Just One More is now available for streaming on Angel. The film is an emotionally charged coming-of-age story that straddles the delicate line between redemption and despair. Directed by the duo of Kaleb Michael Cook and Kyler David Cook, this indie film showcases performances from Emma Filley, Christian McCartney, Lily Brody, and Lance E. Nichols.

The story revolves around Jess (played by Filley), a recovering addict wrestling with the ghosts of her past. Battling against her personal demons, Jess's life intersects with that of Charles (Nichols), a man facing his own mortality, fervently hoping to be of service to the world “just one more time.” This connection leads Jess to a pair of youthful companions, Xavier (McCartney) and Raya (Brody), as their intertwined lives unfold within the confines of both heartbreak and hope. As Jess embarks on this improbable journey, she grapples with the themes of forgiveness and healing, ultimately discovering the strength to reclaim her future from the clutches of addiction.

Angel is more than just a streaming service; it's a community fueled by over 2 million Angel Guild members, each driven by a shared purpose to showcase stories that illuminate the human experience. By joining the Angel Guild, you gain access to a platform that supports stories infused with hope and truth, while also having a say in the films and shows produced. Angel offers a tiered membership structure: Basic with Ads (starting at $12/month), Basic (from $18/month), and Premium (beginning at $20/month), which includes perks like 4K streaming and free movie tickets.

Ah, remember those blissful days when movies lingered in theaters for four to five months, allowing us to revel in the big screen magic before succumbing to the temptations of rental shelves at Blockbuster? It feels like a lifetime ago. Nowadays, films seem to sprint from the silver screen to digital rental platforms in the blink of an eye—just weeks after their theatrical debut! It's a perplexing shift, leaving me pondering if studios might pocket more dough by keeping their cinematic gems out of our living rooms a little longer. But I digress—who am I, just a seasoned moviegoer mourning the golden age of cinema?

So, let’s venture into the world of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, shall we? This is the third and final chapter of the beloved Downton Abbey movie saga—though I can't help but wonder if some ambitious soul might just whip up another spinoff or tempting remake down the line. Let’s not dwell on that unsettling possibility just yet. The film made its grand entrance in cinemas on September 12, and within a mere month, it’s already gracing digital platforms for rent and purchase. Apparently, it managed to rake in around $80 million at the box office—not too shabby for a British series born from the hallowed halls of PBS! Who would have imagined a $50 million budget finale sprouting from a humble TV show?

MY PENGUIN FRIEND (PG; 97 minutes) is a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure that captivates viewers with its touching narrative. Scheduled for release on Digital and On Demand platforms by Lionsgate on October 1, this uplifting family film boasts a talented cast including the esteemed Jean Reno, known for his remarkable role in Léon: The Professional, alongside Academy Award nominee Adriana Barraza recognized for her performance in Babel, as well as rising talents Alexia Moyano from The Kingdom and Nicolás Francella from Victoria Small. Directed by David Schurmann, who brings a genuine warmth to the story, and produced by Steven P. Wegner, celebrated for his work on family films like The Garfield Movie and Dolphin Tale 2, MY PENGUIN FRIEND is available for a suggested retail price of $14.99 for Electronic Sell-Through (EST) and at $5.99 on Video On Demand (VOD).

The newest ghostwritten V.C. Andrews novel, Out of the Rain, was published last month by Gallery Books. It's the sequel to "The Umbrella Lady" (here's the link to my review if anyone wants to read it) written by Andrew Neiderman - otherwise known as the ghostwriter. After V.C. Andrews died in 1986, her family and publisher hired Andrew Neiderman (The Devil's Advocate) to write the Flowers in the Attic prequel Garden of Shadows, based on Ms. Andrews' notes, and finish the Casteel series. Since then, Mr. Neiderman has penned each new V.C. Andrews title, who just celebrated his 81st birthday in October.

New York Times Bestselling Author Jude Deveraux released her newest romantic novel, Meant To Be, way back in early March. I, for one, was excited about this standalone title. For those who don't know me, let me give a quick history lesson. My mother was a big fan of Jude Deveraux's historical romances in the 1980s and early 1990s. At an early age, I read a few of my mother's Deveraux books. As an adult, I became a follower of Jude Deveraux's writings, which explains why I'm writing a review for Meant To Be.

Available on Paperback

Final Thoughts