★★★★ (4 Stars) is the Highest Rating
“The Penguin Lessons” is the true story of ‘Thomas Mitchell,’ played by the remarkable English and Irish actor Steve Coogan. He’s a grieving, burned-out 50-something British High School teacher in Argentina in the year 1976, … Read more
I laughed out loud during “A Minecraft Movie,” and so did the packed audience, who applauded and cheered at the end. Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Jennifer Coolidge are hilarious together. This review comes from … Read more
Seth Rogen’s “The Studio” offers a richly layered insider’s perspective on the intricate world of Hollywood filmmaking while showcasing exceptional comedic talent. Without a doubt, this 10-episode series streaming on Apple TV is the funniest … Read more
The irresistibly charming Bridget Jones, brought to life by Renée Zellweger, makes her much-anticipated return in the delightful comedy “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.” After a nine-year hiatus, fans can once again revel in … Read more
Kate Hudson gives a slam-dunk performance as Isla Gordon, the owner/President of an LA NBA Waves basketball team, in the Netflix series Running Point. The 10-part series produced by Mindy Kaling—also a co-writer of a … Read more
California’s sunshiny 70-degree weather set the tone for the 30th Critics Choice Awards held February 7 at Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hanger, as huge smiles prevailed. In covering the awards for the last ten years, … Read more
It’s been seven years since the wildly popular “Paddington 2” (2017) was released with a stellar performance by Hugh Grant and cast set in London. Now, we are given Paddington’s delightful back story in the … Read more
“September 5” transports us back to the historically significant year of 1972, during the Olympics in Germany. ABC, in a bold move, continued to broadcast live the 22-hour terrorist attack by militants from a group … Read more
Looking for an inspirational and heart-warming family story? Look no further as the movie “Unstoppable” (PG-13) is based on the true story of Anthony Robles, played by Jharrel Jerome, an NCAA Champion wrestler who was … Read more
The immensely popular romantic drama television series “Virgin River” streaming on Netflix is currently airing its sixth season, which launched in December 2019. Diving into the source material, I found that Robyn Carr, a New … Read more
It’s been a fabulous year for both film and TV, with so many different genres and many wonderful family films. Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” is definitely my favorite animated film of the year. It’s not … Read more
Dylan, a 19-year-old singer and songwriter, leaves his home in Minnesota and arrives in New York in 1961, destined to change the course of American music. Moving into Greenwich Village, he begins forming personal relationships … Read more
Mufasa: The Lion King” is a prequel to the ‘The Lion King’ movie series, focusing on Mufasa’s early years as a lion cub. Director Barry Jenkins addresses two key questions: How did the young Mufasa … Read more
‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the perfect holiday family film for all to enjoy this year. It’s playing now in theaters and streaming online, told through a narrator, young Beth Bradley (Molly Belle Wright), … Read more
Families can rest assured that younger children will enjoy “Moana 2” in the theater just as much as their older siblings and friends. The film boasts catchy songs, a powerful female lead character, and breathtaking … Read more
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939) holds a special place in my heart. It’s been my favorite movie since I was 10 years old, and I’ve had the pleasure of viewing it over 25 times, many … Read more
The historical story begins sixteen years after the Academy Award-winning movie “Gladiator” concluded, as Ridley Scott returns as director, with an opening setting of northern Africa where Lucius, a refugee, warrior, and farmer, is captured … Read more
Tom Hanks reunites with director Robert Zemeckis of the film “Forest Gump”(1994) in an adaptation of the graphic novel Here by author Richard McGuire, as Robin Wright completes the reunion. Utilizing one room as the … Read more
Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield tug at your heartstrings, rendering extraordinary performances in their shared love, loss, and pliability. Together, they raise the question of how do you want to be remembered after you are … Read more
The popular TV series “The Diplomat” begins Season 2. It features 8 Episodes, starring (Keri Russell) as Kate Wyler, the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Season 2 opened on October 31 on Netflix. Beginning … Read more
“Conclave” was filmed at the legendary Cinecittà studio in Rome, where the Sistine Chapel was painstakingly recreated. This excellent film is based on a novel of the same name by Robert Harris, published in 2016. … Read more
Japan’s 17th-century historical drama “Shōgun” is by far a Hollywood masterpiece. The meticulous details in the set design, wardrobe, and character development take you back to a time of protocol, duty, love, and power when … Read more
Who knew that “Saturday Night Live,” the live comedy-sketch TV NBC show, would ever celebrate 50 years on October 11, 1975? This groundbreaking show, which launched the careers of numerous comedy legends, has become a … Read more