Short Reviews 22Q4
Fourth Quarter 2022
Being a list of brief notes on other culture consumed over the last few months that I either abandoned or don’t feel needs a longer discussion.
Five Days at Memorial - Apple TV+. The story of hospital cut off by hurricane Katrina. A clever, rather harrowing piece of TV that gave all views equal weight (well, except the evil, uncaring corporation angle). Maybe an episode too long as I nearly gave up after 4…
The Cult of We – WeWork and the Great Start-up Delusion - Eliot Brown & Maureen Farrell. An interesting and well written cautionary tale about the rise and fall of WeWork. Although I see no evidence that anyone has learned anything from this episode and expect it to happen again an again…
Elvis - Sky Store. Interesting story, annoying in-your-face editing, and way too much mumbling to follow what was going on without subtitles. But it has inspired me to buy an Elvis biography... (later: but not actually finish reading it)
The Phantom of the Open - Sky Cinema. tour-def-force acting by Mark Rylance in a enjoyable caper - the sort of movie that seems to be coming something of a British cinema staple. Concerns a (very) mediocre golfer bluffing and blagging his way into the British Open
Bad Sisters - Apple TV+. Obviously made with the full cooperation of the Irish Tourist Board (although the is the “40 foot” really the best thing in Dublin?) A clever idea but way too long. I watched episodes 1 to 5 and 10 and didn’t feel that I had missed out…
The Lost City - Paramount+. Who doesn’t love Sandra Bullock, especially in a film that doesn’t take itself remotely seriously and in which everyone clearly had a great time making (especially Daniel Radcliffe). Great fun, seen it twice enjoyed it both times.
Belfast - Sky Cinema. A surprsingly charming, moving and brilliantly acted film, enjoyed this more than expected
The Duke - Sky Cinema. great fun, clever cinematography and an BAFTA worthy performance from Jim Broadbent telling the story of the theft of a painting. apparently a bizarre but true story
Why We Get the Wrong Politicians - Isabel Hardman. Interesting and well written book but frustrating in the story it reveals. Part of the aim was to encourage more participation in politics but it just repelled me further I'm afraid.
The Idea Factory - Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation - Jon Gertner. As always, I want more technical detail and less personality but that's just me (and I guess I can always consult the Bell Labs Journal in the library) but even so this was a great read, and thought provoking. Recommended.