Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) invites parents, community members, and stakeholders to the Title 1 School Improvement Stakeholders Engagement Meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 3 PM in the BEEMS library. This important meeting, led by Principal Mrs. Lashurn Williams and Assistant Principal Dr. Clancy Freeman, will provide an opportunity to discuss the school’s improvement plans, goals, and strategies for enhancing student success. Attendees will also have the chance to share their insights and collaborate on initiatives that impact the BEEMS community. Make plans to join this meaningful conversation and contribute to the success of BEEMS students.

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) is excited to host its 1st Semester Awards Day Program on Friday, February 7, 2025. The event will take place in two sessions: 8:30 AM for 1st-4th grades and 9:30 AM for 5th-8th grades. This special occasion will highlight the hard work and accomplishments of students from the first semester. Families, teachers, and community members are invited to join in celebrating the achievements of these young scholars as they receive recognition for their academic success, leadership, and dedication. Families are encouraged to attend and take part in this joyful celebration of student success.

By Bob Garver Since two new releases made about $11 million each at the domestic box office this past weekend, and since I don’t have much to say about either movie, I’ve decided to throw them both a quick review. Poster Credit IMDB “Wolf Man” January horror movies are a special breed. The studio knows they can’t compete with blockbusters in the summer or better horror at Halloween, so they dump them in January hoping that the lack of competition will lead to a minor hit. This year’s offering is “Wolf Man,” a film whose trailer was so spiritedly derided that the film was practically declared a bomb before it even opened. The film follows the Lovell family – father Blake (Christopher Abbott), mother Charlotte (Julia Garner) and daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) – as they head to the home of Blake’s estranged father (Sam Jaeger) in the mountains of Oregon. Before they can arrive, the family is involved in a harrowing car crash and Blake is attacked by a… his closest approximation is a wolf, but this creature stood on two legs. They seek refuge in the old house while hiding from the beast outside, but Blake starts going through a terrifying transformation that presents a danger on the inside. Early parts of the movie show promise. Abbott is putting in a sincere performance, good decisions are made with editing and special effects, and the themes of intergenerational trauma are taken surprisingly seriously. I was thinking that maybe horror fans had been too quick to dismiss the movie, but then the family started making stupid horror movie decisions, the movie started getting cheaper with its scares, and by the end all its life was drained and it isn’t even a vampire movie. “Wolf Man” wasn’t the outright bomb I was expecting, but I can see why it was stuck in January. Grade: C “Wolf Man” is rated R for bloody violent content, grisly images, and language. Its running time is 103 minutes. “One of Them Days” “One of Them Days” follows two roommates and best friends, Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), as they struggle to raise an emergency $1,500 to avoid eviction. Dreux is the responsible one, on the verge of a big promotion at work. Alyssa is the irresponsible one that trusted her no-good boyfriend (Joshua David Neal) with their rent money in the first place. Together they’ll get into some increasingly crazy and desperate adventures involving predatory loans, blood donation, abandoned sneakers, and more. The good news is that Palmer and SZA have given life to two very funny and likeable characters that play extremely well off each other. The bad news is that they’re only funny with each other, the film fails to create any other funny or memorable characters. This wouldn’t be a problem if the story could emphasize the mains more, but this is a movie that requires its leads to interact with a whole wacky neighborhood that can never find quite the right way to be wacky. It’s not even that the auxiliary characters are annoying or actively unfunny, they’re just so bland that they make no impression. Watching “One of Them Days,” I thought about the film’s obvious influences, from “Clerks” to “Friday” to “Do the Right Thing,” and I thought about how those films would have gotten the most out of the clearly-eager supporting cast and put together a more memorable film as a whole. As it is, we have a comedy where I’d estimate that a third to half of the gags work. I’ve had some painful experiences with worse ratios, but I can’t say this one made me feel fulfilled. Grade: C “One of Them Days” is rated R for language throughout, sexual material and brief drug use. Its running time is 97 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Oh, shoot. Why am I writing about this question? Do I have a hidden ‘Go ahead and kill me now, and get it over with’ complex in me somewhere? Here we go over hill and dale anyway, and consequences bedamned. THE QUESTION: How many “I really am sorry” will it take to get forgiveness for something you did or said that offended someone?  Interesting question, and one that has many “Welllll, that depends upon ...” attached  to the answer. Here are a few of those ‘it depends upon.’ Depends on… how deeply the offense cut and how deliberately you cut.  Don’t be surprised if your loved one requires more than just a quick apology from you. They probably will need a sit-down-come-to-Jesus  conversation with you to clearly explain how deeply you cut. In many people, deep pain takes a lot of salve for healing, and deep talks with you can be just that. An offended loved one may need to be reassured, and  more than just once, that you are very aware and sickened by the hurt you caused. Depends upon… if the person you offended has experienced the same offence from you many times before, heard the same apology, and therefore doesn’t believe you mean it.  If that is the case, then you have  created a multi-layered dish full of toxin. Your first offense is layer #1, and the same repeated actions by you has caused layers 2,3,4, etc. First of all, seek help to address your personal issues that are causing you to have to keep saying “I’m so sorry.” That can allow the one you keep hurting to start believing in you, forgive, and make a fresh start with you – with no poison in the dish. Depends on… does the offended one just simply love to hold grudges?  If they are trained in the fine art of having the memory of an elephant, then, my friend, both of you are eating from that toxic dish, no matter how many layers. You keep dishing it up, and the offended one is relishing the results – their power over you - that you created. And both of you are ‘tearing down your own house around your ears.’ Yes, that is a phrase directly adapted from the Good Book. Depends on… is your apology truly sincere, or are those words just a way out of the doghouse that day?  Does the previous sentence ‘tearing down your own house around your ears’ ring any bells? If manipulation is your go-to, then you really need to take a really close look inside yourself. All of us say or do the wrong things in life sometimes, but the key is to realize it, own it, sincerely apologize, and set out to make real changes. Lying, deliberately going for the jugular, grudge-holding, insincerity - all are great ways to accomplish the same thing. Ruining a relationship. All ways to tear down your own house around your ears.

By Kara Kimbrough This easy to stir together creamy chicken pesto dish is the perfect, easy meal when time is short.    It’s only January, but I’ve already discovered three new products that I can’t live without in the kitchen. As if that wasn’t life-changing enough, I found a recipe that’s quickly becoming my go-to dinner rescuer of 2025.    But first, the products that are making food preparation and cooking just a little easier. ThermoMaven F1 Digital Meat Thermometer  – I’ve lost count of the times I’ve tried – usually unsuccessfully – to read the temperature of meat displayed on those tiny, hard-to-read thermometers. Even worse, the smoke and heat from the oven usually caused the miniscule dial to become cloudy and completely indecipherable. All that changed when I was gifted this instant ready digital meat thermometer. Not only is it much larger than those ordinary thermometers, but the easy-to-read window with bright digital numbers allowed me to quickly view the temperature of the meat as it cooked. This high accuracy thermometer with a fold-out sensor rod (picture a large pocketknife design) features advanced sensors that provide immediate, instantaneous temperature readings. And, the magnetic back allows for easy storage on the side of my refrigerator, insuring my thermometer never get lost in the kitchen gadget drawer again.  Forget those ordinary salt and pepper or other seasoning shakers. The Fliptastic Electric Gravity Grinder by Kitchen Mama  seasons dishes with perfectly-ground seasonings with the flip of a wrist. Not to mention, using the sleek, attractive rechargeable grinder is much more exciting than an ordinary salt and pepper shaker. Kitchen Mama Orbit One Rechargeable Can Opener  – forget those bulky electric versions that inevitably cause the lid to fall into the food– this one-press solution effortlessly opens cans with its patented tilted blade design, cutting 360° along the lid without touching the food inside. This genius invention is compatible with almost any can type and size, lightweight  and easily operable, with a sleek, compact design. And, it's rechargeable for eco-friendly convenience.     Last, I’ve never been able to resist a dish that included pasta, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto. This one is even better - it's filled with more tasty ingredients – chicken, heavy cream and cheeses. Even better, it can be mixed together in minutes in one pan and baked to a bubbly goodness. I honestly can’t think of a better way to get through 2025 than by using these time-saving kitchen gadgets and indulging in this delicious dish at least once a week. One Pan Creamy Chicken Pesto Bake 1 pound pasta of choice (rotini works well) 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes + oil 1pound chicken breasts 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 yellow onion, diced Salt and pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (to taste) 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (to taste) 1 teaspoon oregano (to taste) 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 cups heavy cream (room temperature) 2 handfuls spinach 6-8 ounces freshly shredded parmesan cheese (divided) 8 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella (divided) 1/2 cup pesto, to taste      Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the cream on the counter to come to room temperature. Boil noodles in salted water a few minutes less than package instructions (al dente). Drain and set aside.   In a large oven-safe saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side until no longer pink, then remove from the pan and set  aside. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.    In the same pan, melt butter and add salt, pepper, red pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir to toast, then toss in the onion and sauté for about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn heat to low, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.   Add half of the parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, stir until the cheese is melted.. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, chicken, cooked pasta and pesto. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.     Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then broil for another 5 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.  Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School (BEEMS) is pleased to announce open enrollment for its 4-year-old PreK program, with applications being accepted now through February 7, 2025. This program provides young learners with a strong educational foundation in a supportive and nurturing environment. Designed to promote early childhood development, the BEEMS PreK program offers a well-rounded curriculum led by experienced educators who are committed to fostering social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Parents and guardians are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited. Interested families can obtain an application by visiting the school or contacting the administration for further details. This is a wonderful opportunity for young children to begin their educational journey in a welcoming and enriching setting. For more information or to obtain an application, parents can contact the school directly.

In anticipation of prolonged frigid temperatures and winter precipitation next week, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is cautioning residents to take steps now to ensure safety later. Freezing temps, snow/ice, and loss of power or water present hazards to your health, food and safety. Here is what you need to know:   Stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning Heaters that burn fuel, such as a furnace, generator, or gas water heater, produce carbon monoxide that can contaminate the air, causing nausea, dizziness, headaches, brain or heart damage. Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills indoors. Outdoors, keep them away from windows. Never burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented properly. Never heat your house with a gas oven. Do not warm your car up in a closed garage. If your garage is attached to your house, close the door to the house while you warm up the car.   Stay healthy from food poisoning Food in your refrigerator will be safe to eat if power is out for less than four hours. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold longer. After four hours, pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice or a Styrofoam cooler. Freezers can keep food safe for up to 48 hours if they are full, 24 hours if they are half-full. Bottled, boiled, or treated water is safe to drink when you are under a boil-water alert. Watch for boil water alerts specific to your area. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. If you are under a boil-water alert, do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. If possible, use baby formula that does not need to have water added.   Stay healthy outdoors Drink warm liquids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol. Watch for signs of hypothermia (shivering, slow speech, memory loss, stumbling, sleepiness). Watch for signs of frostbite: Your skin may feel like "pins and needles" followed by numbness. If you think you have frostbite or hypothermia, don't eat or drink anything containing caffeine or alcohol – they can worsen your symptoms.   For more information, visit  https://msdh.ms.gov/winter Stay up to date on news and updates at  www.msdh.ms.gov .  and on social media:   facebook.com/HealthyMS ,  twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.ms   Download our new MSDH Healthy App in Apple and Android stores.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB It’s an odd choice to do a sequel to the 2018 heist movie “Den of Thieves” in 2025. The first film made less than $50 million at the domestic box office and to my knowledge doesn’t have much of a cult following. I didn’t see that film at the time, but I did see it on Max to prepare for the sequel, and was unimpressed. There was some competent action, but the story and characters were unoriginal and unengaging. I would have given it a C-. For such a bland movie to get a sequel at all seems unlikely, let alone one that goes to theaters and isn’t dumped on streaming or Video on Demand. For all I know, that was the plan and then some studio executive noticed there were no wide releases scheduled for this past weekend, so they just threw in whatever they had. The tactic worked, the film took the #1 spot away from the fourth weekend of “Mufasa,” but this is not a movie that I could see succeeding through any means other than a lack of competition. Gerard Butler is back as L.A. detective Nick O’Brien, still in pursuit of the elusive Donnie Wilson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.). Donnie and a crew stole $30 million from the Federal Reserve in the first movie in a job that left both cops and criminals dead, with Donnie himself getting away scot-free. Nick seems more concerned with avenging his own humiliation than any fallen comrades. Whatever his motivations, he tracks Donnie to France, where he and another crew are about to ransack the World Diamond Centre. Nick could just arrest Donnie, but he makes another play: joining in on the heist himself. What follows is your standard heist movie protocol: Nick gaining the trust of the Pantera crew led by Jovanna (Evin Ahmad), pushing out those that don’t trust him, doing some light bonding with Donnie and the faithful members of the crew, manipulating the technology and staff of the WDC, and getting on the bad side of the local mafia for an inevitable third-act twist. Then there’s the heist itself, which is so smooth that the movie barely remembers to throw in a few wrinkles to keep viewers from falling asleep. Clocks tick, cars are driven. There’s never really a question of whether or not the crew can evade the WDC’s security, the suspense comes from wondering who’s going to betray whom and how violent it will be. The film is R-rated and the first movie was pretty violent, so things could get messy. As with the first movie, this one just doesn’t make much of an impact. Neither film ever rises above coming off as a “Fast & Furious” knockoff. This film admirably tries to give some much-needed depth to the Butler and Jackson characters, and the actors are fine, but even with the fleshing-out, these characters are completely standard for a movie like this. A third movie is heavily teased, and I won’t exactly say no to spending more time with the surviving characters, but the studio is going to have to find another deserted weekend if it wants me to have any enthusiasm. And getting one of these movies down to under two hours certainly wouldn’t hurt. After I saw “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” my friends asked me if I liked it. When I told them I didn’t, they all asked some variation on, “So it didn’t live up to the original?” No, the original was too disposable. This one is only mildly disposable. I can see the game being upped a smidge. It’s not to a point where I give it a recommendation, but for a sequel to a movie that was easy to dismiss seven years ago, it’s surprisingly hard to dismiss now. Grade: C “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” is rated R for pervasive language, some violence, drug use and sexual references. Its running time is 142 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Years ago, a young couple left their almost-two-year-old son with his favorite baby sitter, Miss Elva. A few days later, she laughingly told them that he had come to her that evening, dragging his diaper bag behind him. Paul was a unique little boy who disliked speaking. He simply refused to talk unless he was forced by circumstances beyond his control. And that didn’t seem to happen very often. Most of the time that intelligent, determined tyrant resorted to manipulation, pointing, and outright sulking to convey what he was thinking. But there was another thing that child detested. Feeling sogginess next to his little hiney. So that evening he simply brought the bag to her and stood there, mutely asking for a change in attire. Amused, Miss Elva told him to get a diaper out and hand it to her. Paul quickly set the bag down and dug clear to the bottom. After finally locating the lone diaper that was sent, he handed it to her and broke his habitual silence with this loud and clear complaint, “I’m gettin’ sick and tired of Momma sendin’ me only one diaper!” Now, before you get yourself into a tizzy, those parents were very aware that their stubborn little son was quickly approaching what approximates the “elderly years” in potty training.  They were  trying  to get him potty trained. But you have heard of people who march to their own drumbeat, and do things on their own time table? They definitely had one on their hands. No amount of coaxing, teaching, bribing, or discipline tactics moved him from his own set course. Consistently using a potty chair was going to happen when he said so, and not before. Yes, he certainly was too old to be constantly relying on diapers. His problem? That little toddler preferred to just blame someone else for his problem. And have someone else fix it for him. Learning responsibility for his own uncomfortable-ness wasn’t on his radar. He simply didn’t want to stop playing and take care of business. Miss Elva laughed at the incident. Paul’s mom and dad sure didn’t. They were aware what it could mean down the road for a child to be able to talk but refuse to be toilet trained. Had they failed to teach him to take responsibility for his ‘personal habits,’ then how difficult would it have possibly been to teach him personal responsibility for his actions in the years ahead? Moreover, it stands to reason that if he had been allowed to ‘roam free’ in childhood, he could have also struggled later in life to teach his own kids to accept responsibility for their own actions. If a not-my-problem mindset doesn’t get changed, a child can easily become just a baby grownup. Unfortunately, sure sounds familiar today. I think our country is dealing with a whole bunch of baby grownups. Bring on the potty chairs.

Bolton, MS is gearing up for a spectacular day of fun and festivities with its annual event, "May Day the Bolton Way." Scheduled for May 24 from 10 AM to 4 PM, the celebration will take place at 130 Champion Hill Road, the site of the old V.L. Ruben School. This highly anticipated event promises a day filled with entertainment and activities for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring tents, coolers, and chairs to make the most of the outdoor festivities. Grilling will not be permitted, but a variety of delicious options will be provided by food vendors on-site. With security provided throughout the event, guests can enjoy a safe and relaxing atmosphere while they take part in the fun. The event will feature a live DJ spinning tunes throughout the day, creating an energetic and lively environment. Children can look forward to a range of exciting activities, including face painting, games, and space jumps. Whether it’s dancing to music, enjoying tasty treats, or participating in games, there will be something for everyone. "May Day the Bolton Way" offers the perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy the warm weather, and celebrate community spirit. With an array of entertainment, food vendors, and fun activities, it’s set to be a memorable occasion for all who attend. A Day Full of Excitement and Entertainment "May Day the Bolton Way" is designed to bring the Bolton community together for a day of excitement and enjoyment. The event will include an impressive lineup of attractions such as space jumps, face painting, and a variety of engaging games. Families are welcome to set up their own comfortable spaces with tents and chairs, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Food lovers will have plenty to savor, with numerous food vendors offering a wide selection of dishes and refreshments. Attendees are reminded that grills are not allowed on-site, ensuring that all food services are provided by the vendors. Adding to the festive atmosphere will be a live DJ, who will keep the crowd energized with a diverse mix of music. Security will be on hand to maintain a safe environment, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the day’s activities without worry. This year’s "May Day the Bolton Way" promises to be an unforgettable experience, fostering community bonding and providing endless fun for everyone. Residents and visitors alike are invited to join in the celebration and make lasting memories.

By Kara Kimbrough Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect way to help get the daily recommended amount of vegetables, vitamins and antioxidants. Equally important, it's hot, filling and delicious.     Don’t get me wrong, I don’t actually "love" freezing cold temperatures, icy roads and sky-rocketing electric bills as a result of the first two factors. However, now that cold weather seems to have arrived – after all, it’s officially been “winter” for a few weeks now - it’s time to start thinking about ways to keep warm. That goal extends to meals...after all, we know there’s nothing better than hot soup with a skillet of cornbread to ward off the aftereffects of a cold, dreary winter day.     I’ve always loved making and eating soup, but my favorites haven’t always been doctor-approved. After reading about healthier versions filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, I became more intentional about the soups I was eating.      Here are three recipes to get us through the current arctic-like weather – two would pass health experts’ tests; one is “not exactly healthy,” but too delicious to leave out.     Here’s to weathering Winter 2025 in a healthier way! Winter Detox Soup (this soup contains a lot of ingredients, but is so easy; everything is thrown into one pot and cooks together) 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil5 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon of minced garlic from a jar2 yellow onions, diced1 red and 1 yellow pepper, diced 5 stalks celery, chopped 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped 5 carrots, peeled and chopped2 zucchini, peeled and chopped 1 pound green beans, trimmed and chopped (can use frozen) 12 cups chicken stock 1 can crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon 4 cups fresh spinach, trimmed and chopped 1 cup dried couscous     Sauté garlic in oil. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add in all other fresh vegetables (except spinach and couscous) and sauté for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.     Add broth, can of tomatoes and bouillon to pot. Simmer for 3 hours. Add couscous 30-45 minutes before serving; then add spinach 5 minutes before serving. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup 1 pound orzo pasta 1 teaspoon olive oil 3 medium carrots, chopped, or more to taste 3 ribs celery, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried oregano Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 bay leaf 3 (32 ounce) cartons low-sodium chicken broth ½ cup fresh lemon juice 1 lemon, zested 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped 1 (8 ounce) package baby spinach leaves      Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in orzo and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered until partially cooked through but not yet soft, about 5 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cooled completely.      Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften and onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season mixture with thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper; continue cooking another 30 seconds before pouring chicken broth into the pot.      Bring broth to a boil. Partially cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes. Stir orzo, lemon juice, and lemon zest into broth; add chicken. Cook until chicken and orzo are heated through, about 5 minutes. Add baby spinach; cook until spinach wilts into broth and orzo is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Crockpot Lasagna Soup 1      pound ground chuck 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 (32 ounce) carton beef broth 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, or more to taste 5 lasagna noodles (add more to taste; I always do!) Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 4 dollops ricotta cheese (optional)      Crumble ground chuck in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. Drain. Place beef in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add bell pepper, onion, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Cook on low 4 hours.     Add broken lasagna noodles. Cook on Low until noodles are tender, about 45 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add mozzarella cheese a few minutes before removing from heat; stir until melted.  Serve with ricotta cheese for those that want to top off their bowl with it. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

By Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB          Robert Eggers is one of those directors that always puts out exactly the movie he wants. I’m not saying that as a comment on his professionalism or his attitude, I’m saying that because he clearly has the ability to shut down naysayers. If he didn’t, we’d never get the archaic dialogue of 2015’s “The Witch” or the grainy imagery of 2019’s “The Lighthouse.” Here’s another idea that must have sounded ludicrous to his financial backers: a remake of a groundbreaking vampire film from over 100 years ago, a film whose legendary status makes it practically untouchable. The original came out five years before groundbreaking talkie “The Jazz Singer,” and there must have been a fear that Eggers’ take on the material would be about as well-received as the 1980 Neil Diamond version of that film (which is to say not well). But because Eggers puts out only what he wants, we have this sexually-tinged horror movie competing with Christmas blockbusters at the box office, and admirably holding its own.             The film tells the tragic story of Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) and Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), a young couple living in Germany in 1838. Real estate agent Thomas is on the verge of a promotion by his boss, Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), who needs him to do just one thing before securing his future: travel to Transylvania and get a signature from a wealthy client, an eccentric count. Ellen (who dabbled in summoning supernatural spirits when she was a teenager) doesn’t want Thomas to go, as she’s having weird dreams and fearing that her past may not be done with her. But Thomas needs the promotion, so he leaves Ellen with friends Friedrich (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Anna (Emma Corrin) and sets out to meet the mysterious count by the name of… Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). Yeah, we know it’s really Dracula, but the 1922 film couldn’t get the rights to the book, so we’re stuck with Orlok.             Orlok is as imposing as he is bizarre. He lives in the creepiest castle imaginable, drinks questionable beverages (an Eggers staple), and sleeps in a coffin all day. Thomas takes care of business and later gets into a fight with Orlok, which both parties barely survive. He flees to what he thinks is safety at home, unaware that Orlok is already traveling there to seize control of Ellen, herself becoming more sickly as Orlok grows in power, much to the distress of her caretakers. The vampire (or “nosferatu”) wants her all to himself, and he’s willing to bring a deadly plague upon the entire country, not to mention harming her loved ones, in order to have her. Thomas’s only hope lies with controversial doctor Von Franz (Willem Dafoe), who is an expert on vampires in theory, but has no practical experience. Things get really icky as Orlok unleashes his powers further, including using hypnosis to get victims to violate some serious taboos.             “Nosferatu” is certainly a competent movie. Eggers is seeing his vision through to its full potential in areas like production design and performances. His drive and eye for detail are required of any filmmaker that wants to take on the challenge of such a cinematic institution. I can’t think of a filmmaker that could have done a better job with this material, I just question how badly we needed this job done at all. I would have been fine with leaving the 1922 classic alone and not subjecting audiences to some of the more unsavory aspects of this movie. Indeed, Robert Eggers has once again put out exactly the movie he wants. I just can’t say that it’s the movie “I” want. If you’re not in the mood for something so dark, serious, and occasionally stomach-churning, then this probably isn’t the movie “you” want. Grade: C "Nosferatu" is rated R for bloody violent content, graphic nudity and some sexual content. Its running time is 132 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .