The Happy Elf (2005) Rated NR

Posted on February 16, 2026 by laurarachel4

 Based on Grammy-winner Harry Connick, Jr.’s song. The story follows one of Santa’s helpers when he decides to bring Christmas joy to a sad little town called Bluesville. Starring Harry Connick Jr., Rob Paulsen, Carol Kane, and Mickey Rooney.

This is a cute story based on a song by Harry Connick Jr. While the song is an upbeat tune about a happy Elf, there is no substance there. It does not really tell a story about the happy Elf; it just gives us an idea of a happy Elf that works with Santa. Then to have it turned into a cartoon story of the same thing, a Happy Elf, it just doesn’t translate well. There isn’t much substance to the story.  It has the redemption angle with Bluesville town needing joy, but it does it in a way that makes the elf go outside the rules. I was not impressed and I don’t think children will enjoy it outside of the soundtrack. Other than that, it’s not worth the watch. 

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Alias Grace (2017) Rated TV-MA

Posted on February 15, 2026 by laurarachel4

Grace, an Immigrant from Ireland, is convicted of murder by her employer. While going through the trial, she is psychiatrically observed, which brings about new answers.  Starring Sarah Gadon, Edward Holcroft, Rebecca Liddiard, and Zachary Levi.

I wasn’t expecting much from this series. It doesn’t help that it has a slow start, taking you on the journey of Grace’s life. The whole series revolves around whether Grace could have committed the murder. It takes place in a world where women are not considered of importance, especially a woman on the low end of life. This story takes place in a period where a woman is just an object, and they blatantly point this out in every scene. At times, it’s annoying, and while true to history, did the women really discuss how poorly they were treated? A little of both, perhaps. The casting is brilliant; Sarah portrayed Grace, who was truthful, honest, and smart. It’s evident that she was a brilliant woman who was down on her luck. Whether she actually killed is another story. This is a brilliant series and well worth the watch.

Posted in 2017, Biography, Crime, Drama, films, Miniseries, Movie reviews, movies, Netflix, Rated TV-MA, reviews, Tv Shows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Beauty (FX) Rated TV-MA

Posted on February 8, 2026 by laurarachel4

It is based on the comic book, The Beauty, written by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. A sexually transmitted treatment, The Beauty, spreads rapidly with deadly side effects. The FBI starts to investigate the history of the drug and the epidemic that follows. Starring
Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, and Ashton Kutcher.

This series was created by Ryan Murphy, and anyone who is familiar with Murphy understands that he showcases absurd programs. This is no exception. The show revolves around sex and the concept of staying young. There is no base for the plot of the story. Maybe they will come up with something in the end, but there is nothing to carry the story. Murphy uses sex as the conduit, but with nothing of substance to connect it. It’s just perverse. He does bring in multiple guest stars that he hopes will woo the audience. Overall, I find the show pointless. It’s not worth the watch. 

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New This Week in Theaters, February 6, 2026

Posted on February 5, 2026 by laurarachel4

 

Dracula (2025) DVD Release Date Dracula (NR)
Opens on Friday, February 6
Starring: Caleb Landry Jones, Zoe Bleu Sidel, Christoph Waltz

When a 15th-century prince denounces God after the devastating loss of his wife, he inherits an eternal curse: he becomes Dracula. Condemned to wander the centuries, he defies fate and death itself, guided by a single hope — to be reunited with his lost love.

Solo Mio (2026) DVD Release Date Solo Mio (PG)
Opens on Friday, February 6
Starring: Kevin James, Alyson Hannigan, Kim Coates, Jonathan Roumie

After Matt’s dreams of a picturesque Italian wedding are shattered when his fiancée leaves him at the altar, he embarks on his planned honeymoon across Italy alone, immersing himself in the country’s vibrant culture, food, and beauty, meeting Gia along the way.

The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026) DVD Release Date The Strangers: Chapter 3 (NR)
Opens on Friday, February 6
Starring: Madelaine Petsch, Richard Brake, Rachel Shenton

Tethered by a frightening conclusion, Maya and the Strangers are locked on an unavoidable, unforgiving collision course — a showdown that proves they’re far from strangers now.

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New This Week on DVD, February 3, 2026

Posted on February 3, 2026 by laurarachel4

 

Keeper (R)

Liz and Malcolm escape for a romantic anniversary weekend at a secluded cabin. When Malcolm suddenly returns to the city, Liz finds herself isolated and in the presence of an unspeakable evil that reveals the cabin’s horrifying secrets. Starring Tatiana Maslany, Rossif Sutherland, Birkett Turton

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New This Week in Theaters, January 29, 2026

Posted on January 29, 2026 by laurarachel4

 

Send Help (2026) DVD Release Date Send Help (NR)
Opens on Friday, January 30
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien, Edyll Ismail

Two colleagues become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it’s a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

Shelter (2026) DVD Release Date Shelter (R)
Opens on Friday, January 30
Starring: Jason Statham, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Bill Nighy

Mason lives in recluse at a remote setting by the sea. When he chooses to rescue a young girl from drowning in a terrible storm, he unwittingly sets off a chain reaction that soon brings violence his way, forcing him to confront choices from his past.

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New This Week on DVD, January 27, 2026

Posted on January 27, 2026 by laurarachel4

No New DVDs released this week.

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Dirty Dancing (2017) Rated TV-PG

Posted on January 25, 2026 by laurarachel4

A retelling of the film from 1987, Dirty Dancing. Starring Abigail Breslin, Colt Prattes, and Sarah Hyland.

This is not the original film. I had hoped it would be more of a cookie cutter version, but I think they tried too hard on making it an updated version of the original. Classics don’t need to be updated; there is a reason we loved the original. This version is overly cheesy and the dancing is basic. While the singing isn’t bad (we all sing along to this soundtrack), it adds to the cheesiness of the film. The modernized story changes the perception of the original story, taking away something special. The acting isn’t as bad; they did what they could with the direction, but this film is not worth the watch.

Posted in 2017, Drama, films, Movie reviews, movies, Musicals, Rated TV-PG, reviews, Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New This Week in Theaters, January 22, 2026

Posted on January 22, 2026 by laurarachel4

 

Marty Supreme (2025) DVD Release Date Marty Supreme (R)
Opens on Friday, January 23
Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion

In 1950s New York, Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to Hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

Return to Silent Hill (2026) DVD Release Date Return to Silent Hill (R)
Opens on Friday, January 23
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Robert Strange

When James receives a mysterious letter from his lost love Mary, he is drawn to Silent Hill—a once-familiar town now consumed by darkness. As he searches for her, James faces monstrous creatures and unravels a terrifying truth that will push him to the edge of his sanity.

Mercy (2026) DVD Release Date Mercy (PG-13)
Opens on Friday, January 23
Starring: Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, Annabelle Wallis

In the near future, a detective stands on trial accused of murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to the advanced A.I. Judge he once championed, before it determines his fate.

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My Christmas Hero (2023) Rated TV-PG

Posted on January 20, 2026 by laurarachel4

 Nicole helps service members and their families, and this Christmas, with the assistance of many service members, she honors a fallen soldier. Starring Candace Cameron Bure, Gabriel Hogan, and Andrew Airlie.

I always enjoy military themed films, and Candace Cameron Bure is usually enjoyable to watch. However, this film just didn’t give me the warm and fuzzy feelings. Maybe it was the lack of chemistry between the main romance characters, Bure and Hogan. Throughout the film they were more like friends than romantic leads. Although, the romance seemed more realistic than what we typically see on TV. I know most people complained about the lack of a correct timeline for the age of the actors. Granted, I also noticed it, but I didn’t find that it distracted from the story. My main frustration was the lack of romantic chemistry between the leads. I would have guessed they were brother and sister by the lack of touch and the way they looked at one another. The film is not worth the watch. 

Posted in 2023, Christmas Films, Drama, Family, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated TV-PG, reviews, Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment