Reviews: Movies & Music November-December 2024

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC

Nobody Wants This

Netflix, Starring Adam Brody, Kristen Bell, 3 Stars

I’m not technically a millennial, but when it comes to TV, I’ll happily declare myself a fan of The OC and Gossip Girl – and therefore of Adam Brody and Kristen Bell. The two appear now in Netflix’s romantic, comedic series Nobody Wants This, and frankly, being a bit of a cynic about rom-coms, it takes a star-studded cast to pique my interest.

Still, my inner cynic rolled her eyes when Joanne (Bell) and Noah (Brody) meet at a dinner party, and their attraction is sincere and immediate. He’s just broken off an engagement; she’s done the merry-go-round of middle-aged dating . . . and boom, here we are? But this show has different battles to pick, and even though the two have chemistry, their lives couldn’t be more opposite. He’s a rabbi; she’s a podcaster who talks about sex. His is a traditional, doting Jewish family who insist on making the “right” choices in life; her parents are separated, her father is gay, and neither parent can nor should offer advice.

In short, the circumstances hindering a relationship between these would-be lovebirds aren’t ghosting, narcissism, dating apps, or the usual suspects. I have to admit, it was a refreshing change – but would true love conquer all after 10 episodes?

This show, like most written for popular culture, doesn’t do the job of avoiding stereotypes. There’s the Jewish mothers who want to set up newly single Noah with their daughters; there’s the “look” of all the starring ladies being rail-thin with perfect hair. Yet, this series saves itself with a few unexpected moments – the ones that keep us away from our ever-beckoning phones.

A quick, satisfying binge leaves us on a cliffhanger – one that may have friends and family pondering how it should end. Nobody Wants This (referring to the name of Joanne’s podcast but also, more broadly, challenges) shows how far we’ll go for love, especially in adulthood when our lives are more established.

Will this couple have their dance into the clouds? Or throw their hands up and walk away? It’s human nature to root for love – even more so in times of challenge – but is that the love of God? The love of family? Or the love of the partner who tears you away from yourself?

Shovels and Rope

Something is Working Up Above My Head

Dualtone Records

Charleston favorites Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst seem to embody the sound of the area – easy-going and folksy, but with deep thought to be found. In this duo’s latest efforts, Something is Working Up Above My Head, they continue to capture the hearts of their audience with songs like “Love Song From a Dog” and “Colorado River” – both with interesting lyrics, rocking notes and the mood of the American South.

Deep Purple

=1

earMUSIC/Edel AG

As a classic rock band with recognizable, iconic tunes like “Smoke on the Water” and “Hush,” Deep Purple will always have a fan base, and I count myself among them, having just spun my copy of Made in Japan. But their newest album effort, cryptically titled =1, just doesn’t get as deep, or as purple, for me. Songs like “Lazy Sod” and “Pictures of You” are a rehash of sounds we recognize. Nothing wrong with that, I guess, but nothing exciting, either.