Story Stream: 9/26 - 10/2

Okay, fair warning: I watched... um... a lot this week. I wound up with a solo weekend at home, and, I mean, I'm as surprised as anyone at what happened with that time. I've been working really hard on Thirty Pop, trying to finally get completely caught up, and the episode I'm currently writing is looking back on the release of the 6th film in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Freddy's Dead. I like to, whenever it's possible, review the movies I'm covering on the show before writing about them. This is probably obvious if you've been reading these Story Stream posts for any time at all. Well, I guess I just didn't want to watch the sixth movie without watching (or, in some cases re-watching) the first five. So... I binged them while I worked. And I accept any judgment that accompanies that colossal waste of time.

Anyway, here we go.
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MOVIES

The American Friend (1977)

This was the next film in my Neo-noir journey on Criterion Channel. It's directed by Wim Wenders, a few of whose films I've seen in the past, and thoroughly enjoyed. This one was simultaneously a little busy and a little slow for me. I never felt super locked in with any particular character, or with the storyline as a whole. I do think it's worth watching, if for no reason other than Wenders's reputation as a cinematic genius. But, make sure you're in the right mood for something slow. dark, and a bit complicated. Streaming on Criterion Channel. (6/10 - Recommended)

The Big Sleep (1978)

I'd like to meet the person who decided to cast Robert Mitchum as Philip Marlowe instead of Elliot Gould despite his brilliant take on the character in The Long Goodbye, and give them a piece of my mind. They ruined something so extraordinarily good. It's not even Mitchum's fault. He did his best, I'm sure. He could just never compare to Gould. This was another very corny hack job on what may otherwise be one of the best characters ever written. So frustrating! Also, this movie has some of the worst acting I've ever seen. Streaming on Criterion Channel. (3/10 - Not Recommended)

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

I'm sure I'd seen this one before, as quite a bit of it was super familiar. But I hadn't seen it enough for it to feel nostalgic to watch. Which means I could only really judge by how good it seems now. Although, admittedly it also benefits from the fact of having watching its sequels immediately after it, all of which pale in comparison. So, that being said, this movie holds up okay. It's very corny, but not remotely as much as its sequels. I'm recommending it not based on its quality, but based on its place in pop culture history. Streaming on HBO Max. (5/10 - Recommended)

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)

New characters. New Freddy fingers. New scars. But still a whole bunch of the same old stuff.. Streaming on HBO Max. (3/10 - Not Recommended)

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

At this point it's just kinda like watching a Rater R version of Beetlejuice, without the benefit of Tim Burton, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara. But hey, at least they brought Nancy back? Streaming on HBO Max. (2/10 - Not Recommended)

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

It doesn't seem possible even... but they're getting worse. I regret beginning the journey I'm on... but it's too late now. I must continue, if for no reason other than to warn you against wasting your time. Streaming on HBO Max. (2/10 - Not Recommended)

A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)

There was exactly one part of this movie I loved: the Kool Moe Dee song that played during the closing credits. And that, only because it made me reminisce on one of my nearest, dearest memories with my lifelong best friend, Nathan, who I lost last year. Beyond that, as I mentioned, these are only getting worse and worse. One to go (for Thirty Pop, at least. I'm invested enough now, I may just keep going.) Streaming on HBO Max. (2/10 - Not Recommended)

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TV

Survivor (Season 41, Episode 1)

Survivor isn't a show I'm ever terribly excited to watch, but I always genuinely enjoy it when I do. My wife loves it so much though, so I agreed to watch this new season with her. I was genuinely super impressed with the intentional, inclusive approach to this new season. They're re-inventing themselves after 40 seasons, and in ways that are hospitable to folks who aren't always made to feel welcome. Streaming on Paramount Plus. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Big Brother (Episodes 36 & 37)

The season finale! What a summer. This couldn't have gone better in my opinion. I'd legitimately rewatch this entire season. Streaming on Paramount Plus. (10/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Loki ("For All Time. Always.")

Another season finale. I'm less sold on this one. I think overall I do like the show, but it's definitely no WandaVision. I do recommend it though as I'm pretty sure it will prove to be vital to the overall story arc of the MCU. Streaming on Disney Plus. (?/10 - Recommended level in italics)

Midnight Mass (" Book I: Genesis," "Book II: Psalms," "Book III: Proverbs")

Over the last couple years I've THOROUGHLY enjoyed this show's predecessors, The Haunting of Hill House, and The Haunting of Bly Manor. This, despite the fact that I'm generally not into horror type things. They are just such good storytelling though. They're only really connected by the actors they star. But seriously. Amazing. So I was VERY excited when Netflix announced this show. I'm 3 episodes in so far and loving it. Streaming on Netflix. (8/10 - Very Strongly Recommended)

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PODCASTS

Call and Response - "Jason Isbell: To Love (Is To Criticize)"

A friend shared this with me this week, and I'm so glad they did. I've got a Jason Isbell record or two, which I like quite a bit, but I didn't know much about him beyond those albums. This interview made me a fan though. Like, this is an artist who I feel really good about supporting. Absolutely give this one a listen! Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

SmartLess - "Jon Stewart"

Another favorite episode from my favorite trio. I forget how brilliant, clever, articulate, and funny Jon Stewart is. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

The 11th - "Time Machine: The Score (Side A)," "Time Machine: The Score (Side B)"

This was our listening session review for the week, and I couldn't have loved it more. It was so unique, and cleverly crafted. It's perfectly written, and the superbly sound designed. This is a MUST-LISTEN. Freaking Pineapple Street. I love them so much. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

American Queer - "Episode One: Gay and Christian in a Small Town"

This one was recommended by another friend and patron. I'm only one episode in, but I really appreciate the vulnerability in this sharing, as well as the production. I'm sure I'll have more to report on this one in the coming weeks. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (7/10 - Recommended)

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That's it for this week, friends! I hope you've all had a really great week filled with stories. Let me know what you're watching and listening to in the comments below! More soon!