BEHIND HER EYES – This psychological thriller with a splash of supernatural just dropped on Netflix. It kept me interested throughout, and it’s a miniseries, so it was a swift binge. The work is quite good, including the little boy who is excellent. I kept wondering what the twist would be at the end. I figured it out right before it was revealed, only to find there was another completely unexpected revelation which took me totally by surprise. I like when that happens. The lead actor is Scottish and reminds me of Tom Ellis, so that kept my attention too. They are both easy on the eyes and speak with sexy accents. The peeps are unanimous – Cheers! Boyfriends – 1 all around; Girlfriends – 2 each for Dana and Kel, 0 for me.

JOHN ADAMS – This is the miniseries starring Paul Giamatti in the title role which was first released in 2008. It is, in my opinion, one of the best theatrical depictions of the creation of our Democracy and the sacrifice and grit required to accomplish the lofty goal…and not just from the men! The cost was great on every front and we owe a huge debt to all involved. For me, this has always been Paul Giamatti’s finest role. He is perfect in his portrayal of the statesman. Laura Linney excels as his wife, Abigail. They are supported by a superb cast and engaging story – the story of America. I watch this miniseries every President’s Day. I enjoy it every time. And now, more than ever, it is important for us to be reminded of our duty to our country. It is incumbent upon us all to carry forth the freedom torch lit by the forefathers, protect our Constitution and care for our hard-won Democracy – “A Republic – if you can keep it.” -Ben Franklin. Unanimous toasts and cheers to this film, America and our Republic…if we can keep it!

CECIL HOTEL – I reluctantly watched this miniseries under peer pressure from the peeps. I am not into this sort of show at all, but I relented to majority rule…plus it is produced by Ron Howard and Brian Glazer, whose work I respect. So I thought I might be pleasantly surprised. Not. It’s a four episode documentary about the disappearance of Elisa Lam at the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles back in 2013. Four long episodes of the sordid history of this hotel inviting us to ponder whether this woman vanished due to foul play, mental illness, drugs or supernatural occurrence. Four long episodes wherein the outcome is finally revealed and then we are invited to ponder that as well. I fell asleep and lamented the loss of four hours I can’t get back. That said, folks who are intrigued by this sort of thing may love it. Dana and Kelly both raved about it non-stop. It scared Kelly, (I’m still puzzled over that one) and Dana was so intrigued she binged it from start to finish (kinda puzzled over that too). So the final rating is two toasts from the peeps and zero from me.

HARRIET – I finally watched this film in honor of Black History month. I’ve wanted to see it every since it was released. The film is okay, but the woman herself, Harriet Tubman, was astounding. I was eager to learn of her contribution to the Underground Railroad. I thought her involvement was limited to providing places of safety for escaped slaves to stay along the route (dangerous enough). Her courage, grit and determination went far beyond mere harboring of slaves in secret. Imagine an escaped black slave woman in the 1800s, traveling alone on countless journeys between the North and the South to rescue slaves and lead them to freedom. She even served during the Civil War. Her contribution to the abolitionist movement is nothing short of miraculous. Harriet Tubman is a true American hero who was instrumental in shaping the history of our country. Cheers!!!

KISS THE GROUND – This is an important Netflix documentary on climate change and the solution. Soil! Who knew? I certainly didn’t. Apparently scientists have been working on this for some time. Years. It’s even part of the Paris Agreement (which thankfully we have rejoined) and actually solves many of our other problems as well. I learned a lot and I’m inspired to do my part going forward. Even actions as small as changing our diets, composting or eliminating pesticides give a tremendous jolt to the soil which in turn absorbs carbon monoxide from the air. It’s fascinating and perhaps the Hail Mary we seek at this late hour. A must see film for anyone interested in saving our planet and truly making a difference!

FAKE: THE WINX SAGA – This is a fairy story. Literally. It’s a story about fairies attending a special school for, well, fairies. With a mostly British cast, it’s along the same lines as Sabrina – the Teenage Witch, the Order, and other such magical fantasy adventures. Any viewers who enjoy those shows will enjoy this one. It’s a fun romp into make-believe and magic. So based on that criteria alone, I toast it. It accomplishes the goal. Cheers! 0 boyfriends and 0 girlfriends for me, but millennials may disagree.

JOAN DIDION-THE CENTER WILL NOT HOLD – I knew nothing about the iconic writer Joan Didion until I watched this documentary about her life. I had heard her name, though, and I enjoy documentaries and biographies, so I decided to watch it and perhaps learn a thing or two. I did. In fact, I can’t believe I didn’t know more about her and her books until now. Archival video footage is interspersed with a candid interview conducted by her nephew who also produced this documentary. She has led a fascinating life during some of America’s most interesting times. I found her to be honest, candid and tragic. She has had her share of heartache. I came away with a deep respect for this writer and an interest in reading her books. A heartfelt toast to this woman and her work. Cheers!

BRIDGERTON – The peeps are in full agreement on this one…nothing but love, adoration and toasts all around. Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, it is clever, delightful and engaging – as are all the characters in this show. And it doesn’t hurt that one of the leads, Rege-Jean Page, is exquisitely handsome. He is all the more dashing in his period wardrobe, which is early 1800s. The many actors of color who are cast in this series bring a breath of fresh air to television. Two of my favorite characters, Eloise and Pen, are not the typical Hollywood lookers, making them all the more endearing. The queen, gleefully portrayed by Golda Rosheuvel, is the epitome of campy in this unique portrayal of royalty. Bridgerton captured my heart from the first episode and continued to charm me all the way to the end of the season. Actually rather bummed it’s over. Frannie called it a delightfully beautiful easy romp – a great distraction from today’s pressures. Dana fell in love with everything, especially the duke and the queen. Another peep gushed all the way through. It is, in a word, marvelous! Unanimous toasts to a most binge-worthy show! 1 boyfriend (you know the one), 0 girlfriends. Cheers!

WHAT WOULD SOPHIA LOREN DO – This is a short documentary film that I found delightful. Maybe because I can relate as a mother, or maybe because there have been one or two celebrities who have had a profound influence on my life, or maybe only because ordinary life, family and hardship are realities we all share. Maybe it’s even a combination of all of these. Whatever the reason, the half hour I spent watching this show uplifted me somehow. I could have been sitting at the dinner table with these folks as they regaled me with personal stories of their very Italian families and heritage. Just the kind of thing I enjoy! Two toasts (with chianti of course). Saluti!!

SCHITT’S CREEK – This show has gotten lots of rave reviews and buckets of Emmys. Mirith thinks it’s very funny, as do several other peeps. I watched the first episode and didn’t like it at all. But, I put a lot of stock in the opinion of my good friend Mirith, and I know from experience some shows require at least four episodes to draw me in. So, I decided to give it another shot. I admit I found some funny bits in the next five episodes, but mostly it was just annoying. As I watched episode 8, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I don’t like these characters and the situations are ridiculous. It’s not worth any more of my time. One toast from Mirith, none from me. And zero boyfriends/girlfriends.