yes, there is a possum in the middle

"It must be invisible, 'cause I sure don't see it."

Try closing one eye and holding your mouth just right...

"Yeah, that's not gonna work. That A*List only shows two movies. Moreover, the open space is at the end, not in the middle."

That's because the middle movie was a freebie and didn't count as a dance.

"Whatever. I see a movie from Sunday and a movie from today."

Correct! The middle movie was seen on Wednesday.

"There is no middle movie, as that is not a trio."

Listen, let me tell you what happened, okay? The first movie was a Fan Event for "Inside Out 2", with those who came getting to see it in 3-D and receiving a packaged pin. Don't ask what the pin looks like, as I have not opened the packet. I'll be giving that to Leila, though I hope to get a second one for Alyssa. I'd hoped one of mi amigas would join me, but, no.

"That actually sounds like it was fun! I noticed the poster for it was different."

I really did enjoy it, as did the middle schoolers who were there.

"So, what was the so-called 'middle' movie? The one playing possum?"

You're gonna get a kick out of this. It was called "Sound Of Hope: The Story Of Possum Trot". I kid you not.

"Seriously? What kind of nature movie was that?"

No, it wasn't about real possums, dear. It was about this tiny town in Texas that was called Possum Trot. The story involved this small church which had 22 families that adopted 77 'difficult to place' children. In the foster world, that means there were siblings that needed to be kept together, or the children were older than what folks generally wanted to take.

"Oh, like the three that your friend out in San Diego took on..."

... and the two that Christina has.

"Yes, I can see that happening. So, how was it?"

Well, there were a lot of folks who took advantage of that Angel-sponsored free screening. Barbara came to it with me. We were both a bit surprised that the movie glossed over the time involved with the adoption process, as well as the numerous house visits. But it was realistic about the animosity that arose from some of the kids when the foster kids were moved in. It was also realistic about having these strangers suddenly living in one's home, with the responsibility for their shelter and food and clothing suddenly falling on the budget of that household. Many of those families took in three or more foster children. The movie did a good job of relaying that strain to the screen.

"And that was free???"

Yes, indeed. Much like Ryan's musical had been, its performance was funded by an individual who felt strongly about getting the word out. For this film, it's a group called Angel Studios that hosted the screening.

"I see. I know you have bought tickets for quite a few of their films."

I have. I like 'good news' stories, and their movies have hope.

"Okay, I'll buy the premise that you had a 'middle' movie."

Thanks, that's mighty neighborly of you! (smile!)

"Yes, dear. Now, how was that last movie, the one with Tom Hardy?"

Let me tell you, "The Bikeriders" was fabulous! And, no, it's not just because of all the hot men dressed in leather jackets and riding motorcycles, though that certainly didn't hurt. I hadn't realized it was based on a real group, The Vandals of Chicago, that was started by a truck-driving man lonesome for male company. See, he had a wife and two daughters, so he was fairly outnumbered at home, and since he was on the road all the time, that gave him no way to make friends. Inspired by "The Wild One", a Marlon Brando movie that was old enough to make it onto TV, he started the motorcycle club. How about that? The movie covered the years from 1965 to 1973 and had a documentary feel to it. I very much liked it!

"Very cool! You recognize any others in it?"

Well, Jodie Comer - from "Free Guy" was quite excellent as a good girl who falls for one of the guys. Austin Butler - who played "Elvis" - was excellent as the brooding 'Benny' who'd caught her eye. Tom Hardy was the ringleader, 'Johnny', with Michael Shannon as one of his steady guys, 'Zipco'. But the one that really grabbed my attention was the interviewer who was capturing the story of The Vandals. That was Mike Faist, proving once again that he can be a chameleon and turn in multi-faceted performances in any role. Wow!

"He's the guy who was in "Challengers", wasn't he?"

Yes, and he played 'Riff' in "West Side Story", too! So very talented!!! And, guess what?

"Whatcha got?"

He was adopted. How about that as a coincidence for this A*List?

"Oogway had it right. There are no accidents."

For sure!