Charleston Living Magazine Nov-Dec 2021

BUZZ | ENTERTAINMENT
Reviews: Movies & Music
DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC
My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket
ATO Records
I read over the lyrics to the single “Love Love
Love” before listening to it and, as a writer, I was
a bit underwhelmed — but be aware, My Morning
Jacket’s new self-titled item isn’t meant to be
judged on words, but on mood. Upon listening,
I was captivated by the song’s steady beat, somehow
ambient and energetic all at once.
WONDER YEARS 2021/WALT DISNEY TELEVISION;
MY MORNING JACKET/ATO RECORDS; LANA DEL REY/POLYDOR RECORDS
The Wonder Years (2021)
4 Stars
Starring Elisha Williams, Don Cheadle, Dule Hill and Saycon Sengbloh, ABC and Hulu
Directed and Produced by Fred Savage
Like others in my generation, I proudly tell people I was a 1980s baby — back when
social media didn’t rule the world, Big Pharma didn’t advertise and heartwarming shows
like The Wonder Years graced the airwaves. I was too young to appreciate the show on
the same level my mom did, but I was nevertheless captivated by anything the two of us
could enjoy together without her getting bored and leaving the room or shooing me off
from something too “adult.” That said, I was skeptical whether The Wonder Years 2021
would make me feel the same joy as its original counterpart. But I’m happy to report it
absolutely does.
I settled in to watch my first episode of The Wonder Years 2021 with a number of
questions: Would I like the new kid as much? Would I like his family as much? Would it
accurately capture the 1960s? Soon enough, I was emotionally engrossed in the first episode,
all my skepticism forgotten. Dean, our starring 12-year-old, immediately charmed
me with his explanations on everything from national politics to current crushes. His parents
— decidedly cooler than Jack and Norma Arnold — are old-fashioned yet progressive,
depending on the topic. And as a bonus, the older Dean as narrator, voiced by Don
Cheadle, is more humorous than original narrator Daniel Stern. Put all that together and
I plowed through the first handful of episodes, officially sold on the remake.
There are some differences, of course: Dean has no older brother, and I truthfully
miss Wayne, who was one of my favorites. Dean’s sister, Kim, is more supportive and
attentive than Kevin’s aloof sister Karen, perhaps to make up for his only having one
sibling. And whereas the Arnolds lived in “Everytown” USA, the Williams family lives
in Montgomery, Alabama, and I applaud the decision to give the new show a specific
setting. The deep South adds an irresistible layer of tension and culture that the first
iteration of The Wonder Years didn’t have, as does the Williams family being Black and
looking forward to progress. Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to watching Dean navigate
the late 60s and early 70s this holiday season — I guess there’s room in my heart for more
wonder, after all. •
Lana Del Rey
Blue Banisters
Intserscope
I’m sure I’ve heard Lana Del Ray before on the
radio, but I had no idea what she sounded like
until I decided to review her new album — now
I love her voice! It’s melancholy and wistful,
two qualities I adore, and her new album “Blue
Banisters” includes singles such as “Arcadia” and
“Text Book” with ponderous lyrics, slow tempos
and Del Ray’s haunting singing, all perfect for
darker, chillier nights.
November/December 2021 | 37