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Features Editor and the Prison Garden

 Friday: Michael (2026)

       This is based on a true story. Michael Jackson is a young boy living in Indiana. His father, Joesph, forces him and four of his brothers to be in a band. From a young age it is clear Michael has talent. Joesph is controlling and abusive. All that matters is that they are perfect and become famous. They become the Jackson 5 and are soon picked up by Motown. Once Michael reached his 20s he was ready to do his own thing. He wanted to go solo. But his father wouldn't let him. He could record an album he just also had to still perform with his brothers. Michael's first album was a hit and he started on his second. He needed to try and separate himself from family, especially his father. Even as his fame rose he struggled get out of the control of his dad. I thought this movie was good. It's definitely a sugar coated version of events. There is a lot they leave out. It does look like they are thinking of doing a second movie. So it will be interesting to see if they go into all the accusations and controversies. He is complicated. He had an abusive father. No childhood. So I can see how that could mess him up. But he was also really talented and seemed like he could be really nice. It's complicated.

Saturday: Keeping Mum (2005)

         Gloria is the wife of a pastor, Walter. He is always off in his own little world. Dissatisfied Gloria starts an affair with her golf instructor. Then their new housekeeper, Grace, arrives. Grace seems nice enough. Soon their problems start to be solved. The yappy dog is silent. The bullies stop bothering Gloria's son. Grace helps Gloria and Walter reconnect. It all seems fine. But then they discover her methods are violent and chaotic. The bullies stopped because she cut the brakes on their bikes and many got seriously injured. Others surrounding the family suffered worse fates. Gloria and her family aren't sure how to deal with this. This movie was alright. Grace (played by Maggie Smith) is like a murderous Mary Poppins. 

Sunday: Greenfingers (2000)

          This movie is based on true events. Colin is in prison. He's accepted that he will be there for the rest of his life. He sees no reason to try and make his life better. Colin is transferred to a lower security prison. It is basically a large estate in the country with no gates and minimal guards. The understanding being if you escape you will go straight back to prison anyways so might as well stay at a place that is nicer. Colin's cellmate is a kind old man named Fergus. Colin is not interested in being friends. Fergus ends up giving Colin flower seeds. He plants them. Colin is amazed when they actually grow. The warden sees this and decided to start a garden group. Colin, Fergus and others are tasked with starting a garden. Colin falls in love with gardening. They want to enter a garden competition. The group gets help from a famous gardener, Georgina. I thought this movie was good. I enjoyed it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Friday:The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)

            Andy has become a successful journalist. Her paper gets shut down and she's without a job. Runway (the magazine) is facing scrutiny for working with a company that uses illegal sweatshops. Andy is brought in as the features editor to help fix it. Miranda has no memory of her and is annoyed she's there. Meanwhile they need help from Emily, now a higher up at Dior. The future of Runway is in jeopardy. Andy and Miranda have to work together to try and save it. This movie was good. It has the same feel as the original. Maybe not the best movie ever, but pretty good for a sequel 20 years after the original.  

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