Uncivil
union: Two wedding parties fight for one venue in ‘You’re Cordially Invited’
BY SARAH PASSINGHAM
What can go wrong will go wrong, especially during a meticulously planned, once-in-a-lifetime event. The new Prime Video comedy film “You’re Cordially Invited,” premiering Thursday, Jan. 30, tests the limits of Murphy’s law when two wedding parties are double-booked at the same venue. Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”) and Will Ferrell (“Will & Harper,” 2024) star as dueling wedding coordinators willing to fight dirty for their favorite family member’s perfect day. Father-daughter duo and best friends Jim (Ferrell) and Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan, “Miracle Workers”) are ready to welcome Oliver (Stony Blyden, “American Born Chinese”), her new fiancé, to the family in a beautiful ceremony at the picturesque Palmetto House island resort on the Carolina coast. Guests have saved the date — June 1 — and arrangements have all been made with the help of their wedding planner Heather (Keyla Monterroso Mejia, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”). While Jim may be apprehensive about his relationship with his daughter changing once she’s married, no amount of pre-big day jitters could prepare them for what’s to come. A serious sisterly bond ties Margot (Witherspoon) and her
younger sister, Neve (Meredith Hagner, “Search Party”). So when Neve surprises her big sister at work with the news of her engagement to Dixon (Jimmy Tatro, “Home Economics”), her joy eclipses even her need to attend to her client, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Peyton Manning (“History’s Greatest of All-Time with Peyton Manning”).
Margot quickly dons her event planner hat and books Neve and Dixon’s ceremony at the Palmetto House on, you guessed it, June 1. The bridal parties each spend months getting their affairs in order, the whole time not knowing the chaos that awaits them.
Wedding week has arrived and there’s about to be a showdown at the front desk of the Palmetto House. In the official trailer for the movie, Jim and Margot, already seemingly at each other’s throats as they exchange dirty looks on their way to check in, receive the bad news from concierge Leslie (Jack McBrayer, “30 Rock”). The small venue has double-booked the weddings and with no time to reschedule, both parties will have to share the island and the resort’s amenities.
Also starring in “You’re Cordially Invited” are Leanne Mor-
gan (“Sun Moon,” 2023) as Gwyneth; Rory Scovel (“No Good Deed”) as Colton; Ramona Young (“Never Have I Ever”) as Kelly; and Celia Weston (“Echoes”) as Flora. The film was written and directed by Nicholas Stoller, whose Apple TV+ sitcom “Platonic” is a hit with both critics and streaming audiences, with a second season in the works.
Comedy legend Ferrell, who has spent three decades making us laugh since his television debut in the 21st season of “Saturday Night Live,” is in fine physical comedy form in “You’re Cordially Invited.” He goes head to head with Witherspoon, who gives her own classic Type-A comedic performance in the film, as their characters spitefully battle on behalf of the brides in a fresh take on the bridezilla trope.
Jim and Margot share a tense slow dance full of whispered threats, wrestle for control of a microphone and plot against each other’s ceremonies in the movie’s trailer. An alligator also makes an appearance at the festivities, as if the wedding party feud wasn’t enough action for one wedding night — but don’t worry, Jim’s got that uninvited guest under control.
Horoscopes
The luckiest signs this week:
GEMINI, CANCER AND LEO
ARIES
Although you may feel some reservations, get ready to soar to new heights. This achievement will be talked about for years, and it will boost your confidence even more.
TAURUS
Amidst taking care of your home and family, don’t forget to carve out some time for yourself. You may whip up some delicious meals to nourish your loved ones who need it most.
GEMINI
Get ready for upcoming travels! Your family and friends will rely on your support and attentive ear. In return, expect to be showered with gratitude and heartfelt appreciation.
CANCER
You’ll have love on your mind this week. If you’re single, you’ll meet an exceptional person who’s ready to make a commitment. If you’re in a relationship, big plans are on the horizon that will bring you and your partner even closer together.
LEO You’ll exude charisma and energy this week. You’ll plan an event that will be a huge success. Your actions will have an astonishing impact on your career and other future accomplishments.
VIRGO
Get ready for non-stop action and mind-blowing twists and turns! Time will become your most precious asset. A dream will start to feel within reach, even if the path ahead is still unclear.
LIBRA
You may feel a bit worn out after a few stressful days. Nevertheless, a surge of creativity is on its way! Prepare to be inspired and create something truly amazing that will propel you toward great success.
SCORPIO
Your time is precious; don’t waste it by procrastinating on certain tasks. At work, you’ll be tasked with handling urgent situations and crucial documents, which will help you advance your career.
SAGITTARIUS
You’ll have to work hard to get that promotion. However, your hard work will not go unnoticed. Fortune smiles on the bold. Embrace spontaneity and plan an exciting outing or trip.
CAPRICORN
Dealing with changes in your family life may lead you to think about moving into a new place that better suits your needs. Making such a big decision requires careful consideration.
AQUARIUS
You may feel the urge to go back to school or take a training course. At work or elsewhere, you’ll have to negotiate with people from different cultures and converse in a different language. You’ll welcome the challenge.
PISCES
At work, you’ll have to deal with a seemingly endless list of details. In health matters, you’ll find the right treatment or medication to solve a problem that’s been weighing on your mind.
New Streaming Movies & Shows
“Paradise” (Jan. 28)
A thriller set in a peaceful community, this series follows the lives of some of the world’s most prominent individuals. But, the thin veil of tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs, leading to a high-stakes investigation. Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, James Marsden, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin and Percy Daggs IV star. “Friday Night Lights” (Jan. 31)
A small, turbulent town in Texas obsesses over their high school football team to an unhealthy degree. When the star tailback, Boobie Miles (Derek Luke), is seriously injured during the first game of the season, all hope is lost, and the town’s dormant social problems begin to flare up. It is left to the inspiring abilities of new coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) to instill a sense of self-respect and honor in the other team members and the town itself.
Word Search
Where all the top choices can be found in one place!
“The Recruit” - Season 2 (Jan. 30)
Season 2 of this action thriller finds CIA Lawyer Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo) pulled into a life-threatening espionage situation in South Korea, only to realize that the bigger threat just might be coming from inside the Agency. Teo Yoo also stars.
“Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” - Season 1 (Jan. 29)
In this latest installment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Peter Parker (Hudson Thames), in an alternative timeline, begins high school and his journey as Spider-Man, with Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo) as his mentor. This animated series, created by Jeff Trammell, also voice stars Hugh Dancy, Kari Wahlgren, Charlie Cox, Eugene Byrd, Paul F. Tompkins, Zeno Robinson, Grace Song and Vincent D’Onofrio.
Q: It was good to see Carrie Underwood on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2025.” I know she’ll be a judge on “American Idol” for the new season. Does that mean she’ll be popping up on many other ABC shows?
A: It’s certainly a possibility, since the network isn’t being shy about promoting her new role on the singing contest, which she won herself in 2005 (its fourth season, when it still was on Fox). While her New Year’s Eve appearance served the immediate purpose of having an all-star music lineup, it was also a way to publicize her upcoming “Idol” stint (reinforced by the presence of Seacrest, who is also the host of “Idol,” of course). At the very least, you can expect to see Underwood turn up in such other ABC programs as “Good Morning America,” “The View” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” It’s normal for hosts of reality-competition shows to make guest appearances on the same network’s talk-oriented fare, and in Underwood’s case, that’s especially likely to happen in late February and early March — as the new “Idol” season gets a preview telecast after the Oscars on March 2, before it has its official premiere on March 9.
Turn 11. Loop transports 17. “Hannity” network, briefly 19. Wetland 22. Took a load off 23. Source of lots of living-room arm-waving 25. Former “Wheel” host 26. Supplier of WWW access 27. Cousin of -trix 31. First-aid item 32. British stew 33. “Frankly,” in texts 35. Cup filler 36. Red wine of Spain 37. Sends to Coventry 38. U.K. leaders 39. “A Letter for ___” (1945) 40. Wildebeests 41. “The Lion King” lion 42. “Nuts!” 43. Hosts
Denzel Washington’s strong work lifts ‘Flight’
BY JAY BOBBIN
If you’re about to travel on an airplane, this might not be the time to watch “Flight.”
That’s not because the 2012 drama — which MGM+ presents Sunday, Jan. 26, and Wednesday, Jan. 29 — isn’t a good movie. It’s extremely good indeed, but early on, it presents a crisis-in-flight scene likely to stand your hair on end. That’s no surprise, since “Flight” is directed by someone who had done such a scene before with great and terrifying skill: Robert Zemeckis, who put Tom Hanks through a similar aerial emergency with the crash that set “Cast Away” (2000) in motion.
That’s just the beginning of “Flight,” which is primarily a character study that gives Denzel Washington (Hanks’ fellow “Philadelphia” [1993] star) a crack at a somewhat different kind of role. He surely has played flawed people, but here, he tries to conceal the flaws as the pilot who becomes a media hero after maneuvering his passenger jet out of seemingly certain doom caused first by stormy weather, and then a mechanical problem.
Not all such heroes necessarily want to be widely praised and profiled; even Capt. “Sully” Sullenberger seemed a bit uncomfortable with all the justified praise after his “miracle landing” in New York. But Washington’s character, the charismatic and somewhat arrogant “Whip” Whitaker, has another reason for not wanting the spotlight shining so brightly on
him: He had drugs and liquor in his system when he performed his heroics.
As many people as he saves, he can’t save everyone, and the National Transportation Safety Board launches a subsequent investigation. This is where a story such as “Flight” takes a star as skilled as Washington. Once the scary special effects and aerobatics that set the tale in motion are over, the movie needs somewhere to go, and Washington steers it there most ably.
That being said, the show isn’t his alone. Strong impressions also are made by Don Cheadle as the attorney who tries to help Whitaker through the inquiry, and the ever-welcome John Goodman as a cheery supplier of chemicals the pilot should not be indulging in ... especially pre-flight.
Kelly Reilly (“Yellowstone”) also makes her mark as another addict, and Bruce Greenwood (“The Resident”) is typically solid as a Whitaker friend who’s also a liaison between the pilots’ union and the NTSB. Also excellent is Tamara Tunie, of the upcoming CBS daytime serial “Beyond the Gates,” as the chief attendant aboard Washington’s plane.
Ultimately and expectedly, though, “Flight” really does take off and land on the strength of Washington. That’s often a quiet strength, a firm indication of why the star in charge here remains one of today’s most compelling performers.
Best PAUL NEWMAN MOVIES
BY JAY BOBBIN
“Somebody Up There Likes Me” (1956): Paul Newman made a big leap into stardom in the story of boxer Rocky Graziano. The film is included in a salute on the 100th anniversary of Newman’s birth Sunday, Jan. 26, on Turner Classic Movies.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958): Newman makes a first-rate Brick to Elizabeth Taylor’s Maggie in the Tennessee Williams play.
“The Hustler” (1961): One of Newman’s most memorable roles is “Fast” Eddie Felson, a pool-playing upstart who wants to take on the legendary Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason).
“The Prize” (1963): Newman displays great humor within a thriller premise in the Irving Wallace story about an unlikely Nobel Peace Prize winner caught up in intrigue while in Sweden for the ceremony.
“Hud” (1963): Called “the man with the barbed-wire soul” in ads, Newman’s character in this excellent drama is a rancher’s (Melvyn Douglas) rebellious, amoral son.
“Torn Curtain” (1966): This Alfred Hitchcock-directed spy story involves Newman in a brutal kitchen scene. Trust us, you’ll know it when you see it.
“Cool Hand Luke” (1967): An outstanding Newman plays an independent-minded convict who shows “a failure to communicate.”
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969): Newman and Robert Redford had their first teaming as the title outlaws who, at least here, stage robberies with a humorous spirit.
“The Sting” (1973): The reunited Newman and Robert Redford are great in this best picture Oscar winner as Depression-era con men out to even a score with a tough gangster (Robert Shaw).
“The Towering Inferno” (1974): Though he faces more immediate peril than any architect hopefully would, Newman makes a fine action hero in producer Irwin Allen’s disaster epic about a fire in the world’s tallest building.
“Absence of Malice” (1981): Newman is in top form as a mobster’s grandson seeking justice after a newspaper article wrongly suggests he’s involved in illegal dealings.
“The Verdict” (1982): In what many deem his career-best performance, Newman plays a down-on-his-luck Boston lawyer seeking redemption via a case against the Catholic Church.
“The Color of Money” (1986): Newman won an Oscar for reprising his “Hustler” role as Eddie Felson, now the mentor to a younger pool shark (Tom Cruise).
“Road to Perdition” (2002): Keeping his trademark charm, Newman has an atypical role as a Depression-era crime boss targeted by a vengeful exemployee (Tom Hanks).
The doctor will see you now: Chestnut series ‘Watson’ premieres on cable, streaming
BY DANA SIMPSON
Throughout history, there have been many notable Watsons in the public interest, but one of the most famous and most referenced is a Watson of fiction; one who dedicated his on-page life to helping mastermind detective Sherlock Holmes solve mysteries in the novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. While much of Doyle’s work focused on the detective leading the charge in his deerstalker cap, plenty of thought has since gone into Dr. John Watson’s own ambitions, and CBS is the latest to take on the task of modernizing the good doctor’s story for contemporary times.
The network’s new hour-long medical drama series “Watson” premieres Sunday, Jan. 26, on CBS and the Paramount+ streaming service. Scheduled to begin immediately following the NFL’s AFC championship game, the exact start time may vary slightly from its anticipated debut.
Hailing from Craig Sweeny, executive producer of “Limitless” and “Medium,” “Watson” marks the second Sherlock-inspired drama for the producer and showrunner after “Elementary,” the procedural dramedy — in which Lucy Liu (“Charlie’s Angels,” 2000) portrayed Dr. Watson — that ran from 2012 to 2019, also on CBS. Despite the evident tie-in opportunities, it appears Sweeny’s
new series is completely devoid of any references to “Elementary” and remains staunchly unrelated to its predecessor, with the exception of drawing inspiration from the same source material.
Starring Morris Chestnut (“The Resident”) as the titular character, the series follows Watson and his team of sleuth-adjacent doctors at Holmes Clinic as they work overtime to find answers to some of the most curious ailments known (and unknown) within the medical world. This may sound like a familiar premise to fans of the 2004-2012 series “House,” but there is an additional, literary tie-in to the Sherlock Holmes stories outside the clinic.
“’Watson’ takes place six months after the death of the titular character’s friend and partner Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty,” reads the Paramount news release, which later adds that Watson “resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders.
“Watson’s old life isn’t done with him, though,” the release continues, confirming “Moriarty and Watson are set to write their own chapter of a story that has fascinated audiences for more than a century. ‘Watson’ is a medical show with a strong investigative spine, featuring a modern version of one of history’s greatest detectives as he turns his attention from solving crimes to solving medical mysteries.”
View from the Couch
As of writing, however, there is no news as to whether the series will allude to Watson’s past as a military surgeon or his time spent (and injured) in Afghanistan.
In a statement on Paramount Press Express, the official CBS press site, Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, said, “We are thrilled to feature such a beloved character from the world of Sherlock Holmes at the center of this series and have it brought to life by Morris Chestnut in a fresh and unexpected take on the immortal doctor.
“Craig Sweeny’s bold new vision for the complex Dr. Watson deftly interweaves rich character storytelling with edge-of-your-seat medical mysteries,” Reisenbach added.
Appearing alongside Chestnut is “The Night Agent” actress Eve Harlow as fellow Holmes Clinic doctor Ingrid Derian; “The Dark Knight’s” (2008) Ritchie Coster as Shinwell Johnson; “So Help Me Todd” actress Inga Schlingmann as Dr. Sasha Lubbock; Rochelle Aytes (“S.W.A.T.”) as Dr. Mary Morstan; and Peter Mark Kendall (“The Americans”) doing double duty as doctors Stephens and Adam Croft.
BY JAY BOBBIN
“SEA OF LOVE”
This involving and very adult 1989 thriller, which marked Al Pacino’s return to movies after a few years off, makes its 4K Ultra HD debut. The actor plays a personally flawed New York police detective who’s mulling retirement when he becomes enmeshed in a serial-murder case ... leading him to go undercover in responding to singles ads, eventually getting involved with a woman (a wonderfully seductive Ellen Barkin) he suspects might be attached to the homicides. The Richard Price script gives John Goodman some great moments as the detective’s gregarious new part-
ner; the excellent cast also includes Michael Rooker, William Hickey, Richard Jenkins and John Spencer. Director Harold Becker would work again with Pacino on “City Hall” (1996). *** (R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on DVD and Blu-ray)
“VIENNA BLOOD: SEASON 4”
Arriving on DVD in the final week of its PBS telecast, the latest season of the mystery series puts an early-1900s psychoanalyst (played by Matthew Beard) and police inspector (Juergen Maurer) on the case of a double homicide. The crimes happened in the presence of police, sending shock waves throughout Vienna ... and leading the investigators to a conspiracy that could cost them their own lives. A traitorous mole known as “Mephisto” becomes the main object of the sleuths’ pursuit. Based on novels by Frank Tallis, the filmed-on-location drama also features Conleth Hill – who worked with Beard on the “Masterpiece” series “Magpie Murders” and “Moonflower Murders” and Charlene McKenna (“Peaky Blinders”). *** (Not rated: AS, V)
“LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR”
Director-screenwriter Richard Brooks’s controversial 1977 version of the fact-inspired Judith Rossner best seller has had a checkered history on home video, but it now
Love in the air: Grant Ellis is this season’s ‘Bachelor’
BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT
Just in time for conversation hearts and ooey-gooey cards that come along with February’s biggest holiday — Valentine’s Day, of course — Season 29 of “The Bachelor” debuts on ABC, with its premiere episode airing Monday, Jan. 27.
Announced back in May 2024, this season of the beloved reality series has picked its star from Season 21 of “The Bachelorette,” boasting the charming Grant Ellis as the titular bachelor.
During Jenn Tran’s search for love, 31-year-old Grant (age 30 at the time) made quite the impression. Despite an impressive resume — including his career as a day trader in Houston and his past as a pro basketball player — it was Grant’s “infectious smile and unwavering positivity” (per ABC) that really stole the show, keeping him in the game until his elimination right before Jenn’s hometown dates. Due to his popularity with audiences, Grant was quickly confirmed to be next in line for the franchise, now making history as the series’ second Black lead (following Matt James from Season 25).
The network has also shared more intimate details about the next bachelor — including that he’s a self-proclaimed mama’s boy. They continue on to say that “when he’s not immersed in the fast-paced world of finance, you can find him cheering on the Lakers, hitting strikes at the bowling alley or belting out tunes at karaoke nights.” And, they say, “as the Bachelor, Ellis is eager to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure and genuine connections. He hopes to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, humor and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.”
Speaking with “Good Morning America,” Grant also shared his excitement regarding his ongoing journey to find true love. “I’m looking for a love that’s kind and understanding,” he said. “Some qualities I’m looking for in a potential partner [are]: somebody who’s adventurous, somebody who’s affectionate and somebody who’s loving.” Grant concluded by saying: “I can’t wait for this incredible journey to kick off. It’s going to be so fun. I hope you guys tune in.”
Vying for his affections this season are: Alexe, 27 (New Brunswick, Canada); Alli Jo, 30 (Manalapan, New Jersey); Allyshia, 29 (Tampa, Florida); Bailey, 27 (Atlanta); Beverly, 30 (Howard Beach, New York); Carolina, 28 (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico); Chloie, 27 (New York City); Christina, 26 (Fargo, North Dakota); Dina, 31 (Chicago); Ella, 25 (Los Angeles); J’Nae, 28 (Colorado Springs, Colorado); Juliana, 28 (Newton, Massachusetts); Kelsey, 26 (Brooklyn, New York); Kyleigh, 26 (Wilmington, North Carolina); Litia, 31 (Salt Lake City); Natalie, 25 (Louisville, Kentucky); Neicey, 32 (Blythewood, South Carolina); Parisa, 29 (Birmingham, Michigan); Radhika, 28 (New York City); Rebekah, 31 (Dallas); Rose, 27 (Chicago); Sarafiena, 29 (New York City); Savannah, 27 (Charlottesville, Virginia); Vicky, 28 (Las Vegas); and Zoe, 27 (New York City).
Get to know Grant better — and hopefully see him find love once and for all — during Season 29 of “The Bachelor,” premiering Monday, Jan. 27, on ABC.
goes the 4K Ultra HD route. Diane Keaton was doing as much drama as comedy at the time, and she gives an intriguing performance as the complicated Theresa, who is a compassionate schoolteacher by day and an excitement-seeking nightclub patron at night. Tuesday Weld plays her more grounded sister in a cast that also includes William Atherton, Tom Berenger, Richard Kiley and – in a role that went a long way toward making him a star – Richard Gere. The disco-heavy soundtrack features Donna Summer, Diana Ross, The Commodores and The O’Jays. *** ((R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)
“NATURE: ATTENBOROUGH’S LIFE JOURNEY’
Sir David Attenborough has been one of the most recognized and esteemed figures in reality programming for much of his life, and as his 99th (!) birthday approaches, this documentary – televised recently by the PBS series that he has contributed so much to – traces much of the British broadcaster’s work, done in many cases in conjunction with England’s BBC. The program encompasses many of his wide-ranging travels, which have taken him to such locations as Borneo and the Galapagos, and it also considers his use of video technologies before they went into wide practice ... including the 4K format. Attenbor-
ough provides his own reflections on his career, some of them recorded while he was in distant lands to make shows. Rarely seen footage of his early work also is factored in. *** (Not rated)
“WINCHESTER ‘73”
One of the great movie Westerns gets Criterion Collection treatment on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, with James Stewart starring in the 1950 film directed by Anthony Mann. The actor plays the owner of a rifle that has been stolen after he won it in a contest, leaving a trail of tragedy as it is passed among various hands – with Stewart’s character trying to retrieve it before more carnage results. Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea, Stephen McNally, John McIntire and Will Geer also are in a cast that includes Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis early in their careers. Special features include an audio commentary featuring Stewart (who made this as part of a package salary deal also involving “Harvey”) and a profile of filmmaker Mann (who would make seven more pictures with Stewart, following their first collaboration here). **** (Not rated: AS, V)
“CHEYENNE: THE COMPLETE SERIES”
Clint Walker became one of television’s first Western stars in this 1955-62 ABC show, also significant as one of the first series to be
made by the Warner Bros. studio. The title character is a wanderer of the Old West, taken in at a young age by Cheyenne Indians, giving him a broad understanding and acceptance of all the people he lives among. His parents died at the hands of another tribe, apparently, so he also carries the weight of that knowledge with him. Initially, the show was part of a rotating “wheel” that also included versions of the movies “Casablanca” and “Kings Row,” and it spun off the Ty Hardin-starring Western “Bronco” during a period when Walker (basically the program’s sole cast regular) was in a dispute with the studio. *** (Not rated: AS, V)
Coming Home Soon
“WICKED” (FEB. 4)
“BEWITCHED: THE COMPLETE SERIES” (BLU-RAY) (FEB. 4)
“JUROR #2” (FEB. 4)
