What We're Watching - June 0f '22

Some quick thoughts on what the WHN team watched this week.

Griffin

Time Traveler's Wife | Series | HBO Max

More focused and less melodramatic than the 2009 film — HBO's The Time Traveler's Wife created by Steven Moffat treads some familiar ground while introducing new and more realized elements. Crafted is an endearing yet tempestuous story of two lovers who met in the wrong order.

This series is first and foremost a romance, don't go in expecting a deep science fiction story.

While this show is nothing truly groundbreaking the chemistry between Theo James and Rose Leslie carries the story forward with just enough humor, danger and intrigue to keep you wanting more. The Time Traveler's Wife makes for an enjoyable viewing experience for those looking for something slightly different for their newest romance fix.

And if you're only interested in watching for the naked buff body of Theo James, there is plenty of that on offer.

Calan

100 días con la Tata I Documentary I Netflix

100 días con la Tata is a Netflix documentary created by Spanish actor Miguel Ángel Muñoz Ángel Muñoz about spending the height of the pandemic with Tata, his great-grandmother's sister, who is 95 years old. We follow both Miguel and Tata before the lockdown to explore their relationship, during lockdown, and the creation of their web show, CuarenTata (a spin off of 'Quarantine' and 'Tata').

This documentary discusses a questions many people face when their loved ones get old: How will I keep going when they are gone? What will I do? We see this relationship is a deep one that has lasted both Miguel and Tata a very long time-- but Miguel often wonders, how much time is left? It's quite easy to fall in love with these two and their personalities as we follow their struggles and smiles throughout quarantine during the COVID pandemic.

Overall, I'd probably give the documentary a 6/10, mainly due to how long the piece was. I felt some segments were a bit too long and drawn out (ex. the opening of us meeting the characters and discussing the bond lasted about 25 minutes). I'm sure this piece means a lot to Miguel, specifically, and I think it can help a lot of folks going through the same situation as him get through their own personal situations. I would most strongly recommend this piece to those in the height of their worries of loosing a family member, as art can provide comfort during uncertain times.

Kate

Our Flag Means Death I Series I HBO Max

Our Flag Means Death is a romantic- comedy series created by David Jenkins. Set in the early 18th century, the series follows the misadventures of “gentleman pirate” Stede Bonnet and his crew aboard the Revenge as they try to make a name for themselves as pirates. They eventually cross paths with famous pirate Blackbeard and his right-hand-man Izzy Hands.

I think it’s appropriate during pride month to take a look at stories that show characters finding their own identity and happiness. Boy does this series deliver when it comes to a LGBTQ+ story that is FINALLY not sad!!! There is so much to love about this series honestly. Looking at Stede’s story, I find a lot of what I’m trying to find myself: finding who and what makes me happy in life to enjoy living. Blackbeard (or Ed) is another extremely well thought out character who is going through his own life crisis. He finds Stede as someone who brings something new to his life. I should also mention that the crew members are super funny, and I can’t help but love the rag tag team they all create.

Hands down, I would recommend giving this series a try. It easily is gaining a cult following, and a second season was just announced about a week ago. There is a lot to enjoy with this story!

Jo

Barry I Series I HBO Max

Barry created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader is running out the end of its third season. The incredibly anticipated return of the at times very lost and dangerous Barry Berkman was left with a question mark during the peak of the pandemic. Luckily everyone was still around for its return as one of HBO's best shows.

This is one of my favorite stories because the plot is always surprising. The writers really take us through a jungle gym of dark comedy, surprising plots and anxious moments. One second everything is fine and then the next Barry is blowing up a house, running from people trying to kill him from every angle whilst still trying to make it as a new actor. This show does what so many don't it either makes all of it's plots feel fresh and new or completely changes the game in how to tell a story. It feels like half the scenes would be something that a writer would build up to over ten episodes but Barry will do it in the first one!

I'd recommend this show to anyone I know but I usually leave a warning that it is overtly violent at times and I'm not speaking about exaggerated the show is very accurate in how a fight would go down. This show is a real nail bitter so I'd reccomend waiting till sunday to start because the episode seven cliffhanger is heavy! I would like to note that although their is no abuse on screen the show does depict someone who has been in an abusive relationship moving into another unhealthy relationship, this may be triggering to some people who have been affected by the same in their lives.