Story Stream: 10/24 - 10/30

Hello friends, and happy Halloween weekend! Here's the streaming I did this past week!

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MOVIES

The Onion Field (1979)

This was the next film up in the Criterion Channel's Neo-Noir collection that I've been working my way through for a while. Unfortunately, I didn't get to sit and watch this straight through. Instead I had to watch it in bits and pieces when I had time. Even still, I thought it was pretty great. Slow in moments, rough in moments, but on the whole, very well done. Streaming on Criterion Channel. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

House Party II (1991)

This is one of the biggest dumpster fires I've ever witnessed. How I possibly remembered this movie, or any of its sibling movies fondly, I will never understand. This is very bad filmmaking with very bad acting, a very bad story, very bad characters, and... well, actually a pretty solid soundtrack. I hated it, and never plan to watch it again. Not ever. Streaming on HBO Max. (2/10 - Not Recommended)

Curly Sue (1991)

I loved this as a kid, but hadn't seen it since. I'm happy to report that, contrary to what critics may have said 30 years ago, this is a solid John Hughes film. It was the last one he ever directed (maybe because the critics were so harsh?). It was also, to my great surprise, the film debut of one Mr. Steve Carrell. He plays a waiter in a restaurant in one very short, insignificant scene. This one was a joy to revisit. Streaming on HBO Max. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

No Time to Die (2021)

I've been looking forward to this for literal years. I feel like I've seen the trailer a thousand times over the last couple years. And in general, I love Daniel Craig as Bond. But honestly, this was massively disappointing. I will say it was cast perfectly. But the writing, the story, etc. were not up to snuff. I'd watch it again if I were re-watching the entire series, but otherwise, it's a pass for me. In theaters. (6/10 - Recommended)

Dune (2021)

Goodness gracious. This was an honest-to-God masterpiece. I love everything I've ever seen Timothée Chalamet in (and can't WAIT to see him play Willy Wonka). I agree with the critics who are already calling him the greatest actor of his generation. He's unbelievable. The entire cast was perfect in this one. The visuals, the storyline, literally everything. Part 2 is coming in 2023, and I'm sure I'll watch this a dozen more times before then. In theaters and streaming on HBO Max. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

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TV

Ted Lasso ("The Hope That Kills You," "Goodbye Earl," and "Lavender")

Season 2 is off to a slightly slower start for me than expected, but I'm confident by the time I finish it, I'll love it every bit as much as Season 1. This is without question the role of Jason Sudeikis's career. I love it so much. I think we all do. Is there anyone not watching Ted Lasso? Streaming on Apple TV Plus. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Muppets Haunted Mansion (TV Special)

I'm a Muppets fan. I'm also a Haunted Mansion fan at Walt Disney World. So this was an obvious win for me. It's not on par with the Muppets movies. Like, not remotely. And Kermit the Frog's voice is entirely wrong. But still, this was fun. If you have kids, this may a great way to end your Halloween weekend. Streaming on Disney Plus. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

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

A disappointing outcome for me on this one, as my baker of choice didn't win the week, but still a very good episode, as always. Streaming on Netflix. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Big Mouth (Season 1, Episodes 2-6)

I'm just going to be honest: this show is tough for me. I'm trying to like it. I acknowledge it's very funny, and very well made, and has the potential to say some important things in ridiculous ways. I even recognize how well it captures the experience of being a middle school kid trying to figure things out. But, as much as I want to love it... as much as I want to not be an uptight person... this show is just a stretch for my delicate sensibilities. I have to own that. So, my not recommending it has nothing to do with the quality of the show. You may love it. Lots of people I love do love it. I think I just have to live with the fact that I'm not the audience for this show, even while there are moments that make me laugh out loud. Streaming on Netflix. (8/10 - Not Recommended)
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PODCASTS

SmartLess - "Chelsea Handler" and "Joe Buck"

I actually thought I was a week behind, but in the whirlwind of last week's Fun Parts adventure, I forgot that I actually did listen to the Chelsea Handler episode when it released. I thoroughly enjoyed that one, and would've given it a 9/10 by itself. Joe Buck was also good, but not as good. He would've been an 8/10, so I averaged them and rounded down. Still though, I love this show. You know this. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (8/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill - "Boca Raton’s Church Planting O.G."

While the release cadence for this show is as frustrating as it is confusing, I do feel like it's consistently worth the time to listen to. The story is not encouraging if you care at all about the institution of the Church, which I inexplicably still do. But it still feels like an important look in the mirror. I have two main issues with this show: 1) I think I could edit the audio quite a bit better than what they're doing, so that kinda drives me crazy. And 2) even while they're doing a great job of calling out some of the horrific ugliness of church politics and power, they still tend to prop up a few Evangelical leaders as though they are the model for doing it "right." As though they have not also caused tremendous (even if less explicit) harm with their theology and teaching. But, I also understand it. Coming from Christianity Today, they can only really go so far without completely alienating their built-in audience. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (8/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Reveal: American Rehab - "Chapter 1: A Desperate Call"

This was our Listening Session review this week, and it was pretty great. I wish it had been a tad bit longer, as the whole episode felt like a long intro / setup for a longer telling. And, I mean, it was that. But I wanted more story in the same episode. Regardless, it's a disturbing story that needed reporting. I will probably at least finish the rest of the American Rehab part of this show (which is much larger than just this little series). I'll at least listen to one more to see where they go. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)
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And there you have it! Another week in the books. Don't be surprised if next week's Story Stream is 100% Christmas content. I am who I am. Let me know what you've been streaming! I'm always looking for recommendations!