Matt's Musings

  We've made it to a new year. This month, as is often the case to start the year, we get a mixture of films making wide releases and some new films. But there's always some gems! Let's dive in. Thursday, January 4: Society of the Snow (Netflix): This is an official entry in the Foreign Language competition. It tells the story of a Urugayan flight that crashed in the Andes, forcing survivors to battle cold and hunger for months before being rescued. It's a powerful tale. Friday, January 5: Night Swim (Theaters): The first new wide release of the year is a horror film. January is a big time for horror films and this has some intrigue. Foe (Prime Video): The tale of a couple struggling, starring Paul Mescal and Saiorse Ronan. This one had a limited release in 2023 and now streams for a wide audience. Friday, January 12: Mean Girls (Theaters): We get a return to the world of Mean Girls, this time as a musical straight from Broadway. Tina Fey and Tim Meadows are back an...

  For the first time in a while, we have a very full Sunday slate. With New Year’s Day on Monday, and it being dominated by college games, we have 14 games on Sunday with just one on Thursday and one on Saturday. That gives us plenty of football to watch on Sunday. Below are the five games on the slate that have caught my eye. Early Games: New Orleans Saints (7-8) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) About: This is a fierce fight in the NFC South. The Buccaneers have seized control with a strong late run, but the Saints still have a glimmer of hope. If the Buccaneers get the win on Sunday, it’s all but over in the South. If the Saints get the win, and can beat the Falcons in Week 18, they can claim the division. The stakes are huge in this divisional clash. Miami Dolphins (11-4) at Baltimore Ravens (12-3) About: A lot is on the line in this game as well. The Dolphins have a range of outcomes for the season that go from being the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC to a Wild Card and the No. 5...

  Together we've been on a journey this year as I've shared my Top 50 Superhero films of all time. I've offered a new film each Saturday and if you want to look back and read my thoughts, feel free to search this space for "Favorite Superhero Film." But for those that just like to see the complete list collected in one place, I offer my final Top 50 below! 50. Deadpool 2 49. DC League of Superpets 48. The Eternals 47. Batman Returns 46. Captain America: Civil War 45. Superman: Doomsday 44. Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness 43. Captain Marvel 42. Black Widow 41. Big Hero 6 40. Superman 39. Split 38. The Incredibles 37. Deadpool 36. Captain America: The First Avenger 35. X-Men: Days of Future Past 34. Batman v Superman: The Dawn of Justice 33. Man of Steel 32. Spider-Man 31. Superman II 30. Spider-Man 2 29. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 28. X-Men 27. Thor: Love and Thunder 26. Shazam! 25. Spider-Man: Homecoming 24. Shang-Chi: The Legend of the 10 Rings ...

  What an amazing year it has been as I've looked at my favorite films of the 1970s. I've done this countdown on Fridays in this space. If you want to look at more in-depth discussion of my selections, feel free to search "Films of the 1970s" on this list. But for those that just want to see the films in order in one space, below I've included the whole list! 50. The Wicker Man 49. Max Max 48. Earthquake 47. Escape from Alcatraz 46. M.A.S.H. 45. Carrie 44. Animal House 43. Three Days of the Condor 42. Grease 41. Rocky Horror Picture Show 40. Mean Streets 39. Tora Tora Tora! 38. Apocalypse Now 37. Brian's Song 36. Marathon Man 35. Parallax View 34. The Conversation  33. Dirty Harry 32. ...And Justice for All 31. Patton 30. Serpico 29. Annie Hall 28. The China Syndrome  27. Rocky 26. The Jerk 25. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 24. Kramer Vs. Kramer 23. The Deer Hunter 22. Monty Python and the Holy Grail 21. Norma Rae 20. Close Encounters of the Third Kind...

 I stayed hot in Week 16 and am looking to end the season strong! NFL Picks, Week 17: Browns Over Jets Cowboys Over Lions Bills Over Patriots Bears Over Falcons Raiders Over Colts Rams Over Giants Eagles Over Cardinals Buccaneers Over Saints 49ers Over Commanders Jaguars Over Panthers Ravens Over Dolphins Texans Over Titans Seahawks Over Steelers Broncos Over Chargers Chiefs Over Bengals Vikings Over Packers Last Week : 12-4 Season : 153-87 NFL Picks Spread, Week 17 Jets +7.5 Over Browns Lions +6.5 Over Cowboys Patriots +11.5 Over Bills Bears -2.5 Over Falcons Raiders +2.5 Over Colts Rams -6.5 Over Giants Cardinals +12.5 Over Eagles Buccaneers -3.5 Over Saints 49ers -13.5 Over Commanders Jaguars -6.5 Over Panthers Ravens -3.5 Over Dolphins Titans +3.5 Over Texans Steelers +3.5 Over Seahawks Broncos -5.5 Over Chargers Bengals +7.5 Over Chiefs Vikings -2.5 Over Packers Last Week: 9-7 Season: 121-119

  The Christmas holiday brought a lot of new releases. Below is my take on the new movies I saw this week. You can always keep up with all the films I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Theaters) Starring: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, and Randall Park Synopsis: The DC Extended Universe, sometimes known as The Snyderverse, came to a close with this film. James Gunn has taken over, and DC films is going in a new direction. But before it does, as we’ve seen others in 2023, we ended with a last gasp. Aquaman, both the character and the 2018 film, have never been my favorite. They’ve tried to use the Marvel playbook, crafting Momoa’s aquatic hero as something of Thor in this world. His brother, played by Wilson, would then be the Loki of the world. Neither mantle fits, and even the on-the-nose joke about it in this film feels out of place. Still, I was curious to see how this film w...

  We’ve reached the end of the Fall TV season. This is the last week of new series for 2023. You likely have some free time for the holidays, and you’re probably wondering what’s 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: Extended Family, Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC (Premiered December 23) About: We got a special preview of NBC’s new sitcom on Saturday night following the NFL playoff game. This one centers on a divorced couple (Jon Cryer and Abigail Spencer) who are trying to raise their kids and remain on good terms. In fact, the pilot mostly celebrates their amicable divorce and how they’ve fought hard to make it work. And that comes despite Julia (Spencer) preparing to marry her new boyfriend Trey (Donald Faison), who owns the Celtics. Yeah, this one is a reach. The comedy was uneven at best, lacking if we’re being ...

  Merry Christmas everyone! I hope it's a day full of blessings. As is my tradition, below is my favorite moment from my favorite Christmas special. Charlie Brown : Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about? Linus Van Pelt : Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. [moves toward the center of the stage] Linus Van Pelt : Lights, please. [a spotlight shines on Linus] Linus Van Pelt : "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' A...

  Week 16 : New England Patriots 26, Denver Broncos 23 Season Record: 7-8 (4-4 Home) Key Play: With two seconds left, the Patriots' kicked, Chad Ryland hit a 57-yard field goal to give the Patriots a 26-23 lead. Recap : All good things come to an end. That happens, too, when you have hope for a playoff run that comes crashing down on Christmas Eve no less. On a cold night in Denver, the Broncos fell way behind, fought their way back, then blew it at the end. It feels like a metaphor for the season, where the Broncos started 1-5, fought their way back into the playoff picture, and have blown it at the worst time. The Broncos were 7-6, in the thick of the race. Back-to-back losses have them at 7-8 with two games left, just a five percent shot at the playoffs. Still, this season has been a step forward. The team needs to keep improving and needs more consistency on offense and defense to make it back to the post-season. Those things will have to wait for 2024. For now, it's a fo...

  There are just three games left in the 2023 NFL Regular Season. The race for the playoffs is tightening to a fever pitch. At the same time, for most, it’s the semi-finals of your fantasy season, so doubtless you have more than a passing interest in the games. This week, as with last week, we have games on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. With Monday being Christmas, we have a trio of Monday games. That has made for a smaller Sunday slate, and yet we have plenty of compelling matchups. Below are the five games on the Sunday slate that have caught my eye. Early Games: Indianapolis Colts (8-6) at Atlanta Falcons (6-8) About: The Colts are now in a three-way tie atop the AFC South. That makes for a fun race to the end. The Falcons, meanwhile, have slipped behind in their own three-way race. The Falcons are now a full game behind the Saints and Buccaneers after being one game up two weeks ago. Both teams are hungry for a win. For the Falcons, a loss could end their playoff run. The Colts,...

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. James Gordon Jr. : Why's he running, Dad? Lt. James Gordon : Because we have to chase him. James Gordon Jr. : He didn't do anything wrong. Lt. James Gordon : Because he's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight. The Dark Knight (2008) Starring : Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, and Aaron Eckhart Director: Christopher Nolan About : If you've followed me all these many weeks, you know that Batman is my favorite superhero. So, naturally, a Batman film tops my list of favorite superhero films. This is not only my favorite superhero ...

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Hooper : I'm not going to waste my time arguing with a man who's lining up to be a hot lunch. Jaws (1975) Starring: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw Director: Steven Spielberg About: When you get to the top of the list, it's often a tough choice. This was no exception. There are plenty of worthy films in the 1970s and plenty that I find meaningful. But when I thought about THE top film, for me it came down to Jaws . It's an incredible film. It's an iconic film. It was the forerunner of a lot of things. There are so many little moments that speak to me. There are great lines and classic sequences. The way Spielberg put the story together has made it a classic that has endured for nearly 50 years. I w...

  I had a solid Week 15 of the NFL Season. There are just three weeks left and I aim to finish strong. Let's see this week's picks.  NFL Picks, Week 16 Rams Over Saints Steelers Over Bengals Bills Over Chargers Falcons Over Colts Seahawks Over Titans Lions Over Vikings Jets Over Commanders Packers Over Panthers Browns Over Texans Buccaneers Over Jaguars Bears Over Cardinals Cowboys Over Dolphins Broncos Over Patriots Chiefs Over Raiders Eagles Over Giants 49ers Over Ravens Last Week : 11-5 Season : 141-83 NFL Picks Spread, Week 16 Rams -4.5 Over Saints Steelers +2.5 Over Bengals Bills -13.5 Over Chargers Falcons +2.5 Over Colts Seahawks -2.5 Over Titans Lions -3.5 Over Vikings Jets -3.5 Over Commanders Panthers +4.5 Over Packers Browns +2.5 Over Texans Buccaneers +.5 Over Jaguars Cardinals +4.5 Over Bears Cowboys +1.5 Over Dolphins Broncos -6.5 Over Patriots Raiders +9.5 Over Chiefs Eagles -10.5 Over Giants 49ers -5.5 Over Ravens Last Week : 8-8 Season : 112-112

  It’s getting close to the end of the year and that means plenty of big releases. Below is my take on the big new movies of the week. You can always keep up with the new movies I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Netflix) Starring : Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Nick Mohammed, and Miranda Richardson Synopsis: It’s been 23 years since the original Chicken Run. In that film, a plucky Chicken named Ginger and her American Rooster Rocky helped save the chickens on the Tweedy Farm from a dark life. Flash-forward, and Ginger (Newton) and Rocky (Levi) have made a life on a private island with all their friends. They have created a life safe from danger that’s peaceful and quiet. The problem is their daughter Molly (Ramsey) is a free spirit who doesn’t understand the dangers of a world she’s never seen. When she breaks free to explore, she runs afoul of danger, ending up in a whole new kind of chicken farm run by Dr....

  We’re rapidly cruise to the end of the year. There are just a handful of new shows left in 2023, including this week. But it’s fair to wonder what is worth your time to check out. Let this weekly post be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Streaming Series: Carol & the End of the World, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 15) About : This new animated adult comedy will have you thinking about the meaning of life, your hopes and dreams, and the way you’d approach the end of the world. And all that comes in the early going. The series is set in a version of Earth where there are just seven months before a world ending event will occur. The series, from Dan Guterman, is about what you do when it’s all over. Carol (Martha Kelly) doesn’t know how to answer that question. Others are going on trips, learning new skills and checking things off the bucket list. Carol is...

  Week 15 : Detroit Lions 42, Denver Broncos 17 Season Record : 7-7 (4-3 Home) Key Play : In the Third Quarter, with the Broncos trailing 28-7, the team faced Third and Goal. Javonte Williams carried the ball and appeared to cross the goalline for a touchdown. Instead it was called short and the Broncos had to settle for a Field Goal. They never got closer. Recap : The Broncos entered the weekend in a big pack trying to make the playoffs. A loss Saturday night to the Lions doesn't help their case. Still, Denver is 7-7, in the hunt, with three winnable games left. The Broncos play the Patriots, Chargers and Raiders. Three more wins and they have a chance. That's the good news. The bad news is it was a bad performance on Saturday. The offense sputtered and struggled to block. That led to poor performances rushing and passing. And the defense, which had been on a heater, reverted to the early season form. They allowed the Lions to score on five straight possessions at one point. B...

  We’ve reached the fantasy playoffs for most leagues; bye weeks are over, and the NFL playoff push is in full swing. That creates some great matchups in Week 15. Naturally, we have a Thursday night and Monday night game, but we also have three games on Saturday. All that leaves a thinner Sunday schedule. Nevertheless, below are the five games on the Sunday slate I’m most excited to see. Early Games: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) at Green Bay Packers (6-7) About: The battle of the Bays is always fun, but this takes on extra significance. The Buccaneers are sitting atop the NFC South for now, in a three-way tie with the Falcons and Saints. The Packers, meanwhile, fought back into playoff contention but suffered a big loss in New York Monday night. Neither team can afford a Week 15 loss, and both are desperate to get back to .500. Who will make it there? This should be a solid fight. Houston Texans (7-6) at Tennessee Titans (5-8) About: This is a tale of two teams. The Titans are start...

Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Gamora : I am going to die surrounded by the biggest idiots in the galaxy. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) Starring : Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper Director: James Gunn About : The Guardians aren't the most well-known of Marvel heroes. When the film debuted, no one knew what to expect. What we got was a wild ride with a lot of heart. The Guardians instantly became my favorite group of heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and they remain so even nearly a decade later. I love the humor, the action and the heart. This has been one of my favorite franchises and the original remains my favorite MCU film. It's one of my favorite superhero films of all time, which is how it ended up so high on this lis...

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Don Corleone : Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day, consider this justice a gift on my daughter's wedding day. The Godfather (1972) Starring : Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, John Cazale, Diane Keaton, and Talia Shire Director : Francis Ford Coppola About : This is one of my favorite films of all time. It's also one of the greatest films not just of the 1970s but of all time. It's a masterfully constructed film that remains incredibly popular. I remember the first time I ever saw it, fittingly with my dad, and how I was sucked into the story and the incredible way it's told. It's a great adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel with ...

  I bounced back strong in picks in Week 14. We're in the home stretch and I want to finish strong for the season! NFL Picks, Week 15: Raiders Over Chargers Vikings Over Bengals Colts Over Steelers Broncos Over Lions Browns Over Bears Falcons Over Panthers Buccaneers Over Packers Titans Over Texans Dolphins Over Jets Saints Over Giants Chiefs Over Patriots Rams Over Commanders 49ers Over Cardinals Bills Over Cowboys Ravens Over Jaguars Eagles Over Seahawks Last Week : 9-6 Season : 130-78 NFL Picks Spread, Week 15: Raiders -2.5 Over Chargers Vikings +3.5 Over Bengals Colts -2.5 Over Steelers Broncos +4.5 Over Lions Browns -3.5 Over Bears Falcons -3.5 Over Panthers Buccaneers +3.5 Over Packers Titans -2.5 Over Texans Jets +8.5 Over Dolphins Giants +4.5 Over Saints Patriots +9.5 Over Chiefs Rams -6.5 Over Commanders 49ers -13.5 Over Cardinals Bills -2.5 Over Cowboys Ravens -3.5 Over Jaguars Eagles -3.5 Over Seahawks Last Week : 9-6 Season : 104-104

  We’re cruising toward the end of the year and we’re getting a steady flood of new releases. Below is my take on the new movies in theaters and streaming from last weekend. You can follow all my recent viewing on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Boy and the Heron (Theaters) Starring : Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Yoshino Kimura, and Takuya Kimura Synopsis : This new animated film released this weekend. It comes from filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and is sent in Japan in during World War II. Mahito (Santoki) loses his mother during the fighting. Some time later, but still during the way, Mahito and his father move to the country for his new factory. There, he is still grieving the loss of his mother while adjusting to the new stepmother (Yoshino Kimura) who is about to give birth to his new sibling. He’s also plagued by a boisterous gray heron (Suda) who tries to pull him into a secret world. Miyazaki is a renowned filmmaker in the animated space. He creates lavish worlds and stories that p...

  We’re making our way through December and we’re nearing the end of new series releases in 2023. Still, we have a few streaming series. The question is what’s 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. Streaming Series: My Life With the Walter Boys, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 7) About : Jackie Howard (Nikki Rodriguez) is living her best life in New York City early in this series when the unthinkable happens—her parents and sister are killed in an accident. Soon, she’s ripped away from everything she knew in her life. She’s sent to live with her guardian, her mother’s friend Katherine Walter (Sarah Rafferty) and her large family of boys. And they live all the way in Colorado. It’s quite the transition, but can Jackie find a way to move forward. This series is aimed at those who enjoy a good teen drama. The cast i...

  Week 14 : Denver Broncos 24, Los Angeles Chargers 7 Season Record : 7-6 (4-3 Home) Key Play : In the Third Quarter, leading 10-0, Russell Wilson connected with Courtland Sutton on 46-yard touchdown strike. It gave the Broncos a 17-0 lead en route to a huge win. Recap : The Broncos came into Week 14 needing to rebound from last week's tough loss to the Texans. The team did just that, coming away with a 17-point victory. The defense was tough, forcing turnovers and getting sacks. One even knocked Justin Herbert out in the first half. Better yet, the Broncos saw a number of teams that they are competing with lose. They also moved within a game of first in the AFC West after the Chiefs lost to the Bills. It's going to be a heck of a ride the last four weeks, but the Broncos are in the thick of the race in the AFC West. Game Balls: * Courtland Sutton . Another big game and another big touchdown for Sutton. * Javonte Williams . Williams ran hard, caught passes and got his first rus...

  December football raises the stakes all over the board. For NFL teams, it’s a fight for the post-season and seeding. For fantasy players, it’s a fight to make the playoffs, especially as it’s likely the final week of the regular season for most leagues. It’s also the final week of byes—with the Cardinals and Commanders sitting the week out—and another week with a Monday night double header. All that limits the Sunday slate but despite that, we have a ton of meaningful games. Below are the five that I have my eye on. Early Games: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) at Atlanta Falcons (6-6) About: It’s a three-team race in the NFC South. The Falcons beat the Saints two weeks ago to move into great position. If they can dispatch the Buccaneers on Sunday, that will give them a lead in the record and wins over their two closest competitors. This is a crucial game at a crucial time for both teams. The Buccaneers need a win to pull even in the record column and surge toward the top of the divis...

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Rorschach : You see, Doctor, God didn't kill that little girl. Fate didn't butcher her and destiny didn't feed her to those dogs. If God saw what any of us did that night he didn't seem to mind. From then on I knew... God doesn't make the world this way. We do. Watchmen (2009) Starring : Jackie Earle Haley, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Goode, Malin Akerman, and Carla Gugino Director : Zack Snyder About : The source material for this is on Time' s list of the 100 greatest novels of all time. It's an iconic story if not an easy one to watch. When I first saw this adaptation, I was drawn in. I love the way Snyder adapted this. The visuals and the music choices work, and I enjoy the performances. Some weren't ...

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Michael Corleone : My father taught me many things here - he taught me in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. The Godfather, Part II (1974) Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, John Cazale, Diane Keaton, and Talia Shire Director: Francis Ford Coppola About: This is one of the greatest sequels ever made. Following two years after the original, this was a very creative expansion of the story. If you've read Mario Puzo's novel, you know the original film only captured part of that story. This second film goes back and tells the story of Vito Corleone (De Niro) while offering a continuation of Michael's (Pacino) story beyond the original novel. It works very well as we see...

  I did OK picking winners but my picks against the spread were weak in Week 13. Let's see if Week 14 treats me better. NFL Picks, Week 14 Steelers Over Patriots Buccaneers Over Falcons Lions Over Bears Bengals Over Colts Browns Over Jaguars Saints Over Panthers Texans Over Jets Ravens Over Rams Raiders Over Vikings 49ers Over Seahawks Bills Over Chiefs Broncos Over Chargers Cowboys Over Eagles Dolphins Over Titans Packers Over Giants Last Week : 8-5 Season : 121-72 NFL Picks Spread, Week 14 Patriots +5.5 Over Steelers Buccaneers +2.5 Over Falcons Lions -3.5 Over Bears Bengals +.5 Over Colts Browns -2.5 Over Jaguars Saints -5.5 Over Panthers Texans -6.5 Over Jets Rams +7.5 Over Ravens Raiders +2.5 Over Vikings 49ers -10.5 Over Seahawks Bills +2.5 Over Chiefs Broncos +2.5 Over Chargers Eagles +3.5 Over Cowboys Dolphins -13.5 Over Titans Packers -6.5 Over Giants Last Week : 4-9 Season : 95-98

  It was a big week for streaming releases, including a pair of new holiday releases. My thoughts on the films of the week are below! As always, you can keep up with what I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Candy Cane Lane (Prime Video) Starring: Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jillian Bell Synopsis: We get into the full swing of the Holiday Season with the latest release from Prime Video. This one focuses on a husband and father, Chris Carver (Murphy), who is having a rough time. He’s laid off just before the holiday and latches on to a neighborhood decorating contest with a $100,000 prize as a way out. He finds a small Christmas shop run by Pepper (Bell) and buys a lot of things he thinks will help him win. But he doesn’t read all the fine print. Turns out Pepper is an Elf, and her store is a means of getting people to make agreements they can’t possibly achieve so she can imprison them for life as characters in her Christmas village scene. Can Chri...

  We’re into December and coming to the end of substantial new releases. Still, we’re getting new series at the start. Which of these series is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Thursdays: Bookie, Streaming Thursdays on Max (Premiered November 30) About : This new comedy from Chuck Lorre is aimed for streaming. It features adult content and some adult language. It’s built around Sebastian Maniscalco, who stars an ex-con and bookie trying to do business. He’s aided by his best friend (Omar J. Dorsey), an ex-football player, and his sister (Vanessa Ferlito), who is good with the math and the records. The pilot re-unites a Lorre with Charlie Sheen, who makes a cameo as a version of himself. The episodes run 22-28 minutes, feeling very much like a network pace and length even if that’s not the feel for the content itself. There were s...