Story Stream: 6/6 - 6/12

Hello friends and neighbors! It was kind of a crazy week in my world, so I didn't get QUITE as much time in as normal to watch and listen to all the various things. But even still, there was no shortage of stories coming in! Here is this week's Story Stream!

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MOVIES

Friends: The Reunion (2021)

I was a few days late to this party, but thoroughly enjoyed it regardless. I rewatched Friends a couple years back for the first time since the 90s, and was surprised by how well it's held up. I was also surprised by how much of it I failed to understand as a teenager. This special made me want to watch the whole series again (even if only to not feel sad about Matthew Perry who, because of a poorly timed dental procedure, comes off as in very bad shape in this). Rich with nostalgia and well worth the time. Streaming on HBO Max. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

F/X2 (1991)

I covered this last week in a catch-up episode of Thirty Pop, as I mentioned in last week's Story Stream. I couldn't just not watch it. I loved this movie SO much as a kid, and believe it's way under-appreciated as an entry in the 80s/90s action genre. It's, again, SUCH a clever concept, and so well executed. I think you may enjoy it whether you have any nostalgic attachment to it or not. Streaming on Tubi. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)

You know what? Let's just press pause on the judgment, alright? It is what it is. I watched a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot sequel. Sue me. Truth be told, for all the hate these reboot films get, in so many ways, they get right what the original movies missed. Don't misunderstand: the original TMNT is perfect and I'd change nothing about it. BUT...having grown up on the cartoon first, it's nice to see some of the most important characters from that universe finally portrayed in live action (CGI). Whatever. I liked it. I will not be shamed. Available wherever you buy or rent digital movies. (6/10 - Recommended)

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TV

Hacks - Season 1

This show was recommended by a co-worker who knew how much I loved Mare of Easttown, which I've shared in recent Story Streams, and which also features Jean Smart (pictured above). I loved this show SO much. It's incredibly original in it's delivery. The characters have tremendous depth. Even the very auxiliary characters in this show are executed to perfection. It's very, very good, and again, just so unique. They also got picked up for a second season the day after my wife and I started watching, so that's exciting! Streaming on HBO Max. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Q: Into The Storm - Episode 1 & 2

I've intended to dive into this for several weeks, since guesting on my friend Steve's podcast, Hardly Tomorrow. QAnon has been just sort peripheral for me, at most. I didn't really know what it is. I sort of wish I could un-know it now. This is well made, but I also just can't believe this is the world we're living in. Pretty disturbing. I'll finish the series, but it would be hard to say I "like" it. Streaming on HBO Max. (5/10 - Unenthusiastically Recommended)

Out of this World - Episodes 1-3 (1987)

I had the great privilege this week of interviewing Maureen Flannigan, the actress who played young Evie Garland on this late 80s classic, for Thirty Pop. In prepping for that interview, I tracked down a few early episodes of the show on YouTube. They're pirated copies of very poor quality, but I enjoyed the nostalgia regardless. Maureen was a delight (and I had a major crush on her as a kid), so I loved getting to befriend her. I just wish I could find a decent streaming option for this series! (6/10 - Recommended)

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PODCASTS

The Journal: To the Moon, (Parts 1-3)

We reviewed episode 2 of this special bonus series of The Journal this week, so I've been listening to the entire series. It's about the GameStop stock market excitement earlier this year, and how that even came to be possible. It's a fascinating series, and I look forward to hearing the rest of it as it releases. My recommendation is only intended for this specific "To the Moon" series, as I'm otherwise unfamiliar with this show. Streaming on all the podcast apps. (9/10 - Highly Recommended)

SmartLess - "Zach Galifinakis," "Jake Tapper," "Mitch Hurwitz," and "Rob McElhenney"

You already know I'm a huge fan of this show. Suffice to say: I'm finally all caught back up, and every one of these episodes is worth your time. I especially loved the Mitch Hurwitz and Rob McElhenney episodes. Streaming on all the podcast apps. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

The Daily

I am pretty terrible about keeping up with the news. There's always a solid 2-3 day lag time, at least, before I have any idea what's happening in the world. I'm trying to be a bit more engaged. Plus, this is the world's biggest podcast for all intents and purposes. So I listened to this week's episodes (Monday through Thursday). This is a pretty solid format. They deep dive one particular story every day, which while it leaves me a bit in the dark about all the major headlines, does make me feel a bit more connected. Streaming on all the podcast apps. (6/10 - Recommended)

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MUSIC

Ahmad Jamal - At the Blackhawk (Live) (1961

This is one of my all-time favorite albums, and I revisit it often. I picked this vinyl up on a whim years ago at Half Price Books because a) I thought the guy on the cover looked cool, and b) it was $3.99. That was a low enough price point to indulge my curiosity. This album made me really love jazz — something I'd wanted to love honestly for years. Ahmad Jamal has since become a favorite artist, and I love ALL of his albums. But this is at the very top of the list for me. Streaming on all the music apps. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

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That's it, friends! As always, I'd love to hear what you've been streaming! Share in the comments below.

More soon!

Luke