What are you watching & why? (splain)

[sgt1372]

I also recently watched "The Northman (2022)" on the Peacock Channel and I'm still not sure how I feel about it.

There are a lot of movies that "glorify" the mythology of the Vikings and the Norsemen -- like the classic "Vikings (1958)" -- but "The Northman" is the antithesis of that. It's basically a revenge movie w/a lot of decit, betrayal and barbarism, as well as a little potential incest, thrown into the mix.

It's a "dark" and brutal movie and the plot & dialog is hard to follow. I had to read the Wiki plot summary to make sense of it. There are some "famous" actors like Ethan Hawk, Nicole Kidman and Willian Dafoe in the cast but I think they distract from rather than help the film.

I found it engaging once I read the back story and figured out who the characters were and what their roles/motivation was but w/o doing that the movie didn't make much sense to me.

I just received the movie on DVD and will give it another look shortly and will update this post, if my impression of the film changes.

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

Just watched a documentary on Prime Video called "The Wrecking Crew (2008)" which chronicles the work of a stable of "studio" musicians who provided the background tracks for some of he greatest R&R music of the 1960's for singers/groups such as (in no particular order) the . . .

Beach Boys, The Monkees, Sonny & Cher, The Mamas & The Papas, The Byrds, Nat King Cole, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis, Sam Cooke, Captain & Tennille, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Jan & Dean, The Everly Brothers, The 5th Dimension, The Righteous Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel, The Byrds, The Association and Glen Campbell (who was himself a studio musician before he became a solo singing "star").

No point naming them here because their names won't mean anything to most people but these musicans were in great demand by the studios, producers and artists during this time period -- before the named artists started playing/arranging their own music -- because they could sight read music and improvise lines on the fly and who had a lot to do with "writing" the arrangements for a lot of iconic songs for which they never receive credit.

Definitely worth watching if you are/were a fan of the music of the 60's. You'll be amazed at how much work these musician did behind the scenes and, if you thought some of the musicians sounded familiar on a variety of different tracks recorded by different artists, this is the reason why. LOL!

The documentary is also available on DVD.

I'm a huge fan of the Wrecking Crew, and I'll name a few of them right off the top of my head. Carol Kaye was maybe the first female rock musician superstar . . . if you can be a superstar while being completely unknown to the public. Everyone knew her recordings - no one knew her. Perhaps the most prolific bass player ever (not the best, but damn good), she performed on literally thousands of recordings. Hal Blaine was to the drums what Carol Kaye was to the electric bass. Glen Campbell and Leon Russell went on to individual success and fame. And Larry Knechtel created the masterpiece piano accompaniment to Art Garfunkel in "Bridge Over Troubled Water." These were musicians' musicians.

 

[Danke42]

Watching Norm Macdonald nothing special.

Because at least it was a tie.

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

I have been watching the Lightning win their third straight Prince of Wales Trophy.

Other than that, I have been watching "Obi Wan" on Disney +.

Why?

I have enjoyed most (definitely not all) of the Star Wars "things" I've seen. Really enjoyed "The Mandalorian" and to a lesser extent "The Book of Boba Fett." But I am far from a Star Wars Geek. Did not like the last three movies of the Triple Trilogy.

But mostly . . . I'm a fan of Euuuuuuuuuuuuwan McGregor. I'm not sure I would like him personally, but as an actor . . . I think I've liked everything I've ever seen him in. And he has the greatest voice since Richard Burton. LOL. I think I could listen to him read the dictionary.

As for the show? It's been "aiight." Not great. But not terrible, either. It has a disadvantage from the start: it's a flashback show. We know that Obi Wan is not going to be killed. We know that Leia is not going to be killed. That really destroys a lot of the potential for dramatic tension. So it should try to find other ways to entertain. Except it really doesn't even try. Too many action sequences and chase sequences, etc., without any real dramatic tension (see above). I don't mind Fan Service, even though I'm not a Star Wars Geek. But it seems that Fan Service is mostly what they are offering to entertain here besides the aforementioned tension-free action and chase sequences. Oh, and another problem for me is that I find the Young Leia character to be a very annoying brat. But that just might be me.

Anyway, if it wasn't for my inexplicable mancrush on Euuuuuuuuuuuuwan McGregor, I'm not sure I would really like this show. But since he is the focus . . . I guess I'll wind up watching the whole thing.

 

[Gusbuster]

There was something about the style of the Northman that I liked. So it motivated me to also watch the Witch and the Lighthouse by Robert Eggers. I like the folkloric elements of his movies. I really enjoyed the Lighthouse also.

 

[JACKMANDU]

Witcher
Last Kingdom
Vikings
Stranger things

I was an 80’s kid and Stranger things brings back good memories of that time. Also it is a great mix of horror, action, and comedy. Great plot and characters!

 

[Casinostocks]

Finally watched No Time to Die because it is now streaming free on Prime. I’m in the agnostic camp about this last one as Daniel Craig’s last portrayal of the Bond character. The beginning was much much better than how the story progressed and ended. Mind you my opinion is based on watching it at home streaming on much older TV and sound effect bar as opposed to anything cinematic. In the 5 Bond movies with Craig at the helm, Casino Royale is by far my favorite of the bunch followed by SkyFall as second favorite: I put the last one in the same 3rd tier as Quantum of Solace and as Spectre. Also thumb up for Billy Eilish’s theme song.

 

[Gusbuster]

Two lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity while living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s. Willem Dafoe is great.

 

[Casinostocks]

Additionally I’m meh on both of Netflix's current juggernauts: Strangest Things and also the much anticipated new series of Peaky Blinders. I’ve given up on ST as I tried to watch the 1st episode 3 or 4 times resulting in falling sleep each time before its end. Wasn’t too enthused about PB but I think that I will refrain from falling sleep, maybe!

On one hand, I think that this is on me becoming older and nastier (get off my lawn type) but then again, I’m thoroughly enjoying Better Call Saul’s final series so I would not blame myself exclusively!

 

[Big DJ]

Welcome to the "Get off my lawn" brotherhood!
I joined quite a while ago.

 

[toker]

Finally got out to see Top Gun: Maverick last night. Loved it. The aerial scenes were fantastic and it felt like you were in the cockpit with them. Can't wait to see it again in my home theater.

We watched the original Top Gun the night before in 4K and it was a fun ride.

 

[Burke]

I’m watching Season 3 of For All Mankind. If you have AppleTV it’s 100% worth watching and if you don’t it’s worth getting for a month or two so you can blow through that plus Ted Lasso.

 

[benchrest308]

We adore Ted Lasso. For All Mankind was good until they, seemingly, ran out of plot points.

 

[duramax]

Following up on this: The new Jurassic flick is fun, never a dull moment really. It sticks with familiar tropes and even though there will likely be some "Oof, you really went there" moments, it was by and large a fine action movie. Some nice nostalgic moments for those who remember the original Jurassic Park.

The critics have shredded it but I am of the opinion that film critics secretly hate life and experience very little joy so they can go suck it. Watch it for the ridiculous film it is and have fun.

We also went to see this one. I agree and I really enjoyed it too. But the original is one of my favorites

 

[Blues]

We adore Ted Lasso. For All Mankind was good until they, seemingly, ran out of plot points.

I've been tempted to take a peek at "For All Mankind" but I fear the double whammy of soapishness and wokeness that I've seen come up in reviews.

We've enjoyed a few shows on Apple+...right now we're in the midst of "Pachinko" which is a very well done family saga from Korea.

Finished the latest season of "Tehran" last night as well.

 

[sgt1372]

I have been watching the Lightning win their third straight Prince of Wales Trophy.

Other than that, I have been watching "Obi Wan" on Disney +.

Why?

I have enjoyed most (definitely not all) of the Star Wars "things" I've seen. Really enjoyed "The Mandalorian" and to a lesser extent "The Book of Boba Fett." But I am far from a Star Wars Geek. Did not like the last three movies of the Triple Trilogy.

But mostly . . . I'm a fan of Euuuuuuuuuuuuwan McGregor. I'm not sure I would like him personally, but as an actor . . . I think I've liked everything I've ever seen him in. And he has the greatest voice since Richard Burton. LOL. I think I could listen to him read the dictionary.

As for the show? It's been "aiight." Not great. But not terrible, either. It has a disadvantage from the start: it's a flashback show. We know that Obi Wan is not going to be killed. We know that Leia is not going to be killed. That really destroys a lot of the potential for dramatic tension. So it should try to find other ways to entertain. Except it really doesn't even try. Too many action sequences and chase sequences, etc., without any real dramatic tension (see above). I don't mind Fan Service, even though I'm not a Star Wars Geek. But it seems that Fan Service is mostly what they are offering to entertain here besides the aforementioned tension-free action and chase sequences. Oh, and another problem for me is that I find the Young Leia character to be a very annoying brat. But that just might be me.

Anyway, if it wasn't for my inexplicable mancrush on Euuuuuuuuuuuuwan McGregor, I'm not sure I would really like this show. But since he is the focus . . . I guess I'll wind up watching the whole thing.

I just watched the 1st 5 episodes of this (the premier) season of "Obi Wan Kenobi" and have enjoyed it. The 6th and final episode for the season is due to air on 6/22.

Chronologically it fits between Star Wars III: The Revenge of the Sith (2005) and Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977), after Anakin has become Darth Vader and Padame has died after giving birth to the twins, Leia and Luke.

Leia & Luke have been placed in different homes Leia has been adopted by Bail Organa (a Senator on the planet Alderann) while Luke has been placed w/his uncle/aunt, Owen & Beru Lars, who are farmers on the planet of Tatoonie. Obi Wan, who is one of the last surviving Jedi following the rise of the Siths, has been watching over Luke while in hiding (along w/other Jedi) who are still being hunted by the Sith.

Obi is initially presented as a psychological wreck who has a lot of guilt about having sponsored and trained Anakin, while Anakin as Darth Vader has developed an intense hatred for Obi Wan who maimed and nearly killed him in their duel at the end of the Revenge of the Sith.

The story proceeds from there . . . until it resumes in the movies w/A New Hope where Luke becomes a Jedi and is unknowingly (at least initially) reunited with his sister.

Knowing who lives and dies subsequently doesn't spoil it for me because the "plot" of Obi Wan offers new characters and a new "twists" that fits well contextually w/in the overall story line.

The girl who plays the 10 yr old Leia is a bit annoying but, as I recall, 10 yr old girls are notoriously annoying. So, I guess she is just being true to type

LOL!

I don't have a "man crush" on Ewen McGregor but I like him as an actor. However, if you don't like him as an actor (or otherwise), you won't like the "Obi Wan Kenobi" series because he's the lead actor and the show is all about him.

Double LOL!!

Updated 06/23/2022:

Just watched the final episode of Season 1 of "Obi Wan Kenobi" and, while it was entertaining, it was entirely predicatble. Obi duels w/Darth Vader again and wins again but lets him live because Obi can't die until the "Star Wars IV: A New Hope" which sets up Season 2 of the TV series which finds a reinvorgated Obi Wan reuniting the precocious Leia with her adoptive parents and still watching over Luke (per Star Wars IV) and reuniting w/the spirit of his master Qui-Gon as played by Liam Neeson. It will be interesting to see what they come up w/in Season 2 (if there is one).

 

[Burke]

I've been tempted to take a peek at "For All Mankind" but I fear the double whammy of soapishness and wokeness that I've seen come up in reviews.

Soapish? Maybe a tad with one or two specific plot elements although I don’t think they are stretched out or ridiculously overdone.

Woke I don’t really get as a criticism unless it just means “anything that isn’t exclusively about straight white men is woke.” There are a few plot lines that use female, gay, or non-white characters and their experiences as part of the larger story and how it reflects on real and alternative historical events but I thought they were interesting and engaging and relevant to the series as a whole, not forced or shoehorned in.

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

I just watched the 1st 5 episodes of this (the premier) season of "Obi Wan Kenobi" and have enjoyed it. The 6th and final episode for the season is due to air on 6/22.

Chronologically it fits between Star Wars III: The Revenge of the Sith (2005) and Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977), after Anakin has become Darth Vader and Padame has died after giving birth to the twins, Leaia and Luke.

Leia & Luke have been placed in different homes Leia has been adopted by Bail Organa (a Senator on the planet Alderann) while Luke has been placed w/his uncle/aunt, Owen & Beru Lars, who are farmers on the planet of Tatoonie. Obi Wan, who is one of the last surviving Jedi following the rise of the Siths, has been watching over Luke while in hiding (along w/other Jedi) who are still being hunted by the Sith.

Obi is initially presented as a psychological wreck who has a lot of guilt about having sponsored and trained Anakin, while Anakin as Darth Vader has developed an intense hatred for Obi Wan who maimed and nearly killed him in their duel at the end of the Revenge of the Sith.

The story proceeds from there . . . until it resumes in the movies w/A New Hope where Luke becomes a Jedi and is unknowingly (at least initially) reunited with his sister.

Knowing who lives and dies subsequently doesn't spoil it for me because the "plot" of Obi Wan offers new characters and a new "twists" that fits well contextually w/in the overall story line.

The girl who plays the 10 yr old Leia is a bit annoying but, as I recall, 10 yr old girls are notoriously annoying. So, I guess she is just being true to type

LOL!

I don't have a "man crush" on Ewen McGregor but I like him as an actor. However, if you don't like him as an actor (or otherwise), you won't like the "Obi Wan Kenobi" series because he's the lead actor and the show is all about him.

Double LOL!!

Maybe my post here should be "What are you NOT watching and why?"

Gave up on "Obi Wan" a couple of episodes ago. For all the reasons mentioned in my earlier post. Even my inappropriate love of Euuuuuuuuuuuuuuwan McGregor couldn't save it for me. It's just so unimaginative.

If you want a GREAT example of a Star Wars episode between the end of "Revenge of the Sith" and the start of "A New Hope" . . . then "Rogue One" really nails it. Yeah, (SPOILER ALERT!!!) . . . they had to kill off all those characters (and apparently Kathleen Kennedy didn't understand why). But it had humor, and real dramatic tension (especially since key characters actually DID die), and it advanced the story with several interesting new characters. And in fact if they had any imagination, they could have resurrected some of those characters for this series.

Anyway, I already watched serial episodes of a storyline of a heroic character trying to deliver a young Leia to safety from those wishing to harm her . . . when she was called Grogu and the heroic character was called The Mandalorian.

Sadly . . . yurz.

 

[SIx Magpies]

Anyway, I already watched serial episodes of a storyline of a heroic character trying to deliver a young Leia to safety from those wishing to harm her . . . when she was called Grogu and the heroic character was called The Mandalorian.

Sadly . . . yurz.

This is exactly how I saw it. A wasted opportunity with Disney DIsneying it

 

[sgt1372]

Maybe my post here should be "What are you NOT watching and why?"

Gave up on "Obi Wan" a couple of episodes ago. For all the reasons mentioned in my earlier post. Even my inappropriate love of Euuuuuuuuuuuuuuwan McGregor couldn't save it for me. It's just so unimaginative.

Different strokes for different folks . . .

I'm not as critical of "Obi Wan Kenobi" as you are because I really don't take this kind of "entertainment" all that seriously.

It's not great but it's not awful either but it captured and sustained my interest enough for me to want to continue to watch it.

If a movie/TV series fails in this regard, I turn it off w/in just a few minutes.

"Yellowstone" is an example of that for me as far as TV shows go. I actually gave it 3 tries and found it numbingly boring each time.

An "old" movie I that couldn't bear to watch was "Falling Down (1993)" which people in another thread say they loved and a recent movie that I couldn't bear to watch all the way thru was "Licorice Pizza (2022)" which is a very odd movie that I thought was pointless.

Again, different strokes for different folks.

BTW, I'm getting set to watch the Marvel Comics series "Hawkeye" next.