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FROM: SEASON THREE Starring: Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, David Alpay, Elizabeth Saunders, Scott McCord, Ricky He, Chloe Van Landschoot, Pegah Ghafoori, Corteon Moore, Hannah Cheramy, Simon Webster, Avery Konrad, Elizabeth Moy, Robert Joy, and Samantha Brown Creator: John Griffin QUENTIN After a second season that felt like it was spinning its wheels a bit too much, From : Season Three is a return to form, at least through the first four episodes that were provided to critics. The writers are starting to answer questions and provide a clear path ahead instead of simply piling mysteries on top of more mysteries. The performances are on par with previous seasons (both good and bad), with Harold Perrineau shouldering much of the emotional weight, and the horror elements, as well as the overall town setting, are becoming more developed. Much to my delight, From has rebounded from the sophomore slump.

WOLF LIKE ME Starring: Isla Fisher, Josh Gad, and Ariel Donoghue QUENTIN As a rom-com, Wolf Like Me is far more (horror)-rom than (dark)-com, but it’s still an entertaining enough diversion despite being fairly predictable. It requires a lot of patience to start, with the first two episodes slowly setting up a reveal that everyone should see coming a mile away; However, after that, it picks up just enough steam to carry the viewer through a super quick, 6-episode binge that takes just over two hours. Sure, it’s slight and generally unremarkable, but…and I say this as someone who cannot stand Josh Gad...Gad and Isla Fisher manage to keep it engaging somehow.

SHRINKING: SEASON ONE Starring: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, and Ted McGinley Creators: Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, and Jason Segel NICK It takes a couple episodes to find its footing, but Shrinking quickly turns into what will undoubtedly be one of my favourite new series of the year. The cast and writing are solid across the board, and the mix of R-rated comedy and heartfelt emotional moments balance wonderfully. It’s also the most checked-in performance we’ve seen from Harrison Ford in quite some time. He’s the standout of the series for me, alongside the undercast and very funny Christa Miller. It may not necessarily be a feel good show like Ted Lasso , but it’s a relatable one that still finds levity in its darker moments. PAIGE Shrinking 's greatest weapon is its charming cast, as the ensemble’s chemistry is what makes this 10-episode therapy session worth sitting through. It’s pleasant, with great humor that gives off Ted Lasso vibes; however, it lacks a true narrative, which, unfortunately, leads it to feeling flat. There are no real repercussions for certain character choices or meaningful conflict in the series, which leaves Shrinking as a serviceable distraction to watch without having to think much about it. Not that that's the worst thing, but it could have been better. If you’re going to watch this show, binge it for its breezy episodes and Jason Segel's cool truck. AMARÚ What do you get when Ted Lasso ’s Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) writes a show for How I Met Your Mother’ s Marshall (Jason Segel), co-starring grumpy Indiana Jones (do I really need to clarify)? Pure awesomeness! Shrinking is one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in a long time. It uses Segel’s bread and butter…which is to say hilarious sadness…to deal with grief and trauma in the purest way possible: honestly. Every single character is deeply flawed and extremely likable, and there isn’t a weak link in the incredible ensemble (Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford, and Luke Tennie are awesome). Yes to Shrinking . Just yes. QUENTIN I don’t really have anything “bad” to say about Shrinking , other than to say it’s just not my cup of tea. It’s the kind of show that insists all of its well-to-do characters have real problems, yet none of the problems present any real conflict or consequences. Characters fight, then immediately make up; Jason Segel’s character is a “mess,” but still very successful. It presents a world where everyone is there to help, and it does so with a cloying purity that is hollow and spineless. Harrison Ford has a few good moments, but even his typical gruffness can’t overcome the overly sappy sentimentality on display.

DR. DEATH Starring: Joshua Jackson, Alec Baldwin, Christian Slater, Grace Gummer, AnnaSophia Robb, Dominic Burgess, Molly Griggs, and Kelsey Grammer Creator: Patrick Macmanus QUENTIN Dr. Death has two things going for it: great acting and an interesting and alarming true story. However, the structure of the storytelling is a bit wonky. First, the pacing is off. It draws you in quickly, but drags in the middle as it gives the titular character's backstory. Second, it's constantly jumping between multiple time periods, so the order of events isn't always clear despite it giving dates and locations. Still, it's fairly gripping, so much so that it pushes you to Google the actual events as soon as the show ends to learn more. That's a success.

Previous Next Happy Halloween! We decided to drop our Top Five list for you a day early to give you another October 31st treat! With that being said, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Horror Comedies. For inclusion on this list, a film needs to be intended comedy as opposed to "so bad it's good" or a horror with comedic moments. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. GHOSTBUSTERS When it comes to horror comedy classics, who you gonna call? For such a simple concept on paper (I wouldn't call fighting ghosts revolutionary), Ghostbusters has stood the test of time for a reason. Beyond being funny and endlessly quotable, Ghostbusters is a fun-as-hell adventure, and one that will remain in the pantheon of comedy classics until film dies out. Bill Murray steals every single scene he's in, of course, but Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and the late, great Harold Ramis are all hysterical as well. To put it bluntly, Ghostbusters came, saw, and kicked ass. - Adriano 4. GREMLINS Director Joe Dante's Gremlins is the definition of iconic. The silly little mogwai has been a staple of pop culture since the film's release back in '84, and you can still feel his influence today through characters like Baby Yoda, who's essentially just a dollar-bin Gizmo. It's impossible not to fall for this film's small-town charm, the incredible puppetry, and the hilarious cartoon energy. This 80s classic brings the laughs, but it’s also pretty creepy because I distinctly remember the swimming pool scene giving me nightmares as a kid. If you're looking for a great horror comedy to watch this holiday season, you can never go wrong with Gremlins . - Caleb 3. BEETLEJUICE Beetlejuice is Tim Burton-directing at its best, and one of the most originally written comedy-horror films of its kind. Its success is somewhat self-evident… I mean, there was a Beetlejuice cartoon, several video games, a musical, and now a sequel coming next year for Beetleju …whew, that was close! This film is infinitely clever in its hilariously complicated and overly bureaucratic afterlife that forces the involvement of the aforementioned freelance “bio-exorcist” (Michael Keaton) and shifty miscreant we’ve come to love. It’s memorable and (kind of) wholesome family fun. All I need to say is “Daaaay-O,” and, yep…you know the scene! - Preston 2. SHAUN OF THE DEAD There would be no Cornetto Trilogy if the first movie wasn’t pure perfection. Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright blend the exact right amount of comedy into the zombie genre to make something uniquely singular, but still scary enough to not feel like a parody. The entire cast fits right into place with the film’s kinetic yet dry energy (don’t ask me how those two fit together) to make an instant classic that is sure to make many a Best Of… list to come. - Amarú 1. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS The best horror film about horror films, The Cabin in the Woods stands out as one of the single most original horror comedies ever. Despite relying entirely on tropes, well-worn stereotypes, and familiar plot points, it totally subverts all expectations and revitalises the genre by satirizing the mechanics of the horror movie. It’s extremely smart and funny, yet it doesn’t take itself too seriously while still bringing some genuine scares, fantastic special effects, and one of the most thrilling and unexpected third acts I’ve ever seen, not to mention its fantastic cast and pitch-perfect performances. - Katie HONORABLE MENTIONS WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS THE FRIGHTENERS TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL JENNIFER'S BODY READY OR NOT Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Columbia Pictures; Photo 2, 3 - Warner Bros.; Photo 4 - Rogue Pictures; Photo 5 - Lionsgate

REACHER: SEASON TWO Starring: Alan Ritchson, Maria Sten, Serinda Swan, Shaun Sipos, Ferdinand Kingsley, Robert Patrick, and Domenick Lombardozzi Creator: Nick Santora QUENTIN You may recall that I named Reacher one of 2022’s best new series (refresh your memory HERE ). After nearly two years, it’s back…and it’s fine, I suppose. It has the same mix of violence and dry humor, but gone is Alan Ritchson’s charisma and the cast chemistry that made Season One such a delight. Ritchson simply plays the role too…stoically? brooding?...this time around, and it really sucks the air out of the balloon. Plus, the central investigation isn’t as interesting, and while the flashbacks may help with character development, they hurt narrative momentum. It’s still enjoyable, in a beach-read kinda way, but it’s a step backwards.

Previous Next With House of the Dragon just underway and the highly anticipated The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power releasing, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Fantasy Franchises. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films/series in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. SHREK It may not be the first franchise you think of when you think of fantasy, but Shrek deserves its place in the Bitesize Top Five. Featuring superb performances from Mike Myers & Eddie Murphy, memorable quotes & one liners, and a killer soundtrack, this fairy tale is one of the greatest animated film series of all time. And it’s not even from Pixar. Give me a fifth installment, like now. - Nick 4. THE PRINCESS BRIDE Let me explain why The Princess Bride is damn near a perfect movie, fantasy or otherwise…no, there is too much. Let me sum up… It has romance, action, adventure, humor, memorable characters, and quotable line after quotable line. It’s also a timeless tale of true love, revenge, and friendship told through pirates, giants, princesses, and literal miracle workers. To paraphrase our hero: there’s a shortage of perfect movies in the world. It would be a pity to overlook this one. - Quentin 3. THE WIZARD OF OZ Although both of Victor Fleming’s 1939 films have left significant legacies, it's the all-time fantasy classic The Wizard of Oz that has truly endured (Gone With the Wind is the other). Judy Garland’s impeccable performance and the film’s timeless music are only out-classed by the film’s technical wizardry and sheer imagination. More than 80 years later, the reveal of technicolor remains the definition of pure movie magic. - Jacob 2. HARRY POTTER The Harry Potter universe allows fans to leave their ordinary lives behind for a world that brings a sense of magic, comfort, and love. I mean, we all need a little magic in our lives, and who doesn’t want to be a wizard or receive a letter from Hogwarts? The adventures and culture of this fantasy world - with all its magical creatures, potions, and spells - is the perfect escape from our own reality. At the same time, it provides a wonderful sense of belonging through all the lovable characters. - Paige 1. THE LORD OF THE RINGS A Beautiful Mind should not have won 2001’s Best Picture Oscar, and Chicago FOR DAMN SURE shouldn’t have won in 2002. There should have been a three-peat sweep for Peter Jackson’s magnum opus trilogy of world building, adaptation, and storytelling. The Lord of the Rings is the best fantasy series, best trilogy, and, straight up, three of the best movies of all time. Riots would have broken out if Mystic freakin’ River had won in 2003. - Amarú HONORABLE MENTIONS GAME OF THRONES HOOK PAN'S LABYRINTH THE SWORD IN THE STONE HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Dreamworks Pictures; Photo 2 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 3 - MGM Studios; Dreamworks Pictures; Photo 4 - Warner Bros; Photo 5 - New Line Cinema

MACGRUBER: SEASON ONE Starring: Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, Sam Elliott, Laurence Fishburne, and Billy Zane Creators: Will Forte, John Solomon, and Jorma Taccone QUENTIN It’s hard to say if the uninitiated will fall for MacGruber ’s dumb-funny charms, but for fans of the 2010 movie, this sequel series hits the sweet spot by being absurd and nonsensical in the best of ways. It’s the type of movie where a character, completely straight-faced, says “We are the fucking cavalry!” while struggling to put The Club on a mid-90s Mazda Miata. Ultimately, MacGruber is to Rambo as Austin Powers is to James Bond, and this show should be on your radar if you love over-the-top, lowbrow humor. Plus, Maya Rudolph’s opening recap song is a hilarious banger.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY Starring: Brie Larson, Lewis Pullman, Aja Naomi King, Stephanie Koenig, Kevin Sussman, and Alice Halsey Creator: Lee Eisenberg PAIGE The highly anticipated adaptation of Lessons in Chemistry has arrived, and it’s a charming series that transports its audience back to the 1950s, touching on themes of sexism in the workplace, racism, and one seeking a connection to something or someone. Although it exploits these themes in a fluff-piece manner, which makes it feel a little generic at times, that doesn’t take away from the lovely story being displayed on screen. Brie Larson, who portrays Elizabeth Zott, delivers a powerhouse performance that should allow women from all over to feel liberated enough to follow their hopes and dreams.

GEORGE & TAMMY Starring: Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Steve Zahn, Walton Goggins, Kelly McCormack, Katy Mixon, and David Wilson Barnes Creator: Abe Sylvia QUENTIN I was raised on George Jones’ music, so, admittedly, George & Tammy probably had to do far less lifting to get me on board than for others. I also admit that it felt a tad too short at only six episodes, certainly leaving many explosive stories on the cutting room floor. That said, I was immediately hooked. Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon are both excellent as Country Music’s King and Queen, even doing their own singing (especially impressive for Shannon, as Jones’ voice was so distinctive). All in all, and personal bias recognized, one of the best and most underrated shows of 2022.

PEAKY BLINDERS: THE FINAL SEASON Starring: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sam Claflin, Tom Hardy, Sophie Rundle, Ned Dennehy, Benjamin Zephaniah, Natasha O’Keeffe, Finn Cole, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, Kate Phillips, Harry Kirton, Daryl McCormack, Pauline Turner, Emmett J. Scanlan, Charlene McKenna, Amber Anderson, James Frecheville, Conrad Khan, and Stephen Graham Creator: Steven Knight QUENTIN For its final season, Peaky Blinders made some big changes, including a time jump and introducing a reformed Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy). Unfortunately, New Tommy makes for a mostly dull gangster. He no longer drinks whiskey, is less prone to settling matters with a Tommy Gun, and spends the majority of the season in smoke-filled meetings instead of making things happen “by order of the Peaky Fookin’ Blinders.” Meanwhile, all other major characters are sidelined (Arthur (Paul Anderson) is especially wasted), and the ending is a total cop out. Despite the typically stellar acting and cinematography, it’s a disappointing end to a generally great series.

A MAN IN FULL Starring: Jeff Daniels, Diane Lane, William Jackson Harper, Aml Ameen, Tom Pelphrey, Sarah Jones, Jon Michael Hill, Chanté Adams, Lucy Liu, Bill Camp, and Evan Roe Creator: David E. Kelley QUENTIN A Man in Full provides both too much and too little in its six relatively short episodes. It provides too much because there are five or so loosely connected plotlines, so pacing and momentum are an issue; it provides too little because there are so many story threads that most of them are underdeveloped (or worse, almost completely separated from the other plots, making them less engaging). That said, there are some great moments , almost all of which stem from William Jackson Harper or the contentious rivalry between Charlie (Jeff Daniels) and Harry (a fantastic Bill Camp), ultimately resulting in an unfocused acting showcase.