Good morning and welcome to another episode of Fitzie’s Film and TV Reviews, where your hoddler-in-chief reviews things he’s recently seen on film and tv.
I’ve got a long list today. That’s because I forgot to get to some of these in previous sessions. Nevertheless, I think it’s a pretty intriguing list! Let’s get started:
Kaos:
A unique retelling of Greek mythology. It’s a bit of a slog to get through, but got more watchable in the final two or three episodes. Jeff Goldblum of course steals the show as Zeus. It’s a shame it got cancelled because I think things finally clicked after the final episode, pitting Zeus against the rest of the gods and likely humanity.
James Acaster’s Repetoire:
Absolutely loved this comedy special from James Acaster. Split into four parts, Acaster plays a ficionalised version of himself as a lollipop man, undercover cop posing as a stand-up comic thrown into witness protection. Best enjoyed bingeing.
Great British Bakeoff series 15:
It’s all a bit tedious now, isn’t it? The cast changes every season but they all look the same. Used to enjoy this but now it’s mostly background noise.
Only Murders in the Building series 4:
The series began very compelling and very dark. I was hooked, but the punchline failed to deliver. Having said that, Zack Galifinakis, Eva Longoria and Eugene Levy were a delight playing themselves as our core three - Martin Short, Selena Gomez and Steve Martin. Stll love the show, but let down by the final two episodes.
Taskmaster series 18:
Loved loved loved this season, especially not knowing any of the contestants (“Fitzie, you don’t know Jack Dee?!”) Well I do now! This was also one of the closest seasons I’ve seen on the series. Andy Zaltzmann, Rosie Jones, and Babatunde Aleshe were also hilarious throghout the series.
Goon:
Took me a whle to watch this one, and I’m glad I did. This movie is about a simple bouncer who becames one of those ice hockey players known for beating other ice hocey players up. A sweet, funny and easy-to-watch film.
The Worst Person in the World:
This one took a bit more effort to get into. The Norwegian comedy/drama/love film follows Renate Reinsve as Julie who is still trying to discover herself as she enters her 30s. Feels like something that’s been done before, but at least it was done well.
Conclave:
This is supposed to be one of the Best Picture nominations at the Oscars this year (hosted by Conan O’Brien!).
Starring Ralph Fiennes, the film dramatices the politics of the Roman Catholic Church during the selection of its next pope. It would be pretty easy to lampoon the selection process (kind of like in City of Angels), but this film takes the process seriously while also fully committing to some of the church’s campier tendencies. Plus Fiennes is a true delight as the priest guiding the ceremony along.
Best picture though? I’m not sure. Think we’ll have to wait for The Brutalist.
His Three Daughters:
Oh boy, here come the waterworks. I clicked on this to watch Natasha Lyonne, not cry my eyes out. Lyonne plays one of three sisters caring for their father, who is in hospice care. A truly suffocating drama that doesn’t reveal its patriarch until the final act. A gripping watch, but prepare to cry.
Obvious Child:
I was hoping for a more unhinged performance from Jenny Slate, didn’t get it. But I was pleasantly surprised with this one which I took a flyer on.
Fitzie’s track of the day: New Sensation, by INXS
And now for your links:
Jack P-B ($$) on five years after Mauricio Pochettino was sacked
Ben Davies, Brennan Johnson and Wales promoted in Nations League