Couch Theater – August 12, 2021

#Middlebury #Movies

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“Drunk History UK” (Seasons 1-3) – Just like the American version of “Drunk History,” but with accents! British comedians imbibe just enough alcoholic drinks to reach the point of giddiness and slurred speech, but before anger and depression set in. Then they recount various events in history for narrator Jimmy Carr, which may or may not be factually accurate. The fun really comes to life when actors reconstruct scenes from these historical events based directly on the drunkard’s storytelling. The Great Fire of London has never been funnier! Swearing is most definitely involved, so this might not be the best add-on for your kid’s homeschooling curriculum. (Paramount+)

“Together Together” (R) – This isn’t the first movie to use pregnancy surrogacy as its plot line, but it is the first to have a single straight man as the main character and parent-to-be. Ed Helms once again plays an awkward and sometimes inappropriately funny guy named Matt. In the midst of mid-life yearning, he contracts with a 20-something single woman, Anna (Patti Harrison), to carry his baby. She wants to keep the arrangement private; he wants to experience all of the typical pregnancy events like baby showers and, well, telling people about it. Throughout the nine months both characters ponder the state of their relationship with each other. Are they friends, platonic soulmates or merely contractual co-signers? (Hulu)

In Case You Missed It

“Quartet” (PG-13) – Inspired by the true story of how Italian opera composer Verdi bequeathed his mansion to retired musicians who couldn’t pay their rent later in life, this 2012 release is set at the Beecham House for Retired Musicians. English acting legend Dame Maggie Smith stars in this sweet and sincere story about old rivalries, old friendships and facing the trepidation that comes with rekindling one’s true joy in the golden years of life. Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut. (Netflix)

Sara Paxton in “Aquamarine” (Twentieth Century Fox photo)

“Aquamarine” (PG) – What could possibly make two 13-year-old best-friend girls even more giddy and excited than summer break spent at the beach? Finding a third best friend who happens to be a mermaid, of course. The mermaid, named Aquamarine, swam away from home and is on a quest to find true love on land. But all three girls have their eyes on the same hunky lifeguard. And so does another mean girl, because that’s how complicated tween love is. This 2006 film is predictable and a little corny, but still a fun and lighthearted summer flick. (Disney+)

“A Different World” – Dropping this week is the “Cosby Show” spinoff sitcom that aired from 1987-93. Set at fictional historically black university, Hillman College, it originally starred Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable from “Cosby”) as she navigated her first year of higher education and budding adulthood. Dorm drama, new friendships and life away from home were typical storylines, but the show often tackled relevant social issues from race relations to date assault and homelessness. With a smartly written script and a range of likable characters, the cast included future Academy Award-winner Marisa Tomei, a teenaged Jada Pinkett and Kadeem Hardison. (HBOMax)

© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.