While I’ve been paying as much attention as possible to the coming shitshow of the persimmon-painted putz (h/t to a poster on Dan Rather’s Substack for that one), to see his weaknesses and incompetencies revealed, there comes a point every day where one just has to get away from that and drop into something that will completely distract you.
Another suggestion - on a different level from some of these, granted is Hidden Figures - of course, it is yet one more reminder of the treatment of most women but especially Black women back in the great old days!!! At least in this one, these gals came out ahead.
Yes, "Hidden figures" is excellent. there's also "The Astronauts' Wives Club" - a series from a few years back that takes a good look at the women "behind the men." "First Man" from a few years back is an excellent biopic on Neil Armstrong.
Ah yes, the good woman "behind" the man - somehow that little phrase sets my teeth on edge in this day and age during the push to put women back there!
If president-elect Felon Muck uses the Alien and Sedition Acts, as his treasonous orange dementia patient of a lackey threatens, we might see John Adams looking a little less admirable. But there's still so much to admire. I always quote the "remember the ladies" letter that Abigail sent him in 1776 and how he said they weren't going to give up the last bastion they had of control, and I insist that his response was really a teasing love note.
Re “Tommy”: as a former chair of the board of the La Jolla Playhouse, I would be remiss in not pointing out that the Broadway version, which was developed at the Playhouse, was a far superior (and intelligible) production.
Sorry to digress by why has nobody noticed that Trump remains an insurrectionist and anyone giving "comfort" in the imminent inauguration is behaving unconstitutionally?
I am busy soaking up the free Apple TV this weekend. I am completely sucked in to "For All Mankind".
I'm having knee replacement surgery in a month, and anticipate a level of necessary inactivity. Can you (TC) or other readers suggest some other things to watch. In my world, ER was a good show, I enjoyed Gray's Anatomy with my binge watching niece. I want to watch a couple of the Ken Burns documentaries I haven't seen (the one on baseball, the one on the Roosevelts) along with the history of country music. I'm open to suggestions from those who are with me in this Fine Mess.
For binge watching, I highly recommend Outlander. It’s on Starz and next Friday they’ll release the last episode of season 7. The most recent episode includes the Battle of Monmouth from the Revolutionary War. Season 7 is a good reminder of where we came from.
The series is also available on DVD and probably available from your public library if you don’t have Starz.
I’ve read all 9 novels, roughly 800 pages each. They are incredible! Well-researched and well-written and a reminder of times when a man’s honor and word was highly valued.
I've been an Outlander fan since Season 1, Episode 1. Once you get past the time travel, all the history is very accurate. People call the series a "womens show," probably for the love story across time, but this guy has liked it throughout. I tend to like most "womens shows" since they're more likely to skew intelligent.
I love Outlander too. And of course totally relate to Claire. I loved her in this last episode when that arrogant surgeon wouldn’t recognize her as a surgeon because she was a woman. She saved a guy with a sucking chest wound(pneumothorax). The arrogant guy didn’t have a clue. I started watching Outlander when my sister in law recommended. I wasn’t totally convinced at first but once I caught up with the episodes I couldn’t wait for the next ones to be released. I love the history, and the violence can be challenging. Hand to hand combat which is so much more personal. That said I highly recommend it.
I'm presently re-watching all seven seasons of Elementary. Its just like seeing it for the first time. (the memory issue sometimes works out great) Such a good show - he could be a complete ass, but Lucy Liu is super!
And good luck with the new knee, Ally. Let people wait on you!
Was amazed to find that some of the women were so long-lived. A paternal aunt who drove a supply truck in WWII was in the WACs and lived to be 96, just as the late Queen Elizabeth held her own in that department too. There's much to admire in these women.
I'm hoping for the same; my knees have been messed up for years, and I really took my left knee to the next step. I can hardly walk down an incline (up is no problem) and I use a cane on the "really bad" days.
From The Earth To The Moon: When I lived, however briefly, in Northwest Wisconsin, my nurse at the local hospital there, her last name was 'Slayton.' I asked her the very first time I met her "are you related to?" "yes, he's my brother-in-law, or was." (Deke had died a couple years earlier) One of the few pleasant memories of my time there.
Also: "Max Peck." Gotta love the Cold War doublespeak.
My favorite joke in “Singin’” is as Kelly becomes a bigger and bigger star in Broadway Melody, he does less and less. At the end, he’s barely walking across the stage. Gotta Dance!
Thanks for the suggestions. I used to be able to play the guitar parts for Tommy - I think I still can. The lyrics certainly fit our situation.
A suggestion for understanding what is going on in Greenland is the Danish series “Borgen” on Netflix. Interesting political dynamics.
Over the last months I keep thinking of the Dick Tracey musical with Warren Beaty, Madonna, Al Pacino, Mandy Patinkin and music by Stephen Sondheim. I have a dvd but I see it can be rented or purchased on Prime. “Back in Business” indeed!
Good choices, Tom, I've seen all but one of these films and except for the Wild Bunch which is truly disturbing to watch, I saw the others multiple times. The best of the bunch i my opinion was Band of Brothers.
I love Band of Brothers so much. And have watched it several times over the years. It’s a terrifying series, but finely done. They did a good job with the history and context. Well cast, and I loved the inclusion of the actual veterans themselves. I admit I’ve followed actors in that series as they’ve gone on to other shows and movies for years. Damian Lewis and Kirk Acevedo especially.
There are so many good things to watch, I don't know what to recommend. I can find something in every genre, with the exception of horror movies about vampires. My favorites tend to be about intelligence services, political shenanigans (funny or serious), and satire.
It's worth noting that Stephen Ambrose, the historian writer behind Band of Brothers, was considered very left wing and dovish because he opposed the Viet Nam war and was critical of US foreign policy during those years. BOB showed his ability to recognize and highlight valor in the midst of hell.
The Divine Miss M. She had a special on HBO (maybe?) a long time ago that I still recall as outstanding. Her back up singers were the Harlettes if I remember correctly. And she hasn't changed one bit over the years. Bless her voluptuous heart.
I find that I have a very difficult time focusing for the length of time it takes to watch a movie, since the election. I have all I can do to make it through old Seinfelds. I'm hoping that will pass, but for now I just can sit through one. Do any of you have this same feeling? Seriously.
That's the show I am talking about, I think - there was one other also on HBO, a show from the 90s. The Harlettes were always her backup singers. (for those who don't know, she got her start doing shows in the gay bathhouses in NYC)
Definitely will watch The Wild Bunch - Directors Cut. I loved the “studio-butchered” version when I took a film criticism course in University in the mid-80’s. Definitely a movie I would love to own. The Rose, Singin’ in the Rain - love them!
The Director's Cut is sooo much better - it actually makes sense, with the flashbacks that explain the relationship between Holden's Pike Bishop and Robert Ryan's Deke Thornton.
Another suggestion - on a different level from some of these, granted is Hidden Figures - of course, it is yet one more reminder of the treatment of most women but especially Black women back in the great old days!!! At least in this one, these gals came out ahead.
Yes, "Hidden figures" is excellent. there's also "The Astronauts' Wives Club" - a series from a few years back that takes a good look at the women "behind the men." "First Man" from a few years back is an excellent biopic on Neil Armstrong.
Ah yes, the good woman "behind" the man - somehow that little phrase sets my teeth on edge in this day and age during the push to put women back there!
Sorry, Tom - thanks for the picks.
Me too.
If president-elect Felon Muck uses the Alien and Sedition Acts, as his treasonous orange dementia patient of a lackey threatens, we might see John Adams looking a little less admirable. But there's still so much to admire. I always quote the "remember the ladies" letter that Abigail sent him in 1776 and how he said they weren't going to give up the last bastion they had of control, and I insist that his response was really a teasing love note.
Re “Tommy”: as a former chair of the board of the La Jolla Playhouse, I would be remiss in not pointing out that the Broadway version, which was developed at the Playhouse, was a far superior (and intelligible) production.
Sorry to digress by why has nobody noticed that Trump remains an insurrectionist and anyone giving "comfort" in the imminent inauguration is behaving unconstitutionally?
We know that, the unsupreme court doesn't.
They don't want to know it, you mean.
I am busy soaking up the free Apple TV this weekend. I am completely sucked in to "For All Mankind".
I'm having knee replacement surgery in a month, and anticipate a level of necessary inactivity. Can you (TC) or other readers suggest some other things to watch. In my world, ER was a good show, I enjoyed Gray's Anatomy with my binge watching niece. I want to watch a couple of the Ken Burns documentaries I haven't seen (the one on baseball, the one on the Roosevelts) along with the history of country music. I'm open to suggestions from those who are with me in this Fine Mess.
Ally, best of luck with your surgery. 🤗
For binge watching, I highly recommend Outlander. It’s on Starz and next Friday they’ll release the last episode of season 7. The most recent episode includes the Battle of Monmouth from the Revolutionary War. Season 7 is a good reminder of where we came from.
The series is also available on DVD and probably available from your public library if you don’t have Starz.
I’ve read all 9 novels, roughly 800 pages each. They are incredible! Well-researched and well-written and a reminder of times when a man’s honor and word was highly valued.
I've been an Outlander fan since Season 1, Episode 1. Once you get past the time travel, all the history is very accurate. People call the series a "womens show," probably for the love story across time, but this guy has liked it throughout. I tend to like most "womens shows" since they're more likely to skew intelligent.
I love Outlander too. And of course totally relate to Claire. I loved her in this last episode when that arrogant surgeon wouldn’t recognize her as a surgeon because she was a woman. She saved a guy with a sucking chest wound(pneumothorax). The arrogant guy didn’t have a clue. I started watching Outlander when my sister in law recommended. I wasn’t totally convinced at first but once I caught up with the episodes I couldn’t wait for the next ones to be released. I love the history, and the violence can be challenging. Hand to hand combat which is so much more personal. That said I highly recommend it.
I am not that far away if you need any help Ally. Please Let me know if the there is anything I can do.
I will do that!
I'm presently re-watching all seven seasons of Elementary. Its just like seeing it for the first time. (the memory issue sometimes works out great) Such a good show - he could be a complete ass, but Lucy Liu is super!
And good luck with the new knee, Ally. Let people wait on you!
Also just finished "The Waiting" another Bosch and Ballard novel. Whipped right through this, but then, thats how I've read all the Bosch books.
If you have Netflix watch The Six Triple Eight - true story. Same for "The Long Game." And wishing a great outcome with the knee surgery!
Was amazed to find that some of the women were so long-lived. A paternal aunt who drove a supply truck in WWII was in the WACs and lived to be 96, just as the late Queen Elizabeth held her own in that department too. There's much to admire in these women.
Watched Six Triple Eight last week. Awesome show.
I hope you have a great outcome on your knee replacement surgery. (It was a life changer for me).
I'm hoping for the same; my knees have been messed up for years, and I really took my left knee to the next step. I can hardly walk down an incline (up is no problem) and I use a cane on the "really bad" days.
Do you have Acorn TV? Some great murder mysteries. Foyles War, Midsomer Murders, Dagleish.
Big YES to Foyle's War.
From The Earth To The Moon: When I lived, however briefly, in Northwest Wisconsin, my nurse at the local hospital there, her last name was 'Slayton.' I asked her the very first time I met her "are you related to?" "yes, he's my brother-in-law, or was." (Deke had died a couple years earlier) One of the few pleasant memories of my time there.
Also: "Max Peck." Gotta love the Cold War doublespeak.
My favorite joke in “Singin’” is as Kelly becomes a bigger and bigger star in Broadway Melody, he does less and less. At the end, he’s barely walking across the stage. Gotta Dance!
Thanks for the suggestions. I used to be able to play the guitar parts for Tommy - I think I still can. The lyrics certainly fit our situation.
A suggestion for understanding what is going on in Greenland is the Danish series “Borgen” on Netflix. Interesting political dynamics.
Over the last months I keep thinking of the Dick Tracey musical with Warren Beaty, Madonna, Al Pacino, Mandy Patinkin and music by Stephen Sondheim. I have a dvd but I see it can be rented or purchased on Prime. “Back in Business” indeed!
Thank you Tom. I think we all need a meaningful distraction right now
Good choices, Tom, I've seen all but one of these films and except for the Wild Bunch which is truly disturbing to watch, I saw the others multiple times. The best of the bunch i my opinion was Band of Brothers.
I love Band of Brothers so much. And have watched it several times over the years. It’s a terrifying series, but finely done. They did a good job with the history and context. Well cast, and I loved the inclusion of the actual veterans themselves. I admit I’ve followed actors in that series as they’ve gone on to other shows and movies for years. Damian Lewis and Kirk Acevedo especially.
Thank you Tom for these
reviews. I have most on DVD,
a huge collection since I live
in the sticks and streaming
proved inadequate. I read a
great deal. "Chosen Frozen"
broke my heart, sir. "Going
Downtown" was close. You
can write it!
Thanks, Victoria.
The Rose and The Wild Bunch were really cool.
Band of Brothers was really well done.
Saw Tommy live. Only way to appreciate it, imo.
There are so many good things to watch, I don't know what to recommend. I can find something in every genre, with the exception of horror movies about vampires. My favorites tend to be about intelligence services, political shenanigans (funny or serious), and satire.
It's worth noting that Stephen Ambrose, the historian writer behind Band of Brothers, was considered very left wing and dovish because he opposed the Viet Nam war and was critical of US foreign policy during those years. BOB showed his ability to recognize and highlight valor in the midst of hell.
There's a whole lot of us in the Lefty Military Historian's Society. :-)
The Divine Miss M. She had a special on HBO (maybe?) a long time ago that I still recall as outstanding. Her back up singers were the Harlettes if I remember correctly. And she hasn't changed one bit over the years. Bless her voluptuous heart.
I find that I have a very difficult time focusing for the length of time it takes to watch a movie, since the election. I have all I can do to make it through old Seinfelds. I'm hoping that will pass, but for now I just can sit through one. Do any of you have this same feeling? Seriously.
That's the show I am talking about, I think - there was one other also on HBO, a show from the 90s. The Harlettes were always her backup singers. (for those who don't know, she got her start doing shows in the gay bathhouses in NYC)
Isn't that where what's his name.....Barry Manilow came from? Singing behind here there?
He was her piano player and musical director.
Definitely will watch The Wild Bunch - Directors Cut. I loved the “studio-butchered” version when I took a film criticism course in University in the mid-80’s. Definitely a movie I would love to own. The Rose, Singin’ in the Rain - love them!
The Director's Cut is sooo much better - it actually makes sense, with the flashbacks that explain the relationship between Holden's Pike Bishop and Robert Ryan's Deke Thornton.