The Gilded Age

HBO Max

The Gilded Age was presented as an American version of Downton Abbey, it’s from the same creators after all, and in the same general time period.

It kind of is, but since it takes place in NYC it’s without all the royalty, without the countryside, and with a little more lightheartedness.

The series takes a few episodes to get into, but once the characters develop it’s quite entertaining. I’ll be watching season 2!

I am: Entertained

West Side Story

Disney+

As someone who loves the original West Side Story musical, and has seen it countless times, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Steven Spielberg’s 2022 reboot.

He does a great job! Almost too good actually. The casting is great (shoutout to Ariana Debose’s Oscar win), but the story and the music are very, very similar to the original. Like so exact that it makes me wonder if a remake was actually necessary.

So there you go, I guess it’s kind of a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ situation. I’m complicated.

I am: Entertained

The Power of the Dog

Netflix

This movie is slow and not particularly original, but I watched it because it was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. I think this is one of those movies that is nominated because of the cinematography, but if I’m being honest, wasn’t anything groundbreaking.

The acting and casting were great though, so I’ll give them that.

I am: Entertained

The After Party

Apple TV+

The cast of this comedy series is amazing! Ben Schwartz, Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, the list really goes on and on. Individually they are great but get them together and so entertaining!

In episode 1 you learn that a crime has been committed and then every episode after is focused on one potential suspect, with Tiffany Haddish interviewing each of them.

Such a unique concept, and you know I love a mystery comedy.

I am: Entertained

Coda

Apple TV+

Like Mr. Holland’s Opus or Sound of Metal, Coda examines the intersection of music and deafness.

Coda (children of deaf adults) isn’t something I’ve necessarily thought of before, but it’s interesting to see how that dynamic can add complexity to the parent-child relationship.

Nominated for Best Picture, this is highly entertaining and not one of those arty movies that only gets nominated for the craft of filmmaking.

I am: Entertained

Drive My Car

HBO Max (starting 3/2/22)

Not realizing the movie would be available to stream prior to the Oscars, I went to the theater to see Drive My Car. Without having seen a trailer or knowing anything about the film except for that it’s Japanese and subtitled.

As usual, the subtitles didn’t bother me but I do think this got nominated partly because of its artistic storytelling. It is long, and it is slow. Had I been streaming it at home I can’t guarantee I wouldn’t have picked up the phone once or twice.

Without giving spoilers, it’s a story of a complicated marriage, personal struggle, and learning along the way. An interesting story, but it did not need to be quite so long (it’s based on a short story!).

I am: Entertained

Station Eleven

HBO Max

This limited series is based on the best-selling book from 2014. However…it feels like it could have been written a lot more recently than that since the premise is based on a flu-like virus taking out a significant portion of the population in what results in a post-apocalyptic world.

I thought this was sci-fi, but knowing what I know now…maybe it’s just fiction? Timelines flash between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic and I found it so interesting to see how societies manage, and how they form from the rubble.

I am: Obsessed

Eternals

Disney +

A new movie from Marvel Studios with no Superheros I have ever heard of before, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Eternals.

This is a long movie clocking in over two and a half hours, and the first, let’s say 30 minutes, was on the slower side. But then it really picks up and I was thoroughly entertained.

It makes sense that it’s so long. There are a lot of characters, who we don’t know. Marvel has the difficult job of developing each and every one of those characters while at the same time telling the central story. They’ve done a great job and I’m interested to see where this new group of superheroes will go.

P.S. don’t forget to stay for the two post-credit scenes.

I am: Entertained

Don’t Look Up

Netflix

With an all-star cast, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett just to name a few, this movie starts out as one thing but ends as quite a different film.

So while I won’t give anything away, because you know I am spoiler-free over here on Very Obsessed, I will say it’s an entertaining and interesting take on social commentary.

I am: Entertained

Dopesick

Hulu

Dopesick is a limited series based on the opioid crisis in the U.S. and how Big Pharma drove this all in the name of money while the FDA sat back and watched.

While the characters aren’t based on actual people, the gist of it and the companies are. It is heartbreaking and disgusting what has been allowed to happen, legally.

Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rosario Dawson are part of this amazing ensemble cast, and the series (as well as some of the cast members) have been nominated for the 2022 Golden Globes.

I am: Obsessed

And Just Like That

HBO Max

Fans of Sex and the City have a lot of mixed feelings about the reboot And Just Like That, and for good reason. It’s been 11 years since we’ve seen our favorite group of NYC girlfriends, and a lot has. chanced. And change is hard.

Sam isn’t on the show (I know I don’t do spoilers, but we all know that already, right?), we know the Willie Garson who plays Stanford Blatch dies in real life so we’re waiting to see how that plays out, and Chris Noth who plays John Preston was accused of sexual assault so scenes that have been filmed are now being cut, what will happen with the storyline???

But with all of that being said, I am beyond happy to see the women’s back on the small screen, happy to see women above 30 keeping friendships a priority, and happy to see that life doesn’t end at 40.

Oh, and seeing NYC and the fashion is amazing again too!

I am: Obsessed

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home was my first movie in a theater since Covid and it was worth it!

There is no streaming option right now but word on the street is that Starz will get the first streaming rights over Disney+ since it’s a Sony film. TBD on that.

I usually find superhero/Marvel movies entertaining, but this movie is great! This is a big no spoiler review so I will just say, Tom Holland continues to be a perfect Spider-Man and I’m loving Zendaya as MJ.

While I watch all the Marvel movies, I’m not an encyclopedia of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but if you are, there are a lot of tie-ins and throwbacks that you’ll definitely appreciate.

P.S. don’t forget to stay for the two post-credit scenes.

I am: Obsessed

Squid Game

Netflix

Not one to jump on the bandwagon, I hesitated watching Squid Game after watching the trailer and seeing that this Korean series is completely dubbed.

But in the name of the blog (and curiosity), I sat down to watch one episode and binged the entire thing in a week.

Is the dubbing bad? Yes. Are the English voice actors not good? That’s right. But I’m a sucker for a good psychological thriller and a unique concept. Imagine a fusion of Saw, The Hunger Games, and Willy Wonka and you have Squid Game.

Here’s hoping Netflix steps up the voice acting for season 2.

I am: Obsessed

Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings

Disney Plus

It’s hard for me to be Obsessed with Marvel movies, but I am on the fence with Shang-Chi.

The lead, Simu Liu, and Awkwafina are fantastic as BFF’s who travel from San Francisco to Asia to confront Shang-Chi’s complicated family history.

The story is very cool and different, doesn’t feel like your typical superhero movie. Simu is going to be huge.

I am: Entertained

Malibu Rising

Taylor Jenkins Reid

It’s official, I’m obsessed with Taylor Jenkins Reid (you can read my other reviews of her books by clicking the links below).

Malibu Rising is a story told over the span of one present day, but with flashbacks to the origin story of said day. Set in Malibu California, 4 successful surfer siblings each have a story of their own, and you get the distinct feeling that the book is leading up to something.

At the heart of the novel is a story about relationships. Relationships between significant others, between parents and children, between siblings. You get to understand the main characters and get glimpses into bit characters where you realize every. single. person. has a story and every. single. person. is going through things.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo review

Daisy Jones and The Six review

I am: Obsessed

Midnight Mass

Netflix

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into Midnight Mass, but it seemed spooky and I was in the mood for something since Halloween was looming.

The limited series has a central theme of religion, which is no surprise considering the title, but honestly, I would say this is more of a horror series.

It takes place on a little fishing island in the U.S. where everyone knows everyone else and there is a church on every corner. When some odd things start to happen, people start to ask questions.

I am: Entertained

Dune

HBO Max

On HBO Max through November 21st, Dune is as Sci-Fi as it gets. And that’s not my typical genre, but Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya are in it, so here we are.

Based on a book from the 1960’s, this is the first of a two-part movie series (although I’m sure if super successful it could have the opportunity to expand).

If you like Star Wars, you’ll probably like Dune. And if not, then I would skip. Are they exactly the same? No. But they take place in a different world and time and they are fighting over who will rule. So yeah, it’s similar in that way.

I am: Entertained

The Midnight Library

Matt Haig

Trigger Warning: Suicide

The Midnight Library is like sliding doors, where the main character gets to see what different versions of their lives are like.

Stuck between the here and the afterlife, The Midnight Library is a library that is full of books of one’s story. And that person can go through as many books as they’d like and experience all those different versions. How interesting is that?!?

I thought it was very entertaining from a reader’s perspective, but what was surprising is I also found myself thinking about my own life. And if different versions of me are possible, then I can pretty much be whoever I want to be. And there is comfort, and power, in that realization. A little woo-woo coming out.

I am: Entertained

Billions

Amazon Prime Video

If you haven’t yet watch Billions then you are late to the party like I was. But let me be the first one to welcome you because it. is. good.

Billions has been satisfying my Succession needs since it’s been two full years since that’s been on. Like Succession, Billions is set in NYC, has a great cast, with no likable characters, and they are beyond wealthy.

Damien Lewis plays the founder of a hedge fund who is at the top of his game but may not be playing by all the rules, while Paul Giamatti is the U.S. Attorney who only likes it when people play by the rules. I’m sure you can see where this is going.

The first four seasons are on Amazon (as of the publication of this post) and the fifth season is live on Showtime, but Amazon offers a very reasonable trial period so I signed up for that.

Billions has already been renewed for a sixth season. If you are in the mood to find a series that you can binge for a while, this is it.

I am: Obsessed

LuLa Rich

Amazon Prime Video

If you’ve read Very Obsessed for a while then you know I’m fascinated by cults.

Why would I bring that up when reviewing a 4-part docu-series about the LuLa Roe MLM? Watch the series and you’ll understand.

The series is done brilliantly where the founders participate in the interviews as well as the family who eventually end up in senior leadership. Do you know who else is interviewed? The victims.

If you’ve ever wondered what the controversy is around MLM’s this will break it down for you. When a business model is based on recruitment, that is the epitome of a pyramid. Have you ever known someone in an MLM who made a significant amount of money without having a downline (learned that term from the series)?

I am: Obsessed

People We Meet on Vacation

Emily Henry

I picked this book because I was craving a vacation and had heard good things about Emily Henry. It’s entertaining, but it’s not my favorite.

I have to say, the story is pretty predictable. Two heterosexual best friends of the opposite sex…I mean, I don’t even need to finish that sentence, do I?

What I loved about it was that the story is told in two different time frames. One is the present day and the other flashes back in time to the friend’s annual vacations. I love a good multi-timeframe story. I also love to read about different destinations and live vicariously through the characters on the page.

I am: Entertained

Modern Love | Season 2

Amazon Prime Video

Since I was obsessed with the first season of Modern Love, I was very excited to see season 2 come out in August.

Based on the New York Times column telling of all sorts of different types of love stories, the beauty in the stories is the simplicity. And that no two are alike.

Unfortunately, season 2 did not live up to season 1. Although they still have an A-list cast in many episodes and they are easy to digest at 30 minutes long, the stories this go-round weren’t quite as captivating.

Still, I love the concept and I’ll be watching if there is a season 3.

I am: Entertained

Nine Perfect Strangers

Hulu

If I read the book and it gets made into a series or movie you can bet I’m going to watch it, even if I didn’t love the book.

Which is the case with Nine Perfect Strangers.

I liked the book for a while when I was reading it, but by the end, it was kind of just OK. Hearing it was getting adapted into a limited series starring an all-star cast made me think things would improve, and I would enjoy it for all its potential. However, I’m pretty sure it’s leaving me wanting more, like the book.

The premise is great! Nine people get accepted into an uber-exclusive wellness spa but things aren’t as straightforward as they seem. Learning everyone’s background story is interesting, including the goddess-like founder, played by Nicole Kidman, but what happens at the spa…meh.

I am: Entertained

Brittany Runs a Marathon

Amazon Prime Video

Although Brittany Runs a Marathon is two years old, I watched it as part of my research for the Most Entertaining Amazon Movies post. Spoiler, it makes the list.

Brittany lives in NYC, is out of shape, trying to figure out what she is doing with her career and in spite of, nay, because of this she decides to train for the New York City Marathon.

I enjoyed this movie so much more than I thought. It strikes the difficult balance between being funny and heartwarming and inspirational. It’s an inside look into how women are viewed by the world, and sometimes how they view themselves.

What I used to consider an airplane movie (god how I miss airplanes) I now say the next time it’s raining, pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up on the sofa, and watch this movie.

I am: Entertained

Schmigadoon!

Apple TV+

As a musical theater lover, I am very much obsessed with Schmigadoon! However, if you don’t love musicals I still say check out this comedy series on Apple TV+.

This Lorne Michaels series is completely unique with Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key getting lost and somehow stuck in a real-life musical.

Some of it’s a little cheesy, but with Cecily and Keegan-Michael being completely self-aware, they are in on the joke with us. And even though it’s a comedy, somehow they end every episode on a cliffhanger and I find myself wanting to binge the next one. Too bad they are releasing them weekly.

I am: Obsessed

Loki

Disney+

Disney has done it again with another entertaining Marvel limited series featuring the God of Mischief himself, Loki.

While I’ve seen all the Marvel movies, they kind of all blur together. I remember Loki being Chris Hemsworth’s, I mean Thor’s, brother but couldn’t remember if he was good or bad, if we liked him or we didn’t. Watch one episode and you’ll see what I mean.

Nevertheless, Loki gets pulled into the Time Variance Authority with Own Wilson’s character in charge of him. TVA sounds confusing, and it kind of is, but anything with time travel is also kind of fascinating. There’s a reason Back to the Future is a classic.

I am: Entertained

Physical

Apple TV+

Rose Byrne is perfect as the lead character in this dark comedy series set in 1980s California.

From the very first episode where you hear her self-deprecating inner dialogue, you can see what a complex character Sheila is. Note there is a trigger warning for eating disorders since her character has one but that doesn’t take center stage.

It’s an honest look at how toxic the 80s diet culture was while simultaneously tackling climate change and complicated gender roles within a marriage. it was set 4 decades ago, but somehow ridiculously relevant.

I am: Entertained

Lisey’s Story

Apple TV+

The best thing about the 8-part limited series from Stephen King is the trailer. As a lover of thrillers and suspense it caught my attention but from the very first episode it’s kind of downhill.

Lisey is a widow who was married to writer before he died. It’s pretty clear he had something supernatural about him and it’s pretty clear her sister, who is going through some mental issues, also does.

The story is very slow and I haven’t felt connected to any characters. And I don’t generally love supernatural things anyway. So this will be a DNF.

I am: Annoyed

Rutherford Falls

Peacock

So at first, I thought the new streaming service from NBC called Peacock was just going to be streaming their previous shows, like The Office. But now I see they are creating original content. On the one hand…another streaming service. On the other…more content!

Michael Schur, who wrote for The Office and co-created Parks & Rec (another all-time favorite) co-created the comedy Rutherford Falls.

Nathan Rutherford (played by Ed Helms from The Office and The Hangover) is the self-proclaimed Rutherford Falls ambassador since his family founded the town hundreds of years ago (and by founded I mean negotiated with the local Native American tribe). Reagan, his Native American best friend, is from said tribe.

Since I’m against spoilers of any kind I can’t really go more into what the comedy is about, but I’m loving seeing different types of representation and I’ve never seen a comedy quite like this. Also, Nathan’s ‘intern’ Bobby and Reagan will both be stars. You heard it here first.

I am: Entertained