Every week, I list all the upcoming (or recently released) movies, TV shows, albums, podcasts, etc. that I believe are worth checking out.
Movies
–Piece by Piece (Theaters)
–Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (Theaters
–Terrifier 3 (Theaters) – I might also watch Terrifier and Terrifier 2, although I doubt I need to.
TV –Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Season Premiere (October 14 on ABC)
–Family Guy Halloween Special (October 14 on Hulu) – Entitled “Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Cheater”
–Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? Series Premiere (October 16 on Amazon Prime Video) – Hosted by Travis Kelce.
–Shrinking Season 2 Premiere (October 16 on Apple TV+)
–Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Series Premiere (October 17 on CBS) – A spinoff of Young Sheldon, which was itself a spinoff of The Big Bang Theory.
–Ghosts Season 4 Premiere (October 17 on CBS)
–Elsbeth Season 2 Premiere (October 17 on CBS)
Music
-Becky G., Encuentros
-Myles Kennedy, The Art of Letting Go
-The Linda Lindas, No Obligation
-The Offspring, SUPERCHARGED
Video Games
–Super Mario Party Jamboree (October 17 on Nintendo Switch)
A Trio of Movie Stars (CREDIT: Shout! Studios/Screenshot; Matt Infante/A24; Lionsgate)
Frankie Freako
Starring: Conor Sweeney, Kristy Wordsworth, Matthew Kennedy, Meredith Sweeney, Adam Brooks, Rich Evans
Director: Steven Kostanski
Running Time: 85 Minutes
Rating: Unrated
Release Date: October 7, 2024 (Theaters)
A Different Man
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Adam Pearson
Director: Aaron Schimberg
Running Time: 112 Minutes
Rating: R
Release Date: September 20, 2024 (Theaters)
Megalopolis
Starring: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Dustin Hoffman, Talia Shire, Grace VanDerWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Running Time: 138 Minutes
Rating: R
Release Date: September 27, 2024 (Theaters)
Hey dudes! I saw a few movies this week that I’m catching up on my thoughts about. Did they have any themes or intellectual concerns in common? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Release Date: October 11, 2024 (Theaters)/Expands Nationwide October 18
What’s It About?: At various points in their life together, Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and/or Almut (Florence Pugh) meet each other via cute-but-awkward circumstances, argue about whether or not they want to have kids, raise a daughter, struggle through a cancer diagnosis, and compete in a prestigious cooking competition. They seem more or less destined to be with each other, though their courtship and union is not without its strife, both mundane and overwhelming. They’re the two main characters of a movie called We Live in Time, and as it turns out, their story is told in non-linear fashion. Because they don’t just live in time, they bounce around in it.
What Made an Impression?: Boyle’s Law: Every individual viewer’s moviegoing experience is affected by the circumstances in which they see the movie. So in the interest of establishing context, I shall let it be known that the auditorium in which I saw We Live in Time was excessively stuffy. Perhaps the air conditioning wasn’t working properly, or maybe it was shut off prematurely in the early fall, but either way, I was fanning myself with my notebook way too often. So not exactly ideal conditions! But even if I had been in a perfectly temperature- and humidity-regulated environment, I doubt that I would have been blown away by We Live in Time‘s twisty format. Its achronological composition feels rather haphazard, as opposed to unveiling a scintillating mystery or finding resonance through juxtaposition. Put another way: I imagine a straightforward approach would’ve had the same effect. Why So Dramatic?: Are Tobis and Almut #RelationshipGoals? Or is this a case of just muddling through? Eh, somewhere in the middle, I guess. They have their fair share of arguments, some of them quite nasty and personal, but they ultimately work them out more maturely than not. Plus, they have enough shared values that it feels like they’re working towards the same big goals. Which is why the moments when they don’t see eye-to-eye can be rather frustrating, as they fumble through awkward conversations and make ungenerous assumptions. Romances of course don’t always have to be perfectly lovey-dovey all the time, but these moments are all a bit a bit too petty to be dramatically fulfilling. Who has the time for that?! Anyway, there’s also a scene where Almut goes into labor in a gas station bathroom, and it’s kind of memorable.
We Live in Time is Recommended If You Like: Breaking things and then putting them back together
Clap along if you feel like you’re going to watch Piece by Piece (CREDIT: Focus Features)
Starring: Pharrell Williams and His Collaborators
Director: Morgan Neville
Running Time: 93 Minutes
Rating: PG for Mildly Explicit Lyrics
Release Date: October 11, 2024 (Theaters)
What’s It About?: There was something in the air in Virginia Beach in the 70s and 80s. Or maybe it was just synesthesia. Either way, Pharrell Williams was obsessed with music while growing up in The Old Dominion, and he was lucky enough to connect with a whole crew of other like-minded future professionals along the way. Soon enough, he was one of the most unique and in-demand producers and songwriters in the industry, which he eventually parlayed into his own string of inimitable hits as a lead artist. Somewhere along the way, he met up with acclaimed documentarian Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?), and it all culminated in a decision to produce Piece by Piece, which tells Pharrell’s life story in animated LEGO-style form.
What Made an Impression?: Listen Up, Listen Up!:Piece by Piece flirts a little bit with hagiography (although it doesn’t shy away from its subject’s downtrodden moments), but you can understand why Neville takes such a loving approach. Pretty much everyone who has ever worked with Pharrell (or at least everyone interviewed for this movie) was immediately enthralled by him, as he has a knack for unveiling beats unlike anything they’ve ever encountered before while also uncannily capturing their essences. His collaborators are basically a who’s who of the past 25 years of hip hop, pop, and R&B, and as Piece by Piece reveals the stories behind his handiwork, I found myself marveling, “Oh wow, Pharrell was behind my favorite songs of so many different artists.” You might not have the same reaction, as individual tastes differ after all. But if you care about popular tunecraft, chances are high you’ll be tapping your toes and feeling your heart skip a beat at least a little bit. Pharrell the Blockhead: But ultimately what sets apart Piece by Piece as a step above is in fact its gimmick. That’s right, those iconic Danish construction toys do a mighty fine job of conveying what it’s like to live in Pharrell’s head. After an intoxicating opening sequence, I wondered if this hook could sustain its novelty over a feature length running time. But whenever my skepticism reached a tipping point, PbP responded with another hit of its signature playful Lego craftsmanship. Maybe you’ve gotten to the end of this review and find yourself still asking: does Pharrell’s career merit an entire documentary? Well, if it’s going to be as creative as Piece by Piece, then sure it does.
Piece by Piece is Recommended If You Like: Talent shows, Falsettos, Rump Shaking
Jeff “jmunney” Malone watches every new episode of Saturday Night Live and then reviews all the sketches and segments according to a “wacky” theme.
Here we go again. The second episode of the 50th season of Saturday Night Live was indeed the 2nd episode of the fiftieth season. The guest lineup consisted of a couple of returning favorites. Coldplay, those lovable lads from London, provided the tunes for the 8th time, while Nate Bargatze was the host for the 2nd time. In fact, the 2nd time in 2 seasons!
Since this is the second episode, and it’s also Nate’s second time hosting, I’ll review each sketch by starting off with the phrase “Two cheers for.”
Every week, I list all the upcoming (or recently released) movies, TV shows, albums, podcasts, etc. that I believe are worth checking out.
Movies
–Frankie Freako (Theaters)
–Joker: Folie á Deux (Theaters)
–Monster Summer (Theaters)
–The Outrun (Theaters)
TV
–Solar Opposites Halloween Special (October 7 on Hulu) – Entitled “The Hunt for Brown October.”
–Superman & Lois Season 4 Premiere (October 7 on The CW) – Final Season Alert!
–Abbott Elementary Season 4 Premiere (October 9 on ABC)
Music
-Leon Bridges, Leon
-FINNEAS, For Cryin’ Out Loud!
-The Smile, Cutouts
Sports
-WNBA Finals (Begins October 10, on ABC and ESPN) – Give me Liberty!
Young Ass & Old Ass Sitting on Their Asses (CREDIT: Amazon MGM Studios)
Starring: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler, Kerice Brooks, Maria Dizzia, Alain Goulem, Seth Isaac Johnson, Carter Trozzolo
Director: Megan Park
Running Time: 89 Minutes
Rating: R
Release Date: September 13, 2024 (Theaters)
I saw My Old Ass on a Thursday, and now I’m writing a review of it on a Tuesday. I would’ve written it sooner, but I was a little busy. I think this wait has been a blessing in my disguise, though, because now my old ass can tell my younger self how I really felt. Just like in the movie! And well, what I really felt is that this movie is: earnest, heartfelt, and filled with camaraderie. But in fact, I already knew that!🤪Sometimes we just have to trust ourselves.
What movie theaters will look like in October 2024 (CREDIT: Paramount Pictures/Screenshot)
They keep making new movies, and some of them are even worth watching. Here’s what’s at the top of the slate for October 2024:
Frankie Freako: Some rando genre indie about a little puppet dude who shows up to party and wreak havoc. This looks like the unholy love child of Gremlins, Munchies, Munchie, and the like.
Frankie Freako will get his freak on in limited theaters October 4.
Jeff “jmunney” Malone watches every new episode of Saturday Night Live and then reviews all the sketches and segments according to a “wacky” theme.
Happy Anniversary! It’s the 50th season of our favorite show, and I for one am going to celebrate by continuing to wackily review every episode of Saturday Night Live.
The very first episode of this landmark season was hosted by the Jean-tacular Jean Smart and musical guested by the Jelly-licious Jelly Roll. As for me, I was out and about visiting family this weekend, so I finished this episode much later than usual. So please forgive me if this review feels a little sleepy!
Anyway, because I took a weekend vacay, I’m going to review each sketch by asking the question: is this a good sketch to watch while visiting family?
Every week, I list all the upcoming (or recently released) movies, TV shows, albums, podcasts, etc. that I believe are worth checking out.
Movies
–Lee (Theaters) – Kate Winslet and Andy Samberg team up!
–Megalopolis (Theaters)
–Saturday Night (Theaters)
–The Wild Robot (Theaters)
TV
–Saturday Night Live Season 50 Premiere (September 28 on NBC) – 50! –The Simpsons Season 36 Premiere (September 29 on FOX)
–Bob’s Burgers Season 15 Premiere (September 29 on FOX) – This is considered the season premiere even though there have also been new episodes the past few weeks.
–Krapopolis Season 2 Premiere (September 29 on FOX)
–Gremlins Season 2 Premiere (October 3 on MAX) – The first season was called “Secrets of the Mogwai,” this season is called “The Wild Batch.”
–Scrabble Series Premiere (October 3 on The CW) – Hosted by Raven-Symoné.
–Trivial Pursuit Series Premiere (October 3 on The CW) – Hosted by LeVar Burton.
Music
-Lady Gaga, Harlequin – A soundtrack companion album.
Jmunney's Blog 