MOVIES AND SERIES 2021

You all know I binge tons of movies and shows. This is a list without any rhyme or reason as to order. I will try and be succinct, but there is so much to watch and discuss. So here goes! MOVIES I RECOMMEND Hillbilly Elegy-Netflix. This superb cast includes Glenn Close and Amy Adams. Directed by Ron Howard. True Story about a Yale Law Student who leaves his Kentucky hometown, but is torn between his family history and his own future. Somewhat manipulative, but worth a watch. Sound Of Metal-Amazon Prime. Riz Ahmed and Dakota Johnson. Story about a drummer who loses his hearing. A powerful movie that addresses deafness, addiction, and events that can alter your life forever. One Night in Miami-Amazon Prime. An excellent movie with fabulous acting. The story follows the night of Feb. 25, 1964 when four famous black men discuss the civil rights movement after Mohammed Ali defeats Sonny Liston. Loved this. Promising Young Woman-Rent On Demand. All star cast. It's a thriller/comedy that deals with sexual assault. Carey Mulligan is academy award worthy in this role. Warning-it's not easy to watch! But it is very good. Ma Rainey'a Black Bottom-Netflix. This is Chadwick Boseman's last performance before his death. Exceptional acting by him and Viola Davis. Great adaptation of August Wilson play. Very enjoyable. Sylvie's Love-Amazon Prime. A touching romantic movie with great music as a bonus. A beautiful love story. Our Friend-To Rent. This is a true story about a friend who chooses to put his own life on hold while helping his best friend care for two daughters and a dying wife. I am not going to lie. This is horribly depressing, but the acting by Jason Segel is astonishingly great. Casey Affleck and Dakota Johnson are excellent as well. Powerful and heartbreaking, but very well done. The Wilde Wedding-Amazon. Although Rotten Tomatoes panned this, I enjoyed this movie about a retired movie star who is about to embark on her fourth marriage. The cast is fabulous: Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Patrick Stewart, Minnie Driver and many others. If you are a Malkovich fan, this is such fun to watch! The Half of It-Netflix. A well done movie about the only Asian student in Squahamish, Washington. It offers themes of isolation, homosexuality, friendship and love in a beautifully written movie. I really liked it. The Trial of Chicago 7-Netflix. Powerful. Great acting. Aaron Sorkin directs this movie about the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged with conspiracy at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Mesmerizing and one of Sorkin's better projects. OK-STILL BORED? NEED MORE MOVIES TO WATCH EVEN THOUGH THESE AREN'T FIRST RATE? NEXT TIER.... Fundamentals of Caring-Netflix. Paul Rudd becomes a caretaker for a disabled teen. They embark on adventures and a true friendship forms which leads to hope for the both of them. Good enough, so invest the time. Rebecca-Netflix. A decent remake with an interesting cast. Armie Hammer, Lily James, and Kristin Scott. All the more interesting with the current cannibalism and affair rumors swirling around Hammer! Definitely held my attention. The Assistant-Hulu. Julia Garner(Ozark) is brilliant in this film about an assistant at a film production company and the unfair and immoral treatment she receives from an abusive male boss. Hard to watch and slow, but she is amazing. Forty Year Old Version-Netflix. Not for everyone. This has gotten a lot of good press. A semi autobiographical story about a fledgling playright who reinvents herself as a rapper. Never Rarely Sometimes Always-HBO MAX. A teen is faced with an unplanned pregnancy and needs to travel across state lines for an abortion. Thought provoking and emotional. Fatale-Rent. Thriller with Hillary Swank and Michael Ealy. Swank is a police detective who seduces Ealy. An intricate psychological tale. Keeps you guessing the entire time and holds your attention. Scary! The Boy Downstairs-Amazon or Hulu. The main draw here is Zosia Mamet. After living in Europe, she moves back to NYC and unknowingly rents an apartment in the same building as her ex boyfriend. Slow, a bit boring, but I stayed with it. DON'T BOTHER WITH THESE UNLESS YOU ARE VERY BORED......SKIP IT!! Holidate-Netflix. Two single strangers make a pact to become each other's dates all year long so they don't have to spend special occasions alone. Lame. Palm Springs-Hulu. Kind of like Groundhog Day. Two wedding guests relive the same day over and over again. Insufferable! Midnight Sky-Netflix. Even George Clooney couldn't save this sci fi movie about a scientist in the Arctic who needs to contact a space crew that are returning home to find a strange global castastrophe. Slow and boring. I needed Nespresso! MOVIES I HAVEN'T SEEN BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING: Nomadland-Hulu 2/19. Frances McDormand. Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Homeless woman travels America in search for work and is living hand to mouth. McDormand is always first rate. Palmer-Apple TV+ 1/29. Released prisoner and ex high school football star returns home and tries to put his life back in order. Justin Timberlake stars. Music-in movie theaters and on demand on 2/12. Kate Hudson stars in this movie which is co-written by Sia. It has been stirring up controversy due to Sia's portrayal of Autism, and her responses (on twitter) to the criticism. French Exit-Netflix 2/26. Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucas Hedges and Tracy Letts. A socialite moves with her son from New York to Paris after her husband dies. The Soul-Disney+. Animated film about a middle school teacher who wants to reunite his body and soul after they somehow become separated. Supposedly good for kids over 5 and adults too. Getting rave reviews! WE ALL KNOW WHAT'S COMING NEXT-NOT IN THE MOOD FOR A MOVIE? BINGE A SERIES AND OF COURSE, EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT.... Bridgerton-Netflix. Period piece during the Regency era in 'England. All I can say is Rege-Jean Page! He,alone, is worth the watch. A sight for sore eyes....Season 2 coming this Spring. *****THE GREAT-Hulu. I am going out on a limb here! This is a bold declaration! This series is the best that I have watched in several years. It's clever, quirky, fun, well written and a complete hoot. Loved every second and was so sad to finish the 10 episodes. Elle Fanning plays Catherine the Great in 18th Century Russia. Beyond Fabulous. Hope you love it as much as I did. The Surgeon's Cut-Netflix. Similar to Lenox Hill, this four part docuseries profiles four brilliant surgeons from around the world and their innovative procedures. Excellent. Call My Agent-Netflix. A fictional Paris talent firm showcasing the agents and their famous clients. The famous French actors actually play themselves. Entertaining and fun. I Especially emjoyed the Paris scenery in the background scenes. Pen15(penis-get it?)-Hulu. This is definitely not for many of my friends. It is a comedic series based on middle school's awkward social situations. The ups and downs of middle school life-which for me was the worst time ever! I totally loved this series, but it's not for everyone. Don't say I didn't warn you. Lovesick-Netlix. Twenty something Dylan finds out he has Chlamydia and must contact all his previous relationships to tell them he has a sexually transmitted disease. Funny, emotional, and clever. By now, I am hoping many of you have received your first (and possibly your second) Covid Vaccine. Spring is around the corner and although we will definitely continue masking, maybe we can be a little less stressed; a little more hopeful; and a lot more social. I can't wait to chat with all of you in person about everything we have watched. In the meantime, please stay safe and well. Happy Valentine's Day! Peace Out-One B