Stuck. Stranded. Isolated. Alone.
We are running out of words used to describe our new lives. All of us, trying to keep our brains active, our hearts full and our imaginations intact. Guess where we are turning….television. And in record numbers. There is no way to even convey the amount of time Americans are spending watching tv. And good for us! Or is it? We will let the experts debate what all of this is doing to us as a society. My plan, is to share with you some ideas on what is worth your while cognitively! And what’s really just out there to keep you thoughtlessly entertained. Please, I mean this, let me now what you are watching. I want to share with our readers your insights, opinions and recommendations. Write to me!!!
‘TIGER KING’ A Low-Hanging Fruit.
So, in the world of streaming, some things are just meant to be chewed up, swallowed and onward we march! No real thought necessary. ‘Tiger King’ has become a phenomenon. It’s over-the-top, ridiculous and mesmerizing. It bothers you that you can’t get enough, and yet, there is something redeeming in knowing your life really is so much better than most. The cast of characters keep us waiting to see how much deeper this s*itshow can get. The stupefying Joe Exotic; the reactionary activist (and possible murderess) Carole Baskin; the duel gay-for-pay husbands; the under-the-radar schietster Bhagavan Antle; the adorable new husband Dillon…..ok, ok…enough! They are Really, Really are ludicrous! BUT they are REAL!
This ‘story’ of lies, deception, probable murder, the exotic animal industry and male bravado has to be seen to be believed (and even then it seems fictitious!) Focused mainly on a zoo in Oklahoma, a too-big-for-his-britches zookeeper takes on the world of animal rights only to end up accused on murder-for-hire. (Yep, that’s my synopsis.) I know 90% of the tv watching population has already seen this documentary-drama, so I don’t feel a need to get to the meat nor potatoes in the show. I am however, feeling a sense of responsibility to remind people, we must be concerned about the animals in this series. Scraping off the awfulness and hatred this show exposes leaves us forgetting the underlying story…zoo animal lives are at stake. Take a minute, read about how we can support the cats, and make sure the ‘dogs’ remain under investigation or jailed! ***I have heard they are making a movie of this movie….which can only mean one thing….there is more money to be made!
‘Tiger King’ score – 7.5/10. Anytime a show can get this much attention, there has to be meat to it.
‘OZARK’ Third times a charm!
‘Ozark’ is really intoxicating! This season, I think it’s best yet, has some of the best twists, turns and cliffhangers in this series’ life. Casino shenanigans, a hard to stomach cougar-style relationship and triple dose of doubling crossing await you this year in the Byrde family drama. The writers bring us a fresh batch of Tennessee troubles yet they never put us through character assassination! You cannot help but fall in love with the performance given by Julia Garner (Ruth). Her foul-mouthed, take-no-prisoners attitude is truly a highlight this time around. Matched with the creepy, yet sympathetic performance of Tom Pelphrey (Ben), the couple are magic….albeit dark! Laura Linney and Justin Bateman do what they do so well, make us believe that this could happen to any upwardly mobile suburban family (working with a Mexican Cartel.) Season three really gives the kids a chance to show their wares as well. Skylar Gaertner who plays the stoic, yet seemingly disturbed Jonah, gives a haunting performance throughout the season. Perhaps my favorite performance this season goes to the quirky and comical Marylouise Burke (Sue.) Burke’s psychologist to the craziness that is ‘Ozark’, is spot-on. She relieves the show’s mounting tensions with her squeaky, endearing therapeutic advice. If you are new to this exciting, borderline-frightening thriller, start now! It’s smart, savvy and so well acted!
‘OZARK’ score – 10/10. Heart-pounding drama!
‘CRIP CAMP’ Heart-warming and Empowering.
From the opening scenes, home movies that drive the film, ‘Crip Camp’ gives us all a glimpse into the Disabled Rights Movement. Thanks to Jonathan McNeal at the Neon Movies, word around town has spread about this uplifting documentary. The movie takes us to Camp Jened, a camp in the Catskills that served young people with disabilities for 25 years. You see first-hand how bringing this population together without the forces of the outside world, allows for honesty, tears and the beginnings of a revolution. We get to follow the real-life heroes from Camp Jened’s start, to the growing movement of the 1970’s, to updates from today. The film thrusts us into how changes begin. More importantly, it takes us through how changes ebb, flow and eventually become rightfully resolved. What really makes this movie even more important is it never tries to manipulate us, or reduce its importance to some silly one sided message. It has guts and its rawness is there for the world to see. You cannot help but cheer on the people who inspired this film, but even more-so, you can’t help cheering on its broad, strong underlying message….PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF!
‘CRIP CAMP’ score 9/10. Hope is alive and well!
See ya next time with 3 more to watch….or maybe not watch!!
