Movie DON'T SAY GOOD LUCK-Adam Sandler's Daughter Shows Promise in a Sappy Movie

A repo baby is a person who gets success or high-status jobs through family connections. The film "Don't Say Good Luck" is a film produced by Adam Sandler which happens to star his daughter, Sunny Sadler. It just so happens that Sunny has some acting and singing chops to maybe whittle away some of the cynicism of nepotism having gotten her the lead in this teen high school coming-of-age drama which centers around Sophie (Sunny Sadler). Good news - Sophie gets casts as the lead in her school's musical "Waitress".  Bad news - her mom's cancer has returned and she won't be around to she her daughter on stage. The other bad news is the shamelessly melodramatic script. Mom doesn't want to tell her daughter she's dying which isn't lying just denying what's obvious so that her daughter can enjoy herself preparing for her starring role in the school's annual musical. Sophie is surrounded by her loving parents and younger twin brothers. She's a got a lesbian bestie which is cool a long as the two still have each other's backs. Dad runs a deli which allows for a side of levity coming from John Lovitz (SNL) as one of his staff. Dad is played by Max Greenfield ("New Girl") and mom Melanie Lunskey ("Yellowjackets").  Playing Sophie's grandparents are Bebe Neuwirth ("Cheers") and Steve Buscemi ("Sopranos'). The drama coach for the school is Stephanie Beatriz ("Brooklyn-NineNine"). It would seem Adam Sandler was able to round up some of these talented actors. This helps make the more watchable than its soapy script warrants. Still, it's a watchable and diverting film. Credit Sunny with holding her own as the convincing high school drama geek she portrays. Her co-star on stage is Jack (Jack Champion)  ("Avatar") with whom she locks lips. Some of the more delightful scenes involve Sophie and Jack rehearsing their kissing scenes on and off stage. Credit the casting of high school students who can actually pass as teens. The emotional climax comes just prior to Sophie taking the stage and rushing home to confront her mom for not having been honest with her about how gravely ill she is. Of course, Sophie makes it back just in the nick of time to take center stage as the show must go on. Don't say I didn't warn you how sappy this film is. Still, it's not the type of film you want to kick when it's being maudlin. It's not without its charm and well intentioned appeal. Even if this isn't the vehicle to make Sunny Sadler a star, it does give credence to the adage - sometimes the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. 

Besotted by BEAUTY & the BEAST at Pantages

I was besotted by Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at the Pantages Theater.  Having seen the original Broadway cast I was ready to forgive any truncated staging or substellar cast. However, I was deceived by my lower expectations. It was SUPERB! The script was smarter and succinct with its few cuts. Several delightful new numbers were a welcomed addition. The cast was pitch perfect; on par with the best of Broadway's talented elite. "Beauty and the Beast" was Disney's first animated feature nominated for Best Picture. The story brought the Disney oeuvre out of the dated"One day my prince will come" motif. Belle fell for the Beast for the person he was hidden by his hideous facade. "Beauty is found within" is the valuable messaging sent. This production did away with the 3 insipid village girls who swoon at the sight of Gaston. Belle, already a strong, independent character appeared smarter and more compassionate than previous incarnations. The spectacles she donned were a prop to make her appear serious minded. Never mind the reading glasses, Belle was not only fierce but kind and considerate. She didn't want to make the Beast feel belittled by his being illiterate. Two new songs, though not intended to be show stoppers helped moved the storyline along. The memorable big numbers, "Be Out Guest" and "Something There" were especially entertaining! The ballroom scene was magical. More time was given to Belle and the Beast having a heart to heart talk under a starry sky rather than just merely gazing into one each other's eyes.  The pathos felt by both the Beast and Belle when parting was deeply moving. The costuming was dazzling. The choreography was first rate. The use of video to change scenes quickly was clever. Videos of the wolves in the forest mitigated their scariness. Disney used tricks for added sparkle. The cart Chip was situated may have been lost on the younger audience but delighted adults. There was a small but live orchestra that provided first-class quality. Last, but not least, the three leads, Belle (Kyra Johnson), Beast (Fergie Philippe) and Gaston (Stephen Lukas) were all stellar. Don't believe me? Ask the audience, especially the beautiful Belles and dashing Gastons in costumes. (One, Belle came in her blue/white provincial dress which was the best!) The entire packed house was completely enchanted by this great adventure, more than I can tell; from the opening notes with Angela Lansbury's prologue through the entire, spellbinding staging. All eyes were captivated with what was happening on stage. It was so quiet you could hear a petal drop. 

TEO LASSO is Back with a Lackluster Start

Perhaps, one of the most likable things to come out of COVID was the surprise hit "Ted Lasso," starring  Jason Zedekis as the irrepressible optimist whose effervescence rubbed off on everyone.  Lasso, his team and cohorts formed a winning friendship that was enviable. However, the golden luster faded after season 1 despite maintaining its cast of charming characters.  Episode 1 of season 4 of "Ted Lasso" just aired. Sadly, there was little there there which took place in Kansas City; Ted's hometown. At the end of season 3 Ted returned home to reunite with his wife and teenage son after a job well done coaching his team and getting everyone to coalesce.  We first see Ted scanning groceries as a clerk/asst. manager looking forlorn.  Surely, there should be better opportunities for someone with Ted's talents and people skills. Surprising Ted at his house are three of his best buddies from Richmond; Rebecca (Hannah Waddington) Keeley (Juno Temple) and Leslie (Jeremy Swift). Ted is delighted to see them and takes them to Kansas' finest BBQ which they all enjoy despite an ongoing joke of Rebecca glopping sauce on all her tops. The real reason for the surprise visit is revealed over ribs. Rebecca wants to hire him as head coach for a new women's team and they're all hoping he'll take the job. "I hired you for the wrong reasons the first time. Now, I want to hire you for the right reason. You're the best person for this job," Rebecca tells him as Keeley and Leslie nod their hods with encouraging huge grins on their faces. Ted politely declines even though this would seem his dream job and the chance to get out of Kansas. This show was a slog. There's his mother's garage sale where she adds luster to her cluster of junk. Leslie hoping for a tour of the American Jazz Museum gets a detour through the Black Baseball History Hall of Fame. Keeley and Rebecca go on a shopping spree. And, Ted has to bite his tongue from haranguing his son's soccer coach for not playing him. As Ted glances at his Bingham photos and paraphernalia in his office, his longing to go return is palpable. With his wife and son's blessing and willingness to go with him, Ted calls Rebecca and accepts the job. NO SURPRISE there just puzzlement as to why the dull, drawn out episode to get to the foregone conclusion Ted will head back. I got a kick out of hearing the theme song from the "Welcome Back Kotter" show from the 70s. I'm hoping the stellar cast whom I've grown fond of will continue to please and the the dynamics of a women's team will add some clever conflicts and intriguing players. But, we'll see if "Ted Lasso" can go home again as it attempts to win fans this season. 

Melinda's Top Ten Picks of the Year so Far

 Here are my top 10 picks in alphabetical order for the first half of 2026:

1.  Alvin Ailey American Dance at LA Music Center-Inspiring and amazing as always

2.   Doc. Film-"Chris & Martina"-Female tennis foes find victorious friendship

3.   Broadway Play GIANT-John Lithgow won a Tony for his portrayal of an antisemitic Roald Dahl

4.   Film: THE INVITE-sexy swingers starring Olivia Wilde, Ed North, Penelope Cruise and Seth Rogen

5.   SF Ballet "BrokenWings"-Frida Kahlo's colorful life in a hypnotic ballet

6.   Series/Apple "Margo's Got Money Troubles" Elle Fanning and Nick Offerman in a quirky drama 

7.   NYC Ballet Returned to LA-Please never go away again

8.   Film: OBESSION-Horror flick; careful what you wish for

9.   Series/Peacock-PONIES-American wives become CIA spies in 1970s 

10. Netflix "Take a Banana for the Road" Taping of Jeff Ross' one man bio on Broadway

Bonus Pick 

11. Series/Apple WIDOW'S BAY-Comedy/horror with Matthew Rhys (can't wait for next season)

THE INVITE-Seth Rogen Should've Been Uninvited to Make this Right

Olivia Wilde directs in stars in THE INVITE which also stars, Ed Norton, Penelope Cruise and the simpering Seth Rogen.  This cleverly written film by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack give a modern riff  to Edward Albee's classic play "Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?".  This 4 character film pairs Rogen and Wilde as married couple; Joe and Angela. They live in apartment building below a sexy, cool couple Hawk and Pina played by Ed Norton and Penelope Cruise. Hawk and Pina's noisy, sexual escapades have been disturbing their neighbors' slumber.  In "Whose Afraid..." the elder couple air their dirty laundry in front of a younger couple creating a tense, uncomfortable get together. In THE INVITE, the couples are the same age except the dirty laundry revealed is from Hawk and Pina. Pina apologizes for the recent late rumblings are attributed to group sex. Joe and Angela are stunned. Angela wants details. Joe for the first time is speechless.  Unfortunately, Joe isn't quiet for long and his whiny, sophomoric shtick he is known for grows old and detracts from the adult discussion of swinging. Wilde as director made smart choices with a stylish filming of a biting, sophisticated sex farce. But, Wilde made a serious error having Rogen as her errant spouse. Otherwise, Cruise as sex therapist Pina, is a sultry swinger who gives the film its vibrant sensuality. Norton as Hawk, Pina's partner in an open relationship is pitch perfect as the cool, confident lothario who charms Angela while trying to placate Joe's mounting antagonism. Pina and Hawk admit they accepted Angela's invite to come by because they intended to invite Angela and Joe to join them for group sex. Now, however, Pina feels they're not ready and finds Joe's anger toxic. Being put off ignites Angela and Joe to want to give it a go. They earnestly plead their case that they're ready to swing the night away. Hawk and Angela retreat to the kitchen for foreplay. Joe and Pina head into Joe's office. Pina's shirtless dancing sends Joe reeling right into the bookcase which comes crashing down sending his back into painful spasms which interrupts Angela's highly coveted orgasm with Hawk.  All these consensual pairings would've been credible and titillating if not for Rogen off-setting the sophisticated, sexual scenarios with his puerile antics that work for his stupid stoner "Pineapple Express" persona. Cruise deserves an Oscar nomination for her role. Norton and Wilde are both superb as well.  And, while Wilde might have earned herself an Oscar nomination for directing, she blew it with her major blunder using Rogen as her bumbling husband. Still, with a 75% impeccable cast and sharp script, it makes this a movie to become entangled in its tense, erotic quadrangle. 

RIDE or DIE Give it a Try with Octavia Spencer/Hannah Waddingtham/Bill Nighy

The buddy/assassin thriller series on Netflix stars two dynamic dames, Octavia Spencer (Acad. Award "The Help) as Debbie and Hannah Waddingham (Emmy winner for "Ted Lasso") as Judith. The two are the latest in a growing genre of gal pals whose pairing combines and catapults their talents making them omnipotent and hilarious in the process. While the idea of female friendship is not new to the screen, the chemistry between Waddingham and Octavia and their prowess as actors gives RIDE of DIE its drive and keeps the interest alive.  The series uses a lot of flashbacks in its story telling. Judith and Debbie met in their early 20s and became fast and furious riends. Now, both broaching 50, they still love and enjoy being together.  Both are about to hit major stumbling blocks in their lives. Debbie's husband stuns her by asking for a divorce. Judith is on the verge of being unceremoniously retired from her profession which she loves.  Judith has always maintained her occupation as occupation as a forensic accountant. For this femme fatale, her cover is about to be blown. The ladies are both attending a swanky political gala; Debbie accompanying her estranged husband, Judith on a mission to kill. The hit job goes awry and Debbie becomes abducted by Judith who is fleeing from her missed mark who now has a target on her back. Waddingham makes a convincing action hero with her seductive and lethal skill sets. Debbie is horrified by both the facts that Judith kills people and that she never shared this with her. Debbie asks Judith, "You kill people for money?" To which Judith quips, "Yes, otherwise I'd be a serial killer." The mix of comedy and mayhem is marvelous. It seems Debbie is more put off by her friend's deceit than her deadly vocation. The two have a heart to heart about  their kinship and what Judith does professionally proves not a deal breaker in their relationship. Furthermore, Debbie is extremely cunning and resourceful and proves she has what it would take to outsmart the devious villains trying to get back the millions her husband stole. The first rate action scenes and car chases take a back seat to the comedy and camaraderie between Debbie and Judith. Their symbiotic, albeit unlikely relationship is pitch perfect making up for the chaotic flaws in the espionage/crime caper.  Bill Nighy adds his indomitable charisma to his role as Judith's mentor and top director who now wants to force Judith into permanent retirement. RIDE or DIE is a delightful joyride where bad people get killed and female friendship is formidable, surviving all else. 

The series up as decades old best friends in a comic espionage thriller. These two have shared everything except for one tiny detail up until now. Judith has kept her under cover, covert occupation as a hit woman for hire hidden from Debbie. Debbie who has been in a 25 year marriage to a British politician whom she's helped rise in the ranks thanks to her, intelligence and resourcefulness. The night Judith is outed as an assassin to Debbie comes on the night of a swanky, political dinner party in which both women are in attendance. Debbie was attending with her husband who stuns her by asking her for a divorce. Judith is at the gala on assignment to take out a mark. Debbie is devastated by her husband and she's about to get another shocker. While following her target Judith discovers Debbie's husband among several dead bodies in a hotel room. Judith and Debbie cross paths at the gala and leave together. Not only does Judith let Debbie know her husband is dead the two become caught up in a shooting car chase with Debbie at the wheel while Judith returns fire. After eluding their pursuers, Judith explains about her true profession. Debbie is far more upset that Judith kept this not so tiny secret from her all these years and feels their close relationship must be a sham. "You kill for money?" Debbie asks. "Of course. Otherwise, I'd be a serial killer" Judith retorts. Judith makes a sexy and convincing killer, martial arts expert. Her sleuth and fighting skills would give Bond a run his money. Debbie's  

PONIES "Persons of No Interest" Interesting Series-Amateur Amer Women Spies in 70's USSR

The Cold War spy caper series soars on the chemistry between two fish out of water women who are thrust together when their lives overlap in Russia in the 1970s. Emilia Clarke ("Game of Thrones") as Abigail "Bea" and Haley Lu Richardson ("White Lotus") as Twila. Both are wives who've tagged along with their spouses to Moscow while their husbands work for the (shh, don't say it aloud) CIA.  Bea is happily married, highly educated, fluent in Russian and game to support her husband doing secretarial work at the US Embassy while he pursues his espionage career. Twila is a brassy broad raised in a blue color, trailer park. She's lots of street smarts and in a contentious relationship with her husband. On Xmas Eve, the women are escorted from the Embassy's holiday party and told their husbands died in a plane crash. So begins the auspicious pairing of these two disparate dames who sense their being lied to and become  determined to find out the truth. From here suspend handling the truth and go with this skeptical scenario and you'll be in for a scintillating spy escapade with two ingenues new to the sinister, underworld in Russia.  They both decide to remain in USSR and somehow convince their husbands' beleaguered boss, Dane, they could be vital by going undercover to uncover KGB secrets. No one would ever suspect them as agents; they're persons of no interest. Given dangerous assignments they prove more resourceful as undercover agents as their natural talents and proclivities for problem solving take hold. As the stakes get higher, the women become more cunning and find they have each other's back. Back, at CIA headquarters, Dane discovers these two vixens have mettle while meddling into shady, covert operations. Good support comes from CIA agent Ray (Nicholas Podany) whose American wife Cheryl also works as a secretary. Cheryl and Twila have a very funny antagonistic work relationship. Manya, a Russian hawker, provides helpful information to Twila and wry humor.  Andrei is the sexy, ruthless KBG agent out to seduce Bea . Bea is putting herself in danger leading him on to lure information. The look of the series is often dark and moody. It captures the 70s in dress, tone and music. It is the dubious and dynamic pairing of Bea and Twila that brings wit, charisma and caring to a dark thriller that is surprising, chilling and endearing. This clever Peacock series is convincing that together, these women are more than either the CIA or the KGB bargained for. PONIES is an exciting and entertaining series. Don't miss it!

OBSESSION-A Horror Film Where the Guy Gets the Girl and all Hell Breaks Loose

OBSESSION starts out with our protagonist practicing his pitch for the girl of his dreams to go out with him. Bear (Michael Johnson) is a shy, likable guy that wants girl Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Taking a wink from "Big" Bear goes into a New Age store to buy Niki a gift but comes away with a prize for himself. A make a wish stick. The shtick is the wish stick works - too well. When Bear wishes Nikki "would love me more than anyone else in the world," Nikki finds herself drawn to Bear. A 180 turn around does seem odd but not so much that Bear would look a gift horse in the mouth and the two move in together for a limited time of bliss. Soon things go amiss. Friends Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and Sarah (Megan Lawless) start noticing Nikki acting bizarre. Bear knows things are even worse than they seem. The relatable premise turns dark and eerie once Bear gets his heart desire and if he only knew how dim the fire and passion that have turned obsessively deranged and destructive. Bear calls a number on the wish stick box with his questions which doesn't give him what he was hoping. It's one of the funniest scenes in the film. Inde Navarrette's tour-de-force performance is electrifying. Nikki's behavior is terrifying, haunting, revolting, sad and hilarious. The pacing, look and mood of the film have a mystique and naturalness that give way to shocking scenes that jump out at you. Director/writer Curry Baker has made a horror film that is creepy, credible and engrossing (and gross at times). Baker also makes a few nods to "Exorcist" and "Fatal Attraction." However, Baker has created something quite original that explores the horrors of getting what you wish for. 

Crime Thriller/Romance TUNER-Turns Flat After A Bit-But Tune In

TUNER is an entertaining crime thriller driven whose premise and prelude are appealing. A promising piano prodigy turned piano tuner's precision ear proves advantageous to cracking into combination safes. Leo Woodall ("White Lotus") plays Niki, the sultry and skillful young piano tuner who partners with Harry, played by the legendary Dustin Hoffman.  Harry and his wife Maria (a terrific Tovah Feldshuh) are the bickering, bantering couple who love each other and Niki whom they regard as their son. The hilarious overture to the film begins with a montage of piano tuning jobs where Harry and Niki have to deal with obnoxious clients. The two are called to repair a piano for an elite musical university where Ruthie (an alluring Havana Rose) is now practicing.  Ruthie, an inspiring composer/pianist is put out by the interruption but there's an undercurrent of attraction between the two. When Ruthie's heirloom piano is drenched by rain she calls up Niki to try to help her save the piano. A love serenade between the two is composed and all is harmonious until Harry needs hospitalization and a miracle to pay his bills. While tuning a piano on an exclusive estate, Niki is unable to work because of noise in the house. Niki has a condition called hypercusis, a hearing condition that make everyday sounds unbearable which is why he dons earplugs at all times. When he scopes out the source of the noise it's coming from the security guards who are trying to drill open a safe. The security "thugs" tell him to get lost unless he can open the safe which he promptly does. Uri (Lior Raz) head boss of bumbling thieves knows a good thing when he see it and promises Niki big money if comes to work for him. Niki is driven to cracking safes to pay for Harry's hospital bills and to have some cash and gifts for Ruthie. The film turns somewhat flat and predictable once it shifts to heist jobs. When Niki wants to stop his life of crime Uri shows up at Maria's home during Harry's memorial and threatens to harm his girlfriend's hands if won't continue. The stellar acting keeps the plot on pitch. The musical scenes and the relationship between Niki, Ruthie Harry and Maria elevate the film. TUNER is an easily watchable film. But once the film shifts key after Harry's death from drama and romance to crime thriller, it becomes something we've seen before. And, what are the odds that the one piece of jewelry Niki swiped to give Ruthie comes back to haunt him? Nevertheless, 

5 STAR WEEKEND-Earns a Paltry 3 Despite Star Power Jennifer Garner/Timothy Olypant

"The Five-Star Weekend" based on the bestselling book by Elin Hilderbrand now airing on Netflix. It features an assembly star cast led by the beautiful and bankable Jennifer Garner. Garner plays Hollis Shaw who we meet making a boat load of impressive Xmas cookies with snow covered evergreens outside her cozy kitchen window. The serene scene is interrupted by knocking at her door. The police came to inform Hollis her husband was killed in a car accident. (Her shocked response makes her look like a fish gasping for air.) Next we jump ahead to 6 months later to sunny skies outside the windows of her stunning Cape Cod home on the Vineyard. Hollis is a celebrity chef and an influencer. After breaking down crying on a TV celebrity talk show mourning her husband, her publicist tells her to take time off . She suggests getting together with her closest friends from the varying decades in her life. The chums all come from different periods in her life and backgrounds. What's the worse that can happen? Sadly, nothing worth noting happens that is credible just easily digestible fare in a gorgeous setting with good actors. Regina Hall plays a PR agent for celebrity athletes and is put on sabbatical for a PR crisis of her own making. Chloe Sevigny, plays her best friend since childhood. Chloe's mom helped raised Hollis after her mother died when she was young. Chloe plays a no-nonsense broad with gusto but may soon be facing chemo. D'Arcy Carden plays the garrulous, funny friend who wants to fit in. She may have a few mysterious plot lines. We know of an arch enemy in Judy Greer who was not invited and an unknown legal battles looming. And, the sultry Gemma Chan who only recently joined the gang. She ingratiated herself into Hollis' good graces by following her and developing a connection since her husband's death. (Nothing to be concerned about here). Timothy Olyphant as her old beau from the hood in Nantucket. Will they or won't hook-up? Really? Throw in Hollis' coed daughter, She's keeping things from her mother and falling for the wrong boy back home during the female pow wow weekend designed to ease the widow's grief.  Hollis is super organized along with her culinary skills. She's charted plans for the entire 3 nights which includes a pajama dance party while drunk following a salacious round of truth or dare. If you dare to watch this 8 part series which seems promising given the talent and Hilderbrand's beach book plot.  Know this is light entertainment at best when not cringe worthy schmaltz. There's predictable broad strokes; secrets revealed and spirits healed. I wouldn't throw this show in the trash with the burnt tarte Tatin. It does it best with good ingredients and intentions, but fails to rise to any great expectations.