PopaHALLics

PopaHALLics #144 "Mission ImPOPible"Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to learn if these pop culture offerings are enjoyable: "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning." "Thunderbolts." "Fountain of Youth." "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." "Wolf Man." And more!In Theaters:"Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning." In the eighth film in the franchise, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) races to keep AI from destroying the world. With Esai Morales, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, and Ving Rhames."Thunderbolts." In the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe offering, a group of anti-heroes are caught in a deadly trap and forced to work together on a dangerous mission. Starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and more. Streaming: "Fountain of Youth," Apple TV. In this movie that borrows liberally from the likes of "The Da Vinci Code" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (among others), John Krasinski and Natalie Portman play an estranged brother and sister searching for the fabled Fountain of Youth."The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," Hulu. This reality series follows the lives of eight Utah-based TikTok influencers, known as MomTok. Their world implodes when they get caught in a swinging sex scandal."Wolf Man," Peacock. When two writers (Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner) return to his Idaho home, their lives are threatened by a mysterious creature in the woods and then Abbott's character himself. This psychological updating of Universal's 'The Wolf Man" comes from Blumhouse Productions."The Highwaymen," Netflix. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson play Texas Rangers who come out of retirement to hunt the notorious Bonnie and Clyde in this movie based on real events."Sirens," Netflix. In this limited series, Devon (Meghann Fahey) is concerned about her sister's (Milly Alcock) unhealthy relationship with her wealthy, powerful boss (Julianne Moore). Books:"Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties," by Elijah Wald. Described as the inspiration for the Bob Dylan movie "A Complete Unknown," this 2015 book explores in detail the cultural, historical, and political context that made Dylan going electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival such a seminal event in the 1960s.Click through the links above to watch and read what we're discussing.

PopaHALLics #143 "Pop Go the Generations"Dad and daughter discuss the thrill of introducing your kid to your childhood pop culture faves. Also: Tina Fey does a series remake of an old Alan Alda/Carol Burnett movie. A documentary looks at Anita Pallenberg, "a rock and roll goddess." And Steve examines the making of the classics "Double Indemnity" and "High Noon."Streaming:"The Four Seasons," Netflix. In this TV series remake of the Alda/Burnett movie, the decades-long friendship of three couples is tested when one divorces, complicating their quarterly weekend getaways. With Fey (co-creator), Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and Will Forte."Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg,," Hulu. We tend to focus on Pallenberg's involvement with the Rolling Stones, but his documentary based on her unpublished autobiography shows how she was so much more.  Scarlett Johanssen narrates."Press Play," Hulu. In this 2022 sci-fi romantic drama, Chloe (Clara Rugaard) uses a mixtape to travel back in time to try to save her true love (Lewis Pullman). Danny Glover plays his boss."Poker Face," Peacock. Charlie (Natasha Lyonne) continues to get into messy scrapes because of her ability to tell if someone's lying. The second season features such guest stars as Cynthia Erivo ("Wicked"), Giancarlo Esposito ("Breaking Bad"), comedian John Mulaney, and Akwafina.Books:"From the Moment They Met, It Was Murder: Double Indemnity and the Rise of Film Noir," by Alain Silver and James Ursini. The behind-the-scenes story of the making of the film noir classic starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray and co-written by novelist Raymond Chandler and director Billy Wilder. The book also explores the cultural impact of the film."High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic," by Glenn Frankel. Frankel takes us behind the scenes of the making of this classic Western starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly and shows how the movie's themes were shaped by the Hollywood blacklist in the 1950s."Demon Copperhead," by Barbara Kingsolver. An acclaimed retelling of "David Copperfield," set in modern Appalachia.Click through the links to watch and read what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #142 "Aren't You Somebody?"We know the face, but not the name, whether that's members of the Eagles (biography "Life in the Fast Lane") or comedian Martin Short being mistaken for a waiter (memoir "I Must Say"). But being somebody can also apply to coming into your own, whether you're seeking your first orgasm after a terminal diagnosis ("Dying for Sex") or finding new purpose in your life in a tiny Arctic village ("North of North"). Welcome to this episode's pop offerings!Streaming:"North of North," Netflix. A goodhearted, if bumbling, Inuk woman (Anna Lambe) tries to reinvent herself in this warm, lighthearted comedy set in a tiny Arctic town. Also starring Maika Harper as her feisty mother and Mary Lynn Rajskub (Chloe on "24") as her boss"Dying for Sex," Hulu, FX, Disney +. In this comedy drama based on a real woman's podcast and memoir, Molly (Michelle Williams) is diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer and decides to explore her sexual desires before it's too late. With Jenny Slate, Rob Delaney, Sissy Spacek and Jay Duplass."Small Things Like These," Hulu. A coal merchant (Cillian Murphy) uncovers disturbing secrets about the convent in an Irish village. This 2024 historical drama is adapted from Claire Keegan's novel. Books:"Life in the Fast Lane: The Eagles' Reckless Ride Down the Rock & Roll Highway," by Mick Wall. This no-holds-barred biography written with rock 'n roll attitude traces the rise of one of the best-selling acts of all time. And how money, cocaine, and egos affected their relationships and music."A Thousand Threads," by Neneh Cherry. This joyful autobiography looks at the fascinating life of the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter. She grew up in a bohemian family in Stockholm, New York, and London. Her own music—a mix of punk funk, hip hop, and UK street soul—helped usher in a new wave of black British club culture."I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Genius," by Martin Short. This 2014 memoir is funny, heartfelt, and chock full of celebrities (from buddies like Steve Martin to cringey encounters with Sinatra, Hepburn, and Tony Bennett). It's surprisingly poignant, as Short recounts the loss of a beloved brother and his parents by age 20 and his wife Nancy's battle with cancer. The memoir was published seven years before "Only Murders in the Building" would make Short a TV star again.Music:PopaHALLics #142 Playlist (Eagles) features the California band's hits as well as music from Neneh Cherry (memoir "A Thousand Threads") and her talented family. It's eclectic—and fun!Click through the links to watch, read, and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #141 "Sing Me a Song"A folk duo's pricey gig for one rich prerson. A utopian paradise hiding a dark secret. A serial killer tale: Is it real true-crime or made-up horror? And who IS Kate's favorite Mr. Darcy in "Pride & Prejudice"?Theaters:"The Ballad of Walllis Island," written by Tim Key and Tom Basden and directed by James Griffiths. An eccentric lottery winner (Key) recruits his favorite musical duo (Basden and Carey Mulligan) to play a private concert on his remote island home in this British comedy/drama. But old feelings and tensions threaten his dream gig.Streaming:"Paradise," Hulu. In this political thriller set in an underground bunker after a doomsday event, a Secret Service agent (Sterling K. Brown) comes under suspicion of killing the President of the United States (James Marsden) "Slow Horses," Apple TV.+  In the riveting third season of this spy thriller, the MI5 rejects at Slough House must find the abducted Catherine Standish (Saskia Reeves) and a sensitive file. All six episodes of the fourth season about the search for a London bomber are available."Pride and Prejudice" (2005), available on Netflix, Prime, Apple TV+, etc. Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyn star in Jane Austen's classic tale of the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. Books:"Chasing the Boogeyman," by Richard Chizmar. The author narrates, first-person, how a serial killer terrorized his small Maryland hometown. But is this gripping story true crime or horror fiction? Compelling, creative, and scary."Lady MacBeth," by Ava Reid. In this reimagining of Shakespeare's most famous villainess, the Lady has a voice, a past, and witchy powers she needs to survive her husband, a Scottish brute, and his hostile court.The John Milton thriller series, by Mark Dawson. One of the world's deadliest assassins tries to give it up and help people as a way of making amends to those he killed. The British government who "created" him wants him dead. Jack Reacher fans will find a lot to like in this series (24-some books)."Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead," by Olga Tokarczuk. An eccentric recluse on the Czech/Polish border becomes convinced she knows why dead bodies keep turning up around her. Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.Music:PopaHALLics #141 Playlist (Wallis Island)  features the folky music of the film "The Ballad of Wallis Island."Click through the links above to wat

PopaHALLics 140 "Pop Go the Clues"It's no mystery why we love TV's "The Residence" and the book "The Last"—they're both murder mysteries, albeit very different ones (a comedy and a dystopian thriller). And does Seth Rogen have a clue about being a Hollywood executive in "The Studio"? Stay tuned!Streaming:"The Residence," Netflix. A brilliant, eccentric, no-nonsense detective (Uzo Adoba) investigates a murder in the White House residence during a State dinner in this comedy from Shondaland Productions. With Giancarlo Esposito, Bronson Pinchot, Al Franken, Jane Curtin, and more."The Studio," Apple +. A new studio head (Seth Rogen) tries to juggle his desire to make great movies with his boss' desire for big box office. A Kool-Aid movie, anyone? With Catherine O'Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Bryan Cranston, and such real-life Hollywooders as Martin Scorsese playing themselves.Books:"Everything I Know About Love," by Dolly Alderton. In a funny, sometimes heartbreaking memoir, a British journalist and podcast host reflects on the trials and tribulations of becoming an adult."The Last," by Hanna Jameson. Imagine an Agatha Christie novel written by Stephen King. This dark, chilling, highly original novel finds a historian trying to solve a murder at an isolated Swiss hotel after the end of the world."A Hound Dog Tale: Big Mama, Elvis and the Song That Changed Everything," by Ben Wynne. This nonfiction book traces the unusual development of the song "Hound Dog"—written by two Jewish teenagers, popularized by a black woman with a large frame and a booming voice, parodied by a Las Vegas lounge act—and then taken to new heights of popularity by Elvis Presley. Podcasts:"Miss Me?" from BBC Audio. Join pop star Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver, her friend since childhood, for a twice-weekly podcast. On Mondays they answer questions on a theme: celebrity weddings, lies, orgasms, etc. On Thursdays, they pick apart everything from intimacy to interiors.Music:Because of our discussion of the book "A Hound Dog Tale," PopaHALLics #140 Playlist (Hound Dog) features various versions of that song, more Big Mama songs, and some classics from "Hound Dog" writers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.Click through the links above to watch, read, and listen to what we're discussing.

PopaHALLics #139 "Deception"The truth is, er, fluid in the pop culture discussed in this episode, from a married spy trying to determine if his spouse is doing wrong, to an Australian pretending to have a fatal disease for profit and influence, to a supervillain seemingly going straight who might still be very bent. In Theaters:"Black Bag." In this spy thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh, a legendary intelligence agent (Michael Fassbender) must determine if his wife/fellow spy (Cate Blanchett) has committed treason—and whether his loyalty is to his marriage or his country.Streaming:"Apple Cider Vinegar," Netflix. In this limited series based on true events, two young women (Kaitlyn Dever and  Alycia Debnam-Carey) set out to cure their life-threatening illnesses through health and wellness, influencing their global online community along the way. Unfortunately, they aren't really ill. "Daredevil: Born Again," Disney +. Marvel's blind superhero returns, sort of. After a disturbing event, attorney Matt Murdoch (Charlie Cox) hangs up his Daredevil suit. But wait—does his nemesis Kingpin/Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) have an ulterior motive in running for mayor of New York?Books:"Say No to the Devil: The Life and Musical Genius of Rev. Gary Davis," by Ian Zack. Davis, a blind street preacher and amazingly talented guitarist, is not as well-known today as contemporaries like Son House and Lightning Hopkins. Yet, as this 2016 biography explains, Davis had an outsized influence on music because of his many guitar students and admirers, who include Bob Dylan, Stefan Grossman, Eric Clapton, Hot Tuna, and more. "The Blackbird Oracle," by Deborah Harkness. In the fifth installment in the bestselling All Souls series, witch/Oxford scholar Diana and vampire geneticist Matthew seek to avoid the testing of their twins' magical skills. Attempting to forge a new future for her family, Diana must face "a confrontation with her family's dark past and a reckoning for her own desire for even greater power."Music:On PopaHALLics #139 Playlist (Rev. Gary Davis), experience the music of the blind guitarist/street preacher (see "Say No to the Devil" above) as interpreted by Jackson Browne, the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, Mavis Staples, and more, as well as Davis himself. We've also added a few tunes by Kate's new discovery, the 1960s/70s French rock band Les Variations.Click through the links above to watch, read, and listen to what we're discussing.

PopaHALLics #138 "I'm Still Standing"As the Who said: "People try to put us d-down" ... whether the "us" is Elton John, British gangsters, or a smartypants movie critic. But guess what: We're still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah!Streaming:"Elton John: Never Too Late," Disney +. As his final American concert approaches at Dodger Stadium, Elton John looks back at his meteoric rise to success in the 1970s and his 50-year career in this warts-and-all documentary."A Thousand Blows," Hulu. Two best friends from Jamaica (Malachi Kirby and Francis Lovehall) fight for survival in the melting pot of Victorian London. This crime drama series comes from the creator of "Peaky Blinders." "Freud's Last Session," Netflix. On the eve of World War II, Sigmund Freud (Anthony Hopkins) and C.S. Lewis (Matthew Goode) have a charged conversation about family, love and God. Based on a stage play.Books:The David Blake crime fiction series, by Howard Linskey. Blake, a smooth, intelligent white-collar criminal working for a British gangster, tells himself he's not really a bad guy. Until he is. Gripping crime fiction."Movie Freak: My Life Watching Movies," by Owen Gleiberman. The longtime movie critic for Entertainment Weekly explores the movies that shaped him and the ups and downs of his personal and professional lives."Blood in the Tracks: The Minnesota Musicians Behind Dylan's Masterpiece," by Paul Metsa and Rick Shefchik. Dissatisfied with the New York session recordings of five songs on his "Blood on the Tracks" album, Bob Dylan went back to Minnesota to have local musicians re-record them."I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman's Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris," by Glynnis MacNicol. After a hermit-like existence in NYC during the pandemic, MacNicol journeys to Paris for friendship, sex, food, sex, etc.Music:Our PopaHALLics #138 Playlist includes Elton John, Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" songs recorded in Minnesota, and "Vegetable Soul," catchy, soulful songs about produce by Louie Zong.

"PopaHALLics #137 "Ch-ch-ch-changes"Bridget Jones is dating again ... A new Captain America faces off against Red Hulk ... The sixth wife of Henry VIII tries to say alive ... and a cat faces off against a massive flood. Oh, and did we mention Kate's grandmother caused a fire at IU?Theaters:"Captain America: Brave New World." The new Cap, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), takes up the shield just in time to get involved in an international incident. And the new president (Harrison Ford) is hulky and seeing red.Streaming:"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy," Peacock. Renee Zellweger returns as the foulmouthed diarist, now a widow nervously reentering the dating world. With Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Emma Thompson."Widow Clicquot," Netflix. The film traces the true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, the businesswoman who started the Veuve Clicquot champagne dynasty in France in the 1700s. "Back in Action," Netflix. In this comic action thriller, CIA operatives Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx fake their deaths to start a family. Then the bad guys find out where they are. With Glenn Close, Kyle Chandler, and Andrew Scott."Firebrand," Hulu. Alicia Vikander plays Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII (Jude Law), in this historical drama. When the king returns, ill and paranoid from warfare in France, his advisers try to turn him against her."Flow," Hulu. In this Golden Globe-winning animated Latvian film with no human characters or dialogue, a cat, a dog, and other creatures try to survive a great flood. Beautiful visuals and amazing animation."Say Nothing," Hulu. This limited series follows people growing up in Belfast during the Troubles, their involvement with the IRA, and the murder of Jean McConville. Starring Lola Pettigrew, Hazel Doupe, and Anthony Boyle.Books:"The Book of Love," by Kelly Link. Three teenagers return from the dead to find themselves pawns in a supernatural power struggle in this acclaimed novel by Pulitzer Prize nominee Link."Sick on You: The Disastrous Story of the Hollywood Bratz, the Greatest Band You've Never Heard Of," by Andrew Matheson. This pre-punk band of bad boys from London influenced the Sex Pistols and the Clash, among others. Matheson, their singer, traces their rise and fall in a memoir that's funny and entertaining even as they never quite make it. 

PopaHALLics #136 "Like a Rolling Stone"How does it feel, to be on your own, a complete unknown, or a Dracula clone? We discuss the new Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown" as well as the gothic horror film "Nosferatu." Spy Keira Knightley goes after her lover's killer in "Black Doves," and Vince Vaughn investigates a severed arm, not his, in "Bad Monkey."In Theaters:"A Complete Unknown," cowritten and directed by James Mangold. Timothee Chalamet and Edward Norton star in this look at Bob Dylan's early career, from his arrival in NYC tin 1961 to his infamously going electric at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965."Nosferatu," written and directed by Robert Eggers. In this remake of the 1922 film, itself inspired by Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," the mysterious Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) terrorizes a German couple (Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult). Willem Dafoe plays a Van Helsing-like character.Streaming:"Black Doves," Netflix. In this British thriller series, the wife (Knightley) of the Secretary of State for Defence learns that her secret identity as a spy is in danger after her lover is killed by London's underworld. An old friend, trigger man Sam (Ben Wishaw), is sent to protect her."Bad Monkey," Apple +. A motormouth, irreverent cop in the Florida Keys (Vaughn) becomes involved in a strange case involving an arm missing its body, unscrupulous developers in the Bahamas, and a beautiful, scary practitioner of Obeah. This black comedy crime drama is based on the novel by Carl Hiaasen. Click through the links to see what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #135 "We're Cold on These Xmas Songs"Hey kids! Let's gather around the Christmas tree and play "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"! What? Matricide doesn't make you merry? Well, OK, how about the Pussycat Dolls' "Santa Baby"? Too bump-and-grindy? Steve and Kate discuss a few Christmas songs that annoy us, and our playlist is full of them. As well as a few we like. Also: Kate's review of "Wicked," our takes on the holiday movies "Hot Frosty" and "Last Christmas," and the TV series "Life After Life." Theaters:"Wicked." British actress Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in an adaptation of the hit Broadway show, the sympathetic origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West. With Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldbum, and surprises. As of this writing, the hit movie has made $455.5 million worldwide.Streaming:"Hot Frosty," Netflix. In this 2024 holiday rom-com, a struggling widow (Lacey Chabert) accidentally brings a hunky snowman (Dustin Milligan) to life. Can romance ensue before he melts away? With Craig Robinson, Sherry Miller, and other familiar faces. "Last Christmas," Max and streaming services. Actress Emma Thompson cowrote this 2019 holiday rom-com based on the Wham! song. A struggling singer (Emilia Clarke) begins to see London—and her messy life—in a new light after meeting a mysterious stranger (Henry Golding)."Life After Life," Prime. In this BBC Two TV series based on Kate Atkinson's novel, Ursula Todd (Thomasin McKenzie) experiences an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in the early part of the 20th Century.Music:Get ready for the holiday songs we love to hate! "The Christmas Shoes," Stevie Wonder singing from the perspective of the star atop your Christmas tree, that classic by the Killers "Don't Shoot Me Santa"—and more! We did you a favor and added some we love too. Listen to Popahallics Playlist #135 here.Click through the links to watch and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #134 "Wicked Good"For our Thanksgiving weekend episode, we talk about the pop culture offerings we're grateful for: the new movie version of "Wicked"; movies about a mother and son's love in "The Blitz" and the quest for the first test tube baby in "Joy"; and more. There's always a turkey—"Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft." Oof! Theaters:"Wicked, Part 1." Director Jon M. Chu ("Crazy Rich Asians") pulls off a Wizard of Oz  and grants us our heart's desire: a fabulous movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine respectively as  Elphaba and Glinda in the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West.Streaming:"The Blitz," Apple +. In this movie set during WWII, a London munitions worker (Saoirse Ronan) evacuates her 9-year-old son to the countryside to escape the bombings. He tries to get back to her, as she searches for him."Bad Sisters," Apple +. As season 2 begins, the Garvey sisters appear to have gotten away with murder. But a macabre discovery soon has the police sniffing around again and threatening their lives."Joy - The Birth of IVF," Netflix. Based on a true story, this movie follows three pioneering British scientists in the 1960s and '70s as they try to develop in vitro fertilization. Starring Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton, and Bill Nighy."Wolf Like Me," Peacock. In season 2, wererewolf Mary (Isla Fisher) worries if her unborn baby will be wolf or human. And if she gives birth during a full moon, will she eat the baby?"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever," Disney +. Based on book six of the popular Wimpy Kid franchise, this animated special follows Greg trying to stay good so he will receive a special video game for Christmas. It's not going well."Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft," Netflix. Hayley Atwell voices a trauma-haunted Lara in this animated adventure.Books:"When Women Were Dragons," by Kelly Barnhill. In an alternate 1950s America, thousands of women have turned into dragons, upending ideas of a woman's place in the world. "A rollicking feminist tale" (Amazon)."Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," by Erik Larson. Larson, a master of historical nonfiction, spins a pager-turner about the British passenger liner and the U-boat commander who sunk her during WWI.Small Town Shenanigans PodcastSteve talks about his days as a TV critic and some misadventures growing up in West Virginia on this funny podcast hosted by Montana boys Bill and Brian Burns. You can hear their conversation here.

PopaHALLics #133 "Martha My Dear—NOT!"A new documentary fails to make Martha Stewart sympathetic, in Kate's view. We also discuss season 2 of "The Diplomat" and "Colin from Accounts," a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and books about therapy, a cult, and a "normal" serial killer. Yikes.Streaming:"Martha," Netflix. This documentary directed by Jay Cutler traces Martha Stewart's rise from working-class roots to pop culture icon, through interviews and Stewart's private archives of diaries, letters, and footage."The Diplomat," Netflix. Season 2 follows the personal and professional aftermath of the ship attack and car bombing. Kate (Keri Russell) and Hal (Rufus Sewell) begin to suspect the Brits are after the wrong suspects."Colin from Accounts," Prime and Paramount +.  The delightful Aussie rom-com returns, with Ash (Harriet Dyer) and Gordon (Patrick Brammall) moving in together but uncertain whether they really want a relationship or just a dog.Books: "Demon Copperhead," by Barbara Kingsolver. This acclaimed novel moves Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield" story to modern Appalachia, casting its eye on the foster system, child labor, the opioid crisis, and other ills."Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed," by Lisa Gottlieb. This "hilarious, thought-provoking" book explores one therapist's search for answers as both clinician and patient when she has a personal crisis. "Normal," by Graeme Cameron. A charming, seemingly ordinary guy happens to be a serial killer who kidnaps young women and holds them captive in a secret basement. As his world threatens to collapse, you may find yourself rooting for him in this darkly funny thriller."Dinner for Vampires: LIfe on a Cult TV Show (While also in an Actual Cult!)," by Bethany Joy Lenz. When the "One Tree Hill" star joined a Bible study group, she had no clue it was associated with a cult.Music: We love Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Know who else does? Paul Anka ("Put Your Head on My Shoulder," "Having My Baby"). Anka's cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" swings, baby! Enjoy.

PopaHALLics #132  "Into the Great Unknown"Can a rabbi and an agnostic shiksa find true love? Can humans meddle in the affairs of gods? If you could survive the zombie apocalypse, would you want to? Our pop culture offerings delve into these burning questions—and more!Streaming:"Nobody Wants This," Netflix. Sex podcast co-host Joanne (Kristen Bell) and "hot rabbi" Noah (Adam Brody) fall for each other in this charming rom-com. Their families and friends try to keep them apart.'Kaos," Netflix. This British dark comedy reimagines Greek mythology in a contemporary way. Three humans become involved in a power struggle among the corrupt, arrogant gods, played by the likes of Jeff Goldblum, Debi Mazar, Janet McTeer, and David Thewlis."Agatha All Along," Disney +. Kathryn Hahn plays "the Witchkiller," Agatha Harkness, who goes on a quest on "The Witches' Road" to increase her powers. With Patti LuPone and Aubrey Plaza."Shadow in the Cloud," Netflix. Shades of a famous "Twilight Zone" episode! A female WWII pilot (Chloe Grace Moretz) traveling with top-secret documents sees a creature on the wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress. Books:"From Here to the Great Unknown," by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough. Julia Roberts narrates the autobiography of Elvis' daughter, who died before completing it. It was finished by Lisa Marie's daughter, actress Riley Keough."I Will Do Better," by Charles Bock. In this heartbreaking memoir, a writer and his young daughter struggle to find their way after his wife dies. "Zone One," by Colson Whitehead. This literary zombie novel examines themes of societal priorities, the trivialities of our lives, and gentrification as a 3-person squad rids New York neighborhoods of the undead.Click through the links to watch and read what we are talking about.

PopaHALLics #131 "Won't You Take Me to, Spooky Town!"We return from fall break with some super supernatural offerings featuring that demonic scamp Beetlejuice, a new twist on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, macabre goings-on in the fashion world—and more! In Theaters:"Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice." Michael Keaton reprises his iconic role in this sequel to the cult classic horror comedy "Beetlejuice" (1988). Catherine O'Hara and Winona Ryder are also back, while new cast members include Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, and Monica Bellucci. Streaming:"Will and Harper," Netflix. Will Ferrell and his longtime buddy, former "SNL" head writer Harper Steele, embark on a cross-country road trip after Harper comes out as a trans woman in this documentary.Books:"Tiny Threads," by Lilliam Rivera. In this "slow-burn novel of supernatural suspense," a young woman's dream of working for a famous designer turns into a nightmare: Seeing strange things, hearing voices at night ... "Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow," by Christina Henry. Henry has written several books that take classic tales in new directions. Here, non-gender-conforming Ben begins to experience terrifying encounters in the spooky woods featured in Washington Irving's tale of hapless Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman."The Which Way Tree," by Elizabeth Crook. In this acclaimed novel that may remind you of Charles Portis' classic "True Grit," a teen boy in the remote Texas hill country reluctantly helps his obsessed younger stepsister pursue the panther that seriously mauled her and killed her mother."It Had to be You," by Eliza Jane Brazier. In this sexy thriller, two contract killers hook up on a nighttime train from Florence to Paris. They grapple with their attraction to each other in a high-stakes adventure across Western Europe.Music: For his latest solo tour, singer/songwriter Martin Sexton is performing the Beatles' 1969 album "Abbey Road" in its entirety, from "Come Together" all the way through the 16-minute medley on side 2. In this clip, he plays "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window." Our latest playlist features Martin's own songs and his "soul-marinated voice" (Rolling Stone).Click through the links above to watch, read, and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #130 "The Witch, The Killer ... & Emily in Paris"Kate muses on the appeal—and fashion—of the Netflix hit "Emily in Paris," recently named by The New York Times as one to "hatewatch." (You dislike the show so much that you still watch it so you can ridicule it.) First, we look at "American Murder: Laci Peterson" and talk about three novels. Also: "The Lost Kitchen."Streaming:"Emily in Paris," Netflix. As the fourth season begins, marketing executive Emily (Lily Collins) has even more romantic and professional dilemmas! Golly! Part one of this season premiered in August and part two drops Sept. 12."American Murder: Laci Peterson," Netflix. This true-crime docuseries delves into the 2002 disappearance and murder of Peterson, who was eight months pregnant at the time."The Lost Kitchen" and "Getting Lost," Max, Discovery, Magnolia. In these reality shows, self-taught chef Erin French uses local crops to whip up tasty dishes and connections to the family cooks who went before.Books:"The Road from Belhaven," by Margot Livesey. The gift of second sight complicates the life of a young woman in late 19th-century Scotland."Gone," by Chelsea Cain. In this thriller, Kick, a survivor of child pornography, looks for an abducted boy with the help of the enigmatic John Bishop."The Paying Guests," by Sarah Waters. This novel set in 1920s south London weaves together a love story and a crime drama as a family trying to make ends meet takes in lodgers.Click through to watch and read what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #129 "Girls, Girls, Girls"Girls and women dominate our pop culture choices this week, from a British teen trying to solve a murder to a black woman struggling with racial tensions in 1960s America. Sometimes they're good "girls" and sometimes, like "Abigail," they're very, very bad.Streaming:"A Good Girl's Guide to Murder," Netflix. For her school project, a 17-year-old British girl investigates the murder of a high school student five years before. The limited series is based on Holly Jackson's YA mystery bestseller."Abigail," Peacock. The makers of "Ready or Not" return with another black comedy horror movie. A group of kidnappers kidnap the right young girl, but boy oh boy does it go wrong."The Decameron," Netflix. A comedy about the Black Death? In this limited series, a group of Italians flee the plague to a remote estate, bringing their foibles, lusts and problems with them. Tony Hale stars."Lady in the Lake," Apple +. This mystery thriller follows the lives of two women on a collision course in 1960s Baltimore. Natalie Portman is a Jewish housewife seeking to reinvent herself as an investigative journalist, and Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram) is a black woman struggling to provide for her family.Books:"Night Watching," by Tracy Sierra. In this suspense thriller, Sierra's debut, a woman and her two young children are menaced by a home invader during a snowstorm ... or are they?Music: The Mavericks are classified as "Americana"—a catdh-all term for this Miami band that blends country, rock, Tex-Mex twang, Cuban rhythms, even Jamaican ska. Steve saw a recent concert and thoroughly enjoyed it. Check out their music, as well as by similar artists, on our latest playlist!Click through the links to watch, read, and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #128 "Four on the Floor"Our podcast is four years old! We celebrate with a funny, more-or-less-true movie about profanity-laced letters, an animated noir Batman, an Alice Hoffman novel about the power of reading, and an influential "sensation" novel first published in 1859-60. Once again, we're on the cutting edge! [Joke.] Streaming:"Wicked Little Letters," streaming services and rental. When residents of a small seaside town begin receiving profanity-laced letters in this black comedy mystery, suspicion falls on a foul-mouthed Irishwoman (Jessie Buckley). But did she do it? Also starring Olivia Coleman and Ajana Vasan."Shardlake," Hulu. In this 4-part series based on C.J. Sansom's novels, a lawyer and his sidekick (Arthur Hughes and Anthony Boyle) investigate, on the orders of Thomas Cromwell (Sean Bean), a horrific murder at a monastery. "Batman: Caped Crusader," Prime. In this animated throwback noir series, Batman (voiced by Hamish Linklater) is a true detective using low-key methods and his fists to fight crime in Gotham City. More diversity and some interesting spins on Batman's longtime villains. "My Spy," Prime. A hardened CIA agent (Dave Bautista) meets his most challenging adversary yet, a 9-year-old girl (Chloe Coleman), whom he's supposed to be discreetly surveilling. She has other ideas in this cute 2020 action comedy also starring Kristen Schaal and Daniel Kim. "Leave No Trace," Disney+ and rental. In this slow-moving but involving drama from the Oscar-nominated writer and director of "Winter's Bone," a dad (Ben Foster) and his daughter (Thomasin McKenzie) live off the grid in Oregon until one small mistake tips them off to the authorities. Books:"The Invisible Hour," by Alice Hoffman. This novel from the "queen of magical realism" celebrates the power of reading. A copy of "The Scarlet Letter" causes a young girl to question she and her mother's involvement in an oppressive cult. "The Woman in White," by Wilkie Collins. This story originally published in installments in 1859-1860 is often cited in 100-best-novels-of-all-time lists and was one of the first to use multiple narrators to advance the plot. Vivid characters, a mysterious woman in white, true love, scheming upper-crust types, involuntary confinement in an insane asylum—it's all here!

PopaHALLics #127 "Let's Do the Twist-er"Despite her tornado fears, Kate gets sucked into the new disaster movie "Twisters." Steve goes samurai with "Shogun." Also: Murders! Mysteries! Monkeys! (Haven't you always wanted a mon-KEY?)In Theaters:"Twisters." In this "stand-alone sequel" to the 1996 hit, a woman (Daisy Edgar-Jones) testing a new tornado tracking system in Oklahoma crosses paths with a reckless, charismatic storm chaser (Glen Powell). Things are about to get stormy!Streaming:"Twister," Max, Prime, and other streaming services. In this 1996 Jan de Bront thriller, Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton play two storm chasers on the brink of divorce who put themselves in harm's way to test an advanced weather alert system. With Philip Seymour Hoffman, Alan Ruck, Jami Gertz, and Cary Elwes."Shogun," FX, Hulu. Based on the James Clavell novel, this much-Emmy-nominated historical drama focuses on the collision/collusion of two ambitious men, an English sailor marooned in Japan (Cosmo Jarvis) and a Japanese lord (Hiroyuki Sanada) fighting for his survival."Grantchester," PBS. Season 9 is one of change, as vicar Will (Tom Brittany) receives a surprise offer, DI Geordie (Robson Green) must learn to work with a new vicar (Rishi Nair) and Geordie's independent daughter Esme (Skye Degruttola) is out in the big wide world of 1961."Man Up," Peacock, Prime, and other streaming services. In this 2015 British romantic comedy, a journalist (Lake Bell) whose life is a mess pretends to be the blind date a marketing manager (Simon Pegg) was expecting. Comedy ensues. With Sharon Horgan ("Bad Sisters") and Rory Kinnear."Wild Target," Prime, Peacock, and other streaming services. In this 2010 romantic comedy, a reclusive, middle-aged hitman (Bill Nighe) is flummoxed by his latest assigned hit, a beautiful, impetuous art swindler (Emily Blunt). With Rupert Grint, Rupert Everett, and Martin Freeman."Homicide Los Angeles," Netflix. This docuseries from the creators of "Law and Order" tells the stories of notorious murders from the viewpoints of the detectives and prosecutors who cracked them."Hit Monkey," Disney +/Hulu. Just another animated mismatched buddy action drama in which a Japanese snow monkey and the ghost of a hit man  seek vengeance on bad guys. Bloody, bloody vengeance. With the voice talents of Olivia Munn, Jason Sudeikis, and George Takei. Books:"Killingly," by Katharine Beutner. Based on the real-life disappearance of a Mount Holyoke student in 1897, this "haunting" novel delves into academia, family trauma, and the risks faced by unconventional women in the late 19th century."Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone," by Benjamin Stevenson. An Australian comic has written a fun, witty novel that cleverly—very cleverly—blends classic and modern murder mysteries.Click through the links above to watch and read what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #126 "Hit Man & Hitmakers"Wouldn't it be nice to learn more about the Beach Boys and Neil Young? We enjoy a documentary and a biography giving new insights into these influential musicians and their place in pop culture. We also laugh at a sexy fake hit man, cheer on "The Bear" and "Sweeth Tooth," and are very glad Lady Jane Grey does not lose her head in the swashbuckling, dryly funny reimagining "My Lady Jane."Streaming:"Hit Man," Netflix. In this action comedy directed by Richard Linklater, a dweeby college professor (Glen Powell, "Anyone But You") pretends to be a hit man for police investigations. What happens when he falls for a sexy suspect (Adria Arjona) who thinks he's a cool, confident killer?"My Lady Jane," Amazon Prime. Wait, Lady Jane Grey does NOT get "the chop" at the Tower of London? This reimagining of her life is like "The Princess Bride," with adventure, oodles and oodles of sex, and magic realism. As in people can turn into animals!"The Bear," Hulu. Season 3 finds tormented chef Carmie (Jeremy Allen White) continuing to chase a Michelin star, with lots more yelling in the kitchen and more emphasis on the characters around him."Sweet Tooth," Netflix. The third and final season of this sweet, gentle drama finds Gus the deer boy and his friend Big Man trying to get to Alaska and hook up with Gus' mom, who's trying to stop the plague "the Sick.""The Beach Boys," Disney +. This fan-friendly documentary traces the history of the band known for surf anthems through "Pet Sounds," a revolutionary album in its time, and beyond. Tons of never-before-seen photos, great stories, and critical insights into the band's importance from the likes of Lindsey Buckingham, producer Don Was, and Janelle Monae.Books:"Disobedient," by Elizabeth Fremantle. This novel based on the life of Artemisia Gentileschi—the greatest female painter of the Renaissance—finds her refusing to be silent about a rape and having "visual revenge" in the creation of her masterpiece, "Judith Beheading Holofernes.""Shakey: Neil Young's Biography," by Jimmy McDonough. This 2002 mammoth biography is the definitive look at the life and art of the enigmatic rocker. It was authorized by Young and yet still manages to hold his feet to the fire for questionable creative decisions and the many times he treated those closest to him badly. Music:Since we talk about the Beach Boys and Neil Young, let's have fun, fun, fun with a playlist featuring lots of music from both! PopaHALLics #126 Playlist kicks off with a song by the Four Freshmen, who heavily influenced Beach Boys' leader Brian Wilson's ideas about harmonies.Click through the links above to watch, read, and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #125 "Who Are You, Who Who, Who Who?"We review the new "Dr. Who" ... but the Halls are hearing a lot of other Whos, too. Who's zooming who in the comedy "Argylle" and the thriller novel "The Poison Bed"? Who am I, asks the daughter of a prisoner in the acclaimed memoir "Somebody's Daughter." And who's at fault in the creepy TikTok dance cult? It's enough to make a pop culture fan say "Who-eeee!"Streaming:"Dr. Who," Disney +. The 15th Doctor (Nigerian-born, Scottish-raised Ncuti Gatwa, in photo above) and his companion Ruby Sunday (Millie GIbson) have adventures from dinosaur days to war-torn future worlds in this entertaining coproduction by Disney and the BBC."Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult," Netflix. This 3-part documentary explores the unsettling details and "dark realities" that occur after TikTok dancers join a management company and its associated church."Godzilla Minus One," Netflix. In this emotionally-driven Japanese film, an Academy Award winner for special effects, a failed kamikaze pilot seeks to protect his makeshift family and find redemption when Godzilla heads for Tokyo. One of the best Godzilla films ever."Argylle," Apple+. In this spy spoof, a reclusive author (Bryce Dallas Howard) gets swept up into real-life espionage when one of her novels cuts too close to home. With Henry Cavill, Samuel L. Jackson, Sam Rockwell, Dua Lipa, John Cena, and more."Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World," Max, Prime, Hulu, & others. In this imaginative, clever 2010 comedy, a bass player (Michael Cera) must win the heart of the enigmatic Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) by video game-like duels with her 7 Evil Exes. Look at this supporting cast: Kieran Culkin, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Jason Schwartzman, Brie Larson, Anna Kendrick, and Bill Hader as "The Voice."Books:"Somebody's Daughter: A Memoir," by Ashley C. Ford. A poor black girl in Indiana, the daughter of a man in prison, comes to question her environment and identity. "A classic in the making," says bestselling YA author John Green."The Poison Bed," by Elizabeth Fremantle. In this thriller set in the Jacobean Court of 1615, a famed couple is imprisoned on suspicion of murder. Ah, but can we really trust Lord Robert or Lady Frances' separate accounts of what happened?"Romantic Comedy," by Curtis Sittenfeld. In this comic romance, a female writer for a SNL-style show invents a rule that ordinary, shlubby guys can wind up with beautiful, successful women, but the reverse is not true. Then a dreamy pop star hosts the show ... Click the links above to watch and read what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #124 "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Pop, Love, & Understanding?Multiverse mayhem, bodice-ripping romance, and female comedians! Dueling Joel Edgertons! Music by a rising young singer/songwriter and a crafty popsmith of old! Steve and Kate return with a little something for everyone. Streaming:"The Boys in the Boat," Prime. George Clooney directed this fact-based movie about the University of Washington rowing team's quest to compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Joel Edgerton plays their coach."Dark Matter," Apple TV+. A college professor (Edgerton again) finds himself abducted into an alternate version of his life in this sci-fi thriller. Can he find his way back to his family and save them from, in essence, himself?"Loot," Apple TV+. Season 2 finds Maya Rudolph's super-rich character still ineptly trying to do good. The comedy has more of a focus this time on side characters, who turn out to be weird in a funny way."Hacks," Max. In this smart, blistering, yet intimate comedy, legendary Vegas comedian (Jean Smart) is paired with an entitled,  unemployable young writer (Hannah Einbinder) in the hopes of revitalizing both's careers."Bridgerton," Netflix. Season 3 of Shonda Rimes' period bodice-ripper finds possible romance between dweeb-turned-hunk Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and secret gossip columnist Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan).Books:"Night Train" and "All My Colors" by David Quantick. An Emmy-winning TV writer ("Veep") writes clever horror novels. "All My Colors" is like a great lost "Twilight Zone" episode: When no one else remembers a bestselling book, a writer with no talent churns it out—and bad things start happening. In the surreal, gory "Night Train," a woman wakes up on a train speeding through the darkness with no idea who she is or what she's doing there. She heads for the front of the train, with each railroad car more nightmarish than the last.Music:Our hosts are listening to very different pop artists. Kate's enjoying breakout singer/songwriter Chappel Roan ("Pink Pony Club," "Femininomenon"), while Steve's humming Nick Lowe tunes like "Cruel to Be Kind" and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, & Understanding" thanks to a reissue of his 1979 LP "Labour of Lust." Both are on our latest playlist!Click through the links to watch, read, and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #123 "Pop Tarts & Pop Sweets"What can we say about Jerry Seinfeld's new movie about Pop Tarts? How about: You'd be better off taking a bite of the Spanish Inquisition ("The Familiar"), teenage murder ("Under the Bridge"), a murderous con man ("Ripley"), the Ku Klux Klan ("A Fever in the Heartland"), even an apocalyptic wasteland ("Fallout").Streaming:"Unfrosted," Netflix. Seinfeld's directorial debut is a relentlessly silly film about the creation of Pop Tarts. Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, and many other comedians star in this tale of the early '60s race between the Kellogg's and Post companies to create a square gooey-filled pastry."Fallout," Amazon Prime. Most of this drama based on the popular video game franchise takes place hundreds of years after a nuclear war. A perky vault dweller goes to the desolate surface in search of her abducted father; a squire becomes a "knight" in a motorized suit of armor; and a sentinent zombie who dresses and acts like a Clint Eastwood spaghetti Western creates havoc wherever he goes. Imaginative and violent, with an odd, goofy sense of humor."Ripley," Netflix. In this limited series, Andrew Scott (the hot priest in "Fleabag," Moriarty in "Sherlock") plays the latest incarnation of Tom Ripley, Patricia Highsmith's scheming con man. Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn also star in this neo-noir psychological thriller."Under the Bridge," Hulu. Eight teenagers are accused of murdering a 14-year-old girl in this "American true-crime" miniseries. Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone plays an investigator while Riley Keough plays Rebecca Godfrey, who wrote the book that inspired the miniseries."Byzantium," for rental or various channels with ads. Gemma Atherton and Saiorse Ronan ("Brooklyn") play two nomadic female vampires surviving on their wiles in this visually stunning, atmospheric 2013 film. Director Neil Jordan ("The Crying Game") reinvigorated vampire movies with his version of Anne Rice's "Interview with a Vampire."Books:"A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them," by Timothy Egan. This true story explores the second coming of the Klan in the 1920s and their leader, a grifter named D.C. Stephenson, who had so much power in Indiana at one time that he said "I am the law." He was undone by a trial that featured the dying testimony of a young woman he had abducted, raped and tortured."The Familiar," by Leigh Bardugo. When a disgraced secretary tries to regain the favor of Spain's king, a scullion with a gift for "little miracles" becomes involved in an effort to defeat the hated English. Unfortunately, the Spanish Inquisition does not look kindly on her use of magic.

PopaHALLics #122 "Pop for the People"Aliens headed for Earth! An amnesiac pursued by killers! Julia Roberts suffers the apocalypse! And did we mention Shakespeare's young son and John Wilkes Booth? We discuss pop culture offerings that are all over the place. In a good way.Streaming:"3 Body Problem," Netflix. In a sci-fi series based on Chinese author Cixin Liu's novels, a group of friends try to prevent an invasion by aliens after a bitter astronomer invites them to Earth.  From the makers of "Game of Thrones.""The Tourist," Netflix. The Man (Jamie Dornan) wakes up in a hospital with no memory of who he is. Unfortunately, the bad guys remember all too well in this British series set in the Australian Outback."Renegade Nell," Disney +.  A young woman (Louisa Harland) falsely accused of murder discovers she has unpredictable powers and becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. Just don't call her "Nellie.""Manhunt," Apple +.  This miniseries, a conspiracy thriller, follows the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect Lincoln's ideas for Reconstruction. With Anthony Boyle as Booth, Hamish Linklater as Lincoln, and Patton Oswalt as, well, kinda himself, playing a detective."Leave the World Behind," Netflix. When the apocalypse begins happening in this foreboding drama, characters played by Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali, Myha'la Herrold, and Kevin Bacon try to make sense of it.Books:"Hamnet," by Maggie O'Farrell. This gorgeous bestseller uses William Shakespeare's son (a real person, who died young) to explore Shakespeare's family dynamics and the beginning of his writing career. Click the links to watch and read what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #121 "This Ain't Texas"Kate and Steve wrestle with existential questions: Is Beyonce country enough? Is Steve Martin a sad and lonely guy instead of a wild and crazy one? And why does James Taylor's biography start in Scotland hundreds of years ago?!Streaming:"Steve (!) Martin, a Documentary in 2 Pieces," Apple +. Morgan Neville's documentary (180 minutes total) follows Martin's career from his days as a kid magician through rock-star standup to TV star/happy guy today."The Gentlemen," Netflix. This action comedy from Guy Ritchie ("Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels," "Snatch")  follows a duke's second son who inherits his father's estate—and a whole heap of trouble.Books:"What You Are Looking for is in the Library," by Michiko Aoyama. In this charming international bestseller from Japan, the perfect book recommendation can change the reader's life."James Taylor: Long Ago and Far Away," by Timothy White. This authorized biography by a well-known music writer views the singer/songwriter's life and career through the prism of his family—immediate and ancestral, too.Music:Curious about Beyonce getting country with it? Check out our playlist with selections from "Cowboy Carter" and for good measure Taylor Swift too: "Tay Tay Bey Bey Yay Yay."

PopaHALLics #120 "Let the Bite One In" Dracula's sister is undead with evil intent in "Dracula: The Count's Kin," an indie film shot in the Indianapolis area. We talk to writer/director Eric Pascarelli and actors Daisy Hickey and James Tackett for a behind-the-scenes look at this movie starring Leanne Johnson ("Extraction USA"). We also pick our favorite screen vampires!

PopaHALLics #119 "Highly Recommended"Instead of dissing pop culture offerings, dad and daughter rave about them on this episode. Steve's a fan of "American Fiction," "The Last Repair Shop" and "Colin from Accounts." Kate really likes "All of Us Strangers," "Bottoms," and "The New Look." Streaming:"American Fiction," in theaters and for purchase. In this Best Picture nominee, a black novelist (Jeffrey Wright) writes a satire of the stereotype-heavy books he despises—and it becomes a hit."All of Us Strangers," Hulu and rental. In this acclaimed film, a screenwriter (Andrew Scott) develops a relationship with his neighbor while also finding an unusual way to reconcile his grief over the loss of his parents at an early age."Bottoms," Prime. Kate found this 2023 satirical teen comedy a little shocking, violent, and foul-mouthed—but very funny. The plot: Two unpopular queer female high school students start a fight club to have sex before graduation."Colin from Accounts," Paramount +, Prime, other streaming services. This Australian rom-com developed by its stars, Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammell, follows two flawed people caring for a special needs dog and falling in love."The Last Repair Shop," YouTube, Hulu, Disney+.  This Oscar-nominated documentary short explores how music has changed the lives of a few dedicated craftsmen who repair some 80,000 instruments in the Los Angeles school system."The New Look," Apple TV+. This limited series is the true story of how Christian Dior (Ben Mendelsohn) and his contemporaries, including Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche), navigate the horrors of World War II and launch modern fashion."Upgraded," Prime.  Cinderella, anyone? In this rom-com, Camilla Mendes plays a lowly intern who fibs about her role at an art auction house to a handsome stranger and is drawn into the world of his wealthy, glamorous  mother (Lena Olin).  Marisa Tomei plays Mendes' ridiculously demanding boss.Books:"Anna O," by Matthew Blake. In this dark and twisty thriller, a young woman commits a double murder while sleepwalking, and then never opens her eyes again. "John Prine: In Spite of Himself," by Eddie Huffman.  A music journalist traces the the career and life of a songwriter's songwriter, from Prine's childhood to the stories behind many of his songs. There's a wealth of great ones to choose from, including "Angel from Montgomery," "Sam Stone," Hello In There" and "Paradise."

PopaHALLics #118 "It Takes Two to Tango"Relationships can be a tricky dance, whether you're mismatched cops working a murder case ("Deadloch"), a movie star & a "civilian" falling in love ("Starstruck"), or socialites mistakenly trusting a writer who will betray them ("Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans"). Not to mention two assassins living together ("Mr. & Mrs. Smith")!Streaming:"Masters of the Air," Apple +.  Austin Butler ("Elvis") and Callum Turner play pilots and friends more like siblings in this "Band of Brothers"-esque look at the 100th Bomb Group during World War II."Deadloch," Prime. A local straightlaced cop (Kate Box) and a brash outsider (Madeleine Sami) reluctantly team up to solve murders in a small town in this quirky feminist noir comedy."Mr. & Mrs. Smith," Prime. In a relationship dramedy inspired by the 2005 Angelina Jolie/Brad Pitt movie, Donald Glover and Maya Erskine play assassins who become a couple."Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans," FX. Writer Truman Capote becomes friends with a group of rich glamorous socialites and then spills all their secrets in a magazine article. Starring Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, Chloe Sevigny, and Tom Hollander as Capote."Starstruck," Max. A movie star (Nikesh Patel) and a "little rat nobody" (Rose Matafeo) try to have a relationship in this screwball BBC rom-com created by Matafeo."Death & Other Details," Hulu. A young woman (Violett Beane) boards a luxury liner, only to find "the world's greatest detective" (Mandy Patinkin) who abandoned her in her childhood time of need. But she'll need the help of the hard-drinking sleuth to prove her innocence when a murder occurs.Books:"Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud & The Last Trial of Harper Lee," by Casey Cep. In this true story, a rural preacher murdered five family members for insurance money until a relative shot him dead at the funeral for one of the victims. In the audience at the vigilante's trial: "To Kill a Mockingbird" author Harper Lee, hoping to write a book like her friend Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood." "Furious Hours" also follows the attorney who first defended the preacher and then his killer."Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, & a Swan Song for an Era," by Laurence Leamer. The bestseller that inspired the miniseries "Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans" (see above).

PopaHALLics #117 "Unpleasant People"They're self-centered ... pushy ... arrogant ... and sometimes murderous. But difficult people—an orchestra conductor, a marathon swimmer, two battling cops, even a serial killer—can make for great pop culture, as this episode attests. Streaming:"Maestro," Netflix. Bradley Cooper cowrote, directs, and stars as conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein and Carey Mulligan plays his actress wife in this drama about their relationship. The film received 7 Oscar nominations."Nyad," Netflix. In this true story, Annette Benning plays marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, who decides at age 60 to swim from Cuba to Florida. Jodie Foster is her long-suffering best friend and coach. Both received Oscar nominations. "True Detective: Night Country," Max. In the spooky 4th season of the series, a sheriff (Jodie Foster) and state trooper (Kali Reis) frequently butt heads as they investigate the strange disappearance of 7 men from an  Alaska research station."Boston Strangler," Hulu. In this 2023 movie based on a true story, reporter Loretta McLaughlin  (Keira Knightley) is the first to connect the murders of 13 women and report on the notorious serial killer. With Carrie Coon."Zorro," Prime. This 2024 Spanish TV series reinterprets the avenging vigilante in black, first created in 1919.  Miguel Bernardeau plays the swordsman in a show with lots of action and a greater emphasis on indigenous and Mexican characters."The Man From Nowhere," Netflix. In this intense South Korean action flick, a little girl befriends her next door neighbor, a reclusive pawn shop owner. When bad guys take her, they quickly discover he's much more than he appears.Books:"Shuggie Bain," by Douglas Stuart.  In this acclaimed novel, young Hugh "Shuggie" Bain is a sweet, lonely boy who spends his 1980s childhood in run-down public housing in Glasgow. "A heartbreaking story of addiction, sexuality, and love" (Goodreads)."The Music Shop," by Rachel Joyce. In London in 1988, a music shop owner has the gift of connecting people with just the music they need. A beautiful young woman asks him to teach her about music—but she's not what she seems. Named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post and The Times (UK).

PopaHALLics #116 "Moviemaking with Mike"Last time we talked about "Extraction USA," it was a trailer for a movie that didn't exist yet. Writer/director Mike Yonts updates us on its progress toward the big screen— an interesting conversation about what it's like to make a movie. Dad and daughter also dish on Britney Spears, Mark Wahlberg, and what we think of each other's faves.Here's the "Extraction USA" trailer. Books:"The Woman in Me," by Britney Spears. Kate has a new appreciation for the pop singer after this memoir. It traces her incredible journey from childhood to international stardom, wild days, and the controversial conservatorship.Streaming:"The Family Plan," Apple +.  In this action comedy,  a suburban dad's family has no clue he's a former skilled assassin. Then the bad guys start showing up. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Maggie Q, and Ciaran Hinds."A Murder at the End of the World," FX and Hulu. Kate offers her thoughts on this Iceland-set murder mystery previously recommended by Steve. Starring Emma Corwin, Clive Owen, and Brit Marling (who co-created the miniseries)."The Crown," Netflix. Steve weighs on Corwin's turn as the young Princess Diana in the British monarchy series previously recommended by Kate. Also starring Olivia Colman (Elizabeth), Gillian Anderson (Margaret Thatcher) and Josh O'Connor (Prince Charles).

PopaHALLics #115 "Poppanew!"Happy New Year! We kick off 2024 with a chat about Paul Giamatti's Oscar-buzz performance in "The Holdovers," the discomfort of "Saltburn," Stephen King's return to a favorite character—and more!Streaming:"The Holdovers," theaters and rental. In this drama, Giamatti plays a much-disliked history professor at a  New England boarding school forced to oversee a group of boys with nowhere else to go for the holidays."Saltburn," Prime. A university student's obsession with a rich classmate turns into a series of horrifying events when he's invited to the family castle.  Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Alison Oliver star."American Symphony," Netflix. In this intimate documentary, musician Jon Batiste sets out to write a symphony as his partner, author Suleika Jaouad, struggles with the return of her cancer."Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret," Hulu, Sling, other channels. In this adaptation of Judy Blume's beloved novel, an 11-year-old girl (Abby Ryder Fortson) navigates new friends, feelings, and adolescence after her family moves to the suburbs. With Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates. "Blue-Eye Samurai," Netflix. In this French-American adult animated series, a half-Japanese/half white swordswoman seeks vengeance on four white men for their wrongs to her mother.  Gorgeous visuals, violence, and sex.Books:"Holly," by Stephen King. Holly Gibney is one of King's more memorable recurring characters—a vulnerable, insecure young woman overcoming a difficult upbringing to become a private detective. Here she investigates a series of disappearances caused by an unlikely pair of serial killers.Music:Popahallics #115 Playlist features songs such as "Le Freak," "We Are Family," "Like a Virgin" and "Let's Dance"  written,  composed and/or produced by guitarist Nile Rodgers. If you'd like to see Nile in action, this NPR Tiny Desk Concert is great. 

PopaHALLics #114 "Avoid These Shows!"You want some turkey? We take out the knives to carve up "Obliterated," "The Buccaneers," and "Monarch: A Legacy of Monsters." But we also make two recommendations for holiday viewing—including one not traditionally thought of as a "Christmas" movie.Streaming:"Obliterated," Netflix. An elite special forces team drunk and stoned from partying must find a nuclear bomb before Las Vegas is, well, obliterated. Steve says this violent, sexual dramedy is a comedy dud."The Buccaneers," Apple+. A group of  American girls go to England in search of rich husbands in this period drama with modern touches—think a cross between "Bridgerton" and "The Gilded Age."  Kate kept falling asleep."Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," Apple+. This action drama comes alive when Godzilla and other monsters are onscreen. Unfortunately, most of it's about the humans. Kurt Russell and son Wyatt play the same character at different ages."Falling for Christmas," Netflix. In this holiday rom-com, pampered heiress Lindsay Lohan gets amnesia and is taken in by handsome widower with super-cute young daughter. Stop us if you can see where this is going."Moonstruck," streaming and rental. Cher won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a widowed woman who falls in love with her fiance's estranged, hot-tempered younger brother (Nicolas Cage) in this 1987 romantic comedy drama."For All Mankind," Apple +. This speculative sci-fi series depicts an escalating space race after the Russians put a man on the moon first. Books:"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," by Barbara Robinson. This bestselliing holiday classic follows the shenanigans of  "the worst kids in the history of the world" when they get involved with a church Christmas pageant. "In the Lives of Puppets," by T.J. Klune. Set in the future after robots have taken over, this novel is a charming PInocchio-inspired fable about what makes us human and the families we choose.Music:PopaHALLics #114 Playlist features our favorite songs from our PopaHALLics playlists this year, from Los Bitchos to Beyonce, from Leonard Cohen to Talking Heads.  Rock on!

PopaHALLics #113 "Cry Murder!"Is that red on the holiday decorations blood? In an unplanned twist, dad and daughter both come to the show with murderous streaming and reading recommendations. A killer episode, wouldn't you say?Streaming:"A Murder at the End of the World," FX & Hulu. When a reclusive tech titan (Clive Owen) holds a retreat in Iceland, his guests start getting iced, so to speak. A 24-year-old hacker turned true-crime sleuth (Emma Corrin) must figure out the killer's identity in this mystery from the makers of "The OA.""The Crown," Netflix. Part one of the sixth and final season focuses on the final years of Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) and the impact of her life and death on the royal family. "Fargo," FX & Hulu. Season 5 of this black comedy crime drama finds Juno Temple ("Ted Lasso") as a Minnesota housewife who is not who she says she is. Jon Hamm ("Mad Men") is the rule-breaking sheriff who wants to track her down.Books:"Mother Daughter Murder Night," by Nina Simon. In this mix of mystery and family drama, three generations of women try to solve a murder while also learning to live together. A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick."My Lovely Wife," by Samantha Downing.  A husband spices up his marriage by finding victims for his wife, a serial killer, in this thriller. Dark, sexy, and disturbing."My Murder," by Katie Williams. In this novel named an NPR Best Book of the Year, the victim of a local serial killer is brought back to life by cloning. However, fitting back into her family and solving her murder proves harder than she thought.Music:Santa's bag—i.e., our Found Tree 2023 playlist—contains plenty of cool, off-the-beaten-track holiday tunes for you! A special thanks goes out to Mike Bode, our show's resident composer, and his wife Mary Kay. Their annual Cool Yule collections for family and friends introduced us to many of these tunes.

PopaHALLics #112 "More Boos for You"Someone forgot to tell us Halloween was over! We discuss streamers about alien invaders, witches, a co-dependent Dracula, a horror-plagued family, and a novel about a witchhunt. Plus the comedy movie "Quiz Lady" and Poirot and his moustache.Streaming:"The Menu," Hulu. In this horror comedy, a foodie (Nicholas Hoult) and his date (Anya Taylor-Joy) are excited to attend the island restaurant of a celebrity chef (Ralph Fiennes). Let's just say they may not be down with what he's serving up."Invasion," Apple+. When an alien species threatens our existence, five ordinary people across the globe try to deal with the chaos unfolding around them in this series. Steve says the emphasis is on the humans, not those aliens."A Haunting in Venice," Hulu. Kenneth Branagh directs and stars again as Agatha Christie's mustachioed detective Hercule Poirot. This time he's investigating a Halloween seance in a spooky palazzo. With Tina Fey and Michelle Yeoh."Renfield," Prime. What's a guy (Nicholas Hoult) to do when his boss is super-demanding, violent, and oh yeah, Dracula (Nicolas Cage)? Awkwafina also stars in this "action comedy horror film." "Quiz Lady," Hulu. Tightly wound Anne (Awkwafina) must deal with her hot mess of a sister (Sandra Oh) to help pay off their mom's gambling debts.  With Will Ferrell, Holland Taylor, and a dog named Linguini."The Fall of the House of Usher," Netflix. In this limited series from horrormeister Mike Flanagan ("The Haunting of Hill House"), an unscrupulous family begins to pay for their sins in ways inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's stories and poems. With Bruce Greenwood, Carla Gugino, Mark Hamill, and more.Books:"Daughters of Witching Hill," by Mary Sharratt. Inspired by an infamous witch trial in England in 1612, the novel follows a family of strong women as they try to survive "the hysteria of a witchhunt."Our special macabre music for this episode is once again by Mike "What's that thing behind you?" Bode. Thanks, Mike!

PopaHALLics #111 HALL-oweenTime for vampires, spooky spirits, and movies with plot holes so big the wind moans through them like a ghost. Oh, and David Beckham and the brain, too. Streaming:"El Conde," Netflix.  Former Chilean dictator Pinochet is actually a 250-year-old vampire who can't remember where he hid his money in this satiric arthouse flick. A French accountant nun will help him remember and/or stake him."Trick r Treat," Max. This darkly comic horror anthology from the creator of "Krampus" tells four different, interwoven stories one Halloween night. With Brian Cox, Anna Paquin, and a creepy kid-sized spirit of Samhain, "Sam.""Beckham," Netflix. The life and career of soccer legend David Beckham is examined in this four-hour documentary from director/actor Fisher Stevens."Something from Tiffany's," Prime. An engagement ring meant for someone else leads a woman (Zoey Deutch) to the person she was meant to be with in this rom-com. With Kendrick Sampson and Ray Nicholson, son of Jack."Red Eye," Prime. This Hitchcockian thriller from horror maven West Craven  finds hotel manager Rachel McAdams happy to be seated next to a handsome stranger (Cillian Murphy) on a flight—until he reveals a nefarious plot.Books:"Sunshine" by Robin McKinley. A young woman working as a baker becomes entangled in a vampire feud in this "near perfect fantasy" (Neil Gaiman)."The World Behind the World: Consciousness, Free Will, and the Limits of Science," by Erik Hoel. A scientist recognized by Forbes explores how the brain creates our conscious experiences—potentially revolutionizing neuroscience and the future of technology.Music: The Spooky Halloween Mix #111 playlist put together for us by Spotify's AI is scary good! It's perfect for your Halloween party or handing out candy to trick or treaters.The Halloween-themed instrumentals in this episode are by our own Maestro of Musical Mayhem, that keyboardist who slays the 88s—Mike Bode! Fangs a lot, Mike.

PopaHALLics #110 "Popalicious!"From a chemist doing a cooking show in a serious drama to a time-traveling teen in a horror comedy, we offer the ideal recipes for pop culture enjoyment! We even sprinkle aliens, monsters,  and goshawks on top, and polish it off with pumpkin ale. Yum!Streaming:"Lessons in Chemistry," Apple +. In this miniseries based on Bonnie Garmus' bestslling novel, sexism and life's troubles force chemist Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) away from the lab in the 1950s. Instead, she hosts a popular TV show where she gives housewives lessons in more than cooking."Jules," rental. No one will believe retiree Ben Kingsley when he says a UFO has crashed into his flowerbed in this sweet offbeat comedy drama from one of the makers of "Little Miss Sunshine." With Harriet Sansom and Jane Curtin."Theater Camp," Hulu. The eccentric staff members of a theater camp must band together when their beloved founder falls into a coma in this musical comedy. With Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Amy Sedaris, and more!"Totally Killer," Prime.  In this horror comedy that draws inspiration from slasher movies, a killer murdered three girls 35 years ago and got away. When he murders a mom in the present, her daughter (Kiernan Shipka) time travels back to the 1980s to catch the killer and save her mom. Silly but heartfelt."The Monster," Max. This horror flick finds a troubled mom and her preteen daughter having a breakdown on a deserted road in a rainstorm—and realizing they're not alone in the woods.Books:"Horse," by Geraldine Brooks. This masterful novel interweaves three stories from the 1850s, 1950s, and 2019 that all relate to Lexington. The real thoroughbred was the fastest runner of his time and sired many champions."H is for Hawk," by Helen MacDonald. In this acclaimed memoir, a British woman reeling from the death of her father takes on the notoriously hard training of a goshawk. The book also examines the life and work of goshawk enthusiast T.H. White ("The Once and Future KIng")."Bad Cree," by Jessica Johns. A young Cree woman's dreams lead her on a journey of self-discovery in this horror-laced debut."House of Ghosts: A Gripping Murder Mystery Set in a Haunted House," by W.C. Ryan. During World War I, British intelligence sends two agents to a weekend of planned seances at the island home of a munitions manufacturer. In addition to ghosts, a German spy is present in this blend of Agatha Christie-esque mystery and gothic ghost story.NOTE: You can find the links for more information  about these books in the episode's chapter markers. Buzzsprout was acting up and wouldn't include the links here.

PopaHALLics #109 "Start Making Sense"Steve experienced the re-release of the restored "greatest concert film of all time," "Stop Making Sense." Just in time for "spooky season," Kate talks about two indigenous horror novels. And don't forget the home invasion thriller with 1 line of dialogue!In Theaters:"Stop Making Sense." Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Demme ("Silence of the Lambs") and the Talking Heads directed this 1984 movie with arty staging and  everyone playing with "intense energy and joy" (Steve).Streaming: "Virgin River," Netflix. When you're in the mood for a soapy drama where you don't have to think too much, this show's for you! Kate kinda likes it."No One Will Save You," Hulu. What's a girl (Kaitlin Dever) to do when skinny grey bug-eyed aliens try to invade her her remote home? Fight back, of course. Books:"White Horse," by Erika T. Wurth. In this horror novel, an Indigenous woman must face her past when she discovers a bracelet haunted by her mother's spirit."Bad Cree," by Jessica Johns.  A young Cree woman's dreams force her to confront a legacy of violence on her family, community and their land in this gripping, horror-laden debut."So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star," by Jacob Slichter. The drummer for Semisonic describes their wild ride to a #1 hit ("Closing Time") and how the music business worked in the 1990s. ("Money, money, money, MON-ey!")"Small Mercies," by Dennis Lehane.  Against the backdrop of racially-charged school integration in 1974 Boston, tough Southie broad Mary Pat Fennessy goes looking for her missing daughter in this acclaimed novel. Music:Our Popahallics #109 Playlist features songs from the Talking Heads' "Stop Making Sense" soundtrack and Minneapolis trio Semisonic, the subject of the book "So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star." 

PopaHALLics #108 Who Are You?Dad and daughter disagree on the merits of Netflix's "Who is Erin Carter?"—who do you think is right? We also look at two series: the "Justified" reboot and "Painkiller," about the origins of the opioid crisis. And new music (Kate) and, um, classic music (Steve).Streaming:"Who is Erin Carter?", Netflix. In this British TV series, a substitute teacher (Evin Ahmad) foils a robbery with fighting skills she shouldn't have. Then her secret past comes calling."Painkiller," Netflix. Matthew Broderick, Uzo Adoba, and Taylor Kitsch star in a provocative drama exploring the roots of this century's most pressing health epidemic. The perpetrators, the victims, the investigator seeking the truth all play their part."Justified: City Primeval," Hulu. Timothy Olyphant dons the cowboy hat once again as lawman Raylan Givens. This time he's chasing a sociopathic killer in Detroit and trying to cope with a rebellious 15-year-old daughter. Shudder.Books:"The Burning Girls," by CJ Tudor. In this 2021 horror novel from the UK's answer to Stephen King, an unconventional vicar and her teenage daughter come face to face with the dark secrets of an English village. And the ghosts of two girls burned at the stake centuries ago. Music:Kate talks about the British electronic music project Jungle —think soul, with computers—and Steve revisits the Indianapolis Colts kickoff concert with John Mellencamp, Heart's Ann Wilson, Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band, Stephen Stills, and more. All are showcased on our Popahallics #108 Playlist!

PopaHALLics #107 "Murderous & Foreboding"Characters are killing it—literally—in the streaming options and novels we discuss. A wife killing her "perfect" husband. A Broadway star taking an elevator shaft down without the elevator. And did we mention the creepy Swedish cult festival?Streaming:"Midsommar," streaming & rental, In this 2019 horror film written and directed by Ari Aster, a dysfunctional couple (Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor) travel to a rural town for a midsummer festival that turns out more bizarre and violent than they expected. "Only Murders in the Building," Hulu. Season 3: When an actor dies on opening night of the play by Oliver (Martin Short), he and his neighbors (Steve Martin and Selena Gomez) begin an investigation. With Meryl Streep, Jesse Williams, and Ashley Park."Ahsoka," Disney +. In an 8-episode "Star Wars" series, the Jedi/not Jedi (it's complicated) warrior (Rosario Dawson) goes in pursuit of evil Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) with her headstrong Padawan (Natasha Liu Bodrizzo). With Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Hayden Christiansen. "The Book Club," Peacock & rental. Reading "50 Shades of Grey" sparks the love lives of four women (Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, and Diane Keaton) in this romantic comedy.Books:"Since We Fell," by Dennis Lehane. A woman develops a fear of leaving the house in this acclaimed 2017 novel adroitly mixing up suspense, romance, and possibly madness from the author of "Mystic River," "Shutter Island," and 'Gone Baby Gone.""The Mistborn: The Final Empire," by Brandon Sanderson. In book one of a trilogy, a thief and his companions take on the ultimate caper: Overthrowing the government of a being who has ruled for 1,000 years. Music:Steve recently saw a ParliamentFunkadelic show featuring funk pioneer George Clinton as well as the band Fishbone. Experience some of their best numbers—and other funk as well—here!Click through the links to watch, read and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #106 "Barbie & the Bomb"Millennial daughter and boomer dad both think director Greta Gerwig did a great job playing with dolls in the global phenomenon "Barbie." Kate also saw director Christopher Nolan's biopic "Oppenheimer" and reveals if the movie was a bomb or a blast. (Sorry!) We also joke about fans at a Vampire Weekend concert. (Sorry again!)In Theaters:"Barbie." Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling play Barbie and Ken in this ambitious, entertaining comedy, also with America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, Rhea Perlman, and more."Oppenheimer." This acclaimed biopic traces the career of the physicist (Cillian Murphy) who led the Manhattan Project and later fell from grace. With Robert Downey, Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, and more.Books:"Vampire Weekend," by Mike Chen. Punk rocker Louise Chao's hermit-like existence as a vampire is upended when she befriends a troubled teen. "A love letter to music," Steve says."Bloodroot," by Amy Greene. "A dark and riveting story of the legacies--of magic and madness, faith and secrets, passion and loss--that haunt one family across the generations.""V2," by Robert Harris. This thriller from the "Fatherland" author follows two people on either side of the WWII missile program designed to terrorize London—a German rocket scientist and an English woman determined to stop the V2."American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer," by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. This 2005 biography is the basis for the "Oppenheimer" film.Music:The novel "Vampire Weekend"  about a punk-rock vampire has so many musical references someone should build a playlist. Hey, someone has!Click through the links above to watch, read, and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #105 "Popagumbo"Dad and daughter record in the same room for a change—but they're still all over the pop landscape. Dolls that kill! Dealing-with-grief memoir! Dirty deeds in LA! Dungeons & Dragons! And yet we still find time to be mean to one of the Hemsworth brothers. Streaming:"M3GAN," Prime and rental. In this hit horror comedy, a high-tech toy designer (Allison Williams) invents the perfect robot companion for her niece. What could possibly go wrong?"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," Prime, Paramount +, and rental. This fun action-packed heist comedy just happens to be set in a fantasy world. Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, and Michelle Rodriguez are among the stars."65," Netflix.  Pilot Adam Driver crash-lands his spaceship on a strange world—Earth 65 million years ago. Can he get off the planet before dinosaurs eat him or a giant asteroid hits?"The Witcher," Netflix. Season 3 is your last chance to see Henry Cavill as mutated monster hunter Geralt, before Liam Hemsworth (younger brother of Chris and Luke) becomes the star of this fantasy adventure.Books:"What Looks Bravery: An Epic Journey from Loss to Love," by Laurel Braitman. In this memoir, Braitman explores how losing her father at an early age helped  transform her into the person she wanted to become."Everybody Knows: A Novel of Suspense," by Jordan Harper. In this acclaimed modern noir thriller set in LA, a fixer must discover why her boss was murdered before the dark side of the entertainment industry destroys her."Shrines of Gaiety," by Kate Atkinson.  A queen of the underworld in glittering Jazz Age London faces threats from enemies—and her own family."The Woman in the Library," by Sulari Gentill. In this mystery-within-a-mystery, four strangers in the reading room of the Boston Public Library become friends. But one of them is a murderer ... Click through the links above to watch and read about what we're discussing.

PopaHALLics #104 "Good Books & Bad Guys"Still looking for a good summer read? We got you covered with a warm, spooky coming of age story, a murderous thriller, a memoir about family and addiction, and a collection of hopeful climate change-themed short stories. Or you can watch Bill Hader, Chris Hemsworth, and Emily Blunt kill people. Yes, even that nice Emily Blunt. Books:"The Last Catastrophe: Stories," by Allegra Hyde. This collection of stories speculates about how mankind might grapple with climate change, from a RV caravan crossing the country until the fuel runs out to, well, zombies. "The Saturday Night Ghost Club," by Craig Davidson. In this bittersweet coming-of-age novel, a group of misfit kids and an eccentric adult set out to investigate local ghost stories, and discover way more than they bargained for."Stray: A Memoir," by Stephanie Danter. The bestselling author of "Sweetbitter" writes about" growing up in a family shattered by lies and addiction, and (her) attempts to find a life beyond the limits of her past.""One by One," by Ruth Ware. In this  suspense thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians," an avalanche traps a group of tech types in a Swiss chalet—with a killer among them.Streaming:"Barry," HBO Max.  A hit man (Barry Hader) wants to become an actor in this acclaimed dark comedy. Henry Winkler and Stephen Root also play memorable characters in the show, which wrapped up this year after four seasons."The English," Prime. In this revisionist Western, a limited series, a Pawnee ex-scout (Chaske Spencer) trying to make his way home teams up with an Englishwoman (Emily Blunt) bent on revenge. "Extraction," Netflix. A black market mercenary (Chris Hemsworth, a long way from Thor here) is enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an international drug lord in this action thriller.  If you like it, there's already "Extraction 2!""High Desert," Apple +. In this erratic comedy/mystery series, a woman (Patricia Arquette) grappling with her mother's death and her ongoing substance abuse talks her way into working for a struggling PI (Brad Garrett).Let's Dance!With tunes from Subwoolfer, Fatboy Slim, and more, PopaHALLics #Playlist 104 will make you move. And answer the question of why you should give that wolf a banana. 

PopaHALLics #103 "Indiana Jones & The Last Movie"We review "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and speculate why  Harrison Ford's final outing in the brown fedora is doing poorly at the box office. For those of you not into 80-year-old action heroes, we also discuss season 2 of "The Bear," the new "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," and "Violent Night," about a drunken embittered Santa on a slay ride. Get it?In Theaters:"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge want to stop ex-Nazi Mads Mikkelsen from bending the laws of time and space. James Mangold, not Steven Spielberg, directs."Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." Brooklyn's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man Miles Morales clashes with a team of Spider-People tasked with protecting the Multiverse in this animated adventure.Streaming:"The Bear,"  Hulu.  In season 2 of the dramedy, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) tries to turn his neighborhood hot-sandwich joint into fine dining while still dealing with his rough crew. A recipe for disaster?"Violent Night," Prime and rental. Bad guys better watch out when a drunken, embittered Santa (David Harbour) interrupts a home invasion in this violent action comedy. Ho, ho, KA-POW!"Peggy Sue Got Married," rental. Steve revisits this 1986 movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola and has some reservations about it this time around. A struggling middle-aged woman (Kathleen Turner) is transported back to her senior year of high school.  Whoops!Two mistakes we caught post-editing: That's Buddy Holly himself singing the theme song in "Peggy Sue Got Married"—not Marshall Crenshaw, as Steve says. And the actress we're trying to remember in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"? Kate Capshaw, who screams a lot in that movie. How could we forget?A Movie-Themed PlaylistPopahallics #103 Playlist features music used in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," "Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse," "Peggy Sue Got Married," and "The Bear." For "Violent Night," we got creative with songs about bad Santas. Enjoy!

PopaHALLics #102 "Viva Mexico City!"In a special episode, Steve takes us on a tour of pop culture in Mexico City, the oldest city in North America and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Art. Museums. Music. Mexican masked wrestling. It's a fun trip you won't soon forget!Most of the music in this episode comes from street musicians playing for tips. Support your local buskers!Way Down in MexicoOur PopaHALLics #102 Playlist features songs about Mexico City, ranging from mambo to EDM to Green Day-style pop punk. The lyrics are in Spanish, but the music speaks for itself. Enjoy.

PopaHALLics #101 "Movie Dreams""Extraction USA" is a teaser trailer for a movie - that doesn't exist.  Yet.  In this interview with Steve and Kate, writer/director/DP Mike Yonts and star/producer Leanne Johnson talk about trying to get their female empowerment/action crime drama from screenplay to the big screen.  It's an interesting look into the scrappy, unpredictable world of independent filmmaking.See the trailer and read about the movie, cast, and crew.Find out more about Leanne.Find out more about Mike. And hey, if you want to help get the film made ... Kate and Steve will be back with season 5 of PopaHALLics in July!

PopaHALLics #100 "100 Big Ones"Extended episode! Dad and daughter look back at memorable moments from 100 episodes of our pop culture podcast, from memories of Woodstock to a novelist's musings on fact vs. fiction to a tough standup gig.  And we review new pop culture too.Episodes Highlighted:#6 "Every Day I Write the Book"  (novelist Peter Ferry)#48 "Woodstock 1969: I Was There" (Stan Worth)#38 "Talking Comedy with Joe" (Janes)#44 "Talking Art with Etta" (Martin)#46 & #47 "Making Movies with Meaning"#1 "Taylor and Alanis Release New Music"#5 "Angels & Demons & Alligators, Oh My!"#34 "Get Me a Ticket on an Aeroplane"#11 "Happy HALL-o-ween!"#42 "Pop-pouri"#23 "Tales from the TV Beat"#88 "The Game is Afoot!"You can find all our episodes at:https://popahallics.buzzsprout.comIn Theaters:"Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3." In the final installment of writer/director James Gunn's trilogy, the team must come together to save the life of genetically modified raccoon Rocket. Steve says this rousing space adventure has plenty of comedy and teary moments.Streaming:"Tim's Vermeer, A Penn & Teller Film," Prime rental. A Texas-based inventor attempts to solve one of art's greatest mysteries: How did Johannes Vermeer ("Girl with a Pearl Earring") manage to paint so photo-realistically—150 years before the invention of photography?"Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," Netflix. The marriage of the young queen (India Ria Amarteifio) to King George (Cory Mylchreest) "ushers in an epic love story and threatens British society."Books:"The Upstairs House," by Julia Fine. A first-time mother suffering from depression becomes entangled with the ghosts of "Goodnight Moon" author Margaret Wise Brown and her won't-be-ignored lover—or is she simply having a psychotic episode? A powerful, unusual novel.Click through the links to watch and read what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #99 "Keep Calm and Keri On"Stick with Keri Russell, friends, and she'll get you through international crises ("The Diplomat") and bruins high on blow ("Cocaine Bear"). Steve thinks the airplane movie "On a Wing and a Prayer" should be grounded. And we discuss the wonderful and weird fashions at this year's Met Gala. Streaming:"The Diplomat," Netflix. Russell ("The Americans") stars in this limited series as a career diplomat suddenly elevated to ambassador to the United Kingdom. Her new posting will have implications for her turbulent marriage, her political future, and international relations."Cocaine Bear," Peacock. This horror comedy finds a massive black bear ingesting a LOT of blow and going on a killing rampage. Every bit as ridiculous as it sounds, but still fun in parts. With Russell, Ray Liotta, Margo Martindale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson."On a Wing and a Prayer," Prime. In a movie based on a real incident, a passenger (Dennis Quaid) must land and fly a plane when the pilot dies mid-flight. With Heather Graham, Jesse Metcalf, and way too many scenes that are unintentionally funny.Books: "Quantum Girl Theory," by Erin Kate Ryan. This debut novel, part detective novel, part ghost story, asks the question: What really happens when a girl goes missing?"What Moves the Dead," by T. Kingfisher. This imaginative, atmospheric retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Fall of the House of Usher" will seriously creep you out."Be Not Afraid of Love: Lessons on Fear, Intimacy and Connection," by Mimi Zhu. Interconnected essays follow Zhu's journey from a violent romantic relationship to healing the hurt within and embodying love.Click through the links to watch and read what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #98 "Steve Was Wrong"In  a rare instance, Steve admits he was wrong about the merits of a TV show. But which one? We also review "The Super Mario Bros. Movie,"  "Abbott Elementary," "Transatlantic," "Dream Horse," and take another look at "Wednesday," "Ted Lasso," "The Mandalorian," and the novel "The House Across the Lake."Theaters:"The Super Mario Bros. Movie." In this animated action comedy, plumber Mario must stop villain Bowser from conquering the world. With the voice talents of Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, and more.Streaming:"Abbot Elementary," ABC, Hulu, and other streaming services. Quinta Brunson created and stars in this mockumentary sitcom about a teacher at a poorly funded, predominately black school in Philadelphia."Transatlantic," Netflix. This "historical fiction drama" chronicles a journalist's quest to arrange safe passage out of France for more than 2000 refugees in danger from the Nazis. Gillian Jacobs, Cory Michael Smith, and Corey Stoll head the cast."Wednesday," Netflix. Smart, sarcastic, and a little dead inside, Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) tries to solve a spooky mystery at Nevermore Academy in this "horror comedy" from twisted mister Tim Burton."Dream Horse," Hulu. This 2020 movie is based on a true story. A small-town Welsh bartender (Toni Collette) enlists the help of friends and neighbors to breed, sponsor, and race a horse named Dream Alliance. "Ted Lasso," Apple +, and "The Mandalorian," Disney +.  Steve feels both these popular shows have lost their way a bit during their third seasons.Books:"The House Across the Lake," by Riley Sager.  This best-selling suspense novel is set up like Hitchcock's "Rear Window":  A drunken actress spying on her neighbors at a remote lake suspects a software entrepreneur is trying to murder his wife, a former supermodel, for her money.

PopaHALLics #97 "Secret Agent Man"A phone rings in the White House basement—a secret agent's in trouble! Do they call superspy Elvis Presley for help? Sorry - we're mashing two  very different shows, "The Night Agent" and the adult cartoon "Agent Elvis." We'll review those and the streamers "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris," "Shadow and Bone," "Kill Boksoon," and the novels "A Little Life" and "Boo." A little more conversation, a little less action .... Streaming:"The Night Agent," Netflix. Last-minute twists and two attractive leads make this highly improbable 10-episode spy thriller strangely addictive."Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris," Amazon Prime. Your life's miserable, your husband died in World War II, but you too can find hope in a Christian Dior dress! "Shadow and Bone," Netflix. Season two of the fantasy series based on Leigh Bardugo's novels find good challenging evil in an elaborately built world. "Agent Elvis," Netflix.  In this gonzo animated series, the King underwent experiments during his Army days in Germany. Now, when he's not shooting up TVs, he's fighting bad guys like the Russkies and Charles Manson."Kill Boksoon," Netflix. In this Korean action drama, one of the world's most skilled assassins discovers parenting a teenager is more difficult than killing people. Well, duh.Books:" A Little Life," by Hanya Yanagihara. This improbable bestseller "depicts the everyday experience of living with trauma, chronic pain, and disability, demonstrating the inherent intersections with one another" (Wikipedia)."Boo," by Neil Smith.  In this imaginative young adult novel, a nerdy 13-year-old and his classmate die and wake up in n a bizarre version of heaven. When they learn they were the victims of a school shooting and the perp might be in heaven too, they go looking for "Gun Boy."

PopaHALLics #96 "Ghosts, 'Banshees,' & Rockers"Dad and daughter talk 2023 Oscar results—was Angela Bassett robbed?—as well as a downbeat Irish drama, female ghosts, and a fake rock band burning up the charts.Streaming:"Daisy Jones and the Six," Amazon Prime. Kate says this tale of a fictional rock band is much better than the book, and the music is great too. (See Music below.) Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis Presley, stars, thankyouverymuch."The Banshees of Inisherin," HBO Max and rental. The friendship of two islanders (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson ) goes awry in this 2023 Best Picture nominee. Steve says it's well-done, but ... Books:"Lady MacBethad," by Isabelle Schuler. Did you know a real Scottish queen inspired Shakespeare's Lady MacBeth? We didn't either. This sweeping historical novel explores the life of Gruoch, wife and queen of MacBethad mac Findlaich."A Haunted History of Invisible Women: True Stories of America's Ghosts," by Leanna Renee Hieber and Andrea Janes. From Lizzie Borden to Sarah Winchester's haunted mansion, this book delves into the history, myths, and stereotypes behind America's female ghosts."Handling the Undead," by John Ajvide Lindqvist. The Swedish author of acclaimed vampire novel "Let the Right One In" transcends the zombie genre by showing "what the return of the dead might really mean to those who loved them."Music:Kate says the music in "Daisy Jones and the Six" reminds her of Fleetwood Mac. Our Popahallics #96 Playlist places the fictional band alongside the real one—see what YOU think. Click through the links to watch, read and listen to what we're talking about.

PopaHALLics #95 "Turn the Page"Kate and Steve return from a month off with a bunch of books under their belts, from software geeks to tough-guy crime to paintings that may be portals to other worlds  We also discuss streaming options "Wakanda Forever" ;  "The Flight Attendant"; and "Pamela, A Love Story" (you think you know Pamela Anderson of "Baywatch" fame? You don't. ) We also talk Oscars, sorta.Books"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow," by Gabrielle Zevin. "Two college friends become creative partners in a dazzling and intricately imagined world of video game design and deal with fame, joy, tragedy, and duplicity."The "Parker" Novels, by Richard Stark. "She shot him just above the belt and left him for dead ... It all went down just the way they'd planned, except for one thing: Parker didn't die." As you can tell from that blurb and the thumbnail illustration above, this is noir, with hardened career criminals, double-crossing dames, and brutal retribution. "Self-Portrait, with Nothing," by Aimee Pokwatka.  Part caper, part sci-fi , this novel follows a woman whose search for her missing mother, a famous painter,  leads her to wonder if there are alternate universes where her mother did not abandon her.Streaming"Pamela, a Love Story," Netflix.  Pamela Anderson rose from a tough childhood in Canada to fame via "Baywatch" and an infamous sex tape. She tells her own story in this documentary."Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," Disney +.  With the death of T'challa (Chadwick Bozeman), his family tries to defend his kingdom while ensuring the Black Panther legacy continues. "The Flight Attendant," HBO Max. A wild-living flight attendant (Kaley Cuoco) wakes up in bed with a bloody murdered man—and no memory of what happened—in this black comedy/mystery/thriller.Music"There Were Sidemen, and Then There Was David Lindley," a Rolling Stone headline said of the death of the guitarist/multi-instrumentalist March 2. Best known for his work with Jackson Browne, Lindley helped shape the sound of an era with his session work for Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, Warren Zevon, Leonard Cohen, and many more. Enjoy a sampling of songs he played on via the Popahallics #95 Playlist.

PopaHALLics #94 "Pop Across the Pond"How did those folks on the other side of the Atlantic get to be such great storytellers?  Dad and daughter  discuss the silly BBC-style mockumentary "Cunk on Earth," the Irish drama/black comedy "Bad Sisters," and a sprawling novel about a dysfunctional family that begins on the English Coast, "The Whalebone Theatre."  'Course, we talk about some stuff made in 'merica too.Streaming:"Cunk on Earth," Netflix. The ill-informed, irreverent Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) sets out to document the highlights of human history by visiting exotic locales and asking silly questions of experts. Pretty funny."Bad Sisters," Apple +. Scheming, manipulative John Paul (Danish actor Claes Bang) is a piece of work. But when he dies unexpectedly, which one of the Garvey sisters killed him? And can the quarreling sisters stay one step ahead of the dogged, if hapless, insurance investigator trying to avoid a big payout to the widow? This smart drama with plenty of black comedy features a terrific Irish cast headlined by Sharon Horgan ("Catastrophe")."Poker Face," Peacock. In this limited character-based mystery series from "Knives Out" creator Rian Johnson, Natasha Lyonne ("Russian Doll") plays down-on-her-luck, foulmouthed Charlie, who can immediately tell if someone's lying. This peculiar gift soon has her fleeing across America, trying to outrun the mob while solving mysteries along the way. Books:"The Cloisters," by Katy Hays. In this bestselling novel, a circle of researchers uncover a mysterious deck of tarot cards and shocking secrets in New York's famed Met Cloisters. Kate says it's perfect for mystery fans who like a touch of the supernatural."The Whalebone Theatre," by Joanna Quinn. This acclaimed novel follows its heroine from putting on shows as a child with her siblings in a theater made of whale bones to covert operations in World War Two."Project Hail Mary," by Andy Weir. The author of "The Martian" returns with another sci-fi adventure about a man alone in space. This time he's a nerdy junior high science teacher (!), the sole survivor of a mission to save Earth from another ice age."Razzamatazz," by Christopher Moore. In this sequel to the zany thriller "Noir," bartender Sammy Tiffin, his girlfriend the Cheese, and the rest of the Cookie's Coffee irregulars get swept up in madcap antics involving murder, a moon-man, and a magical dragon statute in 1947 San Francisco.Click through the links above to watch and read what we're talking about.