COMEDY: “Man vs. Baby.” / “Old Dog, New Tricks.”

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“Man vs. Baby” (Netflix) British comedy, follow-up to “Man vs. Bee” (2022). Rowan Atkinson reprises his role as Trevor Bingley. Premise: Trevor Bingley has taken a quieter job as a school caretaker. A lucrative Christmas penthouse gig lures him back — and when no one collects the Baby Jesus from the school nativity, Trevor finds himself with an unexpected companion over the holidays.



       At least for me, Rowan's antics don't grow old. I always laugh. In this “made for the holidays” shenanigan, there's an added poignancy and heartfelt denouement. Only 4 episodes so this series is a good watch for the family after the Christmas dinner. 🎥💻📽


“Old Dog, New Tricks” (Netflix) Spanish comedy. A gruff rural veterinarian loses his clients and is begrudgingly forced to join an animal boutique managed by his niece. 



       The first two or three of this 9-episode series were witty, funny, and suggest better installments up ahead. The chemistry between Luis Zahera as Anton, the grumpy old vet, and his niece Lucia Caraballo as “pet boutique” manager Uxia, was lively and engaging.

       Until the tone got a little “serious” sort of and the pacing dragged-out. The cuteness of the pet animals as the obvious sweetener got lost somehow. Still, a fine family watch, hoping the kids don't get bored and start minding their iPhone instead. 🎥💻📽


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