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MacGuffin or Meaning: Film & TV Reviews and Reflections

Regular reviews of and reflections on your favorite films and television shows.

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Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 3 Recap/Review: Seeing Yourself

Recap and review of Apple TV's Ted Lasso, season 4, episode 3, "Richmond’s Got Talent.”

Paper Flowers Review: Gratitude Matters

Paper Flowers from director Mahesh Pailoor, based on the true story of Shalin Shah, is a powerful reminder of the power of gratitude.

The End of Oak Street Review: Fun Premise, Flat Characters

The End of Oak Street from David Robert Mitchell includes a lot of nostalgic elements, but without the storytelling that makes it truly satisfying.

Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 2 Recap/Review: The Sting is Everything

Recap and review of Apple TV's Ted Lasso, season 4, episode 2, "Curiouser and Curiouser"

One Night Only Review: Still Fascist, Even if They're Hot

One Night Only from director Will Gluck, or the Sex Purge movie, is a poor rom-com unwilling to engage with its premise in any meaningful way.

A Mosquito in the Ear Review: Learning to Listen

A Mosquito in the Ear from director Nicola Rinciari is an understated, honest look at transcontinental adoption, both the good and the bad.

Sugar Season 2 Episode 8 Recap: A Little Bit Better

Recap and review of Apple TV's Sugar, season 2, episode 8, "Like Sugar."

Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 1 Recap/Review: Ain't Got to be Common

Recap and review of Apple TV's Ted Lasso, season 4, episode 1, "Home."

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Review: You Can't Do It Alone

Destin Daniel Cretton has continue the Tom Holland Spider-Man story that has a muddled villain, but a heart-felt hero.

She's the He! Review: Trans High School Satire Soars

She's the He! from Siobhan McCarthy is a brilliant satire about trans bathroom panic, told with lots of heart and maybe too much gross-out comedy.

Sugar Season 2 Episode 7 Recap: Last Chance

Recap and review of Apple TV's Sugar, season 2, episode 7, "What Else Can You Do?"

Splash City Review: Reaping What You Sow

Splash City from co-directors Berner and Alex Ferrufino is a crime thriller with a pair of excellent performances from its leads.

The Odyssey Review: You Can't Go Home Again

The Odyssey from Christopher Nolan is a towering epic in its own right, highlighting tremendous performances and incredible practical effects.

Obsession Review: Consent is Sexy

Obsession from writer and director Curry Barker is a fascinating look at dating and consent with an outstanding performance from Inde Navarrette.

Sugar Season 2 Episode 6 recap: The Joy of Finger Painting

Recap and review of Apple TV's Sugar, season 2, episode 6, "Cautionary Tale."

Hadestown: The Musical Review: It's a Sad Song, but We're Gonna Sing It Again

Brett Sullivan's Hadestown: The Musical pro-shot takes an already perfect show and somehow enhances it.

King of the Hill Season 15 Review: Big Issues Made Personal

Season 15 of Mike Judge's show King of the Hill continues the tradition of tackling large issues with compassionate, humorous, and personal stories.

Sugar Season 2 Episode 5 Recap: Ashes Ashes We All Fall Down

Recap and review of Apple TV's Sugar, season 2, episode 5, "Unknowns."

Lucky Review: Family First Crime Thriller

Lucky on Apple TV starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Timothy Olyphant is a clever, fast-paced thriller that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The Invite Review: Communication is Key

Olivia Wilde comes back strong with The Invite, a sexy, touching film about learning to talk to your partner.

Tuner Review: Unique and Compelling Crime Thriller

Tuner from director Daniel Roher is a fun movie that effortlessly blends romance and action, while telling a fantastic story.

Sugar Season 2 Episode 4 Recap: Thou Shalt Not Kill

Recap and review of Apple TV's Sugar, season 2, episode 4, "Off 15."