Family
November
Heartland (season 18)
7 episodes
“Heartland” (Season 18) continues to delve into the lives of the Bartlett-Fleming family as they navigate the challenges and joys of running their beloved horse ranch in the picturesque Alberta foothills. Amy Fleming, known for her extraordinary ability to heal and train horses, faces new trials that test her skills and patience. Her journey this season is deeply personal as she grapples with a difficult choice between her passion for horses and her evolving personal life. Lou, Amy’s sister, becomes more entangled in the family cattle business, striving to balance her ambitions with the needs of the ranch and her family. Her efforts often lead to clashes with Jack, their wise but stubborn grandfather, and Tim, their spirited and sometimes reckless father. These dynamics create a rich tapestry of conflict and camaraderie that drives the narrative forward. (more…)
November
Lopez vs. Lopez (season 3)
4 episodes
“Lopez vs. Lopez” (Season 3) continues the heartwarming and humorous journey of George and Mayan Lopez. The season picks up with significant changes in the Lopez family. George has started his sobriety journey, which deeply impacts his relationships, especially with his best friend, Oscar. Meanwhile, Mayan is busy planning her wedding to her fiancé, Quinten, and navigating how marriage will change their relationship. The show explores themes of family, forgiveness, and personal growth, as the Lopez family works on healing from their painful pasts before the big day arrives. Rosie and George bond as they face their own mortality, adding emotional depth to the season. The comedic moments blend seamlessly with heartfelt scenes, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that reflect the real-life struggles and triumphs of family life. George’s journey toward sobriety is fraught with challenges, but also moments of triumph, as he works to rebuild trust and repair his relationships. The dynamic between George and Oscar adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, showcasing the ups and downs of lifelong friendships. Mayan’s wedding preparations bring both chaos and joy, highlighting her growth and resilience as she balances her dreams with the realities of impending marriage. Quinten’s integration into the Lopez family offers fresh perspectives and new dynamics, enriching the storyline. With its blend of comedy and heartfelt moments, “Lopez vs. Lopez” (Season 3) promises to be an entertaining and touching watch. The season captures the essence of what it means to be a family, navigating life’s trials and celebrations with love, laughter, and a fair share of misadventures. (more…)
November
Young David (season 1)
5 episodes
“Young David” (Season 1) is a five-part animated mini-series that explores the early life of the legendary King David. Created by Phil Cunningham and distributed by Angel Studios, the series is based on the biblical story of David from 1 Samuel. The show follows David’s journey from his humble beginnings as a shepherd to his rise as a warrior, musician, and poet. The series begins with David tending his father’s flock near Bethlehem. He finds entertainment by creating imaginary battles, but his pretend games take an unexpected turn when a lion appears, threatening his beloved lamb, Tali. David’s bravery and resourcefulness are highlighted as he faces this fierce predator. As the episodes progress, David’s encounters with King Saul’s head shepherd, Doeg, and his interactions with his family, including his sister Zeruiah, are explored. The series delves into David’s character development, showcasing his courage, creativity, and faith. Each episode is filled with adventure, humor, and valuable lessons, making it an engaging watch for both children and adults. The series serves as a prequel to an upcoming animated film about David. With its compelling storytelling and dynamic animation, “Young David” promises to captivate audiences while offering insights into the formative years of one of the Bible’s most iconic figures. (more…)
October
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (season 1)
9 episodes
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” (Season 1) is a Disney Channel spin-off and sequel to “Wizards of Waverly Place.” The series follows Justin Russo, who lives a normal life with his wife Giada and their two sons, Roman and Milo. His peaceful life is disrupted when his sister Alex brings a young wizard named Billie, seeking his help to train her in magic. Reluctantly, Justin agrees to mentor Billie, balancing his everyday responsibilities with the challenges of the wizarding world. The show explores themes of family, responsibility, and the struggle to maintain a balance between the magical and mortal realms. With its mix of humor, fantasy, and heartwarming moments, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” promises to be an exciting and entertaining watch for fans of the original series and new viewers alike. As Billie starts her magical training, she and Justin face numerous adventures and mishaps that test their abilities and bond. The series delves into the dynamics of the Russo family, highlighting the relationship between Justin and Alex as siblings with a shared magical heritage. Each episode showcases a blend of spellbinding escapades and personal growth, as the characters navigate the complexities of their dual lives. (more…)
October
Inside Out (2015)
“Inside Out” (2015) is an animated comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Pete Docter, the film takes place largely inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley Andersen, who has recently moved with her family from Minnesota to San Francisco. Inside her mind, her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—are personified and work together to guide her through life. Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler) is the dominant emotion, always striving to keep Riley happy. However, things become complicated when Joy and Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith) are inadvertently ejected from the Headquarters, the control center of Riley’s mind, and must find their way back. Meanwhile, Anger, Fear, and Disgust are left in charge, and Riley struggles to adjust to her new life. As Joy and Sadness journey through various regions of Riley’s mind, such as Long Term Memory, Imagination Land, and Abstract Thought, they learn the importance of all emotions in creating a balanced and fulfilling life. The film beautifully explores themes of growth, change, and the complex nature of emotions, making it a poignant and heartfelt story that resonates with audiences of all ages. (more…)
October
10 Lives (2024)
“10 Lives” (2024) is an animated comedy film directed by Chris Jenkins. The story follows Beckett, a pampered housecat who takes his lucky life for granted after being rescued and loved by Rose, a kind-hearted and passionate student focused on saving the world’s bee population. When Beckett loses his ninth life, he pleads with the Gatekeeper to return to Earth with a new set of lives. Each new life teaches him valuable lessons as he transforms into various forms, including a badger, rat, cockroach, parrot, fish, dog, and horse. Throughout his journey, Beckett helps Rose uncover the evil intentions of Professor Craven, who plans to sabotage her research and sell his drone-bees universally. The film explores themes of self-discovery, empathy, and the importance of making the most of every opportunity. With its humorous and heartwarming narrative, “10 Lives” offers a delightful and insightful look at the adventures and growth of a lovable cat who learns to appreciate life and the people who care for him. The vibrant animation and engaging story make it a captivating watch for audiences of all ages. (more…)
October
Beyond Black Beauty (season 1)
11 episodes
“Beyond Black Beauty” (Season 1) follows the story of Jolie, a talented young equestrian whose dreams of competing in the Olympics are put on hold when her mother moves them from Belgium’s elite stables to a family ranch in Baltimore. Jolie is initially resentful and struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. Her new life is a stark contrast to the structured and prestigious world she knew, but everything changes when she meets Beauty, a spirited black horse who has lost her trust in humans. Jolie and Beauty form an unexpected bond that becomes the heart of the series. As they work together, Jolie learns to embrace her new life and begins to uncover the ranch’s rich history and heritage. The series delves into their journey of mutual healing and growth, as Jolie starts to understand the importance of family, community, and finding one’s true self. Beauty becomes more than just a horse; she becomes a symbol of resilience and hope for Jolie. Throughout the season, the story tackles themes of identity, belonging, and the power of relationships. Alongside her personal struggles, Jolie navigates the complexities of her family dynamics, finding strength and support in the most unexpected places. The show’s stunning visuals and heartfelt narrative make it an engaging watch for all ages. The lush landscapes of the ranch and the emotional moments between Jolie and Beauty add depth to the storytelling. “Beyond Black Beauty” is not just about a girl and her horse; it’s about the journey to discovering one’s place in the world and the bonds that help us get there. (more…)
October
Flow (2024)
“Flow” (2024) is an animated adventure fantasy film directed by Gints Zilbalodis. The story follows a courageous cat who escapes a devastating flood that has destroyed the world. The cat finds refuge on a boat filled with animals of other species, including a capybara, a lemur, a secretary bird, and a happy Labrador. As they navigate the new aquatic environment, the group must rely on trust, courage, and wits to survive the perils they encounter. The film explores themes of friendship, community, and the resilience of nature in the face of disaster. As the animals journey through the treacherous waters, they encounter various obstacles and challenges that test their bonds and resolve. The cat, with its natural curiosity and bravery, becomes an unexpected leader, guiding the group through stormy weather and dangerous encounters with predatory creatures. Along the way, they discover remnants of the old world, providing glimpses into the past and the cause of the flood. These discoveries deepen their bond and strengthen their determination to find a new home. The animation style of “Flow” is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that bring the story to life. The film’s heartwarming narrative and engaging characters make it an emotionally captivating experience for viewers of all ages. The animals’ interactions and the evolving dynamics within the group offer a rich exploration of themes such as leadership, cooperation, and resilience. With its blend of adventure, emotion, and breathtaking animation, “Flow” promises to be a memorable and impactful film that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll. (more…)
October
Mickey’s Spooky Stories (season 1)
2 episodes
“Mickey’s Spooky Stories” (Season 1) is a delightful series of Halloween-themed stop-motion shorts created by Disney Television Animation and Stoopid Buddy Studios. The show features beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy as they share spooky tales around a campfire. Each episode presents a unique and enchanting story, filled with ghostly adventures, magical mishaps, and eerie encounters. In one episode, Goofy learns some ghostly new tricks from the Ghost Bride and Groom. Another episode follows Princess Daisy as she rescues Donald from a kooky old witch. Meanwhile, Mickey gets into all sorts of haunted mischief, and it’s up to Minnie Spider to save Halloween from the big bad Werewolf Pete. The series is perfect for viewers who love a good scare mixed with plenty of humor and heart. It’s a fun and spooky way to celebrate the Halloween season with Mickey and his friends. (more…)
October
My Penguin Friend (2024)
My Penguin Friend is a 2024 Brazilian-American family adventure film directed by David Schurmann. The movie is inspired by the true story of a heartwarming friendship between a Brazilian fisherman, João Pereira de Souza, and a penguin named Dindim. The story begins when João, played by Jean Reno, discovers an injured penguin covered in oil from a spill, drifting alone in the ocean. Moved by compassion, João rescues the penguin and names him Dindim. He nurses Dindim back to health, and they form an unlikely bond. Despite the vast ocean that separates them, Dindim returns to visit João every year, swimming thousands of miles to be reunited with his friend. The film beautifully showcases the power of compassion and the extraordinary connection between humans and animals. Adriana Barraza plays Maria, João’s supportive wife, who helps him care for Dindim. Their story highlights themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of small acts of kindness. (more…)