Hoppers

 

A young student who loves animals uses consciousness-transferring technology to inhabit a robotic beaver and save the habitat of a group of animals from an encroaching highway. It's Pixar so you know there is going to be some goodness to be found. There is excellent vocal acting along with top-notch production values and really stunning animation, but this script is not up to their high standards. The robotic thing seems tacked on or else the story would just be another in a long line of animated films about animals trying to save their habitats...(eg. Happy Feet, Epic, etc...) Still the film delivers, just not like we are used to seeing from Pixar. Worth a watch an d I'm sure the kids will love it, but don't expect to be blown away.

The Boroughs

 Produced by the Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things), the Boroughs is a retirement community where some residents team up to fight creatures from another world. The similarities between this and Stranger Things are pretty hard to ignore, and some may find that an instant turnoff, but you know what? It doesn't matter much to me, I still found this to be fantastically entertaining stuff and seeing as how far off the rails ST became over time, this may actually be the better overall product. The production values, soundtrack and cast are great, the script isn't perfect, but it's flaws are easy enough to overlook. If ST was your jam, this is for you. Excellent stuff.

The Other Bennett Sister

 An expansion of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice focusing on the ignored ugly duckling of the Bennett sister's, Mary and her quest to find her place in the world. TOBS stays true to the lore of Austen's classic novel and many of the same thematic trappings of P&P are alive and well here. The BBC is unmatched at this type of material and everything is just how you'd expect it to be with their production of this show. Fans of Jane Austen and fans of shows like Call the Midwife are going to find this most satisfying and wholesome.

Project Hail Mary

 Sparkling adaptation of the Andy Weir novel finds Ryan Gosling stranded on a spaceship while trying to save our dying sun and meets an alien named rocky doing the same thing. Ryan Gosling shines as a scientist turned astronaut Grace in what is essentially a one man show. The story always keeps your attention with a healthy amount of spectacular cinematics. A lot of the same trapping are here that we see in Weir's The Martian, but both are still wildly imaginative and highly entertaining. It wouldn't shock me to see a couple Oscar nods for this one. A must see.

Remarkably Bright Creatures 

Superlative film sees Sally Field play a women who works in an aquarium as a cleaner in a small town in Oregon when Lewis Pullman pulls into town searching for his long lost father the two form a connection through an octopus. Well, if you wondered if Sally Fields still has chops you can put that to rest, she gives what might actually be an oscar nominated performance. Film moves a little bit slowly in the first half but the payout is massive and rewards patience. Everything is spot on and even though its early I can see a few more Oscar Nods best adapted screenplay for sure. An incredible film that will tug your heartstrings and then leave you smiling. A must see. 

The Dark Wizard

 Sensational documentary about Dean Potter, free solo climber and outdoor athlete. HBO documentary films has hit another home run. I knew next to nothing about Dean Potter before this, so every episode was tense and watching some of this guys climbs and stunts was nerve-racking. TDW succeeds at every level and will keep your attention throughout. A must see.

The Count of Monte Cristo

 

Superb adaptation of the classic Dumas story of three men who, for varying reasons, conspire to falsely imprison a man. 15 years after, he escapes and extracts revenge. This is the type of thing that Masterpiece theatre usually knocks out of the park and this is no exception. Tremendous cast, great source material and it's handled by a production company that makes these kind of historical dramas look effortless. It's currently airing on American television, although it aired two years ago in the UK. Well worth the time whether you're familiar with the story or not.