ON THE SMALL SCREEN

BIG MOVIES
FINCH
Apple TV+
Tom Hanks stars in this post-apocalyptic story shot in 2019. Like many pandemic-affected movies, this one is bypassing theatrical release and heading straight for the small screen. It’s the story of a man, his dog, and the robot he invents, as together they struggle to survive after a cataclysmic event changes the face of the planet forever..

THE HARDER THEY FALL
Netflix
This ultra-violent tale turns the Western genre upside down, as a primarily Black cast populates this story of America’s Wild West. And seriously wild it is, with rival outlaw gangs gunning for each other in bloody detail as the story unfolds. This one’s sure to turn into a cult favorite with Idris Elba, Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, and Jonathan Majors leading the mayhem. In movie theaters October 22nd streaming November 3rd.

RED NOTICE
Netflix
In a bold experiment, Netflix is bypassing theaters with this star-studded action caper flick, despite encouraging movie-going numbers as we emerge from the pandemic. Duane Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds star in the story of an Interpol agent whose life goal is to catch a wily international art thief. Stylized action and comic overtones make this one perfect for a popcorn movie night at home.

TICK, TICK . . . BOOM!
Netflix
Marking Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feature-film directorial debut, this adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s award-winning autobiographical musical stars Andrew Garfield as a composer struggling to write his “great American musical.” Stressing out over a series of emotional and financial problems, he’s reached the point of explosion (thus the title). Also starring Vanessa Hudgens, Bradley Whitford, Joey Grey, and Judith Light, this one’s for Off-Broadway show fans.

THRILLS, CHILLS – AND PUPPIES! (FOR KIDS)
LEGO STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES
Disney+
Kids (and likely a lot of adults, too) who love Star Wars and Lego will revel in this 44-minute short film that combines the two. With Halloween in mind, the special features three frightening stories from the mind of Vanee (Tony Hale), who is Darth Vader’s, right-hand man. With vocal talents from Christian Slater, Jake Green, and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, this G-rated TV movie has just enough to terrify, but not to freak out, the children.

MAYA AND THE THREE
Netflix
This animated series follows the quest of Maya (voiced by Zoe Saldana), a “Mesoamerican warrior princess.” She searches for the three famous fighters she needs to assist in her attempt to save the world. In this Latin American-based mythic tale, listen for other well-known voices as the series progresses, from Alfred Molina to Wyclef Jean, Diego Luna, and Gael Garcia Bernal.

MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION
Disney+
We cannot pretend that a new Muppets movie doesn’t excite all the adults who have grown up with that slightly subversive krewe of crazy talking puppets, but we do know that kids will love this new adventure, too. Wild adventures follow when Gonzo ventures into The Haunted Mansion (yes, the one from Disneyland) to spend a single night in that scary space. Look for Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and more Muppet favorites in this soon-to-be-a-classic Muppet romp.

PUPPY PLACE
Netflix
There are puppies everywhere in this new live-action series that stars a couple of young siblings who decide to foster puppies (with the help of their parents). Each new pup means a new cutie to love—along with new adventures along the way, too. Brooklyn MacKinzie and Riley Looc star as the dog-loving kids that help your kids understand the responsibilities (and wild fun) of having a puppy.