Ali and I are getting back into a normal groove and getting more downtime in which we’re able to enjoy more media, which is a welcome place to be after the past few months. That said, here’s a quick review of some of the movies, television shows, music, and other media that I’ve consumed and thought was worth sharing for the month of September 2018.
Movies
Blackkklansman – This movie had been on my list for a while, and we finally got to it – boy was it worth the wait. It’s an amazing true story, and was told well by Spike Lee and crew. I didn’t expect the ending sequence, and without spoiling it I’ll only say that it totally sucked the air out of the theater. It was pin drop quiet as the credits rolled. You should definitely listen to Stallworth tell the story in his own words on NPR.
A Most Violent Year – I’m a big fan of Oscar Isaac and I’ve been meaning to check this movie out. It’s slow moving, but a great performance from Isaac, Jessica Chastain, and Albert Brooks.
A Simple Favor – We saw this movie this weekend. I have no idea what to think about it. I think it was supposed to be like Gone Girl a bit, but not nearly as good as the terrible rip off The Girl on the Train. It definitely had it’s moments, but was filled with useless storylines and plot holes.
TV
The Nineties (CNN) – After binging The 2000s previously we had to go back to watch the 90s. I was surprised by how much I didn’t remember, but also watching how we’re still dealing with the same crap almost 20 years after the 90s ended. If you like nostalgia, I recommend looking for this on demand.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (Amazon Prime) – I put off watching this for a while because, come on. It’s Jim Halpert. However, I was really surprised how much I enjoyed the show. I definitely think the character/story lends itself to a series better than a movie.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime) – Another show I put off watching, mostly because the NPR review I heard of it didn’t sound all that great. But, after the show basically cleaning house at the EMMYs we decided we had to watch it. The show is very funny, and has a great cast. Tony Shalhoub was really great, and if it wasn’t for Henry Winkler’s awesome performance on Barry he definitely would have won the award for best supporting actor.
Maniac (Netflix) – After this show ended, I pretty much summed it up as “well that was a show that I watched”. I liked it. It was weird. Super weird. Great cast – Sally Field was amazing (as usual). If you like weird trippy shows, this is for you.
Manifest (NBC) – Part LOST, part Heroes, and hopefully it will stay on the track longer than those other shows. The pilot kept me engaged enough to stay with it for at least a few more episodes.
Music
- Twin Size Mattress by The Front Bottoms (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Nothing Burns Like the Cold by Snoh Aalegra (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Too Real by FIDLAR (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Mister Peepers by Ben Folds (Apple Music / Spotify)
- 99 by Barns Courtney (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Blood // Water by grandson (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Uh Huh by Jade Bird (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Heaven by Charly Bliss (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Tonight Tonight by Mondo Cozmo (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Broken Finger Blues by Richard Swift (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Crush by Cigarettes After Sex (Apple Music / Spotify)
- Man vs. Magnet by The Distillers (Apple Music / Spotify)
- No Ears by Manchester Orchestra (Apple Music / Spotify)
As a reminder, I’ve keeping both an Apple Music playlist and Spotify playlist updated that includes all of my favorite new songs from 2018.