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  We’re in November and we’re getting a blend of big blockbuster releases and films that have award aspirations. This week had a mix of both. Below is a look at the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxed @knighthawk7734. Emilia Perez (Netflix) Starring : Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Selena Gomez Synopsis : This new film on Netflix premiered at film festivals and now is making its way to wider audiences. It’s a new drama and musical from director Jacques Audiard that is a daring vision for a film. It’s got a fascinating story and a fascinating approach to the material that is unlike anything I’ve seen this year. That’s the good part of this experience. The film is beautifully shot and crafted, with moments of deep emotional depth. There are some good performances, too. I particularly liked Saldana in the lead role. And it certainly feels like something different. The downside is that it doesn’t always work. The mus

Fall TV Roundup, Week 11

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We’re into November and we’re getting some of the bigger streaming debuts that will be part of the content picture to end 2024. But what of these new series are worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: St. Denis Medical, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC (Premiered November 12) About : The new sitcom for NBC is a documentary-style series set inside a hospital. The cast includes Allison Tolman, David Alan Grier, and Wendi McLendon-Covey as the staff of St. Denis, a hospital catering to the community despite being understaffed and underfunded. The series comes from Justin Spitzer, who created Superstore and American Auto, co-created by Eric Ledgin, a writer on both those series. The first two episodes premiered in a block on Tuesday. It is a good set up with a good cast. I thought the pilot episode moved at a decent clip. Comedies c

2024 Broncos' Season, Week 11

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  Week 11 : Denver Broncos 38, Atlanta Falcons 6 Season Record : 6-5 (3-2 Home) Key Play : In the third quarter, on Fourth and Three, Bo Nix connected with Lil Jordan Humphrey on a pass that appeared to hit the ground. It was ruled a catch and fumble, giving Denver a key First Down that led to a touchdown to put the team up 28-6. Recap: After two tough road games against good AFC Teams that didn't go their way, the Broncos returned home and made a statement win against the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons. The game wasn't particularly close as the Broncos' offense traded touchdowns to Falcons field goals early, then pitched a shut out in the second half. This was one of the Broncos' best games on both sides of the ball as rookie quarterback Bo Nix continues to mature, the Broncos continue to grind on offense and get it done on defense. The Broncos have the Raiders and Browns before getting a bye in Week 14. With a couple wins against weaker opponents, the team should

1994 Rewind: The Hudsucker Proxy

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  Films released in 1994 will turn 30 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, it's a Coen Brothers classic. Norville Barnes : You know, for kids! The Hudsucker Proxy Starring : Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bill Cobbs, Charles During, and Paul Newman Director : Joel and Ethan Coen About : For me, peak Coen Brothers is the 1990s. Some of my favorites of their films were released in that decade. And that includes this screwball comedy with an outstanding cast. Robbins is great in the lead here, but it's the world built around him that is the most fun. Durning and Newman add a bit of fun, and class, while Leigh is great as the fast-talking lady reporter. I loved Cobbs in his supporting role, and the twists and turns in this story. It's unexpected but it's a lot of fun. If you haven't ever seen it, this Coen Brothers classic is worth checking out.

Favorite Animated Films, No. 6

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Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Miles Morales : Everyone keeps telling me how my story is supposed to go. Nah. I'm-a do my own thing. Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse (2023) Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, and Oscar Isaac Director : Joaquin Dos Santons, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson About: It's hard to craft a much-anticipated sequel. That was the challenge for the team behind this second of three films in the Sony animated Spiderverse. The first film won an Oscar. This film should also have won an Oscar, but I digress. It's not as high on my list as the first, but this film is very powerful. It's the last of an incredible

Favorite Westerns, No. 6

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  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.  Eli Whipp : "Short or long, we ain’t here but a moment. You nor me. None of us." The English (2022) Starring : Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, and Tom Hughes Director : Hugo Blick About: This is the last of the long-form entries on this list, and it's easily the best. It's a six-episode series written and directed by English writer Blick. It stars Blunt as a woman who comes to America to seek revenge for her dead son. She also forms a connection with a Native man, Spencer, who is on his own journey. It features beautiful performances and some incredible dialogue. It hooked me from the pilot and I raced through the whole series. It's heart-breaking and touches on a number of classic Western themes. It's beautifully done and incredibly compelling. I

NFL Picks, Week 11

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  Last week I was over .500 in picks again, improving my overall record. Let's try and stay hot in Week 11. NFL Picks, Week 11 Eagles Over Commanders Packers Over Bears Lions Over Jaguars Vikings Over Titans Dolphins Over Raiders Rams Over Patriots Saints Over Browns Steelers Over Ravens Colts Over Jets Broncos Over Falcons 49ers Over Seahawks Bills Over Chiefs Chargers Over Bengals Texans Over Cowboys Last Week : 10-4 Season: 100-52 NFL Picks Spread, Week 11 Commanders +3.5 Over Eagles Packers -6.5 Over Bears Lions -13.5 Over Jaguars Vikings -5.5 Over Titans Dolphins -7.5 Over Raiders Patriots +5.5 Over Rams Saints -1.5 Over Browns Steelers +3.5 Over Ravens Colts +3.5 Over Jets Broncos -1.5 Over Falcons 49ers -6.5 Over Seahawks Bills -2.5 Over Chiefs Chargers -1.5 Over Bengals Texans -7.5 Over Cowboys Last Week : 9-5 Season : 79-73