July TV Checklist

 

Here’s what I was watching this July during our road trip across Canada. Big thanks to Blue Curve and streaming services that I can watch in a hotel room after a long drive and exploring cities:

BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC)
I’m loving it so far but I will talk about the show after the last two episodes of the series.

STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX)
I enjoyed the final two super-sized episodes. I wish the gang was more together instead of fighting on different fronts but at least they accomplished stuff. They have their work cut out for them for their final season. I wasn’t a huge fan of the epilogue as they jumped a bit and we didn’t get to see the immediate aftermath. Still got that Kate Bush song in my head though.

THE WHITE LOTUS (HBO)
Watched this series because of all its Emmy nominations. It’s a week at a Hawaiian resort with a little bit of comedy, drama and murder mystery. Interesting relationships and beautiful cinematography. I really enjoyed Murray Bartlett as Armond the hotel manager and the way he deals with his demanding guests. Jennifer Coolidge is a cringey and at times hilarious mess. I found the music didn’t quite fit the tone – it seemed more mysterious than it need to be.

WINNING TIME: THE RISE OF THE LAKERS DYNASTY (HBO)
I know nothing about basketball. Zach Braff said he loved the series while also knowing nothing about sports. I did enjoy the series as it shows how basketball started as the entertainment powerhouse it is today with floor seats, cheerleaders and box seats. John C Reilly is engaging as Jerry Buss but I was more drawn to Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson and Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I didn’t know that Larry Bird was such a dick with his trash talking. As I didn’t know the outcomes, it was exciting to watch.

MS MARVEL (DISNEY+)
The show did not grab me. The main character does a good job and I like her family, but the mythology of the show was too all over the place. I know it will tie into The Marvels coming out next year so I hope it was worth it.

THE OFFER (PARAMOUNT+)
I love behind the scenes looks at Hollywood filmmaking. I really enjoyed the storytelling in this series. I wish it was all true – there have been a number of conflicting accounts. Good thing this isn’t a documentary. I’ll take this as an alternative reality. The characters are entertaining, what could have happened is incredible and I loved the homages to the original Godfather. This is definitely my kind of show. Wish it got some Emmy nominations.

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY (NBC)
This mockumentary of an inner city under-funded primary school is cute and has heart. I like the small core group of teachers and their oblivious principal. I really enjoy the Jim Halpert-style camera looks that Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris) gives. I do get a little tired of star/creator Quinta Brunson – she’s a too Leslie Knope in her passion but is also too needy.

MASTERCHEF: BACK TO WIN (FOX)
Still don’t know who I want to win. Enjoying the season so far though.

AMAZING RACE CANADA (CTV)
A lot friendlier than the American version. Love seeing places I’ve been before. Not sure who I am rooting for yet. Do not like singer Jully Black though.

RACE AGAINST THE TIDE (CBC)
Amazing sand sculptures. Bizarre that there’s trash talking, they are all doing their own thing. Like the previous host over Maestro Fresh-Wes, he’s just awkward. Also, we regret not visiting the beach as we drove right past it when we drove through New Brunswick.

What are you watching?

Film: Minions: The Rise of Gru

 

GENRE: Animated Action
RATING: PG for cartoon violence and rude humour
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 27 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Steve Carell (The Office, Anchorman, Despicable Me)
Pierre Coffin (Despicable Me); Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine)
DIRECTORS: Kyle Balda (Despicable Me 3), Brad Ableson (newcomer), Jonathan del Val (Secret Lives of Pets 2)
WRITER: Matthew Fogel (Lego Movie 2: The Second Part)
PLOT: The minions try and help Gru join a league of evil.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: I think the minions are adorable.    

STORY STUFF: While the Minion films are not as strong as their parent Despicable Me movies, I still enjoyed the story. I felt more engaged this time as opposed to the first Minions, I think it might have to do with more Gru. The main storyline around a zodiac amulet is pretty simple but they make it work. Great humour throughout.

ACTING STUFF: Great voice acting all around. Young Gru (Carell) and Wild Knuckles (Arkin) work well together. Of course, Coffin is amazing as the voice of every minion. I think I enjoy Bob the best.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Lots of great animation like always. Good use of songs. Don’t know what else to say   

VERDICT: Three and a half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like minions.
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Bullet Train

Film: Thor: Love and Thunder

 

GENRE: Action, Adventure
RATING: PG-13 for sci-fi violence, action, and suggestive nudity
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 58 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Chris Hemsworth (Avengers, Ghostbusters)
Natalie Portman (V for Vendetta); Christian Bale (The Dark Knight)
DIRECTOR: Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Jojo Rabbit)
WRITERS: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (newcomer),
Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, Jojo Rabbit)
PLOT: Thor, Valkyrie, Korg and a newly powerful Jane take on Gorr, the God Butcher.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: Thought the trailer gave away too much.    

STORY STUFF: Not my favourite Thor but at least it was better than Dark World (but that’s not a big feat). There are some fun scenes and good action sequences, but I wasn’t as crazy out there as Ragnarok.  Gorr’s motivation started okay but he was angry that gods are selfish – Thor is all about helping people, so it didn’t track for me. The Guardians of the Galaxy were barely a blip in the story. I enjoyed Thor’s weapons having a bit of personality like Dr. Strange’s cape. There is a Thor & Jane dating montage – when did that happen in the timeline?

ACTING STUFF: Hemsworth continues to play Thor well as he is clearly comfortable in the role. I liked Portman and Tessa Thompson working together. Korg was not as funny this time around. Bale is interesting but not amazing. I found Russel Crowe is disappointing as Zeus – just not my cup of tea. There are a bunch of fun cameos with drop-ins by previous characters. It seemed like a lot of fun on set.

ARTISTIC STUFF: I only expected one Guns & Roses song, but I enjoyed the multiple tracks. The goat yelling was okay but gets a tad repetitive. I was not a fan of Thor’s new outfit – the blue doesn’t work for me. I like the original one best.  

VERDICT: Three stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You’ve seen the other Thor films
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Bullet Train 

June TV Checklist

Here’s what I was watching this June:

OBI-WAN KENOBI (DISNEY+)
I’m glad they didn’t make this into a movie like originally planned. The series had a bunch of great moments, nice callbacks and interesting twists here and there. I liked young Leia most of the time. Ewan McGregor brings the right amount of gravitas. I also like the production value, it blends nicely with the rest of the franchise.

STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX)
Maybe it’s because it has been awhile, but this season seems more creepy. The body manipulation is disturbing. I’m liking the main storyline but the three other plots are not working for me. The Russian stuff is just okay. The Eleven flashbacks give some interesting info but takes too long to get there. Mike, Will & Jonathan with the one-note Argyle are not given much. Liking Eddie and the rest of the gang figuring things out. Dustin & Steve are golden again. Also liking Max. I think I’ll enjoy it more when everyone is reunited to fight the big bad.

HACKS (HBO)
The second season was not as strong as the first. The dynamic wasn’t as volatile this time around. Some great moments throughout but it needed to be bigger. Not sure if there’s a season 3.

BARRY (HBO)
Barry had a good enough ending. Highlights of the season was Barry casually explaining messing someone up and the iPhone recording of a bonkers police takedown of Hank’s operation. There were too many slow moments this time around. Barry at the beach too way too long. Looking forward to what happens in the next season.

GASLIT (STARZ)
Watergate was messed up. It was an interesting take and I think I learned some stuff like G Gordon Liddy was so intensely weird.

MS MARVEL (DISNEY+)
This show is just okay but I feel I need to watch it as it may tie into future Marvel movies. Iman Vellani is charismatic enough as Kamala Khan but I hate her powers. The platform making looks cheap, video-gamey and lame. I hope she gets more powers soon as this is not cutting it for me. I like the playful background animations but they remind me of Spider-Man closing credits.

MASTERCHEF JUNIOR (FOX)
Good choices for the last few junior chefs. I always feel inadequate watching these youngsters cook.

MASTERCHEF: BACK TO WIN (FOX)
I’m rooting for a number of these returning cooks. I like that they have to make three identical dishes each time instead of just at the end. I like Joe as his comments are always more biting and fun.

What are you watching?

Film: Elvis

 

GENRE: Biography, Drama
RATING: PG-13 for substance abuse, language, suggestive material
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 39 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Austin Butler (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)
Tom Hanks (Ladykillers, Apollo 13); Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge)
DIRECTOR: Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Great Gatsby)
WRITERS: Sam Bromell (newcomer),
Craig Pearce & Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge, Australia),
PLOT: The life of Elvis is told through the eyes of his questionable manager Col. Parker.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: I’m a big fan of Baz Lurhmann’s work.    

STORY STUFF: I will admit that I did not know too much about Elvis’ story. I have only really heard stuff in a more mocking way -- the garish Vegas stuff and the gyrating hips. I had heard the name Col. Parker but didn’t know much about him either. So, I found this story utterly fascinating. I don’t know how much is embellished but when Lisa Marie Pressley was moved by the accuracy, I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. The story is well paced for the most part but lingers a little too long when Elvis starts to rebel and ignores the wishes of his manager. A Christmas special takes way too much screen time to get their point across. As I usually say with long running times, this film could have befitted from a little trim, maybe twenty minutes or so. But overall, I loved learning more about Elvis Pressley, his influences, his rise to fame, his tragic downfall and everything in between.

ACTING STUFF: Butler is incredible as Elvis. He doesn’t do a cheesy over-the-top impersonation; his acting is organic and made me sympathize with this rock n roll legend. His movements, his voice, his heart, it was all amazing. I know there are people who will be put off by Hanks’ undistinguishable accent and extreme make-up, but I dug it. I think the accent is part of the mystery behind this towering figure in Elvis’ life. Hanks won’t garner an Oscar nomination, but I think Butler deserves one.

ARTISTIC STUFF: With Baz Luhrmann, you get spectacle. I love the way Luhrmann moves the camera around and plays with its angles and depth. The editing of his montages is vibrant and I love the titling graphics throughout. There is some modern R&B music peppered in this film and it’s amazing how well it fits in despite the ‘period piece’ atmosphere. Only someone like Luhrmann can pull that off. It’s a great way to highlight his love of music which can be found in all his films. This one is another banger.

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like Baz’ work or are interested in Elvis’ life.
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Minions: The Rise of Gru 

Dream Emmy Nominations 2022

The official Emmy Award nominations are due Monday. The announcement happens later in July. Looking over the very long ballot, these would be my dream nominations for the upcoming Emmys. Some of these are long shots but it is always fun to dream.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

·        Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde [Ozark]

·         Jeff Daniels as Del Harris [American Rust]

·         Michael C Hall as Dexter Morgan [Dexter: New Blood]

·         Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman [Better Call Saul]

·         Adam Scott as Mark Scout [Severance]

·         Corey Stoll as Mike Prince [Billions]

 

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

·         Jennifer Aniston as Alex Levy [The Morning Show]

·         Laura Linney as Wendy Byrde [Ozark]

·         Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson [This Is Us]

·         Maura Tierney as Grace Poe [American Rust]

·         Ming-Na Wen as Fennec Shand [The Book of Boba Fett]

·         Reese Witherspoon as Bradley Jackson [The Morning Show]

 

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

·         John Cena as Peacemaker [Peacemaker]

·         Rick Gervais as Tony [After Life]

·         Bill Hader as Barry Berkman [Barry]

·         Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta [Brooklyn Nine-Nine]

·         Martin Short as Oliver Putnam [Only Murders in the Building]

·         Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso [Ted Lasso]

 

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

·         Natasha Lyonne as Nadia [Russian Doll]

·         Sandra Oh as Ji-Yoon Kim [The Chair]

·         Jean Smart as Deborah Vance [Hacks]

·         Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop [Hawkeye]

·         Cecily Strong as Melissa Gimble [Schmigadoon!]

 

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

·         Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Travis Kalanick [Super Pumped]

·         Kevin Hart as Arnold [Diff’rent Strokes]

·         Oscar Isaac as Moon Knight [Moon Knight]

·         Joshua Jackson as Dr. Christopher Duntsch [Dr. Death]

·         Michael Keaton as Dr. Samuel Finnix [Dopesick]

·         Sebastian Stan as Tommy Lee [Pam & Tommy]

 

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

·         Kristen Bell as Anna [The Woman in the House . . .]

·         Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky [Impeachment]

·         Julia Garner as Anna Delvey [Inventing Anna]

·         Lily James as Pamela Anderson [Pam & Tommy]

·         Sarah Paulson as Linda Tripp [Impeachment]

 

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

·         Steve Carell as Mitch Kessler [The Morning Show]

·         Zach Cherry as Dylan George [Severance]

·         Kieran Culkin as Roman Roy [Succession]

·         Joe Keery as Steve Harrington [Stranger Things]

·         Michael Mando as Nacho Varga [Better Call Saul]

·         Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman [The Good Doctor]

 

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

·         Julia Garner as Ruth Langmore [Ozark]

·         Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley [Stranger Things]

·         Julia Jones as Angela Bishop [Dexter: New Blood]

·         Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler [Better Call Saul]

·         Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield [Stranger Things]

 

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

·         Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent [Ted Lasso]

·         Dule Hill as Bill Williams [The Wonder Years]

·         Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard [Ted Lasso]

·         David Hyde Pierce as Paul Child [Julia]

·         Bobby Moyinhan as Jayden Kwapis [Mr. Mayor]

·         Ben Schwartz as Yasper [The Afterparty]

 

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

·         Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo [Peacemaker]

·         Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels [Hacks]

·         Melissa Fumero as Amy Santiago [Brooklyn Nine-Nine]

·         Vella Lovell as Mikaela Shaw [Mr. Mayor]

·         Amy Ryan as Jan [Only Murders in the Building]

·         Juno Temple as Keely Jones [Ted Lasso]

 

Supporting Actor In a Limited Series or Movie

·         Kyle Chandler as Bill Gurley [Super Pumped]

·         Colin Hanks as Mike Emmick [Impeachment]

·         Arian Moayed as Todd Spodek [Inventing Anna]

·         Christian Slater as Randall Kirby [Dr. Death]

·         Dan Stevens as John Dean [Gaslit]

 

Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

·         Annaleigh Ashford as Paula Jones [Impeachment]

·         Kaitlyn Dever as Betsy Mallum [Dopesick]

·         Katie Lowes as Rachel [Inventing Anna]

·         Uma Thurman as Arianna Huffington [Super Pumped]

·         Astrid Van Wieren as Beulah & Others [Come From Away]

 

Writing for a Drama Series

·         Rock and a Hard Place [Better Call Saul]

·         Plan and Execution [Better Call Saul]

·         The Family Business [Dexter: New Blood]

·         A Hard Way to Go [Ozark]

·         The We We Are [Severance]

·         All the Bells Say [Succession]

 

Writing for a Comedy Series

·         710N [Barry]

·         The Last Day [Brooklyn Nine-Nine]

·         The One, The Only [Hacks]

·         Titi B [Mr. Mayor]

·         It’s Cow or Never [Peacemaker]

·         Rainbow [Ted Lasso]

 

Writing for a Limited Series

·         The People vs Purdue Pharma [Dopesick]

·         Hardwood Floors [Dr. Death]

·         Man Handled [Impeachment]

·         The Goldfish Problem [Moon Knight]

·         The Master Beta [Pam & Tommy]

·         Same Last Name [Super Pumped]

 

Drama Series

·         Better Call Saul

·         Dexter: New Blood

·         Ozark

·         Severance

·         Stranger Things

·         Succession

 

Comedy Series

·         Barry

·         Brooklyn Nine-Nine

·         Hacks

·         Only Murders in the Building

·         Peacemaker

·         Ted Lasso

 

Limited Series

·         Dopesick

·         Dr. Death

·         Impeachment

·         Inventing Anna

·         Super Pumped

 

The nominations are announced on July 12^th.

Film: Jurassic World: Domination

 

GENRE: Action, Adventure
RATING: PG-13 for intense action, some violence and language
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 26 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, Lego Movie)
Bryce Dallas Howard (The Village); Laura Dern (Big Little Lies)
DIRECTOR: Collin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed, Jurassic World)
WRITERS: Emily Carmichael (Pacific Rim: Uprising),
Treverrow (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom),
PLOT: Dinosaurs now roam the earth but there is an even bigger threat of grain being destroyed.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: I’ve gone this far, might as well end it.    

STORY STUFF: This film should be a lot shorter. Way too much bloated dialogue and not enough action. It’s a while before the first good chase scene happens with dinos chasing our heroes down the busy streets. Everyone seems fine with dinosaurs cohabitating with us. I know I would have a problem with it. Then again I can just calm an approaching dinosaur by raising my hand and making eye contact. In a dinosaur film it was a bit surprising that it was locusts that were causing the problems. This story is all over the place but things get a bit better when the old and new cast unite and compare notes. That was fun. I think at the end I’m supposed to care which dinosaur wins in an apex predator fight. I didn’t. Also, those are the most unaffected deer I’ve even seen. Were they drugged or hard of hearing?

ACTING STUFF: There’s nothing really special to talk about. Pratt is charming as always. Goldblum gets some fun lines (and a lot more screentime than the overhyped Fallen Kingdom). The bad guy is cartoonishly evil with the temperament of Kylo Ren – wasn’t a fan.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Of course, you come for the dinosaurs. They are well done like always. I also like hearing John William’s theme kick in a bunch of times.    

VERDICT: Two stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You’ve seen the other Jurassic films and want closure?
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Lightyear, Elvis