. It will make you laugh, cry, and be speechless at times. It's really good. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hulu

Grand Hotel

A wealthy hotel chain family is considering selling off their flagship hotel and company instead of passing it to their children who all have some sort of drama in their life. I gave up after one episode because it was a predictable soap opera. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Hulu or ABC

The Secret of Crickley Hall

A family who only a few years ago lost their son - well he's missing possibly kidnapped - takes a vacation to the country. The rent a large manor that was once an orphanage of sorts during the war. While they are there ghosts help them realize something evil happened back then. The family helps the ghosts get closure and they get closure as well. It wasn't bad - it could have been shorter like a 2 hour movie. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hulu

Evil

A soon to be priest, a tech wizard, and a psychiatrist become a team the local Catholic church uses to authenticate or disprove supernatural phenomena. Turns out there is an evil plot afoot and the good guys haven't really figured it out yet. The parts that are creepy are the parts with the woman's 3 daughters. The characters are interesting. Aasig Mandvi (Shut Eye) is good in this and adds a touch of comedy to the intense stuff. All in all, I say: SEE IT on CBS

Paradox

A scientist discovers a series of pictures which predict a future event. He also gets a countdown time for the event. A small group of local police are tasked to decipher the photos and try to stop the horrendous events. There is one failure at the beginning. They got me hooked, but the more episodes the more there were holes in the story line, the more dramatic they got for what to me seemed uncalled for, and it started to fall apart. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Hulu