Alyssa Christian

Society of the Snow is a gripping survival story filled with emotional moments and impressive technical elements.
Directed by J.A. Bayona (The Impossible), this Spanish-language film is based on true events and is a reminder of how Bayona can craft epic disaster/survival stories.
Those familiar with the story of the Uruguayan rugby team (and their companions) whose plane crashes in the Chilean Mountains won’t be surprised by what transpires.

2023 has been an excellent year for television, with solid reboots, satisfying series endings, and more.

This year featured the return of beloved shows like Futurama, the end of critically acclaimed shows like Succession, the debut of shows like Andor, and the continuation of beloved and well-reviewed shows like Abbott Elementary.

Family Guy Season 22 Episode 9, “The Return of the King (of Queens),” is a clever take on streaming vs. cable featuring some genuinely funny moments and dialogue.
This episode, written by Seth MacFarlane, David Zuckerman, and Alex Carter, is disguised as a Christmas episode, but the holidays only make up a small part of the plot.
This last episode of 2023 contains probably more pop culture references than one can count and even includes noted sitcom star Kevin James.

“In the Rearview” is an immersive documentary directed by Maciek Hamela, in which a small van carries Ukrainians away from the frontlines of the war as people leave behind their homes, possessions, animals, and family members.

Director Jeffrey Darling’s new film depicts a serial killer in a different light, as an animal trainer and a chimpanzee accompany him. Still, the narrative fails to be anywhere near as engaging as the premise. It’s the sort of fascinating story that could’ve been much better than it is, especially since the chimp ends up being more interesting than either of the two human characters.

Over the past decade or so, investigations have revealed the cruel behavior that occurs in pigeon racing. Footage and eyewitness accounts have shown that pigeon racing is not a sport; rather, it is animal cruelty. These poor birds are often kept in terrible conditions and are forced to race primarily for the entertainment of humans (and for money). Of course, pigeons aren’t the only animals that are used for sport, but they are the focus of this particular expose.

Family Guy Season 22 Episode 8, “Baking Sad,” is a relatively solid outing of the long-running Fox show that shines a spotlight on the oft-maligned character of Meg.
This episode, written by Seth MacFarlane and David Zuckerman, primarily focuses on Meg. It also gives Peter and his friends airtime, although Meg’s storyline is more prominent.
This eighth episode of the season isn’t nearly as laugh-out-loud as it wants to be, but it’s amusing enough to keep viewers entertained.

Family Guy Season 22 Episode 7, “Snap(ple) Decision,” is a funny yet surprisingly heartfelt episode of the long-running Fox show.
This episode, written by Seth MacFarlane, David Zuckerman, and Travis Bowe, contains plenty of one-liners and pop culture references. But, the show is at its best when focused on longstanding character relationships.
This seventh episode of the season features two pairings of characters involved in typically crazy situations that are also quite new to them.

Family Guy Season 22 Episode 5, “Baby, It’s Cold Inside,” is a somewhat disappointing, only intermittently funny outing of the long-running Seth MacFarlane-created series.
This episode, written by Seth MacFarlane, David Zuckerman, and Danny Smith, is mostly forgettable and features characters doing things we’ve essentially seen them do before.
Despite its best efforts, this fifth episode has very few laugh-out-loud or even amusing moments, and there are too many pop culture references.

Loki Season 2 Episode 6, “Glorious Purpose,” is a spectacularly epic season finale and a reminder of why it is likely the best Disney+ series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far.

Loki Season 2 Episode 2, “Breaking Brad,” is a solid follow-up to the season premiere of Loki, thanks to its mix of more intimate and grounded scenes with a more action-driven plot.

THE STORY – Composer Steven Lauddem is creatively blocked and unable to finish the score for his big comeback opera. At the behest of his wife, Patricia, formerly his therapist, he sets out in search of inspiration and finds much more than he bargained for.

Loki Season 2 Episode 1, “Ouroboros,” is a marvelous return to the Disney+ series after a two-year hiatus, featuring numerous moments that will make fans smile.

This episode, written by Seth MacFarlane, David Zuckerman, and Maggie Mull, is one of the rare Meg-centric episodes, which is a good thing — except the pregnancy storyline is rushed.

Futurama Season 11 Episode 10, “All the Way Down,” is a great way to end the season, as its handling of simulation theory is unique, clever, and funny — with some earnest, heartfelt emotions.