Story Stream: 6/13 - 6/19

Hello friends,
It's been another week FULL of stories — some great, some not so great. All valuable though. What about you? What are you watching, reading, listening to, etc.? I'd love to know! Comment below! Here's this week's story stream:

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MOVIES

Cruella (2021)

I think Emma Stone is one of the best actors of our generation. Truly. So, I've been excited to see her in this role since I first heard about it. I had very high expectations, but both she and this film far exceeded them. There is a 0% chance that this movie won't win all the awards for costume design. Mark my words. I genuinely think Emma Stone could/should receive a Best Actor nomination as well. SO GOOD. Available on Disney Plus. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

In The Heights (2021)

I'll be honest. I've only ever seen the first half of Hamilton. I loved what I saw, but just never got around to finishing it. Regardless, I've been VERY excited for In The Heights for a LONG time. And oh my... did it ever deliver! I loved this so, so much, and look forward to watching it again. And again. And again. Streaming on HBO Max. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

Backdraft (1991)

I remember seeing this as a kid, which is surprising since it's Rated R. And I know it was a big deal when it came out, but I really didn't expect it to hold up. I watched it this week for an episode of Thirty Pop, and I was surprised at how well it held up. I don't think it would win any major awards in 2021, but in 1991, I totally understand why it got so much attention. A solid film, and believe it or not, a solid performance from a Baldwin brother (which weren't the norm 30 years ago). Streaming on HBO Max. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Avengers: Infinity War (2003)

My wife tapped out on the Marvel Cinematic Universe after like...Iron Man 2? A while back. But I've always wanted her to see the last couple films in the first major epic of this universe, and this week, in a moment of weakness, she agreed. So I told her everything I could remember leading up to Infinity War, we watched a bunch of trailers, a recap video, etc., then dove in. We paused no fewer than a thousand times for explanations because THIS IS NOT HOW YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO WATCH THESE MOVIES, but it's fine. I am 100% speculating based on my own biases, but I think she liked it more than she expected to, wanted to, or will admit to. I love these movies. A lot. Streaming on. Disney Plus. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Soapdish (1991)

I remember when this came out that I had no interest whatsoever in seeing it. That remained true right up through my pressing play this week. Again, for Thirty Pop. Had it not been streaming on one of the services we pay for, I'd likely have never seen it. But, believe it or not, it wasn't bad. Sally Field is an impressive actor in every role, and I was actually really impressed with Robert Downey, Jr. in this. Especially seeing him contrasted against his Tony Stark/Iron Man the night before. This was a fun one. Also, I miss early 90s Whoopi Goldberg. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video. (6/10 - Recommended)

Hannibal (2001)

I covered The Silence of the Lambs a while back on Thirty Pop, and watched it then. I've intended to watch the sequels ever since, but haven't gotten around to it till now. I wanted so much for the sequels to be as good as the original, but... we don't always get what we want. This movie had moments, I suppose, of strong storytelling. But it was mostly just a gratuitously disgusting money grab. I see very little to love about this. I'll still watch the other movie from the series, but my expectations are very low.. Available wherever you rent or buy digital movies. (4/10 - Not Recommended)

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TV

The Other Two - Episodes 1-2

I hadn't heard anything about this show till a co-worker brought it up this week. He said it was dumb but he was watching it anyway. I don't typically mind dumb, so I checked it out. It's got some funny moments. Fun concept, but I don't know. I may just not be far enough in to have a strong opinion yet, but so far I don't love the execution. The female lead comes off as it she's impersonating Kaitlin Olson, but with a little Alexis Rose mixed in. And while that's a great combo, and she does pull it off well, it's distractingly unoriginal. The male lead, although funnier and a more believable character, still comes off a bit like a poor man's Jason Bateman. All that being said. It's not terrible. It's dumb, but not terrible. Streaming on HBO Max. (5/10 - Recommended)

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PODCASTS

Charges with Rex Chapman - "Vol 1: Rex Chapman"

I was a huge fan of Rex Chapman as a teenager, and I knew he was sort of a big deal on Twitter these days, but I had no idea where his life went after 1998 or so. In this series he interviews prominent athletes who have had some sort of career-ending, or image-ruining downfall legally/criminally — (there's literally a podcast for EVERYTHING). In the first episode, his friend, actor, podcaster, loudmouth, and NBA superfan, Michael Rappaport. fills in as guest host and actually interviews Rex about his very public downfall. It's a great idea with mediocre production and execution. Lots of room to grow, but compelling enough to revisit. Streaming on all the podcast apps. (5/10 - Recommended)

70 Over 70 - Episodes 1-6

I can't believe I'm saying this, but friends, I have a new favorite podcast. I will always love and revere Heavyweight, but this show has claimed the #1 spot for me. A play on the 30 Over 30 theme used by so many media outlets, this show is 70 interviews with guests over 70 years of age. The host, Max Linsky, is... well... perfect. He's so engaged with his guests, and so truly trying to soak up the wisdom they're offering, and he never fails to ask the most intimate and perfectly timed and articulated questions. I've been completely moved by every episode. You simply must listen. Streaming on all the podcast apps (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

SmartLess - "Justin Theroux"

It'll be a rare occasion for SmartLess not to appear in my weekly Story Stream now that I'm all caught up. Once again, these guys crushed it. Another very fun interview with a very fun/funny guest. Have you not subscribed yet?? Streaming on all the podcast apps. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle -  "ANXIETY: Is it just love holding its breath?"

I think Glennon Doyle is pretty great. Everybody does. While the one episode I've heard of her show so far is lacking in some pretty basic ways with regard to production, I believe it'll turn around. She just needs a good producer. The content is gold. This episode was particularly helpful for me, someone who has limited experience struggling with anxiety, in understanding more deeply the experience of those I love who do struggle with anxiety. Worth a listen either way. Streaming on all the podcast apps. (6/10 - Recommended)

Double Date with Marlo Thomas & Phil Donahue - "John McEnroe & Patty Smyth"

I love this concept. I hated this execution of it. Okay, hate is a strong word. I had a hard time making it through this episode though. I made it, because we were reviewing this episode in the Listening Session group I participate in. But, wow. The production style irritated me to no end — in moments too polished, and in others not polished at all. There is some possibly(?) useful relationship insight I suppose, but mostly, at least based on this one episode, it's a no for me. Streaming on all the podcast apps. (4/10 - Not Recommended)

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MUSIC

Outkast - Aquemini (1998)

This is perhaps the greatest hip hop album of all time. It's at LEAST top 5 for me, and has been since 1998. I revisited this record this week start to finish, and it's still so impressive. I'm probably going to listen again as soon as I post this. I so wish Outkast would release another record... Streaming on all the music apps. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

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Audiobooks

Sweat the Technique, by Rakim- Part 1 (2019)

Rakim is a hip hop legend. I've had this on Audible for a while, but just finally dove in this week. I'm not terribly far along yet, but from what I've read so far, it's very good. If you're a creative, you'll benefit from this book. If you're a creative with a deep love of hip hop, you'll really love it. I certainly do so far.. Available on Audible. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

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That's it, friends! Your turn! Let's hear it. What are you streaming these days? I need recommendations!