I was a big fan of The Tom Green Show back in his MTV days. Great to reconnect. This is a super inspiring story about how he stayed true to an original vision and achieved his dreams. Definitely an entirely unique comedy pioneer many years ahead of his time. Also, just seems like a nice guy who is grateful to his parents for tolerating all the hilarious grief he put them through.
A Real Pain
This incredibly watchable and captivating film breezes by way quicker than its already breezy and quick 90 minute run time…and just when you’re ready for some big resolution or moral…it ends…leaving it up to you to consider the many layers and what it all means. Simple, complex, unexpected, thought provoking…well told.
Severance: Season 1
As Homer Simpson said while watching Twin Peaks: “Brilliant. I have absolutely no idea what’s going on.” That’s right—embrace the mystery! Severance constantly barrages you with bizarrity and inexplicable weirdness…while ever so lightly and expertly trickling in hints, clues and subtle exposition. It’s so unique, intriguing, tense, visually arresting and often funny that it has quickly vaulted to Black Mirror level for favorite show of the streaming era. They are playing the long, long, looooooonnnnnng game here. I hope to Kier that it all pays off.
A Complete Unknown
On the 2nd day of 2025, I just saw what I believe is the best movie of 2024. Every aspect of this film was at full brilliance. As a proud Minnesotan and Dylan completist, I thought this film perfectly captured the essence of this freewheelin’ musical enigma and his eternal works. Completely captivating. On a scale of 1 - 10, I give A Complete Unknown a 61.
The Bay Area
Just had a chance to spend some quality time in the Bay Area—San Francisco, Berkeley, etc. With its extreme abundance of natural and urban landscapes, the distinct architecture…this area really can’t be beat for scenery and just an overall unique vibe. I’ll never tire of exploring and getting to better know this region.
Shrinking
Ouch! I got emotional whiplash on this rollercoaster watching these relationships constantly careen back and forth between “resentment” and “soul mate” all amid a warm haze of “unconditional love.” It’s all so quick, clever, funny, and often brilliantly performed that you welcome the ride…but I’m thinking two seasons is enough.
Society of the Snow
I had this in my queue for a long time and finally got around to screening. Wow. Can’t believe how unbelievably viscerally well this incredible story about the 1972 Uruguayan Andes plane crash was told. This is the definition of a powerful film that stays with you long after it is over.
Receiver/Starting 5
Just like Netflix’s Quarterback, Receiver and Starting 5 are incredible viewing experiences. The shooting, editing, music and storytelling are just off the charts tremendous. Absolutely fascinating all access pass into these athlete’s lives and what it takes for them to compete at the highest level. Especially fun to follow my MN neighbors JJ and Ant.
Nobody Wants This
This series is really engaging, makes you think…and is consistently funny. Very tightly written, sub 30-minute episodes breeze by while maneuvering very believably around this uniquely delicate relationship drama. Mazel tov and Bring on season 2. L’chaim!
The Hodag
I finally had the chance to visit Rhinelander, WI and see the Hodag. The Hodag is a legendary Northwoods creature that was discovered during the Paul Bunyan era. Rhinelander does a superb job of playing up the mystique of the Hodag. Statues are everywhere, it is featured at local businesses (like Hodag Honda) and it’s the mascot for Rhinelander High School—voted the “Best High School Mascot in America” no less. For such an elusive creature, if you go to Rhinelander, you can’t miss it…nor should you. Go Hodags!
Jaws
Being the 50th anniversary, I revisited Jaws…it’d been awhile since I last saw it. What a timeless, flawless masterpiece. On this viewing, I was particularly struck by the overlapping, documentary-style dialogue and just how in-the-moment, real, and authentic everything feels…especially the complex bond that forms between the three main characters. Not sure the combo of action, adventure, suspense, and believable characters have ever been done better.
Fallout
I followed up my binge of the Mad Max franchise and Furiosa with season 1 of Fallout. I have hit a temporary limit on post apocalyptic programs, but I’ll be right back in that world for season 2. I’ve never seen a frame of the video game Fallout is based on, so I may have missed the Easter Eggs…but I otherwise thought this show was excellent—especially the visuals. I really liked the detail of the groovy retro-future aesthetic, The Brotherhood of Steel power armor and breakout scene-stealing character: The Ghoul
The Kinks
I like to do complete album studies of bands I’m interested in and recently finished the full discography of The Kinks. Knowing maybe 4 songs going in, this was like discovering The Beatles. Absolutely an incredible band that revolutionized rock, constantly re-invented themselves and never hit a weak spot from 1964 - 1993 (24 albums.) Any one claiming otherwise by citing Percy, Preservation Act 2, Soap Opera or Phobia…you are clearly in a State of Confusion. They are firmly established on my Mt. Rushmore of rock and roll. Just Phenomenal Cats. God Save the Kinks!
Ted Lasso
A lot of hype surrounding this series. I finally got around to watching it and it is better than the hype lead me to believe. Now I want to be a “goldfish” and start back at episode 1 and watch it all again. Everything works. Special shout out to the writers for super-cleverness and playing the long game with major and subtle plot points and jokes.
Mad Max: Fury Road
I’m a fan of the Mad Max saga and decided to give Fury Road another look since I hadn’t seen it since it came out in 2015. Now I can’t stop watching “Making Of” videos on YouTube and my car seems very lame. What an absolutely awesome action extravaganza. This movie probably holds the record for “How’d they do that?” moments.
The Creator
Plot and script—they’re OK…but the visuals in The Creator are spectacular. It’s stunning, sci-fi, fully immersive, gritty realism like I’ve never seen before. AND, I learned this movie was made for $80 million. Looks more like $580 million. Super impressive.
I, Tonya
I heard positive buzz on this 2017 film at the time, but never got around to watching it…I guess I was never too consumed by the events it chronicles. Well, I finally screened it and this is really a masterpiece. Great writing, direction and the acting, acting, ACTING. Wow. Just fabulous. Super impressive…and a very poignant perspective on real events I recall covered at the time for sensationalism and ridicule.
The French Quarter
I had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans for the first time and it did not disappoint. Thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the French Quarter. I was there on business, so not too much time to explore…but in my wanderings, I found this place fascinating and authentic with a truly unique and gloriously weird vibe. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
The Greatest Night in Pop
I’m still feeling the good vibes flowing from this documentary on the night We Are the World was recorded. I definitely have new appreciations for Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones and those who created the vocal arrangements for this song. Powerful and refreshing to see how everyone (except Waylon Jennings) really did check their egos at the door, got to work and blasted positive energy. Too bad Prince couldn’t get out of his comfort zone and join his fellow Minnesota Music Legend—the equally uncomfortable Bob Dylan.
Ian Fleming's James Bond
As a self-proclaimed amateur James Bond scholar, every 8 - 10 years I read the original Ian Fleming James Bond novels in order. This time, I decided to listen to the audio books. In the series I discovered, each novel was read by a top British talent including Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hiddleston, Bill Nighy, Rosamund Pike and Toby Stephens. The effect of the brilliantly lush, poetic prose of Fleming read by these amazing voices provided a heightened sense of the works I did not pick up on in previous reads. The Bond films do have their merits, but they do not truly capitalize on the greatness of the source material. Time for the team behind The Crown to tackle these works one by one and deliver them in series form with the true drama, gravitas and spectacle they deserve.
