Month: December 2020

The Liberator is a Netflix Original limited series like no other. It is a war story with all the action, bloodshed and explosions you would expect but it is entirely animated. This series is inspired by the book The Liberator: One World War II Soldier’s 500 Day Odyssey by Alex Kershaw and was adapted for the small screen by Jeb Stuart.

The story follows the Thunderbird unit out of Oklahoma and their independent commanding officer, Felix Sparkes. Together this unit, made up of misfits and outcasts, fought for over 500 days. They began their European campaign in Italy and finished their mission at the gates of Dachau concentration camp. Along the way they face some of the most difficult battles and conditions of the war and yet they carried on.

The Thunderbirds were an unlikely band of brothers from contrasting life experiences and points of view. The unit was primarily comprised of Mexican Americans, Indigenous people and white cowboys from across the southern United States. Sparkes had his work cut out for him to turn individual men into a fighting unit of soldiers but he was more than up for the task. The truth of this story is far more interesting than the series leaves room for, unfortunately.

While the story may be a bit cliché, especially as it dwindles down the narrative to the sole point of view of the commanding officer, the technology used for this production is interesting and provides a fresh take on animation for adult viewing.

The animation used for this series is a re-imagining of a technique known as rotoscoping that was revolutionary for productions like Lord of the Rings. This technique animates over live action digital recordings allowing the camera to capture the features and expressions of the actors while still leaving room for animated scenes and happenings. This made large explosions and graphic war scenes possibly without breaking the bank on pyrotechnics, sets and actors.

An animated production like this could have opened the door to endless possibilities for storytelling, especially in a war epic. Unfortunately, some key scenes were limited by repetitive bird’s eye view angles and single camera perspectives that seemed like a blurry snap-chat filter was used rather than cutting edge animation technology.

Despite these few hiccups, there are captivating visual moments and elements of the soldiers’ journey that are truly memorable and impactful. Hopefully the producers will build off of this production and come at another story with fresh inspiration and refined techniques as it was intriguing to watch familiar material presented in an unconventional way. It made this viewer wonder at other possibilities, for sure.

Sadly, it’s true. December 31, 2020 is the last day the popular sitcom Friends will be available on Netflix. For the past five years Rachel, Ross, Joey, Phoebe, Monica and Chandler have been available at our beck and call on Netflix. They have been our constant pals through cold winters, rainy nights and quarantines and it is unimaginable to think of moving into the next decade without them but here we are, facing 2021 without our buddies on their familiar couch at Central Perk.

But it’s not all grim news. There are new friends to be made and old friends to be reacquainted with on Netflix this winter. Check out these fantastic sitcoms, now streaming.

Schitts Creek features the once wealthy and pampered Rose family now down on their luck and stuck with each other, living in a town they once bought as a joke. Over six seasons we see the former business mogul, Johnny Rose (Eugene Levy), and his former soap opera star wife, Moira (Catherine O’Hara) and their two spoiled children, David (David Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy) struggle to find their footing in their new life as they sometimes mix and sometimes clash with the locals. This award-winning show is full of memorable moments and belly laughs that are sure to turn you from a casual watcher to an addicted fan in short order.

How I Met Your Mother features another set of friends in New York City. This story is told through flashbacks as main character Ted (Josh Radner) recounts the tale of how he met his children’s mother to his two littles. Ted and his friends, Marshall (Jason Segel), Robin (Colbie Smulders), Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Lily (Alyson Hannigan) live out a series of misadventures in romance as they all mature into adulthood. The show is quirky, funny and engaging and definitely a binge-worthy new find.

Grace and Frankie is a hilarious sitcom about two women who find each themselves in the same boat when they husbands leave them for each other. When they should be planning for retirement, they are all embarking on a new adventure of self-discovery and redefined friendship. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are hysterical as the jilted wives and Martin Sheen and Sam Waterson match their comedy prowess as the business partners turned life partners. This unconventional sitcom is full of laughs and poignant moments of growth and love as each character rediscovers themselves in the twilight years of their lives.

Kim’s Convenience follows the Kim family as they run their convenience store in a multi-cultural neighborhood in downtown Toronto. The funny is introduced through the multi-generational perspectives of this immigrant family that are wholly believable and heart-warming at the same time. The dialogue is quippy and the story is intelligent while not losing a beat of comedy along the way. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang and Simu Liu make up the primary cast and their chemistry and banter is brilliant. The show plays to archetype without crossing over into stereotypes and maintains a steady stream of funny which makes it a delightful binge-worthy find.

Check out these and the countless other hilarious sitcoms streaming on Netflix now!

Shonda Rhimes, the long-reigning queen showrunner of ABC has recently found herself a new home at Netflix and she has hit the ground running!

After a tumultuous relationship with ABC, and its parent company Disney, Rhimes made the unconventional leap to the streaming service in 2017. There were many unknowns in this move but the one thing Rhimes had long craved was promised, creative license and room to breathe. Now, three years later, the first of the Shondaland – Netflix productions are being released. And it has been well worth the wait!

In October 2020, the dance documentary featuring Debbie Allen, Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, was released to critical praise. The documentary follows Allen and her troupe of young dancers as they prepare for their biggest fundraiser of the year, a thrilling, if not slightly irreverent, production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.

Dance Dreams was quickly followed by a Shondaland adaptation of Joanne Quinn’s romance novel series entitled Bridgerton in December 2020. This historical, regency drama is full of the things Rhimes knows best – sex, intrigue and powerful women. Season one of this series is lifted from the pages of Quinn’s first book in the series, The Duke and I and it wastes no time in stirring up scandal and drawing attention.

While neither of these new releases are Rhimes’ originals she is brewing up something delicious for her fans soon enough. Inventing Anna is a series that has Rhimes in the driver’s seat across the board. As creator, writer and producer, Rhimes brings life and her signature steam and spunk to the series that is based on New York Magazine’s article “How Anna Delvey Tricked New York’s Party People” by Jessica Pressier.

In the meantime, enjoy a virtual feast of Shondaland offerings on Netflix with Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and, of course, the newly released Bridgerton.

Suave, sleek, a little bit spooky and utterly entertaining. A Simple Favor is more than just a thriller, this flick has style, humour, plot twists and a dynamite lady duo in the lead.

The plot unfolds as awkward, type-A personality Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) stumbles into an unlikely friendship with confident and captivating Emily (Blake Lively). Emily’s air of mystery is heightened when she suddenly goes missing and Stephanie is left to question just how much she really knew about her friend after all. Determined to figure out who Emily was and what happened to her, Stephanie turns into an amateur sleuth without losing one bit of her girl-next-door quirkiness.

Jessica Sharzer’s adaptation of Darcey Bell’s book by the same name seems written for Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. The material brings out each actors’ strengths and their pairing is simply magic. Kendrick’s natural cadence of speech and slightly nervous mannerisms only enhance her character’s need to over-achieve while Lively’s poised and, at times, icy demeanour adds to her mystery and elegance but make no mistake, she is equally as brilliant with her comedic timing as Kendrick.

A Simple Favor delights from the first note of the mood-setting soundtrack and throughout the film director Paul Feig’s ability to give direction while leaving room for the cast to stretch their legs is evident. While there are several plot twists and surprises, the film never tries to be more than it is. It is simply intriguing and entertaining, to the last.

A Simple Favor is well worth the view. It not only does it not disappoint, it thrills, delights and delivers!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg entered the world in an utterly unassuming way. Nothing about her early childhood would indicate just how much she would change the lives of American women and inspire women around the globe. RBG is the story of the woman who became known as Notorious RBG and gained a rock star level following in her 80s.

RBG follows the life and early cases that set Ruth Bader Ginsburg, from her childhood in Brooklyn, New York to her rise as a well-respected professor at Rutgers Law School and her eventual appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. Along the way, Bader Ginsburg developed a reputation for being a champion for equality. 

Coming up at the beginning of the Women’s Liberation Movement, Bader Ginsburg’s keen mind latched on to the principals of equality, heavily influenced by her time doing research at Lund University in Sweden. Despite being a consistent voice for equality, Bader Ginsburg still experienced a great deal of prejudice in her own career path. And still she persisted.

In RBG, Bader Ginsburg credits much of her career success to her relationship with her husband, Martin Ginsburg.  They met while in law school and Martin immediately realized what an exceptional mind the petite yet feisty Ruth had. Once married, Martin had no problem building his career around his wife’s, including moving from New York to Washington so Bader Ginsburg could serve on the D.C. circuit court. From there, Bader Ginsburg’s path to the Supreme Court was cleared and propelled by Martin’s campaigning to the powers that be for recognition of her extraordinary mind and talents.

RBG is one part rock-star bio-pic and one part love story and one part hand book to resistance. It is no wonder that in an era when young people are looking for role models and guides on the path to revolution Ruth Bader Ginsburg has re-emerged as the voice of a generation. 

Her current popularity boom came out of a perfect storm. When Justice O’Connor retired from the bench she left Bader Ginsburg as the only female voice in the Supreme Court. Always one to speak her mind, Bader Ginsburg began writing fiery dissents and speaking out against discrimination and injustice, not only through these dissents but through other platforms, as well. People began to take notice of these contrary opinions and led to a rush of social media memes and posts, including the meme that compared this tiny jurist to rapper The Notorious B.I.G. These memes became a book and the book created a legend.

Bader Ginsburg eventually embraced the moniker, Notorious RBG and reportedly got a kick out of the pop culture notoriety she was garnering. She became a popular lecturer in universities and her likeness popped up in all sorts of movies, sitcoms and sketch comedy shows.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a fascinating person who dedicated her life and career to the struggle for equality. At times she was a polarizing person but no one could dispute her dedication to the law and the constitution. She served until her last breath, leaving a legacy of strength, courage and justice. RBG does a beautiful job of telling her story in her own words and in the words of those who loved and respected her the most.

A film with a quirky script, beautiful costumes and a cast full of unsung delights are my favourite and this flick has all of this in spades and more. The Dressmaker is a film adaptation of Rosalie Ham’s novel of the same name that has all the charm and wry humour that the Aussies are known and loved for. It is intriguing and full of unexpected moments.

The story focuses on Tilly Dunnage (Kate Winslet), a young woman returns to her hometown determined to solve the mystery of why she was sent away in the first place. Though she left as an unkempt young child, she has returned as a talented and sophisticated dressmaker. Her stylish ways are in stark contrast to the dusty town and drab people of her childhood.

While caring for mentally unwell mother (Judy Davis), Tilly is reunited with an old friend with new feelings, Teddy McSwiney (Liam Hemsworth). As it turns out, Teddy may be the only person in town who does not blame Tilly for the suspicious death of a classmate more than 20 years prior. As Tilly settles into small town life once again the rumors and suspicion begin to swirl around her once more. The closer she gets to the truth of the mystery, the more the town rallies against her.

Tilly experiences a breakthrough with the help of Teddy and it looks as if she may be vindicated but tragedy strikes again and again until Tilly is left with nothing but the truth and a path to vindication that will leave destruction in her wake.

The entire cast of this The Dressmaker is marvelous. Kate Winslet and Judy Davis create a delicious, tension-filled mother/daughter relationship which is a delight to watch unfold onscreen. Winslet also does a magnificent job connecting with Hemsworth. Their chemistry is instant and magnetic. Hugo Weaving fills the role of Sergeant Farrat with an understated elegance that brings a sympathetic humanity to the character that could have so easily become a cliché in less skilled hands.

The visual aspect of this movie is brilliant. The couture fashions of the 1950s are stunning against the plain backdrop of the dreary Australian town that time forgot. Award winning costumer designer, Margot Wilson, drew inspiration from the most prominent fashion houses of the era for Winslets looks while designer Marion Boyce fills out the rest of the cast in memorable creations, in their own right.

The storyline takes many twists and turns that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. It is clear that this is a film adaptation of a novel as there are several literary plot tricks that are employed throughout. As an avid reader, this quirks of the page on film just make the story more endearing. The characters are written and portrayed with such uncomplicated pureness that you can almost imagine you are reading the novel instead of watching the film. It really is a treat to watch.

The Dressmaker was a box office hit in Australia and for good reason. The performances are brilliant, the costumes memorable and the story is quirky, smart and intriguing. Be sure to add The Dressmaker to your watch list this December!

How to you give the worst year ever a fitting send off? How does a mockumentary filled with a star-studded cast commenting on the year’s most talked about happenings sound?

2020 has been filled with fires, floods, plague and protests. Acts of terrorism occur around the world, oil prices tank and The Royal Family split. Donald Trump was impeached, acquitted and investigated again. An outbreak became a pandemic, triggering a global lockdown while continued police violence resulted in a world-wide movement calling for law-enforcement accountability. And this is only a fraction of the things that made a dumpster fire out of this year.

In an effort to give 2020 a fitting send-off, the writing team that brought us Black Mirror lend their particular brand of talent to this 70-minute satirical extravaganza that brings us hot takes from fictionalized regular citizens, influencers and royalty alike. While some feel that this kind of humor is too much too soon, considering the current lockdown and rising COVID numbers, Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones delight in raking 2020 over the coals and sending it on its way in this cheeky presentation, Death to 2020.

Say what you will about the timing of such a piece but there is no room to criticize the cast and the unbelievable but entirely recognizable characters they embody. Samuel L. Jackson, Leslie Jones, Tracy Ullman, Lisa Kudrow, Hugh Grant and Kumail Ninjani each have moments of hilarity and brilliance as they personify voices and characters that have filled our social media feeds for the past 12 months. Some representing ‘experts’ while others give voice to everyday citizens we all have experience with in our own lives, but all aptly summarized what a mixed bagged of opinions and theories this year has been filled with.

Diane Morgan steals the show with her unbelievable yet totally accurate portrayal of Kathy Flowers, a self-described “regular soccer mom” who turns out to be a raging conspiracy theorist, anti-vaxer, White Supremist racist. Her growing paranoia and non-sensical theories are funny and frightening at the same time. She represents all the folks we have blocked on our social media feeds throughout the year and she does it superbly.

While there is little escapism in this satirical year-in-review, there is still plenty to laugh at while indulging in Death to 2020. Here’s to a new year and a better one!

When Zoe Walker receives a call that her brother’s body has been discovered more than 20 years after his disappearance her decision to get to the bottom of his murder unravels her life and reveals a web of lies that spans decades. White Lines contain her, restrain her and entangle her as she inches closer to the truth of her brother’s life and death.

White Lines, the brain child of Alex Pina, is a mystery/thriller set in Spain that will keep you hooked from the opening scene to the last note of the closing credits. It is full of wild parties, criminal activity, sex, drugs, lies and regrets. It has family drama and high stakes business dealings. It is built on old grudges, tenuous peace and white-washed pasts. It also has a hefty dose of nostalgia for the thirty-something crowd with its frequent flash-backs to the mid-90s.

In 1996, after a few brushes with the law in the UK, Axel Collins (Tom Rhys Harries) leaves Manchester with a group of friends to pursue their dream of making it big as DJs in the nightclub scene of Ibiza. Despite his reluctance to leave his younger sister behind, Axel sees Spain as his only real chance of breaking free from his controlling father while stepping into his dream of making a living from making music. Within a few short years, Collins achieves everything he’d hoped for; fame, influence, love and money. He was at the top of his game when he disappeared during his 24^th birthday celebration.

Two decades after he was last scene at his party, Axel’s body is unearthed in the Spanish desert and it is immediately clear that his death was not an accident. The Spanish authorities are limited in their ability to investigate due to the statute of limitations so it is left to those who were most affected by Axel’s disappearance, his sister, his friends and his business associates, to get to the bottom of his murder. As different people begin retracing Axel’s last days, each for their own reason, their paths and motivations cross and become enmeshed.

At the forefront of the search for truth is Axel’s sister, Zoe (Laura Haddock). In the years following Axel’s disappearance Zoe fell into a spiral of depression and self-harm that took her years to recover from. As she immerses herself in her brother’s life and relationships the small and contained life she had built for herself slowly begins to crumble around her. She if left with the decision to abandon her pursuit for justice for her brother or to move forward with her investigation at the cost of her family, her life and her very identity.

The story is a delicious mystery filled with deep character motivation and a twisting narrative that leaves the viewer constantly guessing who ultimately is responsible for Axel’s disappearance and death. The world of the ultra-rich collides with the cult-like popularity of nightclub scene to create an enticing back drop for this twisting tale of drugs, fames, music and love. White Lines is a binge-worthy series, to be sure.

There are a few hallmarks of the holiday season that signal, for me, that Christmas has truly arrived. A good snow fall, Christmas tunes on the radio and an evening sat watching The Holiday with the family. One part chick flick, one part Christmas film and every bit as sentimental as the season requires, this film has so much to love!

The Holiday features workaholic, movie trailer producer, Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) who is looking for a change of pace over the Christmas after unexpectedly breaking up with her live-in boyfriend. Amanda stumbles on to a house swamping site and impulsively messages the owner of a quaint cottage in Britain. Within minutes she gets a reply and before she knows it she’s headed to the UK.

On the other end of the exchange is hard working but unlucky in love newspaper woman, Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet). When her ex gets engaged right in front of her she leaps at the chance to escape her sadness and weather her heartbreak in sunny California. Although she planned for a solo holiday, Iris ends up making friends with an elderly neighbor (Eli Wallach) from down the block and a associate of Amanda’s (Jack Black). Together, the two men remind Iris to have the courage to be the star of her own life. At the same time, Amanda is tapping into her own previously stunted emotions while discovering a few truths about herself and her life – with the help of Iris’ brother, Graham (Jude Law).

Nancy Meyers wrote, produced and directed this film. In fact, she wrote the script with Winslet in mind for the role of Iris. This was a labour of love for Meyers and all her efforts paid off as The Holiday opened in the number three spot at the box office, gaining attention from fans and critics alike.

This film is full of wonderfully touching moments and hilarious antics. Meyers does an excellent job of making her characters relatable and likeable. While the leading ladies really knock it out of the park a special nod must be given to Eli Wallach for his portrayal of the entirely endearing Arthur Abbott. He stole every scene, every time!

The Holiday is the perfect watch on a chilly winter eve or when you are wrapping mounds of stocking stuffers. Either way, it’s a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Every few years magic happens and a new Christmas Classic is born. 2011 was one of those years and Arthur Christmas is one of those instant classics.

Arthur Christmas tells the story of the younger son of Santa Claus and his connection to the family business. Arthur is a little quirky, slightly accident prone and far from efficient. But he has Christmas spirit by the sleigh load!

Santa is facing retirement and Arthur’s older brother, Steve, is set to take the reins after one last Christmas Eve around the world for the old guy. All looks like its going off without a hitch until Arthur discovers a toy that was left behind. A left behind toy means a child without a gift. With Santa too tired to venture out so close to sunrise and Steve unwilling to fire up the sleigh again, it’s all down to Arthur and his gang of unlikely helpers, including his grandfather, the former Claus, and a resourceful elf named Bryony.

Arthur and his crew face all sorts of challenges from navigational errors, lost reindeer and floating lions but Arthur is not deterred. His determination to make sure no child is left behind keeps him on track as he races against the sunrise to deliver the last toy. But Arthur isn’t the only one racing to delver the last toy. Once Santa and Steve realise what Arthur is up to, they set off to save day the day themselves. In the end, all Clauses end up at the same place, just in time to help each other out.

This story is wonderful with its humour and a very real portrayal of inter-generational family dynamics. The relationships among the Clauses is so relatable and heart warming that you’ll be sure to see your own family reflected in the antics of the First Family of Christmas. Each character is as hilarious as they are loveable thanks to the talented group of actors giving voice to them.

James MacAvoy as Arthur is brilliant. He gives the lead an earnest charm that keeps you routing for him throughout the film. Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Claus is just as sweet as you’d imagine. While Hugh Laurie gives Steve a proper, no-nonsense air which is in delightful contrast to Jim Broadbent’s slightly bumbling elder Claus but the one who steals the show is Bill Nighy as Grand-Santa. Everything about his performance is entertaining and memorable.

All in, Arthur Christmas is the Christmas movie you’ve been waiting for. It is funny, relatable, touching and classic while being fresh and entertaining. Check it out on Netflix this month!