I’m Watching…Trainwreck, Catastrophe, Scrotal Recall, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

Trainwreck – Starring Amy Shumer, Bill Hader Directed by Judd Apatow ~ IMDB

A gender swap RomCom where the woman is a hard drinking, commitment phobe and the men in her life want more.

If you love Inside Amy Shumer on Comedy Central (I do) or Judd Apatow movies (meh) – you’ll enjoy Trainwreck. If you’re easily offended by crude humor or frank sex talk, then this probably isn't the movie for you. If you do then you’ll love it. 

Not every joke is a hit (& some cross the line IMO) but Trainwreck was a solid RomCom with a surprising amount of heart. I especially loved Lebron James, Tilda Swinton and John Cena as the supporting cast.

***



Catastrophe  S1 - 6 episodes on Amazon (free with Amazon Prime) ~ IMDB

Rob an American businessman, gets Sharon, an Irish schoolteacher, in her 40’s, pregnant while hooking up for a week during a trip to London.

Cute series that explores a few things; a fish out of water (Rob relocating to London for Sharon & the baby), getting pregnant while older and an instant relationship. It’s a little uneven but I loved how both Rob and Sharon are good people and kind to each other – yet pragmatic - not overly sappy or sentimental - but still sweet. 

***



Scrotal Recall  S1 - 6 episodes Netflix ~ IMDB

That title makes this show seem way raunchier than it really is. Scrotal Recall is about Dylan, who finds out that he has an STD, then has to go back and inform each of his sexual partners. Every episode is the origin story of the different girls Dylan has slept with and now has to tell about the STD.

Just like Catastrophe, some episodes are funnier than others, and honestly, I didn’t love Dylan. He was a passive, whiner but I did LOVE his BFF’s, especially Luke, who I think, was supposed to be the unlikable man whore. He made the series for me. He wasn’t wishy washy like Dylan and had a surprising amount of honesty and integrity in him.

***



Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell 7 episodes BBCA ~  IMDB

In 19th century, alternate history England, Mr. Norrell wishes to bring respectability back to magic and agrees to mentor novice magician, Jonathan Strange.

The two men’s styles clash and and they unleash a powerful fairy and Raven King.

I’m always a bit lost when I watch historical series but I caught on pretty quickly and really enjoy this one. It’s based on a novel of the same name by Susanna Clarke. Even though I haven’t read it yet, the mini series does have a book vibe, if you know what I mean. I can almost sense where they had to cut character and plot development because of time constraints and I would like to read the book at some point.

The main characters are very well developed but I imagine some of the more interesting supporting cast are more fleshed out in the book.

What have you guys been watching? Any recommendations?