THE PALE BLUE EYE – Interesting historical fiction mystery based on the novel by Louis Bayard. Set in the 1830s, and centering on Edgar Allan Poe’s brief time as a West Point cadet, a series of murders occur at the military academy. Harry Melling, who plays Poe, would be a dead ringer for the poet… if he had a mustache. Seems like a major faux pas that he doesn’t – Poe’s appearance is well known to most of us and overlooking this detail kept distracting me from the story. Also I wasn’t crazy about Melling’s performance. Christian Bale is great as the detective hired to solve the murders. And the identity of the murderer was a complete surprise! Worth viewing. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

THE INVITATION – Mirith and I were planning to see this in the theatre, but it was in and out so fast we didn’t have the opportunity. We thought that meant it wasn’t very good, but it actually wasn’t bad. It’s a horror film from Mike Flanagan – sometimes he nails it and sometimes he doesn’t. I won’t reveal what the menacing supernatural creature is, but I didn’t figure on what it ended up being. He probably should have gone with something more interesting and unique. Nathalie Emmanuel (Khaleesi’s right hand in Game of Thrones) is quite convincing in the lead role. Beautiful, too. The story is rather weak and I didn’t believe Nathalie’s tough, smart character would make some of the dumb choices in the script. I did enjoy seeing her wear an Outlander t-shirt with a big picture of Jamie on front. It made me laugh! Overall an okay horror flick. Cheers! Boyfriends – 0; Girlfriends – 1.

GEORGE & TAMMY – A dysfunctional relationship straight out of one of their country songs, complete with booze benders, domestic violence, divorce and a long-suffering woman. No surprises here in this documentary about the life and times of George Jones and Tammy Wynette, both personally and professionally, believably portrayed by Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. If you’re a fan, watch it. Otherwise, skip it. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

HARRY & MEGHAN – About what you’d expect from a documentary about Harry & Meghan. Kelly found it boring. I found it a bit self-serving. I did enjoy learning some history of the Royal family. Harry’s reveal of protocol, growing up within the institution and behind-the-scenes behavior of high-born Royals was also interesting. Beyond that…skip it. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

THE SANTA CLAUSES – Tim Allen returns in the latest installment of the “The Santa Clause” films. This six episode mini-series on Disney+ continues the saga of saving Christmas and/or Santa (Scott Calvin style). If you’re a fan of the three pictures, you will doubtless enjoy the series. It’s merely more of the same. As Kelly says, it’s not awful….but it’s not good…although it was fun to see a few original actors from the films recreating their roles in the TV show. Cheers! Boyfriends – 0; Girlfriends – 0.

WEDNESDAY – Addams Family mischief and shenanigans wrapped in a mysterious whodunnit. It’s delightful! Jenna Ortega looks and delivers like Johnny Depp. She is superb in the lead role. “Thing” is my scene-stealing favorite! I hated to see the adventure end. Rave reviews from Kelly and Ryan, too. Cheers! Boyfriends – 0; Girlfriends – 1; and a “thing” – 1.