I truly wanted to stand and applaud at the ending of the Tom Cruise-led “Top Gun: Maverick.” I honestly don’t know where to begin. I remember seeing the original in college and loving it, playing the soundtrack over and over on a cassette player in my car. This movie may surpass the original. There are a handful of cuss words, no nudity and a very pro-America theme. Several veterans were in the theater when I saw it, and everyone was thanking them for their service. Please see this on a big screen! The sound and the flight scenes are astonishing.
I took my oldest daughter to see it, and she liked the movie a lot but I think she would have shared my enthusiasm if she had watched the original version first. (Although the original is much more racy.)
I think Mr. Cruise may have saved the movie industry. I’m not being melodramatic here. I listened in on conversations after seeing “Top Gun: Maverick.” Across the board, people agreed with me. The use of music from the first film is genius. It’s an A+ in my book!
I actually saw two more movies in the theatre I could recommend for some families. The Channing Tatum-led film “Dog” is a moving film about the plight of veterans and the amazing dogs that serve aside them. There are many slapstick moments young boys will love. It is rated PG-13 for war scenes and mild language. “Family Camp” is a faith-based film about a family trying to reconnect by attending their church’s family camp. Adults will be moved by the last 20 minutes, but the silly humor will keep your young elementary kiddos entertained. Also, I loved the new “Downton Abbey” movie so much I saw it twice!
Here are my streaming suggestions divided by services:
Hulu
“Every Breath You Take” This is one of the better psychological thrillers I have seen in a hot minute. Casey Affleck plays a therapist whose client commits suicide, and her brother suddenly, mysteriously appears at his door.
“Candy” I could not wait for this Jessica Biel docuseries. My childhood best friend’s aunt lived in the same neighborhood and we knew the entire story. It is a crazy story that seems unbelievable! The attention to the details of the late ’70s and early ’80s is exceptional.
“Under the Banner of Heaven” Based on the bestselling novel, Andrew Garfield is excellent as a conflicted Mormon detective; all clues start to point to the fact that the killers may be Mormon as well.
“This is Us” If you gave up on the series in poorly executed season three, I highly encourage you to pick it back up as the final season is excellent.
Netflix
“Stranger Things” I have been anxiously awaiting season four. I love this show because the attention to details take me right back to middle school in Montgomery and Eastdale Mall. Yes, it is sci-fi, but it is actually a story of family and the family we create with loyal friends.
“White Hot” The documentary of the rise and fall of Abercrombie & Fitch was riveting! All I can say is WOW!
Apple
“The Shining Girls” I was looking forward to this Elisabeth Moss led drama with Phillipa Soo of “Hamilton” fame. It was so dark I could not finish it.
“Then and Now” This is a story of teenagers learning how covering a secret never ends well. It is part Spanish (dubbed) and English. Not family friendly, but probably a good wife/husband viewing choice.
Until next month, pass the popcorn please!
by Merrile Stroud
I took my oldest daughter to see it, and she liked the movie a lot but I think she would have shared my enthusiasm if she had watched the original version first. (Although the original is much more racy.)
I think Mr. Cruise may have saved the movie industry. I’m not being melodramatic here. I listened in on conversations after seeing “Top Gun: Maverick.” Across the board, people agreed with me. The use of music from the first film is genius. It’s an A+ in my book!
I actually saw two more movies in the theatre I could recommend for some families. The Channing Tatum-led film “Dog” is a moving film about the plight of veterans and the amazing dogs that serve aside them. There are many slapstick moments young boys will love. It is rated PG-13 for war scenes and mild language. “Family Camp” is a faith-based film about a family trying to reconnect by attending their church’s family camp. Adults will be moved by the last 20 minutes, but the silly humor will keep your young elementary kiddos entertained. Also, I loved the new “Downton Abbey” movie so much I saw it twice!
Here are my streaming suggestions divided by services:
Hulu
“Every Breath You Take” This is one of the better psychological thrillers I have seen in a hot minute. Casey Affleck plays a therapist whose client commits suicide, and her brother suddenly, mysteriously appears at his door.
“Candy” I could not wait for this Jessica Biel docuseries. My childhood best friend’s aunt lived in the same neighborhood and we knew the entire story. It is a crazy story that seems unbelievable! The attention to the details of the late ’70s and early ’80s is exceptional.
“Under the Banner of Heaven” Based on the bestselling novel, Andrew Garfield is excellent as a conflicted Mormon detective; all clues start to point to the fact that the killers may be Mormon as well.
“This is Us” If you gave up on the series in poorly executed season three, I highly encourage you to pick it back up as the final season is excellent.
Netflix
“Stranger Things” I have been anxiously awaiting season four. I love this show because the attention to details take me right back to middle school in Montgomery and Eastdale Mall. Yes, it is sci-fi, but it is actually a story of family and the family we create with loyal friends.
“White Hot” The documentary of the rise and fall of Abercrombie & Fitch was riveting! All I can say is WOW!
Apple
“The Shining Girls” I was looking forward to this Elisabeth Moss led drama with Phillipa Soo of “Hamilton” fame. It was so dark I could not finish it.
“Then and Now” This is a story of teenagers learning how covering a secret never ends well. It is part Spanish (dubbed) and English. Not family friendly, but probably a good wife/husband viewing choice.
Until next month, pass the popcorn please!
by Merrile Stroud