There are some purchases that might seem frivolous at the time…but later, you wonder how you ever got by without them.
Ahhh, spring…
Narcos
During the lockdown, my last 3 series are Better Call Saul, Ozark and Narcos: Mexico, season 2. I’m learning a lot about trafficking and laundering. Every season of Narcos has been simply awesome. Right up there with The Crown for stunning, gorgeously cinematic filmmaking. Then, factor in the remarkable performances, the writing, the music and just how authentic it looks and sounds—it’s a great payoff…but still, crime doesn’t pay.
Better Call Saul
This show moves at its own very unique pace and rhythms. Love the look, love the style. It continually sucks me in and compels me to go check out Albuquerque. It’s a prequel, but the actors are obviously aging in real life, so not sure how many more seasons this can go, but for now It’sAllGood,Man.
GLOW
I was a huge fan of wrestling in the ‘80s, so what’s not to like about this series about wrestling set in the ‘80s. Well, it’s about a lot more than wrestling. Always interesting, entertaining and daring.
The Ira Levin Library
Ira Levin’s first novel debuted in in 1953. His final book was released in 1997. In that 44 year span, he only wrote a total of 7 novels. In this case, quality far surpasses quantity. After stumbling across a copy of Rosemary’s Baby, it didn’t take me long to cruise through the rest of his work. Some of the best suspense, thriller, Sci-fi literature I’ve ever read. Levin has a tremendous grasp of story, absolute precision plotting and language. No surprise almost all of his books were adapted into very successful feature films. His novel This Perfect Day, written in 1970, really can’t be more ahead of its time. Like The Matrix…but 20 years before The Matrix.
Semi-Frozen Waterfall
The glorious Minnehaha Falls in South Minneapolis is worth checking out in any season. It is especially interesting to see in the middle of winter when it is frozen…and then early spring in its partially thawed state.
Geno's Steaks
I’ve never had a Philly cheesesteak before and from what I know, Geno’s is one of two places where it is rumored to have originated. The other place claiming that title is Pat’s King of Steaks—right across the street from Geno’s. I can’t say this cuisine has captured my imagination like a Chicago Dog, but I’m always game for local specialties and unique dining destinations. In a game time decision, Geno’s won me over with the neon.
Stunt Cats!
You know it’s going to be a great day on set when the first scene of the day features a cat. The cat handler…wrangler?….showed up with 3 beautiful Ragdoll cats. He went with Josephine as his top choice to pull off our scene and she did not disappoint. I dare say, she was Purrrr-fect. Who knew a cat could be so well trained?
Frozen Bde Maka Ska
One of the great views of downtown Minneapolis—no matter the season!
Between Two Ferns: The Movie
Love the web series. Was skeptical it would work in a longer format. Well…it did….for me at least. Had me laughing throughout. Unbelievable parade of celebrity cameos.
The Pacific Ocean
When you live in the midwest and it’s winter, this is always a welcome site.
Dolemite Is My Name
It’s a familiar story of determination, reinvention and commitment…but who ever gets tired of that? Especially when it’s delivered by Eddie Murphy in a fresh, bright, exuberant, wild, crazy, heartfelt and inspiring package like this.
Walvis the Whale
This is the 9th straight year 3 Twin Cities area brothers lead an effort to build a giant snow sculpture in their front yard. They are absolute pros and have gotten recognition from local and national media sources. Along the way, they have parlayed their notoriety and skills into raising a lot of money for charity. This year’s masterpiece is Walvis the Whale. Definitely looking forward to next year! Excellent use of snow.
Dracula (Netflix)
I’ll watch anything Dracula related and when you tell me Netflix is releasing a Dracula mini-series created by the team behind the incredible and stupendous Sherlock series, I’m ready to binge like a hungry Count. Unfortunately, I found this series pretty uneven. Well cast and an intriguing start, but eventually it fell flat. I thought it presented some interesting ideas in the final couple minutes, but I was certainly ready for it to end. Totally fine if this is a one-and-done that remains dead vs undead.
The Crown
One word to describe this outstanding series: sumptuous
The look they have achieved is absolutely stunning. Extremely fitting for going behind the scenes with the British Royal Family. Doesn’t hurt that the acting and writing match the cinematic brilliance of the visuals. Despite all the opulence, I have one take away that I think Kermit said best: it’s not easy being Queen.
Spies in Disguise
Whoa, had no idea I’d enjoy this movie so much. Funny, engaging, relentless pace, killer action, killer soundtrack. Highly entertaining.
Kansas City, MO
The Paris of the plains!
Marriage Story
Geez, I’m watching a lot of grown up movies these days. Gonna need something lighter after this one. Compelling, complex, certainly moments of humor…but mostly pretty gut wrenching. Supremely well acted.
The Irishman
This 3 and a half hour epic really grew on me. The great Martin Scorsese keeps the style very controlled, putting all focus on the acting of the legendary lead actors. It becomes almost hypnotic. Brilliant performances. Really get the sense that you are watching absolute masters of their crafts make a movie completely on their terms. And if you take away one lesson from this film, “never put a fish in your car.”
Orange Is the New Black
Just finished watching and thoroughly enjoyed this eye-opening series. Great and immense cast. Profound performances. Very thought-provoking stories of hope and hopelessness of these women who fair, unfairly and sometimes very unfairly are thrust into making the best out of a soul crushing and corrupt system.
