Kyle's Pick
PEN15 (Hulu)
PEN15 has been described as being the “R-rated version of middle school as it really happened” and I’d firmly agree with this assessment. I heard some mumblings that this was pretty good over the past two months but didn’t finally sit down to watch it until last week. I’m so happy that I did. So much in fact, that I’m already re-watching it now. The shows creators, writers, and stars are two real life friends in their early 30’s. The catch here is that they play themselves as 13 year olds, surrounded by actual young teen actors. A premise that could easily have fallen into gimmick territory was what became its strongest asset – Maya and Anna are perfectly imperfect as their adolescent selves. They’ve managed to bring these characters, essentially their former selves, back to life in completely accurate way. From the inherent awkwardness, to the ‘tween speak, all the way down to their posture. It’s uncanny. You soon forget you’re watching adults play kids. Their talent goes deeper than just the physical transformation, as they bring a sense of realism and emotion to the show. Being in middle school is a universally strange time for many – trying to fit in and be cool and feel confident during a time of never fitting in or being cool or being anything close to confident. While the show may resonate more with females who grew up in the 90s/early 00s, they nail the middle school experience so well from all angles that you’ll be able to relate to elements, even if you’ve never worn a thong. (The AIM episode is already a classic. I think we can all relate to that one.) Luckily, PEN15 is able to bring these adolescent themes, as well as the year 2000, to life in a major way that provides laugh out loud moments and a whole lot of heart. Streaming now on HULU. Please go watch and secure this show a second season.
Christian's Pick
The Dawn Wall (Netflix)
This is the second climbing documentary that I've watched this year and it was phenomenal. It tells the story of Tommy Caldwell, a professional climber who is attempting to climb the Dawn Wall on Yosemite's, El Capitan.
This movie is different from Free Solo because Tommy and his partner Kevin are using ropes. The craziest part is that they essentially live on the wall for three weeks.
Tommy has an incredibly story full of tragedy and triumph and it's definitely worth watching.
Josh's Pick
Live PD (A&E)
If you haven’t seen this show yet, it’s like Cops on steroids! With over 30 live feeds from police departments around the country the show pops in and out of various police encounters all done live, hence the name! Live PD just started it’s third season and next week will be its 200th episode. They plan on making some major announcements, so be sure to tune in this week!
Steve's Pick
Paddleton (Netflix)
A confined storyline done to perfection. You'll laugh; you'll cry; but, it will make you smile when you think about it and go to share it and tell someone to watch.
Casey's Pick
Barry (HBO)
Lost in the shuffle of Game of Thrones mania is season 2 of HBO’s Barry, a fantastic comedy drama with Bill Hader at the top of his form. Pulling triple duties of writing, acting and even directing a few episodes, Hader plays Barry Berkman, a veteran turned hitman turned actor. Watching Hader balance deadpan comedy with the true inner turmoil of a man dealing with an existential crisis is some of the best acting on television. Other casting highlights include the legendary Henry Winkler and the scene-stealing Anthony Carrigan. Don’t miss it.
Vinnie's Pick
One Punch Man (Hulu)
The long awaited second season of One Punch Man premiered this month and to me, it did not disappoint. Known for its hilarity and ground breaking animation, the first episode continues that trend even through the change of animation studios. From Madhouse to Viz Media, there is a noticeable difference that has the online community split it in half but this new season does its best to impress on the very first episode. Viz Media knows how big of an undertaking producing this second season was and I don’t think they’ll disappoint. You can catch Saitama and Genos brutalize monsters and climb the hero later every week on Hulu!
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