I’ve been enjoying some serious big screen and little screen time. Here’s what I think.
“The Fall Guy” gets a solid grade of a “B” from me. I normally don’t go in for action movies but this one has more to it than cool stunts and fights. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have great chemistry and their relationship prevents this from being a mindless action romp. Also, a 45 year old song from Kiss is at the forefront of this film. Enjoy it plus stay to watch ALL of the closing credits for 2 reasons. One, there’s serious tributes paid to the stuntmen and stunt women in the movie and there’s another little twist at the end that will bring a smile to your face.
THE FALL GUY IS FAST AND FUN ROMP. THIS COMING FROM SOMEONE WHO RARELY GOES IN FOR ACTION FLICKS.
“Unfrosted” is a Netflix offering as Jerry Seinfeld directs and co-writes this made- up history of the creation of the Pop Tart. So many quick jokes and twists on pop culture and history both long ago and very recent are in this ninety three minute movie. It co-stars Jim Gaffigan, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Shumer, Bill Burr and hilarious scene stealing by Hugh Grant as Tony the Tiger. There are other guest stars that pop up and I don’t want to spoil any of that fun. I’ve heard the critics reviews aren’t the greatest for “Unfrosted” but to be honest, I think to “get” this movie, you need to be at least 50 years old or older. In fact, I think anyone 60 and older will get the best tastes out of “Unfrosted.” My grade for this one is a strong “B+.”
LOTS OF POP CULTURE LAUGHS AND MORE WILL BE SEEN AND HEARD WITH THIS LATEST OFFERING FROM NETFLIX.
Amazon Prime Video offers up “The Idea of You” which stars Anne Hathaway as a woman who falls for the much younger star of a boy band. It’s a typical Lifetime romantic styled movie until it gets racy with some steamy sex scenes. Kind of a weird twist but the movie is rated R. On the subject of letters, I graded this movie a ‘C-.’
THE IDEA OF YOU IS NOT MY IDEA OF A GOOD MOVIE, BUT I THINK MOST WOMEN WILL ENJOY IT.
HBO Max brings us a third season of “Hacks” starting Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Smart’s character, Deborah Vance is a more polished and bawdy version of what Joan Rivers used to be and Einbinder’s “Ava Daniels” is unflinching in standing up to the woman she writes and advises for. There are side characters and subplots but it’s Deborah and Ava that make this series a fun one to watch. Plus, Jean Smart’s cackle is timely and always cracks me up.
HACKS IS A WELL WRITTEN SERIES AND I’M GLAD IT’S BACK ON HBO MAX.
Back to Netflix, David Letterman’s “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” has started a new season. Dave’s first guest featured is the very cleverly funny John Mulaney. They do a revealing sitdown interview at the Den theater in Chicago and visit Mullaney’s old high school, St. Ignatius Prep High School. Letterman and Mulaney also have a dinner table chat with John’s father who is often featured in his son’s comedy. Frank talk about Mulaney’s addictions happens and while Letterman asks great questions, he also often offers some insight to his own life and psyche.
JOHN MULANEY IS ON A ROLL WITH HIS STAND UP COMEDY AND HE AND DAVID LETTERMAN SHINE ON THIS SHOW.
On a side note, if you’ve never seen John Mulaney’s “Baby J” comedy special, that’s another one to see on Netflix.
I’m posting in a link to a recent CBS Sunday Morning feature on country star Randy Travis. You’ll see how Artificial Intelligence and some backing vocals from another singer have brought stroke victim Randy a new song that’s been released. Full disclosure: Randy Travis was and always will be one of my favorite country singers and I was blessed to spend time with him on several occasions during my radio days and before a stroke took away his voice. The story behind what’s being attempted with Travis’ music is incredible and inspiring.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/randy-travis-sings-again-courtesy-of-ai
CLICK THE ABOVE LINK TO SEE A COOL FEATURE ON HOW A.I. IS BRINGING RANDY TRAVIS BACK TO COUNTRY RADIO.
Side Note on Show-biz- I read that tickets to Jennifer Lopez’s concert tour are not selling. Earlier this year, J-Lo released her “This is Me Now: A Love Story” record. It’s a tribute to her re-discovered love for actor Ben Affleck and their subsequent marriage. I have not heard any of the songs from that disc but have my own theory on why the Jennifer Lopez concert tour is struggling to attract fans.
#1. Lopez and Affleck’s relationship has been magazine and online fodder for going on 3 years. And that’s not including their first go-round a couple decades ago. Folks are tired of them and familiarity breeds contempt.
#2. J-Lo’s music is being overpowered by the works of Taylor Swift double album and Beyonce’s popular country set of songs. Swift and Beyonce’ tours are also a major draw as is Rhianna’s and Madonna just finished her massively ambitious world tour. Lopez is left in the dust.
#3. Jennifer needs to figure out who she wants to be. A movie star or a singing star. Trying to be both leaves her failing on both attempts and it’s hard for fans to embrace her identity.
#4. So much attention is focused on J-Lo’s butt, her age defying looks and dancing. But when you see a concert you’re gonna ask about her voice and the songs. I think she’s lagging there.
So, if you want to see J-Lo when she comes to Chicago this summer, have at it. My guess is you’ll be able to buy close-up seats and below market value prices. And have fun!
NEXT BLOG– Here Come the Cicadas.