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SF Radio 8.20 Sacred Sexuality in PAM & TOMMY

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In the ‘greatest love story ever sold, Hulu’s Pam & Tommy tells the story of the theft and release of the celebrity couple’s sex tape back in the late 1990s. Beginning with the energy of a raunchy comedy, the series gradually shifts its perspective into something much more poignant and (dare I say it?) powerful in its conversations about gender and sexuality. This week, Amanda Jane Smith and Miriam Ibrahim return to have an honest discussion surrounding the nature of ‘gaze’ and the relationship between consent, sexuality and pornography.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

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SF Radio 8.18 We Don’t Talk About BOBA FETT

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Streaming on Disney+, The Book of Boba Fett tells the epic story of the famed bounty hunter and his exploits after the Battle of Sarlaac’s Pit in Return of the Jedi… until it doesn’t. Pivoting hard at the halfway point, the series quickly brings in the best characters from The Mandalorian and focuses more on the group than Boba himself. This week, ScreenFish’r Heather Johnson returns to talk about whether or not we needed a redemption story for Boba Fett and the flaws of Jedi choices.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.18-The-Book-of-Boba-Fett

The Dropout: Welcome to the Show

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Looking back, you should probably be concerned if your company’s CEO idolizes Mark Zuckerberg.

Taking the audience back to tech boom of the early 2000s, The Dropout tells the true story of Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried), an impetuous young woman determined to become the world’s youngest CEO. After believing that she’d developed the technology to diagnose patients from a single drop of blood, she drops out of college to pursue her dream by changing the pharmaceutical industry forever. However, as her innovations become more fiction than fact, Holmes and her boyfriend, Sunny Balwani (Naveen Andrews) attempt to keep the company afloat by promising more but offering less.

While one can never be truly sure what the ‘facts’ of these dramatic representations of true life events may really be (see Anderson, Pamela), The Dropout definitely has the goods to make for entertaining television. Like the fable of Icarus, there’s still something compelling about watching a person fly so close to proverbial sun and Holmes’ story is no different. Led by showrunner Liz Meriwether and director Michael Showalter (The Big Sick), there’s an energy to the series that keeps it moving well. While it certainly isn’t comedic per se, there’s a liveliness to this story of Holmes and her fall from grace that gives it life. 

Star Amanda Seyfried increasingly owns the role with each episode, fueling Holmes with a fearlessness that also reveals her immaturity. Here, Holmes is seen as a woman who struggles to let go of control and Seyfried turns in solid work as the wannabe millionaire. Although she wheels and deals for increasing financial backing, there’s a fragility behind her eyes that makes her somewhat unpredicatable. Having said this, it’s possible that the most welcome work in the series lies with veteran actor Naveen Andrews as Holme’s boyfriend and partner, Sunny Balwani. Best known perhaps for his role as Sayid Jarrah in ABC’s Lost, Andrews provides the necessary maturity and strength that counterbalances Seyfried’s often-erratic Holmes. While he is far from innocent in the fall of Theranos, he remains sympathetic throughout. (Also, can someone please pronounce Sam Waterston a national treasure? His presence simply makes almost anything better.)

As a woman in the tech industry, The Dropout acknowledges the incredible challenges that Holmes faces along the way. (There’s even an episode entitled, ‘Old White Men’.) As a young and impetuous CEO of a major tech company, her ability to break through the glass ceiling and its toxic masculinity is nothing short of remarkable.  

But this is also what makes her fall so much more tragic.

Facing impossible odds by a male-dominated industry that refused to trust her, her drive to leave her mark on the world is admirable, but her willingness to compromise her integrity mars her legacy. Instead of becoming a model for future generations of young women to achieve the impossible, Holmes’ endless stream of lies becomes the story that others remember. This inability to be honest with herself, in addition to the falsehoods of the company as a whole, creates the destruction of an idea that had limitless potential. Nevertheless, rather than take the necessary time to really change the world, Holmes’ ego and self-delusion drive her forward recklessly and carelessly into her world of deception. With each small slide into complacency, her hard work falls further into the shadows of her many indiscretions. 

Highlighting Holmes’ brilliance in the corporate world, there’s a certain level of admiration within the series for her ability to play the game. However, at the same time, Dropout never allows her to shirk responsibility for her actions. With each increasing compromise and falsehood, The Dropout reminds the viewer the tragic consequences that occur when we’re willing to sacrifice our integrity for the sake of maintaining ‘the Show’. 

The first three episodes of The Dropout stream on Hulu and Star+ on Thursday, March 3rd, 2021 with new episodes following weekly.

No Exit: Though the Weather Outside is Frightful…

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Though the weather outside is frightful… it’s probably more terrifying to stay inside.

No Exit tells the story of Darby (Havana Rose Liu), a young woman who currently resides in an addiction treatment centre. When she hears of her mother’s hospitalization, Darby decides that she needs to see her immediately and breaks free from her facility. En route, a terrible blizzard forces her to find shelter in a highway rest area with a small group of strangers. However, when she soon discovers a young girl trapped in one of parked vehicles outside, she finds herself caught in the midst of a terrifying race to uncover the identity of the kidnapper and set the young captive free.

Directed by Damien Power, No Exit is an energetic ride suitable for a night of at-home streaming on a cold night. As the director of Killing Ground, Power has experience in the thriller genre and he puts those tools to good use here. Taking place over the course of one evening, the film has some legitimate twists and keeps the viewer engaged throughout. Set in an offramp conservation station during an intense blizzard, Power uses its confined space to build an atmosphere of claustrophobia. Tight camera work keeps us focused on the faces of the players involved, making their interactions feel like a chess match between potential adversaries. What’s more, with only two or three rooms in use, Powers keeps the characters in each other’s way, forcing them to be involved in their lives for the time being. 

While the film doesn’t break any new ground for the genre, Exit’s energy and pacing keep the viewer interested and makes for some light fun. Despite the fact that the film does address multiple issues ranging from drug abuse and child trafficking, none of them are explored in any real depth and merely provide some background to the characters. As a result, though the film seems not to have any particular social agenda, Exit remains propped up by its liveliness. Clocking in at a mere 90 minutes, it’s pacing and brevity keep the film moving quickly and the viewer engaged.

As her first film in a lead role, Liu does a particularly good job conveying an inner strength within her character. As the broken but determined Darby, Liu carries the film with vivacity that never allows the film to drag. While the rest of the cast seem fairly engaged with the material, the other most notable cast member is veteran Dennis Haysbert, who’s calm demeanor provides the film with a much-needed. 

Underneath the criminal exploits, No Exit seems interested in asking the question of what defines who we are. Having been all but abandoned by her family due to her past drug addiction, Darby lives a life of isolation. When she hears of her mother’s hospitalization, she is determined to reach her family, despite the fact that they have essentially disowned her. During her time in the off-ramp facility, the motley crew that she encounters do not appear to know anything about one another yet they all seem to believe that they know who she is. Whether she’s referred to as military child or drug addict, numerous labels are thrown around to describe her, both positive or negative. As such, these pieces of her story instantly become identifiers to her new acquaintances. Even so, she refuses to be defined by these moments of her past. Although she may have struggled with addiction, she is more than an addict. Although her father’s military background is a key part of her life, she is more than a ‘military kid’. In this way, No Exit points out that who we were does not necessarily mean that that is who we are. Darby’s story is her own and she will chart her own path forward.

While No Exit may not be particularly memorable, it still delivers the goods for an evening of thrills and entertainment. Despite its flaws, there’s something instantly likeable about the film that keeps you watching. (Any film that can make a simple game of cards feel high stakes must have something going for it.) As such, when this stop on the streaming highway becomes available, this remains an Exit worth taking.

No Exit streams on Hulu in the US and on Disney+ in additional territories on Friday, February 25th, 2022.

Disenchantment Part 4: Stirs and Echoes of the Past

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Matt Groening’s animated work sometimes takes time to find its legs.

Although they have continued to connect with audiences, both Futurama and The Simpsons took a couple of seasons to find their voice. The same is true with Netflix’s Disenchantment, the most recent addition to Groening’s growing legacy. Despite the fact that the series took a while to figure out what it was the release of Part 4 proves that Disenchantment has finally found its stride.

Picking up immediately after the events of Part 3, Disenchantment begins with Bean and her friends separated outside the walls of Dreamland. Whereas Bean remains trapped in Hell at the hands of her mother,Luci finds himself with the opposite problem as he lands in Heaven. At the same time, Zog continues to struggle to regain his sanity and Elfo is struggling to free himself from his ogre captors. As the four members of this unlikely family attempt to reunite, they discover multiple secrets that threaten the way that they have always understood their lives.

Although the show looks and feels like his other work, Disenchantment has managed to carve out its own place in the Matt Groening-verse. Whereas its animated cousins earn their laughs by satirizing everyday cultural issues, Disenchantment’s humour usually stems primarily from mocking its more magical elements. As such, the series has more often felt like a loving tribute to the fantasy genre than any particular social commentary. 

Most importantly though, Disenchantment has always set itself apart with an emphasis on longform storytelling over an episodic structure. As such, Disenchantment feels much more like a grand story unfurling before the viewer, giving it more epic sensibilities. (This also would explain why seasons are referred to as ‘parts’, allowing it to lean into the more literary sensibilities.) Of course, with this type of narrative structure, the great challenge is to maintain quality in the writing, especially if there’s no particular ‘end date’ in sight. As such, there are definitely moments this season where the series feels like its story is beginning to meander. Even so, by minimizing the pieces that felt like filler in Part 3, Part 4 feels much more focused and improves the drama as a result. (In fact, there are some surprises within Part 4 that even serve as pay-offs to the previous season’s side quests.) And it’s worth noting that, once again, Part 4 ends on a pretty solid cliff-hanger, reminding us that the story is far from over.

Disenchantment. Abbi Jacobson as Bean in Disenchantment. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2022

After several seasons, it’s also impressive that Disenchantment continues to expand its world with new areas and creatures, ranging from ogres and gnomes of the forest to the terrifying depths of the sea. (Seriously, has anyone mapped out this kingdom yet online?) What’s more, Part 4 even begins to mine the depths of its theology with explorations of heaven and hell. Interestingly, these sorts of conversations are nothing new for Groening’s work. Having delved into the paranormal in both Simpsons and Futurama multiple times, Groening has never shied away from the relationship between life and the afterlife. However, with Disenchantment‘s medieval setting, there seems to be something almost even more appropriate with its inclusion here.

Moving into Part 4, Disenchantment has become increasingly obsessed with the lies of the past. As secrets about Dreamland begin to be uncovered by Bean and her friends, it becomes increasingly clear that the history of the nation may not as noble as what they were led to believe. Without giving any spoilers, Part 4 recognizes that the stories of the past are frequently told by the ‘winners’ in an effort to keep their power. While the show usually steers away from social commentary, this particular theme resonates in a culture that continues to relearn our own history and dynamics of power. In this way, Disenchantment acknowledges the pain caused by those who have come before and the fact that this generation needs to step up in order to enact change.

However, while this theme may prevalent in Part 4, Disenchantment’s primary joy lies in the fact that it feels like venturing out on an epic quest with friends. Anchored by the ever-deepening relationship between Bean, Elfo, and Luci, Disenchantment continues to find its place in Groening’s animated legacy. 

So, bring on Part 5. Let’s see where this story wants to go.

Disenchantment is available on Netflix on Wednesday, February 9th, 2022.

How I Met Your Father: Back to Going Back in Time

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How I Met Your Father — “FOMO” – Episode 102 — Determined to try and live in the moment, Sophie and the gang head to an exclusive new club for a wild night out. Valentina has doubts about her relationship with Charlie. Sid pushes Jesse to be open to love. Ellen tries her luck with women at the club. Jesse (Chris Lowell), Sophie (Hilary Duff), Valentina (Francia Raisa), Charlie (Tom Ainsley), Sid (Suraj Sharma), and Ellen (Tien Tran), shown. (Photo by: Patrick Wymore/Hulu)

Spin-offs are hard to make work.

Still, that doesn’t stop us from trying. From That 80s Show to Joey and countless others, networks have tried for years to recapture the magic of their original series. In theory, it should work. Take an established setting and a character (or more) that’s already beloved, set them up with a few new pieces and let the series take off. Yet fondness for the characters and humour from the original often taints our willingness to accept new people in the world that we once loved. Either expectations are too high or it simply feels repetitive.

But then there’s How I Met Your Father.

Using the same devices as How I Met Your Mother, How I Met Your Father unashamedly leans into the IP established in the original. Nostalgic reminiscing as a storytelling device? Check. A diverse cast of quirky characters who try to navigate love in New York? Absolutely. (In fact, the premiere even sees the introduction of a very familiar apartment.) However, unlike many series who have failed before it, Father is an absolute joy, largely due to the strength of its cast.

How I Met Your Father — “Pilot” – Episode 101 — After a slew of let-down Tinder dates, Sophie meets the seemingly perfect guy. Meanwhile, her roommate, Valentina, returns home from London Fashion Week with a sexy souvenir. An Uber-related phone mishap leads them to an eclectic new group of friends. Charlie (Tom Ainsley), Sophie (Hilary Duff), and Valentina (Francia Raisa), shown. (Photo by: Patrick Wymore/Hulu)

Set in the near future, How I Met Your Father introduces us to Sophie (Kim Cattrell) as she decides to tell her adult son the story of how she and his father came together. From there, the series travels back to 2022 as the younger Sophie (Hilary Duff) attempts to navigate the New York dating scene. Plagued by bad Tinder dates, games of broken texts and other romantic misfires, Sophie and her group of friends try to figure out who they are and what they want out of life together.

With a solid cast, the series has absolutely scored with a modern mixture of characters and possibilities. Led by the charisma and sweetness of Duff, each cast member brings their own unique pop to their performances. Whether it’s Tien Tran’s frantic energy, Francia Rasa’s sly street-smarts, Christopher Lowell’s humility, Suraj Sharma’s integrity or Tom Ainsley’s innocence, each member of the group feels like they have something to offer from the outset. Having said that though, the anchors of the series truly are Duff and Raisa. As best friends Sophie and Valentina, the two women have solid onscreen presence and are genuinely fun to watch together.

How I Met Your Father — “FOMO” – Episode 102 — Determined to try and live in the moment, Sophie and the gang head to an exclusive new club for a wild night out. Valentina has doubts about her relationship with Charlie. Sid pushes Jesse to be open to love. Ellen tries her luck with women at the club. Sophie (Hilary Duff) and Valentina (Francia Raisa), shown. (Photo by: Patrick Wymore/Hulu)

However, it’s worth noting that the starkest difference within Father lies in its racial and gender inclusivity. Whereas the Mother primarily focused on the lives of five white adults, Father does a far better job of showcasing the diverse population of New York. In other words, although the framing of the narration is through Sophie’s eyes, the series does its best to balance the variety of voices and experiences that make up the city. (In fact, it’s worth noting that, whereas Mother focused the storytelling on the kids, Father only shows the older Sophie. In doing so, the narrator never gives away any clues to the ethnicity of the unknown father through the identity of their inevitable child together.)

As with the original, the charm of Father’s premise lies in the fact that the dramatic events of Sophie’s past often feel more significant in the moment than they do in the future. By narrating the story (technically) through flashback, Sophie is able to gain a new perspective on her life. In essence, while we know that, ultimately, Sophie is going to form a meaningful connection with the mysterious ‘father’, younger Sophie has no such assurances. Just like Sophie, the dating misfires and relationship problems of our youth may have taken on massive significance to us in the moment. However, when we look back on them, those moments often help lead to something much better. As such, through this format, the viewer automatically starts with a certain sense of hope. No matter what she goes through, we know that Sophie is going to be okay. Although she’s struggling, the events of her youth have not defined her in the present, no matter who the ‘father’ turns out to be.

How I Met Your Father — “Pilot” – Episode 101 — After a slew of let-down Tinder dates, Sophie meets the seemingly perfect guy. Meanwhile, her roommate, Valentina, returns home from London Fashion Week with a sexy souvenir. An Uber-related phone mishap leads them to an eclectic new group of friends. Valentina (Francia Raisa), Sophie (Hilary Duff), and Charlie (Tom Ainsley), shown. (Photo by: Patrick Wymore/Hulu)

There’s peace in that assurance.

So, even though How I Met Your Father may be going back to a familiar setting and style, it’s possible that this spin-off may just succeed where others have failed. Certainly, there’s enough charm amongst its cast to bring me back again for another trip into the past.

The first two episodes of How I Met Your Father stream on Hulu on Tuesday, January 18th, 2021, with new episodes arriving weekly.

Cabin Connection: Real Love Amongst the Pines

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“We want real stories. Romance sells.” – Carmen, Cabin Connection

Holding up the phrases ‘real stories’ and ‘romance sells’ together in the same sentence has a certain ring of irony to it. After all, even the best romance films lean into the most fantastic (and fictional) of coincidences and circumstances. Even so, Cabin Connection manages to find a balance between fantasy and reality and uses its tropes to mine something more real.

Cabin Connection tells the story of Hannah Monroe (Katherine Barrell), a lifestyle writer and committed bachelorette who’s working on an article about the nature of love. However, when her grandmother leaves her a cabin in the woods in her will, she leaves so that she can take a look at the property. When she arrives, she discovers that the home needs some serious repair and she hires local handyman Cole (Cody Ray Thompson) to help prep the cabin for sale. But as Hannah and Cole spend more time together, the two strike up their own romantic connection that helps Hannah restore her faith in love and make her reconsider her own future.

Light-hearted and fun, Cabin Connection is a charming getaway for two hours in the cold nights of January. Though this style of film usually rises to prominence over the holiday season, Cabin Connection manages to create the same hopeful vibe without the necessity of Christmas decorations. (Still, is it weird that I missed the traditionally over-developed display of Christmas lights a little bit?) Even without the holiday cheer, Connection successfully leans into many of the same tropes that make this genre so much fun. A smart, young executive who needs to take a trip to the remote countryside? Check. A meet-cute with a handsome local? Yep. 

And, most importantly, the spark of romance between them that changes their lives.

While the tropes may sound cliché, that doesn’t mean that the films aren’t enjoyable. There’s a sweetness embedded within the familiarity of this genre that keeps viewers coming back for more. Admittedly, some of these films are better than others. Thankfully, Cabin Connection works well due largely to the strength of its leads. As is always the case, the romance between Hannah and Cole remains the centerpiece of the film. In fact, he chemistry between stars Barrell and Thompson sparks as they playfully get to know one another amongst the country pines. With an innocent charm, the couple work well together onscreen and have the type of affection that feels welcoming to the viewer. 

Although the characters within these films are always on the search for love, Connection does so a little differently than other entries. Instead of just ‘finding love’, Connection wants to find out what love is. With every interview, Hannah seems to discover a new aspect of what makes love lasts. From a couple married 40 years to a widower moving forward from a deep loss, every person that Hannah speaks to has their own ‘definition’ of love. Some believe in ‘love at first sight’ while others saw their affection develop over time. Some have never questioned their love for one another while other have to choose to do so every morning. There’s a wide variety of experiences that shape the lives of each couple that give

While the fairytale romance still remains the goal of the film, Hannah also begins to see that real love requires hard work. Yes, it may be easier for some than others. However, in every case, the relationships within the film require the commitment to work together in order to create something beautiful that truly lasts. While romance films make love look easy, Connection tries to remind us that it really isn’t.

(I mean, admittedly Connection also makes it look pretty easy too… but that’s beside the point.)

For fans of this style of romance, Cabin Connection offers everything that they’re looking for from the genre. However, the best part about the film isn’t the warm fireplace or the fascination with baking. Instead, what makes Connection unique is that it really seems interested in finding out what makes love work.

In this film, that’s the connection that really matters.

To hear our interview with stars Katherine Barrell and Cody Ray Thompson, click here (YouTube) or here (podcast).

Cabin Connection is available to stream on Super Channel, beginning Saturday, January 15th, 2022.

Son of a Critch: Memories are Made of Critch

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They say you can never truly go home again. But can you feel welcome revisiting someone else’s home?

In CBC’s new comedy Son of a Critch, author and comedian Mark Critch tells his story of growing up in St. John’s, Newfoundland. As the youngest in a family of (mostly) adults, Critch grew up with more mature sensibilities and style than other kids his age. While his unique family and different interests made it difficult to make friends at school, it also gives him a humility and innocence as he attempts to navigate the complicated world of childhood relationships.

Even though its set in 1980s Newfoundland, Son of a Critch almost feels timeless. In other words, despite the specificity of its time and location, there’s something about this series that feels like it could take place anywhere, making it accessible for all. Best known for his work on This Hour has 22 Minutes, Critch has sharp comedic timing and a satirical eye. Mostly though, his charm and warmth for his family creates an infectious invitation into the past. 

While the structure of the series feels similar to other nostalgia comedies like The Wonder Years or Young Sheldon, Critch still manages to set itself apart with its snappy writing and distinctly Canadian voice. (Shout outs to Anne Murray and The Raccoons!) Even so, while the show may be nostalgic, that nostalgia never takes primary focus. Instead of merely focusing on the ‘remember when…’ moments, the past is merely a setting for Critch’s coming-of-age story and the focus remains on the characters and their journeys.

And the characters really are the story.

In Son of a Critch, Critch has assembled a cast with some incredible chemistry between them. There’s an ease between cast members that makes the series instantly likeable and they have created something truly special onscreen. Young star Benjamin Evan Ainsworth sparks the series with an old soul but shows a light heart. Young Sophia Powers and Mark Rivera provide a fun trio of strange supporters for the young protagonist. Even Critch himself gets in on the fun as he steps into the slippers of his own father. However, the most welcome surprise is McDowell as Mark’s cranky but empathetic grandfather. Best known for his work in darker films such as A Clockwork Orange, Halloween (2007), and Caligula, McDowell has had limited opportunities to lean into his lighter side. As such, he uses that experience to mix a sense of gravitas into his playfulness and his performance absolutely pops. 

Aside from the family fun, Critch is an adventure into the world of perspective. Based on Critch’s best-selling memoires of the same name, Son of a Critch is a love-letter to his childhood. Having rebuilt his family home for the set, Critch has done his best to recreate the place where he grew up. (He even went so far as to pull up some of his family’s belongings out of storage to add authenticity to the scene.) While there’s an absolute fondness for his upbringing throughout the series, there’s little doubt that his childhood produced moments that would have left him frustrated and hurt. Bullied for his unique take on the world, Critch’s experiences may be played for laughs here but there’s no question that these times can be difficult for children to endure. However, his position as narrator (not to mention playing his father) shifts his understanding of events from the eyes of a child to that of an adult. Knowing how the story unfolds, Critch is in a better position to remind himself that everything is going to be okay in the end. As a result, Critch balances the frustrations of youth with the hopefulness of adulthood.

Backed by a wonderful cast, Critch’s memories have created something truly memorable. Fun and endearing, Son of a Critch is a tribute to the innocence of youth but still revisits these moments with a wink. From his commitment to authenticity to his willingness to reveal his family’s quirks, Critch breathes such love into this series in such a way that one can’t help but feel like they’ve gone home too.

To hear our interview with writer/star Mark Critch, click here (YouTube) or here (audio).

Son of a Critch streams at 8:30pm on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 on CBC.

Cobra Kai S4: Mixed Martial Arts Still has Magic

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Cobra Kai. (L to R) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai. Cr. Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix © 2021

Nostalgia can only last for so long… unless you can make it into something different.

Originally airing on YouTube Red and eventually making the jump to Netflix, Cobra Kai caught everyone by surprise. The re-imagined and reinvented sequel series to the classic Karate Kid movies offered a refreshing new direction for characters long forgotten by pop culture while unabashedly leaning into the nostalgia that the brand promised. As the series took off, Cobra Kai became its own successful ‘comeback kid’ narrative and has only grown in popularity.

Even so, after three solid seasons, one wonders how long Cobra Kai can keep up the Miyagi-magic. After all, one has to assume that the series’ trademark shifting alliances, teen drama and karate tournaments can only remain interesting for so long. However, while Season 4 continues to offer all of these staples of the franchise, Cobra Kai is still very much alive and kicking. 

In fact, the fourth season may actually be one of the series’ best.

Cobra Kai. William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai. Cr. Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix © 2021

The new season of Cobra Kai picks up immediately following the merger between Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang as they join forces to bring down Cobra Kai at the All-Valley Under-18 Karate Tournament. With the doors to their respective dojos on the line, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) are determined to see John Kreese’s (Martin Kove) violent teachings disappear from the community. However, as their alliance proves to be more precarious than they’d expected, the two must decide whether or not they can bury the decades-long hatchet that lies between them.

As I said earlier, nostalgia is key to the appeal of Cobra Kai and Season 4 is no different. By recruiting former Karate Kid III baddie Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), the series further fans the rivalry flames of old by reuniting him with the villainous Kreese. However, what makes Kai work is that the series is not limited by the memories. Young characters like Robby Keene (Tanner Buchanan), Samantha LaRusso (Mary Mouser) and of course, Miguel Diaz (Xolo Mariduena) continue to be given meaningful character arcs that keeps the show young and energetic. What’s more, new stories for Daniel’s son, Anthony and Cobra Kai’s newest student Kenny (Dallas Dupree Young) also provide fresh ground for character development.

Cobra Kai. Thomas Ian Griffith as Terry Silver in Cobra Kai. Cr. Courtesy Of Netflix © 2021

Nevertheless, even though the youth remain central, the true magic of Cobra Kai remains the relationship between Zabka and Macchio. While Macchio continues to develop as an actor, Zabka may be one of the more underrated actors on television right now. Blending brokenness and honesty, Zabka continues to offer remarkable performances as the would-be sensei. In every scene, he remains absolutely captivating to watch, whether he’s attempting to navigate the modern world or manage his own flaws. For a character that began as a one-off teen bully, Zabka has infused his performance with nuance and grace that continues to surprise. Although both men may be well into their middle-age, their boyish banter provides the necessary emotional core that the series needs. 

These are two men who have become adults yet neither has fully grown up.

However, that’s not to say that they remain immature. Although Johnny keeps his old school edge, he has clearly matured since we first met him. Originally somewhat brash and self-absorbed, Daniel LaRusso is displaying an openness and humility that represents responsibility. Through solid performances by both men, these are characters who continue to learn what it means to be men in the modern world togehter.

Cobra Kai. (L to R) Khalil Everage as Chris, Gianni DeCenzo as Demetri, Jacob Bertrand as Eli ‘Hawk’ Moskowitz, Aedin Mincks as Mitch, Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz, Mary Mouser as Samantha LaRusso, Nathaniel Oh as Nate, Owen Morgan as Bert in Cobra Kai. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2021

Held up against the heavy darkness of the previous two season finales, the next chapter of the series is surprisingly light-hearted (at least in the beginning). By attempting to merge together Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang, the writers have ample opportunities for comedy between the two conflicting styles. (One episode where Johnny and Daniel attempt to teach each other is particularly noteworthy.) Of course, as Eagle Fang and Miyagi-Do begin to work together, their conflicting styles makes it difficult to find a common ground. However, when they do begin to listen to one another, the blend of styles creates something unique, with group each gaining strength from the other. 

In this way, the focus of the new series offers something different than previous seasons. Whereas Cobra Kaimost often drew its battle lines over the very different teachings of the two dojos, this new season serves as a reminder that we can learn from one another. As students from Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang attempt to understand the wildly different ideologies and adapt their styles, the results are stark contrast to the focused (but violent) teachings of Kreese. In Kreese’s ‘strike first’ mentality, his way becomes the only way. Any show of mercy or attempt to question his methods is met with rejection and disgust. However, as Johnny and Daniel (try to) work together, their conflicting styles manage to bring out the best in one another. In the Eagle Fang/Miyagi-Do merger, the mutual willingness to humble themselves is what allows them to grow beyond the limits of one particular teaching. Whereas Kreese demands compliance, Johnny and Daniel want their students to learn from one another.

Cobra Kai. (L to R) Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz, William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2021

Perhaps this season of Cobra Kai suggests that the true villain is rigidity.

With its unique blend of fun and ferocity, Cobra Kai still packs a punch. Beginning with a simple tale of one young man’s search for courage, Zabka and Macchio have genuinely turned this into something special. Well-written and executed, this is now a series that’s about so much more than karate tournaments. Amazingly, Cobra Kai is about redemption, character and humbly bringing people together. 

So, bring it on, Netflix. I know that I’m certainly ready for the next round.

Cobra Kai: Season 4 streams on Netflix on Friday, December 31st, 2021.

It Takes a Christmas Village: Heartwarming for the Holidays

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There’s something about the holidays that invites Christmas romances. Whether it’s the warm feelings of family, hope or just the egg nog talking, the ‘Christmas movie’ has become a time-honoured tradition.

Now, with It Takes a Christmas Village, we are introduced to mayor Alex Foster (Brooke Nevin) as she attempts to prevent some inconvenient construction from putting her town’s shops out of business over the holidays. With only six days until Christmas, Alex comes up with an idea: a Christmas market where local businesses can get their materials to the public. However, the only location available is on the Hawkins’ farm… and tensions over past business failings have not been forgotten by the local town folk. As Alex approaches reclusive Darcy Hawkins (Corey Sevier) about the project, she potentially sparks a new romance but also fans the flame of old family feuds in the process.

Directed by Corey Sevier, It Takes a Christmas Village is a heartwarming and simple romance that fits very neatly into the holiday season. Without question, this is the time of year when television holiday films are often defined by Hallmark romances and certainly, this definitely falls into that category. Anchored by warm chemistry between Sevier and Brooke Nevin, Village‘s simple storyline moves along well. What’s more, because the film was shot in the cold Hamilton, Ontario winter, the visuals feel particularly grounded in their holiday realism. (Though most films like this shoot during the summer months, there’s absolutely no fake snow here.) Like many others before it, Christmas Village leans into the nostalgic elements of the holiday while also offering a rather straight-forward formula with its script. However, that’s not a criticism. 

In fact, it’s precisely the point. 

In all honesty, there’s something beautiful about the simplicity of this Village. Written by Kate Pragnall (who is also Sevier’s wife), the film may have a familiar premise but so too does it also feel like a cup of warm cocoa on a cold winter’s evening. The stakes seem high and noble—saving the small businesses of the town at Christmas!—yet somehow seem manageable as well. (Mayor Alex’s Christmas Market is literally assembled in less than a week, despite its massive size and scope.) The romance moves relatively quickly after a chance ‘meet/cute’. Family rivalries are put aside over a snowball fight. While there are those who would criticize this style of storytelling, these films consistently maintain a wide-reaching audience. And with good reason.

Without question, this is comfort cinema. 

However, it’s also worth noting that the film delves into conversations surrounding moving forward from your past. Because their business decisions damaged the town many years earlier, the Hawkins name is associated with pain and hurt. Despised by the community for the actions of his father, Darcy chooses to stay out of sight and lives as a recluse with his grandmother. Complicating matters is the fact that Alex’s father struggles to see past his experiences with the elder Hawkins as well. 

Even so, for Darcy and Alex, they refuse to be bound by events that took place many years ago. As a result, despite their families maintaining a rivalry that has lasted a generation, Alex and Darcy are attempt to right those wrongs. Whereas Alex’s father believes the Hawkins name cannot be trusted, Alex does not agree. At the same time, Darcy still (albeit reluctantly) opens their family’s farm up for the city to use for their Christmas market. This is a story which reminds the viewer that the sins of the (literal) father must not be bestowed upon the next generation. Regardless of what came before, Alex and Darcy can look forward to building something new. 

Together, they can chart a new path.

Heartfelt and warm, It Takes a Christmas Village is an entertaining piece that feels like a family affair. At its heart, Village is a feel-good romance that simply wants to invite you to enjoy it with those around you. There is a sweetness inherent to its storytelling that manages to charm, even in the midst of its formula. In addition, the genuine affection sparking between Nevin and Sevier makes this one of the more enjoyable additions to the Christmas holiday calendar.

So, grab a hot cocoa and enjoy. 

To hear our conversation with star Brooke Nevin and director/star Corey Sevier, click here (YouTube) and here (audio).

It Takes a Christmas Village is now playing on Super Channel and will be available on VOD/Digital on December 22nd.