This week, a number of new releases were centered on nostalgia - watching stars of yesteryear once again in the spotlight, or seeing stand-up luminaries in a new, customized special. And of course, with Christmas around the corner, there are holiday-centric releases. And you don’t need me to mention Season 4 of The Crown (with its Imelda mention) can now be viewed.

The Life Ahead (Netflix Italy) - For this Original Film, the only two words you really need to know are Sophia Loren. Directed by her son Edoardo Ponti, and based on a Romain Gary’s 1977 novel that’s been updated, the film casts Loren as a Holocaust survivor who lives in a seedy section of Bari, and runs an unconventional shelter for the children of prostitutes. When a doctor friend requests that she accept Momo (Ibrahima Gueye), a motherless Senegalese child/grifter, it’s complicated by the fact that he stole from her, snatching her antique candleholders.

Of course, it doesn’t take long before the pair starts forging a relationship, and finding out that they have a lot in common, and so much to share. This part is predictable from the start, but to the film’s credit, there are just enough surprises; and ultimately, it’s the riveting performances of both Loren and child actor Gueye that save the day. Just don’t listen to the dubbed in English version, as the ‘voice’ of Momo is irritating. And it’s great to watch the always under-rated Loren taking on a central role at her age.

Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given (Netflix USA) - Hart has always been a love him or hate him proposition, with not many straddling the middle ground. When he lost the Oscars hosting gig two years ago due to some people unearthing a video from years back with him spewing homophobic jokes, there weren’t that many who came to his defense. And yet, he’s maintained enough star power that he can have Netflix produce this comedy special in the midst of the pandemic. Held at his actual home’s living room, with a select number of masked friends and partygoers; it’s an intimate setting, with Hart unleashing a lot of the vitriol and frustration he’s kept cooped up over the last two years.

Having acquired COVID the same time as Tom Hanks but keeping mum about it, being the parent of a teenage girl, and the effects of social media on celebrities - these are just some of the topics that Hart sinks his teeth into. Always a contradiction, and making fun of his doubts and insincerity - there is something almost therapeutic about how Hart has attacked his role as stand-up comedian here. So once again, if you love him, you’ll just be happy this special exists. And if you hate him, you might actually enjoy this as proof of how messed up he is!

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix USA) In the tradition of how the Wizard of Oz became The Wiz, and even how Broadway musicals like Hamilton came to be; here’s a Christmas special that’s taking on Dickens’ Christmas Carol, and concepts like Little Drummer Boy and the Christmas Master Toymaker (Santa Claus?) and turning it into an African-American extravaganza. And for sheer inventiveness, enthusiasm, and story-telling; I will give this show its share of high marks. Perhaps a bit trite and unoriginal when it comes to the actual concept; but fun to watch.

Anika Noni Rose plays the spirited young girl, while Forest Whitaker is perfectly cast as the mumbling, introverted master toymaker. Hamming it up with glee is Keegan-Michael Key as the villain in the piece. And it’s nostalgia time again as Phylicia Rashad (the Mom in the Cosby Show) and Ricky Martin (remember him post-Menudo?) are along for the ride in minor roles. While this is programming for the children, I always appreciate it when the show is done in a style and manner that can keep adults and parents still interested in what’s going on, and how things will get resolved.

The Princess Switch: Switched Again (Netflix USA) This was a big 2018 success for Netflix, so are we even surprised that they’ve reunited the same Director, same lead actors, and same writers to turn this into a Netflix franchise. Riffing on The Prince and the Pauper scenario in the original 2018 first installment, you may well wonder what’s in store for us in 2020. Big spoiler hint - a third character played by Vanessa Hudgens!
I wish I was kidding, but sorry!

I won’t argue with this film’s success with the young girl demographic; so if you like your shows super-sweet (enough to have your’s dentist’s face looming in front of you), and love cheesy dialogue (quick, check if you’re turning into a mouse!), and think the world of Vanessa Hudgens’ acting - then we all know what you’ll be watching later tonight. I’ll just be pondering about what they’ll unveil next year, when the third installment drops - Vanessa Hudgens, The Brood.

#TheLifeAhead

Nostalgic star-turns, & Christmas cheer: Streaming review for Nov. 21