We've got some oldies but goodies on deck for the Friday Five this week. There's a rock doc, a throwback jam, and a TV show that we are finally getting around to watching. Plus, for the first time in Friday Five history, we have a book making an appearance on our weekly list. So get comfortable, because there's a lot to enjoy in Volume 90.
Travelin' Band
One of the greatest rock bands ever is finally getting the concert film doc they deserve, and you can watch it from the comfort of your own home. Travelin' Band looks a lot like Creedence Clearwater Revival's The Last Waltz, focused around one of the band's greatest live shows, with never-before-seen interviews from the time. The doc gives us the story of how the band came together and what their music meant to them, while also giving us a full concert film. They are also releasing the full CCR At The Royal Albert Hall album along with the film, so you'll be able to jam out to your favorite hits from the show. While it won't play as well from your home TV as it would have in theaters, you'll just have to turn your speakers all the way up and hope for the best. In general, we are suckers for a good rock doc, as we get to see an inside look at both the creative process, as well as what the toll of performing/fame does to a group. It's just an added bonus that this doc happens to be about John Fogerty and one of the great American rock bands.
Jurassic 5 - Power In Numbers
Speaking of throwback music, our Labor Day list got us back into Jurassic 5, and we haven't stopped listening ever since. Specifically, we've had their hit album Power In Numbers on repeat the last few weeks, and we aren't complaining. "What's Golden" is probably their biggest hit off the album, and it remains an all-time classic, but Power In Numbers is a great listen start-to-finish. The sound is just so unique, from the distinct drum and vocal sounds, to the samples, to the ever-changing melodies and riffs. It is also an album for pretty much any scenario. Driving around on a sunny day? Sure. Chilling on the beach? Give it a play. Need to get in the zone on a creative project? You could do worse than blasting a little J5. While we always love discovering new music, especially for the Friday Five, sometimes you need to go back to the basics to get through a week. And as summer turns into fall and work starts to pick back up, Jurassic 5 has been there for us. Don't forget to hold on to what's golden.
See How They Run
We're also jumping in a time machine for our movie selection this week -- or we guess along with our movie pick? See How They Run takes place in 1950's London, but the setting isn't the only thing that's a throwback about the star-studded murder mystery comedy. The movie feels like a callback to a genre that doesn't really exist anymore, with the exception of maybe the Knives Out franchise. It as a little bit of an old school, screwball-esque approach to go along with its biting British humor, which is an exciting combination. The cast itself is incredible, headlined by Saiorse Ronan and Sam Rockwell, with stars like Adrien Brody and David Oyelowo in supporting roles. The creators are a bit lesser-known, as writer Mark Chappell cut his teeth on the underrated Netflix show Flaked, while director Tom George is a relative newcomer. It is fun to see some new names getting their shot on a project like this, and to get some attention around a smaller project. We are also just very excited to see this type of movie get a wide theatrical release, and we can only hope it is a hit, so they can keep on coming. If you need a laugh this weekend and are into mysteries, See How They Run is going to be for you.
Severance
In the TV world, the big story this week were the Emmys. While it didn't come away with any big wins, the darling of the nomination process was the Apple TV+ hit Severance. We were a little late to the game on this one, but between the Emmy buzz and Ben Stiller's podcast interview press tour, we finally decided it was time to give it a shot. And we're glad we did, because it's probably the best current show we haven't yet featured on the Friday Five. It is a bit of a slow burn, and definitely a bit confusing, but it is a pretty incredible piece of storytelling. Adam Scott is great as the lead, and John Turturro and Christopher Walken give stunning supporting performances. Severance is a strange show, between the pacing and the winding plot, but don't get discouraged. Once you start hitting the end-of-episode cliffhangers, you won't be able to stop watching. And while the plot might not read like one, the show is a comedy -- and we definitely have found some laugh-out-loud moments in all the episodes. I guess we shouldn't be surprised, considering Stiller, one of the biggest comedy stars of his generation, directed the whole season. Lucky for you, the whole first season is now out, so you can binge watch your way through all the twists and turns. The only bummer? You'll have to wait for Season 2 with the rest of us.
Heat 2
And now, a Friday Five first -- we are featuring a novel! While we've joked about the King Penguin Book Club, maybe the first actual required reading is the sequel/prequel to Heat, written by Michael Mann himself. The genius director behind the all-time crime/heist movie classic, Mann returned to the world in novel form, exploring the universe around one of his most-acclaimed films. From a creative perspective, it is so cool to see an artist step out of their comfort zone, eschewing the craft they've mastered to go take on something new. Of course, this book is going to serve as inspiration for a filmed follow-up to Heat, which we will anxiously await until it comes out. Heat served as a roadmap for an entire generation of filmmakers putting together heist thrillers, and remains as one of the pinnacles of the genre. So even though it is a bit of a hefty page total, it's worth giving the follow-up a chance, because it'll hook you in just like the epic, sprawling film. While we know beach reading season is over, now you've got something to read while curled up under a blanket between football games.