Weekly Round Up #2

What a week it's been here in Los Angeles. There aren't words to describe the scale of the devastation for so many in this beautiful city. I am grateful that my loved ones are safe and that Angelenos are coming together to help those in need.

I'm including some links to relief efforts below:

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund

Pasadena Humane Society Emergency Wildfire Relief

World Central Kitchen

Naturally, I watched the news more than anything else this week. However, I do have a couple shows/movies/books to mention.

Movies

• Lee (2023)

  I watched this one during my flight from Florida back to LA. Kate Winslet was stunning as always, she really pulls you in to the world of the characters she plays. I thought the story of Lee Miller was fascinating, although I think the movie's script could have benefitted from a stronger structure. Three and a half stars.

  
  

• Saturday Night (2024)

  Another one from the plane. The tension was high. The score was exceptional. The energy was chaotic. However, we all inherently knew what was going to happen and we spent so little time with each character that I felt there was little keeping me emotionally invested. Three stars.

  
  

• Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar (2021)

  If you need a ridiculous movie to distract you from the outside world look no further. This film was absolutely absurd in every way but I loved it. Three stars.

  
  

• My Old Ass (2024)

  I liked this one so much. A very heartfelt coming of age story which illustrates so well the fleeting nature of youth, and time in general. A silly premise but so honest in its delivery. An incredible performance by Maisy Stella. Can't wait to see what she and Megan Park do next. And that dance number... I don't have words. Four stars.

TV

• Black Sails

  Finished season three this week and I'm pissed. I won't say anything for sake of spoilers, but a character I loved died and I'm so mad about it. I can understand why it was done and the way in which it was done in terms of story but I still didn't like it. In spite of that, this show is always so deftly-executed and I'm curious to see where the final season takes us.

  
  

• Veep

  My roommate and I started this show together. I struggle to maintain focus with sitcoms and generally don't watch them, but this is such a fun show to watch with a friend. And considering the first season is from 2012 I think it's aged incredibly well. The jokes still hit, which probably doesn't bode well for our current government.

• Southern Charm

  What can I say? It's a classic Bravo show and I love watching 40 year old men act like idiots.

Books

• Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

  Rooney writes like no other. I'm only a couple chapters in but already highlighting multiple lines and so invested in what happens to the characters. Rooney's diction just makes the world feel so real. And she captures the way in which the brain jumps from thought to unrelated thought so perfectly.