MOVIES/TELEVISION & MISC MEDIA
IN THE HEIGHTS
Despite some interface bugs and a relatively recent rollout, HBOMax has quickly become a staple streaming service. Compelling originals and the platform release/theatrical deal with Warner Bros/ means HBO can host big titles.
One of those exclusives includes Lin Manuel Miranda's movie-musical In the Heights, which premiered on June 11th after a year delay.
I'll start off by saying that I'm incredibly biased when it comes to musicals. I'm a fan of anything with a feel-good story and some killer vocals, and In the Heights was no exception.
I knew the film was adapted from Miranda's 2008 stage version, but stayed away from watching bootlegs and clips following the film's announcement. I wanted to go into it with new eyes and no expectations. I did the same thing for Prom (Netflix) last December.
I was a fan of Hamilton, and I had a lot of fun spotting & hearing various easter eggs planted throughout the film. While Hamilton and In the Heights boast different music styles, it's easy to recognize the influence Miranda's first hit had on the Broadway behemoth.
There are a lot of fun songs in this film. My two unexpected favorites were 96,000 and Carnaval Del Barrio. There's a certain magic produced when an ensemble joins in that never fails to give me chills.
I can't speak about how it compares to the stage version, but I think it's grounded premise and high-energy songs make it a great watch. I'll probably view it a few more times before it's released from HBOMax next month.
CRITICAL ROLE: EXANDRIA UNLIMITED
Fresh off the heels of their second campaign, the undisputed juggernaut of Dungeons and Dragons media announced a new summer series featuring a new cast of voice actors. OG's Ashley Johnson and Liam O'Brien join Aimee Carrero (She Ra: Princesses of Power), Robbie Daymond (Spiderman), and former Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer for a limited campaign exploring Mercer's homebrewed world of Exandria. Critical Role's first two campaigns take place in the same universe.
Exandria Unlimited is set five years after the events of their second campaign and is led by D&D veteran Aabria Iyengar. I found Critical Role during quarantine last summer. I caught up to live episodes by October, and followed it to the end a few weeks ago on its 141st episode. While was sad to lose the cast of characters, I'm happy to see that the company is expanding its programming.
This is the first time the world of Exandria is being piloted by someone other than Matt, and I think Aabria steps into the role of GM wonderfully. Her play style is different but totally engaging. I'm looking forward to the adventures- planned and unplanned- to come over the next few weeks. I hope new crews and ringmasters are here to stay.
MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM
This surprises exactly no one, but I'm very excited about the return of this witchy series. The world-building, plot, fantasy, representation, and entirely female main cast checks nearly every box on my list. Seriously. If I had the talent and imagination for it, this would be the series I'd create. Motherland's second season premiered on June 22 and tied up the few loose ends left after last years finale. Tensions are high as three factions- the witch army, insurgents, and witch hunters- sit on the cusp of war. Throw in civilian tensions and questionable military tactics, and you've got a world of high stakes and intrigue with stories grounded in our reality- even with all its fantastical elements. It truly is unlike anything else on television right now. The first season is available on Hulu, and episodes of the second one are available on the platform a day after they air. If you wind up liking it and are all caught up, you can check out my recaps and reviews for each episode.
Want to know what's coming for the rest of season of season two? Creators and cast covered them at a virtual panel for San Diego Comic Con last summer.
MUSIC
SOUR - OLIVIA RODRIGO
I think this is pretty much a given if you're a fan of pop and either living through or close enough to remember your teenage years. Olivia has quickly risen to the top of the genre with the debut album, and it's no surprise why.
You can hear influences from some of the industry's biggest women; Taylor Swift, Lorde, Paramore, Ariana, & Billie Eilish to name a few. Olivia puts new, gut-wrenching spins on familiar chord progressions. (With an occasional banger nestled between.) If this is how she's starting, I have a feeling that Olivia's stardom will be swift and everlasting. Favorite Tracks:
brutal
good 4 u
jealousy, jealousy
EVERMORE - TAYLOR SWIFT
I know this has been out for a while. It still a daily listen for me.
I've always respected and admired Taylor Swift, but was never a die-hard fan of her discography. Of course, there are just some staple Swift songs that you know by heart.
Love Story. Shake It Off. I Knew You Were Trouble. You Belong With Me.
Despite her impressive era count, I never fully connected with an album of hers. I love pop, but I also tend to favor the softer sides of it; piano ballads and and acoustic love songs. So, I was surprised when I didn't fall completely in love with folklore.
It hit all those marks, but I just couldn't into it. And then evermore came out a few months later. It's seriously one of maybe two or three albums I can listen to in entirety. I don't know if it's because most songs are very sapphic, or if I just liked the story a bit more, but either way. I listen to 3-4 songs off of it every day, and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.
If you haven't given it a chance already, consider this your sign. Favorite Tracks:
willow
gold rush
ivy
I'm always looking for new TV/Film/Music recommendations! Have you been obsessed with anything recently? Feel free to drop some suggestions below!
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