Are they only BFFs? Maybe. Does he come from magic and superheroes? Maybe. Will they save the world and have a blast? Definitely!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings |  2021

Blurb
I’ve seen Shang-Chi & LOTR three times now. Once in the theater (Amazing on the big screen) and twice on Disney+. The film hits all the high notes - writing, directing, acting, comedy, martial arts, action, costumes, sets, camera work, props, and VFX. This film brings joy with each viewing and glimpses into new layers each time. Watch it on the biggest screen possible with an appetizer spread and champagne!

Tagline
Are they only BFFs?  Maybe. Does he come from magic and superheroes? Maybe. Will they save the world and have a blast? Definitely!

Production Value
High

Creator (Writer/s)
Dave Callaham  (screenplay and screen story by)
Destin Daniel Cretton  (screenplay and screen story by)
Andrew Lanham  (screenplay by)

Steve Englehart  (Shang-Chi created by)
Jim Starlin  (Shang-Chi created by)

Acting
Simu Liu, Awakfina, Meng’er Zhang, and Michelle Yeoh! Surrounded by many, many top notch actors and martial artists. Great chemistry between actors.

Where
Disney+

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.” “Let’s fight like demons” “The Duke's son, he sees too much” Who will Paul become?

Dune |  2021

Blurb
Two hours and 45 minutes should feel very long in pandemic theater viewing. Delta still rages and this was the film I was willing to go to the theater for. Part 1 is beautiful. The visuals, costumes, sets, camera work, and acting are all top notch. Knowing the story is helpful as Dune is Game of Thrones huge packed into almost three hours. Hoping we get to see Part 2 as soon as possible. If you are a fan of the 1984 version (I mean it’s got Sting!) you will not be disappointed by the remake. I will watch this again on streaming after I see Dune 1984 again. Sake and Sushi feel appropriate for the visually feast of this movie!

Tagline
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.” “Let’s fight like demons” “The Duke's son, he sees too much” Who will Paul become?

Production Value
High

Creator (Writer/s)
Frank Herbert  (novel)
Jon Spaihts  (screenplay by)
Denis Villeneuve  (screenplay by)
Eric Roth  (screenplay by)

Acting
Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Javier Bardem, and a host of really talented actors weave the storylines and blend their chemistry to make magic.

Where
Theaters, HBOmax

“Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner! This is your dance space. This is my dance space.” Will they dance it out and survive the summer?

Dirty Dancing |  1987

Blurb  
A classic 80’s movie set in the 50’s. You cannot get better than this film - dancing, summer vacay at the lake, RomCom vibes, fun acting, great wardrobe, sets, music, camera work, and era appropriate dialogue. Perfect streaming for hot days. Make margaritas and join in with the dancing!

Tagline
“Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner! This is your dance space. This is my dance space.” Will they dance it out and survive the summer?

Production Value
High

Creator (Writer/s)
Eleanor Bergstein  (written by)

Acting
Jennifer Grey & Patrick Swayze have amazing chemistry and are supported by really good actors throughout the film. Fantastic casting!

Where
Prime Video

What’s Love Got to Do With It? Everything. Tina Turner’s Life Story!

Tina |  2021

Blurb
It is amazing that Tina Turner not only survived her early life trauma but broke through the entertainment puzzle to lead an extremely successful career in music. Vintage footage, music culture references, great interviews, and Tina telling us her story throughout. Pop the champagne for this - toast Tina and her brilliance!

Tagline
What’s Love Got to Do With It? Everything. Tina Turner’s Life Story!

Production Value
High

Creator (Writer/s)
Daniel Lindsay (writer/director)
T.J. Martin  (writer/director)

Acting
No Acting - Tina Turner, Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey, Kurt Loder...long list of people who intertwined with Tina’s career and life!

Where
HBO Max, Prime Video

Small town girl. Big city boy. Will they help each other shine or fall into the darkness?

Tumbledown |  2015

Blurb
This indie dramady is worth your time. Charming story, interesting sets, sweeping mountain and valley views, tight acting, humor and sadness. Tumbledown has all the things needed for you to be engrossed in a story and ponder its theme. Good for a weeknight wind-down - bottle of red wine and make a cheese plate!

Tagline
Small town girl. Big city boy. Will they help each other shine or fall into the darkness?

Production Value
High

Creator (Writer/s)
Desi van Til  (screenplay)
Sean Mewshaw  (story)

Acting
Jason Sudeikis, Rebecca Hall, Joe Manganiello, and Blythe Danner, are the film. Great acting!

Where
Prime Video

Is the 6’ rabbit named Frank real? Is the time travel real? Can Donnie change everything before it’s too late?

Donnie Darko |  2001

Blurb
Donnie Darko is one of the great cult classics. Teen strife, time travel, small town antics, dreamy continuous shots with great 80’s music, and mental struggles. Top notch writing, acting, sets, wardrobe, and vintage tech. Is the perpetual question ever solved? Or was it all created in his mind? Bourbon neat with a water back and french fries + dipping sauce for Donnie Darko!

Tagline
Is the 6’ rabbit named Frank real? Is the time travel real? Can Donnie change everything before it’s too late?

Production Value
High

Creator (Writer/s)
Richard Kelly  (written by)

Acting
Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Mary McDonnell, Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze. Great casting with this unique group of talented actors!

Where
Prime Video

She’s had enough. She’s ready to fight. Will the Femmes stand with her?

Bombshell |  2019

Blurb
This is the film that will piss you off and you’ll tell all to watch. Anyone who has been in this environment feels the reality portrayed by this amazing cast and story. The impactful acting of Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie bring you in and keep you with them til the end. Clever writing and camerawork, significant wardrobe, sets, and props. Bombshell has it all. Make a Bourbon neat with a water back for this ride!

Tagline
She’s had enough. She’s ready to fight. Will the Femmes stand with her?

Production Value
High

Creator (Writer/s)
Charles Randolph  (written by)

Acting
Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie - the trifecta of acting chops. Add Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Connie Britton, and John Lithgow for the win! The casting in this film is top notch.

Where
Hulu, Prime Video

Whipsmart & Wearing Skirts. 1960’s & The South. Will they break the barriers?

Hidden Figures |  2016

Blurb
Stellar acting and script, poignant moments, Nasa history, 1960’s tech, sets, wardrobe, and math for days. This is a movie that moves you. Watch it with a Dubonnet cocktail and canapes!

Tagline
Whipsmart & Wearing Skirts. 1960’s & The South. Will they break the barriers?

Production Value
High

Creator (Writer/s)
Allison Schroeder  (screenplay)
Theodore Melfi  (screenplay)
Margot Lee Shetterly  (based on the book)

Acting
Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe make an amazing team and deliver the goods in this film. It would be great to see them act together again in another movie.

Where
Disney+, Prime Video