Blog Post
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
by manz
Directed by Taika Waititi, the critically acclaimed Hunt for the Wilderpeople may just be my favorite film so far this year as I was sweetly surprised by everything about it.
Fourteen year old foster child Ricky Baker is dropped off at his next placement, which is the home of Bella and Hec, who live off the land on a remote farm next to the bush in New Zealand. Tender Aunty Bella and curmudgeonly Uncle Hec end up being not so bad after all. But after tragedy strikes, Ricky is given the news that he’s headed back to child services. This is unacceptable, so he runs away into the bush, soon to be joined by Hec. The fellas are at odds and end up on the run and subject to a nationwide man hunt.
It may seem like the typical wisecracking teen vs. the grumpy old man, but with both characters being so flawed and interesting, it’s hard not to root for them and giggle at their follies. I was reminded of the comedic whimsy of Wes Anderson films while watching this one – which was delightful!
The comedy adventure drama is both hilarious and touching and has become the highest grossing New Zealand film. It is quite majestical, as Hec would say. I also highly recommend the film Boy, which is directed by Waititi and set in New Zealand as well.
Waititi helped found the sketch troupe "So You're a Man" with two of his cast-mates, Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie. This is the comedic company he keeps, if that says anything about his film writing. Interestingly, he is currently directing Thor: Ragnarok. Here’s a really good recent interview with the man if you’re intrigued.
Blog Post
Who Ya Gonna Call?
by manz
By now you’ve either seen or heard about the new Ghostbusters film that came out this past summer. It’s now on DVD and Bluray for your viewing pleasure, and just in time for the slimy Halloween season.
The original Ghostbusters film came out in 1984, and I saw it at the theater. To this day I get excited when I hear Ray Parker Jr.’s "Ghostbusters" theme song, and yes, I still own the 7” inch record I owned as a child.
Ghostbusters 2 arrived in 1989 with a new story and mixed reviews. But come on, it’s the Ghostbusters!! 2016 brings us up to date with a whole new crew of Ghostbusters, this time all female Ghostbusters. This new film basically retells the original Ghostbusters with new ‘busters and a bit of a new storyline, but still including four characters being called to duty as they don on that jumpsuit in order to save New York from the paranormal.
This new film also had mixed reviews, some loving it, some hating it, but I found it thoroughly enjoyable – and the four women portraying a new generation of Ghostbusters did a super laugh-out-loud job. I cant wait to see little ones dressed up as Holtzmann for Halloween! (That’s one name you’re not going to forget after watching this.) The ladies are portayed by some of the funniest actors around: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. You'll also find some fantastic cameos from the original Ghostbuster crew.
With this new film also comes new kids Ghostbusters books to check out, as well as a snazzy new soundtrack.
Blog Post
PreK BITS - Community Helpers
by ryanikoglu
When Teachers ask for help finding picture books for their "Community Helper" theme ...
Here's a bunch of help for You!
Titles are chosen especially for young children in Preschool through early Elementary School ages 3-7 years.
1. There are themed sets ready to go in the STORIES TO GO Collection. OCCUPATIONS is the best set for Community Helpers. The set includes an Activity Folder to support the theme.
2. You can also find "Fire Fighting" and "Police" in the SAFETY TOWN set ... as well as books on personal safety.
3. You can find "Doctors" and "Dentists" in the HEALTH set ... as well as more books on personal health.
4. Here is a Public List with titles related to a broad variety of CAREERS And JOBS.
Don't forget to include your job ... for helping those kids grow up!
Blog Post
The Wrecking Crew!
by manz
This gem of a documentary will thrill music lovers and rock and roll fans. It tells the story of the session musicians known as “the wrecking crew” who appeared on countless number one records in the 1960s and early 1970s. Name a hit song and chances are someone from this crew was playing on it. Everything from guitar to drums to piano sounded that much better with this mega talented group making it look and sound so easy, and so good.
This loose-knit group of hardworking LA session musicians worked with the likes of The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Elivis, Ricky Nelson, Sonny & Cher, The Monkees, The Byrds, The Ronettes, The Mamas and the Papas, and many more. You may not find their names on the record sleeves, but the record wouldn’t exist or wouldn’t have hit number one without their magical skills. On many albums they were the uncredited ones playing the music, not the actual band.
The film was made by Tommy Tedesco's (member of the Wrecking Crew) son Denny Tedesco and interweaves archival footage of sessions and interviews with the musicians along with touching and insightful narration.
If you’re a fan of music or just good documentaries, check out The Wrecking Crew and smile at the sounds. And to read up on the history of the crew check out The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock and Roll's Best-Kept Secret.
Blog Post
TV Spotlight: Togetherness
by manz
Togetherness was created by Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass and Steve Zissis, and is a tragically hilarious look at family life in Los Angeles. To my surprise the dark comedy was an absolute joy to watch and I can’t wait to watch season 2.
Brett and Michelle are married with two young children and are trying to find the long lost spark in their relationship. Brett’s actor friend Alex is down and out after getting evicted while jobless, so he ends up staying at Brett’s house for a while. Around the same time Michelle’s sister Tina is suffering from a break up and needs a change of scenery and joins the rest of the clan at Brett and Michelle’s house. With the four adults under one roof struggling to make sense of their lives, friendships and relationships, it makes for plenty of mishaps, antics, laughter, and tears.
The HBO show was cancelled after two seasons, and I'm thinking 16 episodes is just not enough.
Blog Post
New TV Shows @ AADL, Pt. 3
by manz
The library is always acquiring additional TV shows and new seasons of them, be they hot and new, or oldies but goodies. So many new shows have hit the catalog so far in September! Here are more new-to-AADL series:
Feed the Beast, Season 1
For Tommy and Dion, two friends on the brink of losing everything, a dusty pipe dream of opening an upscale restaurant in their hometown of the Bronx is all they have left to turn their lives around. Together, Tommy and Dion take on the insanity of the New York restaurant world, navigating its underbelly of petty criminals, corrupt officials, and violent gangsters.
Salem, Season 1 & 2
Witchcraft, the witch trials and the supernatural are at the center of this fictional story set in 17th century Salem, Massachusetts.
You, Me & Them, Series 1
This sparkling British comedy follows a May-December romance between free spirit Lauren and young-at-heart divorced grandfather Ed. The age gap isn't Lauren and Ed's only challenge: they face the disapproval of Lauren's parents, who are practically Ed's contemporaries, and her envious older sister, who's got a chaotic family of her own. On the other side, they endure Ed's down-on-his-luck, live-in brother; his irresponsible grandson; and most vexing of all, his narcissistic, delusional ex-wife.
Limitless, Season 1
After an old friend introduces him to a dangerous new pill called NZT-48, aimless twenty-something Brian Finch is able to use every part of his brain, making him the smartest person alive when he is on the drug. Utilizing his enhanced abilities, Brian helps FBI agent Rebecca Harris with her caseload, as well as attempting to track down the deadly drug’s manufacturer and figure out why Brian is the only person immune to its fatal side effects.
Outsiders, Season 1
A struggle for power and control set in the mysterious hills of modern-day Appalachia centers on the Farrells family, who behave as though they are above the law and are prepared to use any means necessary to protect their off-the-grid way of life in rural Kentucky.
Chicago Med, Season 1
The doctors, nurses and staff of the city's most cutting-edge trauma center take on critical medical cases and their ethical dilemmas. Woven into this high-intensity environment are engrossing personal dramas where life or death is always on the line.
Billions, Season 1
U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades goes after hedge fund king, Bobby "Axe" Axelrod in a battle between two powerful New York figures.
Jericho
Annie Quaintain is a widowed mother of two who is forced to start a new life in the remote town of Jericho in rugged 1870s Yorkshire. To make ends meet, she takes in lodgers who work on the local railroad. When handsome worker Johnny Jackson shows up at her door, he brings with him a load of trouble that could threaten Annie's new life.
Thirteen
Thirteen years after her abduction, 26-year-old Ivy Moxam flees the cellar that has held her captive for half her life. But escape is just the beginning of Ivy's story. Just as she's picking up the pieces of the life she was forced to leave behind, a startling discovery leaves everyone scrambling: her former captor has found his next victim. Forced to confront the truth of what happened in that cellar, Ivy's story leaves the detectives with one question: can Ivy be trusted?
Fore 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: Moone Boy
by manz
What a great show! I happened upon this little gem as I decided after watching Family Tree that I needed to see more things with Chris O’Dowd in it, and BOOM! Enter Moone Boy, which happens to star him and is also semi-autobiographical of his own childhood in Boyle. Magical, right? He not only co-stars in it, but also created it and co-wrote it. I needed this TV show in my life.
Set in Ireland in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Martin Moone is 12 years old and the youngest sibling in a house with a large, Irish family and far too many sisters. O’Dowd portrays his imaginary friend Sean Murphy, who is constantly supporting Martin’s ideas and offering not-so-great advice that Martin just eats up.
The ridiculous scenes, the fun childhood adventures, Sean’s bad advice, and a never ending supply of loud and wacky family antics will keep you laughing. I loved the odd humor in the show, namely the banter between Sean and Martin. I also really enjoyed the scenes with Martin's best friend Padraic, who has his own imaginary friend, Crunchie Danger Haystacks. Think Malcolm in the Middle written by a sleep deprived Roddy Doyle.
The show is also filled with a great soundtrack that fits the place and time of the show – there are so many good songs! The show is delightful, endearing, wacky, and wonderful. There are three 6-episode seasons that are all in this DVD set.
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:
The Catch, Season 1
Meet Alice Vaughan: Strong, smart and tough-as-nails, she specializes in foiling world-class criminals with her elite team at Anderson/Vaughan Investigations, so she's devastated after losing her heart, and her life savings, to dashing, international conman Benjamin Jones. Desperate to extract some serious payback, Ali embarks on a secret quest to nab her ex-fiancée.
Into the Badlands, Season 1
Sunny, the most deadly Clipper in the Badlands, rescues a boy, M.K., from a deadly ambush. As Sunny and M.K. try to uncover the secret behind M.K.'s dark power, a new baron threatens a start a war between the rival lands.
Cop Rock, The Complete Series
It attempted to combine police procedural with musical theatre. The series centered on the LAPD and featured an ensemble cast that mixed musical numbers and choreography throughout storylines.
Quantico, Season 1
Alex Parrish is one of a diverse group of young recruits at the FBI Quantico Base. Despite intriguing personal secrets and complicated pasts, Alex and her fellow "NATs" (New Agents In Training) are the best, brightest, most thoroughly vetted candidates in the U.S., so it seems impossible that one of them could be a traitor.
The Night Manager
Jonathan Pine is working as the night manager of a Cairo hotel. He gets involved with a local woman who is the girlfriend of a local gangster. Through her relationship with the gangster she has acquired information linking illegal international arms sales with an English billionaire. Based on the best-selling novel by John Le Carre.
Legends, Season 1
Follows FBI Deep Cover Operations agent Martin Odum as he navigates living a lie for his job and delving into the mystery surrounding his real identity.
Angie Tribeca, Season 1
Angie Tribeca is a ten-year veteran of LAPD'S RHCU: Really Heinous Crimes Unit. The show is a hilarious spoof of police procedurals in the spirit of The Naked Gun.
Fore more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows. There are a bunch of NEW seasons of shows we already own!!
Blog Post
68th Primetime Emmy Awards Winners
by manz
Last night the winners of the 68th Emmy Awards were announced in a red carpet star-studded event hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. The awards recognize excellence within various areas of television and emerging media.
Game of Thrones has now broken the record for the highest number of Emmy Awards won by any fictional series. The show’s total awards stand at 38, ousting Frasier, which held the record with 37. That’s a lot of Emmys! With winners announced, it's time to see what's going on in TV land. Here are the winners in major categories:
Drama Series – Game of Thrones
Comedy Series – Veep
Television Movie – Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
Miniseries or Movie – The People v OJ Simpson
Variety Talk Series – Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Reality Competition Series – The Voice
Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Rami Malek (Mr Robot)
Lead Actress in a Dama Series – Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black)
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series – Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent)
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep)
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – Louie Anderson (Baskets)
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live)
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline)
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Dame Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)
Be sure to check the Emmys website for a full list of winners and for behind the scenes action and fun at how the show went down!
Blog Post
New TV Shows @ AADL, Pt. 1
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:
The Night Of
Explore the dark corners of NYC's criminal-justice system as they swirl around a young Pakistani-American man who is accused of murder in this riveting eight-part miniseries. The story centers on the killing and the investigation that targets the unassuming college kid as its prime suspect.
A Place To Call Home, Seasons 1, 2, 3
A drama that follows Sarah Adams, a nurse returning to 1950s Australia after twenty years in Europe. A convert to Judaism, Sarah emerged from the horrors of World War II strong, principled, and defiant--a modern woman still bearing the weight of her past.
Winter, Series 1
Sydney homicide detective Eve Winter solves tough, high profile cases with cool intelligence, fighting bureaucrats, criminals and plenty of advances - unwanted and wanted - to catch her prey.
Wentworth, Series 1
Set in Australia, the show focuses on Bea Smith when she first enters prison after being charged with the attempted murder of her husband. Bea is separated from her daughter and sent to Wentworth on remand, where she lives in "an uncertain limbo" until she is sentenced. Starting at the bottom of Wentworth's hierarchy, Bea is forced to learn how to survive in prison.
Preacher, Season 1
Fulfilling a promise to his deceased father, one-time outlaw Jesse Custer returns home to West Texas to take over his dad's church. Jesse's mission, however, becomes twisted when his body is overcome by a cryptic force that unleashes within him a highly unconventional power. Together with hell-raising ex-girlfriend Tulip and Irish vagabond Cassidy, the preacher-in-training embarks on a journey to find God. Based on the comic books.
X Company, Seasons 1 & 2
The show follows the stories of five highly skilled young recruits torn from their ordinary lives to train as agents in an ultra-secret facility on the shores of Lake Ontario. These agents parachute behind enemy lines, where they're fair game for torture and execution. From elegant hotels to hellholes in the field, it's one risky operation after another, masterminded by the brains of Camp X.
Fore more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.