Needing cathartic viewing after a whirlwind of events and emotions, I easily found good-to-great options on both the big screen and the small screen this month.
Theatres offered three movies that I found entertaining and moving in very different ways. If you are anywhere near my age, you most likely read “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume. I read it so often I had two copies. The movie starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret, is simply magical for those of us who grew up loving this precious book. The newest “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Big George Foreman” were also thoroughly entertaining and stirring emotionally.
Before I break down the streaming services, I want to tell you my top five streaming offerings I watched. The first is “Ted Lasso.” This is the final season, and the 11th episode of this season, called “Mom City,” shows what true forgiveness looks like. Minus the language, this series on Apple TV is my favorite comedic series ever.
More favs were on Max (formerly HBOMax). “Succession,” the series based on the Rupert Murdoch family, is very adult viewing. I found it simply fascinating and highly addictive. The final episode of the series is literally a modern day “Macbeth.” The other series I loved was “Band of Brothers.” This is the story of “E” Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, from their training to D-Day. It gave me an entirely new appreciation for those who serve.
My last two favorites were on Hulu. I pride myself on always figuring out the ending of any mystery book or movie, and the Jessica Biel-produced “Cruel Summer” had me guessing the entire time. I was totally shocked at the ending. I started the old series “Brothers and Sisters” starring Sally Field and Calista Flockhart. A dear friend recommended it because she thought I would find the story of an addict brother cathartic. I did. It helped me to see the many family dynamics played out, and it helped me have compassion for a few people in my own family.
So now for the other streaming options:
HBO Max
Amazon Prime
Netflix
Well, this was the month Netflix came out with its new password sharing policy. I honestly think it will backfire as Max, Apple and Peacock continue to offer quality original material.
The only thing I watched on Netflix was “Firefly Lane.” It was the final season, and, as someone needing a good cry, this was a great choice for me.
Apple+
Another excellent original series is “Silo.” It is a science fiction piece based on society being forced to live underground. It’s a brilliant story that has so much to say about Covid-19, our current alienation from people who disagree with us, and other hot topics.
Several people have asked if I could choose a few movies and streaming series to watch this summer so here is my list:
Until next time, enjoy catching up on some of my favorites and keep passing the popcorn …
P.S. If you have Peacock, you can watch a lot of NBC options anywhere you have a smart phone or tablet!
Theatres offered three movies that I found entertaining and moving in very different ways. If you are anywhere near my age, you most likely read “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume. I read it so often I had two copies. The movie starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret, is simply magical for those of us who grew up loving this precious book. The newest “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Big George Foreman” were also thoroughly entertaining and stirring emotionally.
Before I break down the streaming services, I want to tell you my top five streaming offerings I watched. The first is “Ted Lasso.” This is the final season, and the 11th episode of this season, called “Mom City,” shows what true forgiveness looks like. Minus the language, this series on Apple TV is my favorite comedic series ever.
More favs were on Max (formerly HBOMax). “Succession,” the series based on the Rupert Murdoch family, is very adult viewing. I found it simply fascinating and highly addictive. The final episode of the series is literally a modern day “Macbeth.” The other series I loved was “Band of Brothers.” This is the story of “E” Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, from their training to D-Day. It gave me an entirely new appreciation for those who serve.
My last two favorites were on Hulu. I pride myself on always figuring out the ending of any mystery book or movie, and the Jessica Biel-produced “Cruel Summer” had me guessing the entire time. I was totally shocked at the ending. I started the old series “Brothers and Sisters” starring Sally Field and Calista Flockhart. A dear friend recommended it because she thought I would find the story of an addict brother cathartic. I did. It helped me to see the many family dynamics played out, and it helped me have compassion for a few people in my own family.
So now for the other streaming options:
HBO Max
- “Bama Rush” While this was hailed as “revolutionary,” I did not find it to be so. Maybe it was because I was raised in the South and had gone through rush at a big SEC school, but I thought the documentarian made the documentary more about herself and exaggerated her being “in danger.” It is fascinating but I didn’t think it lived up to the hype.
- “Love and Death” A few months ago Jessica Biel released a mini series called “Candy” on Hulu, which follows the true story of Candy Montgomery, who allegedly killed her neighbor Betty Gore with an axe. This mini series starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons is superior. It is riveting!
Amazon Prime
- “80 for Brady” The Jane Fonda-led comedy is now available to stream, and it is sweet and funny if you need a good smile.
- “There’s Something Wrong with the Children” This is a movie for thriller/horror fans. It starts off with a bang and leaves you guessing. Not an A-plus movie by any means, but if it’s a rainy afternoon and you want a scare, this will fit the bill.
Netflix
Well, this was the month Netflix came out with its new password sharing policy. I honestly think it will backfire as Max, Apple and Peacock continue to offer quality original material.
The only thing I watched on Netflix was “Firefly Lane.” It was the final season, and, as someone needing a good cry, this was a great choice for me.
Apple+
Another excellent original series is “Silo.” It is a science fiction piece based on society being forced to live underground. It’s a brilliant story that has so much to say about Covid-19, our current alienation from people who disagree with us, and other hot topics.
Several people have asked if I could choose a few movies and streaming series to watch this summer so here is my list:
- “Friday Night Lights” It will always be No 1. Coach and Tammy Taylor will forever be my favorite TV couple. (Hulu)
- “Gilmore Girls” It’s a must and a great way to encourage mother/daughter bonding. (Netflix)
- “Ted Lasso” See the above notes. (Apple TV+)
- “About Time” How do our families shape us and what’s really important and not important in families? I LOVE THIS MOVIE. (Hulu or Prime)
- “Lars and The Real Girl” This is one of my two all-time favorite movies. Please note it does NOT go down a dark road in the beginning! I’ve had a friend suggest pastors and others in counseling roles watch this movie. Ryan Gosling is amazingly perfect. (Apple TV+ or Prime)
- “Schitt’s Creek” It’s just a sweet laugh fest. (Hulu or Prime)
Until next time, enjoy catching up on some of my favorites and keep passing the popcorn …
P.S. If you have Peacock, you can watch a lot of NBC options anywhere you have a smart phone or tablet!
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