#14: Jon Hamm’s Stunner, John Boyega’s Thriller, and Then Some
here's what you should watch this weekend.
It's Fall already and what this season reminds me of was this time last year when I decided to start this substack. Since then, I've been on and off but it has mostly been interesting for me. Sitting down to write about movies and TV shows, some that I love, some that I don't, it's been quite a ride.
I was looking at my list of the three hundred and something movies I've watched this year so far and I gotta admit I've seen some gems (mostly old stuff, to be honest.) Yet, each time I decide on a new movie to see, I always go in with the feeling that this just might be one of the best I'd see this year. The bar is not very low, so most of the ones I do see don't live up to that expectation. But there's something about not knowing if this is going to finally be the movie from the 21st century that'll crack my all-time top five.
Usually, I watch the movie, and then I read the reviews to get an idea of what the hell I just watched. (Most times, I don't need to.) But that's because I've got a lot of time on my hands and besides writing a novel and working out tirelessly, the only thing I do consistently these days is watching new stuff.
I'd say 2022 is shaping up to be another bleak year, movie-wise. Not too many blockbusters, not so many classic potentials either, and a lot of nonsense. That's not to say there are not a few things worth watching, worth spending—or rather wasting—your time on. Especially on the first weekend of the Fall season.
Here are some absolute must-see's for you, including three stunning new movies, two promising TV shows, and one contemporary classic. Enjoy!
Confess, Fletch (2022)
dir. Greg Mottola
99 min.
One of the few movies that have been made in this era that have been better than the old movies they're based on, ‘Confess Fletch’ is an absolute funfest, and not just because Jon Hamm’s debonair reminds me of something from a Cary Grant character.
The older Fletch movies (from 1985 & 1989) had a lot of problems, especially with how Chevy Chase didn't always feel like the best man for the titular Fletch character. I think Jon Hamm kinda fixed that.
The only problem with ‘Confess, Fletch’, also based on the bestselling Gregory Macdonald books, is that it is a 2022 movie. This is what comedies look like today and we've just gotta accept that.
If you want a cool relaxing leisure watch, this is it, and hey, it had its funny moments. Who can ask for more?
Breaking (2022)
dir. Abi Damaris Corbin
103 min.
There's been a lot of chatter about this one, mostly because of John Boyega and his performance. As the main man in this thriller, Boyega took the Brian-Brown Easley character personally, and that's about the most memorable part of the movie.
It's hard not to see how this doesn't compare to other thrillers like it in terms of quality. Say 2008's ‘Inside Man,’ for instance. I think I've even seen a review calling it a modern-day ‘Dog Day Afternoon.’ That's a reach honestly.
‘Breaking’ has a couple of problems. The thrill is low and it feels like nothing is happening most of the time. The story is quite straightforward and maybe because it is a true story, there was no chance for it to ever have any twists.
Still, I guarantee you won't finish this movie and feel like you've just wasted two hours, no. It's much better than a waste of time.
Do Revenge (2022)
dir. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
118 min.
There is no point in saying ‘Do Revenge’ is a modern-day anything, even though the tropes are more than familiar. I mean, who doesn't know all about girls in high schools?
The movie is about a popular girl who wants revenge on her boyfriend for publishing her sex tape, another girl who is haunted by a rumor, and their eventual team-up. If that doesn't already sound boring to you, then you should totally coop up in bed with it.
‘Do Revenge’ is out now and available on Netflix.
Vampire Academy
Peacock
Seasons: 1
It took a lot of compromise on my part to start watching this series because even at my age, I kinda have the feeling I have watched enough Vampire stuff for a lifetime. But once I started watching, I found the show intriguing and for more than one reason.
It's your usual Vampire story, obviously. Sexy girls, good versus evil, guys with incredible abs, and gothic aesthetics. Come for the hype, stay for the story.
Season 1 of ‘Vampire Academy’ is currently airing on Peacock.
Home Economics
ABC
Seasons: 1-3
Sometimes, I get to thinking there's been a huge decline in TV comedies and then I stumble on some shows and I change my mind. Like that one time I stumbled on ‘The Neighborhood’ and ‘Abbott Elementary’.
Last week, I stumbled on ‘Homecoming’ and I was quite impressed. It's modern, it's well-written, and it's fucking lit! I'm definitely binge-watching the rest of it before the end of next week.
Season 3 of ‘Home Economics’ is currently airing weekly on ABC.
You've Got Mail (1998)
dir. Nora Ephron
119 min.
This is a contemporary classic about the advent of emailing and its impact on dating. If you’ve ever wondered how people before Facebook and Instagram met people online, here's your chance.
‘You've Got Mail’ is a loose remake of ‘The Shop Around the Corner’, a 1940 film starring Jimmy Stewart (yes, I've seen that too and it is a beauty.) Very enjoyable. More so if you like Tom Hanks or Meg Ryan.
That's it for this week, I think. Happy Fall!