In which the Mister joins me in reviewing IN THE EARTH (2020), which is currently streaming on Hulu.  Written and directed by Ben Wheatley; the film follows the story of Martin (Joel Frey), a scientist who during a mysterious pandemic, goes to a station to go seek out an old colleague and former flame who has not been heard from in many months.  He goes on this journey with Alma (Ellora Torchia) who is a forest ranger and knows the land.  They are attacked, encounter a loner named Zach (Reece Shearsmith) and finally find their way to the missing Dr. Olivia Wendle (Hayley Squires).  The film has a run time of 1 h 47 m and is rated R. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library.

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing MY LITTLE PONY: A NEW GENERATION (2021), which we watched on Netflix. Directed by Robert Cullen, José Luis Ucha and Mark Fattibene; with screenplay credit to Tim Sullivan and Gillian Berrow, the film follows Sunny (Vanessa Hudgen) who is trying to mend fences between earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi.  With voice work by Kimiko Glenn, James Marsden, Sofia Carson and Liza Koshy; this new generation of MLP is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the entire family.  The film has a run time of 1 h 36 m and is rated PG. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library.

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing Marvel Studio's latest offering into the superhero pantheon, ETERNALS (2021), which we watched on Disney+. With screenplay credits to Chloé Zhao, Patrick Burleigh and Ryan Firpo, and directed by Chloé Zhao; the film follows the story of a group of incredible beings who've been tasked with coming to Earth to protect the planet from Deviants.  The majority of this group of 10 are not aware of the ultimate end to their mission but slowly, through the death of their leader and some strange events that follow, the group must decide whether they risk going against their mission.  Gorgeous visuals, amazing special effects, beautiful locations and obviously amazing production values help this film but sadly there were too many characters and not enough time for the audience to build any rapport with any of them.  The film has a run time of 2 h 36 m and is rated PG-13. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library.

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing SHADOW IN THE CLOUD (2020), which is currently streaming on Hulu.  With screenplay credits to Roseanne Liang and Max Landis, and directed by Roseanne Liang; the film follows the story of a young woman named Maude (Chloë Grace Moretz) who has been tasked with getting a confidential package to safety by some top brass during WW2.  She boards an outgoing plane manned by a bunch of rowdy men but in the process those that were cruel and unkind meet a swift demise.  The film has a run time of 1 h 23 m and is rated R. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library.

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing BATMAN & BILL (2017), a HULU documentary currently streaming on the service.  Directed by Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce; the film follows Marc Tyler Nobleman, a writer and speaker, who one day comes upon a story that propels him into a journey of discovery about the true origin of the acclaimed Batman character, a character who had always been solely credited to Bob Kane.  From here, Marc goes on a quest to learn more about Bill Finger the man and legacy of a brilliant artist/creator who was uncredited and denied for terribly too long the fame, fortune and accolades that were only showered on Kane.  Through talking heads from all sorts of personalities in the comics world and not, the filmmakers weave a glorious tale of suspense, tension, disbelief but ultimate redemption for Bill and his family.  As the saying goes, not all heroes wear capes and a special shout out of love and appreciation to Marc Tyler Nobleman for relentlessly pursuing the truth and for setting the wheels in motion so that Bill Finger could receive the respect he always deserved but was never able to see in his own lifetime.  The film is heartbreaking, infuriating and compelling and you don't have to love comics or Batman to revel in the story of this quiet man who should have been lionized for contributing greatly to the iconic legacy of the Batman character.  The film has a run time of 1 h 33 m and is not rated but there is no harsh language or situations. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library.

You can do a deep dive of this topic on the COMIC TROPES YouTube channel and their episode entitled: Unspeakable: Bob Kane Stole all the Credit for Creating Batman ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec7gbtLf8tc )

Also check out Marc Tyler Nobleman and buy his books! You can check out his website ( https://www.noblemania.com/ ) and buy his book about Bill Finger ( Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman) wherever you buy books. 

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing GALAXY QUEST (1999), which we watched on STARZ, but available for rent on other platforms. With screenplay credits to David Howard and Robert Gordon, and directed by Dean Parisot; the film follows the story of actors from an old sci fi TV show, Galaxy Quest, who are at another Con, meeting fans and engaging in the same repetitive theater that comes along with this type of fame.  However at one event, extraordinary events lead to this ragtag cast of actors to really learn the value of team work and for their leader played by Jason Nesmith (a very charming Tim Allen) to suddenly realize the true value of his fellow actors all the while saving Earth and the Thermians, all the while trying to get back in time to fulfill their obligations at the Con.  A fun comedy that's all heart and fun family viewing - a definite MUST watch for any lover of comedy or just good storytelling.  The film has a run time of 1 h 42 m and is rated PG. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library.

This first episode of the new year is lovingly dedicated to a dear friend, Che Allen, a fantastic colleague and friend.  I am privileged and honored to know her!

This episode also goes out to Jack M for his thoughtfulness and generosity - TY!

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing A CLASSIC HORROR STORY (2021), currently available on Netflix. Directed by Roberto De Feo and Paolo Strippoli, from a screenplay by Lucio Besana, Roberto De Feo and Paolo Strippoli; the film follows 5 strangers who embark on a road trip and are waylaid and then dark and sinister things start happening to them one by one. The film has a run time of 1 h 35 m and is rated TV-MA for some suspense, peril and gore. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing ENCANTO (2021), currently available on Disney+. With screenplay credits to Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush, story credits to Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith, Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse and Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Charise Castro Smith (co-directing credit); The film follows the Madrigal family of Colombia who is preparing for an evening ceremony in which Young Antonio may manifest magical powers.  Most of the Madrigals have a special gift; all except Abuela and Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz).  Disney has done it again melding culture, fantastic songs, great voice acting and a story that is universal.  The film has a run time of 1 h 42 m and is rated PG. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library

From our house to yours, we wish everyone health, wealth and much happiness at the new year.  A special shout out to Tom S for your kindness and generosity - its so very much appreciated.

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing ENCOUNTER (2021), currently available on Amazon Prime. Directed by Michael Pearce, from a screenplay by Michael Pearce and Joe Barton; the film follows Malik (Riz Ahmed), who is in a race to save his sons from an impending alien invasion. A special shout out to the 2 young actors Lucian-River Chauhan and Aditya Geddada who play his sons Jay and Bobby and give stand out performances. The film has a run time of 1 h 48 m and is rated R. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS (2021), currently available on Netflix. Based on the book by Matt Haig, with screenplay credits to Gil Kenan (also the director) and Ol Parker; the film follows the origin story of Father Christmas played by Henry Lawfull (Nikolas) who is on a quest to get his Father back and bring back hope by finding the hidden kingdom of Elfhelm.  A sweet holiday film with good set pieces and production work and solid performances by the entire cast. The film has a run time of 1 h 46 m and is rated PG. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library

From our house to yours, we wish everyone health, wealth and much happiness at the holiday season and in the new year.  A special shout out to Joann D/Gerry/Bryn/Sal/Scott/Tony C/Vinny for your kindness and generosity - its so very much appreciated.