Jon Snow's Final Documentary
Jon Snow's documentary "A Last Big Story" has been hailed as a fitting swan song for the veteran journalist. The film initially intended to chronicle his Alzheimer's diagnosis but took an unexpected turn when Snow uncovered an under-reported catastrophe in Zambia, reigniting his investigative instincts. Guardian critic Lucy Mangan described it as "an intelligent, gentle-but-unsentimental hour that gives the journalist his laurels and the man his dignity."
TV Highlights: House of the Dragon and The Bear
Season three of "House of the Dragon" has been praised for finding its focus after two lackluster seasons. Jack Seale noted that the new episodes balance big battles with sharp two-hander scenes, calling it "a fine epic." Meanwhile, "The Bear" concluded its award-winning run with a season filled with kitchen disasters and increased comedy. Rachel Aroesti highlighted the transcendent relief when the team overcomes hurdles like torrential rain and plumbing issues.
Film Picks: Blue Heron and Supergirl
"Blue Heron," a debut feature by Sophy Romvari, examines childhood trauma in 1990s Canada through the lens of a Hungarian immigrant family dealing with oppositional defiant disorder. Peter Bradshaw praised its "quietism" and refusal to amplify drama. In the DC universe, "Supergirl" starring Milly Alcock gets a "sprightlier and sparkier" film compared to last year's Superman reboot. "The Furious" delivers martial arts thrills in the dadsploitation genre, while John Woo's 1986 classic "A Better Tomorrow" gets a re-release.
Now Streaming: Chris and Martina
Netflix's "Chris and Martina: The Final Set" explores the deep bond and rivalry between tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Peter Bradshaw called it "highly watchable," emphasizing the real friendship possible even in professional sports.
Book Reviews: Doctorow and More
Cory Doctorow's "The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI" warns about big tech economics with "vivid analogies, righteous ire and snarky asides." James Lasdun's "The Family Man" offers a forensic study of a shocking murder case, while Fiona Mozley's "Awake Awake" explores unreliable memories. Tayari Jones's "Kin" follows two motherless girls in 1950s America, and Zayd Ayers Dohrn's memoir details growing up with revolutionary parents on the run.
Album of the Week: Muse's The Wow! Signal
Muse's ninth album "The Wow! Signal" is described as "scenery-chewingly preposterous" yet nuanced, with themes of extraterrestrial life. Alexis Petridis noted its commitment to its "utterly preposterous bit" and refusal to bow to maturity. Other notable albums include "Candomblé: Sacred Rhythms in Brazil," which remixes ceremonial drumming for the dancefloor, and Downtown Boys' bilingual political punk "Public Luxury."
Live Music: Gorillaz Tour
Gorillaz are touring Europe with a hi-tech mini-festival featuring numerous guest stars. Ian Gittins called the show "an extraordinary triumph" with a two-and-a-half hour spectacle stemming from Damon Albarn's imagination.
