What I'm Into: June 2021
Here’s a look at What I’m Into this month in the world of music, movies & television:
A Quiet Place Part II: It's very likely that this movie will be a "Welcome Back" to the theaters for many people as post-COVID life is approaching a new normal. You couldn't ask for a better one to kick things off! A Quiet Place Part II follows the formula laid out by its predecessor with huge success in continuing the story with the family on the move. The Sauers household is essentially a Noah Jupe fan-club, so this was a must-see, and it's easy to say that he knocks his role out of the park, as usual. Millicent Simmonds is once again phenomenal in her role as his sister as well. Overall just a rollercoaster of nerves and excitement with powerful moments along the way. I will also point out that early on in this film was the most visceral in-theater experience I've ever had. This one is better than the first.
Slobby's World: This is a re-tread for me in something that Em and I decided to put on for casual watching this past week. Returning to the lone season of Slobby's World was just as endearing and fun of a watch as it was the first time. The show centers around Robert Hall (AKA Slobby Robby) and his store, Generation Cool, and the 80s and 90s collectibles that he comes across in his day-to-day. I'm not entirely convinced this show wasn't conceived solely as marketing for the store, but it doesn't change the fact that there's something innately cool about it and about the items they come across. If you're looking for a quick binge and something that's low-intensity/commitment, this is an easy choice. And if you happen to be a sneakerhead or 90s kid, there's even more about this show that you'll enjoy.
Bo Burnham: Inside: What a gut-punch this one was. Bo Burnham's latest special is a one-man show and a tremendous one at that. For those of you uninitiated, Bo started his comedy career making YouTube videos and this self-shot special harkens back to that in such a fitting way. Heads up, there is a reason I specifically avoided calling this a COMEDY special. Make no mistake, there are some very funny moments in this special but there's an overwhelming sense of self-awareness, reflection, and contemplation coming from Burnham in this one. It resonated immensely with me and I think anyone around their late 20s/early 30s will find things that they connect with. "A Little Bit of Everything All of the Time" really really struck a chord with me. I hope streaming platforms and content producers welcome more experimental content like this -- "Inside" is absolutely worth your time if you're a Netflix subscriber.
Almost Famous: I remember I saw Almost Famous for the first time right after graduating High School. I've always liked Cameron Crowe films (I have a particularly soft spot for Elizabethtown) but I didn't really click with this one the first time I saw it. Going back to it now was a completely different experience. I think this really hinged on how I viewed Kate Hudson with each viewing. When I saw it for the first time, it was impossible for me to disconnect Kate Hudson from the character, Penny Lane. I think, in my mind, that aged the character a bit and took me out of the fact that her and William (William Fugit)'s character are peers in a sense. Upon re-watch, I was able to fully connect with both her character and William's in a stronger way and they really do carry the film. The supporting cast is legendary, but those two really shine. As they say, this time it just hit different and this one has officially jumped into one the company of my all-time favorites.
Playlist of the Post:
Track Listing:
good 4 u - Olivia Rodrigo
*Equip Sunglasses* - Hot Mulligan
All My Favorite Songs - Weezer (feat. AJR)
South - Hippo Campus
The Bones - Maren Morris (feat. Hozier)
Wildflowers (Home Recording) - Tom Petty
I Like to Be With Me When I'm With You - Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
Teenage Dirtbag (Acoustic) - Ruston Kelly
Annie - Young In The City
Your Graduation - Modern Baseball