The Rewind: If 'Thunderbolts*' is Marvel's "We're so back" moment... it might be more over than we thought
Plus "Andor," "Another Simple Favor," "Mission: Impossible III," "The Four Seasons" and more!
Who amongst us hasn’t smuggled in a snack or two to the movie theater?
I’m all about supporting the theatrical experience, and I’ll even buy my Diet Coke and popcorn, but I’m not above stuffing some Sour Patch Kids from home into my pockets.
That said, nothing could’ve prepared me for what happened when the lights dimmed at “Another Simple Favor”: the woman next to me pulled a full bottle of Pinot Grigio out of her purse like it was standard protocol. Honestly? That’s probably exactly how Blake Lively would want her movie consumed – tipsy, giggling, and blissfully unaware of what’s actually happening onscreen.
By the end, our neighbor called it the “best movie she’s ever seen.” I… did not. Turns out, no amount of Pinot can salvage a messy, try-hard sequel that thinks chaos equals comedy.
I don’t want to think about that movie any more than I have to, so if you need more details, check out the full review, but otherwise we’re moving on to The Rewind.
⏪ Rewind: Everybody loves ‘Thunderbolts*’ … except me?
If you ask Geek Squad Daily, Comics News Central, or any other cape-swooning outlet, Marvel is BACK, baby.
Even the major critics are riding high on “Thunderbolts*,” so why am I walking out of the theater feeling... nothing?
Sure, it’s a step up from the recent MCU slop – competent, fine, technically a movie – but I left the theater in a fog of indifference. I’ll hang around for “The Fantastic Four,” but after that? It might be time to call it.
Is it me? Is it Marvel? Or is this just what happens 36 movies deep?
We’re unpacking “Thunderbolts*,” Marvel fatigue, and the State of the MCU on this week’s pod.
Tune in to the full episode:
▶️ Play: I turned on ‘The Four Seasons’ ready for laughs, why am I sobbing???
Zach: Tina Fey, Steve Carell and Will Forte walk into a Netflix Original. That joke doesn’t need a punchline because those three comedy legends are funny enough to carry it on their own. But “The Four Seasons,” a series reboot of the 1981 Alan Alda rom-com, delivers more than just laughs.
It’s not an outrageous, in-your-face comedy by any means, instead it relies on the wit and charm of its cast and sharp, sentimental writing to create something equal parts humorous and emotional. Colman Domingo is my MVP both onscreen as Danny and behind the camera, serving as director for the standout sixth episode.
“The Four Seasons” is now streaming on Netflix.
⏸️ Pause: We need to talk about ‘Survivor 48’
I’ve been rocking with “Survivor” since Day 1. It was a sacred text in the Goins household. I’ve seen it all – the blindsides, the betrayals, the Boston Rob eras.
Which is why it pains me to say: “Survivor 48” might be the most boring season we’ve ever had. No disrespect to Jeff Probst – may his button-downs remain forever unwrinkled – but what are we even doing out here?
Before the season started, I begged for more himbos and fewer superfans. But I didn’t realize that wish would backfire into a tribe full of protein shakes with no strategic brain cells.
Every week, they dangle the idea of a big move… only to make the safest, most predictable choice possible. Newsflash: you don’t win by securing sixth place.
This “New Era” filled with never ending Immunity Idols and Lose-a-Votes made me yearn for “Old School Survivor,” but now that we’re seeing an “Old School” strategy based on loyalty play out in this modern game, it’s just boring.
If someone doesn’t shake things up soon, I’ll happily crawl back to my “Cook Islands” rewatch and pretend this season never happened.
“Survivor” airs Wednesday nights at 8/7c on CBS.
⏺️ Record: ‘Mission: Impossible III’ sets a new standard for Ethan Hunt
Part 3 of Johnny’s “Mission: Impossible” rewatch series:
Did someone order the J.J. Abrams Special?
Before he relaunched “Star Trek” and “Star Wars,” Abrams revived this franchise with its first true blockbuster extravaganza, injecting the series with big-budget effects and action set pieces.
If this film had fallen flat, we never would’ve gotten the “Mission” franchise we know and love today.
Thanks, J.J.
Read the full breakdown + ranking:
⏩ Fast Forward: ‘The Studio’ simply cannot miss
Every week Johnny texts me to announce that the latest episode of “The Studio” is its best yet.
Not a bad track record to have if you keep outdoing yourself with each passing episode.
I’ve got to agree with Mr. Sobczak on this one, as this week’s Golden Globes-themed chaos is an all-timer packed with unhinged laughs, mortifying second-hand embarrassment, and enough celebrity cameos to trigger a SAG audit. And yes, that’s a compliment.
Episode 8 of “The Studio” releases Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on Apple TV+.
Other Recs This Week: “Andor” Ep. 7-9 (Tuesday, Disney+) “The Studio” Ep. 8 (Tuesday, Apple TV+), “Survivor” Ep. 11 (Wednesday, CBS), “Hacks” Ep. 6 (Thursday, MAX), “Friendship” (Friday, Theaters), “The Last Of Us” Ep. 5 (Sunday, HBO), “The Rehearsal” Ep. 4 (Sunday, HBO)
That’s a wrap on this week of The Rewind!
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Stay tuned for more!