Story Stream: 11/7-11/13

Happy Saturday, friends! I hope you've all had an amazing week. It's been a really good one here, especially as it relates to this Story Stream. Lots of great (and terrible) content to review. Here we go!
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MOVIES

The French Dispatch (2021)

Wes Anderson is a genius. That's no secret. And even while this wasn't my favorite Wes Anderson film, I still couldn't rate it any higher. It's not my favorite only because of how very much I love some of his other films. This lacks nothing though. In fact, I'd say this is one of the most ambitious, robust films he's ever taken on. It's an absolute puzzle, and I can't imagine having the requisite imagination to create something so intricately layered. And the cast is just honestly perfect. As usual. Friends, this is a multiple viewing, must-see masterpiece. Currently in theaters. (10/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

To the full extent of the greatness achieved by The French Dispatch, this movie was a complete dumpster fire. It's opposite in every way. I sat completely alone in the theater for this one, which is probably for the best, as it meant no one could hear me audibly proclaiming how very stupid it was for the entire duration of the film. I felt genuinely disappointed in Tom Hardy and Woody Harrelson, two of my very favorite actors otherwise, for making what was so obviously just a cash grab. I went in with very low expectations, and even still, left disappointed. There is no art here. I genuinely hated this movie. Currently in theaters. (2/10 - Not Recommended)

Next Stop, Christmas (2021)

Honestly, even this was better than Venom. I posted earlier in the week about by disdain for / ironic enjoyment of these kind of garbage movies. And then I decided to work them into the Story Stream for the remainder of the year (or until I genuinely can't handle it any more, which may be much, much closer than 2022). This was, as expected, utterly predictable. The only redeeming quality in this one is that it reunited Lea Thompson and Christopher Loyd, each famous in part for their roles in Back to the Future, in another story about time travel. Streaming on Hallmark. (3/10 - Not Recommended)

Mistletoe and Menorahs (2019)

Set aside the religious stereotyping, the oversimplification of both Christmas and Hanukkah, and the very easy, painless ending of relationships, and you've got... well... you've got nothin left really. These movies are always absurd, but this one really was. That being said, even while these movies are awful, and even while I definitely can't recommend them, I will admit that I'm having a lot of fun watching them. It's because of how bad they are. There's something wildly fascinating to me about these movies' existence in the world. That companies will pay for them. That actors will make them. That viewers will watch them. It's amazing that this is a thing at all. Streaming on Lifetime. (2/10 - Not Recommended)

Spencer (2021)

I didn't know anything about this going in. I'd never even seen a trailer. My wife wanted to see it, and I love going to the theater regardless what I'm seeing, so I was game. This was really well done though. Kristen Stewart, contrary to her reputation as a one-dimensional actor, honestly crushed this role. It's such a complicated role, but she was genuinely excellent. Really creative storytelling as well. There were a couple musical choices I could've done without, but other than that, I wouldn't have change a thing. Currently in theaters. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)
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TV

The Great British Baking Show ("Pastry Week" and "Caramel Week")

A couple more really excellent episodes, even while my favorite baker got sorta overlooked for one of them. The person who won that week did deserve it. But so did my fav. Whatever, this show is always excellent. These two episodes were particularly fun. Streaming on Netflix. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Ted Lasso (Season 2, Episodes 3-10)

We made it to the turn; the point in Season 2 where things get good. Not to say the first few episodes of the season were bad. They weren't. They just didn't have all the magic of Season 1. But, we made it, and then we kept going. As we get near the end, I can't say I've loved this season quite as much as the first, but I still love it. Plus, we even got a little Christmas special in the middle of this season. Was it a throwaway episode? Totally. But was it worth it? Absolutely. I love this show so, so much. Two episodes to go! Streaming on Apple TV Plus. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

The Bachelorette (Episode 4)

Drama abounds. I do think Michelle is successfully getting rid of some bad options, but she's definitely keeping a couple around too. Almost certainly at the direction of the show's producers. They loooove the troublemakers. This show is stupid and I feel dumb writing about it. But still, you gotta watch. Streaming on Hulu. (3/10 - Strongly Recommended)
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PODCASTS

SmartLess - "Jerry Seinfeld"

I know I say this every week, but I really loved this episode. Especially after reading Seinfeld's book earlier this year, hearing him in this was a real treat. I really appreciated that he didn't seem "on." Like, he wasn't playing the character of Jerry Seinfeld. He seemed to be very sure of himself and his relationship to his craft. I don't mean he sounded arrogant. I mean he sounded committed to the hard work of continuing to create. He is comfortable with knowing/owning that he's good at what he does, because he knows he's still working really hard to be good at it. He does't come off as someone who is relying on his natural charm or wit. He's a craftsman, and he spends his time honing his craft. He wasn't what I'd have guessed. And that was refreshing. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (10/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
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AUDIOBOOKS

Trust: America's Best Chance - By Pete Buttigieg (2020)

I was surprised this week when I opened Audible, and browsed a bit through the books I've left unfinished, many of them near the very end. This was one of them. I loved this book when I listened earlier this year, but apparently I didn't finish the last hour or so. So I picked back up this week, and I loved it even more. Buttigieg is a treasure, and I have high hopes for his career, shaping American policy. This is such a hopeful book. Available on Audible.com. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)
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And there you have it: another story-filled week in the books. How about you? What are you watching, reading, listening to? I'd love to know! Share your recommendations in the comments below!

More soon!