Shower Beer Vol VI: Stuff We’re Watching

Hey there fellow movie and television fans. If you've ever listened to our podcast you know that the second segment of our show is called our "protein shake" where each bro discusses things that are "in our cup", or what have we watched lately. Well recently I've been watching too much shit to bring up on just the podcast, so with the help of our creative team (Nate Thurmond) we decided to blog about a few of the things we've seen recently that we wanted to discuss that we might have left out. We're naming it after the greatest pre-gaming invention of the 21st century, the shower beer!

Here are the things I've seen lately as well as the link to their IMDB page if you want a little bit more info to see if it's something down your alley. In addition, I write Letterboxd reviews for all the movies I see without any spoilers, but I might go into a bit more detail in this blog than I do over there.

1) The Banshees of Inisherin - (HBO Max... but I think now it's on Hulu) I love Colin Farrell. I fucking hate Barry Keoghan. Let's split the difference here. This movie was actually pretty captivating considering it's a slow burn and basically all dialogue driven. Brendan Gleeson's character does some absolutely ridiculous things that kind of lose me, but it's the type of film I think we need every few years as a nice pallet cleanser from some of the dumber stuff we (I) watch. You'll know in the first ten minutes if this is for you.

2) Plane - (Theaters) I think you'll see a recurring trend of me basically eating up all these low rent, fun ass movies that have come out so far this year. Plane fits that description perfectly. You had me at the title, and then you add Mike Coulter and I'm there. Honestly I wish it were stupider. I also wish there were more kills. This movie was too well made. Who approved of this? Oh that's right, I did because it was a blast.

3) Alice, Darling - (VOD) I have a love/hate relationship with Anna Kendrick's work. Put this in the hate column. This movie has one of the most dogshit scripts I've ever seen adapted. Nothing happens, and there is zero momentum to the plot. The entire hour and thirty mins of the movie have enough substance to serve as the first half of a first act to a movie. It was sold as a psychological thriller, and it delivers on none of that. Stay away.

4) The Paramedic Who Stalked Me - (Lifetime Original) You read that right. It won't even be the only Lifetime Original movie in this blog post so get at me. I get this newsletter called Screen Grab every week (def recommend subscribing and they're not paying me to say this) and it always tells me what original movies come out each week. When I saw the title of this one I was intrigued, and upon watching it, it delivers on the low budget promise I was hoping it would keep. It's decently acted considering the reputation of these movies, and of course doesn't overstay it's welcome. I'd go into more details on the plot...but the title also serves as a synopsis.

5) Empire Records - (Hulu) This is one I've always been interested in, and when it popped up on Hulu I figured I'd finally give it a whirl. In the same vein of a lot of the "hangout/coming of age" comedies of the mid 90's like "Can't Hardly Wait", it is an easy watch with some outlandish characters that have some great dialogue. The framing device of taking place in a single day is something I'm always a sucker for, and the setting of a record store works really well and creates an organic way to inject a great soundtrack into the film. The movie thinks it's a little more profound than it really is, but when it's not taking itself too seriously it's a lot of fun.

6) My Landlord Wants Me Dead - (Lifetime Original) Alternate title here is "Landlord from Hell" if you're looking for it on the internet. This one makes "The Paramedic Who Stalked Me" look like "Schindler's List". It looks like absolute shit like it was shot with a Nokia phone from the early 2000's. The acting, sans one performer, is pretty brutal, which actually helps it in my opinion. No surprises unfortunately in the plot, and just not as fun as the previous Lifetime Original movie I mentioned.

7) This Is Where I Leave You - (Netflix) One of my top 100 movies of all time. Incredible cast. Incredible premise, and so poignant. I really want to read the book it's based on. It captures the family dynamic, and returning to your home town after venturing into adulthood always leads to introspection on what could have been. This movie is both thoughtful and thought provoking. Cannot recommend it enough if you haven't seen it before.

8) Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal - (Netflix) A three part series that actually just had some resolution following it's release in terms of the court case surrounding it. This documentary will both infuriate you, and tug at your heart strings. Some key witnesses are part of the doc, and the analysis of everyone involved is done very well. If you're a true crime fan this is definitely for you.

9) Sharper - (Apple TV+) When it's all said and done I think this will end up being one of the bigger thrillers of the year. I'd avoid the trailers if you can because there are a few semi significant plot points spoiled. Acting is incredible. I wish it had more John Lithgow, but that's my feelings on every project ever made. Sebastian Stan and Julianne Moore are great, and this might be the first thing I've liked Justice Smith in. This is the first thing I've seen Briana Middleton in, and she absolutely steals the show.

10) Creed II - (HBO Max) Finally got around to watching this in preparation for Creed III. What a great movie. This franchise just hits the right chord with me. The melodramatics of the earlier films lend themselves great to the legacy characters being reflective and passing on their knowledge to the newer characters. The fight choreography has never been better, and Michael B. Jordan just loves this role and excels in it. Can't wait to check out the latest installment soon.

11) That 90's Show - (Netflix) I'm a huge fan of "That 70's Show" and when this was announced I was pumped. My enthusiasm understandably wained when we found out the legacy characters would only have cameos and this would focus on their children, but I tuned in anyway. The first few episodes are really rough, and the main cast are pretty awful, especially in terms of comedic timing. They do find their footing a bit towards the end of the season, and Red and Kitty are absolutely incredible and haven't lost a step. They've announced a second season, and I will be there and rooting for this show to make some improvements from season one.

12) Brink! - (Disney+) One of my favorite Disney Channel Original Movies of all time. On a rewatch it holds up pretty well, especially compared to the other DCOM's. We recorded a movie commentary track which will be dropping on April 19th. Check it out as it's a blast to go back and revisit this one!

13) 65 - (Theaters) Loved this movie. Adam Driver never mails it in, and this is no exception. It's basically a horror movie with dinosaurs. Visually it's great looking, and while I wish there were more creatures in it, the runtime of 90 min makes for an easy watch. You get right into the action and there's still enough character development to give you a rooting interest in our two main actors.

-JH