Hello Reader,

It's Friday already? Holiday weeks always throw me for a loop!

I've had a hate/hate relationship with "The View" for some time now. It's hopelessly dumb, which could be fun to watch in some cases, but it rarely is. Plus, I think the show's unhinged rhetoric genuinely damages the country.

So why does Whoopi and co. get a pass when Aaron Rodgers got (rightly) vilified for his dopey attack on Jimmy Kimmel? This story explains it all, and it's a good primer for the 2024 election cycle.

Yes, it's already here...Gulp.

There's a battle Royale going on over at HiT regarding "True Detective: Night Country." The fourth season of the HBO/Max saga is pretty woke to this critic's eyes, and I explain why in full, unflinching detail. Yet I'm getting heat for saying so, and that includes plenty of name calling. I'm a big boy, but can't we argue a little better?

Is Hollywood having a Come to Jesus Moment?​

Amazon is teaming up with faith-based storytellers to bring more spiritual yarns to its platform. The mega-company sees dollar signs of course, while the talent dreams about reaching a whole new audience. The faith-based market has matured in recent years, so the timing is just right.

Will it be a hit? Stay tuned.

The fine folks at Film Threat aren't political, but they're aghast at the dark side of Hollywood's DEI movement. They're getting industry insiders to share why Team Disney keeps cranking out one clunker after another.​

It's not an accident. (Next week, the HiT 'cast will chat with Film Threat editor Alan Ng for even more details)

Need a HiT 'cast episode now? Check out my conversation with the great Roger L. Simon ... the Oscar nominee's stories about shooting a film with Woody Allen alone are worth your time! (Also, he recalls an extended fight with the late, great Andrew Breitbart ... )

New Movies This Week (Yes, January is still a slow month for Hollywood!:

• ​"Founders Day"​
• "Origin" (in select cities)

Paul Giamatti is one of my favorite actors, and he could snag his first Oscar come March for "The Holdovers." Here, he breaks down some of his most iconic performances. It's real, raw and very engaging.

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Have a spectacular week, everyone!

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