Cobra Kai S5 (Netflix) Please go watch this series. Yes, it can be a little cheesy at times, but that is what makes it so fun! We see the bullies and the bad-assery and then there's the music and all those lessons to learn. Every character has to find their way. Some do, some don't, some need that extra help. I have to give a shout out to Chozen! Remember him from Karate Kid 2? Wow, who would have thought he would be one of the good guys in Cobra Kai and the comic relief in Season 5!! We also get to see some new characters and some familiar faces! Go watch it this weekend! Love this show!
Okay, let me start off by saying I am not usually inclined to watch fantasy TV shows and movies, but OMG! These next three are so good!!!! I did watch all of the LOTR and Hobbit films and Game of Thrones series, but wasn’t aware of Sandman, which had me completely enthralled! I won’t be able to explain the stories as well as the die hard Tolkin, Thrones and Gaiman fans, but what I do know is that all of these are visually stunning, well acted, great storylines, and well worth your time.
Sandman (Netflix) Fantasy drama on comic books written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC comics. The main character is Morpheus aka Dream, perfectly cast with Tom Sturridge, one of the 7 endless. Each sibling takes care of their own realm. Morpheus is the ruler of dreams and nightmares. He is kidnapped for 100 years and finally escapes and tries to restore his realm, which isn’t an easy task. SO GOOD!!
House of the Dragon (HBO) a prequel to Game Of Thrones about an internal succession war within House Targaryen, 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. King Viserys has a brother (Daemon) and a daughter (Rhaenyra), and his wife is about to give birth, to what they hope is a baby boy, but complications arise and the King must make life changing decisions. The drama begins…..so good. 20 Million an episode to produce for the first season. The dragons and CGI are incredible and of course very costly.
LOTR: The Rings of Power (Prime) prequel to LOTR. Second age middle earth, thousands of years before Lord Of The Rings. It is the story leading up to the creation of Sauron's ring. It begins with Galadriel (Morfydd Clark, played by Cate Blanchett in LOTR) as she is driven to find Sauron and rid the evil, but it's been centuries and everyone thinks all is hunky-dory but we all know it’s not! . Elven leaders send her off with the other Elven warriors to Valinor, but she jumps ship! She’s following her gut, but finds more trouble in her pursuit of Sauron. We meet the Harfoots (Hobbit ancestors) and Silvan Elves and it's been a great first few episodes. I'm excited. . The visuals are spectacular and mesmerizing. $715 million (first season budget), 250 million to acquire the rights. I’ve read that it’s the most expensive TV ever made!!!
Nope (In Theaters) Jordan Peele writes and directs this must see movie! Loved the performances by Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun (Yes, Glenn from The Walking Dead), and Bradon Perea. The film is about two siblings who run a California horse ranch and discover a UFO/UAP. I appreciate that it’s a multi-genre film. It's science-fiction horror, with a side of western and comedy (Psst , it's not traditional scary). The movie is unexpected and has underlying themes throughout the film that keep you thinking well after you've left the theater. Jordan Peele is brilliant and his movie making is incredible. I LOVED IT!
Podcast episode: NOPE - Jordan Peele Movies, Ep. 167
On a lighter note, check these out!
Partner Track (Netflix) This legal rom-com series follows Ingrid Yu played by Arden Cho, A young ambitious lawyer trying to make partner at a NY firm, while she deals with love, life and reality. This is a light series.
Making the Cut S3 (Prime) Reality show with Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn!! Great fashion and drama. Fun watch. 10 talented designers from around the globe vie for the 1 million dollar prize to take their brand to the next level.
Enjoy your TV time!!
Cobra Kai (Netflix)