50 million Americans will take to the roads for the long Thanksgiving weekend this year, says the American Automobile Association (AAA). AMR, Mississippi’s busiest ambulance service, urges drivers to put safety first in their holiday driving. Ryan Wilson, operations manager for AMR says, “Every year, Thanksgiving is one of the with a huge surge in traffic crashes. This year, lower gas prices may well increase the number of travelers, which brings more crashes. Our paramedics and EMTs want everyone to reach Grandma’s house safely and return home without a scratch.” Wilson advised drivers to: Be sure the vehicle and the drivers are in good condition. Have the vehicle serviced before the trip. Especially check the tires, brakes, windshield wipers, headlights, tail-lights, belts and hoses. Be sure the driver is alert at all times. Drivers should be well-rested before departing. Take frequent breaks. Switch drivers every two hours or less. If all drivers get drowsy, go to a motel and sleep. Do not pull off the road, take a short nap and then resume driving. Schedule the trip so you drive mainly if not totally during daylight hours. Start your trip early enough to avoid rushing to reach your destination. Expect heavy traffic and delays. Stay on interstates and divided four-lane roads all you can. Avoid two-lane roads if possible. Insist that everyone in the vehicle wears safety belts or uses a child safety seat anytime the vehicle is moving, no matter how short the trip. Almost half of those killed in vehicle crashes were not wearing a safety belt. Avoid distractions behind the wheel. Turn cell phones off and put them out of reach. To make your vehicle more visible, drive with headlights on, day and night. Remove items on dashboards and rear view mirrors which may restrict the driver’s view. Holiday traffic often includes big, slow recreational vehicles. Be on the lookout for them, especially on hills and curves. Stay alert for construction zones, stalled vehicles and deer. Impatience can kill. Observe the speed limit. Don’t pass in no-pass zones. Don’t rush through yellow lights to beat the red light. If your vehicle begins to fail, pull off to the road shoulder. Park as far as you can from the traffic. Pulling off at an exit ramp is safer than parking next to the main road. If at all possible, stand on the side of the vehicle furthest from the traffic. Designated drivers save lives. Never drink and drive. Remember: A designated driver is someone has drunk zero alcohol, not the person in your group who has drunk the least.

The Salvation Army is delighted to announce its annual Thanksgiving Day holiday feast, a heartwarming tradition that brings joy and nourishment to elderly senior centers and underserved seniors across the Greater Jackson area. This Thanksgiving, we are on a mission to deliver traditional hot meals to those who may otherwise spend the holiday alone. Over the past week, The Salvation Army has been hard at work, smoking more than 120 turkeys in preparation for the grand Thanksgiving feast. The savory aroma of these delicious birds wafting through the air is a testament to the care and dedication we put into ensuring a memorable and satisfying Thanksgiving for our community. On Thursday, November 23rd, starting at 9:00 am, volunteers are invited to join us at our Corps Community Center located at 570 E Beasley Road. Together, we will embark on a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and service as we package and hand-deliver over 1500 meals to seniors in need. The spirit of Thanksgiving truly comes alive when the community comes together to make a positive impact. "We are thrilled to once again host this special event, and we extend an open invitation to all who wish to join us in spreading love and joy this Thanksgiving," said Major Timothy Delaney, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army. "Our dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in making this day a success, and we are grateful for their commitment to serving others." As we gather to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, let us also remember those who may be facing challenges. The Salvation Army is proud to be a beacon of hope and compassion not just during the holiday season, but all year long. For more information or to volunteer for The Salvation Army's Thanksgiving Day feast, please contact: Major Timothy Delaney (601) 982 – 4881 110 Presto Lane Jackson, MS 39286

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning completed its search for the 13th President of Jackson State University by voting to name Dr. Marcus L. Thompson as President during its meeting held today in Jackson. Dr. Thompson has more than 20 years of leadership experience in early childhood, K-12 education, and higher education. Thompson serves as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), Mississippi’s public university system, where for over a decade he has been responsible for overseeing IHL staff. In this role, all senior-level leaders report to him, and he manages all facets of day-to-day operations of the agency, including IHL Board relations, communications, legislation, technology, data management, and facilities. “The Board selected a leader who knows the unique historic importance of the university who will articulate a bold vision for the future and will be indefatigable in the pursuit of excellence for Jackson State University,” said Trustee Dr. Steven Cunningham, chair of the Board Search Committee. Thompson serves as a liaison between the IHL Commissioner’s Office; the IHL Board of Trustees; and Mississippi’s eight public universities – Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Over the past 15 years in higher education, Marcus has advised the IHL Board of Trustees, the IHL Commissioner, and Mississippi’s public university senior leadership and institutional executive officers. “I’m very honored to be named President of Jackson State University because I believe in its mission, purpose and most of all, the outstanding faculty, staff, alumni and students who embody our school’s motto of challenging minds, changing lives,” said Dr. Marcus L. Thompson. “I look forward to working closely with all of them to develop a consensus about strategic goals and objectives we can achieve by working together.” “I can’t think of a leader in Mississippi who has invested more time and thought regarding the issues at Jackson State than my friend Marcus Thompson,” said Dr. Rod Paige, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former interim president at Jackson State University. “He is one of the only people I can think of who has a full comprehension of the history, trajectory, strength, vulnerabilities and basic needs of the university. I cannot think of an individual who could be more involved and have more connections with the people pertinent to the university than him. I think IHL has made a wise choice in making Marcus Thompson president, and I’m very proud that he will take advantage of this opportunity.” As Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer, Thompson led the formation of the IHL ADA/Accessibility Services Task Force which was launched to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive within the university system. The task force includes representatives from the eight public universities, the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration and the IHL System Office. Thompson also leads the IHL Board of Trustees’ efforts to encourage diverse campus environments and to ensure that all aspects of institutional practice affirm the IHL Board’s commitment to access and success, with particular attention to heightening participation and achievement of underrepresented individuals. Thompson is a former educator and administrator, serving private schools and public schools in the Jackson Public School District and the Copiah County School District, where he enjoyed and excelled at one-on-one student interactions the classroom provided. He has held endorsements to teach elementary education and licenses to teach English, history, mathematics, and Spanish. He ultimately left the classroom and joined the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to have a broader impact on students across the state. At MDE, he became Chief of Staff and Assistant to the State Superintendent of Education. “We are appreciative of the time and energy the IHL Board and search committee put into this presidential search,” said Patrease Edwards, President of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. “The JSUNAA will support Dr. Thompson and his administration. We are hopeful that he will be a capable administrator with the ability to bring stakeholders together to achieve common goals. His leadership and vision to secure resources, philanthropic support and business partnerships for JSU will be key and a catalyst for the growth and continued success of the university.” Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Spanish and a Master’s degree in Education from Mississippi College. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Jackson State University in urban higher education. Thompson is married to LaToya Redd Thompson, a practicing attorney. They are the proud parents of Kaelyn, Jessica, and Marcus, Jr. “Marcus Thompson has a deep understanding of the vital role HBCUs play in higher education,” said Senator Sollie Norwood. “His proven leadership will serve him well in taking Jackson State University to new heights.” Thompson’s appointment as the 13th President of Jackson State University will be effective November 27, 2023. A welcome reception to introduce Dr. Thompson to the campus will be scheduled at a later date.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports the first confirmed pediatric influenza death in Mississippi for the 2023-2024 flu season. Pediatric deaths are defined as deaths of individuals under 18 years of age. Including this reported death, there have been a total of 25 pediatric flu deaths reported in Mississippi since pediatric flu deaths became reportable in the 2008-2009 flu season. Flu season typically peaks in January through March in Mississippi, and the flu shot usually takes up to two weeks to produce immunity. "Vaccination is the best protection against flu and the severe outcomes from flu infection." says Interim State Epidemiologist Dr. Kathryn Taylor, "All individuals 6 months of age and older are recommended to get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine this season." Flu shots for those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program are available at County Health Departments. Insurance, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are also accepted for children's flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.HealthyMS.com/vfc. Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers. While vaccination is the best protection against flu, basic infection control measures can also reduce the spread of flu and should be taken whether or not individuals are vaccinated. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently. Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH. The agency monitors flu activity through the ILI System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health invites Black women aged 18-50 to participate in a crucial research survey to address the impact of healthcare providers' implicit bias on the utilization of breast cancer services by Black women in the State of Mississippi. Black women are more likely to develop breast cancer before age 60 and have a higher prevalence of difficult-to-treat subtypes (such as triple-negative breast cancer). To combat this disparity and foster equity among breast cancer patients, the Institute is working to identify unique and actionable solutions. The research survey is not limited to assessing bias. It will also investigate the impact of perceived discrimination on the quality of healthcare delivered to African American women between the ages of 18-50. This study is funded by the Preparedness and Treatment Equity Coalition (PTEC). PTEC awarded three $50,000 grants to multi-disciplinary research teams, like the Institute, that are identifying metrics and outcome measures that can be used to encourage policy and practice change. The ultimate objective is to decrease inequity in breast cancer screening, treatment, and outcomes. Black women 18-50 who've visited a healthcare provider within the past two years are encouraged to register and participate in this vital survey. “The Institute believes results from this survey may be useful in identifying factors that influence the development of breast cancer disparities,” said Dr. Sandra Melvin, CEO, the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact on healthcare equity.” For more information and to register for the survey, please visit https://qualtricsxmfjg5mbl9b.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8vK8B69KMGEWS0e?Q_CHL=qr

By Bob Garver The fall from glory of the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues with “The Marvels.” This is not to say that this movie is the “worst” the MCU has ever put out (for one thing, there’s no M.O.D.O.K. in sight), but the franchise has seen better days, both commercially and creatively. I think the problem lies with its middling ambition. It tries to upgrade elements that had been previously relegated to the small-screen when it probably should have made the hard decision to downgrade some big-screen elements. When villain Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) tears a hole in the universe, Carol “Captain Marvel” Danvers (Brie Larson) goes to investigate and is countered by Dar-Benn’s minions. Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) works on solving the problem from a space station under the supervision of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Meanwhile, teenager Kamala “Ms. Marvel” Khan (Iman Vellani) just hangs out in her room in Jersey City, fantasizing about using her mutant powers to help the Avengers, especially Captain Marvel. Suddenly the three switch places and are instantly in different settings. Without trying, they switch places several more times, ending up on the alien planet, the space station, or Kamala’s family home. Carol’s cat-like pet Goose also gets caught up in the switching, as do some of the similarly-bewildered henchmen, who nevertheless keep the battle going. After much confusion and hijinks, the day is won, but Carol, Monica, and Kamala all need to convene on a spaceship to sort things out. They determine that using their light-based powers at the same time is what causes the switch. They’d like to get a better handle on the matter, but Dar-Benn needs to be stopped before she tears the whole universe apart. The film’s action sequences mostly consist of the trio doing what they can with their individual powers, even though their individual powers may not be what’s needed at the moment. Staying close together means that the same three people are basically in the same place (hence why the inexperienced Kamala needs to be on the spaceship), but separations are inevitable. On the other hand, and this is learned through experience, the system also means that one can swap themselves out for another if the situation calls for the other person’s powers. It's fun watching the characters having to adapt to new settings in the midst of an action sequence. It’s also fun watching them train to become fluent in switching. They visit a planet at one point where people only communicate in musical numbers, and of course that’s fun. A sequence toward the end with Goose is one of the most fun Marvel has ever put out. And yet the film never succeeds on a level higher than “fun.” “The Marvels” lacks the gravitas that one expects from the MCU – especially on the big screen. Heck, it lacks the characters one expects from the MCU on the big screen. Yes, Captain Marvel had her own movie back in 2019 and was an important part of “Avengers: Endgame,” but so far the adult version of Monica Rambeau and the entire character of Ms. Marvel haven’t been proven outside of streaming on the small screen. And I think a streaming series would have been a better fit for this chapter of the MCU. Given some of the qualms I have with “The Marvels,” a streaming series makes total sense. The movie’s visit to singing planet Aladna seems rushed, maybe it could get its own episode. A minor conflict about Carol never returning to Earth to see Monica could be further explored instead of briefly mentioned and forgotten, all seemingly because an outline of the script called for a dramatic moment. Dar-Benn herself could be developed beyond a thousand-yard stare that’s practically begging to be mocked. Most importantly, home viewing is more conducive to the hangout atmosphere where these characters thrive. I know that the MCU can produce hits for both the movies and home, but it needs to make better decisions about which properties should be which. Grade: C “The Marvels” is rated PG-13 for action/violence and brief language. Its running time is 105 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Unattended cooking has caused seven fire deaths in Mississippi so far in 2023. There were three cooking-related fire deaths in 2022. “Make your home safer by installing multiple smoke alarms,” said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “Many people have family and friends over for the holiday. Don’t let distractions put you and your guests in danger.” Use these safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s Office when preparing your Thanksgiving meal: If you must leave the kitchen for even a short amount of time, turn off the stove. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire if it gets too close to a gas flame or electric burner. Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove. o If you have young children, use the stove's back burners whenever possible. o Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk that pots will be knocked over. o Never hold a small child while cooking. If you have a fire Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 after you leave. Be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, pan and pot fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If using a turkey fryer Fryers should be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials. o Some turkey fryers are designed for indoor use. If you use one of these, follow manufacturer directions carefully. Never use a fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck. Make sure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. Never leave the fryer unattended. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends you thaw a turkey 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends, when using a propane fryer, using a hose at least 6 feet long to distance the propane tank from the fryers flame.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is seeking stakeholder feedback via a questionnaire by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, regarding development of a one-year Perkins V State plan for the 2024-25 school year to increase access to high-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs in secondary schools and community colleges that meet the needs of students and employers. MDE’s Office of Career and Technical Education is particularly seeking feedback from business and industry leaders, community colleges, educators, workforce developers and communities at-large. Responses to the questionnaire will help formulate revisions to the current Mississippi Perkins V State Plan. Mississippians will get the opportunity to share public comments on the updated Perkins V plan in spring 2024. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) must receive the final plan in May 2024. During the 2023 legislative session, the state legislature appropriated $94.1 million to support CTE programs, including a $1.4 million increase for new CTE programs and $1.6 million for additional industry certifications. The DOE has appropriated nearly $16 million to go to secondary districts and local community colleges to provide CTE and training. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins) and is referred to as Perkins V. States across the nation are in the process of updating their respective plans in order to receive designated federal funds in fiscal year 2025 to advance their education, workforce and economic development goals. There are approximately 27,000 Mississippi students enrolled in secondary CTE coursework across the state, according to the National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center at Mississippi State University. CTE is an educational option that provides learners with the knowledge and skills to be prepared for college and careers by emphasizing real-world skills and practical knowledge within a selected career focus. Learners in CTE programs take specialized courses, in addition to required courses, and often have the opportunity to participate in internships, engage with mentors and practice what they are learning through hands-on projects. Learners can participate in CTE at the middle and high school level and at postsecondary institutions in every community in Mississippi. Stakeholders can access the questionnaire here. Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.

Faraway country. Poverty stricken area with hard-working citizens, who don’t have much chance to see things change for the better. My hero rides his Honda into their part of his world every day, to deliver help and hope. To teach them that their God truly loves them. That He isn’t mad at them, no matter how badly they have disappointed their Creator. That He wants them to turn to Him in faith and trust. That He will help them live life, even in the midst of their difficult circumstances. And that He will take them home to live with Him forever, when this pain-filled life on earth is over. My Honda Man is my kind of hero. Selflessly giving his time and energy to go to others, strangers whom he has never met. No matter the weather, daily he climbs on board that motorcycle and rides hours away, leaving behind those he holds dear to his heart. Paid good money to do this? Not a chance. Building his resume in order to leapfrog to the top of his field? That’s not his motivation in any way. Fulfilling his hobby, a love of riding just for the fun of it? Never would that cross anyone’s mind if you could know his circumstances. Do I personally know Honda Man? Will I ever meet him and see where he rides? Meet the people he tries to help? Will I ever know what he looks like? Meet his friends and family? No, to all those questions. That will most likely never happen. Not on this side of eternity, anyway. But do I admire and hold him up as a hero among heroes? That is an absolute YES. To me, in my vivid imagination that can run rampant when left to its own devices, Honda Man stands about twenty-five feet tall and can leap tall mountains in a single bound. Oh yeah, I know that last sentence isn’t true, but please leave me to my beliefs that truly good and honorable people still exist in this world. And a twenty-five-foot tall, mountain-leaping dude represents all of them. I am personally acquainted with a lot of wonderful men and women, who genuinely love the lonely and hurting among us, and try to help them in so many ways. But although I respect them and would tell anyone they are the salt of the earth, not one of them holds my admiration like Honda Man. I have no doubt that I will have the chance to look Honda Man in the eyes, and I will instantly and instinctively recognize that man – on the other side of eternity. And I will have the opportunity to hug his neck and tell him what an inspiration he was to me – back on this side of eternity.

By Kara Kimbrough Using the first letter of the all-too-brief season, fall is filled with festivals, football, family time and fun activities in the span between six months of searing heat and the cold, rainy weather that accompanies winter. Finding time for preparing food can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when so many one-pan, intriguing and minimal-ingredient recipe are as near as the latest cookbook or the internet. Without further ado – after all, you’ve got FUN fall activities to get to – here are a few “trending” recipes that’ll allow you to enjoy the season while enjoying some…here’s that F letter again…fabulous food! Viral One-Pot Pasta Dinner (Simple and easy to make, but still delicious; it’s been shared over 1 million times on TikTok...I know, I know...don't judge until you've tried it!) 1 pound ground chuck or Italian sausage 8-ounce cream cheese Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning) 1 jar favorite pasta sauce 1-pound grated mozzarella cheese Brown ground chuck or sausage in oven-safe skillet until done; drain. Add seasonings; mix well. Over medium heat, add cream cheese and pasta sauce; stir well until cream cheese is melted and all three ingredients are well mixed. Top with mozzarella cheese, then place under oven broiler for a few minutes until cheese is melted. Serve straight from the skillet. Big Mac Tacos 1 pound ground chuck Soft street taco tortillas, small size (can substitute any soft taco shell if needed) Shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles American cheese slices Big Mac Sauce (recipe below) Place about two ounce of ground chuck on each street taco tortillas; press thin and flat in a circle on the tortilla. Coat a nonstick skillet with vegetable oil and cook meat fully, using a spatula to fully flatten and cook. Flip over tortillas once meat is cooked and top each one with a slice of cheese. Cover skillet with lid and cook over medium heat for 1 minute or until cheese is melted. Remove each one from pan and top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles and “Big Mac” sauce. Big Mac Sauce recipe: 1 cup mayonnaise ¼ cup pickle relish 1 tablespoon yellow mustard 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon garlic powder Half teaspoon each: salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly before topping each tortilla with a spoonful or more to taste. Double recipe if you plan to dip tacos in sauce. Bend tortillas at edges to hold ingredients together. Dip in Big Mac sauce for additional flavor. Penicillin Soup (I’m allergic to this drug, so I was quite hesitant to try the soup that’s trending all over the internet. My fears were forgotten after tasting this warm comfort food that’s guaranteed to cure whatever ails you.) 3-4 pounds chicken 10 to 12 cups water 3 stalks celery, divided 2 white or yellow onions, peeled, divided 3 large carrots, peeled, divided 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste, divided 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon reduced sodium chicken base (such as Better than Bouillon) 1 cup pastina or other tiny pasta, such as stars 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, or to taste (optional) 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste (optional) Place chicken in a large pot and pour water over to cover. Roughly chop 2 stalks of celery, 1-1/2 onions and 2 carrots and add to pot with chicken. Season with 2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and bring pot to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the chicken to simmer 1 hour, covered. Remove chicken from the pot and allow to cool before removing and shredding the meat. Strain the stock and discard the solids. Reserve liquid and add water if necessary to measure 12 cups of liquid. Wipe pot clean. Finely chop remaining celery, onion and carrot. Place pot over medium-high heat and add oil. Add chopped vegetables, remaining salt, pepper and garlic and cook frequently until vegetables are tender and onion is translucent (the veggies should not be browned). Add reserved stock and chicken base and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce it to simmer. Allow soup to simmer 10 minutes. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Reduce heat to low and add chicken and season if desired. Cook 5 additional minutes. Stir in chopped parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Bob Garver Last month, I wrote about “The Exorcist: Believer” actually working pretty well as a taut kidnapping thriller until the requisite demon possession stuff kicked in. Now comes “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” which has the opposite problem: the kidnapping-thriller elements get in the way of the supernatural stuff. I think the difference is that I wasn’t exactly eager to get to the possessed children, but I am eager to spend time with possessed child-friendly robots from a family entertainment center. They can have my full attention, no need for distractions from terrified families. Josh Hutcherson stars as Mike, a protagonist with a mess of a life. He can’t hold a job, he’s struggling to keep custody of his kid sister Abby (Piper Rubio), and he suffers from PTSD from his brother’s abduction when he was a child. His career counselor (Matthew Lillard) informs him that the only job available is working overnight security at the defunct Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Mike thinks that maybe the job will be so undemanding that he can sleep through the nights without anyone noticing, but local cop Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) keeps him on his toes. Besides, even with all the darkness and emptiness, it’s hard to sleep knowing that the main room features a creepy robotic house band. For the first few shifts, things go bump in the night, but Mike figures it all has a rational explanation. Meanwhile, his aunt (Mary Stuart Masterson) plots to gain custody of Abby, because apparently the state gives out huge checks to guardians. She hires goons to wreck up Freddy’s so Mike will get fired. Abby’s babysitter is unavailable, so Mike has to bring her to Freddy’s with him, and… she gets a surprisingly warm welcome is all I’ll say. At this point, the film is about halfway in, and I have to say I was having a good time. It isn’t brilliant by any means, but it works as a fun guilty pleasure with the killer robots making a mess of disposable goons that answer to a scenery-chomping Masterson. They’re sure to be full-on bad guys preying on Mike and Abby soon enough, but for now it’s okay to laugh heartily as a scumbag gets attacked by a robotic cupcake. But then the movie makes a fatal mistake: it starts taking itself too seriously. Mike’s obsession with learning about what happened to his brother crowds out the plot about the goofy robots, as does the longstanding lore of children going missing at Freddy’s and drama in Vanessa’s past. I can understand the filmmakers wanting the movie to be smarter and deeper than it appears, but when the movie is sold on supposedly-jovial robots haunting a children’s emporium, it needs to stay in a certain lane. It seems a lot of people are unhappy with “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” The film’s Rotten Tomatoes score is below 30% and its domestic box office dropped off 75% from one weekend to the next (yes, I know Halloween passing was a factor, but that’s still bad). I don’t think the problem is that audiences can’t “get into” the movie, so much as the movie can’t keep its audience’s interest. I think the majority of people enjoy the movie for about half its runtime, and then it takes a downturn that sends them home unhappy. It doesn’t help that the explanations we eventually get are confusing and the characters’ motivations highly questionable, but the real problem is that by the end, the movie just isn’t fun or exciting anymore. The last act is so bloated that it feels like it takes five nights to finish. Grade: C- “Five Nights at Freddy’s” is playing in theaters and streaming on Peacock. The film is rated PG-13 for strong violent content, bloody images, and language. Its running time is 109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu

The young lady had gigantic dreams. Visions of becoming a movie star filled her daydreams constantly. From the very first movie she saw as a child, and was entranced as the female lead lit up the big screen. She wanted to be her. Family ties, college degrees, being financially independent, marriage, children of her own - none of these came close to the importance of becoming an international star who was famous and wealthy. The only thing that truly mattered was her goal of having her name known worldwide. She worked hard to get what she wanted. Her obsessive drive and boundless energy saw her through endless acting and dance classes, cattle calls, and countless auditions for bit parts that she never received. She supported herself through those lean years doing anything she could to bring in enough money to pay the rent and buy beans. Years passed and finally, the hard stuff began to pay off. She signed with an agent, won a few bit parts, and got to play in a few television commercials. She began working her way up the ‘it pays to know the right people’ food chain. Two steps forward and three steps back. But eventually, she landed a minor part in a movie that hit the big time, which finally led to bigger and better things. After years of slogging through, it all came together for her. All her hard work, knowing the right person, who put her in touch with the right people, who cast her in a major movie. Certainly not the female starring role, but a secondary role that saw a lot of screen time. Her name became synonymous with that acclaimed movie of the year, and seemingly overnight a few producers and directors were familiar with her name and her work. She was on her way. Many movies later, she was famous and wealthy…and trapped. She had it all and yet had lost so much. Fame became a prison, because any real privacy or freedom had become a distant memory. No longer could she go where and when she chose without being mobbed by adoring fans. Safety issues were a major issue, so she had to travel with a bodyguard at all times. Her siblings either jealously rejected her, avoided her from awe of her status, or used her as a gold mine. Several failed marriages and resentful children of those failures added to her problems. And the invaluable sense of peace, trust and being-loved-for-being-me that everyone cherishes? That had vanished into the same bottomless black hole that had swallowed her freedoms. Yes, she was famous and wealthy beyond her dreams. But at what cost? Contrast that life to one of purposely and intentionally serving her Creator, working to sustain and nourish real relationships, marrying only for love - for a lifetime, and deciding to let God guide her through the years. Yes, this is a work of fiction. Or, is it really?