If you ask most people who created ‘Batman’, they’ll usually say Bob Kane. The truth, however,
is that Bill Finger played a heavier role in the creation of Batman than Kane. And he’s rarely
been credited for his incredible contributions to one of DC Comics’ most popular characters.
This revealing documentary by directors Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce, is an incredibly
fascinating picture that looks into both the lore of the character, the tireless work of Finger, and
the push to set the record straight about how Batman really came to be.
"Happiest Season"
Coming home for the holidays is a bit of a stressful ordeal for Harper. She’s decided that this
year she’ll bring her girlfriend Abby home to meet her parents. The problem is that Harper didn’t
inform Abby that she’s still in the closet with her folks. Even worse, Harper’s father is a
conservative politician who is running on a platform of family values. Christmas becomes all the
more troublesome to navigate when the couple struggle to keep their romance a secret. But
they may discover there are more secrets amid their homecoming that lurk behind the prim and
proper lifestyle of a suburban family. This off-beat Christmas comedy features an all-star cast -
that includes Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Mary
Holland, Victor Garber and Mary Steenburgen.
"Palm Springs"
Sarah is hoping that her sister’s wedding will be over quick. However, that day will last forever
when she accidentally falls into a ‘time loop’ reliving the same day over and over again. No
matter what she does, live or die, she is trapped in this world where everyday will be the same.
She’s not alone, however, as she shares this day with Nyles, someone who has already been
looping the same day for quite some time. Together, they learn to make the most of their
unlimited time but also find a means of breaking the curse. It’s an off-beat comedy of dark
slapstick, romantic ventures, and a contemplation on friendship and life. It also features some
solid comedic performances by Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J. K. Simmons.
“Plan B”
Sunny and Lupe are the best of teenage friends in South Dakota. But when Sunny loses her
virginity and fears she may be pregnant, she needs Lupe’s help to find a ‘Plan B’ pill. Since the
local pharmacy denies their request for the pill, they set off on a road trip for ‘Planned
Parenthood’. Despite the rather somber subject matter, this buddy road-trip dynamic is hilarious
with plenty of ridiculous antics along the way, one of which involves an odd piercing. There’s
great drama that touches on a very timely issue but also a lot of smiles and laughs to be had in
this wild trip. “Plan B” has been available for streaming on Hulu since 2021.
"Summer of Soul"
The 1969 'Harlem Cultural Festival' was an event recorded but wasn’t truly televised. It
was a major free event where some of the finest music of the era was presented with such
performers as Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, The 5th Dimension, The Staple
Singers, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Blinky Williams, Sly and the Family Stone and the Chambers
Brothers. Footage of this event went unseen for decades and has now been restored for this
fascinating documentary. It’s not just a fine showcase of some of
the best music from African-Americans of the 1960’s but also a strong encapsulation of the
political landscape. It’s as intriguing to watch as it is fun to listen to with its mixture of interviews
and music.
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