Story Stream: 4/25 - 5/1
Hello neighbors,
Another week gone by, another stream of stories to review! I'd love to hear from you as well. What are the movies, books, tv shows, podcasts, video games, Youtube channels, etc. that informed and shaped your week? Here are mine:
MOVIES
Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
I'd only ever seen this once when I was younger, and I didn't remember loving it. But, given the amount of time I regularly invest in late 80s and early 90s nostalgia for Thirty Pop, it feels like one I should love. So I revisited it this week...and, nope. Don't care for it. I can see it's nostalgic value, but it just honestly isn't good, and it hasn't improved with time. I think we're safe to retire this one permanently. One fun fact though: this movie is the reason I've never liked Thor. Even in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, I'm not particularly fond of him. Ironically, I do still really like Vincent D'Onofrio, who played him in this movie. Streaming on HBO Max. (4/10 - Not highly recommended)
TV
Downton Abbey - Series Four
Finally, after weeks of rewatching the heartbreaking first three seasons of this literal masterpiece, this week we got into episodes I'd never seen. I'm convinced that this is one of the greatest series ever written/produced. I'm consistently amazed by the performances of this enormous cast of actors, each of whom was superbly chosen for their role in the show. And I'm ever-increasingly obsessed with the Dowager, Violet Crawley. What a gift that character is. Every line she speaks is just... perfect. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
I continued with this series this week, and although I'm still not quite done with it, I'm comfortable with the rating I gave it last week. It's good. It's not the greatest piece of Marvel media we've received, but it's certainly worth the minimal time investment required (6 episodes). A solid entry into the Marvel canon. Streaming on Disney+. (7/10 - Recommended)
Perfect Strangers - Season 1
I loved this show so much as a kid. A new friend (and Patron/Neighbor!) is working on a Perfect Strangers recap podcast, for which I'm VERY excited (I heard their intro music this week and it's so good), and about which I'll be talking quite a bit in upcoming episodes of Thirty Pop. I'll be guesting on his show soon, so I wanted to watch through the first season of the series (at least) to refresh my memory. I'm happy to report this show is still great. Granted, nostalgia may color my impression a bit, but even still, it's legitimately funny. I mean... in an innocent, 80s, family-friendly sitcom way, but still. I thoroughly enjoyed rewatching these episodes. Streaming on Hulu. (7/10 - Recommended)
PODCASTS
Unfinished: Deep South
I finished this series this week, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I mean... I hate knowing the stories told in it are true, but the way they're told is excellent. I'm excited to dive into the second (unrelated) series this week, Unfinished: Short Creek. Lowering my rating for this one a bit though, as it just sort of felt like it was lacking something in its ending. Streaming on all podcast apps. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)
Cocaine and Rhinestones - "Ernest Tubb: The Texas Defense"
This show was recommended in the comments section of LAST week's Story Stream (thanks, Derek!), and I dove in immediately. The title is intriguing enough, but once I saw this artwork, I knew this was going to be a special show. If that's not one of the best pieces of podcast artwork I've ever seen... I've only listened to the first episode so far, but I was VERY impressed with it, especially given that it's nearly 4 years old. How this hasn't hit my radar before now is a mystery. This is incredibly in-depth storytelling well outside the realm of things I tend to care about. I enjoy old country music, but I don't seek out this sort of content. The host tells the story in a way though that makes me care about it. Excited to continue. Streaming on all podcast apps. (9/10 - Highly Recommended)
Sudhir Breaks the Internet
This week in the Listening Session I participate in, we reviewed Episode 2 of this show, "The Garbage Can Model of Decision Making," and discussed it with the show's producer. Since there were only a few episodes in the series, I went ahead and listened to them all. I can't say I didn't have high expectations, but I will say it wasn't what I expected. Like, in a good way. I thought it was going to be more of a straight-forward "facts about the internet" type show. But it's really compelling story-telling actually. Again, the return on investment with this series is high. Well-worth the small amount of time it asks of you. Streaming on all podcast apps. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)
The Atlas Obscura Podcast - "The Gates of Hell" and "Widow Jane Mine"
This show has interested me for a while, so I finally got started on it this week. I appreciate the brevity of the episodes, and the high level production, especially considering they release 4 days a week. The subject matter is consistently fascinating as well. This will be a regular go-to when I need a good (but quick) listen. Streaming on all podcast apps. (6/10 - Recommended)
Hardly Tomorrow - "Alexandria Wallace" and "Andy Baxter"
This show has been on my radar for quite a while as well, as Steven, the host, is a friend and former guest on The H. I just hadn't taken the time to dive in yet. In the last few weeks though TWO of our lovely Patrons/Neighbors have guested on the show, not to mention the large number of other guests he's featured that I consider friends/acquaintances. Steven invited me to fill in for a cancelled guest last minute this week, and I didn't want to go into having not listened yet, so I finally got started this week. I'm glad I did. I really, genuinely enjoyed the show. Its aim is to destigmatize mental health issues by allowing them to be a part of normal, everyday conversation. Meaning, on any given episode of this show you'll hear discussions about pop culture, sports, art, life... but with mental health being included throughout as a normal part of our lived experience. It's harder to explain than it is to enjoy, but it's not gimmicky. I didn't fully get it till I started listening. Steven has, in my opinion, struck a perfect balance between lighthearted, nonsensical conversation, and vulnerable, honest dialogue about the difficulties of being a human being in 2021, neither of which feel forced in any way. These are long episodes, but very fun, and very worth your time. Streaming on all podcast apps. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
That's it, friends! Let me hear from you! What stories did you watch/read/listen to this week? What would you recommend for the rest of us? Drop them in the comments below!