#Middlebury #Movies
“Big Mouth” (Season 5) – The ridiculously funny animated series created by Nick Kroll and Mark Levin returns for a fifth season in all its teenage crassness and messy pubescent drama. As the characters begin eighth grade, many of the previous season’s storylines continue with the addition of lovebugs and hate worms, the newest non-human characters that serve to represent the young characters’ emotions. If you’re a “Big Mouth” novice, know that the humor is raw and crude, but it’s likely nothing you didn’t hear yourself in middle school. Voice regulars returning include John Mulaney, Maya Rudolph, Jordan Peele and Jessi Klein. (Netflix)
Riley Looc and Brooklynn MacKinzie in “Puppy Place” (Apple TV+ photo)
“Puppy Place” – “Come for the puppies, stay for the adventure” is the tagline for this absolutely adorable Apple original scripted TV series based on a Scholastic Book series by Ellen Miles. In it, brother and sister duo Charles and Lizzie (Riley Looc and Brooklynn MacKinzie) help find happy, proper homes for puppies they’ve fostered together. Each episode includes a plethora of quizzical head tilts, playful pounces and destruction of squeaky toys. Also included are lessons about personal responsibility and social issues, but let’s all admit we’re just going to watch this because puppies are so darn relaxing. (Apple TV+)
“Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi: Holiday Edition” – Amid the smorgasbord of cooking/eating/food shows out there, this four-part holiday-focused edition of “Taste the Nation” is a delightful amuse-bouche. Host Padma Lakshmi travels across the U.S. learning about special holiday traditions that unite our histories with the foods we eat. The most alluring delight of this show is the up-close views and sounds of the foods. This isn’t simply a host chomping on a giant turkey sandwich and telling us how good it is. Instead, unique camera angles put viewers sizzling right alongside the bacon and simmering in a steaming stew pot. If ever there was a need for smell-o-vision, it is right now to watch this show. (Hulu)
“Storm Rising” – This National Geographic series rides along with professional storm chasers as they travel toward dangers that the rest of us flee or hunker down against. Meteorologist Reed Timmer (previously on “Storm Chasers”) and his band of fearless cohorts spent an entire year heading into tornadoes, hurricanes and mudslides to document natural disasters for this five-episode limited Nat Geo series. The footage is at times dizzying and anxiety-inducing, but that’s exactly the thrill we hope for while watching from our safe, comfy couches. (Disney+)
“Much Ado About Christmas” – Sappy Christmas movies aren’t just for the Hallmark Channel, and it’s never too soon to start watching them. Like, the day after Halloween is totally acceptable. In this modern holiday twist on a Shakespeare play, the absolutely believable plot centers around a rich socialite and philanthropist named Haley. She meets a handsome, romantic suitor named Claud who is completely unaware who Haley is or of her wealthy background, to the delight of Haley. But when the truth is uncovered, enter the much ado. (Peacock)
© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
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