Wayne's Media Diet

The last few weeks gave us some of the biggest and most iconic tent pole entertainment properties people have been thirsting for for a long time. Game of Thrones, Avengers: Endgame, and the NBA playoffs, what a month? It truly was a great time to watch stuff on a screen and talk with your friends about it. What made these shows so special were the conversations you had about them, irl or online if you are a nerd. Unfortunately, these great communal shows have come to an end (the NBA playoffs are almost over and no one is watching anyways because both of those teams have hurt me personally and you guys have my back) and that has left my media consumption a much more individual experience. I am writing this to inform and maybe even turn you on to some other great media out so that way I have someone to talk about them with. Here’s a list of stuff I have been consuming lately:

Name of the Wind (Audiobook)

This book has been recommended by many people that I trust. All I really know about it is that it is a a fantasy series that created an expansive world you can fall in to, similar to Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings. To be completely honest, I only downloaded it because I got a free audio book token and was trying to get the biggest bang for my buck. This book is 1000 pages and 27 hours long in audio format. I’ve started listening on my commutes and it has been good. I’m only like 5 chapters. If you are looking for a good long book, check it out and we can talk about it together. (Too early to tell but 7.5/10 so far)

Booksmart (Movie)

This movie was a hoot! I highly recommend you check it out. It is right up the alley of anyone who is reading this post probably. Directed by Olivia Wilde, it follows two academic overachievers (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever) who attempt to enjoy all of the high school experiences they missed out on in one crazy night. The easiest comparison, which I’m sure the creators roll their eyes at, and exasperated by Beanie Feldstein being Jonah Hill’s sister, is that it is a female “Superbad”. This movie is as enjoyable as Suberbad and also has a super valuable message about growing up that is not often found in movies like this. It reminded me of Dazed and Confused. I found it very refreshing. It deserves the 97% rotten tomatoes score it currently has. (10/10 recommend)

Killing Eve (Show)

The first season of this show was fire. I finished it in a weekend. It tells the story of two women, one an expert assassin (Jodie Comer) who is oddly charming, definitely evil, and undoubtedly intriguing, and the woman trying to track her down (Sandra Oh) who becomes obsessed in a very unique and interesting way. Their odd relationship drives the mystery of the show. The second season is airing now and has not lived up to the very high bar the first season set. Despite the faults of the 2nd season, the entire show is definitely worth a watch if you are looking for something. (8/10 recommend)

Chernobyl (HBO Mini Series)

I have only watched Episode 1 but I hear that it is really good despite making you feel horrible. Be sure to queue up The Office or Friends after you watch to raise your spirits. (Too early to tell but 8/10 so far)

The Society (Teen Netflix Show)

This show is bad and I am embarrassed to admit I watched the entire first season in a few days. It is a teen drama on the same wave as “13 Reasons Why” and “Riverdale”. I have no explanation for my actions. (0/10 recommend)

Failing Upwards (Podcast)

Shout out to Keith for turning me on the the only podcast that matters. If you want to know about this pod, check out this interview: https://www.almostfriday.org/home/2019/4/26/the-emperor-has-no-jawns-how-failing-upwards-demystified-the-fashion-world

Beach Bunny (Band)

I am also slightly embarrassed to admit that I have been listening to this band. Beach Bunny is an indie pop band lead by female vocalist Lili Trifilio who seems to consistently write songs about the personal turmoil caused by boys and boy, oh boy, does it hit home for your boy. Their songs remind me of this movie scene from a movie I have not seen. Ehhhh, whatever, the tunes are catchy. (2/10 recommend)

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America (Book)

I am reading this historical non-fiction book presented in novel format for a book club. It intertwines the story of an architect responsible for the 1893 World Fair in Chicago, with a serial killer who uses the fair to lure victims into his grasp. So far, it is pretty good. (7/10 recommend)