First it was the pandemic. Then it was the writers’ strike, followed by the actors’ strike.

The results were fewer and poorer movies at the cineplexes.

We used to review an average of 3.5 movies a week; now we are lucky if we get one worth covering.

Netflix has been our salvation.

The pandemic and health problems kept us at home for most of the summer. Netflix was Don’s major source of entertainment, while Joyce turned to the William Hall library.

Don continues to be a fan of Netflix, finding outstanding documentaries, movies, and foreign films and TV series.

While we will continue to search for movies worth leaving the comforts of our home, we will continue to cover the best of Netflix.

WARWICK SHOWCASE/AVON

THE HOLDOVERS
* * * ½
(Lovely Little Christmas Movie)

Want to get in the holiday spirit?

Go see this lovely little holiday movie about three lonely people with little in common who discover good in themselves and each other when thrown together over the Christmas holidays.

Paul Giamatti plays Paul Hunham, a grouchy, annoying ancient history professor at a New England boarding school who is assigned the task of watching over five students, who like a young Scrooge are forced for various reasons to stay at the school for two weeks over the holidays.

Hunham is strict with them, making their lives miserable. Four of them are invited to go on a skiing vacation, while the fifth can’t get his parents’ permission and remains at the school with the teacher and Mary, the cook.

Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) is mourning the death of her son, while student Angus Tully is dealing with some serious family issues and acting out.

Three lost souls are thrown together in a lonely, snowy situation while dealing with their individual problems.

Slowly, enhanced by a trip to Boston, they discover themselves and each other and bond.

This could have been a disaster, but some clever writing that leads to self-discovery and empathy makes for an emotional experience for three diverse people.

Thanks to some great acting and writing, “The Holdovers” makes for a believable, joyous movie that will have you leaving the theatre with a smile and perhaps a tear of joy.

NETFLIX

NYAD
* * * *

Diana Nyad had a great career as a marathon swimmer, setting numerous records, but failing to complete her goal of swimming from Cuba to the Florida Keys.

She retired, turning to a career as a sports commentator.

NYAD picks up her incredible story at the age of 60, when she decides to return to swimming and try again to complete the 103-mile journey.

Annette Benning gives an award-winning performance as the determined, eccentric, egomaniac senior citizen, along with Jodie Foster as her frustrated but loyal daughter.

It had been 30 years since Nyad had done any serious swimming. She started training rigorously, with her daughter as her coach and a carefully selected crew.

Nyad was determined.  to complete the swim, and it took five attempts, near-death situations, incredible odds, and lots of luck to meet her destiny.

Benning gives us a closeup look at a determined, complex individual who risked her life, and the lives of others, to reach her goal.

The shots in the ocean are incredible and unbelievable, but true.

This is Netflix at its best.