What have I been doing this week? I’m glad you asked! Here’s what’s been on my watchlist this week:
*Note: My reviews usually contain spoilers. You have been warned. Proceed at your own risk.*
Movies
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of the original film when I watched it about a decade ago for the first time, finding it overly dramatic with little plot. On a second viewing, I did like it better, but still didn’t understand the reason for the melodrama. When a sequel was announced, I expected more of the same, so I was quite surprised to see the generally positive reception to the film. Of course, I had to watch it for myself.
I was incredibly surprised that I enjoyed the film. It had so many things going for it, from nostalgia to great chemistry, to having an actual plot to it. While I wasn’t a huge fan of the need for violence and subterfuge in the film (something I didn’t like about its over-patriotic prequel either), the film definitely built the tension in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat. Add to that the charisma that Tom Cruise exudes, and figuring out the dynamics of the young class of Top Gun recruits, and the film had plenty to draw me in.
Was it a cinematic masterpiece? Absolutely not. But that didn’t stop it from being fun.
TV
James Acaster: Repertoire (2018)
I didn’t realize it was possible for a stand-up show to tell a hilarious, heartfelt and insightful narrative, but James Acaster manages to do just that in his 4-part comedy show, Repertoire. Told out of chronological order, it deals with a fictional James Acaster’s difficulties navigating jury duty, leading a life of crime, being in the Witness Protection Program, and infiltrating a gang of drug dealers as an undercover cop. All of this is, of course, a façade to talk about the very real Acaster’s life, using the veneer that his persona allows him.
I’ll admit, this isn’t the first – or even the second or third – time I’ve watched this series but his style of writing and the way he weaves the story together is absolutely brilliant. Acaster has an awkwardness to him that juxtaposes his confidence on stage (whether real or put-on is up to the viewers to decide), and he thrives in that dichotomy.
Most other comedians do a form of observational humor to draw the audience in, talking about mundane everyday things but in a new light to bring out the humor in it. Acaster on the other hand purposely chooses obscure topics to talk about in this style, things like oven gloves and posing for pictures in front of famous landmarks, but are still somehow completely relatable.
However, it isn’t done just for the purpose of being edgy. He uses metaphor after metaphor, and with one turn of phrase or gesture or well-placed pause, manages to not only make the audience laugh, but also look inwards and contemplate the grander meaning of life.
Colourful Granny 