Story Stream: 3/28 - 4/3
Hello friends and neighbors! Here are the stories I spent time with this week. I'd love to hear what you're watching, listening to, etc. I'm always looking for recommendations!
MOVIES
Posse (1993)
I had unreasonably high hopes for this movie, especially in contrast to my low expectations. After rewatching New Jack City last week, I thought MAYBE Mario Van Peebles would deliver again directing and starring in this next film in Criterion Channel's Black Western collection, which I've been exploring for weeks, (and which I expect to wrap up this next week). But... nope. This was a ridiculous film, poorly directed, and horribly acted. It was no less delightful to watch though as my wife and I were able to laugh all the way through it. The whole thing plays out like Van Peebles's own private, self-glorifying, western fantasy, with him as its ultimate tough guy, hero, lover, and loner. Ridiculousness abounds. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video. (3/10 - Not Recommended)
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
Another disappointing offering. John C. Reilly redeems this one somewhat as the film’s comic relief, but only barely. I watched this this week because I’ve been semi-excited about the new Godzilla vs. Kong, and I had some catching up to do. This definitely lowers my expectations for that film a bit. Although, admittedly some of the best scenes in the movie were when Kong fights other monsters, so who knows? Streaming on HBO Max. (4/10 - Not Recommended)
Rosewood (1997)
After watching Posse, having never even heard of this film, I'll admit that I went in with lower-than-necessary expectations. I was fully prepared to pay only partial attention to this movie while doing more important things. But, I was pleasantly surprised to say the very least. This is a hard movie to watch, given the nature of its content, and it becomes exponentially more difficult when the closing credits role, reminding you that this is based on real, actual events. Don Cheadle is excellent, as expected. But so are Ving Rhames and (I can't believe I'm saying this) Jon Voight, of whom I'm not generally a fan. (In fact, I referred to him recently as a poor man's Christopher Walken). This was very good though. Streaming on Criterion Channel. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)
TV
Defending Jacob
I've been moderately interested at best in this series, as well as, if I'm honest, all the Apple TV+ Originals. But so far I've loved every one I've watched. This was no exception. Once I finally started the series, I was pretty quickly hooked. Definitely worth a binge viewing. I may even check out the book. Streaming on Apple TV+. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)
DOCUMENTARIES
Justin Bieber: Seasons
DISCLAIMER: I realize my Belieberism may not be universal, but I'm telling you, this is a story worth your attention. I don't just mean this doc, although I do mean that too. I'm talking about the unfolding of this person's life. Forget what you think you know about Justin as a child star or troubled teen. This is an immensely talented artist, consistently showing up with real honesty and vulnerability in his work. Don't let his past doughebaggery, his almost entirely unmatched celebrity, or the media-friendly pop facade of his persona distract from the very honest telling he's offering up in his music as an adult. He isn't a kid anymore. He's the same age as Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain were when they died. Two years older than Tupac. Three years older than The Notorious B.I.G. Five years older than Buddy Holly. You don't have to feel weird about loving his music.
I started this series when it first launched in early 2020, but didn't watch past the first episode or two because I just wasn't really a YouTube guy at the time. I revisited it this week as I've found myself genuinely unable to stop listening to his new album. Very well-produced, as expected. Streaming on YouTube. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
Justin Bieber: Next Chapter
This is a single episode follow-up to Seasons, continuing the story in the context of Covid-19, looking ahead at the release of Justice. An uplifting, hopeful addendum to an already excellent series. Streaming on YouTube. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
PODCASTS
My Pandemic Makeover Spectacular - Episode 2: Dating! with Andrea Silenzi
I've mentioned the listening sessions I've been getting to participate in the last few weeks with several Senior Producers from Stitcher, Pandora, and SiriusXM. This week we reviewed an episode of this show, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We all did actually. It was a treat to have Renee, the host, participate in our listening session so we could hear about her process and offer feedback directly. This is a snarky, but also heartfelt, series about trying to remain hopeful throughout this socially challenging season, working to make big changes in life, but also knowing change is difficult and rarely happens in big ways. Fun, funny, and well produced. Streaming on all podcast apps. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)