Can’t believe I am back with another Lockdown themed blog, but here we are! Technically, I know the Tier system is more nuanced now then full Lockdown back in March, but as Edinburgh is still in Tier 3 and I am a wheelchair user, I am taking things very carefully, and still essentially in Lockdown.
This last couple of weeks, I’ve been taking things easy in the run-up to Christmas so I thought I would share with you more of the things I have enjoyed.
On Netflix: Crip Camp - Written, Directed and Co-Produced by Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht
A Documentary that centres around a group of American Disabled Teenagers who recall their time at Summer Camp in 1971 and charts their journey as they become politicised and organised, campaigners for their own crucial rights and services. First of all, I am just really glad this story has been told, you can read about the Disability Rights Movement, and know that Activism took place. It’s another thing to hear it from people who were there and who actually had to fight to make a better world for the people who came after. To my mind the people featured in this documentary were genuine heroes if you are a disabled viewer, the emotions, the anecdotes are going to feel very familiar and relatable whilst being evocative of another time and place. For those of you who are not so familiar with issues surrounding Disability, this is an inspiring, if lesser-known tale, of Courage and Activism. Thoroughly recommend.
On BBC Iplayer: Staged - Written and Directed by Simon Evans
A six-part comedy-drama starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant as ‘themselves’ stuck at home during Lockdown as they try to rehearse a play together over the internet. I just really loved the deadpan style, the humour of this piece felt natural and genuinely funny. The production was very well written and performed and the twists and turns were enjoyable. Contains some surprise appearances from some very special guests! Loved it!
Again, on Netflix: The Peanut Butter Falcon - Written and Directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz
Starring Shia LaBeouf and Zach Gottsagen, this is a sweet and funny movie about a young man with Downs Syndrome, Zak (Gottsagen) who runs away from his care home to learn how to become a wrestler. On the way, he meets a young Fisherman, Tyler (LaBeouf) who stole his rivals’ Crab and destroyed their gear, so now he goes on the run too. Tyler helps Zak learn more about the world and encourages him to be the person he wants to be, while Zak rekindles Tyler’s sense of self-worth and is a source of redemption as mutual respect grows and a genuine bond forms between the pair. The character arcs are perhaps not the most complex, but this film’s heart is totally in the right place and to my mind it is never patronising, again, I am really pleased the story has been told.
On Audible: Expeditionary Force by Craig Alanson, performed by R.C. Bray
How to describe this next one? A considerable amount of my spare time is still being taken up with listening to the latest release. ‘Expeditionary Force’ is a huge series comprised of eleven books so far - I believe there are more on the way, hurrah! If you like Star Trek crossed with a bit of Hitchhikers Guide, Futurama and Babylon 5 - this may be the next Sci-Fi adventure for you. Earth has been attacked by an alien species and Primitive Humans soon discover they are actually very small fish in a very large pond -it all gets more complicated from there, until resourceful foot soldier, Joe Bishop, discovers a sentient elder AI, Skippy - who is a bit of an asshole! To cut a long story short, together they steal a star ship, become best friends and start kickin’ ass across the galaxy. The real strength of these books is the relationship between the two starring characters and the quality of ideas as they move from one crisis to the next, this creates a very compelling journey overall, the author is excellent at world-building. I need to spare a special word for voice actor, R.C.Bray, who brings the novel to life, he really does make you believe in each character and you have to remind yourself he is just one man vocalising a huge cast. Again, do yourself a favour and give this a go!
National Theatre Live Subscription Service
Oh and incase you haven't already seen National Theatre Live are offering a subscription service to be able to watch their productions on demand with some productions available to rent - I would be totally happy if Santa bought me that for Christmas, yes please, thanks NTL, you are too good to us!
Oh wait, wait … I keep thinking of more things …
‘Singin’ in the Rain' with Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor available on Amazon Video. Needs no introduction from me but just to say watched it again last night and had the best time ever! It's just so funny, what a talented bunch - they just don't make'em like that anymore, a true classic. Go watch it now, go go!