My Daemon

A really fun anime series, 13 episodes of <30 min each. Set in Japan in a world after nuclear events where the use of nuclear bombs has created daemonium particles that eventually hatch into daemons. This sets up the inevitable human/daemon conflict. Enter Kentu, a young boy who has befriended a daemon Anna and seems to have a connection with her that befuddles other humans. When Kentu's mom is killed, he and Anna set off in search of a rumored time reversal daemon who can bring her back. The series tells the story of Kentu and Anna and the people and daemons that they meet along the way. It is creative and fun and ultimately helps us explore compassion, attitudes towards difference and how effective personal relationship is in allowing people to organically change their long held beliefs. 

5 stars (out of 5)

The Harder They Fall

A western from a couple years ago where Idris Elba plays uber-outlaw Rufus Buck, the nemesis to many but particularly Nat Love, who he tortured as a kid. A hint of O Brother Where Art Thou vibes seeping out of a hard core western / redemption story. Mix in the land rush west and racism and you get plenty of motivation and complexity to keep you going. The basic plot follows Nat Love as he seeks out and kills everyone who was part of that Rufus Buck torture gang. When Buck gets out of jail, he has but on job left before he can leave outlaw life forever...

4 stars (out of 5)

Genie

Melissa McCarthy is a Genie (Flora) who is let out of her box by Paapa Essiedu (Bernard). Bernard is loosing his family and his job and so Flora comes at just the right time. Of course, as with all Genies, good intentions don't quite work out right so Bernard ends up in some hot water. But in the end, it all works out and we get a happily ever after, as we should in a holiday rom-com. 

4 stars (out of 5)

Lost Car Rescue (serial)

Season 2

Like the first season, the crew travels around Canadian wilderness looking for old cars to rescue. No real drama or reality tension. Just fun car rescues with a good natured team. Can't wait for next season.

4 stars (out of 5)

Wingwomen

French heist-assassin-buddy movie. We see flavors of John Wick, some Lupin, some Jason Bourne, and amazingly some Xena Warrior Princess. Alex and Carole have been working together for quite some time and have a banter as they work. They recruit Sam for this last job, the one that will get them out of the business. It is never that easy is it? Definitely derivative, but a fun romp through France and enough cheesy humor (an inadvertent food truck selling hot dogs mid heist?) to make it enjoyable. 

3 stars (out of 5)

Lupin (serial)

Season 3

Picking up where Season 2 left off, Arsène is in exile, having fled France and been presumed dead. Or actually, not even presumed, but actually buried. His wife and son are still hassled by the media, to the extent that Arsène has to come home and clear his name. Of course he does it with capers and hijinks. Still a great character study and heist series. Love it. 

5 stars (out of 5)

My Life is Murder (serial)

Season 1-3

Lucy Lawless of Xena fame returns home to New Zealand to play a retired detective who just can't let go. Even though retired, the local police call on her every episode to solve a particularly strange or difficult case. And she always does. A light hearted episodic murder-mystery series that neither takes itself too seriously nor wastes our time. 

4 stars (out of 5)