As fall temps creep in, snuggling on the couch with something warm might just be what the doctor ordered

Patrice (HULU)

A real-life story about Patrice Jetter, who has a disability but she has never let that stop her from chasing dreams. Meeting another person with a disability named Gary, the two decided they wanted to get married but the inanity law in the US would mean they would lose their disability benefits. We haven’t seen it yet, but we’re told the takeaway is to never stop fighting for what you believe in.

The Perfect Couple (Netflix) 

This one has been out for several weeks. The whodunit series of six episodes are binge worthy, where you’ll be hitting “next episode” just because you’ll want to just find out whodunit. It’s not particularly the best series out there but Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber do pretty good. The take away is that serious secrets are not good in a nuclear family. Being forthcoming and open, especially with your kids will always fare better.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)

This also has been out a while, since mid-September. It’s hard to watch in some spots. If you were alive and recall, this story topped US headlines in 1989 when Jose and Kitty Menendez were murdered by their two sons. There have been many movies about the event, and this one like what’s out there is over sensationalized in some parts. No matter what side of the fence you’re on, the sexual and mental abuse the Menendez brothers faced by their father is unconscionable. Thirty years after their conviction of life without parole, new found interest in their story, key evidence that wasn’t in their second trail, the TicTok generation, this Netflix series, and society’s changing view on boys being molested has sparked the Los Angeles district attorney to look at things again, and a hearing for their case will be held at the end of November 2024, where the DA will decide if there will be a retrial or re-sentencing.

The takeaway is to remember that God gives people children as blessings, to be there as legacy and strength- not to be abused and misused. The Bible verse Psalm 127:4 comes to mind: “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Netflix)

Part of the Bad Boy franchise, it is action packed and something to occupy the weekend. A family fun film, it’ll make you laugh. The takeaway from the film is how special close friendships are, and the value of being loyal even when situations get dicey.

Lonely Planet (Netflix)

A find-yourself love film, it stars Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth, about a novelist who travels to Morocco for a writer’s retreat and falls for a younger guy. The takeaway? I don’t know. I’ll be tuning in this weekend to find out.