13 Movies, 2 TV shows, and a Book

I read exactly one book in August, which brings my summer break reading total to five. So, there you go.

What I did do, apparently, was spend my time watching TV (I’m all caught up on Netflix with Schitt’s Creek and Kim’s Convenience; I also caught up on the last six or so episodes of Jane the Virgin–I’ll miss the show, but I’m glad it ended when it did, on the showrunner’s terms) and I have seen a ton of movies.

But first, the book:

Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles by A.L. Herbert

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book. Obviously, I liked the premise and the fact that it’s set in PG County, but the characters were aggressively stupid about some very basic things, there were a lot of loose ends that weren’t tied up or were handwaved in a way I didn’t like, and the setting wasn’t utilized nearly as much as I wanted it to be. I also had a hard time figuring out exactly when in time the story is set (2015 when published or earlier?) and exactly how old Wavonne is supposed to be.

I also really hated that Halia talked like a detective a lot of the time. Why would she ask someone their “whereabouts”? So little things like that bugged.

But I did finish the whole thing, so there’s also that.

View all my reviews

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My non-spoilery Schitt’s Creek and Kim’s Convenience thoughts

Favorites on Schitt’s Creek:

1. Moira

2. David’s facial expressions

3. Bob’s little jog when he approaches somebody to talk

4. Alexis’s little bunny/fox hands

5. Jocelyn’s thinly veiled disdain for Moira

6. Also, Ronnie. But you knew that.

Favorites on Kim’s Convenience:

1. Umma

2. Kimchee
3. Shannon’s work clothes (I want them alllllll)
4. Enrique

5. Janet’s weak, spaghetti arms

Both shows are a joy and a delight! And about family! So you should watch them if you’e in need of something fun.

All gifs from giphy!

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Right, so, brief thoughts about the movies I’ve seen this summer:

Wonder Woman — Yes, I know super late to the party here. I really liked it. WW is the best.

Amazing Grace — Whew, Aretha Franklin’s voice is so pure and wonderful here. I was slightly disappointed that there wasn’t more behind the scenes stuff since I was expecting more documentary than straight concert film, but other than that, it was a delight.

Isn’t It Romantic? —  I liked the premise, but I think I would’ve liked this more if a more charming actress were the lead.

Yesterday — I thought this was cute, but I actually kind of hated the ending and didn’t really buy the love story. Everything except that, though.

Spider-Man: Far From Home — Fun! And Jake Gyllenhaal, WHEW CHILD. He has grown up nicely. Really, really nicely.

Hobbs & Shaw — Also fun. Lots of car chases and fist fights, so you know, the usual.

Toy Story 4 — Enjoyable, but I’m telling you all of this could have been avoided if Woody had just gone to college with Andy like God intended.

Another Happy Day — I liked the premise, but this was pretty bleak.

The King’s Speech — I liked it fine, but it was a little slow for me. I think it would be useful in the classroom, especially for teaching kids not to give up on themselves.

Murder Mystery (Netflix) — This was cute.

Mum’s List — This is a super sweet movie, but you know, cancer, so.

Rocketman — This casting, though. SO GOOD. I really liked this a lot. It’s a stealth musical, which is fine because I was expecting a lot of music and singing. This was also a really interesting look at the path to sobriety, so I appreciated that as well.

Blinded By the Light — This may have given me the eye sweats even though it, too, is a stealth musical. But you know, the power of music and writing and an English teacher = A++++. Also, DAYTIMERS! Brilliant! Kids are so smart, I swear. They will find a way.