2022 Emmy Wrap-Up

 

While I was overall happy with most of the winners, the ceremony was just alright. Keenan Thompson always looks like he is having fun and just pleased to be there; I like that. The opening dance thing didn’t wow me but I’ll let it pass. What bothered me most about the ceremony was the over-exposure of the announcer and the minimization of the nominees. Show me the announcer once, I don’t need to see them after that. They are just supposed to be a voice that we hear. We saw the announcer more than Keenan throughout the night. Also, the quick announcing of nominees seems like an afterthought so we can get to the long drawn out intro for the presenters. It should definitely be the other way around.

There was a bunch of lame banter – The Rings of Power actors had the worst when discussing reality television. I enjoyed the banter between Seth & Amy and the ego-centric cast of Only Murders in the Buildings but the best would be Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak who mocked the present day writers – those lazy SOB’s. My other issue with the award ceremony that seems to infect recent trophy-fests is the bizarre order of the categories. They’ll do a bunch in one category, then switch to another and then go back. Come up with a decent order.

When it came to the winners, I got 19 out of 24 categories, so not too shabby. I was disappointed that Better Call Saul got snubbed yet again. My worry is that voters are just waiting until next year to bestow the hardware for their final season but then another amazing drama will debut and outshine Saul (especially as it will have been a whole year since they saw the finale). I was okay with most of the winners. Pretty shocked that Abbott Elementary snagged a couple; especially for a network show. I thought the music playoffs were a little quick unless you were a bigger celebrity like Michael Keaton. I appreciated the director of Ted Lasso admitting that audiences don’t really care who a no-name person thanks so made it quick and left the stage (Last year’s Queen’s Gambit director should take that hint). Anyway, here are the winners:

THE WINNERS:

Drama Series: Succession (Predicted)

Comedy Series: Ted Lasso (Predicted & Wanted)

Limited Series: The White Lotus (Predicted)

Variety Talk Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Predicted)

Variety Sketch Series: SNL (Predicted & Wanted)

Lead Actor [Drama]: Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game) (Predicted)

Lead Actress [Drama]: Zendaya (Euphoria) (Predicted)

Lead Actor [Comedy]: Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)

Lead Actress [Comedy]: Jean Smart (Hacks) (Predicted & Wanted)

Lead Actor [Limited]: Michael Keaton (Dopesick) (Predicted & Wanted)

Lead Actress [Limited]: Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout) (Predicted)

Supp. Actor [Drama]: Matthew Macfadyen

Supp. Actress [Drama]: Julia Garner (Ozark) (Predicted)

Supp. Actor [Comedy]: Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso) (Predicted & Wanted)

Supp. Actress [Comedy]: Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary

Supp. Actor [Limited]: Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) (Predicted & Wanted)

Supp. Actress [Limited]: Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus) (Predicted)

Directing [Drama]: Squid Game – Red Light, Green Light (Predicted)

Directing [Comedy]: Ted Lasso – No Wedding and a Funeral

Directing [Limited]: The White Lotus (Predicted)  

Writing [Drama]: Succession – All the Bells Say (Predicted)

Writing [Comedy]: Abbott Elementary – Pilot

Writing [Limited]: The White Lotus (Predicted)  

Writing [Variety]: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Predicted & Wanted)

2022 Emmy Predictions

 

The Emmys are on Monday this year so as not to interfere with NBC’s NFL game. I’m thinking White Lotus will do well but I’d rather see Dopesick clean up instead. Ted Lasso hasn’t been on for a while but should still do well for the comedies. I’m hoping for some Better Call Saul wins but will probably have to wait until next year. Keenan Thompson is hosting the show; he’s a fun guy so I hope it will all go smoothly.  For the Primetime Emmys predictions, it’s same as past years: I play to win but am happy if the one I want to win takes the statue. Here now are the predictions:

Outstanding Drama Series
Better Call Saul | Euphoria | Ozark | Severance | Squid Game | Stranger Things | Succession | Yellowjackets
WILL WIN: Succession (It was another great season)
WANT TO WIN: Better Call Saul (Hope they don’t just wait until next year)

Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary | Barry | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Hacks | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Only Murders in the Building | Ted Lasso | What We Do in the Shadows
WILL WIN: Ted Lasso (It’s been a long time but it was awesome.)
WANT TO WIN: Ted Lasso (Can’t wait for it’s upcoming final season)

Outstanding Limited Series
Dopesick | The Dropout | Inventing Anna | Pam & Tommy | The White Lotus
WILL WIN: The White Lotus (They got so many nominations)
WANT TO WIN: Dopesick (I was pretty captivated with this story)

Outstanding Variety Talk Series
Daily Show with Trevor Noah | Jimmy Kimmel Live | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | Late Night with Seth Meyers | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert 
WILL WIN: Last Week Tonight (It just keeps winning)
WANT TO WIN: Late Night with Seth Meyers (I enjoy his style)

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
A Black Lady Sketch Show | SNL
WILL WIN: SNL (I’ll admit I haven’t seen the other one)
WANT TO WIN: SNL (Hands down)

Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Ozark: Jason Bateman | Succesion: Brian Cox | Squid Game: Lee Jung-jae | Better Call Saul: Bob Odenkirk | Severance: Adam Scott | Succession: Jeremy Strong
WILL WIN: Lee Jung-jae (Emmy will want to give Squid Game something)
WANT TO WIN: Bob Odenkirk (Better win next year but two would nice)

Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Killing Eve: Jodie Comer | Ozark: Laura Linney | Yellowjackets: Melanie Lynskey | Killing Eve: Sandra Oh | The Morning Show:  Reese Witherspoon | Euphoria: Zendaya
WILL WIN: Zendaya (Everyone seems to love her)
WANT TO WIN: Melanie Lynskey (Don’t care  but I liked her in 2½ Men)

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Atlanta: Donald Glover | Barry: Bill Hader | The Great: Nicholas Hoult | Only Murders in the Building: Steve Martin | Only Murders in the Building: Martin Short | Ted Lasso: Jason Sudeikis
WILL WIN: Bill Hader (I think Sudeikis’ divorce papers may affect votes)
WANT TO WIN: Martin Short (I’m as shocked as you are)

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Rachel Brosnahan | Abbott Elementary: Quinta Brunson | The Flight Attendant: Kaley Cuoco | The Great: Elle Fanning | Insecure: Issa Rae | Hacks: Jean Smart
WILL WIN: Jean Smart (She’s the seasoned veteran who is on a roll)
WANT TO WIN: Jean Smart (Great one liners)

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
The Staircase: Colin Firth | Under the Banner of Heaven: Andrew Garfield | Scenes from a Marriage: Oscar Isaac | Dopesick: Michael Keaton | Station Eleven: Himesh Patel | Pam & Tommy: Sebastian Stan
WILL WIN: Michael Keaton (He’s been winning a lot with this role)
WANT TO WIN: Michael Keaton (I felt for his tragic character)

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
The Staircase: Toni Collette | Inventing Anna: Julia Garner | Pam & Tommy: Lily James | Impeachment: Sarah Paulson | MAID: Margaret Qualley | The Dropout: Amanda Seyfried
WILL WIN: Amanda Seyfried (Just guessing)
WANT TO WIN: Lily James (I thought she did a great Pamela Anderson)

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Succession: Nicholas Braun | The Morning Show: Billy Crudup | Succession: Kieran Culkin | Squid Game: Park Hae-soo | Succession: Matthew Macfadyen | Severance: John Turturro | Severance: Christopher Walken | Squid Game: Oh Young-soo
WILL WIN: Kieran Culkin (A lot of good choices here)
WANT TO WIN: Kieran Culkin (By far, my favourite on the show)

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Severance: Patricia Arquette | Ozark: Julia Garner | Squid Game: Jung Ho-yeon | Yellowjackets: Christina Ricci | Better Call Saul: Rhea Seehorn | Succession: YJ. Smith-Cameron | Succession: Sarah Snook | Euphoria: Sydney Sweeney
WILL WIN: Julia Garner (Cue her midseason yell)
WANT TO WIN: Rhea Seehorn (At least she’s nominated)

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Barry: Anthony Carrigan | Ted Lasso: Brett Goldstein | Ted Lasso: Toheeb Jimoh | Ted Lasso: Nick Mohammed | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Tony Shalhoub | Abbott Elementary: Tyler James Williams | Barry: Henry Winkler | SNL: Bowen Yang
WILL WIN: Brett Goldstein ('Rainbow’ scene alone deserves the win)
WANT TO WIN: Brett Goldstein (I also like Tyler James Williams)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Alex Borstein | Hacks: Hannah Einbinder | Abbott Elementary: Janelle James | SNL: Kate McKinnon | Ted Lasso: Sarah Niles | Abbott Elementary: Sheryl Lee Ralph | Ted Lasso: Juno Temple | Ted Lasso: Hannah Waddingham
WILL WIN: Hannah Waddingham (Her funeral episode is pretty top notch)
WANT TO WIN: Hannah Einbinder (Great chemistry with Smart)

Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
The White Lotus: Murray Bartlett | The White Lotus: Jake Lacy | Dopesick: Will Poulter | Pam & Tommy: Seth Rogen | Dopesick: Peter Sarsgaard | Dopesick: Michael Stuhlbarg | The White Lotus: Steve Zahn
WILL WIN: Murray Bartlett (Like I said, they love The White Lotus)
WANT TO WIN: Murray Bartlett (He definitely stole the show)

Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
The White Lotus: Connie Britton | The White Lotus: Jennifer Coolidge | The White Lotus: Alexandra Daddario | Dopesick: Kaitlyn Dever | The White Lotus: Natasha Rothwell | The White Lotus: Sydney Sweeney | Dopesick: Mare Winningham
WILL WIN: Jennifer Coolidge (Everyone’s raving about her)
WANT TO WIN: Kaitlyn Dever (Coolidge was too much)

Directing for a Drama Series
Ozark • A Hard Way | Severance • The We We Are | Squid Game • Red Light, Green Light | Succession • The Disruption | Succession • Too Much Birthday | Yellowjackets • Pilot
WILL WIN: Squid Game-Red Light, Green Light (A great opening episode)
WANT TO WIN: Severance-The We We Are (An intense ending)

Directing for a Comedy Series
Atlanta • New Jazz | Barry • 710N | Hacks • There Will Be Blood | The Ms. Pat Show • Baby Daddy Groundhog Day | Only Murders in the Building • The Boy from 6B | Only Murders in the Building • True Crime | Ted Lasso • No Wedding and a Funeral
WILL WIN: Barry-710N (There’s a fantastic chase and shocking ending)
WANT TO WIN: 710N (Hader directs a great chase scene)

Directing for a Limited Series, Anthology or Movie
Dopesick • The People vs. Purdue Pharma | The Dropout • Green Juice | The Dropout • Iron Sisters | MAID • Sky Blue | Station Eleven • Wheel of Fire | The White Lotus
WILL WIN: The White Lotus (They are going get lots)
WANT TO WIN: Dopesick (I loved Danny Strong’s work)

Writing for a Drama Series
Better Call Saul • Plan and Execution | Ozark • A Hard Way to Go | Severance • The We We Are | Squid Game • One Lucky Day | Succession • All the Bells Say | Yellowjackets • F Sharp | Yellowjackets • Pilot
WILL WIN: Succession-All the Bells Say (Great sibling talk)
WANT TO WIN: Better Call Saul-Plan and Execution (What a payoff)

Writing for a Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary • Pilot | Barry • 710N | Barry • starting now | Hacks • The One, The Only | Only Murders in the Building • True Crime | Ted Lasso • No Weddings and a Funeral | What We Do in the Shadows • The Casino | What We Do in the Shadows • The Wellness Center
WILL WIN: Hacks-The One, The Only (They like Hacks a lot)
WANT TO WIN: Ted Lasso-No Weddings and a Funeral (Ah, Rick Astley)

Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special
Dopesick • The People vs Purdue Pharma | The Dropout • I’m in a Hurry | Impeachment • Man Handled | MAID • Snaps | Station Eleven • Unbroken Circle | The White Lotus
WILL WIN: The White Lotus (Mike White told an interesting story)
WANT TO WIN: Dopesick (I just cared more about the stakes of this show)

Writing for a Variety Series
A Black Lady Sketch Show | The Daily Show with Trevor Noah | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | SNL
WILL WIN: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Emmys love his work)
WANT TO WIN: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (might as well)

Let’s see how I do. I’ll post after the Emmys with the results and commentary.

Film: Pinocchio

 

GENRE: Disney Live Action Remake Atrocity
RATING: PG for some rude material and some language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 45 minutes
PLATFORM: Disney+
STARRING: Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (The Haunting of Bly Manor)
Joseph-Gordon-Levitt (The Walk); Tom Hanks (Cast Away)
DIRECTOR: Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump)
WRITERS: Robert Zemeckis (The Walk, The Polar Express)
Chris Weitz (Rogue One; About a Boy; Antz; The Golden Compass)
PLOT: A puppet tries to lead a virtuous life in order to become a real boy.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: This a was snap decision watch; no anticipation.     

STORY STUFF: I just don’t see why Disney keeps making these things. The original animated story was great; there was no need to update it in any way. Some the of dialogue seemed more adult than maybe there should have been. I did snicker though when the fox talked about ‘growth mindset’ when discussing education – it’s definitely a buzz word I hear every day at school. Overall, I would just stick with the animated feature.   

ACTING STUFF: Not much to praise here. Ainsworth has a pleasant voice as Pinocchio. Hanks tends to mumble a bunch as old Geppetto; I had to put on the subtitles to understand what he was talk-singing about in the opening of the film. Keegan-Michael Key does a good job of Honest John the fox, but that’s to be expected. Jiminy Cricket did not sound like Joseph Gordon-Levitt at all; it’s like he was doing his impression of the original. Why bother if you’re not going to sound like yourself? The added character of Sofia the seagull did not work for me.

ARTISTIC STUFF: There is some great animation throughout. The set pieces are well done – though Pleasure Island seems Polar Express-ish (although I haven’t seen that film). The wood grain on Pinocchio is a nice touch. I did enjoy the fun they had with the variety of Disney-themed cuckoo clocks – maybe my favourite part of the film. That’s not saying much.

VERDICT: One star out of five
SEE IT IF: You want to keep encouraging Disney to make these things
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Emmy Predictions, Fall TV Preview 

August TV Checklist

Here’s what I was watching this August. Not much to see, so we watched a bunch of older movies instead. Next month, I’ll tackle House of Dragons and Rings of Power. Let the fall fantasy duel begin.

BETTER CALL SAUL (AMC)
I tip my hat to Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould for a fantastic ending to this amazing series. As I stated in a previous post, at times, this show surpassed Breaking Bad. I loved the character arcs and the finale did not disappoint as it brought some stuff full circle. I won’t spoil it for you but trust me that it was a finale that ranks among the best out there. I also loved how the writers resolved things earlier than expected to keep the viewer guessing as to what they were going to do next. I’m going to miss this series. Maybe time for another rewatch.

SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW (DISNEY+)
I’m three episodes in. They are definitely going more towards comedy than Marvel action/adventure. They have their share of Marvel cameos and attempts to fill in plot holes and unanswered questions. I was okay with the break-the-fourth-wall thing She-Hulk, sorry, Jennifer Walters does, but the third ep goes a bit too far for my liking. You don’t have to go that meta to get me to feel in on the joke. I like Maslany’s performance and I think it will keep me entertained but not highly anticipating each episode.

MASTERCHEF: BACK TO WIN (FOX)
I’m sad that Derek is gone after trying to prove he can listen to others who are not as risk-taking as he is. Wish that Dara sacrificed herself for Derek. Anyway, I’ll be rooting for Michael now. Also, Gordon don't yell at chefs to cook faster and then be surprised when the meat is not fully cooked. That's on you.

AMAZING RACE CANADA (CTV)
I always find it funny when teams react so much when they are hindered by another team who followed the rules and used an advantage. It’s not Amazing Friendship Building, it’s the Amazing Race. Someone has to win the race. There’s still a couple teams I’m rooting for. Not the ‘entitled’ Beverley & Veronica though.

RACE AGAINST THE TIDE (CBC)
I find it odd that the sand sculptors always trash talk that they are gunning for other competitors. They are each making their own sculptures and are not allowed to sabotage each other. Just make your own amazing sand wonders and let the judges decide. Don’t care who wins, just like looking at their work.

BREEDERS (FX)
We ran across this FX and British series starring Martin Freeman (Sherlock, Hobbit) as a parent with some verbal rage issues. Not that I condone yelling at your children, but sometimes it sure looks like they deserve it. These kids are a piece of work. The parents have lots of their own issues too, along with their aging parents who have absolutely no filter. Three seasons so far. Ten 30-minute episodes per season. We enjoyed watching the family craziness.

What are you watching?

Better Call Saul

 

So, Better Call Saul ends tonight. Based on how well they executed the Breaking Bad finale, my expectations are scary high. I wish I could lower them but I am unable to. I am one of those people who believe that at times Better Call Saul has eclipsed its parent series. Both shows have top notch acting, storytelling, and cinematography. The difference is who I am rooting for. In Breaking Bad, I was mostly rooting for Jesse as I wanted Walt to get his comeuppance in the end. I guess I was rooting for Mike as well. But with Better Call Saul, I’m rooting for Saul, for Kim, for Nacho. I find I’m more invested for some reason. I’m not looking for comeuppance. I don’t know what I want from the finale other than to be satisfied, which may be a tall order. In the meantime, here are my twenty favourite episodes of Better Call Saul in chronological order.  I also 'cheated' by calling some episodes two-parters. The underlined ones are in my top five.

The Best of Better Call Saul

1. Uno/Mijo S01E01-02
Jimmy gets some scammers to fool a lost client but ends up involved with Tuco who wants revenge

2. Hero S01E04
Jimmy does a big publicity stunt to get new business and piss off Howard

3. Pimento S01E09
Mike takes a job; Chuck visits the office to hand over the Sandpiper case but they exclude Jimmy

4. Gloves Off S02E04
Rita is punished for Jimmy’s commercial; Mike finds an alternative for killing Tuco to help Nacho

5. Fifi/Nailed S02E08-09
Kim and Chuck fight over Mesa Verde until Jimmy steps in; Mike robs Hector’s truck

6. Witness S03E02
Francesca is hired; Gus foils Mike; Jimmy foolishly takes Chuck’s bait

7. Chicanery S03E05
Jimmy pulls out all the stops in order to discredit Chuck on the witness stand

8. Slip S03E08
Slippin’ Jimmy is back; Chuck grocery shops; Kim gets another client; Nacho switches pills

9. Fall S03E09
Jimmy isolates Irene so she settles fasters; Mike joins Madrigal; Chuck sues; Kim is sleepy

10. Quite a Ride/Pinata S04E05-06
Kim joins a firm; Mike vets German builders; Jimmy sells burner phones, gets mugged and revenge

11. Something Stupid/Coushatta S04E07-08
Kim helps Jimmy when Huell gets arrested; the builders are restless; Lalo arrives

12. Winner S04E10
Jimmy shows his ‘sadness’ for Chuck; Mike tracks down Werner with Lalo on his tail

13. Wexler v Goodman S05E06
Saul shoots a defamation ad; Make starts to take down Lalo; Kim backs down to end Mason Verde

14. Bagman S05E08
Things go horribly wrong when Saul agrees to pick up seven million in the desert

15. Bad Choice Road S05E09
Saul has PTSD from his ordeal; Kim quits; Lalo investigates and questions Saul’s story

16. Rock and Hard Place S06E03
Nacho is on the run and may have to face the music; Saul gets Huell’s help in his scheme

17. Hit and Run S06E04
Saul & Kim enlist a local pro to help discredit Howard in front of Cliff; Mike hides/protects Gus

18. Plan and Execution/Point and Shoot S06E07-08
Saul & Kim race to deal with a last minute snag to take down Howard; Lalo makes a big move

19. Breaking Bad/Waterworks S06E11-12          
Gene goes too far in his latest venture; Kim is in her own special hell; a ‘flashback’ to Breaking Bad

20. Saul Gone S06E13        
Don’t know what it’s about but I’m sure the finale is going to be amazing.

Enjoy the finale!

Film: Bullet Train

 

GENRE: Action Comedy
RATING: R for violence and language
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 6 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Brad Pitt (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Inglorious Basterds)
Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Avengers 2); Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta)
DIRECTOR: David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2)
WRITER: Zak Olkewicz (newcomer)
PLOT: A number of assassins find themselves on a fast train with similar missions.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: I enjoyed the trailer but didn’t know much else.    

STORY STUFF: I enjoyed the basic storyline of the film, there are a lot of twists and turns and backstories and fun action scenes. There’s a playfulness that keeps the audience highly entertained while watching a bunch of killing going on. My biggest issue is that they pushed the limit of my suspension of disbelief. An unmanned, fully stocked bar car? Are there only two people working on this ten car train? They try to justify some of the absences but it doesn’t explain the kids or shushing lady. Also, open exterior doors on a train going that fast would have more consequences. The physics alone not to mention the complete lack security on the train or at the stations. Unfortunately, those things took me out of the film a few times.  

ACTING STUFF: Pitt is fun to watch as a killer trying to change his life and talk instead of using guns.  His luck is also fun to watch. The chemistry between Taylor-Johnson & Henry as Tangerine & Lemon is also a treat. Got a little tired of Joey King (The Kissing Booth) but I was probably supposed to feel that way. There are a couple of fun cameos to look for in the film. Sandra Bullock looks way too airbrushed though – she almost appeared CG at times.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Great cinematography through the action sequences but that shouldn’t be surprising coming from Leitch. I liked the titles throughout the film and the use of colour in the sets. I really enjoyed the Japanese renditions of ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘I Need a Hero’ but the rest of the music didn’t work for me, I wish they stuck with the Japanese versions throughout the film. 

VERDICT: Three and a half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like Brad Pitt and some action in far-fetched scenarios
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Better Call Saul, Don’t Worry Darling 

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?