by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to the Buried Treasure of the Streaming World! This series takes a month’s worth of content at a time and sifts out the buried treasure that exists on all forms of streaming. These films most likely fly under the radar, but now it is time to shine that spotlight on them and give them the attention they truly deserve. Time to dive in, shall we?
The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s “American Pie” (7/10) – Paramount+
What is one of the most impactful songs in the history of music? Don McLean struck cultural gold with his epic work, “American Pie”. In the aftermath of one of the biggest deaths in the history of music, McLean captured the zeitgeist of America in one sprawling creation. This new documentary weaves a sprawling tale itself from the deaths that inspired the song, the creation of the song, and the legacy of many artists. The biggest selling point of this engaging documentary is hearing from McLean himself, who provides insight into all the lyrics and their meaning. The Day the Music Dird might not be the most dynamic music documentary, but it is sure worth your time.
Jerry & Marge Go Large (7/10) – Paramount+
Who likes playing the lottery? Being a statistics instructor… I do not. The odds are never in your favor. But they were once, and Jerry and Marge took advantage. This is a true story about a couple who enlists a small town to win big on the lottery. Jerry & Marge Go Large is an endearing little flick about a couple finding their spark again together. There might be added antagonists that feel obnoxiously added for more drama, but they cannot take away from the charm. Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening are both delightful and make this an enjoyable watch over on Paramount+.
South Park: The Streaming Wars Part II (8/10) – Paramount+
Is it too on the nose for South Park to make fun of streaming services when they are pumping out regular specials on Paramount+ now? Well… not when they are water streaming wars! Trey Parker and Matt Stone outdo themselves once again with another hilarious special with part two of their lampooning of the streaming landscape and the film Chinatown. The Streaming Wars Part II takes aim at silly celebrity spokesperson ads, climate change, and science. But what is most gratifying is seeing some good old Randy Marsh as a scientist again. But don’t worry… there is plenty of Karen Marsh insanity to enjoy too. A great followup to a clever special, head on over to check out all these excellent Paramount+ specials from the minds of Parker and Stone.
Pompo the Cinephile (8/10) – VOD
Who doesn’t love films about making films? This anime is a fantastic representation of the creative struggles that go into the production of the film. The scenes centered around the editing room are tense and stressful as our protagonist struggles to complete the final cut of his picture. This is a film about dreams and the opportunities that come by only once in a lifetime. Pompo is a young and ambitious producer who gives a young director-in-the-making and a young actress their big shot. Beautifully shot and animated, there are plenty of bold shots and storytelling devices that make this exciting film come to life. Pompo the Cinephile is certainly a film for all the cinephiles out there, and those who ever wanted to make a film.
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