As we near September, the number of interesting TV shows and movies launching are starting to ramp up.
The big title this week is the Seth Rogen feature film An American Pickle. Reviews have been solid for what looks to be a charmer about a modern man who meets his ancestor - an immigrant to America who had an unfortunate pickling accident that has led to his awakening in 2020. The movie asks whether we, the children/grandchildren, great-grandchildren of immigrants are living a life worthy of the sacrifice previous generations went through to give us what we have.
An American Pickle is going direct to HBO Max in the US. As far as I’m aware no international distribution exists for the film. Piracy will be high on this title.
I’ve seen the first few episodes of Quibi’s The Fugitive. It takes the idea of the 60s TV show/1993 movie, but gives it a new story. I’d actually have been very happy to see Richard Kimble chasing a one-armed man - at least for the first season.
Star Trek: Lower Decks is unfunny and completely invalidates its premise in episode one. The cartoon looks at the low-level staff on a Federation starship. But in episode one they’re meeting with the Captain - isn’t the joke supposed to be that these are the staff who are only ever in the background? Admittedly, if I was 10 years-old, I’d love this.
returning:
The Rain (s3), High Seas (s3)
new:
Immigration Nation - Netflix
A deep look at the state of U.S. immigration, utilizing unprecedented access to ICE operations and moving portraits of immigrants.
An American Pickle [Movie] - HBO Max
Stars: Seth Rogen, Sarah Snook, Molly Evensen
An immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern day Brooklyn.
The Deceived - Channel 5 | Stan
Stars: Declan Rodgers, Frank Cannon, Emmett J Scanlan, Paul Mescal
A young English student called Ophelia falls in love with her married lecturer, Michael. When their affair results in a shocking and tragic death, Ophelia finds herself trapped, and she can no longer trust her own mind.
The Fugitive - Quibi
Stars: Kiefer Sutherland, Boyd Holbrook, Genesis Rodriguez
With the city in a state of panic and misinformation traveling at the speed of social media, Mike's life and family hang in the balance as he becomes - The Fugitive.
Little Birds - Sky Atlantic | Stan
Stars: Juno Temple, Nina Sosanya, Matt Lauria
TV adaptation of Anais Nin's infamous collection of erotic short stories.
Star Trek: Lower Decks - CBS All Access
Stars: Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells
The support crew serving on one of Starfleet's least important ships, the U.S.S. Cerritos, have to keep up with their duties, often while the ship is being rocked by a multitude of sci-fi anomalies.
Semi-Detached - BBC
Stars: Lee Mack, Patrick Baladi, Neil Fitzmaurice
Real-time sitcom pilot. Stuart (Lee Mack) is suffering the worst half-hour of his life as his new girlfriend goes into labour, he must rely on his ex-wife for help and is hindered by his friends, family and neighbours.
Work It - Netflix
Stars: Sabrina Carpenter, Jordan Fisher, Keiynan Lonsdale
A brilliant but clumsy high school senior vows to get into her late father's alma mater by transforming herself and a misfit squad into dance champions.
That’s it for this week. Let’s chat Monday.
