Checking The Calendar... "Almost Christmas"

Almost Christmas (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique, Kimberly Elise, Romany Malco, J.B. Smoove, Jessie T. Usher, John Michael Higgins, Omar Epps

Written and Directed by David E. Talbert

The Story:

Walter (Glover) is the family patriarch, and all of his kids are coming home for Christmas. It's the first gathering of the entire family since their mother passed away. Naturally, each of the kids come home with their own life difficulties, but perhaps they can keep the drama to a minimum since it's...Almost Christmas.

Yeah, not likely.

Between 2 sisters that have never seen eye to eye (Union & Elise) a son that is running for office (Malco) regardless of how he might have to compromise his principles, or the aspiring pro athlete (Usher) who may or may not have an addiction problem, there is no shortage of issues among the kids.

Add in some spouses and children, and the household is full and the crazy level is rising with just days before the big event.

There's also some small character moments that bring real life to some of the crazy drama.

Thankfully, nothing is played too crazy; these could be real issues for real families.

It's sweet, sincere, honest and at times very touching.

The cast gels together and the chemistry keeps the family dynamic going.

You may have missed this one in theaters last year, but you've got a chance this upcoming holiday season to add this one to the list and see if it becomes a perennial holiday favorite in your home.

Final Grade: B

He's Not One You Call Dr. Feelgood... "House M.D."

House M.D. (2004)

TV-14

Starring Hugh Laurie, Omar Epps, Lisa Edelstein, Jesse Spencer, Jennifer Morrison, Robert Sean Leonard

The Story:

Dr. Gregory House (Laurie) is a brilliant diagnostician. He loves the mystery ailments of his patients. The only problem...he really doesn't like his patients. :) Using his team (Spencer, Epps, Morrison) to run down all the ailments that it could be, but never is, they work tirelessly to cure their patients.

I used to love this show.

The first 3 seasons were some of the best on television.

Great writing, stellar cast, interesting storylines.

Sure, on occasion some of the cases seemed redundant, but we were here to see House, and the show delivered.

He was a cranky, pill-popping near-cripple with an acid-tongue and heart of stone.

He lives for the mystery, a modern-day Sherlock Holmes (Holmes=House) and his best friend Wilson(Leonard)   (Wilson=Watson) and the dynamic of the show was stellar.

Then in Season 4, the team was broken up, new blood was brought in (Olivia Wilde, Peter Jacobson, etc) and it was the beginning of the end.

It was the beginning of the end.

While still good, the episodes were rarely great.

By season 7, we were in full shark-jumping mode.

I didn't even bother watching an episode of season 8.  I wanted to have pleasant memories of this show.

House is now streaming on Netflix as of this writing.

We'll see if I venture into the later seasons to see how things ended.

As it is, it's nice to revisit some great shows from a decade ago!

Final Grade: A- (and dropping after 3...)

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: One of the few shows I do own. No regrets.