This month I was inspired to share a few of my obsessions, that are conveniently up on Netflix presently – but we know that changes every so often, so hop on these while you can!
I was so happy to see my favorite basketball player of all time, Allen Iverson, recently named as an NBA Hall of Famer! Iverson brought so much to game, and was often not credited for the changes he made to the league. The documentary, IVERSON, is a really great look into the baller’s history and his heyday in the league – and it is told mostly in his own words. It’s pretty short, coming in at running time of 1 hour and 28 minutes, and is rated TV-14 – so it’s a good one to watch with the teens and to use as a lesson highlighter.
Now, I am always surprised when I ask people of this next pick, and they have yet to watch one episode! I’m referring to one of my favorite shows, JANE THE VIRGIN, which is currently in its second season on the CW. The show tells the story of Jane Villanueva, who made a childhood vow to her grandmother to remain celibate until marriage – but is erroneously impregnated by an obstetrician during what was supposed to be a routine GYN visit. Oh, and the sperm just so happened to be the OB/GYN’s (Luisa) brother, Rafael, whose fiancée Petra was supposed to be artificially inseminated on the same day! Sounds crazy, right? But the premise lays the foundation for a hilarious series of events that involves Jane’s mother Xiomara, grandmother Alba, boyfriend Michael, and a host of colorful characters – including a mafia lord – and leading up to a really decent season cliffhanger. In short, it is a nighttime soap-opera fashioned comedy a’la “Ugly Betty.”
The show really has some mature themes, so it’s not for the youngins, and the first season is currently streaming in its entirety on Netflix – so if you also never watched, it’s a great way to catch up and then tune into season two on the CW! And if you need anymore convincing, Jane the Virgin won the People’s Choice Award for Best New TV show and its lead, the dynamic Gina Rodriguez, won a Golden Globe for her performance.
My last pick is the new Pee Wee Herman movie, PEE-WEE’S BIG HOLIDAY, because when the original film – Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure – was released in 1985, I not only saw it in the theaters twice, but watched it repeatedly on VHS when it came out (yes, I said VHS and stop trying to guess my age!). I still die laughing at Large Marge and the Tequila scenes (fellow fans certainly know what the hype is all about) and this new film brings back that silly humorous fun. It is also big kid-friendly – with a PG rating that I’d say was safe for ages 8 and up. And guess what? Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is also on Netflix, so make it a double-feature of good old-fashioned dumbness when you watch!
Alright family, that’s it for now. I think I’m about to go for my 5,110th viewing of Pee-Wee!
Until next thought, Thomasena
PS – open this in your browser to see the “Tequila” scene at the bottom, and another special blast from the past!
…and because we had no act right in the 80’s, and used any excuse to make up a new dance! Who remembers this?
Music Movies Thoughts 