Weekly Quick Hits - September 18
Your weekly list of media you won't see anywhere else
This week’s list: One Piece, In The Dark, Run Rabbit Run, Tin & Tina, The Privilege, I Am Mother, The Thursday Murder Club, Taskmaster
Watching
One Piece (2023)
Summary: Monkey D. Luffy wants to find the mysterious One Piece treasure and become King of the Pirates. On his adventures, he gathers a ragtag crew and battles magical pirates from around the East Blue.
My thoughts: This is the live adaptation of the record-breaking manga and anime series, and I really liked it! I’d happily watch future seasons.
Where to watch: Netflix
In the Dark
Summary: Murphy Mason is a sex-loving, heavy drinking, employed-by-her-parents loner. Oh, and she’s blind. When her one friend vanishes, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery.
My thoughts: I got two episodes into this show, and then I lost interest. The thing I really couldn’t get past is that the main character is a blind, wreck of a woman, but she’s Hollywood hot and her hair is always perfect.
Where to watch: Netflix
Run Rabbit Run
Summary: Divorced mother Sarah sees strange behaviors in her daughter Mia, starting on her seventh birthday. As Mia claims she’s returned from the dead, Sarah explores secrets she’d hoped to hide forever.
My thoughts: I really liked this movie, and the internet hated it, and I don’t understand that at all. It’s a solid thriller, with an ending that will leave you rethinking the entire narrative.
Where to watch: Netflix
Tin & Tina
Summary: After losing her twins, a young bride agrees to adopt from a local convent/orphanage. She brings home two strange siblings, named Tin and Tina. But the twins’ bizarre behavior quickly turns sinister.
My thoughts: The film is pretty strange and felt about 20 minutes too long. But if, like me, you enjoy religious horror movies, it’s not a bad watch. Let me know if you think it’s pro-religion or pro-atheism.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Privilege
Summary: Years after his eldest sister’s death, Finn Bergman sees his parents performing a ritual with his remaining sister and a mysterious old woman. With his friends, he sets out to uncover his parents’ secrets.
My thoughts: It’s an okay movie. Not great, with a question mark ending that you’ll see from a mile away. With so many good films to watch, I’d skip this one, or save it for a drunk raucous movie night.
Where to watch: Netflix
I am Mother
Summary: After an apocalypse-level event, a lone droid sets about rebuilding humanity. As her daughter reaches adulthood, a mysterious outside woman arrives at their bunker and upends their quiet lives.
My thoughts: It’s a post-apocalypse “machines are keeping secrets from the last living human” movie. You can write the plot yourself! Although the story is predictable, the effects are great and the set-up is engaging.
Where to watch: you guessed it, Netflix
Taskmaster, Series 11
Summary: Comedians/actors Charlotte Ritchie, Jamali Maddix, Lee Mack, Mike Wozniak and Sarah Kendall compete to please the Taskmaster, by solving a series of tasks in the fastest, best, most impressive ways.
My thoughts: I just love this series, and this cast might be my favorite. It’s a great lunchtime watch. Somehow they never run out of wild task ideas.
Where to watch: YouTube (with ads)
Reading
The Thursday Murder Club
By Richard Osman
Summary: Four septuagenarians in a British retirement community gather each week to discuss unsolved murders. Suddenly a death in their own community gives them an opportunity to investigate a new murder.
My thoughts: A little over halfway through this book, I know I’m going to read the entire series. It has real twists and turns and is written with heart and humor.
Learn More: Penguin Random House
And that’s the list this week! Go to the comments and let me know what you have been enjoying lately.
Coming Saturday: a full review of Book of Night by Holly Black. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, check out these previous entries:
Weekly Quick Hits - September 11
Each week, I’m going to send out a list of entertainment I’ve spent time with. Stuff I’ve seen, read, played, listened to, etc. These may be things I recommend or that I just want to share. Let’s go!
The Dungeons to my Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a good, fun movie. Whether you’re an avid D&D player or have never heard of a TTRPG, Honor Among Thieves has all the pieces you need for a great movie night.