The Basics. #22: Popcorn Report
What I've Been Watching Lately.
Hey friends!
Besides reading, I’ve been busy watching lots of tv. I have a wide-range of shows I like to watch including docuseries, reality tv, drama shows and of course some family friendly tv. Our family also made it to the movies twice in the last month so I’ll fill you in on those as well. It’s been awhile since I gave you an update on what I’ve been watching so let’s catch up! Whether you’re looking for your next binge-watch or just curious about what’s caught my eye, here’s a peek into my recent watchlist.
Be sure to let me know if you’ve watched anything good lately.
Movies
Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning
Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.
My husband and I love seeing the Mission Impossible movies on the big screen and this time we took our kids to see the final installment. This is going to be the last one, right?…
This was action packed and nostalgic. If you’re familiar with the franchise you’ll definitely appreciate the flashbacks and special appearances. We all enjoyed this and of course at 3 hours it’s best paired with snacks and beverages.
After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, an unconventional team of antiheroes must go on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.
I usually let my boys see the Avengers movies without me but one of my kids was under the weather so we had an extra ticket. I lucked out! I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved that it had a storyline and message connected to mental health. I even shed a tear near the end for which my boys looked at me like I had lost my mind. I am who I am, okay. I like an emotional story and will find it in whatever I consume.
TV Series
Hulu’s new gripping crime drama Good American Family is based on the unsettling true story of a Midwestern couple who adopted a girl with a rare form of dwarfism—only to later accuse her of lying about her age.
This was very difficult to watch at times. I think I cried during numerous episodes and I contribute this to both the story and the acting. Ellen Pompeo, Mark Duplass and Imogen Faith Reid all deliver compelling performances.
The story is inspired by the true story of Natalia Grace BUT while watching you really aren’t even sure who’s lying or who the bad guy(s) are. EVERYONE is acting suspect. The series showcases multiple perspectives and only raises further questions. It left me with a very heavy heart.
Check out this Forbes article for further details.
Meet a child genius named Sheldon Cooper (already seen as an adult in The Big Bang Theory (2007)) and his family. Some unique challenges face Sheldon, who is socially impaired.
Perfect for the family that wants a show with 100+ episodes to watch when the mood strikes. We’re watching this with our teenaged boys off and on. Meaning, when they don’t mind hanging out with us and not their friends or devices. This funny coming of age story is a nice change of pace from my normal dark and heavy programming.
Power is up for grabs as two warring crime families clash in a battle that threatens to topple empires. In the crossfire stands Harry Da Souza, a street-smart 'fixer' who knows too well where loyalties lie when opposing forces collide.
This star studded cast includes Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren!! Like any mob show you should expect lots of bad behavior and violence. The pacing has kind of ebbed and flowed for us but we’re still anxious to see how the season ends. This is not for the faint of heart. As of this post we have yet to watch the finale but I predict this will be picked up for another season.
Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV+)
A hedge fund manager resorts to burglary after losing his job, targeting wealthy neighbors to maintain his family's lifestyle, but makes a fateful error breaking into the wrong home.
An absolute MUST watch!! This show was created by Jonathan Tropper (This Is Where I Leave You) and stars Jon Hamm, Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn. One of my all time favorite shows is Mad Men so I was more than a little excited to watch Jon Hamm on my home screen. Thanks to Renee
for originally putting this on my radar.This is rich behaving badly at its BEST! You have not only drama but you have tension with Jon Hamm and his questionable night-time activities.
Give this a go and you won’t be disappointed. Just note that it’s not one to watch with the kiddos.
Who else is pumped for SEASON 2??!!!
Worried about her sister's too-close relationship with her billionaire boss, a scrappy everywoman seeks answers at a lavish seaside estate.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock
This limited series is just 5 episodes and while the first episode had me wondering what the heck I was watching, I couldn’t help but keep watching.
The show leaves viewers unsure what to think. Are the women really Sirens? Maybe the fingers should be pointed at the MAN (Kevin Bacon no less). The more I think about this show the more I like it. A look at past traumas, desires, family obligations and the consequences of our actions. The acting was fabulous. Give it a try!
Documentaries/Docuseries
A Body in the Snow. The Trial of Karen Reed (Max)
This exclusive behind-the-scenes docuseries tells the story of murder defendant Karen Read and the controversial trial that has divided a town. On a cold January morning in a sleepy suburb outside of the city, a local police officer named John O'Keefe was found dead on a fellow officer's front lawn.
I did NOT follow the original case but I was completely locked into this docuseries. Make sure you have a friend to talk about this one with because you too will have strong opinions. I repeatedly yelled out at the tv while watching. I have a theory on what really happened so jump in the comments if you want to chat about this ongoing case.
Bad Influencing. The Dark Side of Kidfluencing (Netlfix)
In this eye-opening documentary exposé, teens and parents reveal disturbing accounts of abuse and exploitation within the world of child influencers.
This 3 episode documentary will SHOCK YOU and INFURIATE YOU. Each episode gets crazier and crazier. I hope documentaries like this continue to prove that we need LAWS to protect kids.
A Deadly American Marriage (Netflix)
Murder or self-defense? Told from both sides, this documentary explores the killing of Jason Corbett during a dispute with his wife and her father.
I remember seeing this in the news but watching the documentary gave me a better picture of everything that went down. Jason Corbett's daughter, Sarah Corbett Lynch, recently released a memoir titled "A Time for Truth: My Father Jason and My Search for Justice and Healing".
I’m still not sure after watching what I believe happened in that house. Things still feel unresolved. I’m not sure we will ever have clear answers.
Now it’s time for you to chime in. Did we watch any of the same things? Do you have any theories on any of the murders? How do you feel about kid influencers? Will you be watching Sirens? Tell me what to watch next!
Talk soon!
xoxo Katie
Good stuff! Watching and enjoying the same shows! 🤣 I need to make it to the movies now.
We don’t watch much tv so I appreciate these vetting posts! I especially love documentary recommendations. Thanks Katie!