My second daughter and I were counting down the days until we could see Jamie Lee Curtis in “Halloween Kills” on the big screen. We were so disappointed. I love the Halloween franchise but this one had no great storyline and was beyond violent. “Dune” on the big screen is the way this movie should be seen, but at over 2.5 hours it’s a commitment. Stellar cast but you must be able to do some science fiction and a long movie to enjoy. And that is everything I saw in the theater this past month but boy, did the streaming services deliver!
​
Hulu definitely hit it out of the ballpark this month with five series and one documentary that I enjoyed. I can’t honestly say I “enjoyed” the documentary “Jacinta” about an adult daughter and her mother being locked up in the same prison, but it opened my eyes to generational drug abuse, incarcerations and how even being a mother cannot get addicts clean. This is an honest look at three generations working through the consequences of drug abuse.

“Only Murderers in the Building” starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez is a highly stylized comedy/drama about an apartment building that is housing a murderer and many other secret lives. I loved this show. There is adult language.

While “Ordinary Joe” is currently airing on NBC, you can watch it on Hulu. It’s a fascinating look at one man’s life from three different views based on three different options offered to him on the day he graduates from college. “The Good Doctor” is still airing on ABC but if you’re new to this amazing show about a doctor who is on the autism spectrum, you can start from the beginning on Hulu. Freddie Highmore is brilliant in the lead of this drama.

“The Big Leap” is set with the backdrop of a reality dance show, but it’s really more about second chances and finding a healthy path for families and individuals who seem to have lost their way. I love dancing, and I love some of the many storylines of the contestants.

If I got an Emmy vote, I’d give my vote to Michael Keaton for his work in “Dopesick.” This limited series is based on two documentaries following the Sackler family and Perdue Pharma and the crimes they committed in marketing, making and distributing OxyContin. I’ve mentioned before that it’s a struggle for me to find any entertainment that my hubby and I can agree on but this is one we both loved.

Apple TV offered up the second season of Octavia Spencer’s brilliant “Truth Be Told” and the second season of “Ted Lasso.” John and I both love “Ted Lasso,” although we wish the language was PG. (I even dressed up as Ted for Halloween.) “Truth Be Told” is rapid fire crime solving while also offering a look at what it takes to make a popular podcast.

Netflix dropped another season of the thoroughly delightful and entertaining “The Great British Baking Show.” This show is like a warm hug. To see regular folks who love to bake compete while being kind to other competitors is a breath of fresh air. The second show I watched on Netflix was “Maid.” Similar to “Jacinta” on Hulu, this is a rather hard show as it’s about a mom leaving an abusive relationship only to be totally out of money. It was eye opening to me to see how hard it is to navigate getting help, government and other sources. Real life mother and daughter Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley give exceptional performances.

Finally, HBO Max offered up two extraordinary documentaries. “The Crime of the Century” is the documentary about the Sackler family and Perdue Pharma. It is one of the documentaries that the exceptional “Dopesick” on Hulu is based upon. The second is “15 Minutes of Shame.” This documentary follows real life people who have been publicly shamed and the fallout that occurs in their lives. One story has a local Chattanoogan featured. I was very conflicted about how I buy into some of these “shaming” stories, that may or may not be accurate.

So the pumpkins went away and that means Hallmark Christmas movies.  And blockbuster releases for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Color me happy and pass the popcorn!

by Merrile Stroud

A friend requested I try to find some “family friendly” movies. I’ll be honest, this is an incredibly tough request for me because parents have different standards for what is acceptable for their children. Obviously, different age groups have different guidelines. For example, when our girls were younger, if a story had a redemptive, moral or a powerful life lesson, we would allow a bit of offensive language. I will try to recommend family viewing for both the big and small screen, with descriptions that I hope will be helpful for parents.
​
I can safely recommend the film “I Still Believe” to any age group, although young children may be bored. It portrays the true story of Jeremy Camp, one of the best selling contemporary Christian singer/songwriters of all time and stars K.J. Apa of “Riverdale” fame. You can view this movie on Hulu.

I found “Turner and Hooch” on Disney Plus to be sweet and acceptable for family viewing. There is, however, an occasional storyline that is not in line with more traditional family values.

I liked “Poms,” starring the incomparable Diane Keaton as a woman starting a competitive cheer squad at a retirement village. There is some questionable language, but the movie is sweet and explores the meaning of true friends beautifully. It is available on Netflix.

For families with teenagers, I would highly recommend the film “CODA” on Apple TV. It stars Oscar winning actress Marlee Marlin as the deaf mother of one deaf child and one hearing child. Ms. Marlin insisted that all the deaf characters be portrayed by deaf actors. I even convinced husband John Stroud to watch, and he loved it.

Speaking of Apple TV, if you haven’t yet watched “Ted Lasso” after my many recommendations, please start! The language is definitely adult, and there are adult situations, but if you watch with older teens, it could lead to meaningful conversations.

If you were a fan of “Big Little Lies,” you may like Hulu’s “Nine Perfect Strangers,” written by the same author, Liane Moriarty, and starring Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy and one of my favorite actors, Michael Shannon. It a twisted mysterious tale of nine strangers who all end up at a resort with the promise of “changing the life you have.”

On HBO Max, I do NOT recommend “The White Lotus.” You may be lured in by the great lineup of actors led by Connie Britton, but do not go there!

On Peacock, I highly recommend “Dr. Death,” based on the widely popular podcast of the same name. It follows the unbelievable true tale of University of Tennessee trained Dr. Christopher Duntsch. You will fly through this highly addictive true crime saga. Also, check out “Parks and Recreation” on Peacock. I’m late to this party but I’m glad I joined!

Finally, on Netflix, I recommend the movie “The Last Letter from your Lover.” I’m so thankful my friend Jennifer Foley told me to watch this romantic film. Another recommendation from our friends Linda and Tad Dacus led us to start the Revolutionary War spy drama “Turn.” It takes an episode or two to really recognize all the players and which side they’re helping, but it is worth the work, I promise.

The past month I saw four, yes, FOUR, movies in the theaters. It reminded me how much I love the big screen, the amazing surround sound and all the previews! I have one friend I see movies with who totally gets my “you do not miss previews” rule. She wishes movie theaters had one theater where you can watch previews for an entire hour. Count. Me. In.

All four movies I saw had divided reviews from both critics and audiences. The first I saw was the Matt Damon film “Stillwater.” This is not an easy film. It’s very reminiscent of the Amanda Knox story but with a stunning twist. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Matt Damon’s acting is stellar.

The second film I saw was the new M. Night Shyamalan film “Old.” This thriller takes place on a beach that mysteriously ages visitors years in just a few hours. I felt like Mr. Shyamalan was trying to make a film that is a commentary on big pharmaceutical companies. I loved this film. I’m a huge Shyamalan, fan so I may have some bias. The friend who accompanied me to the theater thought it was “mildly entertaining.”

I loved Jennifer Hudson’s masterpiece, “Respect,” the story of Aretha Franklin’s early life. It’s sad, moving and truly redemptive. I saw it with two friends and we were still talking about the film the day after.

Finally, I saw the Hugh Jackman film, “Reminiscence.” I didn’t know what to expect from this film. It is a love story with some science fiction and post apocalyptic influence. I loved this film because it made me think about how we romanticize the past, and how sometimes being stuck in that mindset influences our decisions in the present.

I want to give a big shout out to the staff at the AMC Majestic Theater. They are working incredibly hard to keep the theaters clean and provide great service at the snack bar.

So until next month, from the theater and my couch, please pass the popcorn …

After the quarantine lifted, the first movie I saw in the theaters was “A Quiet Place 2.” I traveled to Asheville, N.C., to see it with my oldest daughter because none of her friends like suspenseful movies. I loved this movie as much as the first. I cannot recommend both of the “Quiet Place” movies enough. They are NOT horror movies. Yes, they are tense and suspenseful but the first one is a true picture of the true meaning of parental love and sacrifice. I go as far as to say the last few minutes are a clear illustration of the Gospel of Christ that I cling to for life. The movie explores the love and dedication of the love between siblings and our “chosen family,” which is the only family I have. This is my favorite movie I’ve seen all year.

The second movie I saw is indeed a horror movie. It’s an installment in “The Conjuring” universe, “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.” True horror fans will love it. The reason I love “The Conjuring” series is because the movie stars Lorraine and Ed Warren, actual people who are Christians who historically did “house cleansing” and exorcisms for years. Their faith and dedication is inspiring to me, and I love their quotes at the end of each movie.

The final movie I saw in the theater was “In the Heights,” which is based on “Hamilton” creator Lin Manuel Miranda’s lesser-known Tony award winning musical. I love-love-love the original musical, and I really enjoyed the movie. However, the movie left out important plot lines and tried to scramble them in too late in the movie. If you aren’t familiar with the musical, you’ll probably like the movie more than I did.
I’ve had requests to recommend shows by the services on which they air. So here goes:

HBOMax
“Mare of Easttown”
A stunning performance by Kate Winslet as a down-on-her-luck detective trying to solve both a heinous cold case and a current case. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Warnings: adult language and some sexual content.
“The Crime of the Century”
A documentary about the oxycodone epidemic and the politicians that have blood on their hands. It’s fascinating and anger-producing, as well. It’s excellent.

Apple TV
Please go watch “Ted Lasso” now before season two drops. It’s one of my favorite shows in years.

Netflix
“Murder on the Coast”
The documentary about catching one of the most horrible and anonymous murderers of women.
“Blue Miracle”
A heart-warming movie about a couple that runs an orphanage that is on the verge of failing. The pair joins forces with a crusty fisherman to win a fishing competition to save the orphanage.

Peacock
“Girls5eva”
The hysterical 80’s girls band that reconnects for a comeback when the hit their 40s. It’s only appropriate if you were in high school somewhere from 1982-1989.

Amazon Prime
“The Woman Who Wasn’t There”
This is an unbelievable documentary about a woman who lied about being at the Twin Towers on 9/11and found celebrity and money in that lie. (Yes, I watched a lot of documentaries this month because wedding planning did that to my brain.)

So, I hope I see you the movies in person soon, and as always, pass the popcorn!

Well, the good news is that there was an Oscars award show; the bad news is that most people didn’t see many of the nominated movies or performances. The ratings for the show “tanked,” according to Variety. Not one of the movies nominated debuted in theaters. Of the eight nominated films, I saw seven. Two, I highly recommend, “Nomadland” and “Minari.” “Nomadland” not only won best picture but also earned Oscar gold for best actress Frances McDormand, who is honestly pitch-perfect in this role. Chloe Zhao won her statue for her impeccable direction. This film centers around Fern (McDormand) who takes to the road in her van after her husband dies, and her entire town of Empire, Neb., disappears after the U.S. Gypsum plant closes its doors. This movie is a slow, thoughtful, symbolism-packed masterpiece.

“Minari” is the tale of a Korean family who moves to Arkansas to become farmers. This poignant movie subtly pulls on your heartstrings without being predictable in any way. Youn Yuh-jung won the Oscar for best supporting actress. While unknown to most filmgoers, she is the Meryl Streep of Korea. Google her speech. It is priceless!

But the most important takeaway from this weird Oscar production was Tyler Perry’s speech for winning the highest humanitarian award, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. I am a huge Tyler Perry fan, and his speech made me love him all the more. You can Google the speech but his “I refuse to hate someone because they’re Mexican or because they are black or white, or LGBTQ. I refuse to hate someone because they’re a police officer. I refuse to hate someone because they’re Asian. I would hope we would all refuse hate,” quote brought thunderous applause and cheers. It was the highest moment of the night in my opinion.

I would like to do something different this month and recommend three stand-alone episodes that continue the theme Mr. Perry so eloquently brought up. The first is season five, episode 13 of “This Is Us.” The other episodes are “Law & Order SVU,” season 22, episode 12, and my all time fav, “Friday Night Lights” season three, episode 12. On another note, the final stand-alone episode I want to recommend is for parents of middle schoolers. After watching “The Social Dilemma,” I’ve become so concerned about cell phones in young hands. Season three, episode one of “Black Mirror” was written a few years ago, and what’s frightening is that we are already in the midst of the technology this episode is warning us about.

My most favorite series I picked up this month is “Little Voice” on Apple TV. It’s the sweet story of a songwriter in NYC struggling to find her musical voice and navigate forgiving family members. Please do not watch “Them” on Amazon Prime. Just don’t do it. I continue to love “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” on Hulu and Peacock. A friend recommended I take up “A Million Little Pieces” on Hulu, and I’m enjoying it. If you’ve never watched “Downton Abbey,” now is your chance; do it before the newly announced second feature length film is released later this year.
​
Spring is here! Things are opening slowly, and I look forward to being in the theater regularly again. Until next month, pass the popcorn (and not from six feet) …

No one wants to hear the words “unprecedented” or “extraordinary” anymore this year. It’s incredibly hard to write a movie and streaming article about the Oscars without using either of those words when describing the first post-pandemic Oscar ceremony. So, I’m going to start this article a bit differently and will address this unusual Oscar season later in this article.
​
A dear friend suggested I use part of my article to discuss movies that open the door to meaningful conversations with high-schoolers. But, I want to start this section with the BEST family movie I’ve seen in a long time: “Yes Day” on Netflix starring Jennifer Gardner. It’s the most wholesome, entertaining and conversation-starting movie! It’s so sweet without being syrupy and is just a plain happy movie!

All of the following are available on Amazon Prime or Apple TV plus. Please note these are for high school aged children and should be viewed with a parent. Amazon Prime has developed a rating system for its viewing content, but I’d add at least two years to its recommendation. In no particular order, here are movies or shows for discussion starters:

“To Kill a Mockingbird” What it means to do the right thing even when no one is going to stand with you. Gregory Peck won an Oscar and his is still one of the best performances on screen.

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” Jimmy Stewart plays a politician who stands up to corruption.

“Juno” An honest portrayal of teenage pregnancy.

Any Tyler Perry movie in which he portrays Madea. Please note these movies cover heavy subject matter at times.

“Lars & the Real Girl” This is the single best movie to discuss what does really sacrificially loving someone look like. You will think this movie is going down a deviant path but I assure you it does not.

“Friday Night Lights” (the television series) Again, you must watch WITH your teens and be willing to pause, discuss, and occasionally fast forward.

“I Am Legend” A suspenseful post-apocalyptic movie starring Will Smith that gives great lessons in sacrificing for others.

Some of these movies cover very sensitive subject matter, and I am not recommending your teens be allowed to watch these alone. They offer many teachable moments, but are to be viewed with your teens.
Now, back to the Oscars! Many of the nominations this year were never seen on the big screen in a theater. I’ve seen two of the eight nominated best picture films but plan to see a few more. I loved “Nomadland” on Netflix. It is the true story of Empire, Nevada, completely disappearing after the closing of the local U.S. gypsum plant. Frances McDormand may very well win another Oscar for her performance. It’s a very thoughtful, quiet, slow movie. Another film nominated that I loved but will not be everyone’s cup of tea is “The Sound of Metal,” which is about a drummer in a heavy metal band who is going deaf. It is not light or happy, but is an honest and raw look at addiction and losing yourself.

One of my favorite things I watched in March was “Years and Years” on HBO Max. It takes place in the not too distant future in England. It portrays what could actually happen if we continue to let technology run amuck. This BBC six part series starring Emma Thompson is very well-acted. I think it would be great viewing with college students.

On Netflix, “The One” has a similar theme as it explores what would happen if a dating site used DNA to find “soul mates.” Neither of these are child friendly, but college viewing adults with parents would open a lot of conversations regarding social media, privacy and personal safety.

On Netflix I watched two docuseries that I thoroughly enjoyed. One was “Murder Among The Mormons” about a series of murders in Salt Lake City in 1985. It’s fascinating. The other docuseries I binged on was “The Trials of Gabriel Hernandez,” which is about the death of Gabriel Hernandez due to the incompetence at the Los Angeles Department of Family and Child Services. It portrays the privatizing of child services and what that brings to communities. It is a horrific story of child abuse so please be cautioned.

If you are looking for happy and funny, I’d recommend the Amy Poehler film “Moxie.” It’s the story of girls who don’t quite fit in finding their voice through an anonymous high school magazine. Also, on Hulu, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” is such happy entertainment.

The Golden Globes were an unwatchable mess in my opinion, so here’s to hoping the Oscar producers learned a few things and create something worth watching. Until next month, pass the popcorn....

I’m writing this on the day of the first bicoastal Golden Globes Awards. Most critics I follow and other entertainment sites I read are most excited about Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosting. That’s an easy vote for me as my beloved red carpet will be virtual. How does that even work?
​
One of the more conservative sites I read for perspectives on current entertainment is “The Gospel Coalition.” Some months I struggle with my recommendations because my level of sensitivity to R rated movies is very different from that of my closest friends. I love the disclaimer that opens “The Gospel Coalition” each month:

“TGC reviews media that is not suitable for everyone. To help readers make wise decisions, we recommend reading ‘Should I watch this?’ at www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/should-i-watch-this-5-questions-for-the-discerning-viewer/.” You may also email me at merriles@epbfi.com to ask more specific questions or share something you love!

A few readers noticed I love scary movies and shows and asked that I recommend some entertainment in this genre. Skip ahead if this isn’t you! One thing I recently enjoyed is “Malevolent” on Netflix. It’s the story of four young people who stage “house cleansing” services and then have the tables turned on them. It’s actually a family drama, but it does have some gore and violence. I also love “Servant” on HBO Max, a series produced by one of my favorite directors, M. Night Shyamalan. And finally, I love “Midnighters” on Hulu. It’s in the vein of “The Undoing,” where one bad decisions leads to another.

My favorite series this month is “Your Honor,” starring and directed by the incomparable Bryan Cranston. Mr. Cranston plays a judge who seeks to protect his son after he commits a crime and goes to awful lengths to do so. There is language and implied violence. It seems lots of successful series coming out during the pandemic are asking the age old question, “How far would you go to protect a loved one?”

My favorite movie this month is “Nomadland” on Hulu. I adore the actress Frances McDormand, and she is stellar in this quiet, slow, thoughtful movie. It is based on the true story of Empire, Nevada. The U.S. Gypsum plant was the biggest employer in Empire. When it closed its doors in 2011, the town’s entire zip code disappeared in a few years. Frances portrays widowed Fern who loses everything and takes to an RV in order to travel to find work. There are only three professional actors in the film; all the other actors are real people who actually lived this life. The music is so beautiful and haunting that it almost plays a character in this film.

Another film I enjoyed this month is “Our Friend” on Amazon Prime. It is a true story of a young married couple with two daughters who rely on the help of their best friend as the wife battles cancer. It takes place in Fairhope, Alabama. It is sad, but I’m so glad I saw it. It made me really reflect on the friendships in my life and the definition of a true friend.

Two documentaries I devoured this month were “Crime Scene: The Vanishing at The Cecil Hotel” on Netflix and “Framing Britney Spears” on Hulu. I kept rewinding the Britney documentary to make sure I heard the facts correctly!

One of my favorite shows that is currently airing but also available on Hulu is “The Good Doctor.” Freddie Highmore brilliantly portrays a doctor with autism. Another show currently airing (both of these shows are on ABC) that I enjoy is “Big Sky,” which is about a small town hiding an insidious secret.

By next month we will have witnessed our first virtual awards show and will have Oscar nominations in hand, so get ready! And pass that popcorn, please ...

On Christmas night, my daughter Tay Tay’s future father-in-law, Andy Helm, generously rented an entire theater for our families to watch “Christmas Vacation.” To sit in a theater seat and watch previews almost made me cry. AMC is doing a fantastic job at cleaning and keeping things very sanitized, so much so that by the time you read this I hope to have gone to the theater several more times.
​
The day after Christmas, my youngest daughter and I watched “Wonder Woman 1984.” While we loved the film, it begged to be seen on a big screen. So, this is the month I’m seeing movies in a theater. My Christmas night AMC Majestic experience was so positive I feel safe. I had COVID-19 in November so I’m venturing back.

It’s the time of year for “best of the year” lists. Doing a “best of 2020” list feels strange, as so much of 2020 was spent in ways that didn’t seem to be the best of anything. The year 2020 did provide a plethora of entertainment options, so I give you my personal “best of” list:

“Gilmore Girls” Yes, I am late to this party but I love this series. I laugh, I cry and I want to hug my girls when each episode ends.

“The Crown” - Yes, I watched it in two days while I had COVID-19, and I loved it. Do yourself a favor and go to YouTube.com and watch “The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast 2020.” Seriously. Go watch it now.

“Call the Midwife” - Another party I’m late to join, but it’s so, so good.

“The Social Dilemma” - This may be the most thought provoking documentary of the year. If you have given or are considering giving a middle schooler a smart phone, I’d suggest you watch this ASAP.

“Virgin River” - So Hallmark movie feelings can continue after the holidays.

“Christmas on the Square” - As if we need another reason to love Dolly Parton.

“Yellowstone” (parental guidance suggested) - Kevin Costner stars and it’s addictive. You have to have Peacock streaming to finish it.

“The Midnight Sky” - Recommended to me by our Mirror book reviewer Nancy Carstens. I’m so glad I watched it! I love space movies because my daddy took me to rocket launchings as a child, and he always wanted to go into space. He even applied to be on The Challenger. This movie is beautiful, and I wish I’d seen it on the big screen. I was reminded again why I love George Clooney and Kyle Chandler.

I’ve mentioned many times how much I love this job. I also feel the burden to warn adults about sensitive content. Please know like “Yellowstone,” the following recommendations are strictly adult. Both of these are on HBOMax (the one streaming service I’d add if you only have Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime). “The Undoing” starring Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman is the best acted, most engrossing “who dunnit” I’ve seen in years. The same goes for “The Flight Attendant,” but I used my fast forward button more in this series. “The Murders at White House Farm” is a true crime that took place in the 1980’s in England. Older teens could watch with parental supervision.

I also loved watching “Hamilton” (Disney Plus), “Enola Holmes” (Netflix), “Onward” (family viewing with discretion )(Disney Plus), “Magic Camp” (Disney Plus). There are not enough adjectives to describe how much I love “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”on Peacock and Hulu; it’s the story of a father preparing to die while his daughter finds her voice. It’s like a musical TV show that feels like hot chocolate.

Several people have highly recommended “Uncorked” on Netflix, and it’s on my list to watch.

I’m loving “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV. So funny and sweet.

So next month, I’ll have theater and couch recommendations, so definitely pass that popcorn!

I’ve been asked to do another concise list based on each streaming service’s offering. But I want to start by saying two days before I sat down to write this article, Warner Brothers Studios (parent company of HBO Max) announced it would release every major motion picture release in 2021 in theaters, as well as on HBO Max, the SAME day. If you see two movies a month, the cost of HBO Max is less than those two tickets. I am very excited, as no recent movie offerings have made me want to go to the theater. Also, if we do have to have stay at home orders anytime in 2021, we can get blockbuster entertainment from our couches.

I know you will be reading this after Christmas, but if you did not watch Dolly Parton’s “Christmas on the Square,” it’s worth seeing. Dolly wrote the story, the music and produced this gem. And, can we just agree we all need a little more Dolly in our lives right now?

Speaking of Netflix, I continue to enjoy “Call the Midwife.” The taping of “Bruce Springsteen on Broadway” is so entertaining, even if you’re not a Springsteen fan; he is an excellent storyteller. I did not like “Hillbilly Elegy,” but I will say Glenn Close’s performance is spectacular. If you haven’t seen “Gilmore Girls,” please start today! The second season of “Virgin River” was just released, and it is a sweet show, much like a warm cup of cocoa. I had COVID-19 when “The Crown” was released and finished it in two days. The performances are pitch perfect. “The Holiday Movies That Made Us” is a fun behind-the-scenes peek of the movies we all love.

If you have HBO Max, there are three shows I am CRAZY about. “The Undoing” is a riveting crime drama about a pediatric oncologist who may or may not be a killer. This is not a family friendly show! The docu-series “Murder on Middle Beach” delivers one heart-stopping moment after another. It is the true story of the murder of Barbara Hamburg and is produced by her son as he seeks to know the truth. “The Murders at White House Farm” is excellent. It is based on actual murders outside England in 1985.

On Hulu, we just started “Blue Bloods,” which is about a family of police officers and lawyers in New York. Also, if you have not started “The Good Doctor,” I highly recommend it. It follows the life of a brilliant doctor who has Asperger syndrome. It’s an incredibly moving series. There is a fascinating series called “Cults and Extreme Belief.” Episode six features Chattanooga and the Yellow Deli restaurant near UTC. The first episode is about the NXIVM organization and leads up to the arrests of several members and their leader.
​
This month I didn’t watch anything on Prime Video, Disney Plus or Apple Plus so nothing to report on that end. Please always email any suggestions to merriles@epbfi.com. Stay warm and healthy and keep passing the popcorn ...

Yes, the theaters are open, but unfortunately there are no matinees, and that’s my favorite time to see movies. I rented a few theatrical releases, so in some small way, I feel like I have been to the theater. I rented the long anticipated film by Jordan Peele, “Get Out,” which is hard to watch as it is about slavery. Someone spoiled the twist for me, unfortunately. If you see it, let me know your thoughts.

I wouldn’t rush out to see “Antebellum” nor the long awaited Christopher Nolan movie “Tenet.” Even the most loyal Nolan fans I know were very disappointed.

On the small screen, I saw several things I enjoyed. We rented “Adam” starring Aaron Paul of “Breaking Bad” fame. It’s a sweet, somewhat predictable tale of a man who suffers a life-altering accident in the prime of his life. There is adult language, but it is a sweet, feel good movie. On HBO Max, I’m loving the documentary series “The Vow.” It is the story of the NXIVM cult for which many Hollywood celebrities served as recruiters. Also on HBO, the true story of the largest embezzlement of a school district, “Bad Education,” starring Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney, is excellent.

On Netflix, please skip “Ratched.” I was so excited about this as it is the original story of Nurse Ratched from the fabulous “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Sarah Paulson stars, and I think she’s a super-talented actress. Director and writer Ryan Murphy somehow gets a free pass on his misogynistic, violent, disturbing scripts. I think I am done with anything attached to him.

If you like creepy, I enjoyed “Strange but True.” This is definitely a more horror type film with twists you don’t see coming, but be warned that there is some gore and adult language.
​
I’m enjoying Season Two of the BBC crime drama “Broadchurch,” and Netflix has all three seasons. Also, the delightful movie “Enola Holmes” stars Millie Bobbi Brown of “Stranger Things” and is a fun ride. I devoured “Get Organized-Home Edit,” but the most compelling thing I watched all month was the documentary “The Social Dilemma” on Netflix. The people interviewed in this smart, engrossing documentary are all top executives at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. The basic premise is that artificial intelligence addicts us to these platforms. The decline in mental health and rise in suicides in preteens is staggering. Kids are not the only ones affected. Women in their late 30s and early 40s are having similar problems. I deleted my Facebook account after watching, as did several people who watched it after we discussed it. Please take time for this film.

I am so fortunate to have such smart friends, and one such friend is Brian Masefield, who hosts the super fun podcast “Old Roommates” with his actual old roommate Christina Walsh. It’s a weekly podcast delving into the movies of the ’80s through a middle-aged lens. I asked Brian and Christina to give me a list of their favorite Thanksgiving films. Read on for their inspried list:

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
One the most beloved films of all time, it sadly doesn’t get revisited enough. A family struggling with a complicated divorce, a homesick alien and intrusive NASA officials all lead up to a wonderfully sappy, feel good holiday movie.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving |  (1973) Charlie Brown and classic tomboy and boy seek to do the right thing by others.

The Karate Kid | While not a traditional Thanksgiving film, it’s safe enough for all ages, has lots to say about class, self-respect, racism, and has an ending to please any crowd.

Beauty & The Beast | The first animated picture nominated for an Oscar, this Disney classic has a smart, well-read heroine, singing place settings, and oodles of good life lessons. Maybe make it a family sing-a-long!

Wizard of Oz | Pop some popcorn, pull up a horse of a different color, watch out for flying monkeys and be reminded there is no place like home!


For the Adult Children and Adult Viewing:
Clue | Eccentric strangers trapped in a house kind of says Thanksgiving.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles | Rated R for very adult language, this film really has a lot to say about loneliness, friendship and the importance of family.

Home for the Holidays | Jodie Foster directs an all-star cast that makes us laugh (at ourselves somewhat) at why we leave home and why siblings drive each other crazy.

Alice’s Restaurant | If you ever were a hippie, or consider yourself one, this is your feel good hippie watch.

The Scent of a Woman | If you want something more serious, this profound film stars Al Pacino as a blind Army colonel and Chris O’Donnell as his caregiver. As stories of friendship go, this is as satisfying as pumpkin pie.
​
Until next month, I predict we will be passing popcorn in front of many different screens ...