Discover Our Favorite Picks: Films, Books, and More!

It’s Friday again, which means it’s time for more staff picks!

An elderly man smiling and gesturing with his hands while speaking.

Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man

Growing up the movies of Mel Brooks were some of my favorite comedies. Sure, some of the jokes flew over my head, but enough of them landed to have me rolling with laughter that I would watch them again and again. I was pretty eager to watch this new 2-part documentary looking back at his life and body of work as a result, and it proved to be a delight for its entire 4-hour runtime. Fans of his movies like Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, and The Producers will find much to enjoy here and those who previously disparaged them might now look at his films in a new light. Sweet, funny, and enlightening in equal measure. – Sean Farrell

Two people standing together, viewed from behind, against a bright blue background with abstract white shapes.

The Secret of Snow by Tina Harnesk

An elderly couple, Máriddja and Biera, are Sámi, an indigenous people from the Lapland region of Northern Europe, living in northern Sweden. Mariddja has cancer and Biera is beginning to spend more time in his memories. They have been alone in the world since Biera’s sister and young son ran away years before, but they eventually cross paths with a young couple and discover lost family and new joy at the end of their lives. – Shannon Nagle

Abstract depiction of an eye with an elongated, pointed shape and stylized features, set against a light background.

House of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuk

Tokarczuk won my love with Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, and I’m so glad she’s still writing! This title also brings you to a small Polish village, giving you the stories of people who have lived there throughout the years. I enjoyed the stories, loved the writing, and also appreciated getting a very localized history lesson. – Mary Ecklund

A group of four people walking together outside a building, smiling and engaging in conversation. The individuals include two women with curly hair, a man with gray hair, and a young man with long hair. In the background, another person is carrying a box.

Run Away

This 8 episode limited series keeps you guessing at what will happen next and trying to solve the mystery the whole time! Based on Harlan Coben’s 2019 novel of the same title, some changes have been made to the original plot, but if you like murder, crime and a little bit of crazy thrown in, this is for you! – Barbara Brewster

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The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir by Roy Wood Jr.

You may know Roy Wood Jr. from The Daily Show and his many acting roles. His memoir is inspired by the various life lessons he’s wanted to record for his son, highlighting the many people who have acted as father figures for him. You get stories from throughout his life, with brief ruminations on how the people he worked, lived, and spent time with affected who he has become and choices he has made. I loved listening to his stories and thoughts, and his reading for the audiobook is excellent! I had the wonderful privelege of getting to hear Roy Wood Jr. speak about his book at the American Library Association Conference in Philadelphia last spring. During the signing afterwords he showed what a kind person he is – the publisher ran out of books, so he got the information of everyone still in line so he could mail them signed copies. – ME

Two people engaged in a conversation, facing each other with expressions of interest and connection.

Jane Austen’s Period Drama

Filmmakers Julia Aks and Steve Pinder take the conceit of a young woman experiencing the onset of her period during a romantic marriage proposal by a man who doesn’t know what it means and run with it, crafting a charming and hilarious short film. The game cast have a ball with the material that mixes sharp satire with supremely silly gags. Hopefully this Academy Award nominated movie opens doors for the duo, as I would love to see more from them. – SF