MYTHIC QUEST: SEASON THREE Starring: Rob McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, David Hornsby, Danny Pudi, Ashly Burch, Imani Hakim, Jessie Ennis, and Naomi Ekperigin Creators: Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney QUENTIN In Season Three, Mythic Quest has grown up a bit, with the ratio of wacky workplace jokes to sincere character development really shifting towards the latter, and the series is all the better for it. Don’t get me wrong, there are still hijinx aplenty, but for the first time in the series run, I found myself caring about characters not named Ian and Poppy (Rob McElhenney and Charlotte Nicdao, respectively) more than ever before (though, the Ian-Poppy dynamic continues to be the heartfelt core of the series). It’s a tremendous shift that should propel Mythic Quest towards the top of all Best Sitcom lists.

THE WILDS: SEASON TWO Starring: Rachel Griffiths, Sarah Pidgeon, Mia Healey, Sophia Ali, Erana James, Shannon Berry, Reign Edwards, Jenna Clause, Alex Fitzalan, Reed Shannon, Aidan Laprete, Nicholas Coombe, Charles Alexander, Zack Calderon, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Tanner Ray Rook, David Sullivan, and Troy Winbush. Creator: Sarah Streicher PAIGE The first season of The Wilds was one of the greatest surprises of 2020. I loved the coming-of-age story built on astonishing performances from the “Dawn of Eve” group; However, for Season Two, the show shifts the focus from the girls to the boys while doing absolutely nothing unique with them. Why!?! The addition of “Twilight of Adam” crammed too much underdeveloped story into this season, which left me wanting more. That said, with the way things are left in the finale, I can’t wait to see what the showrunners have in store for us. Give me Season Three now!

Previous Next October 9, 2024 WRITTEN BY: AMARÚ The Ocean ’s franchise is one of my top three franchises of all time. In fact, as I grew up realizing the darker, grittier, more gangster crime films of the Scorsese ilk, while objectively amazing, were not films I enjoyed rewatching after a first go ‘round, I simultaneously was going through my fifth, sixth, and 27th rewatch of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and crew having an absolute blast showcasing the flashier side of crime. So, when 2024 came with two crime films featuring Ocean ’s alum and vibes (The Instigators with Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, and Wolfs with Clooney and Pitt), I was more than happy to visit a new criminal underworld with a familiar crew. A crew that, if any combination of them is doing a heist, I will watch sight unseen. More broadly speaking, though, heist movies are simply one of my favorite types of movies, and the main reason is the camaraderie, as well as the specific dynamics and individual roles, of the crew doing the heisting. Given that, I wanted to scour the history of cinematic stick-ups to put together a heist crew that lives up to (or surpasses) Danny Ocean (Clooney) & company. Join me as I build my ultimate six-man heist crew, consisting of The Con Artist, The Demolition, The Tech Support, The Driver, The Right Hand, and The Mastermind. THE CON ARTIST: EAMES (TOM HARDY), INCEPTION Without someone on the inside, there’s a very good chance you aren’t even getting in the door. The Con Artist, otherwise known as your Inside Man, is THE first step in planning out your heist, so this must be the first person chosen for the team. For me, there isn’t a better choice than Eames. Yes, his cons technically take place in the mind, but look at what he did before he ever entered a dream. He did a massive amount of research on Robert and Maurice Fisher (Cillian Murphy and Pete Postlewaite, respectively), and he stalled the Cobalt enforcers before they could capture Leonardo DiCaprio’s Cobb in Mombasa. Consider those examples proof that he is just as convincing and physically capable outside of the mind as he is inside it. Plus, the attention to detail needed to convince a person’s brain that you carry the cadence, stride, mannerisms, and looks of another person is something that is essential to gaining the trust of your target. Eames not only has the mental acuity and charm to get your crew inside, but also the work ethic to make sure you know every aspect of that target. BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL : Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), Catch Me If You Can (and real life) THE DEMOLITION: JOE BANG (DANIEL CRAIG), LOGAN LUCKY Truth be told, I was having difficulty trying to figure out if I wanted to add The Muscle, The Safe Cracker, or The Weapons Expert as the most physical piece of this heist crew puzzle. In the end, I landed on The Demolition, mostly because you can blow up a safe you can’t crack, you must be fearless to deal with death at any moment, and if that slightly crazy person is going to deal with bombs, they most likely will be able to deal with a few firearms and other weapons as well. The person I want doing all of that with my crew is the right little bit of brave (aka crazy) and the exact correct amount of explosive, which puts Bang at the top of the list. He can create small and large explosives from damn near anything (two bleach pens and some gummy bears, to be exact), he can crack safes if bombs are too conspicuous, and, dammit, he is just fun to be around. A man of science AND a man of entertainment is exactly what’s needed to break the walls of a safe and break the tension of a heist. BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL (OR IF YOU CAN’T BREAK BANG OUT OF JAIL) : Darby (Dale Soules), Lightyear THE TECH SUPPORT: LUTHER STICKELL (VING RHAMES), MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE Currently, it is, The Year of Our Lord, 2024. There is no security system in the world that is not using some sort of technological advances to keep their booties safe. However, for those who are smart, there are going to be analog-based safeguards to back up the most technologically up-to-date security systems, which means there are legions of young men and women making it their life’s mission to hack them. That’s why I need someone with 30+ years of experience both inside and outside the law. A person who can hack security systems, break into government facilities, stay calm under the pressures of a ticking clock, guide crew members through labyrinths of corporate offices, and utilize a multitude of high- and low-tech devices to fit every single technological edge. Stickell is that guy for every job. Let’s not forget that he has been disavowed just as many times (if not more) than Ethan Hunt, yet he has continued to prove time and time again that he knows how to win against all odds. Plus, he is on the automatic shortlist for probably the second most important member of the crew behind its mastermind (see below). BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL : Lyle (Seth Green), The Italian Job THE DRIVER: RANDALL “MEMPHIS” RAINES (NICOLAS CAGE), GONE IN 60 SECONDS There are certain specialists in a crew you can get away with not having: a Grease Man, a Gunman, a Financier, to name a few. However, you always, always, ALWAYS need a getaway driver. Someone who can take anything on wheels to get you from point A to point B, not only in a timely manner, but also in one piece. With this being a rule and not an exception for all heists, there are plenty of fictional drivers that could feasibly fill this spot. My personal favorite is the one who is reluctant to do it unless absolutely necessary. He has put his criminal days behind him to live a normal life because he knows the dangers of stealing, and more importantly, the dangers of high-speed getaways. For me, that’s Memphis. He becomes one with every vehicle when he gets behind the wheel, knows the ins and outs of each part, and can maneuver in tight spaces as well as large freeways and makeshift ramps. There may be more technically skilled stunt drivers on the market, but I don’t think there is another driver I would trust more to make the right decision behind the wheel than Raines BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL: Miles “Baby” (Ansel Elgort), Baby Driver THE RIGHT HAND: LOU MILLER, (CATE BLANCHETT), OCEAN’S 8 The second most important member of the crew, maybe even the first depending on the leader, is The Right Hand. This member is the point person that most of the crew look to on a day-to-day basis while The Mastermind is out doing mastermindy things. They know almost everything that’s happening at any point of the set-up, heist, and getaway; they are a jack-of-many-trades; and they are the glue that holds the ragtags together. Above all that, though, they are the “No” man. They are there to tell the leader when their head is too far up their ass, the plan isn’t going to work as conceptualized, or when revenge is risking the entire operation. Lou is never afraid to be the “No”… woman. She knows she could run the crew if she wanted, but her loyalty and friendship are much more important than her ego. She is there to drop everything (even her own operation) to be there for her partner, to tell her partner when she is in over her head, and to organize the back-up to the back-up’s back-up when all other back-ups fail. Plus, everyone likes her. When Willy Bank (Al Pacino) threatened Danny Ocean with “people who really know how to hurt,” Ocean highlighted how that wouldn’t work because he knew all the guys Bank would hire, and “they like me better than you.” That level of likability and loyalty are going to get you much further in this game than just about anything else, and Lou has it in spades. BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL: Luis (Michael Peña), Ant-Man THE MASTERMIND: ASSANE DIOP (OMAR SY), LUPIN The only member of the crew not from a film, Assane Diop can do all of the jobs mentioned above and more, and quite possibly do them more efficiently, less violently, and with greater success. He has been the mastermind of the most elaborate heists in all of Europe for decades, yet he hasn’t been caught. He is charming, intelligent, physically capable, a master of disguise, and can see five to ten steps ahead of just about everyone, doing all of this while garnering the loyalty of fellow criminals, family members, and even police detectives that initially were sent to capture him. The crew needs to be confident in the person who puts the plan together, believe in their conviction, understand and accept their motivation, and know that they have thought of every possible scenario that can and will go wrong before the first heist member is even put in place. Nobody checks all those boxes more than the student of the ultimate fictional thief, Arsene Lupin, nobody checks those boxes with as much charm and loyalty to his family, and nobody is better equipped to be a leader of the ultimate heist crew than the ultimate gentleman thief. I’d follow Diop into a criminal lifestyle confident I would make it out better on the other side. BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL : Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), Inside Man

Previous Next August 11, 2022 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE On the anniversary of his untimely passing, I want to talk about Robin Williams. As an actor, Williams was a jack of all trades, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances across multiple genres in both supporting and lead roles. He won Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, and an Oscar. He found fame through stand-up, but soon broke into television (and later film) where he established himself with a unique, fast-paced, and improvisational style that earned him accolades and acclaim from critics and fans alike. As a person, he was an inspiration to many, including myself, and his absence is still notable. Williams had a limitless ambition and desire to constantly better himself and those around him. Through his work and charitable actions, he taught us to see life and others in new, creative, and compassionate ways. Williams once said, “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world,” and that is what he did for me - he changed my world. With a range like no other, from comedy to horror to heartfelt dramas, all of his roles hold a special place in my heart, but the ones listed below are my absolute favorites. 10. HOOK (1991) Director Steven Spielberg's fantasy adventure Hook was right up my alley when I was a kid. There have been many Peter Pans, but Williams is my generation's Pan, and his performance as a stuck-up man who must rekindle his imaginative childhood spirit is spot on. There is no denying that this film is magical, and to this day, I feel like a kid that never wants to grow up every time I watch it. Oh, and just try not to tear up when one of the Lost Boys says, “oh, there you are, Peter.” Like I said, magic. 9. ONE HOUR PHOTO (2002) If you think Williams could only do comedy or drama, you’re WRONG! One Hour Photo , a deeply disturbing psychological thriller about a lonely photo technician that brings on the creepiness, is a fantastic example of an actor doing an incredible job with a character that is completely against type. The power of Williams' unsettling portrayal shows a range that, frankly, viewers probably never thought was possible from him. This flick is perhaps his most underrated film, and it features perhaps his most underrated performance. 8. THE BIRDCAGE (1996) “Fosse! Fosse! Fosse!” Williams gives a brilliant comedic performance alongside a stellar cast in The Birdcage . While his character could have easily been an offensive stereotype, it’s infused with such a deep humanity by director Mike Nichols. And let’s not forget that the chemistry between Williams and Nathan Lane is undeniable, making them one of the most iconic couples on film. 7. INSOMNIA (2002) Williams’ performance in Insomnia is a prime example of what I mean when I say he was one of the most diverse actors in the business. Although he does not appear in the film all that much, he makes the most of his screen time as the film’s creepy villain with an absolutely chilling performance. The cat-and-mouse games his Walter Finch plays with Al Pacino’s Detective Dormer allows this underseen gem from director Christopher Nolan to be one of Williams’ most striking and surprising offerings. I mean, who would’ve thought he could pull off playing a psychotic killer?!? 6. ALADDIN (1992) This Disney Renaissance Era adventure is one of my favorite animated movies, and that’s almost entirely because of Robin Williams. Not only is his vocal performance as The Genie iconic, it’s probably one of the all-time best animated performances ever. The character is infused with his trademark comedy and style, really capturing Williams in a way that feels special and timeless to this day. This is a one-of-a-kind performance that likely will never be rivaled. 5. AWAKENINGS (1990) Robin Williams and Robert De Niro are a dynamic duo in this real-life drama from director Penny Marshall. Even though De Niro got all the Oscar buzz, the subtlety of Williams’ performance makes Awakenings a wonderfully touching tale. It’s also another example of Williams’ ability to take on diverse roles. He is exceptional as Dr. Sayer, quietly becoming the soul of the film through the palpable feeling of hope that he radiates. I’m not lying when I say this film taught me to make the most out of life. 4. MRS. DOUBTFIRE (1993) “Hellooo!” There’s no other way to say it, Mrs. Doubtfire features one of Williams’ most iconic characters, and the movie itself remains one of the great family films of the 90s. The man’s transformation into an elderly British nanny is nothing short of spectacular. It’s Robin Williams at his best, turning a film about divorce into something weird, hysterical, and incredibly heartwarming. But underneath that is a story about an immature man that grows up by walking in a woman’s shoes. Maybe some guys should try this tactic. 3. GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997) I’m a Boston gal, so of course I have to include Good Will Hunting . There is something inherently human about Williams’ character that makes this movie a powerful and emotional watch, and he was able to use his own personal experiences with depression to propel himself to an Oscar win for his performance as therapist Sean Maguire. I mean, come on, let’s be real…Williams’ delivers one of the best monologues on film, and the fact that it imparts the important message that being a genius is worthless if you don’t lead a meaningful and fulfilling life makes it that much more commanding. 2. DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989) “O’ Captain, My Captain!” Dead Poets Society is beautifully directed by Peter Weir, and in my mind, is an inspirational classic. It’s such a moving film, featuring an outstanding performance from Robin Williams as a teacher who thinks-outside-the-box in an effort to change the lives of his students. The film takes its time telling a simple but effective tale on the importance of being a free thinker, and it truly changed my outlook on life. There are no better words to live by than “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” 1. GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM (1987) And, finally, my all-time favorite Robin Williams’ film is Good Morning, Vietnam . As someone who worked in radio for a few years, I can totally relate to this movie. This war dramedy explores some of the hardest moments humanity has gone through, and it’s all done so through the comedic lens of Williams. It’s captivating, allowing Williams’ to show his wide range of acting chops and the improvisational skills he would become known for. He is, no exaggeration, fantastic, and it feels as if this role was made for him specifically, which is probably why it earned him his first Oscar nomination. Sadly, Robin Williams committed suicide on August 11, 2014. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please contact Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK in the U.S.. Connect to a crisis responder to get help without judgement. You deserve to be heard, they’re here to listen. Photo Credits: Photo 1 - TriStar Pictures; Photo 2 - Searchlight Pictures; Photo 3 - MGM; Photo 4 - Warner Bros.; Photo 5, 9, 10 - Disney; Photo 6 - Columbia Pictures; Photo 7 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 8 - Miramax Films

LOOT: SEASON TWO Starring: Maya Rudolph, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Ron Funches, Nat Faxon, Joel Kim Booster, Stephanie Styles, Adam Scott, and Meagen Fay Creators: Matt Hubbard and Alan Yang AMARÚ Both seasons of Loot have extreme highs (digging into its stacked cast’s characters and a crazy good soundtrack) and extreme lows (unfunny satirical jokes and bits). This latest season initially caved to those base impulses, but quickly turned its focus to the charming characters and their inherently quirky relationships. For the love of all that’s hilarious, ignore the first episode, as the swerve into the ensemble’s strong chemistry is as effective as its brilliant guest stars (Benjamin Bratt and O-T Fagbenle are having the most fun). Did I mention the great soundtrack? Because… damn, it’s fabulous. Bravo, Season Two. Bravo!

THE AFTERPARTY: SEASON ONE Starring: Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Zoe Chao, Ike Barinholtz, Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, Jamie Demetriou, and Dave Franco Created by Christopher Miller ADRIANO The Afterparty is just the best. I had so much fun watching this show that I couldn’t stop rewatching it. It’s so clever in its murder mystery storyline that I legitmately didn’t have a clue who the killer was going into the finale. The genre-hopping perspective is smartly done as well, showing not just how each person saw the night going, but also adding good character development along the way. Each character is played to comedic perfection by this great and hilarious ensemble too. I can’t believe just how hard I fell for this show. QUENTIN The Afterparty from Christopher Miller (of Lord & Miller) might end up being the surprise show of the year. It’s genuinely funny, but still manages to have an engaging and fairly unpredictable murder mystery at its center. Plus, each 30-min episode takes on a different genre, from rom-com to action to horror, which allows the great cast to play the same characters in several different ways. The highlight is the musical themed episode focused on Ben Schwartz’s character, but there really aren’t any weak links to be found.

SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE Starring: Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain Creator: Hagai Levi QUENTIN While I can appreciate the powerhouse performances from Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain (they truly are award-worthy), Scenes From a Marriage is not a fun miniseries. You're essentially watching a white collar marriage fall apart for five hours, complete with all the fighting, manipulation, and awkwardness that entails. If you're watching for the "art" of it, then I suppose you'll get what you're looking for. However, I never enjoyed spending an hour with this couple (Chastain’s Mira is an especially unlikeable character). It's a total buzzkill. A generally well-crafted buzzkill, but a buzzkill, nonetheless. What sort of psychopath finds this entertaining?

THE PATIENT Starring: Steve Carell, Domhnall Gleeson, and Linda Emond Creators: Joel Fields & Joseph Weisberg QUENTIN Despite a strong start, an interesting premise, and a wonderfully restrained performance from Steve Carell, The Patient eventually wears out its welcome. It never becomes full-on bad, but it just goes on for far too long. The story has two plotlines at play, both about the father-son dynamic, but only one of them is interesting, developed, or necessary, which leaves the viewer tuning out for 5-15 minutes every 30-minute episode. The ending didn’t really land for me either, making me feel like the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze. Maybe it would have worked better with fewer episodes or as a movie.

CHAD POWERS: SEASON ONE Starring: Glen Powell, Steve Zahn, Perry Mattfeld, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Wynn Everett, Clayne Crawford, and Quentin Phair Creators: Glen Powell and Michael Waldron AMARÚ When you have a ridiculous premise, you need to deliver on two things: ridiculously hilarious comedy and ridiculously genuine heart. Chad Powers has both in spades. It’s the crassest and crudest live-action comedy I’ve seen in a minute, and a key example of “if it’s funny you can get away with anything”. But it also helps tremendously that at the show’s heart are true representations of the hardships that come with being an athlete. Sports tropes, while highly repetitive, are highly relatable, and when you mix empathetic characters with hysterically offensive comedy, you can’t do anything but shake your head and laugh your ass off. ROBERT I am not in the Glen Powell camp personally, so a passion project from him about football, as produced by the Manning Brothers, didn’t scream “must-watch.” However, if Ted Lasso could succeed as a premise built from a silly commercial, why not Chad Powers ? The differences lie in the writing and acting. Where Lasso is fresh and hopeful, Powers is shallow and reliant on vulgarity for comedy. I couldn’t get over how improbable it was that everyone fell for all the stupid lies and makeup. Also, Powell’s Russ redeeming himself in six episodes felt quick, falling apart faster than Chad’s latex face. QUENTIN Given its 80s premise (think Soul Man and Just One of the Guys ), there is a certain nostalgic charm to Chad Powers . That charm is only furthered by Glen Powell's natural charisma and, depending on your personal interest, a football-centric plot. That said, it’s a fairly forgettable series that considers liberal use of “retard" edgy. At just six episodes, the story is pretty rushed, which would be fine if the jokes hit, but they are, at best, of the chuckle-under-your-breath variety. I wouldn’t call it a waste of time because I did enjoy it well enough, but it’s not exactly worth going out of your way. NICK What do you get when you mix Mrs. Doubtfire and Blue Mountain State ? Chad Powers . Although this series isn’t as good as either of those ingredients, it has its moments. However, Glen Powell as the titular character does a lot of the heavy lifting to make those moments come to fruition. His comedic timing and commitment make the most of (at best) snicker-worthy comedy, but the script often lets down the supporting cast. I think there’s something here worth continuing, but Chad Powers needs a lot of improvements and possibly a few different writers if it wants to justify another season.

SUPER PUMPED: THE BATTLE FOR UBER Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kyle Chandler, Kerry Bishé, Babak Tafti, Jon Bass, Elisabeth Shue, Bridget Gao-Hollitt, Uma Thurman, and Quentin Tarantino Creators: Brian Koppelman and David Levien QUENTIN Considering that Super Pumped and Billions were created by the same people, the shared DNA between the two shows makes sense. Despite being the true story of Uber, it has the same high-octane, bro-energy and ridiculously underhanded schemes that the fictional Billions does. In a way, being true makes it more fascinating; However, it also incites more incredulity in the viewer because you’re left in awe at the mere audacity of it all. Sometimes, it feels like it goes a little overboard with its commentary on the entitlement of billionaire disruptors; then again, maybe it’s true to life. I’m not sure which is worse.

DEAD RINGERS Starring: Rachel Weisz, Britne Oldford, Poppy Liu, Jennifer Ehle, and Michael Chernus Creator: Alice Birch QUENTIN Although Rachel Weisz is outstanding in dual roles (especially as Elliot), the narrative and pacing of Dead Ringers leaves a bit to be desired. Even at just six episodes, it’s too long. There are two subplots that are completely unnecessary (especially one about the twins’ maid), and a random non-linear offshoot that is more confusing than anything else. Still, Weisz, who is a shoo-in for an Emmy nomination (if not a win), keeps it engaging even if the destination is never as captivating as certain parts of the journey. Also, beware: the blood, graphic medical scenes, and talk of miscarriages could be triggering for some.

THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE: SEASON TWO Starring: Michael Che Creator: Michael Che QUENTIN After two seasons, it’s clear that Michael Che is trying to create the next Chappelle’s Show with That Damn Michael Che , and while it’s never quite as smart or incisive as the Sketch Show GOAT, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in laughs. Che’s standup bits are the most consistently funny, but some sketches had me in stitches. One such sketch is called “Arthur’s Abortion Dojo,” and to be frank, if that title alone turns you off, then this show probably isn’t for you. However, if it fills you with intrigue, there are more than enough sketches to make this a worthwhile watch.