Blog Post
TV Spotlight: Family Tree
by manz
One of the funniest films I’ve ever seen is Best in Show. I seriously could not stop laughing while viewing. The humor is so dry and bizarre and right up my alley, thanks to Christopher Guest who directed and co-wrote the film.
The HBO show Family Tree was created by Christopher Guest and Jim Piddock, and carries that same sense of calm, extremely dry humor. The documentary style half-hour comedy stars Chis O'Dowd as Tom, a 30 year old man in between jobs and girlfriends, who has just inherited a box of trinkets from a dead aunt he’s never met. The mementos in the box lead him to research his family tree at home in England and eventually America. His day to day search includes a cast of eccentric friends and relatives who aid and encourage his search in amusing ways. (They are portrayed by some of Guest’s favorite regular crew, including Ed Begley Jr., Fred Willard, and Michael McKean.)
There is something about the writing and thus the sentences that come out of these characters mouths and the manner in which they flow that hit my funny bone just right. Because of this, Guest’s musings are not for everyone.
The show received mixed reviews, but I really enjoyed it. I loved the nonsense of it. One thing I did tire of very quickly was the sister with the talking monkey puppet. Yep, I said it was a bizarre show. The show was cancelled after just the one season.
Films also written and/or directed by Guest with a wacky cast of regulars includes This is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, and A Mighty Wind.
Blog Post
New TV Shows @ AADL, Pt. 2
by manz
The library is always acquiring additional TV shows and new seasons of them, be they hot and new, or oldies but goodies. Here are some new-to-AADL series:
Supergirl, Season 1
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Kara Zor-El escaped at the same time as her cousin, Superman, but didn’t arrive on Earth until years later after being lost. Raised by her adopted family, the Danvers, Kara grew up in the shadow of her foster sister, Alex, and learned to hide the phenomenal powers she shares with her famous cousin. Kara has spent so many years trying to fit in that she forgot to ever stand out.
Code Black, Season 1
Residency Director Dr. Leanne Rorish leads four first-year residents through the life-or-death challenges that will change the course of their careers and lives.
Colony, Season 1
Set in the very near future, it centers on one family's struggle to survive an occupied Los Angeles, now a dangerous world of divided ideologies. While some choose to collaborate with the occupation and benefit from the new order, others rebel and suffer the consequences. Will Bowman a former FBI agent, and his wife Katie have been separated from their son during the invasion and do whatever is necessary to be reunited.
The Girlfriend Experience, Season 1
Christine Reade is a second year student at Chicago-Burnham Law School and a new intern at the prestigious firm of Kirkland & Allen. Working hard to establish herself at the firm, her focus quickly shifts when a classmate introduces her to the world of transactional relationships. Known as GFEs, they are women who provide emotional and sexual relationships at a very high price. Christine quickly finds herself drawn into the GFE world.
Narcos, Season 1
Based on a true story of the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the two DEA agents that brought the famed Medellin Cartel to its knees.
Blindspot, Season 1
A vast international plot explodes when a mysterious Jane Doe is discovered in Times Square, covered in cryptic tattoos with no memory of who she is. But there's one tattoo that's impossible to miss: the name of FBI agent Kurt Weller, on her back. Soon, Weller and his FBI team realize that each mark on her body is a crime to solve, leading them closer to the truth about her identity.
Slasher, Season 1
Follows the plight of a young woman who returns to the small town where she was born, only to find herself the centerpiece in a series of horrifying copycat murders, based on the widely known, grisly killings of her parents.
Vinyl, Season 1
A New York music executive in the 1970s hustles to make a career out of the city's diverse music scene.
Superstore, Season 1
A hilarious workplace comedy venturing into the world of retail. The giant megastore is staffed by employees ranging from bright-eyed newbies and the seen-it-all veterans, to the clueless summer hires and the in-it-for-life managers. Together they tackle the day-to-day grind of rabid bargain hunters, riot-causing sales and nap-worthy training sessions.
For more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.
Blog Post
New TV Shows @ AADL, Pt. 1
by manz
We're thinking television because Emmy Nominations were announced today!! With SO many good TV shows out there how can we possible keep up?
The library is always acquiring additional TV shows and new seasons of them, be they hot and new, or oldies but goodies. Here are some new-to-AADL series:
The Magicians, Season 1
Based on Lev Grossman's New York Times best seller, this centers on Quentin, a brilliant grad student chosen to attend Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy, a secret upstate New York university specializing in magic. He and his twenty something friends soon discover that the magical fantasy world they read about as children is all too real, and poses a grave danger to humanity.
The Shannara Chronicles, Season 1
The epic story of an Elvin princess, a bandit and a half-Elf tasked with stopping the end of the world. Based on the book series by Terry Brooks.
Underground, Season 1
The show follows a group of slaves who plan a daring escape from a Georgia plantation to cross 600 miles to freedom.
Moone Boy, The Complete Series
The hilarious, semi-autobiographical tale of Martin Moone, the youngest boy in a loud, large Irish family, and his imaginary friend Sean Murphy. Between Martin's unique view on life and Sean's not always helpful advice, the pair find themselves thrown into one ridiculous scheme after another.
11.22.63
On November 22, 1963, President Kennedy was killed in Dallas and the world changed forever. But what if it could be changed back? James Franco stars as Jake Epping, an English teacher who accepts the monumental mission of trying to prevent the assassination of JFK. Based upon the bestselling novel by Stephen King.
DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Season 1
When heroes alone are not enough, the world needs legends. Having seen the future, traveling rogue Rip Hunter assembles a disparate group of both heroes and villains to confront the unstoppable threat of the immortal Vandal Savage, a threat which not only puts the planet at stake, but all of time itself.
The Tunnel, Season 1
When a prominent French politician is found dead on the border between the UK and France, detectives Karl Roebuck and Elise Wassermann are sent to investigate on behalf of their respective countries. The case takes a surreal turn when a shocking discovery is made at the crime scene, forcing the French and British police into an uneasy partnership.
Ash vs. Evil Dead, Season 1
Ash is the stock boy, who is an aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons; personal and literal.
Lucifer, Season 1
Bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell, Lucifer has resigned his throne and retired to the City of Angels, where he is indulging in wine, women, and song. When a beautiful pop star is brutally murdered before his eyes, he feels something awaken deep within him, for the first time in ten billion years. Is he actually capable of feelings for a human being?
For more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.
Blog Post
TV Spotlight: Silicon Valley
by manz
The award-winning comedy series ">Silicon Valley follows a group of young men, living together in a single house, who try to create and then maintain a start up company in Silicon Valley. With a stellar cast, including Martin Starr and Kumail Nanjiani, the show is hilarious to say the least.
Created by Mike Judge (Beavis and Butt-Head, King of the Hill, Office Space), John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky, the HBO show is partially based on Judge’s own experiences working in Silicon Valley in the 80s.
Season 1 and 2 are available on DVD, Season 3 is airing now on HBO, and it’s been renewed for a fourth season. Highly recommended if you enjoy absurd humor.
Blog Post
A Summer Start to Forever Friends
by mansii
If you haven't gotten on the list for Newberry award winning author Kate DiCamillo's delightful new book, you are seriously missing out. Raymie Nightingale will make you grin ear-to-ear, sob a little, and say, “I know exactly what she means!”—whether you are ten like Raymie, or all grown up.
In the wake of her parent's divorce and father's abandonment, Raymie enrolls in a Florida Little Miss contest, hoping to regain her father's affection with her baton-twirling expertise. What she doesn't expect is a blossoming group of unlikely friends: The Three Rancheros. Each privately possess a heart of small wounds they would rather not mention. In response, while one pretends to be as tough as nettles, the other invents grandiose stories to feel better. Still, little by little, they let each other in on their secrets and pool their unique strengths, rescuing a library book, an unexpected mutt, and a soaked person. Their real discovery is the kind of friendship that brings new purpose and hope. A friendship that makes life okay, even with the occasional mud-slide.
Despite themes as sensitive as divorce and poverty, Raymie bubbles with tenderness and humor. DiCamillo has a talent for helping us see the gifts placed before us even in difficult situations, one of the greatest of which is the belonging of friendship.
Each Kate DiCamillo book is more delightful than the last: read them all here. And once you've read them (or even if you haven't) look for AADL's upcoming Raymie Nightingale craft, and, soon after, author event. Yes, you heard correctly: Kate Dicamillo will be at AADL IN PERSON. NEXT MONTH. Click here for more info.
Blog Post
Fabulous Fiction First #597
by muffy
If you are in the mood for a "funny, tender, and enchanting story about love, attraction, and friendship", then I suggest trying The Decent Proposal * - a high-concept rom-com set in LA.
First-time novelist Kemper Donovan "takes what might have been a derivative tale (think Indecent Proposal) and colors it with poignancy and self-discovery", where two strangers would split $1 million if they agree to spend 2 hours every week in each other's company for one year.
At 29, Richard Baumbach is delirious with the prospect of financial bail-out, being a struggling Hollywood film producer; while 33 year-old attorney Elizabeth Santiago is skeptical at best. Known as “La Máquina” (The Machine) around the office for her no-nonsense attitude and work ethics, she values above all else, her quiet, orderly life. Besides, she has nothing in common with this ridiculously handsome party-boy. Nevertheless, they agree to the proposal, settling on a movie and book discussion format for their weekly meetings.
As Richard and Elizabeth begin to look forward to their conversations, those closest to them have mixed feelings about this tentative relationship. Gorgeous Mike (Michaela) Kim, Richard ex-girlfriend/best buddy has unresolved feelings for Richard, and sees "dumpy" Elizabeth as a threat. Orpheus Washington, an elderly homeless man whom Elizabeth has befriended, fears the loss of her attention. Independently, they take it upon themselves to uncover the identity and motive of the mysterious benefactor.
"Peopled by appealing characters and filled with lush descriptions of the diverse L.A. landscape, Donovan’s winning first novel offers up a page-turning tale brimming with heart." Readers who delight in Donovan's LA setting might enjoy What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips; Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid; and This One is Mine by Maria Semple.
* = starred review
Blog Post
TV Spotlight: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
by manz
Kimmy Schmidt is a mole woman. She and three other women were rescued from a doomsday cult in Indiana after 15 years underground. Upon rescue they are pretty clueless as to what’s been going on in the world above ground. (i.e. What’s a selfie?)
Kimmy (Ellie Kemper) decides to start her new life in New York City! There she quickly lands a place to live with a struggling actor roommate (Tituss Burgess), a sassy landlady (Carol Kane), and a job as a nanny for a socialite (Jane Krakowski). The colorfully-clad Kimmy is a cartwheeling ball of positivity diving into every new experience she can – with many dashes of wacky naiveté. It's not my favorite new sitcom, but it was fun to have on while working on projects around the house.
Season 1 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is available on DVD now, and Season 2 will be available for viewing on Netflix starting Friday! (Yes, I totally watched this show because it was co-created by Tina Fey.)
Blog Post
Five Feet to the Left and Unhappy
by manz
Mistress America is a tour de force of brilliant comedy and wit. College literature student Tracy (Lola Kirke) is 18 and underwhelmed with her freshman year in New York City so far. Her classes are boring, she is slow to make friends, and she gets rejected from the prestigious lit society. Soon into the semester enters 30 year old Brooke (Greta Gerwig), her soon-to-be stepsister. Tracy immediately falls under Brooke’s spell, basking in her spontaneity and lust for life, and with wide eyes follows her around Manhattan seeking adventure, and immediately gains a subject for a short story. Through whimsy and reality friendship and sisterhood are tested. The film is full of amazing one liners, my favorite words being the title of this post – as spoken to Tracy by a psychic.
Gerwig is simply darling. Yet again she effortlessly and gently portrays a young woman that is quirky, honest, lost, and searching for more as she tries to figure out life. Gerwig's strong feminine voice and superb writing shine through in this film. It was co-written by Gerwig and her beau Noah Baumbach, who directed the film. Be sure to seek out more films starring, written and/or directed by Gerwig and/or Baumbach, as they sit pretty high on the stack of wonderful indie films.
Blog Post
New TV Shows @ AADL
by manz
The library is always acquiring additional TV shows and new seasons of them, be they hot and new, or oldies but goodies. Here are some new-to-AADL series:
Casual, Season 1
A bachelor brother and his newly divorced sister living are under one roof again. Together, they coach each other through the crazy world of dating while raising her teenage daughter.
Z Nation, Seasons 1 & 2
Three years after the devastating ZN1 virus gutted the country, a team of everyday heroes must transport the only known survivor of a zombie attack, and humanity's last hope to develop a vaccine, from New York to California. However, he's hiding a secret that could endanger the mission.
The Last Kingdom
The re-telling of the valiant story of King Alfred the Great and his desire to unite many separate kingdoms into what would become England. Combining real historical figures and events with fictional characters, it is the story of how a people reclaimed their land from the invading Vikings and built a place they call home.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 1
Rescued after fifteen years in an underground doomsday cult, Kimmy decides to rebuild her life in New York City armed with only a fifth-grade education and a firm belief that truly anything is possible. She quickly finds a roommate, a job working for a spoiled Manhattan mom, and a new beginning.
19-2, Season 1
Revolves around the day-to-day life of two unwilling partners of the Montreal Police Department, Officers Nick Barron and Ben Chartier. These two beat cops patrol the urban sprawl of downtown's 19th district, in cruiser No. 2. The show is about the tensions and bonds that develop between two incompatible men of very different temperaments and life experiences.
Humans
In a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a 'Synth' - a highly-developed robotic servant that's so similar to a real human it's transforming the way we live.
Lost Girl, Seasons 1-5
For years Bo had no idea what she was or why every new lover died in the throes of passion. She fled one corpse after another until a chance encounter with the puckish thief Kenzi exposed Bo's existence to the Fae. This ancient society of supernatural beings exists outside the realm of mere mortals. Within their world, there are only two sides: Light and Dark. Each member of the Fae must choose who they will serve. But not Bo. Driven to discover who she really is, Bo vows to live on her own terms even if it means existing in the abyss between darkness and light.
Midwinter of the Spirit
Follows country vicar Merrily Watkins, who is one of the few women priests working as an exorcist in the UK. When a grisly murder takes place in her local area, the police come calling for her assistance.
The Expanse, Season 1
A police detective in the asteroid belt, the first officer of an interplanetary ice freighter and an earth-bound United Nations executive slowly discover a vast conspiracy that threatens all humanity.
Prisoner’s Wives, The Complete Series
Gemma's perfect life comes crashing down when her husband is arrested for murder. As Gemma learns to navigate the prison system, she starts to think the unthinkable.
Forever, the Complete Series
Henry has a vested interest in studying the dead: He is immortal, and only his best friend and confidant, Abe, full of life at age 75, knows Henry's secret. Henry hasn't aged at all since the clock stopped 200 years ago, but he's managed to be discreet without anyone finding out his affliction. That task becomes increasingly difficult when he meets NYPD detective Jo Martinez, who is fascinated by Henry after learning he was the sole survivor of a horrific train crash.
The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Season 1
In 1959, Dr. Lucian Blake returns to his Australian hometown to continue his late father's medical practice, but it is his additional responsibility as the town's chief medical officer that leads him to investigating cases of suspicious death.
For more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.
Blog Post
TV Spotlight: Broad City
by manz
Four and three and two and one. The hilarious Comedy Central show Broad City follows two best friends in their twenties living in New York City. Low on money and high on friendship, shenanigans and crazy situations, Abbi and Ilana never leave you starving for a laugh.
Bed Bath & Beyond lover Abbi is a struggling artist working as a custodian in a gym where she longs to be a trainer. Ilana is a crop-top wearing slacker who “works” at a nondescript office where she naps in the bathroom and does nothing but annoy her office-mate. Between jobs, relationships and partying there's plenty of time for big dreams and wacky schemes every day of the week in the big city.
The show initially started as a web series and was created by the show’s stars Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson who met while taking classes at Upright Citizens Brigade. Season three begins in February, so get yourself caught up with these mad funny women.