Okay, you got through the holiday. Now what?

Congratulations, you made it through another holiday season. Endured the throngs at Walmart ad the mall, breaking down the countless cardboard boxes from Amazon, and the pain of not having the consumer goods that you have so longed for bring happiness and maybe fill the gaping hole in your soul.  Sure, you still have New Years, but for those who don’t get in a car, you’re practically home free. The next holiday of any note happens to be Valentines Day, way off in Feb. So, enjoy your triumph and let’s get on with the blog.
 
I made it through the holiday only to catch a heck of a cold the very next day. I am writing this high as a kite on a licorice-flavored cocktail that tastes like Nyquil. Maybe it is Nyquil. I am unsure, as I am already on my third double. 
 
I saw a few streaming releases that I feel are worth a note or two. First is Red One, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Captain America, Chris Evans. Rumored to cost over two hundred million dollars, the question that everyone is asking themselves right now is, is it worth it? The answer is a non-committal “eh, kind of.” Most of it is fun, but the sum of its parts is not quite worth the price tag.
 
Now, something that proves worth the price tag and lives up the hype. Wicked is just as good as people and critics said it was. The performances are all stellar, especially that of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The production design and effects are eye-popping, and the politics and theme never endanger an incredible story. I have read the book and seen the theatrical version, and this film complements them both.  Even though this is only the first part, I doubt anyone will feel cheated over the third-act resolution. 
 
Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2, is an existential drama that will warm the bottom of your heart and smother you with holiday cheer. Kidding. You will get none of that with this bleak courtroom drama. And that is precisely why I liked this work. A talented director at the end of his career, he is taking on a movie that tackles complex themes such as grief and guilt and does not shy away from delivering a truthful and real-life conclusion. Highly recommended. As a side note, Warner Brothers decided to ship this one directly to streaming as the subject matter was not “tentpole” enough. Shame on you, WB.
 
And finally, a word about the Apple Streaming show, Shrinking. Easily the best television show. Do yourself a favor and binge all two seasons of this worthy successor to Ted Lasso.

Oh yeah, happiest of New Year to all of you!