Story Stream: 9/5 - 9/11
Hello, friends!
I trust you've all had a wonderful week. It's that time again. Here's a quick look back at the stories that have been informing my week in one form or another. Let me know what you're watching, reading, listening to in the comments section below!
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MOVIES
Deadpool (2016)
I never cared AT ALL to see Deadpool, as I'm not a big Ryan Reynolds fan. His brand of humor is pretty much lost on me. Then I happened to see if a couple years back and became convinced that this role is the one right place for his...Ryan Reynolds-ness. I rewatched it this week with my wife who had never seen it. I may have liked it a little less than the first time around, but I still get why folks love it. I like it enough, and am interested to see if/how this character will be worked into the MCU. Available wherever you rent/buy digital movies.. (6/10 - Recommended)
Night Moves (1975)
Another solid entry in the Criterion Neo-noir collection. This wasn't the best film in the collection yet, but it was certainly not the worst. I've always liked Gene Hackman, but I'm not sure I'd seen much or anything from this far back in his career. In line with the heart of this collection, once again, this movie has grit and endearing believability, even in the moments I found myself wishing it didn't.. Streaming on Criterion Channel. (8/10 - Strongly Recommended)
Point Blank (1967)
Oddly, the Criterion Channel switched a couple films in the collection, removing Chinatown right after I finished it last week, and adding this to the start of the collection. No idea why. This isn't a terrible movie, but it's also not especially memorable. I may have to revisit it in case I just wasn't in the right headspace for it... but I probably never will. I just couldn't get into it. Streaming on Criterion Channel. (5/10 - Not Necessarily Recommended)
Farewell, My Lovely (1975)
This was WILDLY disappointing after the love I felt for The Long Goodbye last week, in which Elliot Gould delivered a far superior performance as the same lead character, private investigator Philip Marlowe. This was a super solid story, poorly directed (in my opinion), and poorly acted (at least by comparison). I will have to read through the novel series and maintain Gould as Marlowe in my imagination. This felt like exactly the film The Naked Gun films are parodying... and not in a good way. Streaming on Criterion Channel. (5/10 - Not Recommended)
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TV
Big Brother (Episodes 26-28)
I don't want to give anything away, but Big Brother history was made this week, and it was a joy to watch. This season is about to get INTENSE, and I'm here for it. If you're watching this show, let me know. I'd love to talk about it! Streaming on Paramount Plus. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
Bachelor in Paradise (Episodes 6 &7)
This show is the very definition of a guilty pleasure. This week was filled with ridiculous, hilariously hypocritical drama, and something tells me we've only just scratched the surface. I know you're watching, even if you won't admit it. It's fine. I know. You know. Everybody knows. Just tell the truth. Streaming on Hulu. (2/10 - Highly Recommended)
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PODCASTS
SmartLess - "Fred Armisen"
This was a delight. I forget how prolific Fred Armisen is. And how funny. He has a way about him, much like Jason Bateman and Will Arnett, where he's funny even when he isn't trying to be. He's a creative force, and I loved hearing this conversation with him. If you're not listening to this show week in and week out, you really should. It's just a simple chat show, but these guys do it as well as anybody. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill - "Demon Hunting"
Wow. I never saw this episode coming. I don't even know what to say, because I'd hate to give anything away. Suffice to say, while I was pretty aware of Marc Driscoll's public persona as "Tough Guy Fundamentalist," for several years leading up to his public demise, I had no idea about this particular part of his weird and problematic theology. Yikes! Definitely listen to this series! Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
Radiotopia Presents: Blind Guy Travels - "The Blind Date"
This is a fascinating concept, fairly well delivered: a young blind guy navigating the parts of the world sighted folks typically take for granted. In this episode, app-based dating. The host is endearing, gifted, and easy to listen to / like. He also plays a mean accordion. I could've used a bit more of an ending than this episode provided, but it was definitely enough to make me want to hear more. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
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BOOKS / AUDIOBOOKS
The Universal Christ - by Richard Rohr (2019)
This has been on my list for a while now, even while I'm not really in a season of seeking out theologically centered content. I've had enough of those books to last a lifetime. But this is one I continue to hear referenced by folks I really love and respect, and who seem to be in a very similarly theological headspace as me. I'm only a little ways in, but so far, so good. Streaming on Audible. (8/10 - Highly Recommended (so far))
Is This Anything? - by Jerry Seinfeld (2020)
This week I read through the early '00s, a season in which Seinfeld claimed to have been just barely getting by comedically. And I laughed out loud throughout. Is every bit gold? No. There are some misses. But for the most part, this is very, very funny stuff. I'm so thoroughly enjoying taking a slow journey through this book. You should really pick it up! Available at your local independent book store. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
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And just like that, we've arrived again at the end of another week. Where does the time go? The weather is changing, and it's getting more and more fun to be outside in Houston. So let me know some of your go-to movies, shows, podcasts, books, music, etc. for the Fall! I have a list going of the stuff you've suggested, and I'm steadily chipping away at it. But I would love more to add! Let me know.
More soon!