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Wednesday, January 01, 2025

viewing reviews 2025



Another year of recording some thoughts about every movie and series I spend my time with. 


64. 12/1/25
(HBO)
I need a stronger word than absurd for this show, because the entire premise is ridiculous and yet, outrageous conspiracy (conspiracies?!) quickly start to become evident, even though nothing makes sense. The whole thing is held together by Tim Robinson's Ron Trosper, a man who doesn't know when to stop or how to not be obsessive, about anything at all, really. But, I couldn't look away. I seriously adored everything about this show, even though I don't think I could accurately describe what happened, because it was so utterly unexpected. Robinson is a comedy genius.


63. 11/30/25
(HBO)
Our college kid wanted to watch this, and while I quite enjoyed it, Hubby was not so much a fan. Almost the whole movie is in real time, taking place at a shiva where the protagonist Dani is in an uncomfortable position with her parents, her ex-girlfriend, and her secret "Sugar Daddy" all in attendance. A young woman uncertain about her post-college plans, Dani is harangued by practically everyone in attendance, about her appearance, her weight, and her career plans. The anxiety is palpable, and depictions of panic and anxiety are spot on. 



62. 11/29/25
(Netflix)
How many times is too many times to watch a movie? I think this was my fourth time watching this from beginning to end, and it was the perfect background to some post-Thanksgiving jigsaw puzzle time. My middle child and I watched this together, cracking up, of course.



61. 11/28/25
A Man on the Inside
(Season 2, Netflix)
Mike Schur has once again captured a comfortable and cozy tone in a show that is utterly bingeable, super fun, and keeps you thinking. Ted Danson is his usually charming self, and this character brings just enough goofiness to make you smile and not groan. The second season leaves the retirement home (mostly) for a small, private college campus, again with side characters with all sorts of interesting backstories. I had a blast binging this in a couple of days.



60. 11/27/25
(Amazon Prime)
We wanted to watch a movie as a family on Thanksgiving night after dinner was done, and the middle kid suggested this one. Our oldest wasn't terribly interested, but stayed in the room. Our youngest hadn't ever heard of it, so they went in knowing nothing. As is almost always the case, they figured the twist out earlier than most people do. It was fun listening to them talking out their predictions and sharing a knowing glance with everyone else. I'd forgotten some details, but I really enjoyed this re-watch, years later.



59. 11/26/25
(HBO)
Damn, pretty good thing that I watched this in my living room and not the theater, because my screams would likely have bothered others. Sky didn't care for this and actually questions why/how someone comes up with something like this. I enjoyed being scared (and the freedom to bellow in fear on my couch!), but I am concerned about going to bed now... will Gladys be in my dreams tonight?!



58. 11/18/25
(HBO)
Okay, why does this have a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes right now? This flick delivered exactly what I expected-- some silliness and some gross visuals and a plot to keep it all together. While I was predisposed to liking this on the basis of Paul Rudd alone, I gotta say that eyebrows guy (Will Poulter) truly stole the show here. Even Téa Leoni gets a shout-out here for her truly believable rich "philanthropist" ("We're evacuating the refugees!... or, are we vaccinating them?") I laughed a lot during this, and I appreciated that the gory visuals were small on my phone. If movies are supposed to be entertaining, then this understood the assignment. 



57. 11/15/25
(HBO)
When I first saw the trailer for this A24 (of course) film, I turned to Scott and said, "This is the movie version of the music I listen to." After viewing the quiet, slow, introspective, emotional film, that initial assessment stands. This was sad, but in a realistic way that simply shows what life can sometimes throw at us. I quite loved the pace of the movie because it didn't rush through tough experiences, instead making me sit with the story in all its difficulty, until the end that isn't really an ending to anything, but just a moment to stop telling the story. I want to see more from writer/director/star Eva Victor.



56. 11/11/25
(Season 2, Netflix)
Guess what? The title still holds true, at least for me. Why in the hell does Rabbi Noah like Joanne? He's a genuine good guy, and she is an Arizona trash bag. Oh wait, right actress, wrong series, but same idea. I don't get it.



55. 11/1/25
(Netflix)
Put this one on the list of movies I would never, in a million years, have chosen to watch on my own yet actually enjoyed. Hubby put this on, and I was just too lazy to leave the room, and I ended up getting pulled in pretty quickly. There was cheeky humor here and clever heist moves and pretty people. What the hell was Deiter actually seeing in his head while he played the music and envisioned the inside of the safes? I honestly don't know, but it was cool looking on the screen.



54. 10/22/25
(Season 1, Netflix)
This was an interesting enough show, with an interesting enough plot and cast, but it seemed to fall short for me, though I'm having a hard time putting my finger on exactly why. The twists were somewhat predictable, but that's not it, either. The majesty of Yosemite Park came across lovely onscreen, so that was nice. But overall, it fell a little flat for me. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Netflix is renewing it for a second season then. #JusticeForKAOS



53. 10/21/25
(Athena cinema, special showing ahead of Colson Whitehead visit to Ohio University)
I read this book earlier this year, so the story was still fairly fresh in my head, and I was impressed with the ways the filmmakers chose to portray the world of Nickel Academy and the two main characters' experiences, without immediately giving away what was a very surprising twist at the end of the book. There were some artistic choices that I didn't quite understand beyond some dark metaphorical imagery, but I'm planning to read some pieces written after the release of the movie to see what others' thought. The performances here were mind-blowingly and heartbreakingly convincing-- definitely those of Ethan Herisse (Elwood), Brandon Wilson (Turner), and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Hattie, Elwood's grandmother). My heart raced through the entire film, anticipating the horrors that awaited Elwood and Turner, and the devastation experienced by Hattie. I'm super excited to hear Colson Whitehead speak at OHIO this evening, and I'm curious to hear if he talks much about the film adaptation.



52. 10/20/25
(Miniseries, HBO)
I likely wouldn't have put this show on if it didn't star Mark Ruffalo-- it's not really my go-to genre, but if he's in it, then I'm pretty confident it's going to be a high-quality show. I wasn't wrong. This was intense and dark and incredibly well-acted. I quite liked the exploration of these men's inner lives and emotional challenges with their family members. Even from the series' cover image, it's evident how the show will compare the two main characters, two men who are very different at first glance. As we come to learn more about each of them, the parallels run deep. I highly recommend this series.



51. Sometime in early to mid-October 25
(Season 14, Netflix)
This is absolutely the only show I've watched for this long that features several cast members who are nuns. I continue to adore this show for its quaintness, depictions of the hard realities of the time but still doing it in gentle ways. We're creeping toward the year I was born, with this season being in the year 1970, so I'm especially interested in watching what it will look like when my mom was pregnant with me. I hope it continues on for many years!



50. 9/28/25
(Netflix)
Holy smokes, how I loved this limited series. Toni Collette is terrifying, and Mae Martin is so fucking entertaining to watch (AND HOT!). I binged this in just a couple sittings, and my vocalizations of surprise and shock were LOUD. I'm recommending it to everyone because despite the heavy content, it's actually kinda fun to watch. Loved the soundtrack, loved the pop culture references, and loved the Canadian-ness, even when I had to google what some sayings meant! I'll watch anything Mae Martin makes. 



49. 9/28/25
(Theater, special "Friends of India" screening)
Man, I absolutely loved this film! The jumps in time to show the arcs of both the main character and her mother as a younger woman worked so well, and the twist on a Bollywood classic, Aradhana, that holds an important place in both their hearts plays with modern sensibilities. From a lesbian Muslim filmmaker, Fawzia Mirza, the perspective is feminist and women-centered, with a strong focus on mother-daughter relationships and self-discovery. I went to a free screening at our local theater with both my daughter and our pal, and all three of us loved it, though I think only H and I were crying at times throughout!



48. 9/14/25
(Season 1, Netflix)
This show was frenetic and all over the place and funny and a bit sad, and altogether A LOT. I binged it fast and kind of loved every minute. Yes, this is a Lena Dunham show, but thankfully, the main character here was quite a bit more likable than Hannah from Girls, who bugged the absolute shit out of me from the very beginning. Megan Stalter's Jessica struggles with relationships, of both the friendship and romantic kind, but she is ultimately fun, and her vulnerability can be attractive and relatable. I think she's also a hot freaking mess and consistently makes dubious life choices, and I'm hopeful we'll get to see even more.



47. 9/14/25
(Netflix)
I adore Fortune Feimster-- I think she's naturally funny when just in casual conversation on her podcast or in an interview. I quite enjoy her story-telling style in stand-up, and this was super fun to mostly listen to while I worked on a jigsaw puzzle. It was a little odd, though, to listen to her deliver material about her and her now or soon-to-be ex-wife getting married and honeymooning. 



46. 9/10/25
(Season 1, Netflix)
I listened to the Pop Culture Happy Hour episode where they discussed this animated family drama and I was instantly convinced to watch it. Good decision to make because this definitely entertained. I loved the balance between goofy humor/magical realism that is only doable through animation and actual heartfelt emotion. The non-linear format plops us into moments in the family members' lives and subsequently we learn of big events at different times than they actually happen, which left me surprised and emotionally effected more than once. The actors voicing the characters include some well-known names, and they embody these roles so well. Highly recommend!



45. 9/9/25
(Netflix)
I wanted to revisit this old satirical comedy because I needed a stupid laugh, and it provided me with exactly what I was looking for. The kids were around and semi-watched with me, and they moaned and groaned but I saw them guffawing, too. All around ridiculous.



44. 8/30/25
(Season 1, HBO)
This show is most definitely the most incredible medical drama I've ever seen. Hot damn, it was intense and realistic and heart-fucking-wrenching, and I felt a constant tension as I thought about what emergency medical staff have to deal with on a daily basis. It's beyond unbelievable to me how they handle it. The cast on here was top-notch across the board. Literally every character is developed, and no matter which characters were on screen, I was fully engaged in the storyline and the performances. Amazing. Give everyone all the awards, and most especially Noah Wyle.



43. 8/30/25
(HBO)
WOW WOW WOW. Blown away. I could not look away and the time flew by, and I still wanted even more. Michael B. Jordan (along with Michael A. Jordan??) skillfully created two distinctive characters. The supporting actors were all on fire, most especially Wunmi Mosaku who ATE onscreen. I was loving the film as a period piece before the fucking vampires were even introduced, and then it took on a different level of storytelling. The scene with the music making connections across generations past and future was a feast for the eyes and ears, and I loved the heart of it all. Kinda glad I watched it at home instead of the theater, I think, because I did have a couple of verbal outbursts!



42. 8/22/25
(HBO)
Twas the night before the middle kid went back to college for year two, and somehow we all got talking about these movies and then we turned the first one even though it was late and she wasn't even completely packed. She ended up leaving with maybe 40 minutes left so she could finish preparing for the morning, but Hubby and I stuck it out. Damn, this story is as impactful as ever, no matter how many times I watch. 



41. 8/17/25
(Season 25, Hulu)
Okay, I have no excuse. I clicked on a clip that made me curious about a story line in the 25th season, and I then I watched the whole fucking season while I washed dishes, folded laundry, dried my hair, ate my lunch, whatever. It was bad. Just so bad. It's such copaganda, and it's so simplistically written. I am filled with shame. 



40. 8/9/25
(Seasons 1-6, Hulu)
When this show first began, we watched it religiously, and I inevitably sobbed uncontrollably at least once during each episode. We trailed off watching somewhere early in season 3, I believe because I couldn't handle the emotional manipulation of it all. A few years passed, and then one day, I started seeing TIU clips on social media, and because I clicked one or two, more were sent my way, leaving me feeling uncertain if I wanted to be done with those goddamn Pearsons after all. I thought, I'll watch the pilot and see if it still has that original draw, knowing now that it brought so many tears. I'm a sucker, so after the pilot, I just dove right back in, and I binged the whole series over a few weeks. Dammit if I wasn't crying again over their perfect imperfections as individuals and as a family. If I could remember the way they remember-- all the big and little moments-- I wonder how it would affect me in my current relationships or in how I parent. I was devastated all over again at Jack's death, at William's death, and then final kicker in the end for Rebecca. Randall, Kevin, and Kate have made me both wish I had other typically-developing siblings and thankful that I do not. I've learned good and bad from all the romantic relationships portrayed, and I walked away feeling that maybe, just maybe, my kids will someday speak of me the way The Big Three spoke of Rebecca and Jack. That would be more than enough.



39. 8/3/25
(Netflix)
Silverman's storytelling style in this special was entirely endearing, so even when she tossed in a more blue joke as she's known for, I would chuckle but not be taken out of the moment. The love she had for her parents is utterly obvious and super realistic, and her stories from her childhood were familiar to me both for our shared generation and New England upbringings. I was torn up by the photos and videos that ran during the credits, especially as I'm struggling with my own feelings about my aging parents' futures. 



38. 7/19/25
(Theater, special summer series)
I remember seeing this as a middle schooler back in the day, and maybe we had it on VHS so I saw it more than once, but I didn't remember all the details of the plot. Some things came back to me right as they were happening, though. All in all, I couldn't believe just how risqué-- and outright inappropriate-- so much of it was for a PG flick. The 80s, man. 



37. 6/29/25
(Netflix)
Flashy and fast. Again, I wasn't clear on what was happening at all times (at most times?), but I was along for the ride, and the people were snarky and funny so it was an entertaining watch from the comfort of my couch. I joked that we should see the third installment this fall in the theater, since my outbursts could then be enjoyed by more than just Hubby! 



36. 6/28/25
(Netflix)
Oh, Birbigs, how I adore you so. You can always make me laugh, and you have the extra talent of making me cry in the next beat. This show (more one-man show than comedy special) was brilliantly written and paced, and your physicality added a layer to the experience. The stage design added depth (ha!) and provided both the perfect backdrop and surrounding presence for your words and moves. Love, love, love. Comedy and contemplating one's own mortality are beautifully intertwined.



35. 6/28/25
(Season 4, Max)
I felt like this season was less cohesive than previous seasons, and more like separate episodes of Gemstone Hijinks. The central conflict wasn't evident until later in the season, and then everything happened all at once. I enjoyed the show the same as usual, just felt a bit scattered, until the series finale, of course, where everyone had their appropriate epiphanies and turned into decent human beings. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.


34. 6/18/25
(Season 21, Hulu)
Oh, for Christ's sake, this show. Guess what? More people argued, cried, fucked, and then the hospital blew up. Same old, same old.



33. 6/17/25
(Seasons 1-5, Netflix)
There are not strong enough words (in English, at least) for how much I loved this series, maybe there are better words in Norwegian? Pernille was so damn relatable, even more so than Pamela Adlon's Sam in Better Things, and that's absolutely saying something, because that show set the bar for me for realistic middle-aged women characters dealing with parenthood, personal relationships, aging parents, the whole world that I'm living in right now. Pernille takes it up several notches, showing the titular character in all aspects of her day-to-day life, sometimes struggling, sometimes killing it, but always absolutely real. I watched most of the show dubbed in English, but about a quarter of the time, I was able to watch and not be distracted by other tasks, so I put it in Norwegian with subtitles and quite enjoyed hearing everyone's real voices. I was so touched by this show and how it made me feel seen and recognized. 



32. 6/13/25
(Theater)
Welp. That was terrible. Dakota Johnson had zero chemistry with any other person on the screen, and neither her voice nor her face seem capable of showing any emotion. If she doesn't seem to care about her own life, why would the audience? Even the gorgeous and charming Pedro Pascal couldn't save this movie, though it might have benefited from a little more screen time for him. The script was so dang slow and the movie as a whole was boring AF. I didn't care about anyone, and no one seemed to be even close to a real person. Sad that we paid money for this one.



31. 6/7/25
(Netflix)
I'm not exactly sure who picked this flick, but I was already in the room, so I ended up watching it. I guess I can say that I was entertained, although much of that entertainment could maybe be better described as confusion... I wasn't quite sure what was going on sometimes, or how certain things were being done, or why any of it was happening, but there were pretty people and snarky lines. The twist at the end should have been more obvious to us, so I was a bit disappointed in myself at that. Apparently there's a sequel and another on the way. Sure, I'd watch them from my living room. 



30. 6/5/25
(Season 1, Netflix)
I didn't expect to like this as much as I actually did, because I was prepared for it to be too cheesy or too predictable or just too goofy, but it ended up striking almost all perfect notes for me. And while many of the little things were predictable, at least one big thing took both me and Hubby by great surprise-- as in, sitting straight up on the couch and screaming, "WHAT?!?!" Yeah. Otherwise, I enjoyed every episode for the character development and realistic portrayals of love and marriage, and the cast is outstanding. Definitely recommend, and I'm curious to see if the magic continues for a second season.



29. 6/4/25
(Theater, Pride Event)
I'd never seen this 1999 satirical comedy, so I was excited to see it offered as a feature during Pride Month at our local small theater. Hubby, 19-year-old, and I went with our closest pals, and while none of our family had seen it, it was a bit of a cult classic for our friends. I quite enjoyed the ridiculousness of it all, especially the profane visual gags and RuPaul's "straight guy" take, but my other family members were not such fans. I laughed, and I thought it was fun to see some of these stars as teens. 



28. 5/24/25
(Netflix)
This had a total of five episodes, and I was digging it through episode four, hyping it up to my friends and really loving the literal mix of comedy and tragedy. The performances were perfect for each of the three main characters-- campy and dark and mysterious, with some out loud bursts of laughter. Then the final episode came and I guess the ending makes sense, but it was most definitely less than satisfying. I kept expecting some sort of mystical or magical level, but I guess the 'Sirens' connection was less obvious and more metaphorical, with a stretch. There is room for discussion about women and power, marriage and power, and I guess, power itself... who actually has it, and how quickly it can shift. I don't know, I was ultimately disappointed in the ending and left wanting more.



27. 5/23/25
(theater)
Holy smokes, I laughed my ass off at this ridiculous movie. I was worried that Hubby wasn't going to be a fan of the uber-cringeness of Tim Robinson's brand of comedy, but he *somewhat* enjoyed himself. Our friend, M, though, had a freaking blast, and I think he must have exclaimed, "Oh my god, oh my god" at least three dozen times by the end of the flick. The main character here was just the absolute worst, making every terrible decision possible. Followed by even more, even worse choices. Jesus, it was uncomfortable and hilarious, all at the same time.



26. 5/7/25
(Season 2, Netflix)
Michelle Buteau continues to be one of my favorite people to see on my screen-- so full of life, so fucking real. This season gave Mavis some more ups and downs, but she makes her way through it all. I'm enjoying the deeper storylines on Mavis' friends Khalil and Marley, but definitely Khalil more so. I was surprised when I was already at the season finale, because these episodes just fly by. I hope they keep coming, because these are characters I want to spend time with.



25. 5/3/25
(Amazon Prime)
Well, this did not go over as I had hoped. I finally convinced the middle kid to watch this with me, given how much she enjoyed last year's Nosferatu, also remembering how much I adored this flick when I was in high school and college. What I didn't remember was how fucking cheesy the movie was, or maybe I didn't see it that way thirty years ago? The many, many scenes that transitioned by fading from one image to another were just too much. The sex was a bit too gratuitous for the kid, and she checked out maybe a third of the way through the movie. I continued watching, and I guess I leaned into the cheesiness because I was chuckling the whole way through. 



24. 5/1/25
(Season 3, Max)
Ooh, look, it's more beautiful rich people with no moral compass or concern for anyone other than themselves! And also, Belinda, who used to not fall into that category but by the end of the season is closer than ever to fit in with the others. I half-watched/listened to this season on my phone while doing spreadsheets and other menial work tasks, knowing that the previous two seasons had me so frustrated if I paid too close attention. What I wasn't expecting was to laugh as much as I did, mostly because of Parker Posey, whose North Carolinian accent was hilarious. She was like a Southern Moira Rose, but not as intentionally satirical. That whole family was awful, as were the three vapid friends who obviously hated each other as much as they thought they loved each other. And the mismatched-in-age-and-temperament-and-pretty-much-every-other-way-too couple were just regular fucked up people with wealth. I was perfectly fine, as I was with the first two seasons, if pretty much everyone in the main cast ended up dead by the final episode, so when it was teased that some were only to not be, gah!



23. 4/16/25
(Seasons 3 & 4, Hulu)
This show continues to bring smart and witty writing to a traditional sitcom format, and Quinta continues to be amazing alongside an excellent ensemble cast. I binged these two seasons over a busy time in life when I needed a distraction/reward after accomplishing tasks and also some friendly background noise while I did some mundane tasks. It always hit the spot.



22. 4/15/25
(Hulu)
Dying with humor and humility may be an atypical theme for a show, but this mini-series successfully portrayed this with such grace that had me laughing out loud through tears streaming down my face. Damn if every actor wasn't PERFECT here, most especially Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate. I wanted this to last so much longer, but when death and dying is the underlying theme, the story will naturally come to an end sooner than anyone wants. I don't think I've seen death depicted like this before, and I'd like to be reminded of the scene with the hospice nurse (Paula Pell at her absolute best!) when I'm facing my own end, because her description of the process of dying was beautiful and realistic and natural and so freaking respectful of the process and the human experience of it. And, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how much more I fell in love with Rob Delaney for his performance as "Neighbor Guy" here. 



21. 4/5/25
(Amazon Prime)
I read this book when it came out a few years ago, but I only retained some basics of the story. The parallels with the original trilogy's plot and characterizations that I think I appreciated then felt a little more heavy-handed and 1:1 in this viewing. Mostly, I was left feeling disgusted by the inhumane behaviors and attitudes of so many of the Capitol citizens... yes, that was the point, but it was also difficult to watch at a time when it seems that is becoming more and more common in our real world. 



20. 4/4/25
(theater)
My first Moms Weekend at my middle kid's college provided the opportunity to watch this oldie but goodie in the theater, alongside a ton of other middle-aged moms and their kids. I had forgotten some of the details as it's been years since I watched it last, so I even got to be surprised a bit. There was some soft singing along in the theater, and thankfully the moms behind me were as exasperated as I was whenever Pierce Brosnan sang... dang, dood. 



19. 4/4/25 & 7/5/25
(Netflix)
Clever, witty, and so much damn fun. I loved every second of this whodunit series, and what an amazing ensemble cast! Uzo Aduba's performance is perfectly dry and confident, and she made me literally laugh out loud time and time again. I quite appreciated the technique they used of showing a scene play out as someone described how it happened, only to be interrupted by a different person describing it in a different way, and the scene would immediately switch to show the changes. Funny, funny stuff. Now, I wasn't exactly on the nose with my predictions-- and I had several that kept adapting to the new information that was doled out-- but I wasn't completely off either. I'm not sure how a second season could work, but I'd watch anything with Aduba in this role again.

*Watched the whole series again, this time with Hubby and in one day. We really didn't leave the living room on the laziest of Saturdays and binged the shit out of this clever hilarity.



18. 3/28/25
(Theater)
Our town's theater played this as part of a "Cocktails and Classics" series, and somehow I didn't know much of anything about this movie from 1994. We went with our BFFs and damn, this was a good time. John Waters' brilliance was in full dsiplay here and it was hilarious.



17. 3/27/25
(Seasons 1 & 2, AppleTV)
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?! I rewatched season one with the Hubby, who didn't watch it a couple years ago with us when it first came out. It helped me to rewatch and try to better understand all the details, which are seriously impossible to fully understand too often. By the end of season two, many answers have been provided, sorta, but I think I maybe have more questions? Like, if Mark's files were Gemma's severed personalities, what were everyone else's files? Anything? Nothing? What do Mark and Helly R. think is going to happen now? Will they lead a revolution inside to take down Lumon? Will Gemma work with Devon to do the same on the outside? And how is Ricken (Rick N.?) involved with Lumon?? He is, right? My head hurts.



16. 3/23/25
(Seasons 1 & 2, AppleTV)
I rewatched season one with my mom in February when I visited, and we got a couple episodes into the second season, then I had to finish it on my own when I got home. This fucking show both breaks and mends my heart with every episode. This cast continues to be incredible as individual actors and characters as well as having amazing chemistry together. This season went deeper for every character, giving opportunities for everyone to grow and show more of themselves to the audience. Honestly, I sobbed at times during this season, and it was simply beautiful.



15. 3/19/25
(Theater)
Our college of education hosted this documentary at our local theater, and I went with my besties who just happen to be math educators. This was made by the same folx who made the documentary Race to Nowhere that was super affecting back in 2009. I appreciated the major points of this documentary, though there were some things I wish they had framed differently, most especially focusing on the need for math literacy to increase people's education levels, rather than acknowledging that many people will not go to college and will still benefit in other ways by increasing their math literacy. It was fun to sit with my friends who knew many of the experts who appeared in the film and hear their happy exclamations. 



14. 3/16/25
(Season 2, AppleTV)
For feck's sake, the Garvey sisters are absolutely terrible murderers. The second season sees them stressed out all over again over deaths that aren't actually deaths... and one big one that actually is, and is utterly gutting. They are all as vulnerable as ever, each in their own ways, and even when they aren't quite working well together, the love they share is evident and true. I loved spending more time with these characters, even when the show was giving me a stomachache. I don't think there will be any future seasons, so I'm glad to have had the time we did with this fucking hilarious crew.



13. 3/11/25
(Seasons 1 & 2, Netflix)
Brilliant storytelling in this comedy-drama loosely based on creator Mo Amer's life as a Palestinian refugee living in Houston. I appreciated the intimate representation of a family in a situation that is wholly unfamiliar to me... in fact, everything continued to be so heartbreakingly outrageous to witness that I was ashamed of my own ignorance to the harsh realities. The character of Mo's mother was beautifully portrayed here by Farah Bsieso, representing the Palestinian culture and so many universalities to motherhood across cultures. And even when I wanted to shake Mo for some of his self-destructive tendencies, my heart was with him 100%. 



12. 3/5/25
(Season 4, Hulu)
I got the flu and I was isolating in the college kid's empty room, and my whole body hurt, like every single pore. Now, I'm not saying that I had to get extremely sick to finally turn to the latest season of this show, but it definitely helped. I had very little ability to focus, and this didn't take much. It was fine, just like the others.



11. 2/16/25
(Season 1, Hulu)
I don't know when I actually finished this because I didn't realize that the season had completed. I'm not used to watching a show that's airing weekly on a network! But, apparently that unresolved issue was the season ending cliffhanger, and now I'll have to try to remember it for a while. This show is pretty formulaic and predictable, but it's also fun and silly and kinda smart in unexpected ways. It's a good show to watch while I'm eating lunch at my desk. 



10. 2/16/25
(Seasons 1 & 2, Netflix)
Well, damn, this absolutely blew my mind. My youngest child asked if I'd watch this with them, and I had zero idea what I was getting into, not knowing that I was going to be sucked into an animated show that might be some of the smartest storytelling I've ever experienced. My kid would tell you that I was a bit of a mess while we watched, as I had a ton of outbursts from surprise, shock, terror, anger, and maybe once or twice, joy. It's a dark, dark story, with lots of trauma and pain, and characters that are threaded together with flaws. Oh, so many flaws. There's no way I would have caught all the small details if it weren't for my kid sharing tidbits, and it's hella impressive how many small details the animators included that were symbolic and meaningful. These must be the most talented animation folx out there, because this was S T U N N I N G. Such impressive, breathtaking storytelling here.



9. 2/10/25
(Season 1, Hulu)
What's that? Another show I really got into only to have its cancelation be announced? JFC. This was a somewhat silly, but really smart and witty comedy, with a dynamic lead, and I'm frustrated that the rest of the story doesn't get to be told. I've read that creator and star Natasha Rothwell is shopping the series around, so I'm hopeful it gets picked up. I enjoyed her perspective and voice telling the story of a woman who's a bit stuck in life and has a near-death experience-- more of an actual dead-for-a-couple-minutes experience-- and decides to make some changes. All of the characters are realistically flawed but truly likeable. I hope we get to see more from Rothwell as a creator!



8. 2/7/25
(Disney+)
On Siblings Weekend, the college kid spent time with her sibs, and one thing she wanted to do was watch a movie together from their childhood. This was the pick, and though I knew of the book and movie, I'd never read or watched either. Dang dude, that was an intense story for kids! With several intertwining plots and some truly cruel and abusive treatment of children, it was harder to watch than I expected. 



7. 1/18/25
(Season 1, Netflix)
A spy thriller isn't exactly my first pick for my viewing pleasure, but I was curious about it after listening to the discussion of it on Pop Culture Happy Hour. My youngest and I binged this over a couple of weekend evenings, and if they were super annoyed by my incessant exclamations in response to the violent scenes, they didn't show it. I found this to be cheeky and often confusing, but I think the second half of that assessment is on me. I didn't exactly understand how it all came together in the end, but I guess it doesn't really matter. Will I watch the second season? Yeah, probably, but I gotta prepare myself for the heart attack that may be imminent.



6. 1/17/25
(Season 1, Netflix)
You don't see many shows with an older adult as a main character, let alone a cast with a majority of characters in their senior years. This Michael Schur show changes that, with a bougie retirement community as the setting and a cast of diverse and wacky characters. There is the expected goofy humor that we've come to adore from Schur, and then comes the heart that we've also come to expect. I was moved to tears more than once, and I appreciated the authenticity when discussing tough experiences that often come with aging. Ted Danson certainly knows how to lead a sitcom, as much as ever.





5. 1/11/25
(Amazon Prime)
Jeez louise, this was a trip. The college kid wanted us all to watch this together before she went back to school for the spring semester, so the whole family agreed, even though I'm pretty sure only me and her ended up enjoying it. Well, she'd seen it several times, so she was quoting and dropping hints left and right, but I was along for the ride. She did say that this would be the most Gen Z movie I'd ever seen, and that part was so, so true, but not as the best the generation has to offer. Damn, I wanted to shake each of them at different times, and I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't actually figure out the twist before we got to the end. I did laugh a lot, though, and I like experiencing things the kids like, even if it was only a hit for one of the three! 



4. 1/7/25
(Season 6, Hulu)
Why, why, why did this show have to come to an end?! I've enjoyed this series so much, and I probably refer to someone as "fucking guy" at least 5 times a week. The creativity never ceased here, with new ridiculous storylines again and again, and the ability to put any two characters together on screen with guaranteed chemistry and magic. I'll miss Lazlo's outrageous exclamations, Nadja's sharp jabs, Nandor's lovable earnestness, Guillermo's growing exasperation, The Guide's frankness, Cravensworth's Monster's developing language, and Colin Robinson's... um... Uh, yeah, I'll miss Colin Robinson, too. The meta-ness of the finale made me chuckle through the tears that popped up, and I'll forever stan Guillerando. Nanermo? 



3. 1/4/25
(Netflix)
Nate Bargatze is so naturally funny that I predict I'll always enjoy one of his standup shows. That being said, this one didn't feel as strong as his previous specials or clips I've seen of him. There was more lag time between laughs, and it felt dragged out a bit. But, I did laugh and I did enjoy watching him do his thing for an hour.



2. 1/3/25
(Netflix)
The youngest and I were looking for a movie to watch together on a Friday night, and they pulled this one up. I had a vague sense of what it was about from when it came out (12!) years ago, but not much else. Yes, we laughed several times, but dang, was this a stupid and predictable flick. Teen was happy to finally learn where a long-established meme came from, so that was one takeaway win. 



1. 1/1/25
(Netflix)
I thought I loved Michelle Buteau after consuming pretty much everything she has created, and then she drops this special just in time for my last day of winter break, and I find myself trying to come up with a stronger word than just *love*. Because she is in aaaaaaaaalllllllllll her glory here, dropping jokes and wisdom for over an hour, and still finding time to drag Transphobe Chappelle in a calm and measured and entirely beautiful way. I watched while doing a little exercise and puzzle building, and I would hang with Buteau any damn day.



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