 Another wonderful movie for your holiday enjoyment is A Compete Unknown, starring the transcendent Timothée Chalamet, who actually sings and performs as Dylan in amazing form. For those of us who lived through that transition between folk music and rock and roll, this captures that unique time in American life perfectly.
 I can unreservedly recommend the new Wicked film, now playing in theaters only. It likely is one of the best films I've ever seen, and I've seen more than my share. The outstanding cast, artwork, and music are all absolutely top shelf.
This is filmmaking of the highest order. The combined effect of the visuals, acting, and music all sweep you off your feet, and are just superb. One interesting note, there has been talk of Ariana Grande, who is terrific in the film, of getting an Oscar. For my money, that Oscar should go to none other than Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba. Erivo's powerful voice and acting literally had me in tears. This is a feminist film. It's a metaphor for women who, despite what society and family and friends might say, "you can't do this" have the courage and pluck to find their wings, to fly, despite everything. Erivo runs away with the film, or should I say flies. Best news ever: At the end the film, the real title of the film appears, Wicked Part 1. I understand Wicked Part 2 is already in the works, and can't wait to see what this talented team does next.  Leave it to the amazing Jennifer Aniston to develop this wonderful new line of natural hair care products. I can personally highly recommend the Restorative Shampoo, Restorative Conditioner and Perfecting Leave In Treatment for excellent hair care products. I have hair that is short and quite fine, so if it can make my hair look and feel this good, imagine what it can do for you! Not animal tested, cruelty free. lolavie.com
 Hey if you have been working on the computer for too long, why not get up and dance for a bit with Just Dance Now, a free app that let's you play an infectious song of your choice on your computer and dance along with it using your phone as a guide to how you're doing. Get the Just Dance Now app on your phone and laptop or Apple TV, and follow the easy set-up instructions. They'll be having you bopping along to some Bruno Mars song or something in just a minute. Way fun, and great exercise to break up those long computer sessions! Just Dance Now is the limited, free version of the Just Dance videogame, more information can be found here: justdancenow.com.
 If you're looking for something new and terrific to watch on your TV or laptop, try Landman on Paramount Plus. I only watched a couple of trailers and part of the first episode, but I'm already hooked. With an outstanding cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm and others, and from Taylor Sheridan, Executive Producer of Yellowstone, I was impressed enough to sign up for my yearly subscription to Paramount Plus. Which is exactly what they had intended.
The series started airing on November 17, 2024, and has ten episodes in Season One. Talk of Season Two is already in the works. New episodes arrive each Sunday; here's a link to the Series Trailer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXzhEhCOlnM. For more information about Paramount Plus, visit paramountplus.com.  Reina Mora Just dropped a wonderful new episode of A Word with Joy featuring the beautiful and talented Reina Mora! Check it out at the podcast link above.
|