rittchard wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 12:31 pm
If you enjoy a semi-slow paced but extremely well acted (with realistic Pennsylvania accents!) crime/family drama, I highly recommend Mare of Eastwood. In spite of all the fun sci-fi and action shows I have floating around right now, the show I look forward to the most each week is Mare. I can't really explain why I enjoy it so much, but Kate Winslet is a treasure, and uh, yeah, I still have a crush on Evan Peters. Only 3 more episodes (I think 7 total), I will be sad when it ends.
Thanks I sent that to my wife. She's run out of shows and had resorted to watching English baking challenges. She was screaming at the tv like it was the Super Bowl. I think she needs this pandemic to end more than anyone.
rittchard wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 12:31 pm
If you enjoy a semi-slow paced but extremely well acted (with realistic Pennsylvania accents!) crime/family drama, I highly recommend Mare of Eastwood. In spite of all the fun sci-fi and action shows I have floating around right now, the show I look forward to the most each week is Mare. I can't really explain why I enjoy it so much, but Kate Winslet is a treasure, and uh, yeah, I still have a crush on Evan Peters. Only 3 more episodes (I think 7 total), I will be sad when it ends.
Thanks I sent that to my wife. She's run out of shows and had resorted to watching English baking challenges. She was screaming at the tv like it was the Super Bowl. I think she needs this pandemic to end more than anyone.
We watched all the available episodes last night. The first episode was slow, but then it really starts to take off. Not a happy show that's for sure.
Isgrimnur wrote:You may have read tales of this place from Bill Harris and his readers.
Action Park is one of the most insane places I’ve ever been, but only in retrospect. As a teenager in the 80s and early 90s, it’s just where you went in the summer.
I am friends with a number of people who grew up in Vernon and worked at the park and their stories were nuts. F the Tarzan Swing pool.
The alpine sled thing to me is the most insane thing they had. Slap carts onto a concrete track going down a ski hill? Sure sounds awesome. I'm amazed that only one person died doing that one. It was super fun though.
They aren't the only one with alpine sleds. We had them in Western MA and Vermont when I was growing up. They were a bunch of fun, but friction burn injuries were fairly common.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 9:15 am
by hentzau
hepcat wrote:I’m still diggin’ The Nevers. The story just keeps getting better and better.
And of course the introduction of Nimble Jack hasn’t hurt.
Really liked the premier. Would like to get my girls to watch this one with me.
Isgrimnur wrote:You may have read tales of this place from Bill Harris and his readers.
Action Park is one of the most insane places I’ve ever been, but only in retrospect. As a teenager in the 80s and early 90s, it’s just where you went in the summer.
I am friends with a number of people who grew up in Vernon and worked at the park and their stories were nuts. F the Tarzan Swing pool.
The alpine sled thing to me is the most insane thing they had. Slap carts onto a concrete track going down a ski hill? Sure sounds awesome. I'm amazed that only one person died doing that one. It was super fun though.
They aren't the only one with alpine sleds. We had them in Western MA and Vermont when I was growing up. They were a bunch of fun, but friction burn injuries were fairly common.
Ya well imagine if no safety rules were followed and no maintenance was done on the sleds. Half the sleds the brakes wouldn't work.
And....whoa...that last episode was not even close to what I was expecting.
We stopped to check we were watching the right show.
Twice.
Really enjoyed it though and it makes me want to re-watch the first six episodes.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Mon May 17, 2021 9:43 pm
by hepcat
It reminded me a little of Whedon’s Dollhouse in a way. Just when you think you’re starting to understand the world he’s building, he changes the rules.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 10:56 am
by ImLawBoy
hepcat wrote: ↑Mon May 17, 2021 9:43 pm
It reminded me a little of Whedon’s Dollhouse in a way. Just when you think you’re starting to understand the world he’s building, he changes the rules.
Yeah, that was a great way to end the first half of the season. I just hope they're able to maintain it in a post-Whedon world.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 11:11 am
by hepcat
From what I've read, that was actually supposed to be the midway point for season one. They made it the season one finale due to the shortened first season that was necessitated by Whedon stepping away from the project.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Tue May 18, 2021 11:19 am
by ImLawBoy
I actually thought that it was still just the first half finale - didn't realize that they'd actually just called it a season after 6 episodes. Still, looks like the second season is coming - hopefully it won't be a long wait.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Wed May 19, 2021 12:39 pm
by rittchard
ImLawBoy wrote: ↑Tue May 18, 2021 11:19 am
I actually thought that it was still just the first half finale - didn't realize that they'd actually just called it a season after 6 episodes. Still, looks like the second season is coming - hopefully it won't be a long wait.
HBO drama series THE NEVERS debuts Part One of its first season with six episodes beginning on SUNDAY, APRIL 11 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT). Part Two's six episodes will follow at a later date, to be announced. The series will air on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max.
I believe the official word IS what you said - just the first half split (similar to regular TV shows with a front and back half). It may also have to do with the bad press Joss got and trying to separate his name from it but the official word is they were stopped due to Covid.
But back to the show. I have a hard time following it in general some times, but I was fully awake for the last episode, and the entire time I was like WTF. I don't know the truth about all the stuff against Joss, but he is definitely a creative talent.
I just binge watched this over two days and really enjoyed it. Kaley Cuoco was a real revelation in this - great range. The show is a thriller with comedic and dramatic edges and it really does a great job of continuing to raise the stakes every episode. Supporting characters are great, dialogue is wonderful.
It’s pretty complete and only 8 episodes, so well worth watching, imo.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 9:20 am
by Sudy
No Sudden Move (2021), Steven Soderbergh. On Crave in Canada.
I can't tell if this is great or merely just good. But if you like Soderbergh, the actors involved, or daylight noir set in 1950s Detroit sounds refreshing, this is worth a watch.
Also, how fat Brendan Fraser is really makes me feel better about my body.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 9:24 am
by hepcat
I watched this right after watching The Tomorrow War so I could remember what hope was like.
I liked it...a lot...although I felt the ending wasn't as organic to the story as I'd have wanted. Still, top level performances from some truly great actors.
I'm glad Brendan Fraser is getting the work he deserves these days. I feel like he's purposely letting himself go as he has a long history of trying to rise above his matinee idol looks to get better roles. Plus, the work he's doing with just his voice alone on Doom Patrol is fantastic.
I'm also happy to see Kieran Culkin getting more and more roles. I've been a fan of his since Igby Goes Down.
[Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:54 pm
by Zarathud
Brendan Fraser had a bunch of surgeries from injuries and went into deep depression. He fell apart for a variety of reasons.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2021 9:18 am
by hepcat
Interesting, I did not know about the health issues.
I've always liked Fraser. He always seemed self effacing and easy going. His turn on Scrubs was both hilarious and heartbreaking. As I mentioned before, his voice work alone on Doom Patrol is worth the price of admission.
"Giant clowns? Nope."
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2021 10:04 am
by Blackhawk
He also reported a sexual assault by some Hollywood media magnate, and believes that he was black-balled by them in retaliation, killing his publicity.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2021 10:37 am
by hepcat
Good lord, HBO Max's The Prince, an adult animated series centering on Prince George of England and the royal family in a decidedly negative manner, is really pretty awful. I watched a couple of episodes to see what all the fuss was about, and I agree with most reviews that it's just mean spirited without being funny. I mean, their main comedic punching bags are a group of real life children. When you start off that low, there's not much hope of success, I would think.
In other news
Oh yeah, doom patrol season 3 is right around the corner. One of the best damn shows on television is coming back soon.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2021 9:43 am
by hepcat
I finished White Lotus and I still don't know what to think of it. It's getting a LOT of critical praise, and I'm guessing it's going to sweep the emmy awards when the time comes, but everyone on that show is so freakin' unlikable and often just downright despicable...although I think that was the point of the show.
I enjoyed it though. And Jennifer Coolidge should just be given every single possible award for her performance. She was utterly fantastic from start to finish. I've always thought she was good, but damn if she didn't just own the role of the mentally scarred Tanya carrying her dead mother's ashes around Hawaii while working out her issues with all the abuse she'd suffered over the years. She just needs to win everything, that's all I'm saying.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2021 10:09 am
by TheMix
hepcat wrote: ↑Thu Aug 19, 2021 9:43 am
I finished White Lotus and I still don't know what to think of it. It's getting a LOT of critical praise, and I'm guessing it's going to sweep the emmy awards when the time comes, but everyone on that show is so freakin' unlikable and often just downright despicable...although I think that was the point of the show.
I enjoyed it though. And Jennifer Coolidge should just be given every single possible award for her performance. She was utterly fantastic from start to finish. I've always thought she was good, but damn if she didn't just own the role of the mentally scarred Tanya carrying her dead mother's ashes around Hawaii while working out her issues with all the abuse she'd suffered over the years. She just needs to win everything, that's all I'm saying.
So it appears that you are not alone in your belief.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2021 10:24 am
by hepcat
She's one of those character actresses that you've probably seen in a dozen shows or more. She always plays the ditzy blonde or the oversexed MILF, but she does so with more than the usual depth you'd expect in such characters. Plus, her delivery when she does comedy is almost always flawless.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2021 10:31 am
by TheMix
Once I saw a picture, I immediately recognized her. But not from any main roles (that I can remember). But for the type of roles you mention. Like on '2 Broke Girls'. I've only seen bits and pieces, but I definitely remember her character.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 5:30 pm
by Jaymon
Should I?
I have the other streaming services. But I like me some superhero shows, and I want to see Dune. Me and mine won't be heading out to the theater for quite some time, I am sure of that.
So should I get HBOMax? Is it available on Roku? I am thinking of a year long no commercial subscription. What say you all?
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 5:37 pm
by JCC
Definitely a lot of content. I get it free with my internet. I would guess without that, I would get it for a month or two at a time. It took a while before Roku got an app but yes it's available. I think the app is the poorest running one I have used. It's very very slow, and if you try to navigate through a long list (for example: All Movies, or All Action movies) I have never been able to get through them all without a lockup. Having said that once I start playing something it has been fine. (I have heard others have had buffering issues but I haven't.) If you are into the Warner/DC content then it's a no brainer. Of course all the HBO original shows are there too.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 5:43 pm
by coopasonic
JCC wrote: ↑Wed Aug 25, 2021 5:37 pm
I think the app is the poorest running one I have used. It's very very slow, and if you try to navigate through a long list (for example: All Movies, or All Action movies) I have never been able to get through them all without a lockup.
For the record, the HBO Max app is the worst on every platform I have used it on (PS5, Samsung TV) so at least they are consistent! Once a show starts it is fine, but it almost never survives putting my SP5 in rest mode, I have to kill and restart the app pretty much every time.
On the other hand, the content is worth it. I don't pay anything extra for it, but I've watched Harley Quinn, Batwoman, Chernobyl, Doom Patrol and Watchmen that I can remember plus In The Heights and Tenet.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:29 pm
by Kraken
JCC wrote: ↑Wed Aug 25, 2021 5:37 pm
Definitely a lot of content. I get it free with my internet. I would guess without that, I would get it for a month or two at a time. It took a while before Roku got an app but yes it's available. I think the app is the poorest running one I have used. It's very very slow, and if you try to navigate through a long list (for example: All Movies, or All Action movies) I have never been able to get through them all without a lockup. Having said that once I start playing something it has been fine. (I have heard others have had buffering issues but I haven't.) If you are into the Warner/DC content then it's a no brainer. Of course all the HBO original shows are there too.
I use my PC to browse their database and update my list. Their app is indeed very, very bad on my TV, but it's smoove as buttah on a proper computer.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:14 pm
by hepcat
Odd, on the Shield TV I’ve only ever had an issue with the HBO Max app once or twice…ever. I admit, it needs better organization, but I feel that way about every streaming app with a lot of content.
The Amazon Prime app gives me far more trouble.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:28 am
by stessier
JCC wrote: ↑Wed Aug 25, 2021 5:37 pm
Definitely a lot of content. I get it free with my internet. I would guess without that, I would get it for a month or two at a time. It took a while before Roku got an app but yes it's available. I think the app is the poorest running one I have used. It's very very slow, and if you try to navigate through a long list (for example: All Movies, or All Action movies) I have never been able to get through them all without a lockup. Having said that once I start playing something it has been fine. (I have heard others have had buffering issues but I haven't.) If you are into the Warner/DC content then it's a no brainer. Of course all the HBO original shows are there too.
With the exception of the "lot of content" sentence, I agree with all of this.
I think it has the least amount of content for me out to the apps I use (Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Peacock, HBO) and we only subscribe to it for a few months at a time, watch the movies we're interested in, then drop it.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 9:09 pm
by hepcat
Malignant, a new horror movie from the James Wan school of horror has been out for about a week or two. I’m pretty effing bored with his schtick at this point and was going to give it a pass. But tonight I sat down and started watching it.
It does not feel like a James Wan movie. It feels like something Dario Argento would make. It’s bat shit insane, shot and scored like it was made in the 70s, and surprisingly entertaining.
The really dumb ending is so dumb it actually makes it even MORE entertaining.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2021 8:06 am
by YellowKing
hepcat wrote:It does not feel like a James Wan movie. It feels like something Dario Argento would make. It’s bat shit insane, shot and scored like it was made in the 70s, and surprisingly entertaining.
A lot of the criticisms I've seen of the movie seem to miss this point entirely. If you've never seen a 70s giallo film, I could see where you'd be scratching your head the entire film at the decisions he made.
Re: [Streaming] HBO Max
Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2021 9:08 am
by hepcat
Hell, it even has a strong synth soundtrack that seems to pay homage to Goblin.
It also feels like a Frank Henenlotter or Larry Cohen film at times. That kind of horror film that throws everything against the wall to see what sticks.
Is it a great film? No, not really. Is it an entertaining film? Yeah, I think it really is.
Especially after the big reveal and the ensuing last 30 minutes or so of just sheer gonzo action. It's more creature feature than anything else at that point....and who doesn't love a good creature feature?
Although I may just be surprised that this doesn't suck as badly as the Conjuring and Annabell franchises.
The first episode was slow, but then it really starts to take off. Not a happy show that's for sure. 
