On My Radar
The apocalypse, time travel, Oscar nominees, and some groovy tunes
I’ve been consuming a bunch of cool stuff lately with more still waiting to be experienced. The list is never-ending and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Though I do wish I had more time to watch more shows and movies, listen to more music, play more games, and read more books.
I know, I know. Don’t we all?
Here’s a sampling of what’s gotten my attention these days.
BOOKS
I had no idea M. Night Shyamalan’s latest movie Knock at the Cabin was based on a book until I found it on sale in a BookBub email back in December. With The Cabin at the End of the World, author Paul Tremblay has crafted an effective, taut apocalyptic thriller about a group of strangers who arrive at a cabin in the middle of nowhere to inform a gay couple and their young daughter that the two men will have to make a terrible sacrifice in order to save the world.
Continuing my New Year’s mood for darker fare after reading a bunch of holiday romances, I picked up a copy of The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley. I have been wanting to read Foley’s The Paris Apartment and The Guest List, but when I discovered her earlier work was a murder mystery set over New Year’s at a remote Scottish estate, I knew this would be my introduction to the author. The story doesn’t disappoint with class warfare, secrets, lies, and characters to root for and despise in equal measure. A entertaining read for anyone who enjoys a good whodunit.
UP NEXT: I’ve had Viola Davis’ memoir Finding Me in my sights since it came out last year. It was already on my shortlist from my TBR pile and with Davis now an EGOT, I can’t think of a better time to learn more about this amazing woman and sensational actress.
TV
As a Party Down fan from the beginning, I’ve spent the past two weeks rewatching the comedy series ahead of the long-awaited revival that arrives this month. Take a look at this stacked cast: Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr, and Lizzy Caplan. While Caplan will not appear in the revival, which is a bummer, we do get Jennifer Garner. I’m not at all sad about Garner joining the fun. Catch up on the first two seasons now before season three debuts Friday, Feb. 24 on Starz.
I fell for Russian Doll almost instantly during season one and my love for it (and the fabulous Natasha Lyonne) only deepened while I watched season two. Lyonne is a true star, one who has only shined brighter in the past few years. This time travel comedy has her fingerprints all over it and I, for one, couldn’t be happier. A brilliant series that not only shows off Lyonne’s innate talent for comedy, it helped launch her into Rian Johnson’s critically acclaimed detective series Poker Face, now airing on Peacock. As for Russian Doll, watch the series (only two seasons!) on Netflix.
Like seemingly everyone, I am loving The Last of Us on HBO. As someone who has watched the game while her friends have played it, the show has captured the look and feel of the Naughty Dog title. And because no show worth its salt skimps on character development, I am thrilled to report that TLOU dives into our protagonists right from the off. I know Episode 103, “Long, Long Time,” has proven divisive, but I found it to be a beautifully told love story and an outstanding episode of television. Now how awesomely terrifying are those who have been mutated by the Cordyceps infection?
UP NEXT: I am super stoked for Harley Quinn’s A Very Problematic Valentine’s Day Special! The HBO Max animated series is one of the best that DC and Warner Bros. have produced. While I wait (not so) patiently for season four, I will happily devour this twisted yet sweet treat.
MOVIES
Sarah Polley is one of my favorite filmmakers working today. I’ve honestly loved her since she was a child actor in the series Ramona, based on the Beverly Cleary books, and Road to Avonlea, based on the works of Lucy Maud Montgomery. Her latest film, the Oscar nominated Women Talking, is a powerful look at the effects of abuse, how important communication is, and the strength women hold within themselves. Rooney Mara, Jessie Buckley, Judith Ivey, and Frances McDormand star.
While it starts as a blistering attack on the rich and entitled, Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness is a fun ride that loses its way in the second half. He still has a point to make, but the result is muddled, making the impact softer and not nearly as brutal as it should have been. Still, a game cast including Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly De Leon, and Woody Harrelson make the Oscar nominated film worth watching.
The Sea Beast, an Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature Film, is a rousing seafaring adventure for all ages. It has all the components needed for a good story: found family, the hunt for a nearly mythical water creature, and the potency of a well told tale. It’s also charming and funny. Once upon a time, this would have been a Disney movie and a huge hit on the big screen to boot. Looks like Netflix’s bet has paid off as a sequel is already in development.
ALSO: Never having an interest in Top Gun for most of my life, I only recently watched it for the first time. Why now? Because of the glowing reviews Top Gun: Maverick has received. Now that I’ve seen finally seen both, I can attest that they are really good and that Top Gun holds up surprisingly well. … I’m a sucker for a period piece; especially one that puts a good spin on a classic. Rosaline tells the Romeo & Juliet story from the POV of Romeo’s ex, who is also Juliet’s cousin. It’s cute, sweet, and the amazing Kaitlyn Dever is a delight in the title role. … Run Sweetheart Run doesn’t take itself too seriously and that winking self-awareness elevates this movie exponentially. Ella Balinska and Pilou Asbæk play well off each other as prey and hunter, respectively. A feminist horror film with a enjoyable twist.
EVERYTHING ELSE
Ava Max’s new album, Diamonds & Dancefloors, is making me happy. I also really enjoy Heaven & Hell, her debut LP.
I love Alice Merton. Her latest single, “Waste My Life,” instantly made me want to share it with my best friend because it encapsulates how I feel about her (and vice versa). The song is a love letter from Merton to her fans and the video — which I did share with my bestie — is a compilation of footage of fans from Merton’s concerts.
Turner Classic Movies is honestly one of my favorite channels. It kills me I no longer have access to it thanks to my cable provider. However, I can still enjoy a piece of it thanks to its terrific podcast The Plot Thickens. I’m catching up with its current season, which shines the spotlight on the iconic Pam Grier. If you love cinema, then this podcast is a must listen. TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz hosts.
That’s all for now. I would love to hear what’s been rocking your world lately. Till next time!