Story Stream: 7/18 - 7/24
Hello friends!
This has been an oddly light week for me as it relates to watching and listening to things. Between meetings, travel plans, and catching up on some of trashy trash that you'll read about below, my overall consumption rate was down a bit. But, I'm good with that. I'll just double up next week! Here's this week's stories!
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MOVIES
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
Having only seen the original film last week, I'm not so deeply nostalgic about Space Jam that this is in any way ruining it. I thought this was pretty much right on par with the first movie. Same tone. Same humor. Same acting talent. All this one was lacking out right was Bill Murray. I'd have loved to see him return. But overall, this was a solid sequel. Streaming on HBO Max. (7/10 - Recommended)
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TV
Big Brother (Episode 5)
Amazingly, the second least trashy thing I watched this week. I love this show so much more than is probably normal. No apologies. Streaming on Paramount Plus. (6/10 - Strongly Recommended)
Love Island (Episodes 6-8)
I'm telling you: the narration makes this show so much more than the pure mountain of mega-trash it is. It KNOWS it's trashy, and it makes fun of its own ridiculousness throughout. And in the most clever ways. You must join in this dumpster fire of fun. Streaming on Paramount Plus. (2/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
The Bachelorette - "Week 7"
No real surprises here this week. More weeding out Mr. Wrongs. Okay, maybe one surprise, but I'm no spoiler. You'll just have to watch. The only comment I'll make is this: I believe the next Bachelor was sent home roseless this week. Streaming on Hulu. (2/10 - Highly Recommended)
21 Jump Street - "In the Custody of a Clown"
This, the Season 2 opener, was a bit disappointing in that it completely breaks from the show's premise. This was just a plain old cop show. They weren't even undercover. An odd choice for the start of a new season. But whatever, I still loved it. Streaming on Peacock TV. (6/10 - Recommended)
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PODCASTS
SmartLess - "Ryan Reynolds"
I've always had an odd relationship to Ryan Reynolds. I really don't love a lot of his work, and his personality and humor are often lost on me. But I also don't dislike him. I think he has moments of real exceptionality. And sometimes his work surprises me. For example, Deadpool, which would normally not be my thing at all, is actually a pretty great franchise. Anyway, all that to say, I actually really enjoyed this episode. A very fun chat. Streaming on all the podcast listening apps. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
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MUSIC
Neil Cicierega - Mouth Dreams (2020)
This is one of the weirdest, funniest, most mind-bending, and impressive pieces of audio production I've ever heard. It took me a bit to recognize its brilliance, but I did eventually, thankfully. You're probably going to hate it, but I hope you experience it anyway. Just brace yourself, and listen closely. Streaming on Soundcloud. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
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AUDIOBOOKS
The Art of Possibility - Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander (2002)
This was recommended by an artist friend whose voice I trust implicitly. I was wrestling with some discouragement this week, and my ongoing need for creative validation, and he pointed me towards this audiobook. I'm taking it very slowly, very intentionally, as I want to really sit with it between chapters. It's already been super impactful, and I'm only on the second chapter. Available on Audible. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
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That's it! Like I said, light week! But, there is some solid stuff in there. What about you? What are you streaming these days? (Besides Ted Lasso. I already know there'll be plenty of Ted in next week's stream). Let me know below!