Alan & Jono's Watching/Reading List: January 2023
Added 2023-01-25 16:01:00 +0000 UTCAlan:
Hey Heroes!
January is upon us. So of course, I got sick (not COVID) and it was miserable (just like COVID!!!) Which slowed me down a bit on watching/reading. But uh… I’m feeling better now! So, here’s the stuff!
What I’m reading!
- For Christmas, Megan got me The Lost Metal, the final book in the second Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. So I decided to re-read all the preceding Wax and Wayne books. 'Cause I’m a HUGE NERD. But seriously. Just adventuring in the world of Scadrial with a couple of misfits in a magical steampunk world that blends the old west with Gilded Age riches. It’s a gas. The og Mistborn trilogy is still my white whale though. If I can ever get Brandon Sanderson on board (and rustle up a couple hundred million $$$) you’ll all get to see the greatest movie trilogy since LotR.
What I’m watching!
- I finally got around to watching Andor, and you know how everybody said it’s an extremely excellent show? They were right! You know how everybody also said kids wouldn’t like it because it’s really heavy, pretty talky, and doesn’t have a lot of shooty-shooty-bang-bang-boom? They were wrong! My kids loved it! We had a lot of good discussions about how sneaky Fascism can be, and what we can do to resist it. But really though. It was exceptionally good. Very different tone for Star Wars, but the right feel, if that makes sense.
- I had the amazing opportunity to go see M3GAN with Jonathan and Rebecca Parham! Holy crap, that movie is so much fun! Apparently, when it comes to streaming/home video, it’s going to be bloodier, but I honestly thought it was kinda perfect as is! Hilarious, weird, self-aware, but not navel-gazing. It’s just really, really fun. I laughed way too loudly at all the wrong (right) moments. 11/10
- Also checked out Strange World, which to me felt a bit like a missed opportunity. A lot of things lacked subtlety, which is forgivable when there’s a really compelling narrative. Which it didn’t really have. What it had by the ton was a great world! I figured out really early on that they’re inside a (spoiler) but the design just had me hooked the whole time. And most of the characters were fun. Just wish it had all gelled a bit better? I don’t know. I hold Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks to a very high standard. Maybe I’m just nit-picking? Let me know in the comments!
What I’m playing!
- I’ve literally played zero video games this month. Though The Last of Us just started on HBO, so I’ll almost certainly replay it sometime soon. I also never played Part II, and I guess this might actually get me to do it, finally.
And…
Watch Movies! (And television, and read books, and play video games)
Jono:
Recently I watched Zach Snyder's DC trilogy, as I'd heard that the director's cuts of Batman v. Superman and Justice League drastically improve both of those films (neither of which I cared for in their theatrical runs). Turns out, there was a pretty decent story and solid characterizations waiting for me there, and I enjoyed them more than I thought I would. I've been watching Netflix's Wednesday and the global kids' sensation Bluey and enjoying them both very much. As for reading, I just finished On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessley and am now revisiting Dr. John Van Epp's How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk. I definitely recommend all of this to anyone who is interested, it's good stuff!
What have you been watching and reading this month?
Comments
Thanks so much! Glad you like the popcorn! 😋
Cinema Therapy
2023-04-05 14:06:07 +0000 UTCWe just finished The Last of Us. Having not played the game, we didn’t know what to expect. We were HOOKED. It was such engaging storytelling. We also just watched The Man Who Fell to Earth. Another fantastic story. As an aside, we just received our first order of Lisa’s Popcorn. Oh my gosh, you guys are right. It’s SO good, and I’m not even a huge popcorn fan (my wife is, so I got it for her). We love your channel! Keep up the good work.
Chad Payne
2023-04-04 22:34:12 +0000 UTCI love Bluey! I recently discovered it and found myself watching it on my own wirh no kids haha... I watch and take notes on parenting. It has been useful!
Kate Ackerley
2023-02-23 07:42:51 +0000 UTCLike Zach, I am also new here, but I wanted to comment that I ADORE Brandon Sanderson! He is, hands down, my favorite author. I'm just starting the Wax and Wayne series, and I look forward to all of the adventures! I have to say, though, my favorite books of his are two that are standalones: Elantris, and Warbreaker. I recommend them if you haven't read them yet!
Callikoneko
2023-02-20 19:41:11 +0000 UTCI'm new here, but I've been watching on YouTube for quite a while now. Just wanna say I am a HUGE Branderson nerd! I recently read the Lost Metal, and just the other day finally received the first book from his kickstarter, Tress of the Emerald Sea. I'd already read the ebook though lol. I'm so excited that Alan is into his stories too!
Zach
2023-02-10 15:52:46 +0000 UTCWatched The Last of Us with the wife, been playing Final Fantasy XIV but had to take a break from it for a bit. Also got sick with Covid at the beginning of January, and have been fighting a cough ever since. Reading wise, making great use of my DC Universe Infinite membership and reading a loooooot of comics, some mediocre, but gives me a respect to what the writers and editors were trying to do at the time.
David Quin
2023-02-08 17:42:34 +0000 UTCThe Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series is a ton of fun! I've been listening to the audiobooks with my kids. But Mistborn is still my favorite Sanderson. - Alan
Cinema Therapy
2023-02-06 18:59:08 +0000 UTCI felt exactly the same about Strange World!
Tiffany Petri
2023-02-03 00:57:00 +0000 UTCI watched In the Name of the Father twice this month. The first time I was by myself, and then I recommended it to my parents and grandparents, who wanted to watch it together. We all loved it, especially Daniel Day-Lewis’ amazing (as usual) performance, so we’ve decided to make February a sort of month-long DDL movie marathon. We’ll be watching Last of the Mohicans, There Will Be Blood, Gangs of New York, and My Left Foot. My mother and I are also planning on watching The Banshees of Inisherin in February.
Catherine Ginn
2023-01-31 17:01:59 +0000 UTCThanks for the suggestion! I'll look into it :)
Cinema Therapy
2023-01-30 15:23:27 +0000 UTCThere’s a second Mistborn series?? That’s exciting to know. Currently listening to book two of Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archives series. At 45+ hours a pop I almost wish he didn’t do such a great job with his worldbuilding. All I’m doing these days is looking for excuses to listen longer.
Nell Campbell
2023-01-29 21:29:49 +0000 UTCIt's WAY helpful!
Cinema Therapy
2023-01-29 14:44:32 +0000 UTCI just watched "Alice, Darling" with Anna Kendrick. I thought this was a very realistic portrayal of the subject matter. I also found it liberating to be able to watch the movie and not be anxious. I would be interested in knowing Jonathan's take on the subject.
sara perkins
2023-01-29 00:59:42 +0000 UTCDitto recommend How To Avoid Falling In Love With A Jerk! It's the only book I've ever bought for someone else; that's how good it is.
Graeme Allen
2023-01-28 20:36:44 +0000 UTCI read Kindred with my book club and loved it. I tried watching the Hulu series, but it took too many liberties for me to get past the first episode.
Scrappy
2023-01-28 10:58:38 +0000 UTCI would like to say thank you for doing this awesome stuff you guys are my lifesavers thank you I have learned so much
Glam Rock
2023-01-28 10:39:24 +0000 UTCMe too it’s so sweet and realistic about children and parents. Showing the wonder of childhood making parents cry is not easy😃
Glam Rock
2023-01-28 03:48:34 +0000 UTCWholesome as hell.
Cinema Therapy
2023-01-27 20:49:25 +0000 UTCI've been watching the Legend of Vox Machina and it's SO good. It interfaces with trauma, PTSD, attachment, and found family in a way that's so fun and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Riley
2023-01-26 20:37:48 +0000 UTCI really really want to hear your thoughts about Bluey!
Chelsea Seachord
2023-01-26 20:29:34 +0000 UTCI finished Nona the Ninth! Now I’m watching the Legend of Voc Machina season 2 and Bad Batch season 2! LOVM season 2 has been AWESOME! Many, many improvements on season 1
Steven S
2023-01-26 15:31:34 +0000 UTCI’ll look into it! I’ve neglected Apple TV for the past year and went on a few days ago. I was blown away at how many amazing shows and films it looks like they have
Lauren Wagstaff
2023-01-26 11:02:30 +0000 UTCMy brother has read most of the series. He recommended that I read the first 2 then stop. I'll probably follow his advice. Enjoying book 1 so far.
Reilly Willoughby
2023-01-26 10:33:04 +0000 UTCI totally get it. They improved the gameplay a lot for the second one and added a lot of nice features. But it is also stressful and makes you angry at times. But since the goal of the second game is to force you to change your point of view and to transform you as the player it makes sense. I really love part 2 and I honestly don't get all the hate it is getting. I hope you'll enjoy it.
Darmoyn (Jonas)
2023-01-26 05:10:58 +0000 UTCI still haven’t gotten to it. I loved the first game, but didn’t ENJOY it, if that makes sense. It’s just heavy, and the gameplay is so stressful!
Alan Seawright
2023-01-26 03:48:48 +0000 UTCSeverance is AMAZING! Totally different vibe, but you should check out The Afterparty on appletv+. It’s so great.
Alan Seawright
2023-01-26 03:46:27 +0000 UTCI just read DUNE for the first time 2 years ago. It’s WEIRD. I kinda don’t get it. The movie is phenomenal though! -alan
Alan Seawright
2023-01-26 03:45:21 +0000 UTCRecently read “I’m Glad my Mom Died” by Jeannette McCurdy. Could not put the book down! Also, just played through What Remains of Edith Finch (again). Guess I’ve been in the mood for compelling narratives lately.😊 Debating on replaying Last of Us again to keep up with the show….we will see on that one.
Alisa-Beth
2023-01-26 02:36:12 +0000 UTCI would like to recommend you guys do Some Kind of Wonderful just so much about self love, infatuation vs real love& even the typical misunderstood dangerous type vs the good guy villain type there is just so much to it I find so influential
Ash D
2023-01-26 01:54:47 +0000 UTCJust finished Sanderson's Alcatraz series and Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. Currently reading the Junkyard Pirate series by Jamie McFarlane. Starting The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes. I always try to have one serious book and one fun book. :) Edit: also reading a few books on Complex PTSD, which is... Definitely in the "not fun" book pile..... You guys should write a book - "how to make therapy bearable through cinema and watching Alan cry"
Neurotic Cow
2023-01-26 01:02:45 +0000 UTCPssst my favorite episode is “Veranda Santa”. And “Unicorse” if you haven’t seen those episodes yet - go watch them!
Deborah Olsen
2023-01-25 22:06:37 +0000 UTCI love Bluey! It’s a wonderful show to exemplify “Yes and” play :) the parents are healthy and show love for their kids in beautiful ways. I’m glad you saw it Jono ^^
Deborah Olsen
2023-01-25 21:55:56 +0000 UTCI’ve been watching Bluey with 5/7 of my younger siblings and its been such a treat. Not only has it become a sibling bonding show for us but more importantly its definitely inspired me to put more effort into actually playing with them. As well as trying to improve my communication and patience with them. I really hope we get some more tv like this. Animated shows like adventure time, steven universe, etc are great in their own right but sometimes I just want to have a wholesome, informative, and chill time with all the ages in my family
Beagoldfish
2023-01-25 20:13:12 +0000 UTCI'm playing TLoU 2 right now. I love it. The f-ing ratking still scares me after 3 playthroughs.
Darmoyn (Jonas)
2023-01-25 18:52:33 +0000 UTCI love Brando Sando's novels! Way of Kings is my favorite book of all time.
Madeline Preble
2023-01-25 18:15:34 +0000 UTCOh, and I've been meaning to read Sanderson for so long. Downloading Mistborn now.
Ayesha Ali
2023-01-25 18:08:55 +0000 UTCI haven't read much this month because my critique group is doing our winter session. So a whole bunch of first drafts of novels, and they're great! Watched the new Avatar at the beginning of the month (it's fine, just a close immitation of the first like Mary Poppins Returns is a close immitation of the first). Other than that, just watching hockey.
Ayesha Ali
2023-01-25 18:08:14 +0000 UTCI finally got around to reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. I am in the middle of book 3 and can't get enough! I did just read my first Brandon Sanderson book (Alcatraz and the Evil Librarians) and was told the Mistborn trilogy should be on the list. So on to my TBR it will go! As for watching, I have been doing a lot of YouTube. There is this show that has a therapist and a film maker that spent yesterday watching/rewatching about 7 episodes. :) Also, Drain the Oceans- that is some cool stuff there!
CydneeBee
2023-01-25 16:20:34 +0000 UTCI read 'I'm glad my mom died' and 'know my name'. Currently I'm reading how to avoid falling in love with a jerk' , 'fake' and re-reading my favorite book 'the alchemist'! I also watched M3GAN and laughed the whole time!
Elisa Rafaela Costa Duarte
2023-01-25 16:19:06 +0000 UTCSounds like a busy month for you guys. I’m sorry to hear you got sick Alan, but glad you feel better now. Don’t know if it would be in your wheelhouse, but in terms of video games, if you haven’t checked out the Kingdom Hearts series, it’s one of my favorites. Long as sin (I think 9 games, not including the mobile games) but really good. For me can’t get enough of traversing through the Disney worlds fighting with Donald and Goofy 😁
Cecilia Harrington
2023-01-25 16:18:04 +0000 UTCOoh I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND watching Ranking of Kings. Really REALLY Great! And also very unique, as the main character is both deaf and mute the way the storytelling is done and things are shown and conveyed is, imo, very unique in the best ways. It really does “Show don’t tell” really well, as that is exactly how the MC has to take in information. https://www.wcofun.net/anime/ousama-ranking-english-subbed
Magnus
2023-01-25 16:14:26 +0000 UTCI watched through the first six episodes of Star Wars for the first time over my semester break. Yes...I'm late to the party. But....I loved them. Even the prequels! I mean they aren't perfect but Im a sucker for Liam Nissen and Ewen McGregor. I also watched 27 Dresses and that movie is just fun. And since I'm back in school I've mostly been reading textbooks. But I also read 'the great sex rescue' by Shelia Gregoire. I can't recommend it enough if you grew up evengelical or are close to someone who is. It debunks a lot of lies and is so freeing and healing. Alan, Andor is next on my list to watch. I've heard nothing but good things about it! I also watched Hunt for Red October and the Prestige with my mom. I think I made her a Christopher Nolan fan now! I mean... He is incredible!!
Kate Larson
2023-01-25 16:10:30 +0000 UTCI'm starting "The Lost Metal" as well. Sanderson definitely is my number two favorite author, right behind the OG, Tolkien.
Rob Foster
2023-01-25 16:09:02 +0000 UTCI read Lessons In Chemistry for a book club. Not a bad read. Not great, but entertaining. I’m watching Severance. Also watching my bf play Shadow of War and loving all the LOTR stuff he’s now into. Oh, and The Last of Us is freaking amazing. I’m slowly playing the game too. Also, I think it’s a tv show but would love Jono’s take on the new Apple TV+ show Shrinking (who’d have think Harrison Ford would do tv?)
Lauren Wagstaff
2023-01-25 16:05:51 +0000 UTCI started reading a book about filmmaking because it interests me. For movies, it’s catching up on what I missed from last year mainly and been playing Resident Evil Village and Crisis Core Final Fantasy Reunion.
Andrew Feistner
2023-01-25 16:04:59 +0000 UTCAlso read all of Era 2 and Lost Metal, Followed by Tress of the Emerald Sea! Very Sando heavy copy of months. Recently started Dune for the first time and I'm also reading Persuasion by Jane Austen and Howl's Movie Ng Castle. Not really watching anything currently.
Reilly Willoughby
2023-01-25 16:03:43 +0000 UTC
