Wrap Up: What I Was Watching In May 2020
Sometimes, when I look back on what all I’ve watched in a month, it’s almost overwhelming. I think I tracked forty movies and ten seasons of television. And that’s not including the fact that I’ve almost finished all of Mad Men in the last week and a half. I’ll admit, I’m a bit burnt out. I yearn for when I could just see 1-3 new movies a week and consider myself up to date on media. Now, there’s streaming only - but there’s so much to stream.
So, despite all my deep dives (Prime and Netflix originals) this month, I did manage to sneak in a couple of random movies just for fun. And some not for fun, but more just to learn.
SPF-18
Netflix
Somehow, there was a teen romantic comedy on Netflix starring Noah Centineo that I hadn’t seen so naturally, I had to rectify this immediately. Thankfully, it wasn’t the worst of his movies, but it definitely wasn’t the best. When it ended, I basically just cocked my head and stared at the screen, confuse at how such a star studded movie I’d never heard of had this poor of a plot
The Verdict: 2/5
Tea with the Dames
Hulu
I never thought I would get as much joy as I did from watching four amazing Dames of acting just chat and laugh about the past, relationships and the acting business in general. But honestly, it was so refreshing and distracting and classy, and every other positive adjective I could think of. It’s a perfect way to spend a bit of time - and maybe throw in a bit of tea for yourself while' you’re at it.
The Verdict: 4/5
Leap Year
Hulu
The combination of this leaving Hulu and this being a leap year meant I needed to finally check this one out, and I was not thrilled. Even for a romantic comedy, they wanted me to take some serious leaps in how these relationships were going to play out. It was baffling, I didn’t really root for anyone in this movie and I am really glad to have this one crossed off the list.
The Verdict: 2/5
Then Came You
Netflix
Thankfully, for as much as I disliked Leap Year, I enjoyed Then Came You immensely. Maisie Williams turns the idea of a manic pixie dream girl on its head, and the overall movie is extremely smart and well written. Despite having an idea of how it will end within the first ten minutes, the journey of getting to the conclusion is so well done and unexpected. Easily one of the nicest surprises I’ve had with movies this month.
The Verdict: 4/5
Untouchable
Hulu
Maybe watching a documentary about the awful Harvey Weinstein/Me Too movement while the world is going up in flames wasn’t the best move, but knowing that he gets his in the end to an extent makes it more bearable. It was really interesting to hear from the victims and those who knew him, and it was good for them to have a voice. But, as you’d expect, it was a really, really hard story to listen to.
The Verdict: 4/5
Ingrid Goes West
Hulu
If you liked the show You, especially the second season, this movie is perfect for you. There’s almost a tiny element of thriller to this mostly darkly comedic drama, and it’s an insane ride from beginning to end and I truly couldn’t have predicted how it was going to go even if I tried. Aubrey Plaza is fantastic in this, and it does seem she has found her niche in the world of movie characters.
The Verdict: 3.5/5
Half Magic
Hulu
I don’t know if I could possibly explain this movie in four lines. I was excited to see Angela Kinsey and Stephanie Beatriz do things other than the sitcoms they’re known for, but wow, was this movie bad. And confusing. There’s maybe some magic? There’s definitely some spirituality aspect to it? I think? And somehow it has to do with making men do what they want? Or not. See, I got nothing.
The Verdict: 1.5/5
Drinking Buddies
Hulu
I was warned before watching this that the entirety of this movie was ad-libbed. There was no real script, just plot points they wanted to hit. I was nervous about how that would work, but was pleasantly surprised. There was more “ums” and whatnot than I’ve ever heard in a movie, but it was so natural and it was really fun to just watch conversations play out - and the fact that they are improv was very impressive.
The Verdict: 3/5
I’m considering taking a step back in movie watching in June to take a breather, but I may sneak in one or two more deep dives. I’m leaning towards Showtime and Starz as my last two - especially if the rumors are true and we can be back in theaters in July!