Story Stream: 10/31 - 11/6

Hello friends,
I hope you've all had an amazing week, filled with compelling stories at every turn. Here's how my week looked (and sounded)!
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MOVIES

World War Z (2013)

I can't remember what brought this movie up, but something reminded me of and made me think "I should really rewatch that." It had been probably at least 5-6 years since the last time I saw it. Just long enough to forget most everything about it. It holds up great though. I don't think it's the BEST zombie movie ever made, but I'd put it in the top 5. Brad Pitt is a little unbelievable as a pancake-flipping stay-at-home-dad / former special ops weapon of the US military... but that has less to do with his performance and more to do with his perfect, cool hair. So whatever. We suspend disbelief for a bit. Streaming on Paramount Plus. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Werewolves Within (2021)

This is fun little indie comedy-horror produced by a dear friend of one of my co-workers... a fact I didn't remember until the closing credits. My co-worker told me about it months ago, but I completely blanked. So when I watched it, it had everything to do with being actually interested in seeing it, and nothing to do with any sort of semi-personal connection to it. I love Sam Richardson (the main actor's) particular brand of quirky humor, so I just cared to see it. On the whole, I enjoyed it. Does it feel like an indie film? Yes, definitely. But as indie films go, it's excellently produced. I love the cast, and can't believe they made this on a half million dollar budget. But is it perfect? Not at all. They had a half million dollar budget. Available wherever you buy or rent digital movies. (6/10 - Recommended)

Spiderman: Homecoming (2017)

I remembered loving this when it came out, as I believe Tom Holland plays a perfect Peter Parker / Spider-man, and I felt like they completely nailed the tone of this movie, but I hadn't rewatched it since. I felt those things even more upon rewatching. I'm not instinctually drawn to Spider-man as a character. I like him fine, and I'm a lifelong Marvel fan. I've just always been more of a X-Men kinda guy. Spider-man was definitely cool... but he was no mutant. This movie flips it for me though. It makes me feel deeply nostalgic, as though Spider-man has always been my favorite superhero. I really, really love this movie, even while, like basically all Spider-man movies, the villain is sort of lame (apologies, Mr. Keaton. I still love you.). I'd rewatch this again right now. Seriously. Come over. I own it. Let's watch it. Streaming on FXNOW. (8/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Spiderman: Far From Home (2019)

Despite everything I just said, I hadn't ever gotten around to seeing Spider-man: Far From Home. I've always wanted to, but just didn't until this week. (I'm super excited for the third one, but saw a spoiler for this one in the trailer, so I finally pulled the trigger on seeing it). I love the story, the concept, the cast, the development of the characters, etc. Once again, sort of a lame villain. Or, at least is seems that way for much of the movie. By the end, I didn't feel that way. I don't love the role for Jake Gyllenhaal, but whatever. He was fine I guess. My gut says, even while this one will be vital to MCU storyline, it will be the least of the first three films. Streaming on FXNOW. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)
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TV

The Bachelorette (Season 18, Episodes 1-3)

Okay, so we're back on this. Let's not make a big thing of it. On the last season of The Bachelor, the girl I liked best, and thought was the most obviously perfect choice was Michelle. Spoiler alert: she didn't win. Obviously. Cause now she's the Bachelorette. I do want to remain on the record for saying this show, and this entire massive franchise is very, very lame. But, if ever there were a bachelor/bachelorette who I would really, genuinely root for, it's this one. So, here we go again. These first few episodes have been solid. Good, ridiculous drama. All the predictable douchebaggery. Even a little bit of stalkery creepiness. Very fun. Streaming on Hulu. (6/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Survivor (Episode 46 & 47)

I've missed a few episodes, and don't really care to go back and rewatch them, but I will say... this is an amazing season already. Kudos to Survivor, to Jeff Probst, to CBS, etc. for their ability to pivot more than 40 seasons(!!!) into a staple show, and produce some of the best content they've ever produced. It's seriously so good. These two episodes were particularly good. And I don't just mean the game or the drama happening. They've changed how the show is directed, and it's paying major dividends. They're telling the story better, even as it unfolds in real time. I love, love, love this season. Streaming on Paramount Plus. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
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PODCASTS

SmartLess - "Tom Hanks"

Unsurprisingly, this is one of my favorite episodes yet. (Spoiler alert: next week probably will be too. Jerry Seinfeld!). I love Tom Hanks, as does most of the non-conspiracy theorist population of the planet, and I thought he was such a fun listen on this show. Clearly revered, but also so down-to-earth. His everyday average Joe-ness seems so authentic and believable, and I appreciate that so much. I also had no idea he is a lifelong Shakespearean stage actor, which I find both bewildering and endearing. This was an excellent episode. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)
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And there you have it, friends! I feel like there have to be things missing from this list, but I don't think there are. I guess I just didn't spend as much time streaming this week. But, what a great week for content. I'm already excited for next week too. There's a new western on Netflix I'm looking way forward to. But there's still plenty of room in my streaming calendar! If you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them! (If not, I'll just fill every available space with Christmas movies. Good ones. Bad ones. All the Christmas movies.) More soon!