Good morning, fam!
Happy Barbenheimer!
Here’s a suggestion for tackling your weekend of Barbies and bombs:
9:00 AM - Wake up and chug a few cups of black coffee.
10:00 AM - Enjoy Oppenheimer while chain smoking the entire movie.
1:00 PM - Contemplate the fragile nature of human life over a few mimosas at brunch.
3:00 PM - Go see Barbie dressed as your favorite (Suggar Daddy Ken anyone?)
5:00 PM - You did it! Listen to 2000’s Natasha Bedingfield and go outside to feel the rain on your skin.
While I finish my Ken costume, check out this week’s recs.
Lock up your Malibu Dreamhouse, hop in your pink Dream Car, and let’s get into it.
Here’s what I have for you this morning:
Movie number one this week was Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1 and I’m blown away that a 60-year-old Tom Cruise is still running around Venice, fighting on top of trains, and driving a motorcycle off a 4,000-foot cliff. Hell, I have to stretch every morning just to do a few pushups. The AI-focused plot is a little hokey, but the stunts alone are totally worth the watch. (★★★★•)
Next up was Jennifer Lawrence’s No Hard Feelings. It was also pretty close to what was advertised: a raunchy, coming-of-age movie that pairs a Hollywood veteran with a new up-and-comer. It was cute, feel good, and had the craziest scene I’ve ever seen in any rom-com. Not the best, not the worst. (★★★••)
Third up in my movie marathon was Joy Ride. Imagine Bridesmaids meets The Hangover but with an interesting commentary on the Asian American experience. I absolutely loved the casting and message, but some of the humor didn’t land as much as I would’ve liked. Totally acknowledge not all of it was geared towards me, but I’d say this is still totally worth a watch. (★★★••)
Last, but definitely not least, we saw Barbie. Considering it had one of the biggest marketing pushes in Hollywood history, there was an insane amount of hype to live up to…and holy hell did it deliver! It had laugh out loud jokes, self-aware humor, and full-blown, choreographed dance numbers. I also don’t think I’ve ever had a moviegoing experience this fun: Abby and I went as Architect Barbie and Contractor Ken, there was Barbie trivia, and one of our friends even brought a remote control Barbie Dream Car to drive around the theater. You should definitely check this one out in a theater if you can. (★★★★•)
OK, now to the smaller screen. Ever since The Bear came out a year ago, I was blown away with how they balance story with the very real chaos that comes with working in a restaurant.1 I just finished season two and hot damn they made it even better. You dive deeper into each character, you get to see A LOT more of the culinary world2, and you still get the chaotic pacing from the first season. Honestly? No notes, chef. (★★★★★)
And now for something completely different. Abby and I just wrapped I Think You Should Leave Season 3 and the end couldn’t have come soon enough. I totally get that Tim Robinson is steering into absurdist humor, but I feel like this last season jumped the shark a little too much. Each short episode leaves you wondering, “What the f*** did we just watch?!” Not my cup of tea. (★••••)
Since we headed to KC for the Barbie watch party, we stopped by one of my favorite coffee shops around: Thou Mayest. If you’re a fan of dark espresso, than you have to try their Super Ego blend. It’s heavy, rich, and roasty.3 (★★★★•)
After rocking a 2015 MacBook Pro for a way too long, I finally upgraded my personal computer to the new 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip and thank the almighty Steve Jobs. It’s lighter, faster, and perfect for writing online newsletters ;) (★★★★•)
Looking for an astronomical mindfuck? Check out this timeline of the far future and then prepare for an existential panic attack. (★★★••)
For this week’s Funny Business post, the hint is: St. Louis’ very own pride and joy. (★★★••)
You made it to the end! As a bonus, I’ll leave you with this.
Cheers,
Billy
Especially capturing episode 7 in one shot.
Especially in episodes 3 and 4, which are probably my favorite.
Just like it says on their bag ;P