Still not a lot heading our way as things slowly reopen. First up is Dede, based on true events that took place at the outset of the Georgian Civil War. It’s about a woman named Dina, who at the beginning of the film is engaged to a man she doesn’t love. She’s in love with another man, Gegi, who she ends up with when her fiancee dies. They leave town to start their own, new life together but their past tries to catch up with them. It’s one of those films I’m not 100% sure what I’m supposed to take away from it. It’s not bad or anything, the acting is fine and it’s well made, but it feels like a lot of period pieces about old traditions we deem bad in today’s world. The setting is nice, costuming is spot on and I liked the photography, but I don’t think it’s something I’d watch again. Again, nothing exactly wrong with it, but one of those films you watch, enjoy it the one time and move on.
Second we have Evil Season One. It’s a solid show if you like other TV shows like Supernatural. Katja Herbers plays a psychologist who joins priest-in-training Mike Colter (Netflix’s Luke Cage) in investigating unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions, and hauntings. I thought both leads were good together and was already a fan of Colter because of Luke Cage. It’s not a show I’d normally watch, I’m not big on the subject matter (I’m a non-believer I guess) but the chemistry between the two helps and it was a pretty easy binge at 13 episodes. Having Michael Emerson also helps. If you missed it on TV now you can watch it at home since we have a lot more time on our hands. I believe it’s been picked up for a second season and I’d watch it when it hits home video.
Third we have Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. It is a standalone mystery with Essie Davis as Miss Phryne Fisher. The synopsis: After freeing a young girl from her unjust imprisonment in Jerusalem, Phryne Fisher begins to unravel a mystery concerning priceless emeralds, ancient curses and the truth behind the suspicious disappearance of Shirin’s forgotten tribe. As much as I enjoyed the setting, the costumes, the music (especially the music), I do think it could have worked better as a one hour episode instead of 100+ minutes. There was a lot going on to make it a standalone mystery but it wanders a bit. If it comes in around an hour or 70 minutes it feels tighter and more fluid. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very easy watch and Davis is fantastic in the role as usual, but the story did seem a bit more drawn out than necessary. If you are a fan of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries you definitely should watch it though. Overall I did enjoy it, but a good edit would have made it that much better.
Traditional Wild America: Duck Hunting on the
Santee Delta is next. South Carolina’s Santee Delta is the location for this show. I’m not a hunter, but I am fisherman and have nothing against hunting. I’ve just never done it. This shows the tradition of duck hunting in this area of South Carolina and of course all the different local characters. Even if you aren’t into hunting but enjoy travel shows it’s watchable. It’s not just hillbillies with guns. Don’t get me wrong they talk about guns and use them, but it’s more historical and how they’ve adapted them to local hunting. There’s bits about decoys, dogs and historical figures who have visited or hunted there. It was pretty educational actually.
Last we have Stuck With You Season One. This came out last week but I didn’t get my copy until afterwards. It’s a look behind all the “realness” in Hollywood in a way. It’s about a former R&B singer who marries a Hollywood leading man, but their marriage doesn’t exactly last, but they stick together at least in the headlines. With so many celebrity couples in the news, people always second guess who’s actually in love, who’s in it for the branding and power and ultimately if it’s all just for fame. It’s that peak behind the curtain type of thing. The characters are believable especially if you follow tabloids and at only 6 episodes, it’s an easy, quick binge. It’s a show my sister would definitely be into because she keeps up with the Kardashians and all that.
The Nerds Templar 