Inspired by the genius comic, Stewart Lee, I’ve decided to keep a record of all of my TV, film and cinema viewing throughout 2022. Plus, I will write a micro review for each one and list where I watched it.
If you’re like me you’re always on the hunt for a quality watch in and amongst some very average fayre. So, these recs and ratings might be useful to you. Here goes for October
by Darren Caveney
TV
Gangs of London, season 1 (Now TV)
Like a TV version of Lock Stock but stripped of the laughs. Ironically it’s quite ‘Hollywood’. Extremely violent and I can’t agree with its 8.2 IMdB rating but it is watchable 6.5/10
Succession season 03 (Now TV)
Joyous. Love the show full stop 8.5/10
Film
A Quiet Place 1 and 2 (Amazon Prime and Now TV)
My son wanted to try watching some scary movies for Halloween so we began with these. Jumpy creature flicks rather than scary or slasher movie territory. They are really well made and I did explain to him that we have set a decent bar here and that there are a lot of duff horror films around. 7/10 and 7.5/10 respectively.
Once upon a time in Hollywood (Amazon)
The second time I’ve tried this and despite it looking amazing, having the usual fabulous Tarantino soundtrack and a stellar cast I just don’t get on with it. My least favourite of his films 7/10
Men (Amazon Prime)
A cracker. What you’d call a folk horror. Some genuinely freaky moments and Jessie Buckley and Rory Kinnear are really excellent. Recommended watch 8/10
On the Rocks (Apple TV)
More than a hint of Lost in Translation in this subtly clever Sophia Copolla flick. The always watchable Bill Murray steals the show but it doesn’t end up how you likely first thought 7.5/10
Life (Amazon Prime)
Every film in the sci-fi horror genre feels to me a bit like - and gives a nod to - Alien. Nothing wrong with that because Alien was so pivotal and influential – it just lead where others follow. Life is a very good example and with a nice, if a little predictable, plot twist ending 7/10
Theatre - Comedy
Stewart Lee – Basic Lee - at Leicester Square Theatre
When you watch Stewart Lee live you can’t help but feel like you seeing someone very, very special. So skilled in his craft that you’re witnessing a comedy great and someone who will go down as one of the best ever to ply his trade.
I love that he plays these smaller theatres. And the ticket prices are accessible and not being flogged at £150 a pop on Ticketmaster or the like. He talks about wanting to recreate that old night club vibe. This show was very much more topical that his previous Snowflake / Tornado tours or Content Providers – Truss, The Anti Growth Coalition and the Queen were all discussed. And the show takes you through the four basic steps of stand-up. A masterclass all round 9/10
Darren Caveney is creator and owner of comms2point0 and creative communicators ltd
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