Welcome to the Weekend Watch. Where we try to point you towards the best ways to spend your viewing time (or, at least, steer you clear of the garbage).

Movies

Wide Release

Knives Out

Loren: Very excited for this. I’ve heard that if it does well (Currently tracking at 96% on RT) Johnson wants to make more movies with Daniel Craig’s character. A sort of modern day Poirot and I’m so down for that.

RDT: What Rick, Jen and AJ said.

Rick: 100%. I already have tickets to see it.

Jen: What Rick said, I can’t wait to check this one out.

AJ:
Yes, we are in sync here! I look forward to seeing this tonight with RDT, Rick, Jen and many other friends.

---

Queen & Slim

Loren: I’m down. The pedigree behind it is enough for me to at least check it out.

RDT: Fuck man, so many good movies out or coming out. I will definitely keep this up there on the list.

Rick: You had me at “Written by Lena Waithe”.

Jen: I love this take on the Thelma and Louise story. Waithe is an amazing writer so I have no doubt this will be even better than it looks.

AJ: I’ve been half-paying attention to this but now that I see “written by Lena Waithe,” I am all in.

---

Limited Release

White Snake

Loren: I dug the way that looked, so much so that I kinda want a dubbed version so that I can truly appreciate the visuals.

RDT: Not really for me. But I hope those interested enjoy it.

Rick: The story of the White Snake is considered one of China’s four great folktales, so you can imagine that this is not the first time it’s been adapted. This is, however, unique in that this serves as a kind of prequel to the well-known legend. I love the bold look and that it’s obviously influenced by countless wuxia films. It was a huge hit in China, but their animated films haven’t really broken through in the US. This is also aimed at an older audience (there’s suggested nudity and a love scene), so don’t look for it to pull Frozen II numbers at the box office. But maybe some good reviews and awards season love will get it noticed and bring more Chinese animation stateside.

Jen: This title is very misleading, I didn’t see David Coverdale in there at all.

AJ: You know what? I am surprisingly in for that! Didn’t see that coming. Animation looks pretty bad-ass and the story is great. I’m gonna make Rick take me and teach me his ways.

---

Continue reading →

Gobble gobble, everybody! Happy Pop Culture!

• Star Trek 4! Now with less Chris!
• C.Tates to the MAXX!
• I’ll take a Pom Klementieff, shaken not stirred
• Daniel Craig is done, again, as Bond
• Stargirl will be on DCU and The CW
• Runaways will stop running
• Hunters trailer puts Al Pacino on the hunt against Nazis
• Henry Cavill still down with Supes
• John Turturro is Carmine Falcone
• 2oker? Noper?
• JSA will go up against Black Adamn

All that, what we watched and a few tangents.

As always, please check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Don’t forget to rate/review us on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d really appreciate it!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

Welcome to the Weekend Watch. Where we try to point you towards the best ways to spend your viewing time (or, at least, steer you clear of the garbage).

Movies

Wide Release

Frozen 2

Loren: I feel bad for parents because they’ve had to see the original so many times, but having only seen it once (twice?) I don’t hate it. This looks pretty good and I’ll be interested to see how they make the medieval X-Men.

RDT: You know, I don’t hate the original. And I may own the soundtrack. Wait….that might be Wicked. Anyway, I will likely check this out when it hits Netflix Disney+.

Rick: I’m not a huge fan of animated musicals. I find most modern ones kind of meh and a slog, like the songs are shoehorned in there (I’m looking at you, Toy Story 2). But then you have ones like The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, and Frozen where the music feels so organic that telling the stories songless would do them a disservice. I appreciate that this sequel is taking a page from Studio Ghibli and older kids movies and upping the intensity and potential danger. We’ve gone through such a long stretch where animated movies had to be fluffy and bright. Some of that is fine, but kids also need stuff like The Secret of Nimh, Coraline, and Spirited Away to balance things out.

AJ: I saw Frozen in theaters twice. I sang the shit out of that soundtrack in the car for MONTHS, following. I am not a parent and I am not ashamed. So yes, I am totally going to buy a ticket to this movie and I may even go alone, get myself an Icee and ginormous bucket of popcorn and make a “date” out of it. I’m pretty excited.

---

21 Bridges

Loren: I like a solid action flick probably more than most. It takes a lot to get me into the theater nowadays though, so I’ll probably catch this one from my couch down the line.

RDT: I keep saying we need more of these movies. And then they release more of these movies. So, I should go see more of these movies….right? I definitely feel like seeing a movie this weekend. Maybe it’ll be this one!

Rick: I’m into this, but I have a small nit to pick. Shutting down all the bridges? Great. What’s to prevent the guys he’s chasing from taking a PATH train to Jersey? Or a Ferry?

AJ: First Russo Brothers theatrical project post Endgame starring Black Panther? Sold.

---

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Loren: It’s a true testament to Hanks’ acting ability that you completely forget it’s him. This looks excellent, I hope that it actually is.

RDT: That trailer had me when Susan Kelechi Watson said “Please don’t ruin my childhood.” And it looks like it doesn’t. Maybe it’ll be double-feature this weekend, this and 21 Bridges? I do also want to see Ford vs Ferrari. Triple feature????

Rick: I’m not crying. You’re crying!

AJ: Have tissues. Will travel. To this movie. If Hanks doesn’t get yet another Oscar nomination for this, by the way, I will be deeply surprised. Continue reading →

Entertainment News? Pop Culture? A Jedi needs not these things. Luckily you aren’t a Jedi. This week the guys are talking:

• Nic Cage to play Nic Cage in a movie about Nic Cage talking to Nic Cage
• The King’s Man pushed to Sept, 2020
• New Sonic trailer w/new Sonic design
• Brooklyn 99 renewed for Season 8
• More Crisis teasers
• Netflix to produce Beverly Hills Cop 4
• The Witcher picked up for Season 2 ahead of Season 1
• No plans for Veronica Mars Season 5, yet
• Sin City: The Series in development
• Titans renewed for Season 3
• Black Adam confirmed for December, 2021
• Joker is the first R-rated movie to clear $1B, are we getting Joker 2?
• RDJ will voice Tony Stark for What If…? animated series
• Marvel claims 5 more dates through 2023
• We watched The Mandalorian and we spoil the hell out of the first 2 episodes

All that, the Weekly Watched, and of course tangents!

As always, please check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Don’t forget to rate/review us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d really appreciate it!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

After some technical difficulties our annual post has FINALLY arrived. We went off to LA Comic Con once again last year. The con was absolutely the biggest and best we’ve ever seen it. On top of all the great con stuff, there is always fantastic Cosplay. Here’s some of the best we saw.

Let us know what you think about these wonderful Cosplays down in the comments!

From Hollywood,
-Loren

Welcome to the Weekend Watch. Where we try to point you towards the best ways to spend your viewing time (or, at least, steer you clear of the garbage).

Movies

Wide Release

Charlie’s Angels

Loren: Sure why not. Looks like it could be a good time on a Saturday afternoon. A not so serious spy franchise with some talented actors that aren’t too bad to look at. That sounds like something I could be into.

RDT: Looks fun. And I like the idea that The Townsend Agency is now a global organization. I don’t know that I’ll catch it in theaters, but it’ll stay on the radar.

Rick: This looks like fun and it would be nice to have another spy franchise that isn’t Mission: Impossible. Here’s hoping this does well.

Jen: I am 100% in for a fun girl-power movie. I loved the last round of Charlie’s Angels movies so much and I am here for more.

AJ: I was invited to an early press screening of this and I have to confess, I enjoyed it. Some truth: Elizabeth Banks has a lot to learn as a Director, it’s not gonna win any awards, and some of the wigs were laughable, but it’s fun. I say this is a girls’ night out movie, for sure. Pregame with some cocktails and enjoy. Kristen Stewart is sassy as all get out in the film and it works. It’s a shocking delight. I didn’t know she had that in her but then, I also just marathoned some Twilight movies.

---

Ford Vs Ferrari

Loren: I feel like I should be into this more than I am. It looks perfectly acceptable but I don’t know that I care enough.

RDT: I like the trailer. Good cast. Solid director. And we don’t get many movies like this these days. I have a busy weekend, but I’ll try to catch this up on the big screen sooner than later.

Rick: I hate the title. It sounds like something marketing came up with it when they couldn’t figure out how to sell the story. That aside, I am all over this. Shelby’s development of the GT and Ford’s bid to take on Ferrari at Le Mans is a bit legendary in automotive circles. I never thought would get made into a movie (mostly because of Ferrari), but I’m glad it’s getting the star treatment. I’ll absolutely see this in theaters.

Jen: I lived with a Ford guy for years and now I’m married to a Formula 1 guy so I have a lot of car info floating around in my head. I am really excited to see this story on the big screen and with a great cast and what looks like a fun film.

AJ: The critics have embraced this and I’m inclined to see it, yes. I’m not a “car person” or anything but I am totally a Matt Damon and Christian Bale person.

---

The Good Liar

Loren: It seems we’ve found everyone at HPN’s kink. Sexy Old People Thrillers. Who knew. In.

RDT: I’ve seen this trailer a couple times now, and I’m into it. (Or “here for it,” as the kids say.) We’re in “good movie season.” So, it may have to wait. But I’ll keep it on the old radar!

Rick: Sexiest movie of the year or sexiest movie of the year? Take all of my monies, The Good Liar.

Jen: I cannot wait to see this. If you can say no to Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren together, you’re a stronger person than I.

AJ: This movie stars an 80 year old gay man and a 74 year old British Dame and you know what? That trailer was sexy as hell. 1000% turned on and in.

---

Continue reading →

As the guys talk takeout, they also cover all things pop culture.

• 5cream
• Venkman returns….?….!
• Soul trailer
• More like Fresh Gone From the Boat! (Sorry….)
• BH9021-Oh no! We were also cancelled!
• Crisis teaser
• HuluFX
• D’Arcy Carden is in a League of her Own
• Bat-casting
• Joker has made some money….
• To stay up to date, you’ll have to subscribe to Disney+
• Japanese Spidey set for Spider-Verse 2

All that, what we watched and a few tangents.

As always, please check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Don’t forget to rate/review us on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d really appreciate it!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

Welcome to the Weekend Watch. Where we try to point you towards the best ways to spend your viewing time (or, at least, steer you clear of the garbage).

Movies

Wide Release

Doctor Sleep

Loren: I feel like I’m supposed to care about this much more than I do. I know that usually I’m the one that’s into what the characters are up to later in life but I never really thought about it in this context. I’m hearing it’s pretty good though so maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about.

RDT: If you’ve listened to the podcast at all since they announced this, you may have heard me talk about the book upon which this film is based. It’s honestly not terrible (which may be damning it with faint praise). I found the grown-up Danny stuff with the girl to be really well done. I could’ve read another whole book just about them. I don’t want to get into spoilers but…. the villains are…… interesting, but not scary. And King made some……changes to the shining that I fundamentally disagree with. That all being said, I’m watching The Shining Friday night and seeing this Saturday morning.

Rick: Early word is that this is actually good. I know. I’m as surprised as you are, especially considering how divisive reviews of the novel were (confession: I didn’t read it). I’ll probably watch this eventually out of curiosity. I’m more excited to watch Warner Bros. restoration of The Shining, which I’m sure probably happened (at least in part) because of this super late sequel, so I’m grateful for that.

Jen: This looks pretty good, surprisingly. I do love the original The Shining film more than the book. Not sure how much this hews to one or the other or if it doesn’t matter… Either way, I probably won’t see it on the big screen, but I’d be down to catch it on streaming down the road.

AJ: I just heard on a podcast that the most successful movies based on King materials are not in the horror genre (Shawshank and Stand by Me). I found that interesting. And that is all I can contribute to this leg of the conversation because all that Shining stuff scares the b’jeezus outta me. I would, however, totally see DOGTER SLEEP.

---

Midway

Loren: I wonder if anyone else thinks this looks like an even worse Pearl Harbor.

RDT: I’ve never seen Pearl Harbor, so why would I watch a shitty knock-off?

Rick: Apparently this movie is a disaster. Not in the fun, Irwin Allen way, but more the MIchael Bay’s Pearl Harbor variety. I’d say you could go back and watch the 1976 version with Charlton Heston and Henry Fonda, but I don’t know that you’d have a much better time.

Jen: Is this related to Pearl Harbor in some way? I mean it REALLY looks just like it – not in a good way.

AJ:

This is giving me all the Michael-Bay-Pearl-Harbor vibes and that is not a compliment.

---

Playing With Fire

Loren: I know I’m the wrestling aficionado of HPN but this isn’t doing it for me. I prefer Cena on the silver screen to the flatscreen, but this seems below what he is capable of.

RDT: Kindergarten Cop may not have done it first, but it did it best. Sorry, Cena, it’s not that I can’t see you in this movie, it’s that I won’t see you in this movie.

Rick: Dear John Cena. You’re better than this. Also, this looks like it should have been a Disney Channel TV movie, not a theatrical feature. And this release date is unfortunately timed. After all the horrific fires out here I have a hard time getting behind a movie that is more fire fighter buffoonery than heroism. This is probably going to die on the vine.

Jen: AJ makes a very good point that I hadn’t thought of. Maybe this is the inevitable growing pain of a star. But then what’s Keegan Micahel Key’s excuse?

AJ: It’s important to remember that before we got the version of The Rock we know and love, we had to suffer through his horrendous CGI Scorpion King and Tooth Fairy. John Cena gave us gold in Trainwreck so I know he can do better. Continue reading →

Entertainment News? Pop Culture? Weird Personal Stories? You’ve come to the right place:

• Paul Feig to direct Dark Army
• Peacock? More like Free-cock!
• Superman and Lois in development
• Felicity will be back for Arrow series finale
• HBO not moving forward with GoT prequel
• HBO picks up GoT prequel
• Pennyworth renewed for season 2
• Pearson canceled
• The Witcher trailer
• AppleTV+ shows aren’t great
• Hocus-er Pocus-er
• HBO Max details
• Playstation Vue will shut down in January
• Benioff and Weiss have “stepped away” from Star Wars
• Full Mandalorian trailer
• Pedro Pascal is Maxwell Lord in WW84
• Spiderverse sequel official. To be released April 2022
• Ant-Man 3 is happening with Peyton Reed

All that, the Weekly Watched, and of course tangents!

As always, please check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Don’t forget to rate/review us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d really appreciate it!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS

Welcome to the Weekend Watch. Where we try to point you towards the best ways to spend your viewing time (or, at least, steer you clear of the garbage).

Movies

Wide Release

Terminator: Dark Fate

Loren: I’m kinda super in to this. Fingers crossed it’ll be at least better than all the other post T2 movies.

RDT: This is the fourth third Terminator, but only the second third Terminator James Cameron considers the “official” third Terminator. And it’s the first third Terminator that he is directly involved in. So, when you think about it, how could it be bad?

Rick:

I’m super hyped for this. I mean, I’m prepared to be disappointed, but still super hyped.

Jen: RDT said exactly what I was thinking.

AJ: I will 100% see this and no doubt, be 100% let down by it.

---

Harriet

Loren: That trailer probably makes this look a lot more action packed than it really is, but I’m glad the story is getting it’s mainstream cinematic due.

RDT: Am I the only one that thought that was a horrible trailer? It’s a story I’m curious about and want to see cinematically. But this version just seems…… shallow.

Rick: If there’s a story that deserves to be told well, it’s this one. This is already getting an Oscar push from Focus, so my expectations are high. Fingers crossed this is as strong as it looks.

Jen: It’s about time this made it to the screen and I couldn’t love this cast more. I’m looking forward to this with high hopes.

AJ: It looks like the story of Harriet Tubman as told through a Disney’fied lense, right? I don’t know…. I think Ervo’s performance is apt to be stunning but the movie itself looks a little subpar. I want this to be grittier.

---

Motherless Brooklyn

Loren: I know that the Tourettes is the hook to this story but maybe it shouldn’t be. Just make a noir movie with a down on your luck guy as your protagonist instead of marginalizing someone who’s disabled.

RDT: Dax Shepard considers him a friend. He really is a great actor, in my opinion. And he’s the second best cinematic Hulk. Plus, asshole or not, we need more movies like this being made. Plus, I think it looks pretty good. If reviews are decent, I will make an attempt to see it in the theater.

Rick: The source novel is excellent (and one I’ve been meaning to re-read), and an adaptation has potential to be just as good. I’m worried that this is going to go sideways, mostly via performances, but I have hope.

Jen: AJ, I’ll see your feelings about Norton and raise you a Baldwin. They both took me out of this trailer, which seems, otherwise, like a fine neo-noir.

AJ: First of all, let’s all congratulate Bruce Willis for making a movie that I wouldn’t categorize under “boat payment.” Beyond that, there is just something about Norton that comes across as so arrogant and gross and, for me, I find it permeates into his performances. I’m just not that excited for this. Continue reading →