SUNNY Series Stars Rashida Jones in a Sci-Fi Crime Mystery which is Mystifying

Rashida Jones ("The Office") is cast as Susie playing a fish-out-of-water wife and mother grieving the deaths of her husband and young son who died in an airplane crash. Susie appears to be the only non-Asian in this sci-fi series on Apple+ set in Kyoto in the not too distant future. The first episode shows Susie desolately munching on a Christmas cookie besides her mother-in-law where she's being asked to elaborate on what her husband and son were wearing on that fateful flight. Unsure and irritated by the senseless barrage of questions. Noriko (Judy Ongg) her stately mother-in-law answers for her which further baffle and frustrate her. The others gathered in the same room are ushered into a support session where they're told  "one tear will provide years of comfort". This farcical scenario harbingers a bizarre and unsettling drama which isn't all what it seems. Susie believed her husband worked as an engineer perfecting kitchen appliances. A company rep arrives to Susie's apartment offering condolences and proffering a domestic robot to help and provide comfort. Susie refuses the A/I saying she loathes robots. The rep convinces her to give the robot named Sunny a trial period. The makeup of the show is a pastiche of dark humor, espionage and futuristic sci-fi A/I in daily life. Sunny's attempts at befriending Susie are funny, touching and perhaps not as Altruistic or Innocent as she seems. Jones is affecting in her non-glamorized appearance and beseeching with her vulnerabilities and cunning. Susie becomes unsure whether her husband and son were aboard the plane that crashed and becomes driven to get to know what happened to her husband and to find out what things she didn't know about her husband. The clothing and sets are convincing for this futuristic thriller. The acting by the actors and A/Is is Immaculate.  As Susie tries to untangle a web of lies she becomes ensnared in murder and a sinister corporate conspiracy. Unfortunately, the plot becomes buried under duplicitous characters including SUNNY the Adorable, Indefatigable robot resembles a trimmer Rosie from the Jetsons. SUNNY's appeal lies with Susie and the synergy between the two. However, the story's arc goes far astray deprogramming, my Avid Interest along the way. 

TIME BANDITS-Time Stolen if You're not in the Pre-teen Niche with Lisa Kudrow/Jemaine Clement

If you're not between the ages of 9-15, time spent watching any of the TIME BANDITS series on Apple+ will rob you of priceless time you can't get back. Good intentions only get you so far as with this well intentioned adventure series hoping to strike gold with young families watching in tandem.  And, while there are harrowing moments and artistic creativity, the appeal of this comical adventure series poses only a limited proclivity steered towards juveniles. Some of the humor is sophomoric and glimpses of demonic beings may be too menacing for youngsters. The main character, Kevin (Kai-El Tuck) is an eleven year old doppelgänger for the kid in the perennial "Christmas Story". He's adorable and at a loss for getting his oblivious parents and dismissive older sis to acknowledge the strange intruders who invaded his bedroom. Egad! What's the lad to do but join the bungling bandits as they flee their arch enemy, a gargantuan talking head who slides out of the closet with blinding light behind him. This talking head is feared by the bungling bandits for his enormous powers whom they've robbed. The set up isn't original but it has the makeup for what could constitute exciting escapades into the past or unknown future. The international cast packs some power of its own. The ensemble includes Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi and Lisa Kudrow. Clement and Waititi are also co-writers and directors for the show. Kudrow reprises her deadpan humor of her beloved Phoebe character on "Friends". But, this feels anachronistic and simplistic.  The talented collaboration of multi-Emmy nominated actor Clement and Acad. Award winning screenwriter Waikiki results in convoluted and confusing episodes. True, time travel doesn't have to prove logical but it should be somewhat comprehensible. TIME BANDITS delivers a mishmash of marauders trying to pass themselves off as credible beings from outside the quotidian realm or reality. In reality, you get a middling romp through time which gets lost in space. 

Apple+ Series BAD MONKEY with Vince Vaughn, Michelle Monaghan, Rob Delaney

BAD MONKEY plays around with your small town crime drama series. It's about a fast talking detective and set in Southern FL. The stellar cast includes the king of jabber, Vince Vaughn. Based on the best selling crime fiction satire novel by Carl Hiaasen (2013). Vaughn plays the lead role of Andrew Yancy, a consummate bachelor whose latest escapade, sending the husband of the woman he's having an affair with, Bonnie (Michelle Monaghan) off the dock in his golf cart into the ocean. This results in his being fired from his job as the town's top cop. Yancy and his longtime partner against crime, Rogelio (John Oritz) have a constant bantering and bickering which attests to their indestructible bond. Episode one starts off big with your typical tourist on a chartered fishing boat. What's not typical is the guy's catch - a man's hairy arm with a middle finger salute. Yancy is trying to get back in good stead with his boss since his demotion to restaurant inspector and assigned to take the arm up to Miami headquarters. At the Miami morgue Yancy meets the sassy and drop dead gorgeous coroner, Rosa (Natalie Martinez). Rosa and Rogelio become embroiled in Yancy's unhatched plan to solve the mystery of the unattached arm while Yancy hits on the unattached Rosa. Everything goes anything but smoothly but it all goes at a fast clip. And there's the actual bad monkey also involved in the shenanigans. The chattering, diapered monkey is the constant companion of Neville. Neville is your benevolent beach bum who won him in a poker game. This wiry chimp does some of the best acting in this convoluted, twisted mystery overflowing with razor-sharp acting and eccentric antics. The rest of the body that gets washed ashore was the husband to the aggrieved  blonde trophy wife, Eve (Meredith Hagner). Snooping around the fringes of the burial for Eve's husband,  Yancy meets nefarious characters who warn him off and the daughter of the deceased. After interviewing both the daughter, Caitlin (Charlotte Lewis) and the seductive widow, Yancy thinks there's something fishy about the widow and learns Caitlin thinks her step-mom killed her dad. Southern FL is painted with vibrant strokes and becomes a central figure in the plot. There's an insidious scheme to take over beachfront property by any means for development. Adding more hot spice to the mix is a Carribian voodoo Dragon Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) who may have some mystical powers you may not want to provoke. Each episode is narrated over by a wise cracking know-it-all who seems to understand what's going on behind the scenes. Even if you're not clear of what's going on, stick with this surprising and winning series that will have your head spinning,  

Powerful Doc. DAUGHTERS-Program for Imprisoned Fathers Have Date Night with Daughters Leads to Reduced Recidivism

Unbeknownst to most with no ties to correctional institutions, there's a new program called Date with Dad (DWD) which began in 2008. DWD reunites incarcerated men with their daughters in a social setting inside prisons giving fathers and daughters a chance to enjoy a festive day together. The power of this film available on Netflix, appears in small quiet moments: the men learning to put on ties or craning their heads to scan for their girls and clamorous moments as the girls run to wrap their arms around their dads. The men selected to participate in the program must complete a 10 week long counseling program. The regularly led group therapy sessions allow us to learn something about these men as individuals.  A growing candor and sense of camaraderie among the father's can be discerned. While the filming inside the prison is stark, outside the prison the kaleidoscope shots of the girls are done with an expansive, artistic lens. Some scenes of the girls are in slow motion or neon lighting of active social gatherings or tender mother daughter moments. The contrast between the static life within the prison and kinetic energy outside is obvious. The prison views from within small cell windows look out onto barbed wire fences versus those from within the cozy confines of a home looking through rain spattered windows or girls laughing while getting soaked outside were affecting albeit heavy handed. However, this is not a film to fault, rather it's to be heralded for its humanity, its enlightenment of our penal system and for showing the collateral damage incarceration has on children whose parents are in prison. Before reaching the epilogue updating us on the inmates and their daughters years later, we're witnesses to the excitement as well as trepidations of both the dads and daughters while preparing for their big Date with Dad. The dad's are as giddy and nervous as their daughters. It's fun to watch the girls get primped and pampered for their reunion. The inmates are provided shoes, suits and ties. The men's makeovers from the orange prison suits to business suits is remarkable.  Afterwards, watching the men shedding their impressive garbs as they march back single file to their cells; shoes and ties left behind on the floor is sobering.  Meanwhile, seeing the girls transformation into party dresses and coiffed hair is lovely to behold. The ultimate emotional toll is exacted by bawling and tear stained faces which tear at one's heartstrings during the parent/child reunifications and again at the enforced separations. I was not aware of the Dad with DATE program but it boasts of a 95% reduction in recidivism is unforgettable. Nor, was I aware contact visits are being continuously stripped away. This sensitive and intelligent documentary strikes the powerful emotions of love, remorse and hope. The father's gave their daughter's a promise gift with the promise they would always be there to count on and would be coming home to stay. The way to reduce recidivism is by humanizing rather than demonizing convicts. The most important take-away from DAUGHTERS is the prisoners are not the only ones who pay a penalty. The Date with Dad program must be expanded, family contact visits maintained and DAUGHTERS a film to be watched that shed's light on humanity and compassion.

GHOSTLIGHT-Emotional Family Journey-Haunting and Unforgettable

The film "Ghostlight" is about a family navigating grief and the transformative healing power of art. Available now on Apple and Prime Video, it is not to be missed. The movie plays out as if it were real life and its emotional wallops creep up quietly but its toll lingers long after viewing. This is due to the brilliant script and exceptional acting by the ensemble cast. The script is by Kelly O'Sullivan ("Saint Francis"). O'Sullivan co-directed with Alex Thompson. The two had previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed "Saint Francis" film. The patriarch of the family is a burly construction worker, Dan  played to perfection by Keith Kupferer ("The Dark Knight"). Dan and his wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) are at their wits end dealing with their obstreperous teenage daughter, Daisy (a star-making performance by Katherine Kupferer).  Daisy is belligerent, irreverent and hostile towards everyone. She's being threatened with expulsion for having shoved a teacher. Daisy's outbursts towards everyone and everything is tearing her family apart. The credible familial dynamics may be due in part to the fact they comprise a family in real life. The three all seem to be holding on to each other and their sanities by gossamer strings. It's revealed later on that the family is dealing with the recent death of Daisy's brother. The principal offers Daisy's parents a reprieve from her expulsion of Daisy if they get her into counseling and strongly urges them to  seek family therapy. Dan is not the kind of man prone to talking about his problems. But then, he's not the type of guy you'd expect to join a ragtag theater company in the midst of putting on Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet," a play he knows nothing about. Daisy is the thespian in the family. When she announces she's not going out for the school's play this year; something she's always relished, her folks are further perplexed. Daisy follows her father to his secretive rehearsals where she's surprised by her dad and delighted to join the troupe. Sharon's the last to know Dan and Daisy are covertly rehearsing a play. She thought Dan guilty of having an affair and no clue what Daisy had been up to. The play within the movie consists of a cast of amateur, volunteer actors. Each with their own eccentricities and charm.  A few of the cast demonstrate noteworthy talents including Rita (Dolly de Leon) and Greg (Dexter Zollicoffer). Greg gives a stirring rendition of "Stand by Me" during the group's karaoke night. Daisy does a number from Oklahoma that could earn her a Tony on Broadway. Meanwhile, Dan has been spending money the family doesn't have for an attorney to litigate a wrongful death suit against the parent of their deceased son's girlfriend. Shakespear's tragic play eerily mirrors the family's drama but unlike the woeful ending of  "Romeo & Juliet" the family shows signs of healing that steer towards "All's Well That Ends Well". The one night run of the play receives a rousing standing ovation which is what I give this heartfelt film. "Rita promises Dan after their curtain call, "Next play will be a comedy." 

Graham Haynes/Vijay Iyer World Premier "Misterioso" An indebtedness to Thelonious Monk at 222

Thelonious Monk (b Amer. 1917-1982) is a legendary jazz composer and pianist whose improvisational style brought innovation and artistry to the world of jazz. Other than Duke Ellington, Monk is the most recorded jazz composer and one of only five jazz musicians featured on TIME's cover. The other four include Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington and Wynton Marsalis. "Misterioso" a 75 minute multi-media composition is written by Vijay Iyer who was named four times by "DownBeat" Mag., Jazz Artist of the year and Graham Haynes, the recipient of two nominations for the prestigious Alpert Award for the Arts and the son of drummer Roy Haynes. Haynes grew up around legendary jazz musicians including Monk. "Misterioso" is dedicated to Monk's body of work. Haynes' virtuosity on trumpet was astounding. He never spoke during the evening. He let his trumpet and Iyer do the talking. Monk was known for speaking little if at all when performing.  Iyer played piano, electric keyboard and synthesizer while overseeing the large scale visual projection on the wall. The amoeba-like images undulated floated over shifting background colors of neon blue, pink and black spatters. Several black and white photos of Monk appeared showing him at the piano or posing stoically. Iyer explained "'Misteriosos" was representative of what we {Iyear & Haynes} thought Monk's brain would feel like." The overly long  composition was visually abstract and musically discordant. Previous sound recordings were mixed in along with long extended notes and rifts on trumpet and strides on the piano. The piece was often discordant and rarely, if ever, soothing. Haynes and Iyer created what can be regarded as a modern,  innovative musical composition and a visual imagery representative of the inner workings into the mind of  one of the greatest jazz pianists and composers of the 20th C. Monk was the master of improvising. There's only one recording made in which Monk adhered strictly to his (or anyone's) written composition was "Crepuscule with Nellie" (1957). "Misterioso" may have successfully captured the inner workings of Monk's musical genius, but, to say I found it aesthetically or musically pleasing is not the case. Two shorter original compositions followed the marathon "Misterioso". However, the evening ended on a high note as they played one of Monk's most famous pieces. "Around Midnight". Monk never achieved great fame, fortune or critical acclaim during his lifetime owing in part to being far outside mainstream jazz of its time. Perhaps, I'll have bragging rights in the future for being at the world Premier of "Misterioso" but if you missed it, it was only so - so. 

LIFT-Dance Doc Following 10 Years in Young Dancer Living In Public Shelters Finding Joy through Dance

LIFT is touted as young dancers' journeys from homelessness to the ballet stage. This is only a fraction of what makes this ambitious documentary so astonishing and profound. The film is viewed through the lens of Steven Melendez and follows his mentorship of several young people living in homeless shelters. Melendez was himself raised in homeless shelters in NYC.  Melendez's miraculous life goes from being homeless, raised by a single mother to becoming a principal dancer with NY Theater Ballet.  Today, Melendez is at the helm of NY Theater Ballet as its artistic director. Melendez's rise to a professional dancer and artistic director is remarkable. But, what he achieves through mentoring children in NYC's homeless shelters is nothing short of miraculous. While being given sporadic glimpses of Melendez's lovely dancing, we're swept up in what he's given back to his community by his commitment to young people, by his ongoing positiver presence in their lives and the opportunities he present for them to pursue their passions through dance. He was living in a homeless shelter at age 7 when he was given an opportunity to enroll in the NY Theater Ballet Project, LIFT. Video of Melendez's performances are scattered throughout this absorbing film that takes us inside the shelters and into the homes of families struggling with poverty and the difficulties holding down jobs while caring for their families. The film is captivating as we watch the exuberant faces of seven, eight and nine year old girls and boys mature into adolescents with lives which become more complex and problematic as they get older. Melendez meets with parents of young dancers struggling with work schedules while trying to get their children to and from school and dance classes. We watch Victor Abreu develop into an exceptional dancer as he seeks to maintain a balance in life with the inherent demands of being a professional dancer. Yolanssie Cardona changes from a precocious pre-teen who "wants to be a dancer" into a beautiful high school student who has gotten into disciplinary problems at  school which derail her high school graduation. The stark, natural aesthetic of the cinematography highlight NYC life commuting on its gritty subways and bustling streets. The smart editing makes the 10+ years flow fluidly while coming into sharp focus. Passing moments are accentuated by the buzzing and clanking of locked doors and shots of the city's ubiquitous fencing. The harshness of life in homeless shelters and city dwelling contrasts with the magical and. beautiful world of ballet. Moreover, we're shown a wonderful world in which the challenges of homelessness and poverty are mitigated with the assistance of others.  LIFT is an uplifting documentary that soars with the healing powers inherent with dance. 

THELMA-June Squibb is a Marvel as a Senior Super Hero and Impossible to Resist

June Squibb is a 94 year old actor whose career began on Broadway in the original production of "Gypsy". She had a recurring role on the soap, "Young & the Restless" and a breakout role in the Film "Nebraska" opposite Bruce Dern which earned her an Acad. Award nomination. Her most recent role is the lead in the comedy/crime caper "Thelma" written and directed by Josh Margolin. Squibb plays Thelma, an elderly widow living alone. However, she's not totally alone. She has her doting grandson, Danny (Fred Hechinger, "White Locust"), a daughter, Gail (Emmy nominated actress Parker Posey), Gail's husband, Alan (Robert Gregg, Jr., Phil Coulson in "Marvel Cinematic Universe) and her reluctant but steadfast friend, Ben (the scene stealing Richard Roundtree who died in 2023). Thelma talks to the photo of her beloved husband daily but is otherwise happily engaged in her mundane life that is bolstered by Danny who enjoys spending time mentoring his grandma on the computer. Their devotion to each other is mutual. When Thelma receives a call and falls easily for a scam whereafter she sends bail money in the mail believing she's helping Danny get out of jail. It would seem a safe bet to assume she's an old fool. But, when push comes to shove, Thelma's nobody's fool. In fact, she's apt to give Tom Cruise a run for his money for the starring role in the next "Mission Impossible" movie. Thelma's family is relieved she's physically unharmed, but Thelma will not go gently into the good night. However, her inability to drive a car or walk very far are obstacles to contend with.  Needless, this does not thwart our unflappable heroine. Thelma reluctantly enlists her steadfast friend, Ben. Ben's not going to let her just take his 2-seater scooter without him in tow.  So, off they go into an improbable reconnaissance mission to get back the $10,000 she was hoodwinked. The daring and darling duo are devious, cunning and riotously funny. Gail, Alan and the staff at the senior living facility where Ben flew the coupe from are pitch perfect in their frenzied concern or lack thereof.  An ongoing gag in which Thelma has a friendly but circuitous conversation with women believing she recognizes them is ingratiating and integral to the scheme of things. Other minor characters leave a major impact. The 95 year old Bunny Levine plays an old friend Mona who is unforgettably poignant and 81 year old Malcom McDowell as Harvey, the villainous scanner who is eerily menacing. Nothing seems impossible in THELMA with its savvy script, exceptional ensemble cast and delightful antics. Not just for the antiquated, elderly crowd, this comedy/caper will capture all hearts having a pulse.  

CHALLENGERS-A+ Acting in a C- Film Makes a Movie to See with Zendaya

CHALLENGERS serves up some daunting challenges to entice you to watch a love triangle that centers around the game of love known as tennis. The hardest obstacle to handle is its lame script. However, this is netted within a faultless cast of handsome leads lead by the drop dead gorgeous Zendaya. Zendaya plays Tashi, the coquettish tennis competitor coveted by her two suitors, Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O'Connor.  Art and Josh are young upstarts fighting their way up the professional tennis racket and have just won a major doubles tournament and sprawl over each other in their unfettered exuberance. Following their win, the two head to the women's singles finals where they're both totally smitten by Tashi's talents on the court as well as her comely looks. Zendaya has become the face for high end luxury companies including Valentino fashion, Lancome makeup and Bulgari jewelry. Nonetheless, she is much more than just a pretty face.  She's earned two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Zendaya is winning playing Tashi, a flirtatious and fierce up and coming tennis ace. Tashi's top notch athletic skills are no match for her savvy and business acumen. Still the girl wants to have fun. She's intrigued by the adoration of the two charming chums who are willing to throw the other under the bus to get her number. The film flashes back and forth in time revealing the fraught history of the three's shifting relationships. Tashi's relationship with one ends at the time she blows out her knee and any future career on the professional tennis circuit. The plot is cliche, yet the chemistry between all three is combustible and comprises a fast paced, intriguing film worth renting on Apple or Prime Video. O'Connor is a British actor best known for portraying Prince Charles in "The Crown" and Romeo in the recent PBS "Romeo and Juliet" production. He's charming, wheedling and infuriating as an immature 30 something whose tennis career is waning. Faist is an American actor that has garnered a Grammy, Daytime Emmy and nominations for a Tony and a British Academy Film Award. Hi's angelic good looks and diffident demeanor make him the perfect foil to O'Connor's swarthy good looks and domineering personality. All three, Zendaya, O'Connor and Faist make what could've been a scratch-less plot into something special with a lot of sexy tension on and off the tennis courts. I dare you to resist CHALLENGERS as it serves up sheepish grins along and unexpected spins on competition and provocation.