Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of Fitzie’s Film and TV Reviews, where your hoddler-in-chief reviews things he’s seen on both the big and small screens.
We’ve got a good handful of movies and television programmes to catch up on since we last checked in. I would say most of the stuff I’ve seen has been only okay, so if you have any recommendations please send them along to me.
Hacks (Season 5): The final season of the comedy series starring Jean Smart as Deborah Vance, a Las
Vegas comic, and her asssitant-turned-writer-turned-confidant Ava Daniels (played by Hannah Einbinder). The final series follows Vance’s blacklisting from late night and her triumphant return. It’s never easy finishing a series, and there were times when I felt the writing felt a little bit too forced, but overall a solid showing. The final episode was particular strong balancing melancholy, humour and some touching moments.
3.5 out of 5 Fitzies
Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans: Much better than I feared, but faltered towards the end and failed to trust the players to actually play the game. Plus, 26 days doesn’t work as a format – especially with its largest cast ever. Still, it was fun to see legends like Ozzie and Colby return to the island one last time.
3 out of 5 Fitzies
The Rooster: This is clearly HBO’s answer to Ted Lasso and Shrinking. It stars Steve Carrell, who returns to teach at a university with his daughter Katie Russo (played by Charlie Clive), who is going through the dissolution of her marriage with Archie (played by Phil Dunster of, yes, Ted Lasso). It’s an unchallenging series that’s easy to get through. It’s nice to see Carrell do some more comedy after his dramatic roles, but there isn’t a whole lot there.
2 out of 5 Fitzies
Taskmaster (Series 21): The latest Taskmaster installment features a stacked cast, led by Kumail Nanjiani, Joana Page and Armando Iannucci. Some of the tasks feel a bit flat but it’s Taskmaster – it’s always great fun. Joel Dommett and Amy Gledhill are great to watch also.
4 out of 5 Fitzies
Silicon Valley: It took me a while to get into this one, but I’m liking it. I’m currently in the middle of Season 4. The character who I struggle with the most is TJ Miller. He seems like a popular guy within the broader fanbase, but I’m having a hard time with him. The others are all great fun though.
4 out of 5 Fitzies
Nuremberg: A trainwreck of a film that doesn’t know what kind of film it wants to be. Russell Crowe does an admirable job playing Herman Goring in the film that focuses on Goring’s testimony during the Nuremberg Trial. The writing is just awful, though, and Rami Malek’s performance as psychiatrist Douglas Kelley feels so contrived. There is very little to like about this one. Of all the movies documenting this period in history, you’d be forgiven for giving this one a pass.
1 out of 5 Fitzies
The Hand of God: I wanted to enjoy watching Paolo Sorrentino’s love letter to Napoli, I really did. But I just couldn’t. This film captures the period when Maradona signs for Napoli, but also the simultaneously cruelty and mercy that fate offers. I’ll give it another chance, but right now it’s tough. I know I’m the outlier here.
2 out of 5 Fitzies
Fitzie’s track of the day: Malibu, by Hole
And now for your links:
Jay Harris ($$): “Tottenham Hotspur 2026 Transfer DealSheet: Latest on summer window plans”
BBC: “Liverpool agree deal with Iraola to succeed Slot”
The Guardian: “Fulham confirm Marco Silva is leaving as head coach amid Benfica interest”
The Independent: “Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish undergoing treatment for cancer”
