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.
Max
Apple TV+
Hulu
Netflix
The Oscars are March 10, so I’ll keep you updated until the big night. Until then, pass the popcorn!
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!
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