58. 12/30/22
(Netflix)
Even though I've known of the musical created by my favorite artist, Tim Minchin, for more than a decade, I've never purposely listened to the soundtrack. I don't have any particular attachment to this book, and I already feel uncomfortable enjoying anything created by the problematic Roald Dahl, along with our middle child's super negative reaction to the old film version-- all of this kept me from seeking it out. But... with this new movie version of the musical, I've heard so many interviews with Tim talking about it and I couldn't help myself. This was actually quite lovely and delightful, as much as it could be when the center of the story is the terrible abuse one child receives from almost all the adults in her life. The larger-than-life presentation helps to keep the outrageous level high and not as realistic as an abusive childhood could be presented. And then there's the music to keep up the spirits, and it was classic Minchin-- linguistically complex lyrics that demonstrate his brilliance. Quite fun, and I even rethought my previous feelings about choruses of British children singing!
57. 12/25/22
(Showtime)
Exactly four months after watching it for the first time, I watched with Hubby and I loved it all over again (and was confused by it for a bit, all over again!). He probably wasn't in the best state of mind for it at the beginning and seemed frustrated by the confusion, but then I think he got into it, too. I just love the rawness and beauty of the parenthood experience, and the relationship between mother and child speaks so deeply to me. I saw more here the second time about the marital relationship that was relatable and heart-tugging. Just a brilliant film and an experience to watch.
56. 12/24/22
(Netflix)
I was disappointed that no theater in a 60 mile radius of us was showing this during the week-long exclusive theatrical release, but I waited patiently for it to finally be streaming, and most of the family watched it together. I howled with joy as this flick progressed-- especially at Janelle Monáe's first appearance on screen. GODDAMN, SHE IS THE MOST PERFECT HUMAN EVER TO BREATHE AIR. Ahem. Yes, this mystery peels away like the titular veggie, and we all had fun excitedly shouting out bits that we noticed and exclaiming our developing theories. Our youngest is eerily good at solving mysteries and got so, so much of this one, as per usual. We all had fun with it, and I definitely will watch it again, just as with its predecessor.
55. 12/24/22
(Season 1, AppleTV+)
OB-SESSED. I had marked this one down a couple months ago after seeing a FB friend praise it, but I didn't start it until I needed a new binge to accompany the annual Xmas gift and stocking stuffer wrapping extravaganza. And binge I did, finishing the ten 1-hour episodes in less than 24 hours. Holy shitballs, people, this was unbelievably good. I literally couldn't stop or think about anything else. I just wanted to finally get to the ending-- the parts that we knew from the very beginning were so insufficient-- because while I had some guesses, I was ultimately stumped on the actual how. With each episode, my hatred for "the prick" grew and grew, and he just might be the most despicable regular guy on-screen character that I've ever loathed. All I wanted was to see him be killed as I knew was inevitable, and I was literally encouraging the sisters to get it done already. Yeah, I know. What in the world will a second season bring? I have zero clue and I'm here for it.
54. 12/23/22
(DVD)
It's just not Xmas until this flick has been viewed, and everyone takes turns reciting their favorite lines along with the movie, and someone finally breaks and yells for everyone to stop saying lines along with the damn movie. Halleluiah! Holy shit! Where's the Tylenol?
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53. 12/22/22
(Amazon Prime)
Of all the early 2000s films that we loved originally and then watched again years and years later, this one held up the best, I think. The two teens and I watched it on a lazy winter break night, and while we kept muttering, "This is so stupid!" we were also laughing a whole freaking lot. It was funny to me how many cameos I needed to explain as the kids have no idea who was 'hot' in 2001, and we joked about who would be in the fashion show crowds if it was remade today-- Timothée and Zendaya were at the top of my list! Really, really ridiculously funny, even 21 years later.
52. 12/21/22
(Season 2, HBO)
At least the characters in this second season weren't quite as despicable as the first season... they were more relatable and that made a big difference in me being able to feel some compassion towards them. Or, I should say, some of them. I binged this over the course of a couple of days, and while I wanted to know what was going to happen, I was really watching out of obligation, I think, because I have friends who have loved this series so much. I didn't hate it as viscerally as last go-round, but it wasn't high on my list for the year, either.
51. 12/21/22
Spirited
Apple TV+
A musical with hilarious and lovely actors who aren't necessarily known for their singing? Well, it was a whole lot of fun, with clever jokes and some silly singing. I'm not sure this will be a watch-every-December holiday movie, but I'm sure we'll see it again at some point. The best thing to come from watching this, though? Learning a new way to use, "Good afternoon."
50. 12/19/22
(Season 1, Hulu)
Having just finished the novel a few days earlier, I was so ready to see how this story would be adapted for the small screen. I was prepared for the likelihood that the contemporary time for Dana would be updated to the present, but I wasn't expecting too many other significant changes. On that, I was only half-right. The present day is actually 2016, and based on some very slight background sounds, I'm going to guess that the pre-election days of 2016 were chosen quite intentionally, especially when it comes to the god-awful neighbors' storyline. But, the rest of the changes truly make this a different story-- pretty significant changes to the main characters and their relationship pull in changed motivations and perspectives, which makes sense along with the time change. But the addition of another time-travelling plot was the most surprising to me, and I'm not sure that I really like it... makes the time traveling device a little too "neat" for me. Not that I wanted to have graphic violence displayed on the screen, but I was surprised at how slowly the first season built the cruelty experienced by the enslaved people at the hands of the plantation owner. Another different feel for the setting and character development. We spend the entire season with a young Rufus, and I was expecting him to age more quickly, but some material needs to be left for a future season(s), I guess. I don't know how long this will go, but I hope it doesn't go down the path of The Handmaid's Tale, where I wish they would just close the series.
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49. 12/7/22
(Season 7, Netflix)
After seven seasons totaling 94 episodes, I can't say that I didn't have a *few* laughs, but even as this show continued to have some poignant moments about marriage, friendships, and aging, it was consistently so formulaic and predictable, it could often be considered insulting to its extremely talented cast. Especially Lily Tomlin who is a national treasure!!
48. 12/2/22
(Season 1, Sundance Now on Amazon Prime)
Yes, I adore every single thing that Tim Minchin makes, but please don't let that water down my recommendation for this outstanding show. In just eight short (~30 min) episodes, a story with layers upon layers unfolds, outrageous hijinks ensue, deeply emotional relationships are portrayed, and the unknown-to-me scenery of Australia is introduced in amazing glory. The plot nudges up against the ridiculous but never crosses the unbearable line, even as it pushed my anxiety to its limits. By the end of the season, tears streamed down my face and I even had a small, pitiful moan involuntarily escape my throat at one particularly emotional scene. Goddammit, this was intensely beautiful. Season 2 is out but unavailable in the US, which is sorta killing me, no lie.
47. 11/24/22
(Netflix)
It was Thanksgiving morning and everyone in the house was still sleeping, so I decided to get a jumpstart on some of the baking and cooking, but the quiet is just too oppressive. Enter Trevor Noah, and I had the perfect partner to keep me company while doing the kitchen work. His standup here-- observational and long-form storytelling-- was the just right fit for me in the moment, and for me in general. I was cracking up all by myself and having a grand time. And, for the record, butter chicken is likely the ONLY food I this boring-ass white woman could order at an Indian restaurant!
46. 11/23/22
(HBO Max)
I quite enjoyed this cheeky romp that was self-aware, as much as a movie can be, without becoming a parody. Sam Rockwell's weary Inspector landed perfectly, but Saoirse Ronan made this movie. Damn, she has the best comic energy here, with just the right amount of silly vulnerability. Night before Thanksgiving evening movie that held 2.5 of the 4 family members' attention for the win!
45.11/22/22
(Season 3, Netflix)
This whole show was just so good, and the finale season showed everyone at the utter best. Dark and clever, this show keeps you on your toes and still allows for silly laughs. If I'd been forced to predict where this show would go back in the first season, I'm fairly certain it wouldn't have been anywhere close to the ending of the show as they made it. Any wishes for happier endings would immediately be shut down by Jen with a simple, "Gross."
44. 11/18/22
(Netflix)
It very well may have been 20+ years since I've watched this cinematic masterpiece, but when I was a teen, I wore this VHS out from frequent viewings, and some of the lines still lived on in my head, apparently. Have you ever seen a more beautiful human specimen than 26 year old Keanu Reeves? I was drooling over him as a middle-aged mom just as much (maybe more?) as when I was a pubescent adolescent. Damn. Yeah, the movie is ridiculous, full of plot holes, and written with no words higher than a 6th grade vocabulary. And it's fun AF.
43. 11/11/22
(Netflix)
Still pretty clever, a bit more intense and violent, and a jolly good romp all around. Did I solve it before it was laid out for us? Not quite, but I was getting there. Gotta love a period piece that shows women with the brains for sleuthing and scheming. Watched this with the almost-15 year old and they enjoyed it just as much as the previous one, too.
42. 10/26/22
(Netflix)
Fortune Feimster delivers exactly what we've come to expect from her-- long-form comedic stories of her personal life with just a dash of self-deprecation and a whole lot of goofiness. She's a fantastic storyteller, and as she acts out interactions with people, she paints a vivid and hilarious picture. This was perfect watching on a slow work afternoon, answering the occasional email and kicking back for some giggles.
41. 10/25/22
The Patient
(Hulu)
(Hulu)
Well, fuck. While this was *superbly* acted, it was a level of darkness that was a bit too disturbing for me. It hurt to watch this in the final couple episodes, knowing there was no good way for the series to end. Steve Carrell and Domhnall Gleeson must not be the same people now that they were before filming this show, because I'm not after only watching it.
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40. 10/18/22
(Season 1, Hulu)
I quite enjoyed this clever sitcom about a sitcom, and as I emphasized more than a few times to my friends when recommending it, I absolutely loved the cast. Cranky and un-pc Paul Reiser getting checked by rage-boiling-under-the-surface Rachel Bloom was my favorite dynamic here, but really everyone is fantastic. Yes, even Johnny Knoxville. I know! I didn't realize, however, that I'd finished the first season with episode 8, because even though it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, I've become accustomed to 10 episode seasons, so I thought there'd be a little more. Now to keep my fingers crossed that it gets renewed for a second season!
39. 10/11/22
(Season 3, Netflix)
I have loved this show from the very first scene. I have very little knowledge of what was happening in Northern Ireland when I was a teenager, but some things about adolescence in the 90s are universal. I am so sad to see this show come to an end, and the 16-year-old and I watched the final season together, crying pretty much nonstop through the final two episodes. Damn, some heartwrenchers there. The final seven episodes were clever and laugh-out-loud funny as expected, and the tender factor increased quite a bit for their farewell. Well done.
38. 10/2/22
(Season 1, Hulu)
Hubby told me that I probably wasn't going to like watching this show because of its intensity. He definitely wasn't wrong about the intensity, and the truth is, there were several episodes that I paused in the middle and had to walk away from, only to return some hours later better prepared. But he was absolutely wrong about my assessment of the show as a whole, because this may be the best thing I've seen this year. (Okay, Better Things is still at the top, but they're very, very different shows!) I expected the intensity from both the tv spots and Hubby's warnings, but I didn't expect the tenderness. Carmy (Lip, slightly reimagined, IYKYK) is emotionally intelligent if not expressive, and he's hurting. Bad. He's full of hope, even in the face of a seemingly hopeless situation, and even if he doesn't show it. Jeremy Allen White plays this type so damn beautifully, and here he is supported by a freaking stellar cast. Every single person has depth and plays an important role in the ecosystem of this flailing restaurant. God, I can't wait for season two. Maybe more than just eight episodes?!
37. 9/25/22
(Season 2, Hulu)
Why you gotta cancel Keef Knight, Hulu?? I'm bummed, because I really enjoyed both seasons of this show based on the real-life cartoonist Keith Knight, whose work is awesome and thought-provoking, and likely really fucking exhausting to him at times. This season examined the concept of actual activism and pushed the characters in new ways, especially putting Keef under a not-so-flattering spotlight. I was looking forward to what would be coming next for him. For the real-life Keith, I hope many, many more opportunities to get his work seen by more folx is in the stars.
36. 9/11/22
(Hulu)
An oldie but a somewhat-goodie. Predictable, tropey, and problematic at times in all the old 90s ways of subtle misogyny and homophobia, and full of laughable scenes with beautiful people. The 16 year old sorta watched some of it with me and was mortified by the cringe factor and the fact that it was "SO heteronormative". Yup.
35. 9/10/22
(Hulu)
When I first heard about the premise of this movie, I knew I'd want to see it, but I wasn't sure if it was something I wanted to watch with Hubby or on my own. I ended up watching solo, and I think I'm glad I did, because I was able to sit with my own thoughts about aging, body insecurity, and sexual desire, and how they all intersect. Kinda heavy for a flick, huh? Even with that said, it still had lighthearted moments that truly made me LOL, and more tenderness than I expected.
34. 9/8/22
(Season 1, Hulu)
This show is ridiculously silly, and it's absolutely Phoebe Robinson. She's goofy and goofs up constantly, and she's adorable and contrite when called for. Pretty predictable, but still fun to watch and solid casting. Great for vegging out television.
33. 9/8/22
(Season 1, Hulu)
When we DVR'd the first episode of this one, I wasn't sure that I was going to get into it. It felt a little too formulaic and like a laugh track could fit right in. But this show and cast definitely came together as the show went on, and I came to quite enjoy my time with it over the season. There were so many similarities in this fictional Philly school and the elementary school that my younger two kids attended in MD. The Step Club episode especially brought that home, and one of my kids was a bit ticked that we moved the summer before she would have been old enough to join her school's team!
32. 9/7/22
(Season 4, FX)
If this show had 30 episodes a season, it still wouldn't be enough for me. Seriously. Vampire nightclub. Blood sprinklers. Wraiths. Marwa and Freddie. The freaking New Jersey Devil. This season just made the show better and better, and ten episodes will never be enough. Guillermo, we're so, so ready for your debut next season! I've laughed myself to tears at this show.
31. 9/5/22
(Season 4, Amazon Prime)
Well, I'm not sure if it's you or me, Maisel, but we're just not as good a fit as we used to be. I wasn't terribly excited to start this season, and then once we did, we forgot all about it after watching one or two episodes and didn't return for months. Then it felt like a bit of a task just to watch and get it over with. Sigh. Next season is the final season and I think that's best for everyone involved.
30. 9/3/22
(some random TV station in a DC hotel)
After a long day at the National Book Festival, Justin and I spent our last night in DC eating deliciously greasy Five Guys and watching this old flick together. Is it problematic at times? Yup, no doubt, but surprisingly, it's one of Adam Sandler's less offensive ones. I was still laughing at all the old familiar parts after all these years.
29. 9/1/22
(Seasons 1-7, Hulu)
When I got Covid back in January, I isolated in our guest room for 10 days. While my head pounded and my throat burned like a million fires, I couldn't do much but lie on the bed and stare listlessly. I figured that it was better to stare at something other than the coronavirus-filled air. I pulled up Hulu and started scrolling, and then my exhausted eyes fell on four of my old favorites and realized I could use up a lot of hours by starting the first of seven seasons of The Golden Girls. Eight months later, I have enjoyed hanging out with Rose, Dorothy, Sophia, and Blanche while washing dishes, folding laundry, creating spreadsheets, lying on the couch, walking down the street. All I'm left feeling is gratitude. Thank you, all, for being a friend.
28. 8/28/22
(Season 2, Hulu)
Just when I think I can't possibly take any more Martin Short, this show brings my emotions out and I'm left rooting for him. And the others, too, though they're less likely to annoy me as much as MS is capable of. We watched this season somewhat disjointedly, which was a detriment to my getting into it like last season, but when we were finally able to binge the final six episodes over the course of a couple days, it really all came back together. I thought the finale was clever and intriguing, with some surprises and some guesses confirmed. With the final scene, we're guaranteed another season, and with Paul Rudd, to boot. WOO-HOO!
27. 8/25/22
(re-release in theater)
Why did it take me so long to see this AMAZING MOVIE?? I had the sense that it was critically acclaimed and that it was about multiverses, but but that was literally all I knew about it, and while I'm glad I got to see it without having anything spoiled for me, it also seems weird that this wasn't talked about more than it was. It was simply brilliant. Amazing visuals, awesome emotional arc, fight scenes literally like nothing I've ever seen before. I cannot praise this highly enough. I want to watch it again immediately, and all I want to do is talk to my friends about hot dog fingers!!!
26. 8/6/22
(Season 1, AppleTV+)
Well, shit, there were times I wanted nothing more than to be severed from this damn show. I think the biggest problem was that we watched it over the course of many weeks, usually one episode at a time. The 16 year old and I joined two pals on their porch for the viewings, another pandemic viewing experience. My mind was constantly addled at this show, but damn if it wasn't brilliantly told in the end... except there wasn't an end, because the first season ended on a GIANT cliffhanger. I can't wait for it to return, and I think I'll need to watch it a bit quicker for season two!!
25. 7/28/22
(Season 18, ABC/Hulu)
When. Will. This. Ever. End.
Okay, I've been with this show for almost two decades, and by the end of this season, it's looking more than ever like I might be freed from the world of Seattle's Grey-Sloane Memorial. Please. We all need these characters to ride off into the distance, each to pursue a life without never-ending tragedy. Sigh. But, I'm a sucker, and even though I forgot that I stopped watching weekly sometime in the winter, once I remembered, I binged through the final episodes on Hulu as a background distraction during other tasks. Yes, I still love all these characters, and that's why I can't NOT watch. One more year??
24. 7/24/22
(Amazon rental)
None of the kids had seen this modern-day classic, so on a rainy Saturday, we rented it and made a "living room picnic" for dinner and watched as they all had their minds boggled. The 14-year-old called so many aspects of the movie, and I don't know if they had googled things or were just way more perceptive than the rest of us the first time around. All I do know is that I loved this flick just as much the third time as I did the first two times! So freaking clever.
23. 7/12/22
(Season 3, Hulu)
Well, shit. This "dark comedy" is likely the most realistic portrayal I've seen yet of how I've experienced parenthood and marriage. That makes it simultaneously really affirming and quite dreadful to watch. Dreadful in that I am incredibly full of dread to see what Paul and Ally will be experiencing next. I appreciate the depictions of mental health and illness, along with menopause and emotional disorders, that help normalize my own experiences, and the realness of the characters, in all their good an bad, just gets stronger and stronger as the seasons go by. I kind of hope this one never ends. I want to keep taking this ride with Ally and Paul for quite a while longer.
22. 7/4/22
(Season 4, Netflix)
This season had me running up that goddamn hill for hours and hours and hours. Seriously, after binging it over the long weekend, I haven't been able to get Kate Bush to stop singing in my head! I watched the first part (episodes 1-7) on my phone while doing chores or lying down, but I knew that I needed to watch the last two epic episodes on the actual television so I could have a bigger screen... and the comfy couch since it was going to be about four hours of viewing! The kids stayed up to watch when the final two episodes dropped on Friday at THREE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING, but only the 16-year-old could make it all the way through. I found her sobbing in her bed around 8, because the finale emotionally scarred her. She watched quite a few of the episodes again with me, including the last two episodes, and she's still pretty beat up about the whole experience. Coming to this season right on the heels of finishing Umbrella Academy, I can't help but draw parallels between the plots and several of the characters. The teen drama makes Stranger Things a bit less enjoyable for me, but it must be noted that these kids work together much better than the Umbrellas (and certainly the Sparrows!). Here's hoping that we don't have to wait another THREE YEARS to get the final season and hopefully some resolution.
21. 6/29/22
(Season 3, Netflix)
Most things are going to shit in the world right about now, but it can be said that there is a ton of fantastic television (etc.) being created. Umbrella Academy has been one bright spot of the week, and man, this show fucks with my head and I love every second. Okay, clarification, I love every second when Klaus and Five are involved, and I mostly love every other second. Allison and Allison's bitterness (an entire character of its own) was a bit much to take this season, and Luther and Sloane were a bit over the top, and I'm still confused as to why we got ZERO explanation about the fucking cube, but there was almost nonstop action and entertainment. And Five kicking ass and using his old man brain like a boss. And Klaus just being so damn Klaus in all of his scenes. Love.
20. 6/26/22
(Seasons 1-5, Hulu)
It's hard for me to put into adequate words how much this show has meant to me. In the first season, I struggled with liking protagonist Sam's kids who were more often than not shitty as can be to her. I found myself wishing she would approach her interactions with her kids differently, but that didn't last for too long because I realized it was a bit assholish of me to assume that my approaches would be any better. When I really began to understand each character-- aided by the fucking amazing performances by every single person here-- I truly fell under the spell of this show. And I saw Sam living this life that was so very different than my own and still expressing herself in ways that felt 100% authentic and relatable. I wanted to be at her big dinner table, in the mix and in the mess, because I feel like I would be understood and seen. Pamela Adlon created magic with this show, and I cannot recommend it enough.
19. 6/23/22
(Season 1-2, HBO Max)
A friend recommended this series for when I needed a lighthearted watch, and it was finally time. Twelve episodes over two seasons did just the trick-- an on-again and off-again relationship between two seemingly incompatible people who keep finding their way back to each other accompanied by snarky humor and awesome accents. Perfection for that lighthearted watch.
18. 5/27/22
(Season 1, Showtime)
JFC, this show was beyond bonkers. Because of a friend, I watched this when only Season 1 was out, and it's going to affect our friendship forever. Just kidding... sorta. The opening scene of the very first episode begins to tell a sordid story that never gets addressed again in the multiple stories being told in both 1996 and present day. THE SHOW NEVER GETS TO THAT POINT AGAIN! Instead, it goes deep into other storylines and they're all terrifying and I was on edge for ten full episodes. Is there a mystical element? Something supernatural? Unnatural? Otherworldly? Is it all the result of Lottie's untreated mental illness? Jesus, how am I going to be able to wait for more??
17. 5/15/22 & 6/4/22
(HBO Max)
However I feel about this show will never, ever come close to how my 16-year-old has connected to the adventurous tale we now just refer to as "Gay Pirates." And that's saying something because I have been completely taken by this show's utter joy and celebration of love and self-truth. Along with the fact that it's just fucking hilarious. 10 out of 10. Absolutely recommend. Also, Taika Waititi holds a special place in my heart-- even though I liked him before, now the ease of a simple foot touch, I'm in absolute adoration and love.
16. 5/7/22
(theater)
I don't really know what I watched here, having never seen the other Dr. Strange movie nor many other flicks in the whole Marvel universe. Or multiverses? Who the hell knows. It was an assault on the senses and there was a lot to giggle about as I flung my hands about wildly. That was less appreciated by my offspring, but at least I had a good time.
15. 5/3/22
(Netflix)
I hadn't heard anything about this movie before my dad started it on Netflix, but I did think that it would be comedic considering the two leads. Huh. Seems that they can do drama pretty damn well, too. This is a tearjerker, by all measures, and it has a few chuckle-worthy lines, because Melissa McCarthy can throw them out with great talent. Some aspects about this film touched close to home and left me sobbing, and I'm grateful for the mental illness representation.
14. 4/16/22
(Seasons 1-5, HBO Max)
For months, a friend kept encouraging me to watch this show, and I was in the middle of other things and kinda forgot for a bit. But once I remembered and gave it a go, I couldn't do anything else. I binged five seasons in a shamefully short amount of time. This started out somewhat ironically serious in the first season, then started to get pretty silly in the second, moved into the realm of absurdity in seasons three and four, and then season five came around and WTAF? Jesus, did we have to go *there*? By *there* I mean the genre I like the least, but won't explicitly state here for spoilers, I guess. Even in my EXTREME DISCOMFORT, I was still cracking up at the absurdity and the ridiculousness of these self-absorbed characters who did not learn one goddamn thing after all the trouble they got themselves into. But damn, Alia Shawkat is a GODDESS. Period.
13. 4/10/22
(HBO Max)
All we knew when we turned this comedy special on was that we had laughed a lot when Jerrod Carmichael hosted Saturday Night Live and that this was his most recent stand up special. I'm not sure if going in with no information about him or the content of the show was the best approach or not, but we most definitely did not get what we expected from a stand up special. And I just adored it. The almost confessional tone is one that I enjoy from others like Hannah Gadsby and Neal Brennan, and while each of these comedians' style is different, I could still see a connection in the emotion of the special. And this was FULL of emotions, in a way that I as a white woman have not come to expect from productions by Black men. It was raw and sensitive and clearly painful at times for Jerrod Carmichael, and I have nothing but respect for his way of working through his own personal and family issues in the public eye.
12. 4/5/22
(Seasons 1 & 2, Netflix)
Sure, I don't believe anyone's bodice was ripped in either season, but I'm pretty sure there weren't many other differences between this series and the romance novels I used to read in middle school. Okay, these were significantly heavier on the consent and less on the rapey side, but so many of the same relationship tropes were there. There was still some of the "don't say what you actually feel" messaging, which got to be frustrating and irritating after a while. But, the people, clothing, and sets were all cast/designed gorgeously, and the music (especially the classical renderings of contemporary pop music) was incredible, so it was an utter feast for the senses.
11. 3/25/22
(DVD, for the millionth time)
What can I say about this movie that I haven't said before? It's inappropriate and goes too far, and I laugh and laugh. The 15-year-old asked when she could ever watch it, and this was the weekend. Because she's a teenager and she knows how much I love it, she reported that it was "overrated" at the end, even though she guffawed loudly through the entire movie. Yeah, I see you.
10. 3/20/22
(ABC On Demand)
Well, I was hoping that I'd enjoy this one as much as Death on the Nile, but honestly, I was lost for much of it and just wasn't as interested in these characters. I thought I had read this Agatha Christie way back when I was in my AG stage, maybe middle school, but I didn't remember one damn thing about the plot, and according to my quick Wikipedia readings, it would seem that the movie didn't make many big changes at all. I'm not counting out wanting to see any more AG adaptations from Kenneth Branagh that may come out in the future, but my hopes may be tempered.
9. 3/12/22
(Disney+)
8. 3/11/22
We watched this in a hotel room on our way home from Florida, and our 15-year-old actually loved it! I thought it was cute and sweet in a lot of ways, capturing early adolescence in its awkwardness and deep friendships and extreme fandom, so many things I can relate to and are still fresh in my head all these years later. I was happy to see diversity represented in ways that seemed authentic and not contrived.
(Season 1, Netflix)
If people watch this for at least the first episode and *don't* realize that it's a parody, then they should be hella embarrassed. I binge watched most of this first season while holding my sweet sleeping grandbaby, and I had to control myself from laughing out loud. Oh, it was ridiculous, and Kristen Bell keeps a straight face through some of the stupidest lines. The gravestone? Hilarious. Looking forward to the second season, which I hope gets greenlit!
7. 3/10/22
(Season 1, Netflix)
Six episodes and a few laughs made this show good enough for entertainment during other tasks- enough of a distraction while folding laundry or doing dishes. Some episodes were better than others, especially Kumail Nanjiani and Ken Jeong, because they couldn't stop themselves from laughing at times. I'm checking out some of the original British series episodes now, and it's about the same thing, except I don't know the guest stars.
6. 2/27/22
(Seasons 1-2, HBO)
Jesus Christ, this is one helluva show. Dark comedy is the description I see most often used, but that doesn't seem strong enough to cover it. This is ridiculously hilarious at times and gut-punchingly dark at others, and overall absurd throughout. I binge-watched season 1 and into season 2 by myself, then started over again with Hubby until the finale aired. This was a roller coaster (ha!) of events, and I'm not sure if I was rooting for or against this utterly amoral family, but I do love laughing at their hijinks.
5. 2/19/22
(theater)
This film starts out in black and white with subtitles, and I was immediately concerned that what we saw on the previews was not entirely representative of what the next 127 minutes were going to hold. All three kids agreed to come and were actually looking forward to seeing the movie based on that trailer, so I wondered if any of them would regret it. Soon enough, color came on and subtitles went off, and the flick started, and while it was a slow burn, I was on the edge of my seat! I don't know if I ever read the book back in my middle school/high school Agatha Christie phase, but I certainly didn't remember anything about it, so I was waiting for Hercule Poirot's revelations with great anticipation. It ends up that everyone quite enjoyed the film, slow pace and lack of any of the features they usually seek out (see any Marvel movie for examples) and all. I somehow missed seeing Kenneth Branagh's first portrayal of Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express, but I'm going to have to catch it now on a streaming service!
4. 2/18/22
(Disney+)
My second viewing, and our youngest's first viewing, and it was as fun as it was the first time. I love that when we saw it last November, I left the theater saying that I really enjoyed the song about Bruno, and now that's pretty clearly the one I hear the most. Thanks Tiktok!
3. 1/28/22
(Netflix)
The 15-year-old in our family, who happens to be the world's biggest Andrew Garfield fan (at this moment in time), has been bugging me to watch this with them. They find my FB usage to be HILARIOUS, and they thought I *needed* to see this flick. Man, I already knew that the Zuck was an asshole, but what a dickish beginning. I can't say that I enjoyed this movie, because I hated all the people in it with a fiery passion, but the acting was pretty fantastic. And you should see the 15-year-old act out the scene where Eduardo tells off Mark after being presented with the shitty buyout papers. Get this kid in the movies!!
2. 1/26/22
(Season 1, HBO)
It would be really, really easy to say that this was a show filled with terrible people who are so unlike anybody or anything in my own life, and in a lot of ways, it's not a false statement. These uber-wealthy people live lives quite alien to me, and this vacation is unlike anything I've ever taken or will take. It's easy to use these so very different people to make a statement about capitalism and privilege and humanity, which this show does well. But, it's a little more discomforting to recognize that the extremes in this show-- the money, the lavish lifestyle, the paradise setting, the atrocious behaviors-- are just exaggerated examples of things we all can absolutely relate to. Perhaps that helps make this show fascinating, even as it's stomach-churning to watch.
Happy viewing,
1. 1/18/22
(HBO)
I was perplexed by the first couple episodes of this show, but not at all in a frustrated way. I wanted to talk about everything I'd seen, mull over small details in the dialogue, and throw out predictions of future connections to come. I couldn't watch this fast enough but was constrained by Hubby's schedule and the fact that we started watching before all the episodes had been released, which is never a good idea. Eventually, we made our way through the 10-episode limited series, and honestly, I want to watch it all over again because I'm positive that there were more details that went unnoticed. There was just SO MUCH to notice. I felt true appreciation for the way human connection was depicted in this story- in a time of an epic pandemic that wipes out the vast majority of all humankind leaving only a few souls behind, connection is all we'd have left, right? Add in the arts and storytelling as necessities for survival, and it all comes together as an ultimately beautiful, albeit harrowing, tale.
Happy viewing,
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