On The Small Screen

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON THE SMALL SCREEN

BIG MOVIES PIVOT TO SMALL SCREENS BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR Lionsgate/On Demand

Like most of the movies included here, Barb & Star Go to Vista del Mar was expected to be a big box-office hit for Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. That pair scored an Oscar nomination for their first screenwriting collaboration, 2011’s Bridesmaids. This comedy is their follow up, as they co-star as sheltered Midwestern gals who head to Florida for a fun-in-the-sun getaway that goes hilariously wrong in every way.

BLITHE SPIRIT IFC Films/On Demand

Noel Coward’s timeless comedy of séances, ghosts, and assorted craziness returns yet again to the screen, this time with Judi Dench playing wacky Madame Acarti and Dan Stevens as the novelist with two wives (one alive, one not so much). Isla Fisher and Leslie Mann round out the lunacy here; and once you’ve seen this one, try David Lean’s 1945 classic Oscar-winning take, too, with Margaret Rutherford and Rex Harrison in fine form.

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH HBO Max

The Oscars are odd this year, as films releasing until February 28, 2021, are eligible for 2020 nominations. This intense movie that is getting a lot of late-entry traction follows the Black Panther movement in ‘60s Illinois and is inspired by true events. It stars LaKeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, and Martin Sheen and is directed by first-time helmer Shaka King.

MALCOLM & MARIE Netflix

Emotional highs and lows hit this couple as they celebrate an important day. Emmy winner Zendaya and John David Washington star in this romantic two-hander shot during COVID-19 restrictions. They are the only people we see throughout this film which was originally planned for theatrical release.

THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY Hulu

Andra Day stars—and sings—in this fact-based story of Billie Holiday’s fraught relationship with the FBI throughout the ‘40s and ‘50s. Oscar nominee Lee Daniels directs this disturbing, emotional look at what one of the world’s greatest singers went through in the years before the Civil Rights movement took hold in America. Trevante Rhodes and Natasha Lyonne co-star.

By Jenny Peters

ACTORS TURNED FILM DIRECTORS FALLING Quiver/On Demand

What does a successful actor do when he turns 60? Directs a movie, of course! At least that’s what Viggo Mortensen did, with Falling. He also stars in his debut-directing outing which is a drama of a gay family man whose conservative elderly father (Lance Henriksen) moves in and makes everyone miserable.

LAND Focus Features/On Demand

Actress Robin Wright took her time settling into a film director’s chair (she’s 54), but she spent hours practicing on the set of House of Cards, getting 10 episodes at the helm under her belt there. In Land, Wright also stars, as a woman at the edge of her rope, choosing to face death in the wilderness to life in the rat race. •

TELEVISION REBOOTS CLARICE CBS

In this movie-to-TV reboot, FBI agent Clarice Starling, familiar from The Silence of the Lambs 1991 film and the earlier 1988 novel, is back at work, one year after facing off with serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Starring Rebecca Breeds as the woman whose bravery is tempered by her emotional fragility, this series has her chasing down other bad guys (and gals).

THE EQUALIZER CBS

Queen Latifah takes over the role that Edward Woodward made his own in the 1980s and Denzel Washington took to the big screen in two outings in the 2010s. She’s doing the same shtick, as a former CIA operative now acting as a vigilante and avenger secretly fighting the evil forces of big city New York.

SUPERMAN & LOIS The CW

It may seem like Superman & Lois never actually left, but this reboot of the 1993 TV series Lois and Clark sets itself apart by having the superhero now married to Lois and with two sons to raise. They live in Smallville (naturally), where evil is lurking. Emmanuelle Chriqui and Dylan Walsh join leads Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch in this oft-told, actionpacked love story.

PET SPOTLIGHT PAWS DOWN…TAILS UP HEART-HEALTHY TREATS FOR DOGS & CATS

By Melanie Carden hether it’s a training reward or just a “you’re so cute” treat, the itty-bitty morsels we give our pets have a big impact. As pet owners, we want to shower them with love, but some traditional treats can be bogged down with empty calories, artificial flavors, chemicals and preservatives that can be detrimental to your buddy’s health.

The treat market has evolved! Not only can we easily avoid pet junk food, but support health, wellness, and specific dietary and their ultimutt health needs—with treats. From fish skins to fruits and CBD to Omega-3’s—we’ve rounded up some of the outstanding examples of natural, nutrient-dense treats out there. We give these healthy innovators a big round of ap-paws.

CBD FOR MOBILITY YOUR BOO FOR LIFE CARE WITH CHARLEE BEAR

ElleVet’s peanut butter CBD chews Boo Boo’s Best sources wild salmon Made without wheat, corn, soy, artificial significantly improve dog mobility from only two locations: Alaska and flavors or preservatives—Charlee Bear’s and comfort. In a 2018 clinical trial, a Washington. Loaded with salmon’s Bearnola Bites are like home-baked treats. whopping 80 percent of dogs showed Omega-3 Fatty Acids, these low-calories With flavors ranging from pumpkin to major improvement. Veterinarians at goodies benefit the joints, skin, coat, blueberry, they serve up a tail-wagging Cornell University endorsed ElleVet heart, and immune system health. Your taste-spectrum. The perfect size for Sciences as the new scientific standard. pup will go to great lengths for these tasty treating or training—these bites are made Your fur-baby may not want to listen to morsels—better keep them under lock with love. Info: charleebear.com. all the science-jargon, but he’ll be thrilled and key! Info: booboosbest.com.with the results! Info: ellevetsciences.com.

WAGS AND WOMEN

This gift box comes from Women’s Bean Project whose mission is to change women’s lives by increasing self-sufficiency through social enterprise. These allnatural, vegan, and gluten- corn- and soy-free dog treats are made with only six ingredients—and will inspire some serious wags! Info: womensbeanproject.com.

PICK A POLKA OR TWO

Dogs go doodles for dried fish skin! Polka Dog Bakery hand rolls and slowly dehydrates the skins of Alaskan-caught cod to make these one-ingredient treats. Even their Lucky Duck treats have just two ingredients: potato flour and farmraised duck. Their website boasts “bulk” ordering options—so stock up for Fido. Info: polkadog.com.

POOCH SMOOCH

I Heart Dogs partners with over half a dozen non-profits, from Pets & Vets to K9 Body Armor. But their devotion extends to their nutritional products as well— including these crave-worthy Dental Bites which tackle tartar, plaque, and bacteria. They also added a prebiotic to promote good gut health to support fresh breath. Info: iheartdogs.com.

DOG-TOR DEVELOPED GOODNESS

Award-winning veterinarian and author, Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM, is the man behind these meaty bites. With premium treats for dogs (and cats, too)—your fur-baby’s health is paramount. These tasty chicken liver treats can help your pet maintain a healthy weight, support digestion, and boost overall health. Info: ultimatepetnutrition.com.

CHOOSE MOO CHEWS

Made in Colorado with local ingredients, these dog chews are made with only milk and apple cider vinegar. No preservatives, fillers, or mysterious chemicals! With a bone-like feel, they are harder than bullysticks (but a little softer than antlers). They don’t splinter and are easily digestible. When you choose Moo Dog Chews, you’re supporting a small, family-owned business. Info: moo-dog-chews.com.

NO HI-JINKS HERE

Sometimes we have to say, “no” to our pups. Jinx makes it easy with no corn, no soy , no gluten, and no artificial flavors. These Peanut Butter and Blueberry Biscuits pack a woof-worthy wallop with only four ingredients: oat flour, peanut butter, blueberries, and chia seed. The company offers kibble, treats, or super S-WAG bag bundles. Make room for a bit of pep in your pup’s step. Info: thinkjinx.com.

FRESH FETCH

Looking to rotate in some plant-based treats? Fetching Fields makes treats that are good for your bestie—and the planet. With a sustainable approach, these bars use only human-grade, gluten-free, nonGMO ingredients. Each package has 10 soft bars—which can be broken apart for treating (60 bites in each bag). Info: fetchingfields.com.

DOG GONE GOOD

We are so fur-tunate to have our dogs in our lives. Treating them with the best ingredients is only natural. The nutrition team at Just Food for Dogs makes it easy with their dog treats done the healthy way with no feed-grade ingredients or preservatives, additives, or growth hormones. Info: justfoodfordogs.com.

TOP OF THE PACK

Ageless Paws is at the tippety-top of the woof-pack with their freeze-dried, single ingredient meal toppers and treats. Grainfree and ethically sourced, these delicious bites allow you to naturally address health challenges that your dog or cat may face. For cats and dogs alike, Ageless Paws is the purr-fect crowd pleaser. You can’t go wrong with the Liver & Lox or Bison but be sure to watch for their limited-edition varieties too! Info: agelesspaws.com. •