Hello, everyone! I’m back with some Pop culture recommendations for your weekend. In this week’s newsletter, I share my thoughts on SCREAM VI. I also talk about the second half of the fourth season of Netflix’s series YOU and the New Zealand film PUNCH. And as always there is a playlist with five songs I enjoyed during the week.
QUICK THOUGHTS
SCREAM VI isn’t necessarily a bad movie, but it is certainly not a great one either. This latest franchise entry definitely has the same feeling of familiarity with returning characters and the iconic masked killer, but it doesn't manage to recapture the magic of the earlier films. The plot centers around a whole new wave of murders and the next generation of victims, with the characters now in New York City but still trying to escape Ghostface. This change of scenery does add some variety to the film, but it was not enough to keep me completely engaged. The cast, particularly Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, do well with their roles, but there are no standout performances to speak of. The humor is hit-or-miss and the scares become predictable. Overall, while SCREAM VI is not a terrible film, it does suffer from being an unremarkable addition to the franchise. It tries to freshen up the formula with a new setting and characters but ultimately falls short of the successes of the earlier films. Fans of the series may find some enjoyment here, but this film is likely to leave newcomers unimpressed.
YOU Season 4 Part 2 delivers on its promise of gripping drama and takes the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of intense emotions. Picking up where the first half of the season left off, the show reverts back to its original formula of exploring the psyche of Joe Goldberg—the killer who has become a household name. Penn Badgley delivers his standout performance yet as the troubled character, making Joe’s predicament all the more convincing. The writing is pretty good, with the device of an unreliable narrator employed to full effect, keeping the audience on edge throughout. The themes of redemption, self-improvement, and consequences of past actions are deftly interwoven into the narrative of the show, adding depth and complexity to its characters. While the story could have become stagnated, Season 4 Part 2 brings fresh intrigue to the table, keeping the audiences hooked till the very end. The show effectively portrays Joe as the monster he truly is, which makes for uncomfortable viewing at times. Overall, Season 4 Part 2 of YOU is a satisfying conclusion to an already popular show and provides enough engagement to both new and old fans alike.
PUNCH is a New Zealand drama that offers a fresh perspective by blending boxing with gay romance, delivering a story that is both engaging and heartfelt. Jordan Oosterhof portrays Jim, a 17-year-old boxer preparing for his big break into the professional circuit. However, his father and coach, Stan (Tim Roth), is a complicated figure, torn between his love for his son and his inner demons. When Jim meets Whetu (Conan Hayes), a gay man who is comfortable with his outsider status, they fall in love. Their relationship is both genuine and dangerous, as it poses a risk to Jim's career and family. PUNCH's strength lies in its portrayal of the relationship between Jim and Whetu. The chemistry between Oosterhof and Hayes is undeniable, and they bring sincerity to their roles which are both rare and refreshing. Unfortunately, the narrative sometimes veers off course, with a few plot deviations that detract from the overall impact of the film. However, the localization of this universal theme makes the film stand out. In the end, PUNCH tells a story that is familiar but still resonates, addressing the complex issues faced by those in small towns, exploring what it means to be different, and the consequences of falling in love in a place where it's not accepted. The film delivers an emotional punch that is sure to leave viewers moved.
TOP 5 SONGS
These were the 5 songs on heavy rotation in my house last week. You can listen to them on Spotify and YouTube.