While we do love us some books, believe it not, we do have a life outside of reading. So to highlight our other pop culture interests, on the last Monday of each month, we each will highlight three other “happenings” from the last month. Big events on favorite TV shows, new movies we’ve watched, old movies we’ve “discovered,” etc. Pretty much whatever we found of particular interest outside of the book world during the last month. Share your own favorite things in the comments!
Serena’s Picks
Movie: “Novacaine”
It’s been a while I feel since I’ve seen a new action movie that’s not connected to some pre-existing franchise. So, while bloodiness and gore of even the preview of this one had me flinching and covering my eyes, I was excited to check out what felt like a fresh movie experience! And, yes, it is just as gruesome as promised. But the gore is nicely balanced out by the effortless charm that Jack Quaid brings to his role. Honestly, without him so solidly holding down the core of this movie, it would have been very easy for this thing to fly off the wheels. As it is, this was a fun, funny, action-packed romp! Though definitely not for those who swoon at blood…
TV Show: “The Great British Bake Off”
It’s that wonderful time of year! It’s almost poetic, ever August I watch “Alone,” a show where people pretty much slowly starve to death over the course of a few months, full of grim thoughts on life and death. And then immediately after, in September, I watch a show that luxuriates in the wonders of baked goods and excess, full of ridiculous hosts and wholesome contestants. The juxtaposition is something else! As always, my husband and I pick our two contenders! So far, my two guys are holding steady while one of my husband’s has been a bit shaky! I feel like he’s won our little competition the last few years, so hopefully this year is my time!
Movie: “The Thursday Murder Club”
I haven’t read the book this was originally based on, but you can bet I’m now on a hold list for the audiobook version! This was pure, simple fun from start to finish. “Crime comedy” can be a tough sell to not go too far in one direction or the other, but this one managed it. The stellar cast sold these quirky characters, allowing the audience to laugh at their foibles but also become invested in their stories. The murder itself was twisty and fun (though not overly complicated) and the show avoided some of the obvious pitfalls (like when you can guess the outcome based on the casting along. If you enjoy cozy detective stories, this one is a must watch!
Kate’s Picks
TV Show: “Peacemaker”
When it was announced that James Gunn was going to take over the DCU and that his first film was going to be “Superman”, I knew that he was going to nail it because of his work on Season 1 of “Peacemaker”. It’s probably my favorite DC media since “Batman Returns”, and I think it’s so funny, so ridiculous, and so heartfelt. And now it’s back for season 2! Chris is having a hard time because even though he and the 11th Street Kids saved the world from Project Butterfly, he’s still not taken seriously by anyone else. On top of that, his feelings for Harcourt are still there, but she’s feeling… complicated about it. So when he mistakenly stumbles into an alternate dimension that seems like a much better world (Harcourt openly likes him! His brother Keith is alive! The public LOVES him!), he thinks that maybe it’s better there. And hey, he can just replace his double (whom he accidentally killed out of self defense… whoops). Now my husband and I have theories about what’s ACTUALLY going on (we aren’t caught up, no spoilers!), but season 2 is still hilarious, emotional, and so creative and uninhibited. John Cena is still killing it as Chris too.
Podcast Live Show: “The Last Podcast on the Left: JK Ultra Tour”
It has been an exhausting Autumn for me. For one, my third kitten (I will introduce him eventually) has ringworm, and that has been a whole thing. For another, my husband has been traveling for work a lot and that kind of out of routine occurrence is VERY hard for my daughter. And then there’s just EVERYTHING GOING ON IN THE WORLD. It’s been rough. So having a night out to see a live show of my favorite podcasters with dear friends of mine was a WONDERFUL respite. Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, and Ed Larson are on tour right now talking about the Titanic, outlandish conspiracies, exorcisms, and other wild stuff, with well researched context and hilarious commentary. I hadn’t seen Ed live yet either, so that was a lovely thing too (as I absolutely adore Ed). It was a great show, and I’m so happy I was able to go.
Film: “The Long Walk”
I reviewed the book earlier this month in anticipation of the film adaptation. I went to see it opening weekend and was basically sobbing throughout the whole movie, to the point where my friend Michael was like ‘oh my God are you okay?’. This adaptation is a gut punch, keeping in the absolute brutality of the Walk and the horrible fates of the walkers who participate. Stephen King had sold the rights only if he could have a guarantee that it wouldn’t shy away from the brutality, and it does NOT. There are also some changes from the book, but overall I thought that they worked really well and understand why they made them. I also absolutely adored both Cooper Hoffman as Ray and David Jonsson as Pete, as their chemistry and talent brought their friendship and connection to life. And contributed to my sobbing. So much sobbing. It’s so good but so sad. BUT SO GOOD.
The Library Ladies 