Story Stream: 9/12 - 9/18
What a week! I had quite a bit more downtime this week in which to enjoy some honestly pretty great movies. I didn't watch or listen to a ton else, but it was great regardless. I hope you've all had an excellent week filled with really, really good stories. Let me know what you've been watching, reading, listening to, etc.! Here: I'll go first.
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MOVIES
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
I was oblivious to Shang Chi as a Marvel character leading up to this film, but I've been pretty excited about it regardless. While Marvel doesn't get everything right all the time, they definitely got this one right. Perfect cast, wonderful tone, exciting fight scenes, excellent storytelling start to finish. Can't wait to see more of these characters in future MCU movies and shows. Currently in theaters. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
Ratatouille (2007)
Somehow, I'd never seen this Pixar classic. And to be honest, I never really cared to. At least not until very recently. Finally watched it though, and predictably, I loved it. I'm not sure Pixar ever misses. This is so good, and I'm sure I'm the last one to know that. Streaming on Disney Plus. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
Barton Fink (1991)
Dark. Funny. Quirky. Artsy. Bizarre. And phenomenally executed. The Coen Brothers have their own thing, and if you're into it at all, you'll love this movie. John Turturro's performance is beyond impressive, and his dance scene is a full-on mood. John Goodman is equally spectacular. Available wherever you buy or rent digital movies. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)
Dead Again (1991)
This was... not great. It's an interesting concept, poorly delivered. I watched it in prep for an episode of Thirty Pop I was writing. Otherwise, this never would've popped up on my radar. Interestingly, it did have a solid twist. But besides that, and the few scenes that in which Robin Williams appeared, there wasn't much here to love. However, those few scenes were a great reminder of how very, very talented Williams was. Not that I'd forgotten, but still. Streaming on HBO Max. (6/10 - Recommended... ish)
Dirty Work (1998)
I was so sad to hear of Norm Macdonald's unexpected passing this week. As soon as I heard, I put this on. It's a longtime favorite. I know the humor isn't for everyone, and he's a genuinely bad actor... but it just totally works. I love this movie, and will miss the knowledge that he's still out there making people life. Streaming on HBO Max. (9/10 - Highly Recommended)
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TV
Big Brother (Episodes 29 - 31)
It's getting INTENSE and we're getting very close to finale night. This has been easily one of my favorite seasons of this show ever, and I've seen nearly all of them. If you're a fellow fan, please reach out. I'd love to get into all the nitty gritty details with you! Streaming on Paramount Plus. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
Bachelor in Paradise (Episode 8)
Pure, unfiltered, trashy, millennial drama. So fun. Streaming on Hulu. (1/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
Loki ("The Variant")
Episode 1, which I can't remember if I included in a past Story Stream a month or so back when we actually watched it, was a very slow start for me. Hence the several week gap between viewings. Episode 2 gave me hope though that they may be on to something really great here. In general, I think the MCU is cooking up some really special stuff. Excited to see where it all goes! Streaming on Disney Plus. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)
What If...? ("What If...Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?")
I really love this concept: a reimagining of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, asking the question "what if this one particular moment had been different?," and then hypothesizing an answer in really beautiful animation. They even have (almost) all the regular MCU cast. Very entertaining. Streaming on Disney Plus. (8/10 - Strongly Recommended)
Ted Lasso ("Pilot")
I've been very excited to start Season 2 of this show, as Season 1 was one of my favorite things I've ever watched. Very literally. If this isn't already one of the best characters in the history of scripted media, then I don't know what it is. I've been waiting for Season 2 to release in full so I could binge it straight through, which buys me time to rewatch Season 1 in prep. So I started that this week, and was immediately reminded again of how perfectly executed this show is. I couldn't love it more. Streaming on Apple TV Plus. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)
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PODCASTS
SmartLess - "Tiffany Haddish"
Tiffany Haddish is a name I hear A LOT, but for the life of me, I can't think of who she is. Regardless, this proved to be one of my favorite episodes of SmartLess yet. She really gets into her personal story (which is really lovely), and doesn't just crack jokes the whole time. This show, which I love so much, needed some of that realness. These guys are capable of far more than just making fun of each other. I loved her vulnerability and her humor in equal measure. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
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And there you have it, friends! Lots of changes of pace this week, (took a break from the Neo-noir adventure I've been on to spend some time in the MCU), and I regret nothing. I look forward to more storytelling greatness over this next week. More soon!