Last summer we were in the thick of “Barbie” vs. “Oppenheimer.” While there hasn’t been that big of a moment, there have been big hits like “Inside Out 2” (my personal favorite), “Twisters,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and the breakout horror hit “Longlegs.”
I chose not to see “Deadpool & Wolverine” because I walked out of “Deadpool” due to the language, which is not typically my “line in the sand.” I had no desire to see this one, even though I love Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
As I said above, I loved “Inside Out 2.” My husband, John Stroud, and I actually saw it together. Another movie we saw together and loved was an inspirational true story, “The Sound of Hope - The Story of Possum Trot.” This is the true story of Donna and Rev. WC Martin in East Texas who adopted 77 children from the local foster system, starting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere.
“Twisters” is your perfect summer blockbuster. There is one four letter word and no sexual content. Glen Powell, the breakout star of “Maverick: Top Gun,” is perfect in the leading man role, supported well by Daisy Edgar-Jones. How refreshing to have a family friendly blockbuster!
I am so excited to report M. Night Shyamalan is back! He wrote and directed “Trap,” an incredibly smart thriller starring Josh Hartnett. This is not a horror movie; this thriller is a roller coaster ride about a man who is both a serial killer and a family man. This film even features his daughter in a lead role. I recommend it highly!
Before I get to streaming recommendations and the Emmy nominations, I’d love you to invite you all to the very first movie club that Henri Lowe and I will be hosting September 19 at Canopy. We will discuss one of my favorite movies of all time, “Lars and the Real Girl,” starring Ryan Gosling. This movie is about what true love in a community looks like. Please know the movie will not take a dark, sexual turn. We will provide popcorn and movie snacks, with drinks available from Canopy, at 5:30 pm. Discussion and clips begin at 6 p.m. Each month we will discuss different movie. I so hope you will join us! I think it will be a fun way to engage and meet fellow movie lovers.
The Emmy nominations were surprising in the fact that “Shogun” on Hulu garnered 25 nominations for outstanding drama series and “The Bear” (also on Hulu) earned 23 nominations, the most ever earned for a comedy series. My son-in-law loved “Shogun,” and I have just started it. “The Bear” has found a special place in my heart and is probably in my top five shows ever. The language is incredibly R rated, but the exploration of family secrets that can destroy us and the family we chose outweighs the language in my opinion. The episode that won all the nominations is season two’s “Fishes.” This episode took me back to dinners in my own home, and season three’s “Ice Chips” undid me, as it truly felt autobiographical. I love this show. I will say I’ve had several friends who found the language too much, so that’s worth noting. I would not call “The Bear” a comedy, but if it is getting recognition like this, I’m fine with that.
So, now to streaming recommendations!
Netflix
This month Netflix finally reminded me why it is the most popular streaming service.
Amazon Prime Video
Apple TV
Please join Henri and me on September 19 at 5:30 at Canopy for the inaugural movie club. We will definitely be passing the popcorn!
I chose not to see “Deadpool & Wolverine” because I walked out of “Deadpool” due to the language, which is not typically my “line in the sand.” I had no desire to see this one, even though I love Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
As I said above, I loved “Inside Out 2.” My husband, John Stroud, and I actually saw it together. Another movie we saw together and loved was an inspirational true story, “The Sound of Hope - The Story of Possum Trot.” This is the true story of Donna and Rev. WC Martin in East Texas who adopted 77 children from the local foster system, starting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere.
“Twisters” is your perfect summer blockbuster. There is one four letter word and no sexual content. Glen Powell, the breakout star of “Maverick: Top Gun,” is perfect in the leading man role, supported well by Daisy Edgar-Jones. How refreshing to have a family friendly blockbuster!
I am so excited to report M. Night Shyamalan is back! He wrote and directed “Trap,” an incredibly smart thriller starring Josh Hartnett. This is not a horror movie; this thriller is a roller coaster ride about a man who is both a serial killer and a family man. This film even features his daughter in a lead role. I recommend it highly!
Before I get to streaming recommendations and the Emmy nominations, I’d love you to invite you all to the very first movie club that Henri Lowe and I will be hosting September 19 at Canopy. We will discuss one of my favorite movies of all time, “Lars and the Real Girl,” starring Ryan Gosling. This movie is about what true love in a community looks like. Please know the movie will not take a dark, sexual turn. We will provide popcorn and movie snacks, with drinks available from Canopy, at 5:30 pm. Discussion and clips begin at 6 p.m. Each month we will discuss different movie. I so hope you will join us! I think it will be a fun way to engage and meet fellow movie lovers.
The Emmy nominations were surprising in the fact that “Shogun” on Hulu garnered 25 nominations for outstanding drama series and “The Bear” (also on Hulu) earned 23 nominations, the most ever earned for a comedy series. My son-in-law loved “Shogun,” and I have just started it. “The Bear” has found a special place in my heart and is probably in my top five shows ever. The language is incredibly R rated, but the exploration of family secrets that can destroy us and the family we chose outweighs the language in my opinion. The episode that won all the nominations is season two’s “Fishes.” This episode took me back to dinners in my own home, and season three’s “Ice Chips” undid me, as it truly felt autobiographical. I love this show. I will say I’ve had several friends who found the language too much, so that’s worth noting. I would not call “The Bear” a comedy, but if it is getting recognition like this, I’m fine with that.
So, now to streaming recommendations!
Netflix
This month Netflix finally reminded me why it is the most popular streaming service.
- “The Cloverhitch Killer” I let my husband choose this movie, and neither of us liked this serial killer movie starring Dylan McDermott as a family man and Scout leader leading an awfully upsetting double life.
- “The Stranger” This series is based on Harlan Coban’s novel of the same name, and it is gripping! It’s about secrets and lies of suburban families becoming public when a stranger appears in their town.
- “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” So many friends recommended this, and I would silently roll my eyes. Someone finally reminded me how much I loved the Netflix series “Cheer,” so I watched. I am so glad I did! I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of young ladies following dreams and the families that support them.
- “Ripley” This is a slow burn so know you will most likely not be sold on it at the end of the first episode. Based on the 1999 film “The Talented Mr. Ripley” starring Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow, this is a black and white, “film noir” type exploration of a pathological liar who goes to great lengths to take on the life of people he covets. This series, shot entirely in Italy, also received several nominations.
- “Find Me Falling” It’s summer; it’s Harry Connick Jr.; it’s Greece; and you need a romantic comedy. I found this so endearing. There is an element of suicide in the very beginning, so please be aware.
- “The Neon Highway” Starring Beau Bridges as a singer on the cusp of fame until he is in a car wreck, a washed-up country music singer comes into his life. What ensues is a sweet, moving story. Please, Netflix, make more of these!
- “The Dark Side of Comedy” This docuseries follows famous comedians who sadly died too soon. I found it fascinating, but obviously it’s not a “feel good” series.
- “Identity Thief” Starring Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman, this film would get such a high rating if only I could edit the language. As previously mentioned, this is not my line in the sand for movies, but the sweetest story is muddied by such heavy-handed language.
- My big NO on Netflix is “Fair Play.” Do not waste your time!
Amazon Prime Video
- “The Beekeeper” Although it is violent, I enjoyed this Jason Statham action movie. When his kind-hearted landlady commits suicide after a phishing scam takes all her money, Statham sets out to take down the bad guys.
- “Thelma” This gem of a movie was not in theaters long enough for me see it on the big screen, but I was so thrilled when one of my besties told me it was on Prime to rent! Led by 94-year-old June Squibb, this is the endearing true story of 93-year-old Thelma Post who set out to get her money back from a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson. I loved this movie!
- “Civil War” I would not recommend this one as we are in an election season. It’s about civil war breaking out in modern day America. I found it triggering.
Apple TV
- “Presumed Innocent” Based on the famous Scott Turow novel and the 1990 Harrison Ford film, this Jake Gyllenhaal-led murder mystery makes for “can’t stop watching” viewing. The ending is different from the novel and the movie. I did not love the ending, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Please join Henri and me on September 19 at 5:30 at Canopy for the inaugural movie club. We will definitely be passing the popcorn!