PopaHALLics #119 "Highly Recommended"
Instead of dissing pop culture offerings, dad and daughter rave about them on this episode. Steve's a fan of "American Fiction," "The Last Repair Shop" and "Colin from Accounts." Kate really likes "All of Us Strangers," "Bottoms," and "The New Look."

Streaming:

• "American Fiction," in theaters and for purchase. In this Best Picture nominee, a black novelist (Jeffrey Wright) writes a satire of the stereotype-heavy books he despises—and it becomes a hit.
• "All of Us Strangers," Hulu and rental. In this acclaimed film, a screenwriter (Andrew Scott) develops a relationship with his neighbor while also finding an unusual way to reconcile his grief over the loss of his parents at an early age.
• "Bottoms," Prime. Kate found this 2023 satirical teen comedy a little shocking, violent, and foul-mouthed—but very funny. The plot: Two unpopular queer female high school students start a fight club to have sex before graduation.
• "Colin from Accounts," Paramount +, Prime, other streaming services. This Australian rom-com developed by its stars, Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammell, follows two flawed people caring for a special needs dog and falling in love.
• "The Last Repair Shop," YouTube, Hulu, Disney+. This Oscar-nominated documentary short explores how music has changed the lives of a few dedicated craftsmen who repair some 80,000 instruments in the Los Angeles school system.
• "The New Look," Apple TV+. This limited series is the true story of how Christian Dior (Ben Mendelsohn) and his contemporaries, including Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche), navigate the horrors of World War II and launch modern fashion.
• "Upgraded," Prime. Cinderella, anyone? In this rom-com, Camilla Mendes plays a lowly intern who fibs about her role at an art auction house to a handsome stranger and is drawn into the world of his wealthy, glamorous mother (Lena Olin). Marisa Tomei plays Mendes' ridiculously demanding boss.

Books:

• "Anna O," by Matthew Blake. In this dark and twisty thriller, a young woman commits a double murder while sleepwalking, and then never opens her eyes again.
• "John Prine: In Spite of Himself," by Eddie Huffman. A music journalist traces the the career and life of a songwriter's songwriter, from Prine's childhood to the stories behind many of his songs. There's a wealth of great ones to choose from, including "Angel from Montgomery," "Sam Stone," Hello In There" and "Paradise."