Prime Rewind: Inside the Boys

 

Aisha Taylor (Whose Line) is the host - her wig is distracting. This is a break down of the show with the writers, actors, and other members of production. It's just as dirty as the show, so it's not for kids. If you like the show The Boys then why not watch this to learn a little bit more. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Bonk

 

Another book by great researcher and writer Mary Roach of Stiff. This focuses on sex research. If you have watched Liam Neeson's movie about Kinsey or/and Martin Sheen's Masters of Sex then you don't need to read this book. There was much else in it to learn except scientist have really done women wrong over the years. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Ody-C

 

It a borderline pronographic retelling of the Odyssey in comic form with all the males characters turned into women. I didn't like the Odyssey when it was a book starring men. Didn't like this at all. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Spook

 

This had a different cover and no subtitled when I found it on Audible. I thought I was in for some badass spy research from the author who wrote Stiff. This was about sciences attempts to find evidence of a soul or an afterlife. It was interesting, but not what I hoped for. All in all, I say: SKIP IT unless this topic interests you.

Idiot

 

She a comedian, so I though her book of essays would be funny. Turns out I'm the idiot. It was her struggle with drugs, alcohol, and no good men. Needless to say I was not amused. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

The Girls with No Names

 

This story is about a young girl with a heart condition who winds up on a dangerous adventure when she sets out on her own to find her runaway sister. This is based on Homes that existed around the Great Depression era. These Homes were spread throughout the US and were religious based. Girls were sent there if they were deemed bad by parents or society, as well as, orphans. They were used as free labor and basically treated liked prisoners. That part of the book was interesting. The lead up to the Home was unnecessary and boring. It had the potential to be a remarkable book; I think the author needed a better editor. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

21 Lessons for 21st Century

 

The third book in his sort of series. There was a lot of repeat from his other two books. I liked the other two better. I listened to this in the car, and I my mind would wander. He would take too long to get to his point. I felt it like it should have been more concise; he should have presumed we already read his other two. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

The Babysitters Club

 

A revival in Babysitters club began with these graphic novels. The graphics were then used to create the Netflix series. I watched the Netflix series first before I knew these existed, so I didn't enjoy them. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Moonshine

 

A comic set during Prohibition in the US. A gangster sends a guy to a backwoods area to get a hand shake deal on Moonshine. The family running the still is not what they seem. They are werewolves. There is also some zombie action and voodoo. It made little to no sense and felt all out of sequence. I didn't like it at all. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

The Alien: The Walking Dead

 

Brain K Vaughn author of the comic Saga writes a tale for TWD series of comics. An American in Spain meets up with a woman while trying to save a young boy from walkers. Together they hatch a plan to make it to safety together. I enjoyed it. It was short and there are no more in this series. All in all, I say: READ IT if you like TWD

The Rain Collector

 

A short film about a young woman from the 1800s who takes part in an experiment on rain. It is well written, acted, and directed. I'm surprised it never got picked up for a full length feature. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Amazon

Utopia Falls

 

On Hulu, this Canadian science fiction series is a little strange. It's in the future. People are divided into sectors kind of like Hunger Games. Kids from each sector are chosen to perform in a dancing/singing competition kind of like Fame mixed with Hunger Games. They learn about each other's struggles and the struggles of each sector. They also come to discover a secret group who wants to bring down the current governing body known as the Tribunal. Turns out they have been lying about the world outside theri shielded world. There is a sort of secret police undermining every attempt to open the populouses eyes to reality. Sounds pretty cool - common plot but interesting. Let me add this - singing and dancing and Snoop Dog - it feels a little off, but keep in mind it's for young people not adults. It was created by the RT Thorne of Blindspot and Joseph Mallozzi of Dark Matter & Stargate. All in all, I say: SEE IT.

Shrill

 

A journalist who has had trouble coming to acceptance about her weight deals with work, life, and love in this Hulu comedy. Some scenes are predictable, some make you angry, and some frustrate you to no end. There were some scenes that I swear I have seen before in other movies or shows - strange. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you are bored and want something light and quick to watch.

Defending Your Life

 

Early 90s Albert Brooks (Mother) movie about life after death. In his film, when one dies they go to Judgement City. A person has to defend, with the help of a lawyer, their life to judges. Scenes from your life are on trial - judges determine if you have faced your fear and can move forward, or if you need to live a life again on Earth (reincarnation). Brooks gives a lot of answer that are interesting and funny, like there is no death and you can eat whatever you want in Judgement City and never gain weight. While he is there, he meets Meryl Streep (SOphie's CHoice) and they fall in love. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it is clever and funny - if you like his sense of humor. 

Murder by Death

 

Written by Neil Simon and released in the 70s. This is a spoof on mystery novels and the famous detectives within them. Five world famous detectives are brought to a house and asked to solve the murder of their host played by the writer Truman Capote (In Cold Blood). It's funny if you are familiar with all the detectives. Nick, Nora, and Astor from the Thin Man series are spoofed by Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) and David Niven (Death on the Nile). Miss Marple is spoofed by Elsa Lanchester (Mary Poppins). Peter Sellars (Being There) spoofs the famous (racist) detective Charlie Chan. Poiret is spoofed and has brought along his chauffer played by James Cromwell (Babe). Lastly, Sam Spade/Humphrey Bogart is spoofed by Columbo himself Peter Falk. Alex Guinness (Star Wars) stars as the blind butler. It came out before Clue and you will see some connections. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Enola Holmes

 

Based on the young adult novels about the younger sister of Sherlock. Enola is alone. It's her name backwards and her current state when she wakes up. Her mother and long time companion is gone. Her brothers want to put her in a finishing school and be done with her. She wants to find her mother and ends up finding missing persons along the way. The movie changes some of the circumstances and characters a little, but I was pleased. I really enjoyed the plot. Milly Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) was perfect as Enola. Henry Cavill (Superman) did a decent job and a unique Sherlock.Sam Clafin (Hunger Games) plays Mycroft - a more evil Mycroft than I've ever seen, but it matches the book. All in all, I say: read the books and then SEE IT on Netflix.

Raised by Wolves

 

A science fiction series on HBO Max directed by Ridley Scott (Alien). It is very Alien like. We have his androids and religion. The storyline is very cyclical and religious like his other science fiction work. It's like an Adam and Eve story. I was disappointed in the season finale. A little too religious for my liking. It was good to see Travis Fimmel (Vikings) again, but his accent was strange. The premise in the first couple of shows was intriguing and then as you get closer to the end it gets slower, and my interest started to wain. All in all, I say: SKIP IT  - unless you really loved Prometheus and snakes.

Wisting

 

On Acorn, this Norwegian crime drama focuses on an American serial killer in season one. The FBI loses track of a serial killer when he moves back to the home of his ancestors and takes over the life of another man. Wisting, who has recently lost his wife, is given the case. He is super focused on the case, so much so that his daughter is put in danger. She's a journalist who is looking for the same killer. Carrie-Anne Moss (Matrix) stars as the visiting FBI agent. There are 2 seasons, but season 1 is all I could get on Acorn on Amazon. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Dora and the Lost City of Gold

 

This can be blamed on Covid. It was a kids movie, so it wouldn't be too heavy to watch. It's based on the cartoon, so it is cartoonish. It's ridiculous. All in all, I say: SKIP IT unless you are like 5 and obsessed with Dora.

The Duchess

 

A comedy on Netflix acted and created by the comedian herself. She is an American, single mom in England deciding whether or not she wants another child. SOme parts are funny. A lot of it is her being a hot mess. It had good scenes and bad scenes. I'll admit it was hard to stop watching, so I binged it. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you like the comedian otherwise SKIP IT

Back to Life

 

An English dark comedy on Showtime. A woman is released from prison after 18 years for a murder that could have been prevented if people in her small English town hadn't kept so many secrets. She is out and having to deal with finding a job, an uninterested parole officer, hate from the community, discovering the truth of what happened, and drama with her parents. It was surprisingly funny and tragic. Adeel Akhtar (The Big Sick) also stars. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Away

 

There is a lot going on in the Netflix series. A man battles with being paralyzed and missing out on his dream. A young girl deals with new love and an absent parent. A parent living their dream must contend with the results of her decision to be gone for years. There is also a crew trying to battle space and each other. Add politics and money....Hilary Swank (Trust) and Joshua Charles (Law & Order True Crime) are astronauts dealing with a trip to Mars. It's a lot - very dramatic. I think I would have preferred it be condensed to a 2 hour movie. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you can handle how slow and dramatic it is.

Get Organized with the Home Edit

 

Now this is my jam for reality tv. It is a lot of white girl screaming - warning. But the calm it brings me. I feel so relaxed when I watch this. They organize - every episode - they organize. Organization - just thinking about it has lowered my heart rate. You guys now me - this is my sweet spot. All in all, I say: WATCH IT - even if it's on mute and just watch them organize.

Love, guaranteed

 

Rachel Leigh Cook (She's All That) does her best sweet girl - she is a very well rounded actress. In a romantic comedy for Netflix it works. Heather Graham (Twin Peaks) makes an appearance. The person that makes this even remotely watchable is Damon Wayans, Jr (Happy Endings). It's a cute Netflix happy ending movie - light hearted. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you're stressed. 

Young Wallander

 

If you know me well, you know I love the character Kurt Wallander - Swedish detective. This is supposed to be the early years - when he first joined the force. They filmed it in Lithuania to give an older time period feel. It was good as a stand alone, but part of the original series no. It kind of fits with Kenneth Branagh's take on Wallander. It does not fit with the original Swedish version - the new actor is no Rolf Lassgard. SO, I"ve been torn as to whether I like it or not. I decided to think about it as a different Wallander - and I like it. Gritty - accidental detective with a sketchy mentor worked. All in all, I say: SEE IT - Netflix

Party Tricks

 

An Australian mini series on Amazon Prime. A minister of a territory in Australia is up for re-election. The opposing party nominates a former lover. Concerned that their affair will get out and ruin them both - they try to maneuver the campaign, their lives, and the gossip. It's an interesting look into politics in Australia. Rodger Corser (Spirited) stars as the journalist turned politician. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Frayed

 

On HBO Max app, a wealthy English housewife suffers a scandal when her husband dies while cheating on her with his mistress. When she realizes they are broke, she has no choice but to return home. Turns out she is from a poor beach family from Australia. Her kids have to adjust and so does she. It has some funny parts, but overall it was surprisingly predictable. I wore on my nerves. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Partners in Crime

 

A re-make of a series from the 80s based on Agatha Christie's mystery. It is drawn out, long, and boring - my three complaints about Christie's books! It's just all over the place and so drawn out, that the characters just annoyed me. I wanted it to be more concise and compact. All in all, I say: SKIP IT on Amazon Prime

Cobra Kai

 

I was excited that this finally came to Netflix and off Youtube Red, because I didn't want to pay for Youtube Red to watch this. As the name states this is the Karate Kid from the other point of view. The two enemies are grown up and we see the events of their youth from the other persons side. I liked season one, but wanted it to be resolved at the end. It's going for 4 seasons total - which means old rivals will continue for years and seasons to come. They just needed to sit and talk and be done with it. I haven't been able to get very far on season two and think I'm going to drop it. There is only so much petty conflict I can handle. All in all, I say: SEE IT - season 1

All Together Now

 

A homeless girl with a big heart and a lot of jobs finds her voice. SHe is in high school and a singer, but her dreams are taking a back seat to her mother's drinking problem. Justina Machado (Queen of the South) gives a stellar performance as the mom. WIth new friends the girl accept helps and is able to reach her dream. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Biohackers

 

A German series on Netflix that you can watch dubbed or subtitled. It would have been a lot better, if it wasn't for the gross scenes with her roommate who keeps cutting himself. A girl grows up to study science, so she can insinuate herself into the life of her parent's killer. She wants to uncover the secret and ends up aiding an organization spread a deadly disease. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Coroner

 

On the CW, from our Canadian neighbors, where a coroner has the authority to investigate murders. Serinda Swan (Ballers) has lost her husband, bought a new home, and started a new job as Toronto's new head coroner. It is gross. There is a focus on her and her life, and less focus on the crimes themselves. You will recognize some Canadian actors who appear in anything and everything Canadain - there is like a rule that you can't a series without them appearing once or twice - you will know when you see them. All in all, I say: SEE IT on CW app or Hulu.

The Sleepover

 

A more subdued Ken Marino (Veronica Mars) is a husband and father who thinks his life is perfect. Malin Akerman (Final Girls) is a wife, mother, and in witness protection?! The couples kids stumble into a plot and decide they have to help their parents. It's a kids movie on Netflix. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - unless you're a kid.

Furlough

 

Tessa Thompson (Creed) is working and living with her mom (Whoopie Goldberg from The View). Her job is as a corrections officer. Melissa Leo (Conviction) is granted a furlough when her wealthy mother is on her death bed. It's mostly the 2 main characters and during their trip you learn a lot about each. They too learn a lot about each other, and are able to help each other. It's light hearted and cute. All in all, I say: SEE IT on Hulu.

High Score

 

A documentary about the history gaming in the US on Netflix. You see the games, the creators, and the inspiration which brought us to the gaming culture we have now. I played Mario on Nintendo, but I wasn't ever obsessed like some. Even though I wasn't really a gamer, I loved this documentary. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Teenage Bounty Hunters

 

Love, love this filmed in Georgia well written and comical series on Netflix. Twins in high school get involved with a veteran bounty hunter and find they have a real knack for it. Once you start watching you won't be able to stop. All in all, I say: SEE IT

The Lost Husband

 

Josh Duhamel (Taco Bell commercials) returns to his roots - he is from North Dakota. His character is a ranch/farm hand for an woman who is planning on retiring from that life once she can convince her niece to take over. Her niece had a rough youth and now that her husband has died leaving her poor, she must find a way to provide for her kids. It's Netflix version of a Hallmark movie. The writing and editing are not great, but it has a happy ending. All in all, I say: WATCH IT

Ghosts

 

In its third season on BBC One, Americans can watch season one on HBO Max app. An English couple inherit a run down countryside mansion. The ghosts already living there do not approve, so they make plans to rid themselves of the couple. Things work out better than they figured when the woman returns from the hospital being able to see and hear the ghosts. It's so cute and funny. I was just disappointed I couldn't watch all 3 seasons. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

 

Now in its 3rd season on Netflix, English comedian Jack Whitehall travels different parts of the world with his father. His father is the "straight" man to Jack's comedian. It's not laugh out loud, but some of it is very interesting. All in all, I say: STREAM IT