I know, I know – I said that I’d post this feature on Thursdays or Fridays, but I really wanted to finish a show yesterday and just didn’t have the time. Also, I wanted to review Carrie Soto Is Back right away (check it out here), because I was so hyped after getting approved for the ARC. But now on to today’s topics, let’s check out what I watched!
FINISHED TV SHOWS/SEASONS
The Sandman (Season 1)
The Sandman adaptation is fantastic! I never read the comics, but I did listen to the audiobook/audioplay and this was such a faithful yet refreshing take on the story. There were scenes that were only described to me previously and somehow they managed to translate it to the screen EXACTLY how I had pictured it.
The casting was divine, the tension incredible, the atmosphere and vibes impeccable. I binged it in one go, which was obviously way too much, but I needed to see how they would picture things next. My favorite part of the season was probably episode 6 “The Sound of Her Wings”. For one, that was one of my favorite chapters in the audiobook as well and secondly, Kirby Howell-Bapitste was perfect as Death. While I understand a lot of people wanting a Johanna Constantine spin-off with Jenna Coleman, I just hope to see more of Kirby. I love her.
WEEKLY TV SHOWS
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Season 3)
Gina was my favorite since season 1, so I love to see her be more of a main focus this season. I don’t necessarily need any tension between her and Ricky anymore at this point, but we’ll see what they do with that.
Good Trouble (Season 4)
The wedding was so lovely! I can’t believe Isabella’s parents would seriously send the police for her. I realize she damaged their property, but they are trying to blackmail her into giving up her baby for adoption. WTF?
As for Dennis and Davia … ugh … they are so annoying. Can they just be on the same page for once and communicate properly? Dennis can’t read Davia’s thoughts and he’s 100% lying to himself if he says they’re *just* friends.
Roswell, New Mexico (Season 4)
This season doesn’t hit the same for me, but it’s the final one, so I’m sticking with it.
MOVIES
As always, don’t forget to add me on Letterboxd if you want to be up to date on all my movie experiences!
Honor Society
This movie actually surprised me, which is not super easy to do! Honor Society seemed like the typical formulaic teen movie one would expect, and while it was exactly that in part, it actually had a great twist! Honor set out to do some really evil stuff and was lucky that most of it turned out in the favor of the people she was trying to manipulate, but I still loved the messaging of it all. It’s truly about the friends we make along the way.
Wedding Season
Netflix is really hit or miss with their romance movies, but this was a definite hit for me! The leads had great chemistry in Wedding Season and were fun to root for. None of the scenes felt too drawn out, even if we watched them dance together like a dozen times. It was just really fun to witness their love story – fake dating to real dating is a top tier trope!
Purple Hearts
Purple Hearts is military propaganda! There’s no other way to say it and I completely understand people being shocked at some of the dialogue that actually made it into the movie. I watched it because I like Sofia Carson and the marriage of convenience trope, but it was hard to overlook all the pro-military bits. I also didn’t understand the consequences to their full extent in the end.
Anyway, if you can somehow overlook certain parts, it’s an okay movie that will pass the time nicely.
Life and Other Disasters 
I’ll hopefully start Sandman very soon, I just haven’t had a moment to really devote myself to it. I have been watching original episodes of Law & Order though, and it’s cool to see the evolution of the show and see it slowly becoming what it is now.
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I hope you get to watch the Sandman soon! It was absolutely mesmerizing. Have you read the comics or listened to the audiobook?
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No, I haven’t. But from the way you talk about it, I feel like I should at some point.
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The audiobook was excellent and I don’t say that often. It featured the likes of James McAvoy, Kat Dennings, Michael Sheen, Andy Serkis, Taron Egerton, Riz Ahmed and many more.
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Cool!
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I don’t really have time to watch this many shows and movies but you better believe I’ll find it! Hearing you talk about media always makes me way more likely to give something a shot, at this point, you’re like my number one recommendations resource 😂 I remember my brother reading a Sandman graphic novel (I think??) but I know literally nothing about the story so I’m excited to jump in without any expectations. Wedding Season looks really cute, perfect movie for me to put on in the background while I engage in my newfound hobby of making friendship bracelets haha
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That’s one of the best compliments you could have paid me! Thank you!! The Sandman thankfully works really well for people who don’t know anything about the material. There might be a bit of confusion about characters that only show up for short periods of time, but the overall magnificence should still completely translate without prior knowledge.
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I definitely would like to check out Honor Society, it seems like a film I would enjoy and I love a wholesome message.
I have been watching HSMTMTS this time and I am glad to see Gina take more of a lead role– especially as she is such a great singer and dancer. It is her time to shine. I am not a fan of another love triangle but I would still be curious to see how it plays out. I like the introduction of the new character Jet as it seems like a grumpy character finds ‘found family’? Maybe? Plus his voice was beautiful.
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I could see you enjoying Honor Society as well! Let me know what you think!!
As for HSMTMTS, I’m a little worried what the connection between Jet and Maddox might be. She seemed VERY against him joining the musical, even though she usually wants everyone to do everything fun.
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I will!
oohh that’s a good point actually, it was deffo a contrast to her positive attitude… i would if it will be an ex-friend thing or something else?
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It might have something to do with whatever happened with that group she used to hang out with? I guess we will find out haha
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I’d be surprised if that group wasn’t brought up again, so we shall see 👀
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I am half-way through The Sandman Season 1 and am enjoying it. I purchased a collection of The Sandman comics which I plan on reading later, but I have no prior experience with the source material. I did do a bit of reading just to get an idea of what to expect from the series before it dropped, and so far I have been impressed with the world-building…while also allowing the story to be as “accessible” as possible for a wide audience. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the episodes soon, and it sounds like I’ll be enjoying them as much if not more.
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I hope you’re enjoying/enjoyed the rest of the season just as much. I thought it was fantastic.
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I watched episode 6 last night, and thought it might have been the best hour of television I’ve seen in a long time. So far, I have to believe even hard-liners who didn’t want to see this adapted for television have to be thrilled.
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Episode 6 is my favorite episode of the whole season! Not just that Death is one of my favorite characters in the Sandman universe, but they just got the essence and emotions completely right. So beautifully done!
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Who knew an episode about the dignity yet finality of Death could be so masterfully done? Kirby Howell-Baptiste was fantastic in that episode, and Tom Sturridge continued to shine.
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I did not realize Purple Hearts had that in it. I was wanting to watch it. Maybe not. Or maybe I’ll just take it with a grain of salt.
I haven’t watched anything other than Stranger Things season 2. My daughter and I finished it up and then my husband decided he wanted to watch the show. I actually ended up kind of watching both season 1 and 2 again with him. Someday I’ll get to season 3.
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Purple Hearts had some really uncomfortable moments for me, but if you can tune those out, it’s not the worst movie on the planet?
Hahaha maybe you’ll be through season 3 and 4 by the time they finally release season 5 (which they’ve just started the writer’s room for).
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I started it last night. Season 3 has gone in a direction that is going to scare me probably. haha
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And Season 3 is probably the most upbeat season hides
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YIKES
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Really glad that The Sandman worked out for you! I really can’t wait to dive into it. I just need to finish up a couple of other series before hahah Happy viewing, Kat! 😀
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Sandman was so good! It deserves to be the top show on Netflix in the 90+ countries it currently ranks #1 in.
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