#Middlebury #Movies
“Sergio Mendes in the Key of Joy” (NR) – This documentary about Brazilian musical legend Sergio Mendes debuted at the 2020 Santa Barbara International Film Festival but bears another mention. Fellow musicians including John Legend and Quincy Jones honor Mendes’ achievements and catalog of work over the past 60 years. The composer, vocalist and musical pioneer credited with bringing Brazilian music to the world is heralded and honored for his creative contributions and inspiration to musicians everywhere. (Peacock)
Ralph Macchio is Daniel LaRusso in “Cobra Kai” (Netflix photo)
“Cobra Kai” (TV-14) – One of the most popular binge-watch selections of the entire pandemic time arrives at its final season. When Season 3 left off, the students of dueling dojos Miyagi-Do, Eagle Fang and Cobra Kai had an epic group fight at the LaRusso house, with one of the biggest feuds being that between Sam LaRusso and instigator Tory. No doubt this ongoing animosity will elevate in Season 4. We also know Jon Kreese’s old buddy Terry Silver (from Karate Kid III) shows up to lend a heavy hand toward Kreese’s plot to raise Cobra Kai dojo back to champion level at the All-Valley Karate Tournament. What remains to be seen is whether Daniel and Johnny will finally work together to defeat Kreese once and for all. So pop a cold Coors Banquet and pick your team; this series will no doubt end with a bang. (Netflix)
“Lady of the Manor” (R) – Starring Melanie Lynskey (who will always be to me the one who had “a baby … in a bar” in “Sweet Home Alabama”), this movie is cleverly original. Lynskey plays Hannah, an unenthusiastic, costumed docent at a historical estate. When she begins seeing and conversing with the ghost of the woman whom she portrays on her tours, she gains a new motivation to change her act. Judy Greer as the spirit Lady Wadsworth is both charming and snarky, ping-ponging between instructing Hannah on the proper history of the manor and being mystified by present-day technology. (Prime Video)
“Head of the Class” (TV-PG) – Of all the 1980s sitcoms I watched growing up, this was not one I ever wished would make a comeback, but here we are. In the reboot, Howard Hesseman has been replaced by Isabella Gomez as the unlikely new teacher of an ethnically and orientationally diverse class of gifted overachievers. The high school is now located in L.A. instead of Manhattan, but the basic plot remains the same: smart kids who need an adult friend to guide them through life’s non-academic problems. Original cast member Robin Givens returns to reprise her role as Darlene, now the parent of a student in the class. (HBOMax)
“The ’80s: Top Ten” – I don’t even care what he’s counting down; if Rob Lowe is hosting, I’m watching. In each of six episodes, Lowe will count down a different top 10 list about various 1980s pop culture topics, with input from celebrities of “the decade that we just can’t quit,” including Jon Lovitz and Joan Collins. After debuting Dec. 31 on Disney+, the series will switch over to NatGeo. (Disney+)
© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
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