It has been well-established that “Spider-Man: Far From Home” dominated the box office over the Christmas and New Year weekends, with “Sing 2” putting in a strong showing at #2. After that came a cluster of also-rans, none of which did particularly well critically or commercially. Rather than single one out, I’ve decided to take a look at three in one sitting, starting with the biggest disappointment… “The Matrix Resurrections” Only $30 million over two holiday weekends? For a franchise that held the record for biggest opening weekend for an R-rated movie for over 10 years? The new movie must really be bad to perform this poorly. And yes, it is. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss are back for this shameless cash-grab of a sequel (minus the part where it grabs much cash). Beloved original cast members Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving are not back, their roles recast with Yahya Abdul-Manteen II and Jonathan Groff, respectively. I’m sure the film explained why Morpheus and Agent Smith don’t look the same this time around, but I couldn’t follow it. Just like I couldn’t follow the movie digging up one piece of 20-year-old “Matrix” lore after another. The film makes lots of meta-jokes about how the series should have been left alone, but the soulless studio had to interfere. The trilogy wasn’t exactly perfect the way it was, but this way-too-late revisiting isn’t helping its legacy, and the self-deprecating humor only makes things worse. Grade: C- “The Matrix Resurrections” is rated R for violence and some language. Its running time is 148 minutes. “The King’s Man” I enjoyed 2014’s “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and even have a soft spot for its 2017 sequel “The Golden Circle.” This prequel gave me much less enjoyment and it will not occupy a soft spot in my heart. Ralph Fiennes stars as Duke Orlando of Oxford, a British aristocrat in the early 20th century that desperately wants to stop the world from going to war, to the point where he will engage in some battles of his own. I guess Fiennes saw the success of his “Schindler’s List” costar Liam Neeson and decided that he too could reinvent himself as an action star in his 50’s. He’s trying, but the rest of the movie lets him down. The other two “Kingsman” movies balanced outlandishness and heart so well, but this one just takes itself too seriously too often, especially in a storyline where Orlando’s son (Harris Dickinson) wants to go off to war. Things are only fun when the villains are onscreen, with Rasputin (Rhys Ifans) being a particular scene-stealer. The film is unsure of what tone it wants, which ironically makes me very sure that it’s an uninteresting mess. Grade: C- “The King’s Man” is rated R for sequences of strong/bloody violence, language, and some sexual innuendo. Its running time is 130 minutes. “American Underdog” The story of Rams great Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi) is seemingly tailor-made to be an inspirational sports movie. We see the quarterback as he rises through high school, ekes out a decent run in college, goes undrafted for the NFL, falls, lasts one day with the Packers, falls, falls, falls, makes a comeback through arena football, and finally makes it into the NFL for a first-year Super Bowl win. But it’s not all about football. We also follow him as he pursues a relationship with his eventual wife Brenda (Anna Paquin). This is a struggle too, as the couple has to deal with financial woes, a special needs child, and a demanding road schedule. But there’s a Brenda Warner credited as an executive producer in the film’s titles, so my guess is that things work out. Simply put, if this is the kind of movie you like, you’ll like this movie. I’m not a sports guy, and some of the conflict seemed forced despite its real-life basis, but I see the appeal. Like its main character, this movie has a big heart, if not much else. Grade: C “American Underdog” is rated PG for some language and thematic elements. Its running time is 112 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

On Saturday, January 8, 2022, free Covid-19 vaccination shots will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive M.B. Church. Pfizer and Moderna first, second and booster shots will be administered by the Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. Children and adults are welcome and no advance appointment is required. See flyer, below. Location: Mt. Olive M.B. Church Fellowship Hall 6449 W. Northside Drive Bolton, MS 39041 Date and Time: Saturday, January 8, 2022 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. COVID-19 vaccinations for Mississippians are available at no cost from MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health) sites around the state, and from local pharmacies and healthcare providers. Find a free vaccination near you at https://msdh.ms.gov/c19vaccination Related Story: https://www.boltonms.com/post/state-dept-of-health-stresses-need-for-covid-19-safeguards

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” was the #1 movie this past weekend. Let me rephrase that – “Spider-Man: No Way Home” became the #1 movie of 2021 this past weekend, its opening weekend, when it made an estimated $253 million at the domestic box office. As if that weren’t enough, the film made for the most immersive theater experience I’ve had in years, with the audience cheering and screaming at every turn. When we last saw Peter Parker aka Spider-Man (Tom Holland), his secret identity had been revealed by no-good newscaster J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons). Thanks to a very good lawyer, no criminal charges can be pressed for presumed misdeeds from the last film, but there are still consequences. For example, Peter and his friends M.J. (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) are rejected from M.I.T. for their role in the controversy. But then Peter remembers that he has friends that can pull some strings with the entire upturning of his life. He goes to see Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), and asks him to perform a spell that can make people forget that he’s Spider-Man. Strange agrees, but Peter tries to make him change the spell midway through, which screws things up. Things go so sideways that a hole is torn in the universe, and Spider-Man adversaries are brought in from other dimensions. Thus, Peter has to contend with Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), Dr. Octopus (Alfred Molina), Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), Lizard (Rhys Ifans), and Electro (Jamie Foxx). Strange can send the villains back to their own dimensions, which will kill them, but Peter’s Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) tells Peter that he owes it to them to try to cure them of what makes them evil. After all, it was Great Power that brought them to this world… It’s a ball to see Peter interact with the five returning characters. Not all of them are crazy about the idea of being “cured,” but they go along with it as opposed to the immediate death that Strange would bring. Fortunately, most of their origins come from lab accidents that can be countered with science. Still, the situation spins out of control pretty quickly. Peter needs some help, and it’s a poorly-kept secret at this point that the multiverse provides. And that’s when the fun interactions really begin. The biggest strength of the film is its humor, especially with the banter among three dimensions’ worth of characters (though bits with Ned and Peter’s other classmates and teachers don’t add much). I’ve heard other critics complain that these scenes go on too long, but they never got old for me. I might even argue that the film could use more, as I couldn’t get enough of them. Negatives include some pretty standard MCU action (outside of a cool kaleidoscope-y Doctor Strange sequence), a failure to commit to a twist in the third act, and a need to see 20 years’ worth of Spider-Man movies for this film to make sense. I told my mom that I loved the movie, but then I was saddened when I realized that she’d be lost if she saw it for herself. Also, and this is a nitpick, but there’s too much suspense built around the characters opening college response letters when the envelopes are thin. Maybe it depends on the school, but my understanding is that acceptance letters traditionally come with a packet like mine did. Cracks emerge if you think about them, but as with much of the MCU, it is incredibly easy to ignore the cracks, as there is something heart-pounding around every corner. And if you see it early enough, it will be with such a huge crowd that your hearts will pound in unison. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” isn’t quite the best movie of the year, but it’s likely to be the best time you’ll have at the movies all year. Grade: B “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is rated PG-13 for sequences of action/violence, some language and brief suggestive comments. Its running time is 148 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The following is an op-ed received from Barry Moss, VP of Operations for Merit Health As another year comes to an end, I would like to say thank you to the people who keep healthcare moving forward in Mississippi. Top of mind for me is a thank you to the outstanding staff at our Merit Health hospitals and clinics across the region. These team members deliver safe, quality healthcare, and have continued going above and beyond in this second year of the pandemic. They attend to the ebb and flow of patient surges and adjust to ever-changing guidelines. Delivering care with compassion, they do what needs to be done for their patients and they are heroes every day. Thank you also to our medical staff. We are blessed to have a breadth of talented primary care and specialty physicians practicing locally. These gifted providers work tirelessly for their patients, and are committed to serving our community. We are privileged to work alongside them. Emergency medical personnel, nursing homes and assisted living centers, hospice, home health and other local health care organizations play a critical role in the continuum of medical services. We say thank you for all that you do in caring for our community members as well. Most importantly - thank you to our patients for the trust you place in us. Our team works hard every day for you and your loved ones. You are our focus and you continue to motivate us. It is our privilege to help you get well and live healthier. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your healthcare team. Barry Moss is the Vice President of Operations for Merit Health. About Merit Health: Merit Health serves the healthcare needs of residents of Mississippi through its 9 affiliated hospitals. The healthcare system offers a wide array of services including orthopedics, cardiology, women’s health, emergency departments and broad diagnostic medical and surgical services. The network has more than 1,800 licensed beds, more than 2.500 physicians on the combined active medical staffs, more than 3,000 employees, more than 40,000 admissions and more than 250,000 emergency department visits each year.

Public interest in the word “perseverance” peaked earlier this year with the landing of the Mars rover bearing that name. Due to the interest, Cambridge Dictionary selected “perseverance” as the 2021 word of the year. Joining in the year’s theme, “perseverance” can describe this year’s workforce efforts at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The perseverance of the Stennis workforce during the past year enabled the Space Launch System (SLS) to progress toward its maiden launch, site teams to move forward in propulsion test activities, commercial partners to reach new testing milestones, an autonomous systems team to move ahead in its cutting-edge work, and ASTROCAMP to reach beyond its traditional audiences, all amid the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. The work provided a fitting testament for the year as Stennis celebrated the 60th anniversary of NASA’s announcement to build a test site in south Mississippi. In the ensuing decades, the site has grown into the nation’s largest propulsion test site and a model federal city. Throughout 2021, workforce routines at Stennis continued to involve less traffic at work sites while still maintaining the infrastructure and staff to provide support for ongoing government and commercial projects. In addition, many Stennis employees supported ongoing work from their homes, in a diligent effort to keep projects and programs moving forward. Getting the job done, staying connected, and reaching out virtually required determination and patience, but Stennis persevered. Stennis spent 2021 at the forefront of public interest. The world watched as NASA’s new SLS rocket prepared for its maiden voyage. The conclusion of the SLS core stage Green Run test series on Stennis’s B-2 Test Stand in March 2021 gave the world a chance to view the power of America’s new deep space rocket. The SLS is destined to be the backbone of NASA’s Artemis. Prior to its initial launch, the first SLS core stage underwent a series of Green Run tests of its systems, including a final hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines, just as during an actual flight. It was the most powerful test conducted at Stennis in more than 40 years. The first attempt to conduct the final Green Run test on Jan. 16 experienced an early automatic shutdown. NASA conducted a second full-duration, 500-second hot fire test March 18, to gather additional information to ensure the development of future core stage rockets. The SLS core stage then was transported by barge to Kennedy Space Center to undergo the stacking process and other launch preparations. 2021 also was a year of testing innovation at Stennis as NASA continued testing RS-25 engines to help power SLS at Stennis. Stennis operators conducted a series of seven hot fire tests in 2021 to collect valuable performance data as Aerojet Rocketdyne works to develop RS-25 engines for future Artemis missions to the Moon and eventual missions to Mars. The 2021 series particularly focused on testing engine components developed by such innovative processes as 3D printing and hot isostatic pressure bonding, as well as modern electronics. The new manufacturing techniques are designed to reduce the cost and time needed to build new engines. Elsewhere in the Stennis test complex, operators conducted multiple tests on advanced diffuser designs to test rocket engines at simulated high altitudes, helping to ensure the engines will fire and operate on deep space missions as needed. The experimental testing helped demonstrate the effectiveness of a previously untested diffuser design and a new innovative design developed two years ago by Stennis engineers. NASA’s government and commercial partners also reached many milestones at Stennis throughout 2021. Launcher, Virgin Orbit, Relativity Space, and Aerojet Rocketdyne made significant strides toward their own space-project goals while utilizing Stennis infrastructure. In addition, other agencies throughout Stennis’s multi-agency federal city continued work toward their own individual goals, supported by the unique interagency cooperation and resources at Stennis. The Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL) team at Stennis continued to make significant contributions in development of critical systems that could be used on future missions to the Moon and, eventually, Mars. The ASL is working to design, test, and deploy technologies that automate critical components of space vehicles. Autonomous systems are a critical need as humans travel to deep space beyond easy and immediate communication with Earth. In 2021, the Stennis ASL team won one of 10 coveted awards for a two-year project designed to enable new capabilities for deep space human exploration. The aim of the project is to fill high-priority capability gaps, such as the need for new technologies or engineering developments, on deep space missions like Artemis and to introduce new technologies into spaceflight programs involving human exploration. For its part, the Stennis team will seek to validate its NASA Platform for Autonomous Systems on a satellite mission set to launch next fall. The ASL work is part of the overall efforts of the Stennis Office of Technology Development to promote NASA innovations and technologies that will benefit space exploration as well as everyday human life. On a separate note, the ASTROCAMP team, seated at Stennis, made the best of the virtual environment throughout 2021. The team reached out to non-traditional audiences, collaborated with partners outside the United States, and continued providing services via virtual sessions amid COVID-19 travel restrictions. Despite pandemic restrictions, Stennis teams also continued efforts to inspire young people to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies and careers, to engage the public in support of ongoing NASA missions and work, and to focus on, and promote, diversity and equal opportunity. The center also launched a new Strategic Business Development Office in 2021 to promote the center’s federal city model, which now numbers some 40 resident agencies, and attract new companies on site. A key selling point for such work is the commitment of the Stennis workforce. Stennis employees report high levels of work engagement. In the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, the site recorded an employee engagement rate of 86.8%, compared to a 72.4% rate across the government. Employees also reported high levels of satisfaction with their work experience, which reflects their views about their job, work units, and pay, as well as if they would recommend their organization as a good place to work. Indicative of their high levels of work engagement and satisfaction, 95% or more of Stennis employees report the people they work with cooperate to get the job done, employees are protected from health and safety hazards on the job, supervisors support the need to balance work and other life issues, supervisors support employee development, and supervisors treat employee with respect. The accomplishments of Stennis in 2021, in the midst of an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of a Category 4 hurricane, bear testament to the ongoing commitment of the workforce, which looks forward to a future of commercial partnerships, government cooperation, and technological development that helps make space travel more available. Looking back on the past year, one easily could view NASA’s naming of its Perseverance rover as downright inspired. For information about NASA Stennis Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/

According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising rapidly in the State as the Omicron variant spreads quickly. They urge Mississippians to wear masks indoors in public places to reduce the risk of transmission. And, as always, should you feel sick, get tested, talk to a doctor about appropriate treatment and remain at home if you test positive. Holiday gatherings and indoor activities can be major contributors of COVID-19 transmission. Please keep gatherings few and small. MSDH says that vaccination remains very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. They recommend that everyone aged 5 and older be fully vaccinated; those 18 and over should receive a booster at the appropriate time. On December 28, MSDH reported an additional 2,698 cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi and 22 deaths. Seven of those deaths occurred between December 23 and December 26. An additional 15 deaths occurred between November 1 and December 22, identified from death certificate reports. Mississippi's total of COVID-19 cases as of December 28, 2021, is 535,258, with 10,420 deaths. Find additional COVID-19 information and guidance on the MSDH website at https://msdh.ms.gov/covid-19 Vaccination against COVID-19 is free, safe and greatly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death. You can be vaccinated at any MSDH free site, or at hundreds of providers statewide. Find vaccination information and locate one near you at https://msdh.ms.gov/c19vaccination If you are homebound, get help with COVID-19 vaccination by emailing COVIDHomebound@msdh.ms.gov, or call 877-978-6453. Third vaccine doses and booster doses are available through county health departments for those who qualify. Additional information: https://msdh.ms.gov/boosters To host a local vaccination event at your business or organization, send a request to VaccineEvent@msdh.ms.gov To get help with a vaccination appointment, or any COVID-19 related questions, call the Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline at 877-978-6453 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment for those with COVID-19 is available through providers statewide. See https://msdh.ms.gov/getmab

Merchants & Planters Bank and OmniBank jointly announced recently the signing of a Definitive Merger Agreement pursuant to which Merchants & Planters Bank will acquire OmniBank. Merchants & Planters Bank founded in 1906 operates three locations in Raymond, Bolton and Clinton, Mississippi, all in Hinds County, with approximately $120,000,000 in total assets. OmniBank has their headquarters in Bay Springs with a location in Heidelberg, both located in Jasper County, Mississippi, and another location in Jackson, Mississippi, in Hinds County. The total assets for OmniBank are approximately $54,000,000. The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by the voting members of the Board of Directors of each financial institution and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, pending customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval by shareholders of Merchants & Planters Bank and OmniBank. Merchants & Planters Bank is a community-based financial institution with a Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designation. “They have a strong desire to grow and continue our legacy of involvement in the communities we serve,” said Mr. Joseph D. Fail, Chairman of the Board of OmniBank. “By merging with Merchants & Planters Bank, our customers will gain access to a wider breadth of banking products and services.” “We are excited about the merger and the opportunity that it presents for our combined clients, team members, and shareholders” said Mr. Ted H. Kendall, III Chairman of the Board of Merchants & Planters. “We believe that combining two like-minded, community-focused banks will benefit our customers and the communities we serve.

Earlier this month, the women of St. Thomas Baptist Church ushered in the Christmas spirit with a fellowship and brunch. In addition to their own members there were women attending from surrounding churches. The group received a warm welcome from Pastor Darryl L. Magee They continued a year-long teaching lesson on "Focus, Keeping Your Focus on Jesus Christ.” The First Lady, Sister Debbie Magee presented the highlights of the celebration with the teaching of the lesson and a demonstration of the lesson with a timely skit played by sisters; Brenda Lipsey, DeAndrea Magee, Angela Robinson, Ettress Robinson, Rica Smith, and Doris Thomas. Special guest artist Miss Vetrease Sanders, a graduate of the American Music Academy, gave beautiful renditions of “Emanuel” and “A Vessel.” The brunch included a variety of holiday food and beverages fit for the occasion. There were vendors with jewelry, paintings, handcrafts, sweets, make-up, and other sales items. The tables were beautifully decorated to usher in the spirit of Christmas. The Women's ministry continues its in-person meeting each first Saturday morning at 10 am from which they inspire each other and gain strength for the Christian journey from the teachings of Sister Magee. St. Thomas Baptist Church is located at 4699 St. Thomas Road, Bolton MS. The church welcomes adults and children for in-person Sunday school and worship services, as they continue to share these services on social media each Sunday morning at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Here are some additional photos from the event:

On Sunday, November 7, St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church in Bolton, pastored by Rev. Darryl L. Magee, Sr., celebrated one hundred forty-one years of existing in the community. While still wearing masks and social distancing, the members had a spiritually stirring service conducted by Pastor Magee. The Rev. Jimmy Black of Greater Pleasant Valley Church in Crystal Springs brought the anniversary message. His title was “We Owe Him Some,” scripture from Jude 24-25. St. Thomas, organized in 1880, has been a beacon of light to the community for many years; like many churches, it grew from a brush harbor to a great house of worship. St. Thomas members say they are very blessed to have several members still attending on a regular basis at ages 89 and 90. St. Thomas currently welcomes adults and children for in-person Sunday School and worship services, as they continue to share these services on social media each Sunday morning at 9 and 10:30 a.m. This article was originally printed in the December 7, 2021 issue of The Bolton News.

On a recent Sunday, the Jimmie Lewis Pavilion in Bolton was filled with the sounds of Gospel music and celebration during the 26th anniversary celebration of Brother Albert "The Country Boy" Lewis. Performers included John T. Lewis and the new Gospel Keystones, Bishop Isaac Lindsey, Sr., The Utica Southernnaires, Greg Flowers, and others. The 67-year old host, emcee, radio personality and promoter of gospel music received many accolades and a certificate of appreciation for his contributions throughout the State over the past twenty-six years. The passing of his wife Fannie David Lewis in January 2020, after forty-one years of marriage, was a major blow. “I have been lost without her,” Lewis said. “My children, grandchildren and many friends have kept me going. And as we are able to resume some of our in-person church services and gospel performances, that helps, too. I would love to provide my services for the gospel performers, and they may reach me at 601.665.2069.” Lewis’s radio shows can be heard on Monday nights from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on radio station WMPR 90.1. This article was originally printed in the December 7, 2021 issue of The Bolton News.

Raymond High School, which serves Bolton, Utica, Edwards, Raymond and the surrounding area, has recently begun making use of the new facility that includes a beautiful new gym and performing arts complex. The Rangers and Lady Rangers basketball teams were victorious when they played Terry High in the first-ever basketball games played in the new gym. Ranger fans packed the stands. Here is a short video clip shared on the school's Facebook page: The Lady Rangers won their game by 23 points. Final score: RHS 55 - Terry 32. The Rangers boys won by 9. Final: RHS 59 - THS 50. The above photos are courtesy of Ginny Barlow Price Photography. Here is a look inside the new auditorium. Photos courtesy of Magnolia Images photography. Fans are asked to note: the Hinds County School District has a "Clear Bag Policy" for all events and gatherings on school property. The following rules will be observed and enforced: MASK POLICY: Masks must be worn, except when eating or drinking.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will once again bring some extra holiday spirit to Mississippi’s highways this Christmas season. Starting Tuesday, December 14, MDOT will use its digital message signs (DMS), to remind the public to drive safely during this holiday season, for MDOT’s 12 Days of Christmas. Drivers will see a new holiday-themed safety message each day with the final one posted on December 25; many of the messages were submitted by the public. “Drivers can expect to see an increase of traffic during the holiday season. ‘MDOT’s 12 Days of Christmas’ campaign was created as a clever way of engaging the public, reminding motorists of safe driving tips,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “At the end of the day our goal remains the same--keep the traveling public safe and an engaged public is a safe public.” Traffic safety messages appear on DMS boards along highways and interstates throughout Mississippi. These 12 days of messages revolve around Christmas-themed movies, songs, and characters. However, any local emergency messages and traffic updates automatically override scheduled messages already on the DMS boards. One of MDOT’s favorite holiday messages from 2020: EVEN SANTA HAS TO BUCKLE UP IN MS IT’S THE LAW And here’s a preview of MDOT’s Christmas messages for 2021 which will begin on December 14: JINGLE BELL ROCK A SEAT BELT SLOW SLEIGH? JINGLE TO THE RIGHT LANE