Media Captures - February 2025

STREAMING/BINGING and what’s left of Network Television

Apple Cider Vinegar – 10
The Search for Instagram’s Worst Con Artist - 8

A truly stunning piece of work, Apple Cider Vinegar is the story of Belle Gibson, an Australian viral celebrity who claimed to be a brain cancer survivor and built a huge following via an app.  Chronicling her rise and fall, the incredible Kaitlyn Dever plays Belle, and she captures her deviousness and manipulatory nature with perfection.  It’s one of the greatest performances you will ever see

Belle Gibson started her Instagram and her app on how she was beating her cancer with healthy living.  In 2013 Apple awarded the Whole Pantry the “health app of the year.” -They even preloaded her app on the Apple watch. The Whole Pantry was her healthy recipe cookbook.  How she conned the public and pocketed money intended for charity, is only part of the story.

Besides the compelling story, the director Jeffrey Walker frames the story like a social media post, complete with floating effects.  It gives it a surreal atmosphere.  The story is enhanced with two other strong characters who are battling cancer.

Netflix is going all in on this story and has also released a documentary about this story (The Search) and seeing the real person doesn’t make this any more palatable. 

These renditions are not fun, they’re not enjoyable, and they are jaw dropping.  It is an indictment of the “influencer” phenomenon, and it shouldn’t be missed.

Landman -9

If there was ever a doubt how entertaining an actor Billy Bob Thornton is, it is alleviated in about 10 one-liners in another Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone) production.  BBT rips through the script like he wrote it, except when he’s speechifying about the relevance of the oil business like he’s filming an Exxon commercial.  Ali Larter plays his ex-wife and she’s so over the top as to be ridiculous, but you can’t take your eyes off the two of them. 

There are a couple of problems here, like Jon Hamm in a thankless role, and Tommy (BBT) getting kidnapped, hooded, and beaten, not once, but twice.  Guess the Texas oil fields are still the wild, wild west.  I broke down and got a Paramount+ subscription just to watch this, and was glad I did.

Let's say this is your first exposure to Billy Bob.  Here are some essentials:  The first season of the series Fargo, the series Goliath, the movie One False Move, and the movie Sling Blade.

The Pitt - 8

We’ve watched 9 graphic episodes out of 15 of this HBO mini-series about a Pittsburgh Emergency Room.  It’s set in real-time over 15 hours and is gross, and enthralling most of the time.  I’m not big on ER dramas because they bear no resemblance to any emergency room I’ve been in. 

The good:  Most of the characters are interesting and well-drawn.  Noah Wylie plays the head and he’s excellent.

The bad:  There’s an extremely irritating character, the administrator of the hospital, who is completely unnecessary.  When a patient comes in, several doctors pounce on the case, which I’ve never seen happen.  Lastly the waiting room is packed and there is an awful lot of standing around by the doctors. I guess that lack of sense of urgency is kind of realistic.

The bottom line is that this is a very entertaining drama, but I wouldn’t go here for treatment.

Prime Target – 9

In pursuit of some prime number math that I wouldn’t understand in a million years, Apple+ TV has another hit on their hands.  The lead actor, Leo Woodall, has a Matt Damon-like charisma, and he is convincing as a math genius who has to go on the run because he’s just too smart and might be able to solve some math problem that would unlock all the digital locks in the world.  We have watched almost all of this and didn’t know math (or the “maths” as they like to call it) could be this suspenseful.

Zero Day - 8

Robert DeNiro does a standout job as a former President trying to figure out a cyber-attack.  It’s a great story idea that is marred by some ridiculous subplots and idiotic twists.  (Why are there always these contrived deadlines?) We hung in for the whole thing, and it was ok, but it could have been so much better.  I’ve long said that the next war is going to be fought by computers, and the cyber-attacks portrayed in this have me more convinced than ever. 

 

Saturday Night (2025 Movie) – 4
Saturday Night Live 1^st Episode rebroadcast – 8
Saturday Night Live 50^th Anniversary Show – 6
SNL50:  Beyond Saturday Night – 4 part doc I haven’t watched yet
50 Years of SNL Music - 8
SNL Homecoming: the  50^th Anniversary Concert – 9

I wrote last month about the hugely disappointing movie about the time leading up to that first episode in 1975.  But what actors could capture John Belushi and Chevy Chase, to name just a few icons?  I said I remembered that first episode like it was yesterday, then I got to relive it when NBC rebroadcast it, and of course found out my memory wasn’t quite all that, but it was still great, and it’s cultural significance has stood the test of time.  It launched 100 stars (or so) of varying abilities and comedy has benefited. 

The long awaited 50^th anniversary show had its moments but won’t make much of a mark on comedy history.  A rather raspy Paul McCartney closed it out with one of my favorite pieces of music, the Abbey Road medley.  And that was a true indicater, as much better was the musical end of things.  The 50 Years of SNL Music documentary, broadcast in January on NBC started with an incredible edited composite of performances, then some great, and some not-so-great interviews and snippets. 

But by far, the best of the lot is the 50^th Anniversary concert.  Unfortunately, it’s only available on Peacock, and the word of mouth was so good (rightly) that I subscribed (that’s twice they got me for this month.)  Cher, of all people brings the house down, there’s a reunion of what’s left of a supplemented Nirvana.  The Backstreet Boys (whoever they are), Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Bonnie Raitt, Will Ferrell, Andy Sandburg, on and on.  Well worth the $9.95 and 3 hours of your time.

Here's more to check out that I found interesting:

Best Episode?:

Catchphrases

Weelend Update:

Music:

Cast Members

MOVIES

Flow - 10

I don’t particularly like cats and I rarely watch animated movies, so it took a ferocious endorsement by a friend to get me to watch this movie, an animated story about a cat.  But I’m sure glad I did.  It’s simply a masterpiece of wonderful animation that tells a moving story of a cat who is uprooted by a flood and joins a group of other animals on an ark of sorts.  It’s magical.  Trust me.  Stick your toe in the flood waters.

The Gorge – 8

Take two charismatic stars, Miles Teller, and Anna Taylor-Joy and turn them loose in a far-fetched, even by sci-fi standards, romp through a gorge filled with deformed humans turned monsters and you have a fairly decent one-night diversion.  The play snipers on the opposite side of the gorge, tasked with keeping whatever's in there, in there.  The star power is the draw here and Ms Taylor-Joy is on her way to full-fledged superstardom.

Rogue Agent – 8

On the other hand, we stumbled on this 2022 gem with little star power, but a decent story.  Sometimes you just want a simple, straight story and it turns out this is based on a real-life MI6 agent who was actually a con man.  Gemma Arterton is the lady who gets taken in, and what’s interesting is that she’s not an easy mark.  She’s tough and reluctant and she is as surprised as we are when Mr. Right proves to be Mr. Wrong.  Can she figure out who he is?  Can she exact revenge?  Cool movie, nothing fancy, and a big surprise.

THE ACADEMY AWARDS

Time for my Oscar Predictions

Best Picture
Should Win – A Complete Unknown
Will win – I have no idea.
Of the nominees I have seen A Complete Unknown, Emilia Perez, Conclave, and The Substance, and thought A Complete Unknown was easily the best, but I haven’t seen Nickel Boys, I’m Still Here, Dune2, Wicked, Anora, nor The Brutalist. 

Best Actor
Should Win – Timothee Chalamet
Will Win – Adrien Brody
Again, I only saw 2 performances but if you don’t know that I think Chalamet gives one of the greatest performances in the history of cinema, you haven’t been paying attention.

Best Actress
Should Win – Demi Moore
Will Win – Demi Moore
I can live with an occasional life-time achievement award, but I hear Mikey Madison has a shot, and I really like that I hadn’t heard of all of these but Demi before this year.

Best Supporting Actor
Should Win – I have no idea
Will Win – Kieran Culkin
Culkin has swept, but I wasn't a fan

Best Supporting Actress
Should Win – Monica Barbaro (no chance)
Will Win – Zoe Saldano
Even if it’s really a lead role.

Best Director
Should Win – James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)|
Will Win – Sean Baker (Anora)
Mangold has a knack for musical biographies, and I said at the time that Reese Witherspoon’s performance as June Carter Cash might be the best I’ve ever seen, so I’ll be rooting hard for him and his picture, but I expect disappointment.

Best Animated Feature
Should Win – Flow (see above, and catch it on Max)

You probably won’t watch, but I still dig the award shows.  Tells me what I’ve missed.

Media Captures - January 2025

MOVIES

Please forgive my brevity this month.

The Fall Guy – 9

Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling have great chemistry.  It’s a good thing.  Gosling plays a stunt man of almost superhuman powers and Emily plays his director and they bounce through action set pieces that are movie and non-movie ones.  It’s all incredibly ridiculous but in such a fun way I wish more movies could pull off this balance.

A Quiet Place:  Day One – 9

Three movies in and the Quiet Place franchise is maintaining its quality.  This is a first-class production of how the alien invasion began, and while the surprises are not what they used to be, solid script, and Lupita Nyong'o is a great addition to the story. 

Emilia Perez – 9

There are a couple of sure things here.  One, this movie is a totally unique work of art.  Two, it will be a topic of intense discussion for a long time.  It’s already controversial, and in this world that will go on for a while.

The fact that this movie wasn’t exactly my cup of tea shouldn’t obscure the fact that it is well done.  I still have not been able to make it through last year’s Oscar Winning Best Picture, Here, there, and Everywhere, or something like that.  I made it through this one because it is a great story.  A drug kingpin with a family realizes that he’s made enough enemies and he needs to change his identity.  How he does it, with a sex change operation, is the story.  Of course, things do not go as planned.

Emilia is played by the transvestite actor Karla Sofia Gascon and she has rightfully been nominated for an Oscar for her work.  She is pretty amazing and will probably be the favorite.  Zoe Saldana will also be considered the favorite for Supporting Actress, in the role of Emilia’s attorney, although I thought she had more screen time than the lead role. 

One little thing I haven’t mentioned.  For some strange reason they decided to do this as a musical, and that’s my biggest problem with it.  I didn’t really care for the music.  It seemed very simplistic to me.  But, what do I know?  You might hum it for the rest of your life.

Juror #2 – 8

Clint Eastwood’s probable last directorial effort caught me by surprise by making an implausible story almost believable.  The juror in the title is serving on a murder trial and begins to realize that he himself may be the murderer, even if accidentally.  Now comes a moral dilemma, and to me, moral dilemmas make the best movies.  Confess to free the innocent man and jeopardize you and your family?  What would you do?

A Real Pain – 7

Jesse Eisenberg’s much lauded directorial debut is mercifully short.  Two cousins decide to tour Poland to connect with their Jewish heritage.  Jesse stars and his cousin is played by Keirnan Mcculkin who won a Supporting Actor Golden Globe for the role.  Both are extensively irritating to each other, and to me.  It’s a nice character study of two characters that I didn’t understand.


Nightbitch - 6

I love Amy Adams.  I have no idea why she did this movie.  She plays a mother really struggling with motherhood who is turning into a dog.  I’m not making this up.  I really tried to understand what they were getting at here, but it’s a black comedy/horror/drama/fantasy film and it’s not a pleasant watch.

Back in Action – 6

Cameron Diaz came out of retirement to star in this action movie.  She and Jamie Foxx are secret agents who appear to die in the line of duty and, to escape their dangerous lives, assume new identities, get married, have kids, and live nice calm lives.  Until.  Well, everyone has a camera phone, and they blow their cover.  The crazy action begins and the snappy dialogue can’t make up for the formulaic and rather lame writing.  Can’t complain since I’m coming out of retirement myself.

Saturday Night – 4

I can remember the debut of Saturday Night Live in 1975 like it was yesterday, which is odd given that so much of my memories have moved from the “distant” to the “non-existent” column.  But that first season was unlike anything we had ever seen on television, and we sat enthralled at the sketches, good, bad, and awful.  The Not Ready for Prime-Time players became first, household names, and later – legends.  As the show approaches its 50th anniversary its impact on modern culture can’t be overstated.  Truth be told I’ve only watched a fraction of the 980 episodes, but the good bits have escaped into the viral world, even before there was a “viral.”

This movie tells the story of the first episode and if it is anywhere close to the truth, it’s a miracle it ever got to air.  It portrays Lorne Michaels as a bumbling idiot bouncing around like a pinball trying to pull it all together.  While the actors who are given the thankless task of portraying the future legends are not bad, the script is just terrible.  I can’t think of a movie lately that I looked forward to so much that was such a letdown. There are a few good moments, but for the most part this is awful, just awful.
 

STREAMING/BINGING and what’s left of Network Television

Prime Target – 9

Apple+ hits with a unique action thriller about a math whiz who has unlocked the secret to some very serious algebra, or something like that.  There are bad guys who don’t want him learning what he’s getting close to, and they have been killing people who get this close.  So, he may be doomed.  Or, he may be ingenious enough to figure it all out.  Only 3 episodes so far, and I’m all in.

The Night Agent (season 2) – 5

The first season was a big Netflix hit and it appears to have been written by Shakespeare compared to the drivel that has been thrown together for season 2.  Major disappointment without a believable moment.  Too bad.

Silo (season 2) – 8

After a stellar first season, the second series got a little stuck in a stagnant loop.  Some great moments, but lacking the electricity.  Still a first class sci-fi story about one future that’s not so great.

 
DOCUMENTARIES

Let it Be – 8

The Disney channel is showing the original 1970 documentary, long suppressed by the Beatles.  It was recently expanded into a much longer documentary by Peter Jackson and it was a stellar work.  This is an abbreviated version that shows some chinks in the camaraderie of the group. The Let it Be album was the last one released, although it was actually recorded before the Abbey Road album.  While there were struggles within, the musical magic is still there as the curtain is pulled back.  For a fan like myself, this is just a thrill.

Buy Now!  The Shopping Conspiracy – 10

Netflix exposes the Amazon shopping strategy in this incredible documentary.  And it’s not just Amazon.  Cell phone makers like Apple and many others that fuel our economy are exposed.  But, we all know that there’s a massive science behind it all.  What we don’t know, that is really stunning, is how the waste of our economy is dealt with on a global scale.  It will blow your mind.  The visuals are amazing and I can’t believe it. 

Media Captures - December 2024

 MOVIES

A Complete Unknown – 10

This cinematic interpretation of Bob Dylan’s early days is everything a movie should be. 

It was the early 60’s and the world was about to be changed, mostly by the music of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.  For the next 20 years, there would be an onslaught of rock music.  I was a pre-teen when it began, but I’m still singing those songs today.  Most of us are. Nothing like it.

This movie tells the story of Bob Dylan’s early evolution from folk singer to rocker.  Timothee Chalamet is stunning as Dylan, a role he reportedly spent 5 years in preparation for.  It shows.  He does his own singing live, and quite honestly he’s better at it than Dylan himself.   I’ve seen Dylan several times in concert, and he’s always been a letdown as a performer for me.  But that’s just me, and it’s really irrelevant to the story here. His songwriting is magnificent, and while I wished they’d spent some time on how he crafted his songs, it’s how he performs them that is riveting here.   There are allegedly a lot of inaccuracies, but I can’t say I cared.  Chalamet delivers time and again.

Then there’s Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez.  Her voice is stunning too and their duets, of which there are several, are fantastic.  Director James Mangold has done this before with Walk The Line about Johnny Cash (also appearing in this) and this movie is even better.  The music triumphs.  It reminds me of my favorite Rock n roll movie, The Buddy Holly story where Gary Busey had his defining role and sang live.

I love movies, and this is why.  Easily the best movie I’ve seen in a long time.

Carry-on – 8

As preposterous as it is entertaining, this Netflix original is a roller coaster ride.  Some scenes are just ridiculous, but Taron Edgerton fully commits to his role as a TSA agent under duress, who runs around the airport on the command of Justin Bateman, who makes for a delicious bad guy.  Most will like this.

My Old Ass – 7

There are few actresses more entertaining than Aubrey Plaza, and that’s why I watched this.  She is reappearing to her younger self when said self gets high, and tries to give her some guidance.  It’s unbelievability isn’t really believable, but I’d give them an A for effort, C for result. 

Maisy Stella as the young Elliott, and Aubrey as the old Elliott are both commendable, but the script is slow, deliberate, and just not all that great. 

 

My 2024 Rankings:

A Complete Unknown - 10
Contratiempo – 10
American Fiction – 10
The Whale - 10
Musica – 9
Blackberry – 9
The Fabelmans – 9
Plus One - 9
Strange Darling – 9
Woman of the Year – 9

The Man From Earth – 9
Land Ho - 9
What You Wish For– 9
Time Trap - 9
The Idea of You - 9
On Body & Soul – 8
Hit Man - 9
The Last Stop in Yuma County - 9
His 3 Daughters – 8
Furiouso:  A Mad Max Saga – 8
Twisters – 8
Knox Goes Away – 8
Barbie - 8
Anna – 8
Nefarious - 8
Unthinkable – 8
Anyone But You - 8
Land of Bad - 8
Carry-on – 8
Civil War – 8
Killers of the Flower Moon - 8
Riders of Justice - 8
Dream Scenario – 8
Road House - 8
Gifted - 8
Unfrosted – 8
Wishmaster - 8
The Man From Earth:  Halocene - 7
Conclave – 7
The Flash – 7
The Abyss - 7
The Instigators – 7
About My Father – 7
Dreamin’ Wild – 7
Knock at the Cabin - 7
Love Lies Bleeding - 7
Rebel Ridge – 7
Beverly Hills Cop:  Axel F - 7
My Old Ass – 7
Trapped - 7
Maggie Moore(s) - 6
Atlas - 6
Shot Caller – 6
The Brick Layer – 6
Chief of Station - 6
The Substance – 6
Brawl on Cell Block 99 – 7
Holidate – 6
The Greatest Hits – 6
You Hurt My Feelings - 5
Wolfs – 5
The Beekeeper – 4
Maestro - 2
Trigger Warning - 1

 

The Ozzies:

Best Picture:  A Complete Unknown
Best Actor:  Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan
Best Actress:  Michelle Williams in The Fabelmans
Best Director:  James Mangold



STREAMING/BINGING and what’s left of Network Television

Bad Sisters (Season 2) - 9

Apple+ goes to the well again on a second season and while it kind of seems an unnecessary extension of the story, it’s well done, and the chemistry of the sisters is undeniable.  Hopefully this wraps up what was a good story of murder and blackmail. 

My 2024 Rankings

Tehran – 10
Slow Horses (4 seasons) – 10
Resident Alien - 10
Silo (season1) – 10
The Americans (Seasons 1,2) – 10
Good Behavior – 10
Criminal Record - 10
The Diplomat (season 2) -10
Baby Reindeer – 9
Bad Sisters – 9|

The Penguin – 9
Deadloch – 9
The Tourist - 8
Ripley - 8
The Outsider - 8
Collateral - 8
Troppo – 8
Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War – 8
Presumed Innocent – 7
Fool Me Once - 6
True Detective – 4
Mr & Mrs Smith - 2

The Lizzies:

Best Series:  Tehran
Best Actor:  Gary Oldman in Slow Horses
Best Actress:  Michelle Dockery in Good Behavior

DOCUMENTARIES

Super/Man:  The Christopher Reeve Story – 10

Keep the Kleenex handy as you work through this documentary.  I remember well the first couple of Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve.  They were really something for the time. 

When Christopher Reeve was paralyzed after being thrown from a horse he committed himself to getting better and having an impact on research.  It is so admirable, and dwarfs what most of us accomplish.  There is so much about the ultimate heartbreak his family went through that I didn’t know, that’s where the Kleenex really comes in.  Be prepared.

The Kings of Tupelo – 8

This is a three parter (too long) that Netflix has and no, it’s not a great moment for Mississippi, but it sure is entertaining.
 

Concussed:  The American Dream – 8

Brett Favre is a major participant due to his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, and the story of another young football player, Tyler Sash who played briefly for the New York Giants are riveting.  I have to admit this movie had a major impact on me, and I’m looking at football differently these days.  When someone goes down, I know it could be life threatening, even when it looks to be a slight head injury.  If you’re a football player, or a fan, don’t miss this.

 

My 2024 Rankings:

The Comeback – 10
Turning Point:  The Bomb and the Civil Way  10
Elizabeth Taylor:  The Lost Tapes – 10
Steven Van Zandt:  Disciple – 10
The Truth vs Alex Jones – 10
The Greatest Night in Pop – 10
Yogi Berra:  It Ain’t Over til It’s Over - 10
Love Charlie:  The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter – 10
The Dynasty:  New England Patriots - 10
Procession

Stax:  Soulsville USA – 9
Steve! (Martin) a documentary in 2 Pieces - 9
Road Diary – 9
Stopping the Steal – 9
Yacht Rock:  A Dockumentary - 8
Charlie Hustle and the Matter of Pete Rose - 8
America’s Hidden Coast:  Mississippi - 8
Untold:  The Murder of Steve McNair – 8
When Cary Grant Introduced Timothy Leary to LSD - 7
The Turnaround – 7
Beach Boys – 7
Joan Baez:  I am a Noise - 7
I am Celine Dion - 6

STAND-UP

Nate Bargatze:  Home – 9

I love it when a comedian just gets hot, the way Sebastian Maniscalco did a few years ago.  Nate’s time is now.  From his great skits on SNL to these comedy specials, he’s on a roll.  He reminds me of Bob Newhart with his low key approach, and I’ve got a feeling that he’s going to have some staying power.  Will probably be enjoying his work for the rest of my life. 

 

My 2024 Rankings:

Colin Quinn:  Red State Blue
Seth Meyers:  Last Dad Standing – 9
Nate Bargatze:  Home - 9
Alex Edelman:  Just For Us – 9
David Letterman:  My Next Guest – 9
Steve Trevino:  Simple Man - 9
Mike Birbiglia:  The Old Man & the Pool -8

 

CLASSICS

True Romance – 10

Famous for having been written by Quentin Tarantino, some great actions scenes, and a memorable performance from Patricia  Arquette as “Alabama,” this 1993 movie is as good as I’d always heard.  Don’t know why I missed it, but glad I finally found my way to it.

It Happened on 5^th Avenue – 9

One night we were searching for an old fashioned Christmas Movie and came upon this.  A little long, but a nice one to add to the holiday menu.  It’s a very cool story about a group of homeless people who move into a 5^th Avenue mansion.  There’s romance, music, some great subplots, and just a lot of fun.  They don’t make ‘em like this anymore, unless they add horror or murder.  Check this one out next Christmas.

 

Grand Hotel – 7
Cavalcade – 6

These oldies won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1932 and 1933 respectively and now I can check them off my to do list.  Not much to either.

My 2024 Rankings:

True Romance – 10
State of the Union – 10
Harlan County USA - 10
Memories of Murder – 9
Klute - 9
It Happened on 5^th Ave – 9
In the Mood for Love - 9
The Terminal – 8
From Dusk to Dawn - 8
Go - 8
Mr & Mrs. Smith – 8
Love Crazy – 8
Blow Up - 7
Ransom - 7
Grand Hotel – 7
Cavalcade – 7
Wanda – 6
Don’t Look Now - 5