Weekly Quick Hits - September 25

Your weekly list of media you won't see anywhere else

Sep 25, 2023

This week’s list: The Thursday Murder Club, Black Adam, The Batman, Uncomfortable Conversations, Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em, The Lost Daughter, Jaws, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider

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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: I just finished this Saturday, and I loved it! You won’t be able to put it down once the murders begin. Look out for a full review in a couple of weeks!
Learn More: Penguin Random House

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Black Adam (2022)

Summary: Ancient hero Teth-Adam awakes from a 5,000 year slumber to discover his homeland has been overrun by criminals. His explosive retribution attracts the attention of The Justice Society, who arrive to apprehend this new rogue meta-human — whether his people want them to or not.
My thoughts: A really fun entry to the Shazam! series and DC hero universe. Matching Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam with Pierce Brosnan’s Dr. Fate was genius. And I was happy to see Hawkman at least, though I prefer Hawkgirl.
Watch: Prime (and don’t forget to stay through those credits!)

The Batman (2022)

Summary: After years protecting Gotham, Bruce Wayne wonders if he’s having any tangible impact. Then a new challenger, calling himself Riddler, arises to bring down the city’s elite and put The Batman through the ultimate cerebral test.
My thoughts: A good Batman adaptation marred by 30-45 minutes of bloat. I loved this cast, except for “meh” reactions to Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle and Andy Serkis as Alfred. Colin Farrell going feral as Penguin is brilliant, and Paul Dano nails this new, sharpened version of Riddler.
Watch: Prime

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Summary: Comparative literature professor Leda takes a solo vacation to Greece, where she enjoys the sun and sea, and time with her research, until a large family of tourists arrive. After meeting Nina and her young daughter Elena, Leda loses herself to memories of her own time as an overwhelmed young mother.
My thoughts: The Lost Daughter is a very good movie, with subtle, captivating performances by the lead cast…and I couldn’t finish it. The movie’s ambience and Olivia Colman’s acting gave me anxiety — because they felt so real. I was so taken by Colman, and supporting actress Dakota Johnson, that I needed to take a break.
Watch: Netflix

Jaws (1975)

Summary: The film that changed the movie making business forever. A large shark stalks the waters around quaint Amity Island, just a few days before the Fourth of July rush. Sherriff Martin Brody battles political red tape, summer beach crowds, and the shark itself to keep his town safe.
My thoughts: Can you believe Jaws is almost 50 years old? And it holds up. I am so happy I’ve finally seen this film; it’s amazing. And it’s lightyears better than most of the horror/thriller movies I’ve seen recently. Even though I memorized the plot through cultural osmosis, I was startled out of my seat multiple times.
Watch: Netflix

Play

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider

Summary: A few months after the events of Dishonored 2, Meagan Foster returns as our final Dishonored protagonist. Following shadows and deciphering clues — and picking a few pockets along the way — Meagan tracks the elusive Outsider, to end his occult influence once and for all.
My thoughts: I adore the Dishonored series. They could make side stories in this world forever, and I’d play every single one. Death of the Outsider is a strong final addition. If you like stealth games, you can’t miss Dishonored.
Learn More: Bethesda