Streaming or currently airing TV shows (AKA Netflix thread) (37 Viewers)

[Gr00vus]

I have started Deadwood. Two episodes in and it’s not grabbing me. Obviously a period piece western, but it still seems “dated.” I assume it gets better as I know it’s highly recommended?

I just started Season 2 and am kind of in the same boat. I will probably continue but it has been a few weeks since I watched it as it isn't too interesting to me.

I don't typically mind coarse language, but they're throwing the F-bomb around pretty egregiously. It's practically a comma. Takes me out of the show.

I think the bolded and "c----sucker" make up about 1/4 of the dialogue.

I guess this doesn't change? Not sure I've got the monogamy for that.

If you're not into it 2 episodes in (or one season in for that matter) it's not the show for you.

I don't really understand the dated comment though. It's a stylized take on how a community organically forms from an 1870's mining camp despite being composed of a bunch of opportunist loners initially out for themselves and in no way looking to build a community. Were you expecting laser beams and fighter jets or something?

I think I’m about 6 in now and enjoying it outside of the aforementioned gratuitous language. The writing, acting, and dialogue are great. I can see why it’s revered.

Maybe dated wasn’t the right word?

If I watch Tombstone now, which is a few years older than Deadwood, yet set in a similar time period I don’t get that feeling. Maybe it’s a budget thing? Or could just be that the set pieces and feel of the town (and the people) is “prettier” in Tombstone.

It's funny, after I wrote my previous response I thought, it's not like Tombstone or The Good The Bad and The Ugly or other previous westerns, so if that's what you're hoping for it's going to be a let down. The setting is very basic, dirty, gritty, etc. - to your point about the look and feel of it. But you'll also note it changes a bit over the 3 seasons as it becomes less a camp and more a town, actual houses going up, etc.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

I have started Deadwood. Two episodes in and it’s not grabbing me. Obviously a period piece western, but it still seems “dated.” I assume it gets better as I know it’s highly recommended?

I just started Season 2 and am kind of in the same boat. I will probably continue but it has been a few weeks since I watched it as it isn't too interesting to me.

I don't typically mind coarse language, but they're throwing the F-bomb around pretty egregiously. It's practically a comma. Takes me out of the show.

I think the bolded and "c----sucker" make up about 1/4 of the dialogue.

I guess this doesn't change? Not sure I've got the monogamy for that.

If you're not into it 2 episodes in (or one season in for that matter) it's not the show for you.

I don't really understand the dated comment though. It's a stylized take on how a community organically forms from an 1870's mining camp despite being composed of a bunch of opportunist loners initially out for themselves and in no way looking to build a community. Were you expecting laser beams and fighter jets or something?

I think I’m about 6 in now and enjoying it outside of the aforementioned gratuitous language. The writing, acting, and dialogue are great. I can see why it’s revered.

Maybe dated wasn’t the right word?

If I watch Tombstone now, which is a few years older than Deadwood, yet set in a similar time period I don’t get that feeling. Maybe it’s a budget thing? Or could just be that the set pieces and feel of the town (and the people) is “prettier” in Tombstone.

It's funny, after I wrote my previous response I thought, it's not like Tombstone or The Good The Bad and The Ugly or other previous westerns, so if that's what you're hoping for it's going to be a let down. The setting is very basic, dirty, gritty, etc. - to your point about the look and feel of it. But you'll also note it changes a bit over the 3 seasons as it becomes less a camp and more a town, actual houses going up, etc.

I've always wanted to visit deadwood, sd and see the town but I have no reason to be out that way unless I was on a boys golf trip

 

[Gr00vus]

I have started Deadwood. Two episodes in and it’s not grabbing me. Obviously a period piece western, but it still seems “dated.” I assume it gets better as I know it’s highly recommended?

I just started Season 2 and am kind of in the same boat. I will probably continue but it has been a few weeks since I watched it as it isn't too interesting to me.

I don't typically mind coarse language, but they're throwing the F-bomb around pretty egregiously. It's practically a comma. Takes me out of the show.

I think the bolded and "c----sucker" make up about 1/4 of the dialogue.

I guess this doesn't change? Not sure I've got the monogamy for that.

If you're not into it 2 episodes in (or one season in for that matter) it's not the show for you.

I don't really understand the dated comment though. It's a stylized take on how a community organically forms from an 1870's mining camp despite being composed of a bunch of opportunist loners initially out for themselves and in no way looking to build a community. Were you expecting laser beams and fighter jets or something?

I think I’m about 6 in now and enjoying it outside of the aforementioned gratuitous language. The writing, acting, and dialogue are great. I can see why it’s revered.

Maybe dated wasn’t the right word?

If I watch Tombstone now, which is a few years older than Deadwood, yet set in a similar time period I don’t get that feeling. Maybe it’s a budget thing? Or could just be that the set pieces and feel of the town (and the people) is “prettier” in Tombstone.

It's funny, after I wrote my previous response I thought, it's not like Tombstone or The Good The Bad and The Ugly or other previous westerns, so if that's what you're hoping for it's going to be a let down. The setting is very basic, dirty, gritty, etc. - to your point about the look and feel of it. But you'll also note it changes a bit over the 3 seasons as it becomes less a camp and more a town, actual houses going up, etc.

I've always wanted to visit deadwood, sd and see the town but I have no reason to be out that way unless I was on a boys golf trip

We went as part of a larger trip that spanned from Mount Rushmore over to Yellowstone/Teatons. It was worth a stop. A small museum, Wild Bill's grave, casinos/bars (including a #10 Saloon and a Gem stakehouse/saloon). I think the coolest thing was, next to this pretty good spaghetti place, there was a glass blower where you could watch glass items being made and take lessons. Our kid took one, made a pretty cool looking stained glass ornament.

 

[Grahamburn]

I have started Deadwood. Two episodes in and it’s not grabbing me. Obviously a period piece western, but it still seems “dated.” I assume it gets better as I know it’s highly recommended?

I just started Season 2 and am kind of in the same boat. I will probably continue but it has been a few weeks since I watched it as it isn't too interesting to me.

I don't typically mind coarse language, but they're throwing the F-bomb around pretty egregiously. It's practically a comma. Takes me out of the show.

I think the bolded and "c----sucker" make up about 1/4 of the dialogue.

I guess this doesn't change? Not sure I've got the monogamy for that.

If you're not into it 2 episodes in (or one season in for that matter) it's not the show for you.

I don't really understand the dated comment though. It's a stylized take on how a community organically forms from an 1870's mining camp despite being composed of a bunch of opportunist loners initially out for themselves and in no way looking to build a community. Were you expecting laser beams and fighter jets or something?

I think I’m about 6 in now and enjoying it outside of the aforementioned gratuitous language. The writing, acting, and dialogue are great. I can see why it’s revered.

Maybe dated wasn’t the right word?

If I watch Tombstone now, which is a few years older than Deadwood, yet set in a similar time period I don’t get that feeling. Maybe it’s a budget thing? Or could just be that the set pieces and feel of the town (and the people) is “prettier” in Tombstone.

It's funny, after I wrote my previous response I thought, it's not like Tombstone or The Good The Bad and The Ugly or other previous westerns, so if that's what you're hoping for it's going to be a let down. The setting is very basic, dirty, gritty, etc. - to your point about the look and feel of it. But you'll also note it changes a bit over the 3 seasons as it becomes less a camp and more a town, actual houses going up, etc.

I've always wanted to visit deadwood, sd and see the town but I have no reason to be out that way unless I was on a boys golf trip

We went as part of a larger trip that spanned from Mount Rushmore over to Yellowstone/Teatons. It was worth a stop. A small museum, Wild Bill's grave, casinos/bars (including a #10 Saloon and a Gem stakehouse/saloon). I think the coolest thing was, next to this pretty good spaghetti place, there was a glass blower where you could watch glass items being made and take lessons. Our kid took one, made a pretty cool looking stained glass ornament.

I'll bet that glass blower is quite the ****sucker.

 

[zoonation]

Anyone watching Presumed Innocent on Apple? So far they are doing this classic service IMO.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I have started Deadwood. Two episodes in and it’s not grabbing me. Obviously a period piece western, but it still seems “dated.” I assume it gets better as I know it’s highly recommended?

I just started Season 2 and am kind of in the same boat. I will probably continue but it has been a few weeks since I watched it as it isn't too interesting to me.

I don't typically mind coarse language, but they're throwing the F-bomb around pretty egregiously. It's practically a comma. Takes me out of the show.

I think the bolded and "c----sucker" make up about 1/4 of the dialogue.

I guess this doesn't change? Not sure I've got the monogamy for that.

If you're not into it 2 episodes in (or one season in for that matter) it's not the show for you.

I don't really understand the dated comment though. It's a stylized take on how a community organically forms from an 1870's mining camp despite being composed of a bunch of opportunist loners initially out for themselves and in no way looking to build a community. Were you expecting laser beams and fighter jets or something?

I think I’m about 6 in now and enjoying it outside of the aforementioned gratuitous language. The writing, acting, and dialogue are great. I can see why it’s revered.

Maybe dated wasn’t the right word?

If I watch Tombstone now, which is a few years older than Deadwood, yet set in a similar time period I don’t get that feeling. Maybe it’s a budget thing? Or could just be that the set pieces and feel of the town (and the people) is “prettier” in Tombstone.

It's funny, after I wrote my previous response I thought, it's not like Tombstone or The Good The Bad and The Ugly or other previous westerns, so if that's what you're hoping for it's going to be a let down. The setting is very basic, dirty, gritty, etc. - to your point about the look and feel of it. But you'll also note it changes a bit over the 3 seasons as it becomes less a camp and more a town, actual houses going up, etc.

Honest to god, one of the reasons I don't really like westerns that much is because of all the dirt/sand!!!!!

 

[Zow]

Anyone watching Presumed Innocent on Apple? So far they are doing this classic service IMO.

No, but I plan to.

 

[Zow]

I have started Deadwood. Two episodes in and it’s not grabbing me. Obviously a period piece western, but it still seems “dated.” I assume it gets better as I know it’s highly recommended?

I just started Season 2 and am kind of in the same boat. I will probably continue but it has been a few weeks since I watched it as it isn't too interesting to me.

I don't typically mind coarse language, but they're throwing the F-bomb around pretty egregiously. It's practically a comma. Takes me out of the show.

I think the bolded and "c----sucker" make up about 1/4 of the dialogue.

I guess this doesn't change? Not sure I've got the monogamy for that.

If you're not into it 2 episodes in (or one season in for that matter) it's not the show for you.

I don't really understand the dated comment though. It's a stylized take on how a community organically forms from an 1870's mining camp despite being composed of a bunch of opportunist loners initially out for themselves and in no way looking to build a community. Were you expecting laser beams and fighter jets or something?

I think I’m about 6 in now and enjoying it outside of the aforementioned gratuitous language. The writing, acting, and dialogue are great. I can see why it’s revered.

Maybe dated wasn’t the right word?

If I watch Tombstone now, which is a few years older than Deadwood, yet set in a similar time period I don’t get that feeling. Maybe it’s a budget thing? Or could just be that the set pieces and feel of the town (and the people) is “prettier” in Tombstone.

It's funny, after I wrote my previous response I thought, it's not like Tombstone or The Good The Bad and The Ugly or other previous westerns, so if that's what you're hoping for it's going to be a let down. The setting is very basic, dirty, gritty, etc. - to your point about the look and feel of it. But you'll also note it changes a bit over the 3 seasons as it becomes less a camp and more a town, actual houses going up, etc.

Honest to god, one of the reasons I don't really like westerns that much is because of all the dirt/sand!!!!!

They watch Firefly! It's a western, but in space.

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

 

[Gally]

Anyone watching Presumed Innocent on Apple? So far they are doing this classic service IMO.

I watched the first couple episodes and plan to keep watching. But I don't like Jake in the Ford role. Something is just a bit off. I also don't really like the wife. I don't know if I am just comparing them too much to the original and they can't match up or if they truly were bad choices for the parts.

I think it is well done overall but something could be better.

 

[Payne]

Anyone watching Presumed Innocent on Apple? So far they are doing this classic service IMO.

I am and I'm really enjoying it. I honestly don't remember seeing the movie, though I'm sure I did.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

I didn’t really “get” S3E1 until the end of it. And it certainly doesn’t make sense unless you’ve seen the first two seasons. But it is a unique artistic accomplishment.

S3E2 is more like the higher-caliber episodes from the first two seasons, and was one of the funnier ones of the series.

Picking up with S3E3 tonight.

 

[Gr00vus]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

Saw that episode last night. I found it ponderous and not very interesting.

 

[The General]

There’s no shortage of WW2 docs but this one I just finished on Netflix was very good. “WWII: From the Front Lines”.

Really good footage, well narrated and paced. Nothing ground breaking on the subject matter but entertaining.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

Saw that episode last night. I found it ponderous and not very interesting.

Watching tonight. I’m expecting immaculate and breathtaking television damnit

 

[Gr00vus]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

Saw that episode last night. I found it ponderous and not very interesting.

Watching tonight. I’m expecting immaculate and breathtaking television damnit

Good luck chef.

 

[belljr]

Episode 1 I found mehish. But enjoying the next two

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Meh here also. A 36 min recap.
On to episode 2 another day

 

[Grahamburn]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

Saw that episode last night. I found it ponderous and not very interesting.

Watching tonight. I’m expecting immaculate and breathtaking television damnit

Good luck chef.

Behind!

 

[Pip's Invitation]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

I didn’t really “get” S3E1 until the end of it. And it certainly doesn’t make sense unless you’ve seen the first two seasons. But it is a unique artistic accomplishment.

S3E2 is more like the higher-caliber episodes from the first two seasons, and was one of the funnier ones of the series.

Picking up with S3E3 tonight.

"He's like a 3-year old with too many f###ing crayons"

 

[belljr]

I'm on episode 7 or 8. Again just loving the show

 

[belljr]

Ep8 I did not find enjoyable. A touch too long

 

[Nick Vermeil]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

Loved it. Great television.

 

[jamny]

S3:E1 of the Bear is immaculate television. Breathtaking. Worth watching seasons 1 and 2 just so you can appreciate this singular episode.

Saw that episode last night. I found it ponderous and not very interesting.

Just watched. Really wanted to fast forward. Ponderous indeed.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Ep8 I did not find enjoyable. A touch too long

Disagree. It's clearly meant to be the "Fishes" of the season, and plays off that episode a lot. It would have been easy to Flanderize Donna and the writers did the opposite -- we saw depths to her character that had not been shown or talked about before.

I was having trouble enjoying the first half of the Tina-themed episode (6?), but that may just be a me thing, because I've been through what she experienced and don't want to relive it. But the second half of it was great.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Two episodes into Apple's Dark Matter.

Seems like another drawn out, tepid offering by them. Does it get better or should I sunk cost it?

Seems like I nailed it based on this snippet of a review

There’s a decent movie buried in the bloated “Dark Matter,” the latest expensive venture from the good folks at Apple TV+, a streamer that's developed something of an identity as a platform for adult sci-fi with shows like “Silo,” “Constellation,” “Invasion,” and more. The problem is that, once again, a good idea has been stretched far past its breaking point, resulting in a show that spins its wheels so much that you’ll get dizzy trying to stay engaged. Characters repeat themselves simply to stretch runtime, and the whole project lacks the urgency needed to maintain the tension inherent in the story of a man whose life is stolen.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Ep8 I did not find enjoyable. A touch too long

Disagree. It's clearly meant to be the "Fishes" of the season, and plays off that episode a lot. It would have been easy to Flanderize Donna and the writers did the opposite -- we saw depths to her character that had not been shown or talked about before.

I was having trouble enjoying the first half of the Tina-themed episode (6?), but that may just be a me thing, because I've been through what she experienced and don't want to relive it. But the second half of it was great.

Interestingly, many reviews of the season I have read cite these two episodes as the best ones.

 

[3 hour lunch]

Two episodes into Apple's Dark Matter.

Seems like another drawn out, tepid offering by them. Does it get better or should I sunk cost it?

Seems like I nailed it based on this snippet of a review

There’s a decent movie buried in the bloated “Dark Matter,” the latest expensive venture from the good folks at Apple TV+, a streamer that's developed something of an identity as a platform for adult sci-fi with shows like “Silo,” “Constellation,” “Invasion,” and more. The problem is that, once again, a good idea has been stretched far past its breaking point, resulting in a show that spins its wheels so much that you’ll get dizzy trying to stay engaged. Characters repeat themselves simply to stretch runtime, and the whole project lacks the urgency needed to maintain the tension inherent in the story of a man whose life is stolen.

If you don’t like it you can probably bail. I agree it was a little stretched but I enjoyed it. There’s going to be a season 2….

 

[whoknew]

Two episodes into Apple's Dark Matter.

Seems like another drawn out, tepid offering by them. Does it get better or should I sunk cost it?

Seems like I nailed it based on this snippet of a review

There’s a decent movie buried in the bloated “Dark Matter,” the latest expensive venture from the good folks at Apple TV+, a streamer that's developed something of an identity as a platform for adult sci-fi with shows like “Silo,” “Constellation,” “Invasion,” and more. The problem is that, once again, a good idea has been stretched far past its breaking point, resulting in a show that spins its wheels so much that you’ll get dizzy trying to stay engaged. Characters repeat themselves simply to stretch runtime, and the whole project lacks the urgency needed to maintain the tension inherent in the story of a man whose life is stolen.

I thought the first two episodes were the worst - it takes a while to really get going. But the mid episodes are really fun. And then the end is ... eh.

 

[krista4]

The Bear probably deserves its own thread, but how were we to know. I haven’t watched Season 3 yet but might start my binge when I get home from Chicago later this morning.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

The Bear probably deserves its own thread, but how were we to know. I haven’t watched Season 3 yet but might start my binge when I get home from Chicago later this morning.

Allegedly seasons 3 and 4 were shot at the same time, and that affects how season 3 is structured and developed. So the approach is a bit different from seasons 1 and 2. But the stuff that made those seasons great is mostly still there.

“Napkins” (E6) and “Ice Chips” (E8) are the “Forks” and “Fishes” of the season, respectively.

 

[foxco]

Two episodes into Apple's Dark Matter.

Seems like another drawn out, tepid offering by them. Does it get better or should I sunk cost it?

Seems like I nailed it based on this snippet of a review

There’s a decent movie buried in the bloated “Dark Matter,” the latest expensive venture from the good folks at Apple TV+, a streamer that's developed something of an identity as a platform for adult sci-fi with shows like “Silo,” “Constellation,” “Invasion,” and more. The problem is that, once again, a good idea has been stretched far past its breaking point, resulting in a show that spins its wheels so much that you’ll get dizzy trying to stay engaged. Characters repeat themselves simply to stretch runtime, and the whole project lacks the urgency needed to maintain the tension inherent in the story of a man whose life is stolen.

I thought it got more interesting as it progressed and had some decent surprises. Pretty wild last couple of episodes.

 

[El Floppo]

Two episodes into Apple's Dark Matter.

Seems like another drawn out, tepid offering by them. Does it get better or should I sunk cost it?

Seems like I nailed it based on this snippet of a review

There’s a decent movie buried in the bloated “Dark Matter,” the latest expensive venture from the good folks at Apple TV+, a streamer that's developed something of an identity as a platform for adult sci-fi with shows like “Silo,” “Constellation,” “Invasion,” and more. The problem is that, once again, a good idea has been stretched far past its breaking point, resulting in a show that spins its wheels so much that you’ll get dizzy trying to stay engaged. Characters repeat themselves simply to stretch runtime, and the whole project lacks the urgency needed to maintain the tension inherent in the story of a man whose life is stolen.

I thought the first two episodes were the worst - it takes a while to really get going. But the mid episodes are really fun. And then the end is ... eh.

I wrapped it up recently too.

Yeah... Theres a bit too much of rinse repeat, so I get the bloated comment. But like other apple shows, it's still a decent and interesting watch and the end gets insane.

My main problem was that I didn't like the lead. Can't put my finger on exactly what, but something about his performance was off-putting to me.

 

[whoknew]

Two episodes into Apple's Dark Matter.

Seems like another drawn out, tepid offering by them. Does it get better or should I sunk cost it?

Seems like I nailed it based on this snippet of a review

There’s a decent movie buried in the bloated “Dark Matter,” the latest expensive venture from the good folks at Apple TV+, a streamer that's developed something of an identity as a platform for adult sci-fi with shows like “Silo,” “Constellation,” “Invasion,” and more. The problem is that, once again, a good idea has been stretched far past its breaking point, resulting in a show that spins its wheels so much that you’ll get dizzy trying to stay engaged. Characters repeat themselves simply to stretch runtime, and the whole project lacks the urgency needed to maintain the tension inherent in the story of a man whose life is stolen.

I thought the first two episodes were the worst - it takes a while to really get going. But the mid episodes are really fun. And then the end is ... eh.

I wrapped it up recently too.

Yeah... Theres a bit too much of rinse repeat, so I get the bloated comment. But like other apple shows, it's still a decent and interesting watch and the end gets insane.

My main problem was that I didn't like the lead. Can't put my finger on exactly what, but something about his performance was off-putting to me.

Yes but Jennifer Connelly more than makes up for him.

 

[WVU Alum]

Two episodes into Apple's Dark Matter.

Seems like another drawn out, tepid offering by them. Does it get better or should I sunk cost it?

Seems like I nailed it based on this snippet of a review

There’s a decent movie buried in the bloated “Dark Matter,” the latest expensive venture from the good folks at Apple TV+, a streamer that's developed something of an identity as a platform for adult sci-fi with shows like “Silo,” “Constellation,” “Invasion,” and more. The problem is that, once again, a good idea has been stretched far past its breaking point, resulting in a show that spins its wheels so much that you’ll get dizzy trying to stay engaged. Characters repeat themselves simply to stretch runtime, and the whole project lacks the urgency needed to maintain the tension inherent in the story of a man whose life is stolen.

I thought the first two episodes were the worst - it takes a while to really get going. But the mid episodes are really fun. And then the end is ... eh.

I wrapped it up recently too.

Yeah... Theres a bit too much of rinse repeat, so I get the bloated comment. But like other apple shows, it's still a decent and interesting watch and the end gets insane.

My main problem was that I didn't like the lead. Can't put my finger on exactly what, but something about his performance was off-putting to me.

Yes but Jennifer Connelly more than makes up for him.

I would have given up and stayed with Alice Braga.

 

[krista4]

The Bear probably deserves its own thread, but how were we to know. I haven’t watched Season 3 yet but might start my binge when I get home from Chicago later this morning.

Allegedly seasons 3 and 4 were shot at the same time, and that affects how season 3 is structured and developed. So the approach is a bit different from seasons 1 and 2. But the stuff that made those seasons great is mostly still there.

“Napkins” (E6) and “Ice Chips” (E8) are the “Forks” and “Fishes” of the season, respectively.

Hmmm, they might be re-shooting some of S4 because they’re still filming it in a friend’s neighborhood in Chicagoland. I can’t imagine they’re doing S5 at this point.

I look forward most to “Napkins,” then, since “Forks” is my favorite.

 

[Barry2]

4 episodes into the Bear. It's good but not grabbing me. Absolutely loved the first two seasons. Neil and his brother are getting annoying.

 

[northern exposure]

4 episodes into the Bear. It's good but not grabbing me. Absolutely loved the first two seasons. Neil and his brother are getting annoying.

Episode 5 will not be one of your faves then.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

4 episodes into the Bear. It's good but not grabbing me. Absolutely loved the first two seasons. Neil and his brother are getting annoying.

There are a LOT more Faks this season. Clearly they’re not for everyone.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I finally got around to watching American Fiction on Prime today. I read the book (Erasure) when it first came out and loved it. The book is odd -- about a third of the text or so is devoted to the novel-within-the-novel called My Pafology, which is itself a send-up of Native Son by Richard Wright. Obviously the movie doesn't do that, but it still captures the tone of the book nicely. It's about 50% satire of US race relations and 50% dramedy about the kind of family issues that many of us are encountering in middle age. Those two things connect much more naturally than you would think. I expected to be let down by seeing this in movie form, but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this all the way through. It's probably the smartest overtly-political comedy I've seen since Thank You For Smoking, which is high praise.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Thank You For Smoking still has my favorite movie quote of all time:

Nick Naylor: [out loud] "I just need to pay the mortgage."

Nick Naylor: [to self] The Yuppie Nuremberg defense.

 

[El Floppo]

Two episodes into Apple's Dark Matter.

Seems like another drawn out, tepid offering by them. Does it get better or should I sunk cost it?

Seems like I nailed it based on this snippet of a review

There’s a decent movie buried in the bloated “Dark Matter,” the latest expensive venture from the good folks at Apple TV+, a streamer that's developed something of an identity as a platform for adult sci-fi with shows like “Silo,” “Constellation,” “Invasion,” and more. The problem is that, once again, a good idea has been stretched far past its breaking point, resulting in a show that spins its wheels so much that you’ll get dizzy trying to stay engaged. Characters repeat themselves simply to stretch runtime, and the whole project lacks the urgency needed to maintain the tension inherent in the story of a man whose life is stolen.

I thought the first two episodes were the worst - it takes a while to really get going. But the mid episodes are really fun. And then the end is ... eh.

I wrapped it up recently too.

Yeah... Theres a bit too much of rinse repeat, so I get the bloated comment. But like other apple shows, it's still a decent and interesting watch and the end gets insane.

My main problem was that I didn't like the lead. Can't put my finger on exactly what, but something about his performance was off-putting to me.

Yes but Jennifer Connelly more than makes up for him.

I would have given up and stayed with Alice Braga.

Shes always a great actress, but sad to see Connelly so anorexic.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Shes always a great actress, but sad to see Connelly so anorexic.

Props to her for not collagen-ing her lips to oblivion.

 

[eoMMan]

I finished Fallout. I wish the ending was more “complete”, but it was okay I guess. Definitely worse things to watch.

 

[eoMMan]

Gen V really ramped up in the second of the season. Great show. Nice ramp up to The Boys.

 

[eoMMan]

For those into documentaries, Tell Them You Love Me on Netflix is pretty crazy. Don’t want to give too much away but it’s about a non-verbal disabled guy and his relationship with his facilitator who helps with communication.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I finally got around to watching American Fiction on Prime today. I read the book (Erasure) when it first came out and loved it. The book is odd -- about a third of the text or so is devoted to the novel-within-the-novel called My Pafology, which is itself a send-up of Native Son by Richard Wright. Obviously the movie doesn't do that, but it still captures the tone of the book nicely. It's about 50% satire of US race relations and 50% dramedy about the kind of family issues that many of us are encountering in middle age. Those two things connect much more naturally than you would think. I expected to be let down by seeing this in movie form, but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this all the way through. It's probably the smartest overtly-political comedy I've seen since Thank You For Smoking, which is high praise.

I watched it on a plane but was easily my favorite film last year. The family stuff hits home and he cast was excellent.

 

[shuke]

Finished Dark Matter. Yes a little bloated but I really liked it, but that may be due to my love of the book.

 

[TheAristocrat]

For those into documentaries, Tell Them You Love Me on Netflix is pretty crazy. Don’t want to give too much away but it’s about a non-verbal disabled guy and his relationship with his facilitator who helps with communication.

 

[krista4]

It's probably the smartest overtly-political comedy I've seen since Thank You For Smoking, which is high praise.

It was so, so smart and not preachy. I know I already praised it here, but I was happy to see your post and the one below.

I watched it on a plane but was easily my favorite film last year. The family stuff hits home and he cast was excellent.

Stellar cast from top to bottom.