Story Stream: 10/10-10/16

Hello friends!

I'm gearing up for a week in Minneapolis recording the next season of Fun Parts (very excited!). That meant for slightly less streaming this week than most, (although still likely significantly more than this coming week). That's probably also because, like the rest of the world, we fell (or, more accurately dove) into the very wild Netflix Original, Squid Game this week. There was little margin for anything else. Here we go!

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MOVIES

The Guilty (2021)

I expected to like this because I think Jake Gyllenhaal is a pretty great actor. But this was a pretty complicated role. I didn't know anything about this before starting it, and had I, I may not have been interested. It was excellent though. It feels like such a perfect film to produce during a global pandemic, and Gyllenhaal was exceptional. Streaming on Netflix. (9/10 - Highly Recommended)

The Invisible Man (1933)

Continuing the journey into Criterion Channel's Universal Horror collection, this is the first movie that's really impressed me. Especially considering it's nearly 90 years old. I'm amazed that they were able to do what they were able to do with this movie in the 1930s. This is a classic for good reason. Streaming on Criterion Channel. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

The Lodge (2019)

This is another one I'd never even heard of prior to pressing play. And, as I keep saying, I'm actually not really a horror fan. Like... not at all. That being said, this was very, very good. If I'm going to watch a horror film, this is a type I can get into. Creepy, but not gory. Mysterious, but not nightmare inducing. Streaming on Hulu. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

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TV

Squid Game (Episodes 1-9)

I mean, where do I even start? I don't want to give anything away for those of you who haven't started (or finished) the show. So I'll just say, this was very well worth the journey. You may not think so in the beginning. Or maybe even in the middle. But in the end, I really think you will. Streaming on Netflix. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Survivor (Season 41, Episodes 2-4)

Same report as last time: I don't ever really feel like watching Survivor, but I never regret it when I do. Streaming on Paramount Plus. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

The Great British Baking Show (Series 9 - "Bread Week")

I really, really love this show. And I would give a lot to hang out with Noel Fielding. I don't really care what the show is about. If it has Noel Fielding in it, I'm in. Streaming on Netflix. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

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PODCASTS

SmartLess - "David Remnick"

I've said before, and I'm sure I'll say again: I love when this show features guests I've never heard of. It always cultivates real, genuine interest. Remnick is the Pulitzer Prize winning editor of The New Yorker, and I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation. Not least of all because I felt like he completely held his own comedically. It wasn't the best episode ever, but it was a good one. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (8/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Because of Anita - "The Conversation: Prof. Anita Hill and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford"

I've learned a ton listening to this show. I can't say I'm encouraged by it, as it provides a pretty sobering perspective on patriarchy, misogyny, abuse of power, and American politics. None of which is surprising, but all of which is deeply disappointing. That being said, the show doesn't leave me depressed or hopeless either. It's a celebration of female strength in the face of corruption and systemic chauvinism. Anita Hill was/is a badass. Definitely want to read her book/s after this series ends. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

9/11 and Sports - "College Sports"

This was our listening session review this week, and I... didn't love it. I think it would be super interesting to a lot of folks. I'm just not the target for this content. It's very "macho, soldier, football, tough guy" in tone, which is just hard for me to look past. The host, I think unknowingly, seems to only be speaking to folks who live at those particular intersections. Again, this is just my take. If you love military stuff, patriotism, college football, or the sound of traditional terrestrial radio, this may be a win for you. Streaming on the SiriusXM app. (4/10 - Not Recommended)

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MUSIC

Justin Bieber - Justice: Complete Edition (2021)

I was not sad this week when the Complete Edition for this already essentially perfect pop album released. As I said when the original version first came out: if this doesn't win the Grammy for album of the year, something is very, very wrong with the voting body of the Recording Academy. Justin Bieber is far more talented than the outdated images of him as a child pop star or teenage troublemaker reveal. And he's surrounded himself with the best band. If anyone wants to buy me tickets to his Houston show next year, I will gladly accept them. This is so good.. Streaming on all the various music streaming apps. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

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That's it friends! Next week's Story Stream is TBD. I may get to watch/listen to some stuff this next week, but it's hard to say with the very intense Fun Parts recording schedule ahead. If not next week, then definitely the following week. Thanks for any recommendations! Let me know what else I need to be watching, reading, and listening to!