Last summer we were in the thick of “Barbie” vs. “Oppenheimer.” While there hasn’t been that big of a moment, there have been big hits like “Inside Out 2” (my personal favorite), “Twisters,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and the breakout horror hit “Longlegs.”

I chose not to see “Deadpool & Wolverine” because I walked out of “Deadpool” due to the language, which is not typically my “line in the sand.” I had no desire to see this one, even though I love Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. 

As I said above, I loved “Inside Out 2.” My husband, John Stroud, and I actually saw it together. Another movie we saw together and loved was an inspirational true story, “The Sound of Hope - The Story of Possum Trot.” This is the true story of Donna and Rev. WC Martin in East Texas who adopted 77 children from the local foster system, starting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere. 

“Twisters” is your perfect summer blockbuster. There is one four letter word and no sexual content. Glen Powell, the breakout star of “Maverick: Top Gun,” is perfect in the leading man role, supported well by Daisy Edgar-Jones. How refreshing to have a family friendly blockbuster!

I am so excited to report M. Night Shyamalan is back! He wrote and directed “Trap,” an incredibly smart thriller starring Josh Hartnett. This is not a horror movie; this thriller is a roller coaster ride about a man who is both a serial killer and a family man. This film even features his daughter in a lead role. I recommend it highly!

Before I get to streaming recommendations and the Emmy nominations, I’d love you to invite you all to the very first movie club that Henri Lowe and I will be hosting September 19 at Canopy. We will discuss one of my favorite movies of all time, “Lars and the Real Girl,” starring Ryan Gosling. This movie is about what true love in a community looks like. Please know the movie will not take a dark, sexual turn. We will provide popcorn and movie snacks, with drinks available from Canopy, at 5:30 pm. Discussion and clips begin at 6 p.m. Each month we will discuss different movie. I so hope you will join us! I think it will be a fun way to engage and meet fellow movie lovers.

The Emmy nominations were surprising in the fact that “Shogun” on Hulu garnered 25 nominations for outstanding drama series and “The Bear” (also on Hulu) earned 23 nominations, the most ever earned for a comedy series. My son-in-law loved “Shogun,” and I have just started it. “The Bear” has found a special place in my heart and is probably in my top five shows ever. The language is incredibly R rated, but the exploration of family secrets that can destroy us and the family we chose outweighs the language in my opinion. The episode that won all the nominations is season two’s “Fishes.” This episode took me back to dinners in my own home, and season three’s “Ice Chips” undid me, as it truly felt autobiographical. I love this show. I will say I’ve had several friends who found the language too much, so that’s worth noting. I would not call “The Bear” a comedy, but if it is getting recognition like this, I’m fine with that.
So, now to streaming recommendations!


Netflix
This month Netflix finally reminded me why it is the most popular streaming service.

• “The Cloverhitch Killer” I let my husband choose this movie, and neither of us liked this serial killer movie starring Dylan McDermott as a family man and Scout leader leading an awfully upsetting double life.
• “The Stranger” This series is based on Harlan Coban’s novel of the same name, and it is gripping! It’s about secrets and lies of suburban families becoming public when a stranger appears in their town.
• “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” So many friends recommended this, and I would silently roll my eyes. Someone finally reminded me how much I loved the Netflix series “Cheer,” so I watched. I am so glad I did! I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of young ladies following dreams and the families that support them.
• “Ripley” This is a slow burn so know you will most likely not be sold on it at the end of the first episode. Based on the 1999 film “The Talented Mr. Ripley” starring Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow, this is a black and white, “film noir” type exploration of a pathological liar who goes to great lengths to take on the life of people he covets. This series, shot entirely in Italy, also received several nominations.
• “Find Me Falling” It’s summer; it’s Harry Connick Jr.; it’s Greece; and you need a romantic comedy. I found this so endearing. There is an element of suicide in the very beginning, so please be aware. 
• “The Neon Highway” Starring Beau Bridges as a singer on the cusp of fame until he is in a car wreck, a washed-up country music singer comes into his life. What ensues is a sweet, moving story. Please, Netflix, make more of these!
• “The Dark Side of Comedy” This docuseries follows famous comedians who sadly died too soon. I found it fascinating, but obviously it’s not a “feel good” series. 
• “Identity Thief” Starring Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman, this film would get such a high rating if only I could edit the language. As previously mentioned, this is not my line in the sand for movies, but the sweetest story is muddied by such heavy-handed language. 
• My big NO on Netflix is “Fair Play.” Do not waste your time!

Amazon Prime Video

• “The Beekeeper” Although it is violent, I enjoyed this Jason Statham action movie. When his kind-hearted landlady commits suicide after a phishing scam takes all her money, Statham sets out to take down the bad guys.
• “Thelma” This gem of a movie was not in theaters long enough for me see it on the big screen, but I was so thrilled when one of my besties told me it was on Prime to rent! Led by 94-year-old June Squibb, this is the endearing true story of 93-year-old Thelma Post who set out to get her money back from a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson. I loved this movie! 
• “Civil War” I would not recommend this one as we are in an election season. It’s about civil war breaking out in modern day America. I found it triggering.

Apple TV

• “Presumed Innocent” Based on the famous Scott Turow novel and the 1990 Harrison Ford film, this Jake Gyllenhaal-led murder mystery makes for “can’t stop watching” viewing. The ending is different from the novel and the movie. I did not love the ending, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
  

Please join Henri and me on September 19 at 5:30 at Canopy for the inaugural movie club. We will definitely be passing the popcorn!

I struggle to write this article because I have so many feelings going on. First, please read my movie BFF Henri Lowe’s article about the Chattanooga Film Festival. Next year we want to take a group with us to it. It was that well done! I’m thankful Henri captured the festival so well because I gotta deal with all the emotions over here!

The two things that completely stopped me in my tracks were as diverse as they could be, but equally tore at my heartstrings. “Inside Out 2” was literally everything. If you, like me, have ever struggled with anxiety, codependency or fear, you rarely find apt descriptions in film of those gut-wrenching emotions. Watching “Inside Out 2,” I could finally look at my husband and say, “That’s me! That’s how it feels!”

The other representative of my internal dialog and hard work in therapy is the third season of Hulu’s hit “The Bear.” It’s hard for me to not use this entire article to discuss “The Bear.” I want to warn that this show has R rated language. I so wish it was PG language so parents could view with kids. This shows keeps getting better each season. The main character Carmine (AKA Carmy, Chef, Bear) returns home in the first season to save his family’s sandwich shop after his brother’s death. Carmy is a celebrated chef in New York and has to sacrifice it all to return to Chicago to save this shop. I would say the first season focuses on chosen family and the power of those people. I have no nuclear family and my chosen family is my lifeline.

The second season of “The Bear” is about the secrets we carry to protect our nuclear families and how damaged that makes us. Episode six, “Fishes,” was a gut punch to me. I’ve been at that table.

Season three’s eighth episode, “Ice Chips,” shows almost the exact conversation I had to have with my mother. That episode, along with “Inside Out 2,” so perfectly captures so many important moments, conversations and feelings that viewing it was like a therapist putting her arm around my shoulders saying, “Great job, kiddo.”

Suffice to say, if you have not binged “The Bear” on Hulu, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It may take several episodes to be hooked, and, yes, the kitchen scenes are intense, but the power of the message is too profound to miss. An Al-Anon saying, “What other people think of you is none of your business,” coupled with the finale of the third season, left me in tears because it accurately portrays what happens when we make that our business.

I’m just blown away by the talent of people making such powerful depictions of these heavy emotions and capturing them so perfectly. I had the luxury of being at our favorite place, Lakeview Fontana, complete with treetop cabana soaks and views of Fontana Lake, to binge the latest season, but it’s a must-watch no matter where you are.

Now, onto other viewing options. I went down a deep dive of true crime this month, so I apologize if that’s not your thing, but there are some excellent options in this genre.


Netflix

• “Your Honor” Bryan Cranston shines as a widowed judge in New Orleans who grapples with how far a parent will go to protect a child from consequences of accidental actions. I’m so glad this finally made the move from Showtime to Netflix so more people can view this excellent series. My husband and I loved it but be warned - it is VERY intense.
• “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” This docuseries is insane! Mention cult and I’m all in because I find it fascinating how people end up in them. This one is especially crazy because TikTok dancers join a management firm that ends up being tied to a church that has a sinister agenda. It’s a short series and I plowed through it.
• “Cold Copy” This movie follows an ambitious journalism student who falls under the spell of an esteemed - yet not particularly ethical - reporter she wants to impress so badly she’s willing to manipulate the truth.
• “Under Paris” It’s summer, sharks terrify me and the Olympics are in Paris, so this was a perfect Friday night thriller for me. Yes, it’s campy but oh-so-fun.
• “A Family Affair” One of my daughters recommended this Zack Efron/Nicole Kidman rom-com. I reported last month that the Anne Hathaway led “The Thought of You” was delightful (minus adult content) because the mom sacrificed for her 16-year-old daughter. This time, this daughter is 24, and I found it a bit uncomfortable that the mom felt “done” with parenting and did what she wanted. Granted, the daughter is an adult. It’s sweet and predictable, but I liked “The Thought of You” on Prime better.
• “Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies and Scandal” I found this docuseries so compelling as it deals with corporate greed and the fallout on families. I also loved the diversity of the couples they chose that had been affected by the leaks at Ashley Madison. Very well done and so gripping!

Hulu

• “The Bear” As of right now, this is my favorite show of 2024. If Hulu does nothing else of great note this year, it has my heart because of this series. Start lining up the Emmy Awards!
• “Brats” I was in high school from 1980-1983 and college (War Eagle!) from 1983-1987. John Hughes movies were my life because they captured my life and feelings in ways I didn’t know were possible. Andrew McCarthy was in all these movies. He made a documentary on the fallout of the article that dubbed their acting group as “The Brat Pack.” This documentary is thoughtful, meaningful, powerful and filled all my ’80s buckets to the brim. I cannot recommend it highly enough, especially if you are around my age.
• “Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown” As I said earlier, say cult and I am in. This is a fascinating look at what happened in Jonestown by Jim Jones’ own son and others who escaped. It is only three episodes and, yes, I watched them all in one sitting. If you love cult documentaries as much as I do, you will love this. There is an incredible amount of unseen footage, and it is riveting.
• “The Free Fall” This is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve seen in recent history. A young woman awakens with amnesia and must figure out if her husband is telling the truth.

Paramount

• “Bull” and “Elsbeth” are both exceptional shows. “Elsbeth” only has one season, but “Bull” offers multiple seasons.
• There is a movie coming out soon with a stellar cast called “Speak No Evil.” It is based on a foreign film of the same title. I watched it with my oldest daughter, and it is beyond disturbing. Please skip it.

HBOMAX

• “Six Schizophrenic Brothers” If this was not a true story, you would not believe it. If you have an interest in psychology or genetics, you will love this well-done short docuseries.
• “Fallen Idols” This docuseries deals with the sad demise of Nick and Aaron Carter and the role their parents played in using them for money and brushing things under the rug. 

​
Beginning in September, my movie BFF Henri Lowe and I will be hosting a movie club at Canopy once a month. I will have the exact date for you next month. The first movie we will discuss is “Lars and the Real Girl” starring Ryan Gosling. We will have clips to see and questions to discuss. We will all have a beverage and have a great time. It is strongly recommended you watch the film before attending. Please note that you might think this movie is going down a sexually deviant path but I PROMISE it is not. It is a story of a community showing up with love and one of my all-time favorite films, and we will definitely be passing the popcorn!

The beginning of the year signals to Hollywood that winners are coming! (If you are a “Game of Thrones” fan, please catch the pun.) Big budget blockbusters along with quieter, more artistic films line the big and small screens alike. Now that it is not uncommon for streaming services to release awards contenders but also winners, many of the year’s best films are on the small screen. Case in point: Netflix’s “Maestro,” beautifully directed by Bradley Cooper, who also stars as Leonard Bernstein. It is shot in black and white, and it makes it feel like a film of years gone by, Hollywood’s golden era. It was one of my favorite films of the year.
​
Following our tradition of a movie on Christmas Day, we set out in the fog and cold to see “The Boys in the Boat.” George Clooney so fantastically brings the true story of an unlikely college rowing team at the University of Washington making its way to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. It is expertly adapted from the novel by Daniel James Brown. See this movie. See it as a family. This is one of those rare, nearly-perfect stories.

Next up in my theater reviews is “The Color Purple.” I love the original movie. This is not it. I love, love the Broadway musical. This isn’t it. Yes, it is a musical but only two original Broadway tunes are in this “reimagination” of the Alice Walker novel. Steven Spielberg was wrongly criticized, in my opinion, of not adapting some of the more sexually explicit parts of the novel to the movie. This movie goes farther, but not to an explicit level. I ended up liking this movie more than I expected, especially Mister’s backstory. At the end of the day, the message of “The Color Purple” is one of forgiveness and seeking restoration in broken relationships, and that is a message I am all about.

I wanted to like “Ferrari.” I really tried to. The problems were just too many. Penelope Cruz is the only actor who can maintain a believable Italian accent. I think Adam Driver is an incredibly gifted actor, but his acting feels if he is trying way too hard. Shailene Woodley and Patrick Dempsey are just wildly miscast. At one point I even fell asleep, and that rarely happens to me.

I think this is a good time to mention a thought-provoking YouTube video my youngest daughter sent me about how YouTube and streaming have ruined our brains. It was an attention-grabbing headline. As I watched I realized how much I agreed. The main premise is that corporate viewing adds healthy brain activity because we’re focused, and we’re sharing an experience we discuss during and after. With streaming, we often consume alone. And when we stream, we often look at our phones or are doing other things. That’s why I love the Nicole Kidman commercial that airs before every movie at AMC theaters. Stories need to be shared. Stories need to be experienced together. I do love streaming, but I love being in a dark theater with friends and family more. With that being said, let’s move on to streaming. 


Peacock
I’m starting with Peacock because I really think this is the one service you should consider because of the wealth of content. And my other favorite movie of the year, “The Holdovers,” is available on Peacock. This tender-hearted movie is about boys at a Northeastern boarding school who, for one reason or another, are left behind over Christmas break. Paul Giamatti is exceptional as the teacher left in charge of the “holdovers.” I loved-loved-loved this movie. It is poignant and breathtakingly beautiful. 

• “Dr. Death: Season 2” I listened to this podcast and couldn’t wait for the dramatization. Mandy Moore stars as investigative journalist Benita Alexander, who is investigating surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, known as The Miracle Man. These stories always shock me at how such intelligent women fall prey to these con men. (There is the documentary version on Netflix called “Bad Surgeon” that is also very good.) I’m continuing to enjoy “Found” and “Southern Charm” (reality TV at its best/worst).

Max

• “Barbie” If you missed the phenomenon in theaters, you can now stream it on Max. I loved it. Even saw it twice in the theaters.
• “sMothered” this is seriously the most “what the ???” reality show I’ve ever watched. It is about seriously overly-involved mothers and their daughters.

Apple TV+

• “The Family Plan” This Mark Wahlberg led comedy about a dad with a secret former life as a secret agent is funny and plain sweet. 

Hulu

• “Murder at the End of the World” Starring Clive Owen as the wickedly secretive billionaire, this murder mystery at the Icelandic home of a billionaire is gripping!
• “Black Cake” Just trust me and watch this series following a young girl’s escape from a life without possibilities in Jamaica.

Netflix

• “American Symphony” I thought this would be mainly a documentary about the talented musical artist Jon Baptiste, but it’s more about his partner’s cancer returning. Incredibly moving, have tissues nearby.
• “The Crown” Raised by an Anglophile, I’ve been one since birth, and this season may be my favorite. I was crying at the last scene. If you’ve missed this excellent show, go back and watch it from the beginning!
• “Leave the World Behind” This Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali is a must see. It will keep you guessing until the end. Watch with someone because you will want a buddy to discuss the ending.

The Oscars are March 10, so I’ll keep you updated until the big night. Until then, pass the popcorn!

Last month I covered the movie phenomena known as “Barbinheimer.” Sadly, as good as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” are, nothing of note came out, in my opinion. The only new movie I saw was “Talk to Me,” which only horror fans would appreciate. I saw the amazing “Sound of Freedom” again and also saw “Barbie” again. I would have seen “Oppenheimer” again if it were not three hours long.

I’m looking forward to seeing the thriller “The Good Mother” starring Hillary Swank. It’s the story of a mother losing a son to a drug-related death. Many of you know I lost my brother in the exact same way in April, and I went down a rabbit hole of OxyContin stories, but I’m excited to see this on the big screen. To my horror-loving fans, I’m super excited about “Don’t Look Away,” which has an0 “It Follows” feel, and I loved that movie. And finally, I’m can’t wait to see “My Big Fat Greek Wedding III.” I really love this franchise.

So now to the streaming world …

Max (formerly known as HBO)

• “Every Secret Thing” I don’t know how I missed this movie when it was released in 2017, but it is an excellent “did they/didn’t they” thriller until literally the last minute - I never figured it out! Diane Lane and Elizabeth Banks are perfectly cast as mother and detective.

Apple

• “The Morning Show” I rewatched the last two episodes of the last season to prepare for the new season dropping September 12. This is a hard show as it’s the story of the Matt Lauer fallout at NBC; of course, all names are changed. This may be triggering to survivors of sexual abuse so please proceed with caution.
• “Ted Lasso” This one called for another rewatch because in September I was in the actual Richmond in England. Yes, I sat at the pub and the famous red bench. I wish I could edit the language in this show, but I still say the last two episodes are two of the best hours of television ever.

Netflix
A little side note about Netflix and the password crackdown, which Netflix claims was a huge financial success. Many of the people “in the industry” that I follow say it was not a huge success. Who knows?

• “Painkiller” This incredible series is led by Peter Berg, one of my favorites because he is the man who gave us “Friday Night Lights.” Also Taylor Kitsch (forever Tim Riggins in my heart) stars. Taylor actually lived this OxyContin nightmare with his sister. He took her in and monitored her sobriety for seven years, so he was passionate about this project. Based on the New York Times story that sounded the alarm 10 years before the rest of the world heard of the drug, this is not only a well done series, but it is important. I’d even recommend older teens watching with parents. My brother started smoking pot at 15. By 18, he was on cocaine. He was smart and had potential. At 50, he was found dead in a hotel room with OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl and meth in his system. No drug is recreational. In my mind, that is simply a fact.
• “The Pharmacist” Continuing my OxyContin rabbit hole, this docuseries follows a pharmacist who lost his son to an OxyContin deal-gone-wrong in New Orleans. He then started researching OxyContin and “pain clinic” doctors. It’s raw and personal. I loved it.
• “Umma” If you like creepy movies and Sandra Oh, this is for you. Sandra is an adult haunted by her mother’s abuse to the point she is raising her own daughter totally off the grid. It does get scary towards the end.

Hulu

• “Dopesick” Based on the book by the same name, this one also required a rewatch from me.
• “Only Murderers in the Building” I’ve yet to see this myself but all my peeps who are watching it are loving it.

Amazon Prime

• “Champions” If you missed this Woody Harrelson-led comedy about a basketball team of Down syndrome young adults, you can stream it now. It is so sweet but again, watch out for foul language.
• “Shelter” This series based on the book by Harlan Coben is so good. It’s a series John and I can watch together.

Paramount Plus

• “Special Ops: Lioness” This series created by “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan stars Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman. If you like FBI/CIA type shows, this is a good one for you.

Next month, I’ll have up close and personal “Ted Lasso” information and will have followed the Easy Company’s trail from the phenomenal HBO series “Band of Brothers.” Until then, pass the popcorn……

Here’s a fun trivia fact - the term “summer blockbuster” didn’t exist until the release of “Jaws” in 1975. Since that year, movie enthusiasts have anxiously awaited summer movie releases. COVID-19 certainly has had an impact on this tradition, but that’s not to say there are not movies to be excited about this summer. So this month, I’m starting with the movies that I believe deserve your time and money in the theaters.

“The Little Mermaid” My husband loved the original and was excited to see this one as it reminds him of our No. 2 daughter, Sally. While Ursula would definitely be scary for young children, I think 9- or 10-year-olds and older will enjoy this movie. We thoroughly enjoyed singing along with our oldest daughter, who happens to be 31 and remembers the original fondly.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3” This is truly one of the best movies I’ve seen in a while. This movie is basically a story of self-sacrifice and loving a “chosen” family. I laughed and cried throughout this film. You can see this without seeing the first two, but I would recommend reading a summary.

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” Forget that awful “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” debacle. This is like the energy and writing of the earliest Indian Jones. Phoebe Walker-Bridge is excellent as Harrison Ford’s goddaughter, and characters you love from previous films make appearances. Side note: My adult children who had never seen the original were bored, so if you haven’t seen the original, take time to stream it.

The movie you can skip is “Android City.” I really love some of director’s Wes Anderson’s films, especially “Moonrise Kingdom,” but this is a pretentious, no-story mess.

I CANNOT wait for “Barbie.” This movie is directed by Greta Gerwig, whose version of “Little Women” is the best. I grew up with every Barbie accessory and could play Barbies for hours with my friends. I’ll update you next month!

There are several recent theatrical releases now available to stream. Max has “Evil Dead Rise” (skip!); Peacock has “Polite Society” (charming) and “Book Club - The Next Chapter” (if you liked the first one you will enjoy this one); and Prime has “Jesus Revolution” that I reviewed a few months ago. It’s a film worth watching.

Streaming Services this Month

Netflix

• “Black Mirror” I’ve had to wait FOUR years for more episodes. This series gets its name from a turned-off phone or tablet - it becomes a “black mirror.” Charlie Brooker is the English creator and you should google his interview on CBS Saturday Morning. This show is about technology gone amuck. Some episodes are creepy, some are scary and some are downright mind-blowing! This is not for everyone, but I love it so much.
• “Take Care of Maya” This documentary really hit home for me as I have a friend being accused of Munchausen by proxy. This documentary made me want to go into legal defense work.
• “Missing” This theatrically released movie is thrilling. A mother goes missing and her daughter uses technology and a friend to track her down. A fun Friday night view!
• “Break-Point” This sports docuseries focuses on up and coming tennis players during four Grand Slam tournaments. This is so well done you don’t even need to love tennis to enjoy this series.
• “Red Rose” This series reminded me of “Black Mirror” so I loved it. It’s about an app some high school seniors download, and all kinds of trouble begins. Again, technology run amuck is scary and timely!

Hulu

• “The Split” This is a great summer binge. I recommended this fabulous BBC series when it first came out. It was a show we could watch as a couple, which is hard to find for us!

John and I are currently still streaming “Brothers and Sisters” and “Blue Bloods” (John’s fav).

Prime Video

• “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” Honestly, this was the most horrifying docuseries I’ve watched. This is the story of not only Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar but also Bill Gothard, famous for his Institute in Basic Life Principles. This four-part series exposes what the Duggar’s knew about their son committing sexual abuse on his own sisters, what Bill Gothard was actually teaching and how The Learning Channel encouraged the cover-up. I could not stop thinking about this series. If you watch it, please message me on Instagram @merriles. A warning: If you or someone you love has been sexually abused, especially in church, this may be very triggering. Along this same vein, listen to the podcast “Scamanda.” It’s a true story of Amanda C. Reilly who scammed her church and people nationwide by faking cancer.
• “Jack Ryan” The final season of this action packed series goes out with a bang. John Krasinski is almost perfect in the lead role.
• “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (season two)

I loved the first season and I cannot wait for season two.

Max (formerly HBOMax)

• “The Curios Case of Natalia Grace” This is a crazy documentary about an adult who poses as a child and is adopted by an American couple.
• Another adult recommendation you can binge this summer is “Succession.” I know I raved about it last month, and it’s still just as fantastic. Again, adults only.

Apple TV

• “Hijack”  The fabulous Idris Elba stars in this gripping drama about a hijacked plane. It’s an “are they bad or are they good” rollercoaster ride.
• “Ted Lasso” I have several friends who have not watched this series due to adult language and themes. I can appreciate this, yet every single character illustrates a story of redemption and the power of forgiveness. It will forever be my favorite comedy.
• “Silo” My oldest daughter and I are obsessed with this science fiction series. Even if you think you hate science fiction, you should give this a try.

When I write to you next month, I will have seen “Barbie!” Until then pass the popcorn …

Needing cathartic viewing after a whirlwind of events and emotions, I easily found good-to-great options on both the big screen and the small screen this month.

Theatres offered three movies that I found entertaining and moving in very different ways. If you are anywhere near my age, you most likely read “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume. I read it so often I had two copies. The movie starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret, is simply magical for those of us who grew up loving this precious book. The newest “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Big George Foreman” were also thoroughly entertaining and stirring emotionally.

Before I break down the streaming services, I want to tell you my top five streaming offerings I watched. The first is “Ted Lasso.” This is the final season, and the 11th episode of this season, called “Mom City,” shows what true forgiveness looks like. Minus the language, this series on Apple TV is my favorite comedic series ever.

More favs were on Max (formerly HBOMax). “Succession,” the series based on the Rupert Murdoch family, is very adult viewing. I found it simply fascinating and highly addictive. The final episode of the series is literally a modern day “Macbeth.” The other series I loved was “Band of Brothers.” This is the story of “E” Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, from their training to D-Day. It gave me an entirely new appreciation for those who serve.

My last two favorites were on Hulu. I pride myself on always figuring out the ending of any mystery book or movie, and the Jessica Biel-produced “Cruel Summer” had me guessing the entire time. I was totally shocked at the ending. I started the old series “Brothers and Sisters” starring Sally Field and Calista Flockhart. A dear friend recommended it because she thought I would find the story of an addict brother cathartic. I did. It helped me to see the many family dynamics played out, and it helped me have compassion for a few people in my own family.

So now for the other streaming options:

HBO Max

• “Bama Rush” While this was hailed as “revolutionary,” I did not find it to be so. Maybe it was because I was raised in the South and had gone through rush at a big SEC school, but I thought the documentarian made the documentary more about herself and exaggerated her being “in danger.” It is fascinating but I didn’t think it lived up to the hype.
• “Love and Death” A few months ago Jessica Biel released a mini series called “Candy” on Hulu, which follows the true story of Candy Montgomery, who allegedly killed her neighbor Betty Gore with an axe. This mini series starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons is superior. It is riveting!

Amazon Prime

• “80 for Brady” The Jane Fonda-led comedy is now available to stream, and it is sweet and funny if you need a good smile.
• “There’s Something Wrong with the Children” This is a movie for thriller/horror fans. It starts off with a bang and leaves you guessing. Not an A-plus movie by any means, but if it’s a rainy afternoon and you want a scare, this will fit the bill.

Netflix
Well, this was the month Netflix came out with its new password sharing policy. I honestly think it will backfire as Max, Apple and Peacock continue to offer quality original material.

The only thing I watched on Netflix was “Firefly Lane.” It was the final season, and, as someone needing a good cry, this was a great choice for me.

Apple+
Another excellent original series is “Silo.” It is a science fiction piece based on society being forced to live underground. It’s a brilliant story that has so much to say about Covid-19, our current alienation from people who disagree with us, and other hot topics.

Several people have asked if I could choose a few movies and streaming series to watch this summer so here is my list:

1. “Friday Night Lights” It will always be No 1. Coach and Tammy Taylor will forever be my favorite TV couple. (Hulu)
2. “Gilmore Girls” It’s a must and a great way to encourage mother/daughter bonding. (Netflix)
3. “Ted Lasso” See  the above notes. (Apple TV+)
4. “About Time” How do our families shape us and what’s really important and not important in families? I LOVE THIS MOVIE. (Hulu or Prime)
5. “Lars and The Real Girl” This is one of my two all-time favorite movies. Please note it does NOT go down a dark road in the beginning! I’ve had a friend suggest pastors and others in counseling roles watch this movie. Ryan Gosling is amazingly perfect. (Apple TV+ or Prime)
6. “Schitt’s Creek” It’s just a sweet laugh fest. (Hulu or Prime)

I’m getting excited about “Barbie” and “The Little Mermaid,” so I’ll keep you posted!

Until next time, enjoy catching up on some of my favorites and keep passing the popcorn …
P.S. If you have Peacock, you can watch a lot of NBC options anywhere you have a smart phone or tablet!

Before streaming became more popular than network television, March and April were great months for TV because advertisers looked at ratings in a method commonly called “sweeps.” With the exception of “The Good Doctor,” “Law & Order,” and “Law & Order: SVU,” I don’t watch any network television, and I usually stream those shows the next day so I don’t have to watch commercials.

Truthfully, I quit watching more shows than I finished this month. I do not know what executive at Netflix decided nudity and heavy sexual content is acceptable. It may be one of the reasons that Netflix is losing money faster than any other streaming service.

In March, I lost my mother. In April, my brother (a man who struggled with addiction all his life) was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a hotel room. After this, I wanted to watch what I call “grief comfort viewing.” I re-watched “Terms of Endearment,” “Beautiful Boy” and “Ordinary People.” During this painful time, I discovered the one new show that I LOVED and NEEDED was “Tiny Beautiful Things” on Hulu. I adore the actress Kathryn Hahn, and she shines in the role of Claire, a woman whose life is falling apart, and she can’t seem to put any good decisions into action. The language is very adult, but I needed an emotional exploration of complex mother/daughter relationships. It’s one of the best things I’ve watched this month. Again, very adult-themed. Hulu also gave us the full first season of “Alaska Daily” starring the excellent Hillary Swank as a reporter out to solve a crime and save a small newspaper. I also enjoyed the movie “Collide,” which weaves four stories together in a surprising way.
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Before I address the other streaming services, I thought it would be helpful to share the shows I stopped watching. Up first is “Beef” on Netflix. I have friends who loved this show, but the sexual content and language just made me throw into the towel. “Yellowjackets” on Showtime was one of my favorite shows last year but the second season? NO THANK YOU. “Significant Other” is a thriller on several streaming services but I had to opt out! On to other streamers now …

HBOMAX

• “Succession” In its fourth and final season, this is the mind-blowing series based on the Rupert Murdoch family. Very adult oriented, it is the best-written and best-acted show out there in my opinion. If language is your line in the sand, this is not your cup of tea.
• “Love and Death” Elizabeth Olsen shines as a suburban housewife who rocks her small Texas church and neighborhood by her decision to have an affair. This is a true story. It’s INSANE. (Let me just say that someone buys an axe.)

NETFLIX

• “Beef” This show started with a bang and loved it but soon ran away screaming.
• “Love is Blind” Can people spend time together without seeing each other and fall in love sight unseen? I LOVED this show! It’s not great cinematic viewing but so entertaining
• “The Glory” (season 2) If I haven’t sold you on this season in last month’s edition, I don’t know what to say. This is a dubbed Korean TV show that follows a bullied teenager as she educates herself and seeks revenge. I love justice/revenge stories, which probably says something about my deep psychosis.
• “Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman” I saved the BEST for last. Leanne is hysterical and does not say one swear word. I have rewatched parts of this comedy special many times. DO NOT MISS THIS.

In Theaters
“Air” This Ben Affleck - and Matt Damon-led true story of the creation of the Air Jordan sneakers is fabulous. It’s true, it’s fascinating, it’s uplifting. Go. Seriously. Go. (Adults only due to language.)

“Evil Dead Rise” Seriously, come to a dead stop if you’re considering this horror movie. Yes, pun intended. It’s so awful. I saw it with a young couple I didn’t know. At one point he looked back and said, “Ma’am,” this is horrible, right?” Yep. Enough said.

“Are you There, God? It’s Me, Margaret” Grab your daughters, your girlfriends and go NOW. By the time you read this, this precious film based on the book anyone my age read at least 10 times growing up may be on streaming services. If you loved the book, you will not be disappointed in this adaptation. This was the happiest theatrical experience I’ve had in a long time, and I got to experience with my oldest daughter (who’s 31), and she loved it as well.

I’m hoping late spring or summer will offer us fare that makes us want to go to the theater together. Until then, pass the popcorn please ….

If you missed The Oscars, here’s the condensed version: the champagne carpet got dirty and washed the stars out (they all looked a weird color); “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” and “All Quiet on the Western Front” won essentially everything; everyone agreed Tom Cruise saved the movie industry with “Top Gun: Maverick.” Almost all nominated films are streaming. Most are almost three hours long, so you may want to view in several sections.

The Lookout Mountain Club hosted such a fun Red Carpet and Oscar viewing party. My fearless “fact checker” Mary Evans and I had the best time. I’m crossing my fingers that LMC does that again next year, and I hope many of you will join Mary and me.

I loved the acceptance speech by Ke Huy Quan from “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” Quan was a child actor who left the business and returned right before this movie. I also loved Jamie Lee Curtis’s speech because she thanked all the fans (me!) of horror movies who stayed with her films all those years.

I saw three films in theaters this month. “Champions” stars Woody Harrelson as a fired college coach who is assigned community service; he must coach a Special Olympics basketball team. (If you’ve never attended a Special Olympics event, you should). It’s a sweet, endearing story.

I’ve been a Rocky fan since the original film. My daddy took me to the one theater in Montgomery and he wept. I had never seen him cry. I was hooked. I’ve never missed a Rocky sequel, so of course I LOVED “Creed 3.” Like all Rocky movies, there is a great redemption and forgiveness storyline. Another franchise I’ve never missed a sequel from is the “Scream” series, but unless you’re a major fan of the series, just stream it later.

It is always interesting to me which streaming service has the best content. In March, I’d say it was a tie between Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

Amazon

• “Daisy Jones and The Six” This series is based on the Taylor Jenkins Reid novel that I read in one day. I loved both the book and this series so much I cannot find the adjectives to express my utter fandom. Yes, there is drug use, addiction, and some adult content, so you are warned. I had not cried after my mother’s death as I shed many tears four years ago, but the final episode of this series had me weeping. It was cathartic, and I was reminded I am not alone in parts of my story. Elvis’s granddaughter Riley Keough stars as Daisy, and Sam Claflin (made famous by “Hunger Games” series) stars as Billy Dunne. They are perfection.
• The next two shows I watched were a bit heavy, so I added a comedy show after each - a practice I highly recommend. I call it the “comedy chaser.”
• “Alice Darling” This film stars Anna Kendrick as a smart woman in an abusive relationship. Her friends read the red flags and encourage her to leave her boyfriend. This is such a good lesson in watching out for our loved ones and being willing to step in when necessary. My “comedy chaser” after this was my favorite comedian Nate Berghatze (a Tennessee man!) in his “Hello World” special. Not a single swear word!
• “Jared from Subway: Catching a Monster” This three-part docuseries covers the rise to fame of Jared Fogle, the man who famously lost 150 pounds while eating at Subway. He started a program to “educate kids on healthy eating” while he was actually a sexual predator.

Apple TV

• “Ted Lasso” Season three is up and running! How I wish I could convince the editors and writers to remove some of the language because it is the sweetest show.
• “Dear Edward” Based on the fabulous novel, this series follows the sole survivor of a plane crash. Eleven-year-old Eddie moves in with his aunt and uncle who he barely knows to start life over as Edward. The team behind “Friday Night Lights” (best TV show ever - I’ll never stop saying that) produced this one, and yes, Connie Britton is a lead, as is Taylor Schilling from “Orange is the New Black.” I love this series, which may have a season two.
• “Truth Be Told” Please watch this season of this spectacular show. It’s in season three now but you do not need to watch the first two seasons. This season podcast investigator Poppy (uber talented Octavia Spencer) tackles sex trafficking. Everyone has probably heard the statistic that the United States is the country with the most trafficking. Called “Romeo Trafficking,” young girls are lured in by someone who becomes their boyfriend and overwhelms them with gifts and attention and ultimately gets them to a party where they are passed around and taken away by someone else. This is an important season, and I would even recommend watching it with your older teens.

Netflix

• “The Best Beer Run Ever” Based on a true story starring Zac Efron and Russell Crowe, Chickie Donahue (Efron) decides to transport beer to all his friends who are fighting in Vietnam. I was scared this was going to be an anti-American story, but it is a story of love, sacrifice for country and finding your story.
• My next two loves only apply to my fellow thriller/horror fans. “The Glory” is the story of a horrifically bullied high schooler who plots revenge on her tormentors. The other thriller I liked was “The Strays.” This film has seriously the most surprising ending I have ever seen. It’s the story of a mother whose life begins to unravel as her past catches up to her.

Paramount

• “The Visitor” This is another thriller about a couple that moves into the wife’s childhood home and discovers her husband is mysteriously in paintings that are decades old.

Hulu

• “Alaska Daily” You can now stream the entire first season of this superb newspaper mystery solving show. The superb cast is led by Hilary Swank.
• “Accused” This series follows a different case each week. If you’re a courtroom drama fan, this is for you.
• “Ritual Killer” This thriller stars Morgan Freeman as a detective about to retire when he is handed a case of murders being committed using a black magic known as muti.
• “Lullaby” This is a straight up, old school horror movie by the “Annabelle” team. A set of new parents accidentally open an evil spirit in their home through an ancient lullaby.
• “Boston Strangler” This is an excellent film chronicling the women who would not stop investigating the Boston Strangler even though women were not allowed often in investigative reporting. Kiera Knightly and Carrie Coon are superb.

And because I had four surgeries in 10 months, each recovery gets a pass on a “pure trash but can’t look away” show. This last one was “Southern Charm Savannah.”
Until next month, pass the popcorn please …

By the time you read this, the Oscars will have aired. In 1990, Billy Crystal opened the ceremony with a beloved musical number that included the title of this article. So, every year I watch that video on YouTube and sing that song.

Last month, I reviewed most of the movies nominated. The condensed version of my reviews were in the “skip it” category: “The Banshees of Insherin;” “Tár;” “Triangle of Sadness;” and “The Whale.”

The “yes, see it” list included: “The Fabelmans;” “Maverick: Top Gun;” “All Quiet on the Western Front;” “Elvis;” and “Everything, Everywhere All at Once.” All of these films are available to stream.

I rented “To Leslie” because of all the controversy surrounding the best actress nomination for lead actress Andrea Riseborough (I still don’t understand the campaigning rules). This was a hard movie for me as it’s about an addict, and my brother is an addict. I think Andrea earned that Oscar nomination. It’s a well done movie; just know it can be very triggering for those of us with addicts in our lives.

In theaters this month, I saw “80 for Brady.” I am not a Tom Brady fan, but I love true stories. I love movies about healthy female friendships, and with Lily Tomlin, Sally Fields, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno starring? It was a no brainer for me. If felt good to laugh, cry and just experience a movie in a group setting.

I also saw “Knock at the Cabin.” I’m a huge fan of the director M. Night Shyamalan (“The Sixth Sense”). This was not his best work, but I took a bunch of 20-something-year olds to see this film and they were all entertained. It is a thriller about the end of the world, but it didn’t work in my opinion.

The final movie I saw in theaters was “Jesus Revolution.” My oldest daughter asked my husband and me to go with her. It’s the true story of the Jesus movement in the ’70s in California. Kelsey Grammer does a good job of portraying Chuck Smith, the man who ultimately started Calvary Chapel. I appreciated that the three pastors were not portrayed as perfect. It’s definitely a movie families can see together.
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Still recovering from major foot surgery gave me time for lots of streaming, so here are the things I watched. I will say it again, HBO and Apple are killing it.


HBO

• “The Last of Us” I didn’t think I would like this series. It is based on the video game that changed the world of video games by creating characters with actual stories you care about. I haven’t finished this series as of this deadline, but so far I’m all in.

Apple

• “Dear Edward” Based on the bestselling novel by the same name, this one was brought to life by the brilliant writers and directors of “Friday Night Lights” (best TV show ever FYI). Connie Britton and Taylor Schilling give excellent performances. I loved the book, and I think the series is doing a great job of staying true to the book.
• “Sharper” This was my favorite movie of the month. It’s a twisty, turny who-is-good and who-is-bad starring Julianne Moore and Sebastian Stan. It had me guessing to last minute.
• “Shrinking” This comedy stars Harrison Ford and Jason Segel. It’s hysterical, but be warned the language is very adult.
• “Servant” The creepy M.Night Shyamalan series is coming to an end. Unless you really enjoy horror, you can skip this.

Netflix
Basically Netflix provided my just senseless binge material for lying on your back with your foot elevated. Watch “Black Summer” for your zombie fix, and season three of “Love is Blind” and  “Bling Empire” for your “surely this doesn’t exist” fix. The one very pleasant surprise was the Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher romantic comedy “Your Place or Mine?” Great date night movie! Also, the documentary “Pamela, A Love Story” by Pamela Anderson’s son was very moving.


Hulu

• “The Sacrament” A brother goes to find his sister who he is convinced has joined a cult. What he finds is even more terrifying. I loved it, but I do love a well done scary movie.
• “Stolen Youth -The Cult at Sarah Lawrence” is a true cult story. This documentary is absolutely SHOCKING. And how an Ivy League school let this happen on its campus is horrifying.
• “Accused” This anthology series covers a different legal dilemma. It’s so good and makes you think.

     
Well, next month we will have Oscar winners, and I’ll have lots of opinions. Pas the popcorn please …

I say it all the time: I love writing this column. I love movies and television and Broadway. I love the way well done visual art can literally move me to tears or laughter. The hard part of this job is knowing that what I love and find wonderful may not be for everyone, so, as 2023 begins, I want to give a blanket statement: please always investigate my, or anyone’s, recommendations.
Since I am writing this on January 1, 2023, I think it is fitting that I give you my list of the best films of 2022.

• 1. “Top Gun: Maverick” I love this movie for many reasons. I love the actor Miles Teller, and it’s a movie that families can see together. It also honors our military and sees value in our past.
• 2. “Devotion” This is based on the incredible true story of honor, pride in country and racism, with the Korean War as backdrop. A must-see for families in my opinion.
• 3. “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” My face hurt from smiling so much during this movie! It is simply the sweetest movie of the year and again, family friendly.
• 4. “NOPE” Don’t immediately start with “Nope, I’m not seeing it because it’s a horror movie.” There are a few jump scares but this is about family and what lengths we will go to to preserve our family and our family’s particular culture and values.
• 5. “The Fabelmans” This is the “semi-autobiographical” Steven Spielberg film. In a world with anti-semitism on the rise, this film feels a bit more weighty than I’m sure it did when Spielberg first wrote it. I loved this movie.
• 6. “Elvis” A study in what can so terribly wrong when your trust is put in the wrong person, this film boasts amazing performances and of course, music.
• 7. “Jerry and Marge Go Large” The true story of a couple figuring out the lottery to save the town they love, Annette Benning and Bryan Cranston are fabulous!
• 8. “Tár” I warn you that this film is almost two and a half hours long and moves slowly. However, I hope Cate Blanchett wins for best actress. She portrays a conductor who is a self described “U-haul lesbian” and has become a robot basically to succeed. This movie addresses sex and gender in a brilliant way, and features my favorite film quote of the year, “Don’t be so eager to be offended, the narcissism of small differences leads to the most boring conformity.”
• 9. “What is a Woman?” This documentary is compelling. Watch it just to see the University of Tennessee professor (whose salary you and I are paying) expound on how the word “truth” is triggering. I just have no words.

​All of the above movies are available for streaming for rental.

In theaters last month, I saw “Armageddon Day” and was so disappointed. It’s slow, and even Anthony Hopkins can’t save this film.

I think what is unsettling to me about the issue of “will the theaters survive” is a personal fact. For 16 years our family has seen a movie on Christmas Day in the theater. This year we stayed home and streamed “Matilda” on Netflix, which was a good call on our part.

Peacock
I’m listing Peacock first because if you do not have this streaming service, I highly recommend it.

• “NOPE” One of my favorite movies of the year. See notes above in my favorite movies of 2022.
• “Casey Anthony: Where Truth Lies” This three part docuseries did not change my mind about Anthony’s a role in her child’s death, but it gave me a lot to think about. It’s her first interview since her acquittal. She may not have physically killed Caylee, but I think she knows who did and participated in the cover-up.
• “Parks & Recreation” This series continues to bring me joy. I never watched it when it was on TV but I am loving streaming it.

Hulu

• “Fleishman is in Trouble” I actually do not know how to adequately describe and review this eight-part series. Claire Danes and Jesse Eisenberg star as a couple debating divorce and disappointment in their lives. I used the 15-second skip button often as there are sexual situations. The series follows Eisenberg and his two best friends (one female, one male) from college as they tread into middle age. Discussions on what is it like to be a mother; who really are our true friends; and what does postpartum depression and mental illness look and feel like, really affected me. Sometimes crying, I found myself needing to just sit and process. I’ve had postpartum depression and struggle with a mental illness similar to that of Clare Danes’ character, and there were times where I thought the writer had taken scripts from my brain to use as inspiration. This is not your feel good show, but it is one of the best. I hope Claire Danes and the excellent Lizzy Caplin (who portrays Eisenberg’s best friend) win every award possible.
• “Alaska Daily” Hillary Swank stars as a journalist seeking a fresh start in Alaska after losing her job and reputation at a large newspaper. She discovers an unsolved crime in Alaska and is determined to solve it.

Netflix

• “Matilda” Netflix wins the best original movie on streaming award for its slightly flawed, but still charming, adaptation of this musical. If you are not a rabid fan of musicals, as the Stroud clan is, you will not even notice the changes that bothered us. Also, the new song for the ending of the movie is exquisite.
• “Take Your Pills” This documentary about the addiction to Zanax and other anti-anxiety meds is fascinating.
• “Firefly Lane” I loved this book. I don’t love the adaptation, but I am sticking with it in hopes it will get to the heart of the novel.

HBO Max

• “Call me Miss Cleo” This fascinating documentary delves into the 80s phone psychic phenomenon and its shady characters.
• “The White Lotus” I should have read more about season 2 of this show. The 15-second button needed to be a 30-second button, but WOWZA!
• Live TV
• On live TV with the help of my DVR, I’m watching “The Good Doctor,” “Law and Order,” “Law and Order SVU” and “Yellowstone.” My husband, John, is tired of hearing about Beth Dutton.

So hoping our highs of 2023 include more popcorn passing at the theater!