Sweet Tooth: I'd go there if I were you

TV Series Review: Sweet Tooth (2021) on Netflix

I haven't reviewed television here much, but there's a new Netflix original series you might want to know about: Sweet Tooth.

Have you seen it? It's really quite interesting, about a surprise new species of hybrid humans that emerges during a pandemic, creating a post-apocalyptic world of survival. The main character is a young boy named Gus raised in isolation by his fearful father, and when his plans to save his hybrid son from the dangerous world go awry, Gus sets out on his own looking for his estranged mother in a faraway place. 

We're only on episode 3 and we're already mesmerized by the compelling storytelling. Each episode begins simply but then the story complicates as you realize even in a post-apocalyptic world really, nothing is simple--Gus's life, his struggle for survival, is very complicated. Episode 1 is about Gus's relationship with his father and discovering the dangers of the outside world. Episode 2 introduces Big Man, who reluctantly helps Gus on his quest to find his mother, and new characters tied up in the pandemic. Episode 3 has Big Man trying to ditch Gus and a group of hybrids coming to the rescue. There is an excellent list of the eight episodes on IMDb.

Sweet Tooth is based on a graphic novel. And by the way, Sweet Tooth is a nickname given to Gus by Big Man, because Gus loves sweets--what 10 year old doesn't?

Cast is awesome. Gus is played by Christian Convery, who has a lot to carry on his very young shoulders and does it well. Big Guy (Tommy Jepperd) is played by Nonso Anozie, who is totally badass as the reluctant hero. Pubba (the crazed father) is played by Will Forte. And James Brolin serves as the amiable all-knowing series narrator.

This series has a lot of heart and the writing is superb. If you're saying to yourself, "I don't know..." I'd go there if I were you. I dare you to watch the first episode without feeling motivated to go to the next, and the next, and the next...

Playing with Fire: Young Kids Will Probably Love It

Movie Review: Playing with Fire (2019)
Version: Library borrow

In Playing with Fire, a group of fire divers swoop in to save the day at a fire-engulfed cabin. What they discover inside is a teen and her two young siblings huddled under cover waiting for their parents to return from dinner away. Fire safety code says the firefighters can't release children on their own, so they bring the threesome back to the station until the parents can pick them up -- the next morning. None of the crew are parents and find themselves unmatched against Brynn (Brianna Hildbrand), Zoey (Finley Rose Slater), and Will (Christian Convery), who turn out to be very wily orphans on the run from the Department of Protective Services. Awkwardly trying to match wits are Supe (John Cena), the leader of the station, Mark (Keegan-Michael Key), with a heart of gold, Rodrigo (John Leguizamo), the not too bright cook, and Axe (Tyler Mane), all brawn and no talk. The kids are clearly way ahead of them all the way.

Now, keep in mind this film was made by Nickelodeon so it's written with kid humor. Don't be surprised if you feel it lacks sophistication. Young kids, on the other hand, will probably be rolling on the floor with laughter. And appreciation for its pandering to their mindset. They know their audience! Where I found my first laugh and really began enjoying the film was about three-quarters of the way through -- and then it steamrolled to the end. Adults: be patient and give it a chance; watch it with your kids and enjoy them having fun through the first part of the film. I promise it gets better for you with the payoff towards the end. If you don't have young kids to watch Playing with Fire with, don't bother! You've been warned.

I won't pretend this film made my day (or evening). But if you have young kids and want to entertain them with an unoffensive film some afternoon or evening, Playing with Fire may be your answer.