what to watch

What To Watch Wednesday #8

Posted on by Charlotte_Sometimes

I’m sure there’s theory for it, but when it gets darker and colder – I crave crime-related telly. If you’re the same, then this week’s 6 picks are for you….

Here’s What To Watch Wednesday #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7.

Slow Horses (Apple TV+: 2022: 6 x 50 mins)

River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) was an up-and-coming MI5 Agent until he made a serious mistake during a live training exercise, and found himself relegated to dead end work at Slough House. Ruled over by the curmudgeonly Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), it’s usually the home of dead end missions – until something dangerous comes headed quickly their way. The stacked cast also includes Olivia Cooke, Kristin Scott Thomas and Jonathon Pryce – to name but a few. An excellent addition to the espionage genre.

Inside Man (BBC iPlayer: 2022: 4 x 60 mins – two episodes shown so far)

Speaking of stacked cast, we turn here to David Tennant, Dolly Wells, Lydia West and Stanley Tucci fronting this intriguingly intricate crime drama. Tucci plays Jefferson Grieff – a law lecturer turned criminal on death row. His unique skillset has people turning to him to solve crimes. Lydia West plays Beth Davenport, a journalist who’s come to interview Jefferson and is also planning to use the opportunity to ask for his help with finding new friend Janice (Wells) who was last seen going to tutor the son of Rev Harry Watling (Tennant). Pulpy and properly compelling.

Am I Being Unreasonable? (BBC iPlayer: 2022: 6 x 30 mins)

The show’s title comes from the message board of the infamous Mumsnet, an online forum where mums around the world vent about their lives – which inspired Daisy May Cooper during her own unhappy marriage that she went on to co-write a show with her best friend Seline Hizli. Nic is depressed and mourning the secret lover her oblivious husband (Dustin Demri-Jones) knows nothing about. Lonely and isolated, Nic makes friends with a new school mum. Jen (Hizli) is unlike all the other mums in the village, and her friendship quickly becomes everything Nic has ever wanted – except it seems like Jen isn’t all that she appears… Savagely funny and dark as anything, a special mention has to go to young actor Lenny Rush who is incredible as Nic’s son.

Sicario (Netflix: 2015: 121 mins)

Taylor Sheridan has written some of the most underappreciated crime movies of the 21st Century, a run that kicked off with this film. Add in the iconic director Denis Villeneuve at the helm. Round it off with cast members Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benico Del Toro, Daniel Kaluuya and Jon Bernthal – I don’t think I need to say much more aside from the fact you need to be prepared for this dark and murky thriller.

Cruel Summer (Prime Video:2021: 10 x 45 mins)

In the summer of 1993 Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia) was nerdy and invisible. In summer 1994 she was the most popular girl in school. By 1995, the loser outcast. Over the course of the ten episodes we hop between the three years as things begun to become more apparent. Whilst it clearly has something to do with the disappearance of beloved Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt), how exactly is Jeanette involved? Deviously twisty and turny.

Romcom of the week – While You Were Sleeping (Disney+: 1995: 103 mins)

The fun thing about this film is, it’s on the cusp of creepy and it’s down to the charm of the leads that it really isn’t and ends up being one of the finest romantic comedies of the 90s. A hopelessly romantic Chicago Transit Authority token collector (Sandra Bullock) has been lusting over commuter Peter (Peter Gallagher) for as long as she can remember. When an accident occurs, and Peter ends up in a coma, she finds herself being mistaken as his fiancée. Enamoured with his close-knit family, she decides to play the role – although a growing connection with his brother Jack (Bill Pullman) may just jeopardise everything. I know, just trust me with this one. If you’re not sure, Bill Pullman as a plaid lumberjack shirt wearing grumpy love interest should be reason enough.

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What To Watch Wednesday #3

Posted on by Charlotte_Sometimes

Welcome back! Just like my Stream On feature from last year (all 19 editions available here), every Wednesday I’ll put up some suggestions of TV & Films you may be missing on your various streaming services. Here’s What To Watch Wednesday #1 and #2.

The Con (2020: Disney+: 8 x 45 mins)

Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, each episode focuses on a different con – from more familiar stories such as Fyre Festival and the 2019 college admissions scandal, to the story of a manipulative love bombing surgeon and a film-industry producer whose scam has to be seen to be believed.

If you like this, you might like: Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist (2022), The Tinder Swindler (2022)

Hobby Man (2022: All4: 4 x 60 minutes – two episodes aired already, two to go)

Alex Brooker has realised he’s a 38-year-old man with the same interests he had as a child, ‘football and Ghostbusters’. So, paired with a different friend each week, he tries out three different hobbies and meets the incredibly passionate people who are involved in them. The end result is an incredibly charming show full of joy, a celebration of oft underappreciated and undercelebrated people & their passions.

If you like this, you might like: The Great Pottery Throw Down (2015-), The Great British Sewing Bee (2013-)

Boys State (2020: Apple TV+: 109 mins)

‘Won’t somebody please think of the children?!?’ In the heart of Texas, there’s something on an unusual rite of passage for a select 1,100 teenage boys. A chance to come together and build a representative government from the ground up, over the course of a week. It’s a fascinating experiment to behold, with truly unpredictable consequences.

If you like this, you might like: Minding the Gap (2018), Accepted (2021)

Bad Sisters (2022: Apple TV+: 10 x 45 mins – two episodes aired, eight to go)

John Paul Williams (Claes Bang) may very well have been the worst brother-in-law in the world. But he didn’t deserve to die, did he…? The Garvey sisters – Eva (Sharon Horgan), Becka (Eve Hewson), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), Bibi (Sarah Greene) and Grace (Anne-Marie Duff) always swore to look out for each other. But just how far have they taken this promise? A pitch-black revenge comedy, deliciously well-cast this is a must-watch.

If you like this, you might like: The Resort (2022), In Bruges (2008)

Romcom of the week: Set It Up (2018: Netflix: 105 mins)

Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell) are both overworked and underpaid assistants. Their respective bosses, Kirsten (Lucy Liu) and Richard (Taye Diggs) make their lives miserable – seemingly because they’re miserable themselves. Thrown together in unlikely circumstances, the two assistants decide to set their bosses up together – it looks set to work a treat, although it involves Harper & Charlie working very closely together. So closely, in fact, their may be even more attachments forming… Cinematic comfort food at it’s finest, both Deutch and Powell are charisma machines and a total joy to watch.

What To Watch Wednesday #2

Posted on by Charlotte_Sometimes

Welcome back! Just like my Stream On feature from last year (all 19 editions available here), every Wednesday I’ll put up some suggestions of TV & Films you may be missing on your various streaming services. Here’s What To Watch Wednesday #1.

A League of Their Own (Amazon Prime: 8 X 60 mins)

Chicago, 1943. With so many men fighting in the war, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is formed by a confectionary tycoon. The intent is to make money and create entertainment. For the women who attend the try-out, this is their big moment. After spending their entire lives being told they cannot take part, this is finally their chance to spend their lives doing what they love. For Carson Shaw (Abbi Jacobson) it’s a chance to feel alive whilst also, literally, running away from home & her husband. For Greta Gil (D’Arcy Carden) it’s a chance for fame and adoration. But,  for Max Chapman (Chanté Adams), she quickly realises how little it changes as there may now be space for white female players – there isn’t for black women. Often funny, but rooted in carefully handled serious issues, along with the queerness, – the show hits home thanks to a roster filled with all-stars and a field rich with possibilities.

If you like this, you might like: A League of Their Own (1992), The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel (2017-)

A Secret Love (Netflix: 83 minutes)

Then, when you can’t get enough of a wonderful baseball drama that is about more than just sport, check out a true story from the time period. This understated and moving documentary is about two women who met while taking part in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, fell in love and then kept their love a secret for seven decades. A moving and profound love conquers all story.

If you like this, you might like: Circus of Books (2020), The Pass (2016)

Big Boys (All4: 6 x 30 mins)

Jack (Dylan Llewellyn) is finally starting university after a gap year. His dad died a year ago after a long illness, starting uni so soon after would not have been possible. He arrives to campus, driven by his doting mum Peggy (Camille Coduri) only to find that he’s not been given campus accommodation and his housemate is not only a mature student but a bit of a lad. However, there’s more to Danny (Jon Pointing) than first appears. When Jack inadvertently comes out to Danny, as unlikely friendship follows as Danny devotes himself to supporting Jack. Based on comedian Jack Rooke’s real life experiences, this show is funny, moving and a total joy.

If you like this, you might like: Dead Pixels (2019-), This Is Going to Hurt (2022)

Prey (Disney: 99 mins)

The Great Plains, 1719. Naru (Amber Midthunder) is a a young Comanche woman trained as a healer, yet dreams of becoming a great hunter like her brother, Taabe (Dakota Beavers). When part of a search party for the mountain lion that attacked one of the tribe’s hunters, Naru quickly realises something far scarier is hunting them. A prequel to the Predator franchise, this taut and thrilling is atmospheric and exceptionally well-told.

If you like this, you might like: Edge of Tomorrow (2014), District 9 (2009)

Romcom of the week: Wedding Season (2022: Netflix: 98 mins)

Pressured by their parents to find spouses, Asha (Suraj Sharma) and Ravi (Pallavi Sharda) pretend to date during a summer of weddings, only to find themselves falling for each other. It may tick all the tropes of the romcom bingo card, but when it does it this charmingly – who are we to complain?!?

Something-To-Watch Saturday #4

Posted on by Charlotte_Sometimes

Welcome back! Here’s 7 more film suggestions for your delectation. And, if that’s not enough for you here’s editions one, two and three.

If Beale Street Could Talk (Amazon Prime – 2018 – 119 mins)

If you’ve ever wondered what sumptuous cinematography looks like, this is the film to watch. James Laxton‘s camera work here is as astonishing as it was when he collaborated with director Barry Jenkins on the Oscar-winning Moonlight. This film, the story of a pregnant young woman (KiKi Layne) and her family trying to prove the innocence of her childhood friend turned lover (Stephan James), is as beautiful as it is heart-breaking. Majestic filmmaking.

Your Name (Netflix – 2016 – 106 mins)

This week, the spot for underseen romantic comedy goes to this wonderful Japanese animation that blends romance, comedy and science fiction so beautifully. Two strangers find themselves linked in the most unexpected way. A connection forms between them, quickly and deeply, but what is keeping them apart. Think Freaky Friday meets [title of a film that would spoil it]. Epically sound tracked too.

Tamara Drewe (Amazon Prime – 2010 – 107 mins)

If hearing of a British movie that satirises suburbia and the intellectual set, featuring Gemma Arterton, Roger Allam, Dominic Cooper, Tamsin Greig and Luke Evans – then I’m not sure what’s wrong with you..! Very funny, yet tragic, with fantastic performances – such a treat.

The Last Tree (Netflix – 2019 – 98 mins)

Femi’s (Tai Golding) happy childhood in the countryside with his white foster mum (Denise Black) comes to an abrupt end when his mother (Gbemisola Ikumelo) decides to take him back to London. Now in his teens (Samuel Adewunmi) Femi finds himself uncertain about who he is and drawn to making the wrong choices. A moving and powerful film, filled with quiet rage.

The Handmaiden (Netflix – 2016 – 145 mins)

This South Korean erotic thriller (which is very much an 18 for a reason) is based on the 2002 novel Fingersmith by Welsh writer Sarah Waters. Set in Korea, under Japanese colonial rule, a woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her. A rapturously seductive slow burn watch.

Tucked (Netflix – 2018 – 80 mins)

Tucked isn’t the kind of film to reinvent the wheel, it’s the familiar tale of a curmudgeonly loner (Derren Nesbitt) taking a naïve newbie (Jordan Stephens) under their wing – this time in the drag world. But it’s done so well by writ-redirector Jamie Patterson that it’s so bloomin’ charming. Just a lovely, quietly pulls-at-your-heart-strings-and-tear-ducts watch.

Spy (Netflix – 2015 – 120 mins)

After doing recommendations like this weekly since the start of Lockdown plus the intermittent recommendations the past two years, I can say with some certainty that a good comedy is hard to find. Having rewatched this recently, I can confirm this is one of them. Melissa McCarthy is a the desk-bound CIA analyst for superspy Jude Law, but when she volunteers to go undercover she must infiltrate the world of arms dealing and prevent global disaster. Allison Janney, Rose Byrne, Jason Statham, Bobby Cannavale and my spirit animal Miranda Hart round up this fantastic cast.

Something-To-Watch Saturday #2

Posted on by Charlotte_Sometimes


Welcome to the second edition of Something-To-Watch Saturday. Missed the first instalment? Then just click here to sate that sense of intrigue.

RBG (2018 – 98 mins – Netflix)

Why should I watch this? Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away on 18th September 2020 aged 87, was a true icon. Given the loving nickname ‘The Notorious RBG’ in recent years, when she finally started to receive the attention and appreciation she finally deserved, this is documentary is the perfect introduction to those who knew nothing about her or for fans to celebrate her life. I could tell you here all about the amazing work she did, for men and women, and how she blazed the trail for so many people – but I think you should watch this instead and bask in her glory.

Honey Boy (2019 – 94 mins – Amazon Prime)

Why should I watch this? Shia LaBeouf started his career aged just ten, performing stand-up at comedy clubs. Film and TV roles soon followed, with Disney’s Even Stevens being the role that bought him to most people’s attention. Now 34, he’s grown up in front of the camera, with all sorts of hardships and trauma going on behind it. Honey Boy, written by LaBeouf and directed by Alma Har’el, is the closely inspired by his life story of a young actor’s stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father and deal with his mental health. A wonderfully tender evocative movie, made all the more heart rendering by it’s layers of autobiography.

A Matter of Life and Death (1946 – 104 mins – BBC iPlayer)

Why should I watch this? I first watched A Matter of Life and Death during the second half of my first year of uni, were I was starting to fall out of love with film – unfortunate as my course was film studies… This film made me fall back in love and then some, so much so it’s still my 3rd favourite film of all time. Only upon seeing it can you appreciate just how ahead of a time this film is – the visuals and special effects, the story and its themes, the fact it was made in the shadows of WW2 – simply extraordinary. A British fantasy-romance that is truly timeless.

A Street Cat Named Bob (2016 – 103 mins – Amazon Prime)

Why should I watch this? Based on a true story, that has since resulted in 9 books, Bob was a street cat who adopted a human called James Bowen (planned in the film by Luke Treadaway). In 2007 Bowen enrolled on a methadone programme, busking in Covent Garden, and living in a supported housing programme in Tottenham, London. One night he returned home to a ginger cat (Bob, playing himself) in his hallway. When no-one claimed Bob, decided to help Bob and keep him. In doing so, James’ life was changed forever, as recounted in this very sweet feelgood movie. Click here to read my full review.

Hotel Artemis (2018 – 94 mins – Amazon Prime)

Why should I watch this? Hotel Artemis sure isn’t perfect, but it is ambitious and so entertaining. Set in riot-torn, near-future Los Angeles, the film follows the Nurse (Jodie Foster), who runs a secret, members-only emergency room for criminals. With a cast that includes Sterling K. Brown, Sofia Boutella, Jeff Goldblum, Brian Tyree Henry, Jenny Slate, Zachary Quinto and Dave Bautista, Hotel Artemis is an immensely entertaining romp. It’s also made even more impressive when considering it’s relatively small budget of $15.5 million. There’s some superb world building going on here with an immensely compelling narrative. Click here to read my full review.

A Man Called Ove (2017 – 115 mins – Amazon Prime)

Why should I watch this? This is an example of a film that should persuade you to look past it’s subtitles if you are someone who is usually resistant to them. This Swedish film is an adaption of Fredrik Backman‘s novel of the same name. Ove (Rolf Lassgård) is a true curmudgeon, old and ill-tempered, he has cut himself off from the world since the death of his wife the previous year – and even then he had as little as possible to do with anyone as he could. He’s finally given up on life when his boisterous new neighbours inadvertently interrupt his plans. Darkly funny and uplifting, this is a real gem of a film.

The Incredible Jessica James (2017 – 83 mins – Netflix)

Why should I watch this? One of Netflix’s many own movies that seem to slip under the radar, this is a real treat to watch. It’s the story of Jessica James (a magnetic Jessica Williams) who strikes up a new friendship with Boone (Chris O’Dowd) whilst rebounding from a break-up with Damon (LaKeith Stanfield) whilst also working out what on earth she should be doing with her life. A really charming way to spend 83 mins!

Something-To-Watch Saturday

Posted on by Charlotte_Sometimes

Oh my god we’re back again. After a few weeks break, I’m bringing Movie Mondays back – as promised, in a slightly tweaked format. Each Saturday I will be recommending 7 films from across multiple platforms; in a bet to counter that weekend feeling where you ended up flicking across platforms for ages, trying to decide watch to watch. Sometimes I’ll make some picks according to seasonal events, the weather, what’s going on in the world and sometimes just because I think they’re rather brilliant. Hope you enjoy!

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019 – 97 mins – Netflix)

Why should I watch this? This story of a young man who has Down Syndrome (Zack Gottsagen) escaping his nursing home and joining a man on the run (Shia LaBeouf) so he can pursue his wrestling dreams, with his carer (Dakota Johnson) in hot pursuit, is so wonderfully charming. Blending road trip with a touch of magical realism, this is a heart-warming tale tinged with a touch of bittersweet-ness. Simply wonderful. Click here to read my full review.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005 – 98 mins – Amazon Prime)

Why should I watch this? If you liked the mix of black comedy and trauma that made up Iron Man 3, there’s a good chance you’ll love this as it was written and directed by the same person – Shane Black. This is his take on a film noi/neo noir – with a thief (Robert Downey Jr, in the role that brought him back to the forefront), a private detective (Val Kilmer) and an actress become entangled in a murder mystery (Michelle Monaghan). Dark, witty and wickedly funny.

Wild Rose (2019 – 100 mins – Amazon Prime)

Why should I watch this? I firmly believe there’s something rather magical about a British feelgood story. The evidence for this theory? This corker of a movie. Jessie Buckley plays Rose, a Glaswegian powerhouse obsessed with Country music. Recently out of prison, her heart yearns for Nashville while she’s stuck living in an estate trying to look after her two children who know their grandmother (Julie Walters) far more than their mother. A feelgood story of dreams and reaching for the stars that will resonate with everyone.

Handsome Devil (2017 – 94 mins – Amazon Prime)

Why should I watch this? And now to Ireland, with this delightful indie drama about two total opposites, musical loner Ned (Fionn O’Shea) and beloved rugby star Conor (Nicholas Galitzine), forced to share a room at their boarding school. They bond over a shared love of music, watched over by their understanding teacher (Andrew Scott) – this is an underseen gem. Perfect for anyone who’s ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t have fallen in love with.

Ex Machina (2015 – 108 mins – Netflix)

Why should I watch this? A three hander of a movie, set in one location, this is a superb science fiction drama made by and starring some of the finest actors of this generation. Written and directed by Alex Garland, Ex Machina is the story of a young programmer (Domhnall Gleeson) selected by the company’s CEO (Oscar Isaac) to take part in a retreat, which is actually a cover for testing his latest artifical intelligence software (Alicia Vikander). Taut and oh-so thrilling.

Mudbound (2017 – 135 mins – Netflix)

Why should I watch this? Mudbound continues to be one of the most frustrating examples of an incredible film being ignored and/or forgotten films during an awards season. A truly gripping historical drama about two Mississippi families, one white (Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke and Garrett Hedlund) and the other black (Mary J. Blige, Rob Morgan, Jason Mitchell). Staring in 1939, Dee Rees‘ films is a brutal, illuminating and stunning tale of farming, friendship and prejudice.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E (2015 – 116 mins – Netflix)

Why should I watch this? If you’re in need of an entertaining action romp, this is the one for you. With a beautiful cast (Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Debicki) wearing beautiful costumes in beautiful settings, this really is one for you. With an adoring fandom, that has only grown since it’s underseen release, Guy Ritchie‘s attempt at a James Bond movie is action-packed, funny and utterly charming.