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The Anarchists Episodes 3-5 (HBOMax): The show continues to serve as a scathing indictment of the ideology behind Anarchism as opportunists continue to come in and take advantage of the lack of laws. The way the show portrays the people living in the situation and explains what led everyone to this lifestyle continues to be one of the highlights of the show, outlining a fundamental disconnect about what it means to live in a society and function within that paradigm. The way that cryptocurrency is lumped in with the lifestyle also helps illustrate some of the darker aspects of untraceable money (who would have thought). It also never ceases to amaze how quickly the subjects of documentaries on fringe types (see also Netflix’s Behind the Curve) delve, almost unsolicited, into antisemitism.
Harley Quinn Episode 4 (HBOMax): One of the big themes that the show seems to be addressing is Harley and Ivy’s relationship turbulence, but unlike other shows, they seem to be showcasing it as normal turbulence that can be overcome. This is a refreshing take and is different from most other television on today. That said, the Court of Owls being portrayed as a Eyes Wide Shut-esque cult is one of the funniest takes on something the show has done so far.
Edge of the Earth Episode 4 (HBOMax): The continued appeal of this show is its use of beautiful visuals mixed with the human-interest aspect of watching people at the top of their field achieve things that were long thought impossible. This episode focuses on surfing off the coast of Africa where the waves are likely to kill someone.
The Rehearsal Episode 4: While episode 4 may give some semblance of explanation as to where this show is going, the overarching story plot of The Rehearsal does not benefit the plot quite as much as it should. As stated last week, one of the things that helped Nathan For You was that there was a thematic arc (Nathan’s awkwardness and desire to use the show to fulfill his own loneliness), there was not an overarching story that would get cumbersome to watch. That said, when the show is sticking to the main concept, it is pretty funny.
The Sandman (Netflix): The long-awaited adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s landmark comic series for Vertigo manages to live up to expectations. For a full discussion, check out yesterday’s full review here.
You May Have Missed:
Belfast (HBOMax): Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical story about growing up in war-torn Ireland presents an interesting take and has some unique directorial and narrative flourishes, however thematically nothing that is done in the movie really sticks as well as it could have. The idea to have the camera positioned and following Buddy throughout the movie creates some interesting moments and adds to a child-like naivete that will either hinder or help the movie depending on the viewer.
Lightyear (Disney+): This year’s weaker Pixar film hits Disney+ and is just as lackluster when watched at home instead of in a theater. One of the biggest failings of the movie is that none of the side characters feel like important parts of Buzz’s life and more like obstacles that he has to overcome by the end of the movie. At the same time, the movie is supposed to have come out in 1993 and does not have the look and feel of a movie that should have come out in 1993. It didn’t have to downgrade the effects to match, however the story and characters should have matched how things felt during that period.
Tusk (HBOMax): Tusk is an underrated movie and works better if the viewer goes into it acknowledging that it is a horror-comedy with some interesting body horror moments. Based entirely on an episode of Smodcast, Tusk is pretty funny with a strong performance by the late Michael Parks, delivering some ridiculous dialogue with gravitas that only adds to the comedic aspects.
Licorice Pizza (Amazon Prime): Now Licorice Pizza is a weird one, it is an interesting and well-meaning slice of life movie set in Los Angeles in the 1970s, however there is the very valid criticism that there is no reason why there is a nearly 10-year age difference between Alana is 25 and Gary is 15. That said, Gary’s characterization with his get rich quick schemes is entertaining and Bradley Cooper’s short appearance as legendary producer John Peters is memorable and the movie has a pretty fun appeal as being just a lighthearted romp without real consequence.
