I have a lot of opportunity to see new movies and check out television series this fall.
A Star is Born - is really good. I used to love VH-1's "Behind the Music" so a lot of story beats in this movie come from the typical rock star origin story. The music is really catchy and it is shot in a style where you feel like you are sitting in the room with these characters. I can't believe this was directed and co-written by the same guy who was Sydney Bristow's sidekick! It's worth full ticket price.
Happy Together - I adore Damon Wayans Jr ever since "Happy Endings" so I might be biased. He is great in this. He has chemistry with everyone and I laugh myself silly.
Manifest - this has a good underlying mystery but I"m worried the writers have no plan and will pull a "Lost" on the viewers. The characters are pretty bland so far so I call the main siblings Charming and Eyebrows. Actually Eyebrows has become a bit stupid annoying lately so I might learn her name. As long as answers are dribbled throughout the series, I'm in. Also, drama for drama's sake is not storytelling, it's annoying.
The Conners - I'm glad the cast doesn't have to pay for Roseanne's idiocy. The premiere was pretty dark but it makes sense from the story they have been telling. John Goodman, Sarah Gilbert, and Laurie Metcalf were really good! I'm in.
The Kids Are Alright - I think I'm just watching for nostalgia. I got stupid excited over a spoon display the family had in their kitchen because my grandparents had the same one.
Single Parents - I love Brad Garrett and Taran Killam. The writing is really sharp. This clocks multiple laughs per episode for me. Seriously, Brad Garrett as a dad is like having a live-in cartoon parent!
A Million Little Things - triggery as fuck. Avoid this show if you struggle with depression or ever attempted suicide. It takes place in Boston. The characters aren't even vaguely likable and the suicide is just an impetus for bullshit intergroup drama. A big NO on this one.
Murphy Brown - I used to hate this show as a teen but now I'm 41 and I love it! I like that Candice looks like a normal person. They did a great job casting Murphy's son - there is an ease and affection there that works well. I laugh a lot and cheer watching this show.
Catching Up
Grey's Anatomy - I stopped watching around season 10. Since the show is in syndication and streaming on Netflix, I have caught up. I liked Amelia on "Private Practice" but Grey's Amelia is annoying as hell. Maggie seemed interesting in the beginning but turned into a stammering weirdo. It's not amazing TV but I basically watch to see what new pain these characters are put through. This is a masochist watch. Side-note, on a message board someone said the way Owen kisses women looks like he is trying to devour them. Cannot. Stop. Laughing. Every kiss scene is now ruined.
Mom - OMG Allison Janney is a national treasure. I like the dark humor and dealing with broken families. I like to think this is Chuck Lorre's penance for "Two and a Half Men".
