At Least ‘Wicked for Good’ Is Coming

I realize that the “Wicked” movie coming out on November 21 is technically a sequel, as are the majority of movies coming out these days. The exception is “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” starring one of my favorites Jeremy Allen White from “The Bear.” I liked this film that follows the rise of Bruce Springsteen. It had its critics, but I was entertained.

Two films worth noting that should be streaming by the time you’re reading this are “Truth & Treason,” a moving WWII true story, and “After the Hunt” starring Julia Roberts, a psychological drama about a college professor who must face her past when a star student levels accusations against a fellow teacher. 
Streaming was even different this month, with lots of documentaries, and disturbing series and movies, but thankfully there were some charmers in the mix!

NETFLIX

• “Woman in Cabin 10” Kiera Knightley stars as a travel writer who gets an assignment on a luxury yacht. When she witnesses a passenger tossed overboard but is told she imagined it, she realizes all is not as it seems. This was a great mystery movie, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
• “Love is Blind” This reality series actually began as a sociological experiment and ended up on Netflix. The couples “date” in “pods,” and there is a divide that prevents them from seeing each other. So, is love blind? Some couples end up marrying at the end of the show! This is the one reality TV show I’m always invested in.
• “Steve” Steve (brilliantly portrayed by Oscar winner Cillian Murphy) is the head teacher at a reform college that is on the brink of closing due to budget cuts. The stories of the boys’ lives are heartbreaking. While an incredibly well-done film, it is hard to watch, especially if you teach or work in any form of social work.
• “My Father, the BTK Killer” This is the first time serial killer Dennis Rader’s daughter Kerri Rawson has spoken about her father, his double life, and her view of him as a father. I am a true-crime fan and found it fascinating to hear from the perspective of an innocent family member. If true crime is not your thing, you can pass on this one.
• “Victoria Beckham” I found this docuseries of former Spice Girl and wife to David Beckham fascinating. The thing that struck me is Victoria’s inability to be satisfied with success. She had to top each victory with a bigger one. If you like docuseries, this is a good one.
• “The Perfect Neighbor” This documentary is one of the most thought-provoking documentaries I’ve seen in a long time. It follows the story of Susan Lorincz, a Florida woman who calls the police repeatedly on neighborhood children. I highly recommend this documentary. The majority of the film is told from body cam footage. I learned a lot about “stand your ground” laws and what true anger can do to a human being.
• “North of North” This is one of the favorite things I watched all month! It’s a sweet comedy following Siaja, a young Inuk woman living in a tiny Artic town trying to find her own path. Do not be dismayed at the ending; season two is coming! Speaking of season two …
• “Nobody Wants This” My oldest daughter convinced me to watch the first season, and season two is just what you hope it will be! 
• “The Diplomat” Season three of this series maintains the pace and thrill of the first two seasons. This is a political thriller that hits all the right notes.

Apple TV

• “Trying” A friend recommended this British comedy to me as a feel good, laugh out loud, let-the-day-go show. Following a couple trying desperately to have a baby, it is all of the above.
• “The Morning Show” After three seasons of this Jennifer Aniston- and Reese Witherspoon-led drama, I lost interest.
• “The Lost Bus” This true story movie led by America Ferrera and Matthew McConaughey is excellent. I was on the edge of my seat! Matthew is a school bus driver who is tasked with transporting children and a teacher trapped in an unimaginable wildfire. So good!
• “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost” I don’t know when I have been so moved or felt so connected to a documentary. Ben Stiller’s tribute to his parents, highlighting both bad and good, is simply beautiful. Highly recommend!

HULU

• Hulu brought the very worst thing I watched, and also one of the best. The scary movie “Good Boy” was fine until the very disturbing last 10 minutes. I was lured in by a good cast, but ugh.
• The fifth season of “Only Murderers in the Building” was excellent.
• Hulu also brought “Murdaugh: Death in the Family,” a true crime miniseries that is the dramatization of Alex Murdaugh’s murder of his wife and son. Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke turn in stellar performances that make this series truly compelling.

PEACOCK
Finally, Peacock offers the excellent rendition of John Grisham’s novel “The Rainmaker.” This was a great courtroom drama that made me stream quickly to the next episode!
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This month I love to stream both cheesy and well-done holiday movies!

So, until the new year, keep passing the popcorn …