1883 (Streaming on Paramount+)
This is going to be a fairly short review, because I don’t want to give any spoilers. I REALLY want you to watch this show for yourself. If you’re a “Yellowstone” fan, you probably know all about this show. If you don’t watch “Yellowstone” (for some reason), you may not be as familiar.
“Yellowstone” follows the Dutton family, and their mission to save their Yellowstone Ranch from outsiders, investors, and protestors. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) is the patriarch of the family.
“1883” follows James Dutton (Tim McGraw), John Dutton’s great-grandfather, and his family as they journey west across the Great Plains toward the last bastion of uncolonized America. The Duttons team up with Captain Shea Brennon (Sam Elliott) as he leads a large group of immigrants on the same journey to find their new home. Now we’re talking Old West stuff here. They’re crossing the country on horseback and wagons while also driving a herd of cattle for food. As you can imagine, the wagon train encounters all sorts of outlaws, and disasters along the journey.
Starring alongside McGraw and Elliott are Isabel May (Alexa & Katie, Young Sheldon) who plays James’ daughter, Elsa Dutton; Faith Hill (The Stepford Wives, Practical Magic) plays the matriarch, Margaret Dutton; and LaMonica Garrett (Designated Survivor, Sons of Anarchy) plays Thomas, a sort of sidekick to Elliot’s Captain Brennan. There are also some really cool, high-profile cameos by legends like Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade, Monster’s Ball) and Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, Philadelphia.)
In my opinion, which is obviously what you want since you’re reading my column, this is one of the best series to come out in quite some time. The acting is incredible. The cinematography is spectacular. And the writing is all but perfect. Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown) is a master storyteller.
I have always been a fan of McGraw, his music and his movies including “The Blind Side” and “Four Christmases,” but he absolutely takes it to another level here. I’m also super impressed with young Isabel May. I was familiar with her from watching “Alexa & Katie” with my daughters on Netflix. She was my favorite character on that show, but she too takes it to another level with “1883.” Not only is she one of the main stars of this show, she also narrates it. Take my word, this young lady’s career is really about to take off. Remember the name Isabel May!
I’ve said before as I reviewed a few different things, I’ve never really been a big fan of Old West type stuff, but this is one that’s worth the watch! There are four episodes streaming so far on Paramount+, so you can binge a little before you get caught up. DO IT!!!
“1883” is rated TV-MA for adult language, violence, and some brief nudity.
Reno 911!: The Quest for QAnon (streaming on Paramount+)
This COULD be the shortest review yet. I could sum it up in one word- HILARIOUS! So, admittedly, I never watched many episodes of the original show, but when I did watch it, I laughed. I may have to go back and watch the whole series now.
In their new movie, the whole gang from the Reno Sheriff’s Dept is back, and they’re more over-the-top than ever as they hunt for Q, the one behind all the QAnon conspiracies. Their efforts take them on a QAnon Booze Cruise.
To me, this movie is right on time. It’s a wild, scary, stressful world out there with COVID still hanging around and now we got Flurona and the likelihood of schools going virtual again; many already doing so. Comedy is exactly what we need right now, especially some good slapstick political satire.
Aside from your favorite Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies, there are also a really fun supporting cast including the great Patton Oswalt (King of Queens, Justified), who also did 12 episodes of the original show; and comedians Brian Posehn and Steve Agee as MAGA devotees. You’ll also see Pink and Ru-Paul.
Now the show has always been pretty loose with its humor, but I fell like they did hold back a little here, likely due to social politics and cancel culture. However, you are going to laugh. There are a lot of good sex jokes. Thomas Lennon (The Odd Couple, I Love You, Man) is at his best here as Lt. Dangle, and Kerri Kenney (Wanderlust, Downsizing) as Deputy Wiegel really steal the show, but I absolutely loved Wendi McClendon-Covey (Bridesmaids, The Goldbergs) as Deputy Clementine Johnson in this one. Her banter with Patton Oswalt’s character is comedy gold.
Basically, if you’re a fan of the show, absolutely watch this movie. Even if you weren’t, and you love silly comedy, give it a shot. If you’re someone who takes yourself and the world around you too seriously, stay away and go watch a boring foreign film. Aside from the cast being about a decade older, not much is different here. It won’t win any awards, but I’m pretty sure the cast and crew knew that going in, and they don’t care.
“Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon is rated TV-14 for adult language and sexual innuendos. There’s actually enough language that I might have given it a slightly harsher rating, but it is what it is.
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