Monday Musings: Disappointing 'Brats', The Tony Awards, Gene Wilder Doc, 'House of the Dragon', Anthony Bourdain's Animated Series
Just another a'musing Monday...
Hello Monday!
Coming off the streaming weekend like a lukewarm bath. There were so many things to stream this weekend and of the few things I decided to dive into, the waters were a little murky.
Remembering Gene Wilder (Netflix)
One of my favorite films of all time, entering my personal 100 club (I seriously have seen this film 100 times!) is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Netflix recently added this 2023 documentary about Gene Wilder’s life so fans could get a more in depth look at the life of the man who played the iconic chocolate man.
It was a sweet documentary with glowing interviews from legendary actors and directors who collaborated with Wilder like Blazing Saddles’ director Mel Brooks and Mel Stuart, Willy Wonka’s director. The film was PBS special-like, so it was light, but informative. Wilder essentially had no drama or scandals in his life. He was an actor/writer/director who lived a creative life surrounded by passionate people. It was a lovely documentary I would recommend if you are interested in knowing more about Gene Wilder.
House of the Dragon: Season 2, Episode 1 (Max)
Anything in the universe of Game of Thrones is going to be awarded a big premiere weekend. If you are living in or visiting New York City the past couple of weeks, you may have noticed the insane amount of marketing for the new season of House of the Dragon.
Huge banners gracing the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, and a 270 foot giant inflatable dragon clutching the Empire State Building asking viewers to take sides — are you #TeamGreen or #TeamBlack. The big build up should have paid off with a big premiere episode, but although there were some pivotal moments here and there, the episode was a little “meh”. I say this being a loyal Game of Thrones viewer, still boasting it is one of my favorite series of all time, but House of the Dragon just doesn’t have the same grit as GOT does. If the “grit” is one of the throw-away characters kicking a dog than oof. The showrunner during the post episode interview mentioned that Game of Thrones worked because of its humor and that’s true, it did, but House of the Dragon just doesn’t have the brutish charm of GOT.
But I’m still on board to watch the second season play out and I am #TeamBlack Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. 🖤
The Tony Awards (Paramount+)
I love watching The Tony Awards each year because it’s like getting a front row seat to all the popular Broadway shows while staying comfy in your PJ’s with a glass of wine.
Some of the highlights for me were the inspiring speeches from winners Sarah Paulson (Appropriate), Jonathan Goff (Merrily We Roll Along), Kara Young (Purlie Victorious), and Kecia Lewis-Evans (Hell’s Kitchen).
I loved the musical performances of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Hell’s Kitchen (omg, those voices!), and The Outsiders. Best Musical went to The Outsiders and Best Play was awarded to Stereophonic. The tribute to Chita Rivera was beautiful and host Ariana DeBose did a fab job.
Brats (Hulu)
Saved my most scorned review for last. I was super excited to watch this documentary because the films of the Brat Pack were my Roman Empire. I must’ve dragged my grandma to the theater to see every single one of these films — Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles twice! But…jeez, how do I put this politely…hmmm…this documentary was not for the fans, but basically a one and a half hour therapy session for Andrew McCarthy. McCarthy, who produced and directed the documentary went on a journey to visit the members of the Brat Pack and ask them basically only one question — did the New York Magazine article that labeled us “The Brat Pack” ruin your life"? There was so much I wanted to know about the lives of the members of the Brat Pack during this era that was just washed over.
I think the interview with Demi Moore was the most interesting with her perspective on the times . The issue of the “New York Magazine” article that crowned the twenty-somethings “The Brat Pack” could have been addressed in about 5-10 minutes, not an entire documentary film. It became redundant and self-indulgent real quick. When Andrew McCarthy mentions that his wife said that doing this documentary will be good for him, that it will help with humility, I was thinking, so basically he has a problem with ego, and I could totally tell by the rambling privilege he displayed in this film. Will somebody please make a real documentary about “The Brat Pack” and their films?
Breaking TV News
Anthony Bourdain’s Graphic Novel ‘Get Jiro’ Gets Adult Animated Series
Did you know Anthony Bourdain created a graphic novel about the not-too-distant future L.A. where master chefs rule the city and people will murder each other to get the best reservation in town? Now Adult Swim, Warner Bros. animated channel will adapt Bourdain’s graphic novel “Get Jiro” as a 30-minute animated series.
Stephen Kings’ The Institute Coming To MGM+
It’s impossible for streaming platforms to NOT adapt a Stephen King novel. Now MGM+ is the most recent up to the plate with the adaptation of The Institute. Mary-Louise Parker and Ben Barnes (Game of Thrones hottie) will lead the series about a 12-year old genius who is kidnapped and awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way and possess unusual abilities. Barnes will play a an ex-cop coming to town to start a new life and Parker will play the charming director of The Institute. Jack Bender will direct and produce the series who had a hand in adapting Mr. Mercedes, another one of King’s works.
Monday’s Wine - Devil’s Corner, Tasmania
I’m not a big Chardonnay drinker, but when I find one with a good balance and acidity, I will happily hop on the train (as long as that train doesn’t serve butter!) Devil’s Corner has a bright, pale straw hue with green highlights. The nose treats your senses with melon and ripe nectarine aromas. Your palate will dance with fresh and youthful zings of lemon and grapefruit, balanced with a subtle creaminess from the neutral oak. The wine finishes bright with zest vigor. 92 point Wine Spectator. $18.99.