THE TEN COMMANDMENTS – This classic film from 1956 is a masterpiece! I watch it every year. Cecil B. DeMille’s epic tale of the Hebrews’ exodus from the pharaoh and Egypt stands the test of time. It’s loaded with Hollywood movie stars of the era who are in their prime, and features special effects that, although dated, still accomplish the task, as we journey with Moses along the path to freedom for God’s chosen people. Plus I never tire of watching hunks Yul Brynner and John Derek as well as timeless beauties Anne Baxter, Yvonne De Carlo and Debra Paget. Unanimous toasts from the peeps – kosher wine of course! Cheers! Boyfriends -2; Girlfriends – 3.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN – Carey Mulligan stars in this provocative, brilliant film that delivers a powerful message for both men and women. I was mesmerized from beginning to end (which is unforgettable). There are some recognizable folks in supporting roles, but this film belongs to Carey! Cheers Girlfriend!! A hearty toast. Boyfriends – 0; Girlfriends – 1.

AMELIA: A TALE OF TWO SISTERS – Interesting documentary on the life of Amelia Earhart told through her niece’s commentary interspersed with narration. Much like the mystery of the Titanic, fascination with Earhart’s disappearance has never waned. This piece is only 45 minutes long and worth viewing if you remain fascinated like myself. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

THE GREAT – Not exactly great, but decent. Elle Fanning stars as the Empress Herself in this whimsical, highly fictional tale of Catherine the Great’s rise to power in Russia. Off-beat, sometimes disgusting, occasionally funny, this series on Hulu is indeed a departure from the typical show. Worth a look if you’re seeking something outside the boundaries of common historical fiction pieces, but not for everyone. No toasts. Boyfriends – 0; Girlfriends – 0.

THE CABLE GIRLS – Super soapy Spanish melodrama, dubbed in English with the requisite good-looking cast, tiresome repetitive dialogue and nonsensical storylines – some of which are quietly shelved with no resolution (as if we’re not supposed to notice!) There are a few disturbing domestic violence scenes and endless smoking. Still, I enjoy watching….in small doses. (It’s six seasons long so this could take awhile) Centered around the friendship and exploits of five telephone operators in 1920s Madrid, the old-time switchboard is fascinating. (My grandmother was a cable girl during it’s heyday) I revel in the wardrobe and hairstyles of the time period, and the hats!! Oh how I love the hats! I suspect this piece appeals to a select audience of which I am one. Cheers! Boyfriends – 1; Girlfriends – 1.

LICORICE PIZZA – A pointless, uninteresting film depicting teenage life in Los Angeles in the ’70s. And it’s long….2 hours and 15 minutes. I fell asleep for half an hour near the end. On the positive side, it was interesting to see Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son in the lead role, Leo DiCaprio’s dad in a cameo and Bradley Cooper in a lesser supporting role. Bradley’s performance is priceless and worthy of an Oscar nomination, but it’s not enough to warrant sitting through this film. Michael liked the movie a lot. He found it’s quirky, off-beat story engaging. He says all of Paul Thomas Anderson’s pictures leave the audience saying WTF and that appeals to him. Perhaps our opposite reactions have more to do with Mike being a 20-something and me being…….older. He liked Sean Penn’s work as a narcissistic movie star. He enjoyed the lead girl and her real life family playing her on-screen family (apparently she and her sisters are in a band he is quite familiar with). And, as we were reading the credits, we discovered one of Stephen Spielberg’s daughters played a small role as well. The only two things we agreed on are Bradley Cooper stealing the film and Licorice Pizza is not a good title. Toast from Mike, none from me. Boyfriends – 1 (me); Girlfriends – 0.

HIGH SEAS – Take Murder on the Orient Express, swap the train for a luxury liner, throw in a healthy dose of soap opera and voila – High Seas. Filmed in Spanish and dubbed in English, this NetFlix series includes all of the usual suspects, a good-looking cast and great 1940s wardrobe. It’s a fun who-dun-it romp until season three. Then the plot becomes ludicrous (even by soap opera standards). There are other flaws as well. Every dilemma is somehow easily resolved. And I never believed the characters were really on a ship in the middle of the ocean. It always looked like a Hollywood set with a fake sea and little movement of the ship upon the swells. Even during storm scenes the ship seems like a toy replica in a tank full of water instead of the real deal… which I’m sure it was, but it’s not supposed to look that way. All plot lines are neatly wrapped up by the end of season three, and overall, I liked it. But I wouldn’t have hung around for a season four. Cheers! No toasts, boyfriends or girlfriends for me, but there are plenty on board.

THE TINDER SWINDLER – after watching this documentary and Inventing Anna, I am perplexed! How is it these imposters are repeatedly able to con so many folks out of such huge amounts of cash? I would really like to understand the psychology behind this deception from the victim’s point of view. I can’t imagine myself ever being in the position. But I digress. This documentary chronicles the plight of three women who met Simon Leviev on Tinder, were deceived by him in the exact same fashion, and lost everything. There are many more, and not just women. One of these three was finally able to bring Simon down, after partnering with the other two, the police, journalists and social media. Sadly, his detention was only a quick blip on the radar. He’s now back on Tinder and living the high life once again, probably using the same fraudster tools in his dupery wheelhouse. This saga features the actual participants – no actors. No toasts, no boyfriends or girlfriends.