This week we recommend the in-laws from hell, a feel-good teen drama of the ages, megachurch preachers, a trip down Marvel's memory lane, and a podcast to inspire.
The Out-Laws - Netflix
Picked by Newsletter Writer Graison Dangor
I love when an actor like Pierce Brosnan achieves such lasting fame that they can take on roles just because they're fun. (See: Mamma Mia! or Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.) The Out-Laws seems to be one of these. When a bank manager's branch is robbed shortly after meeting his fiancee's parents (Brosnan and Ellen Barkin), he begins to suspect that his future in-laws may be the most notorious bank robbers in American history.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8xepj9wpi4[youtube]
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret - Amazon Prime Video
Picked by Reporter Alex Vuocolo
If you're looking for something light, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, starring Rachel McAdams, Benny Safdie, and Abby Ryder Fortson, is a gentle coming-of-age story about a girl on the cusp of young adulthood who's trying to figure out who she is and what she believes in.
The film is adapted from the beloved Judy Blume novel and in many ways feels like it's intended for a younger audience. But older viewers will likely enjoy its breezy humor, thoughtful reflections on religion, and McAdams' sensitive portrayal of motherhood.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzRzojHC3iE[youtube]
The Righteous Gemstones - Max
Picked by Keara O’Driscoll
Lately I’ve been on a huge Max kick. I stumbled across this “gem” about a year ago and revisited it recently and I’m so glad I did. The show depicts the opulent lives of a family of televangelists, the Gemstones, who run a franchise of megachurches. Although completely fictional, it hilariously highlights stories of pastors, similar to those of Hillsong, who rub elbows with the rich and famous. It also touches upon the tendencies of some who don’t always practice what they preach. You can catch a new episode of season three every week on none other than the Lord’s day.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/t383UpoLV5k[youtube]
Throwback Pick
Captain America: The First Avenger - Disney+
Picked by Lawrence Banton
I love the MCU so I have decided to go back and watch the movies and TV shows in story order. Disney+ made this task very easy with a tab that provides the order of succession. First up was Captain America: The First Avenger. It's been so long since I've watched the 2011 release that I forgot some of the details but was quickly reminded as I jumped back in. One thing that stood out to me was how far technology has come in just over a decade. Chris Evans was made into a short and scrawny man before taking up the helm as Cap't and it was hilarious. A good watch (a bit of propaganda) and I'm excited to make my way through the rest of the MCU. Not sure I'll get it done before summer ends.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JerVrbLldXw[youtube]
Podcast Pick:
Picked by Senior Editor Dina Ross
Looking for some inspiration? Check out this long-running podcast hosted by storied interviewer Guy Raz. He talks with company leaders about how they got businesses started. Even if you aren't entrepreneurial, it's interesting to hear directly from the people behind your favorite brands. I particularly liked the episode with Lucie Basch, co-founder of Too Good to Go. Her app tried to curb food waste by connecting restaurants with customers who want to buy discounted leftovers. Raz is easy to listen to and asks the questions you're thinking. Because there are so many episodes, you're sure to find one that is of interest.
Editor's Note: Best wishes to Alex Vuocolo, one of this column's founders, as he retires his horror picks and starts his next act.
