January 2022 TV

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Assorted shows I finished this month (and a couple extras)

LIVE ACTION

- The movies that made us. 

Netflix docu-series built around trivia about the making of assorted pop culture icon films, usually from the 80’s - 90’s (though the most recent is a 2002 entry). While fans of each movie know every episode is rather white-watched, it works as a starter for people interested in delving further into film culture. 

- One day at a time, season 2. 

Still of the best sitcom reboots I’ve seen yet, with a very good focus on Latino communities (filtered through sitcom standards, yes —but the moments when the show gets bolder are more than worth a look!). A good example of pop entertainment that can also —if not teach you a thing or two, definitely get you interested in learning more!

ANIMATED

- Golden Kamuy, season 2. 

Excellent adaptation of the even better manga, that here increasingly attempts to push the envelope on homoeroticism proper (as opposed to a particular kind of bland tease many of you are much more used to). A few arcs were cut for this adaptation —and still!! Quite recommended. 

- BNA: Brand New Animal. 

Anime mini-series about a city built as a haven for beaspeople —those born with a shapeshifting ability. Somewhat meandering, and even at twelve episodes it manages to have a little too much filler, but nicely animated and fairly entertaining. 

OTHERS

- Housamo: New Year Sunshine (year of the bull / ox).

Charming, small (as in pretty brief) event that manages to get the most out of the gimmick of starring every character in the game that is a bull or even vaguely bull-themed. 

MOVIES

- Saludos, amigos. 

- The three caballeros. 

Disney anthology combo (they work much better seen as a double feature) nowadays famous for introducing their earliest attempts at Latino characters —in particular José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles. Often critiqued for the slightly less spectacular animation compared to their biggest projects —and much more so for the problem of representation (of note, it led to the birth of iconic Chilean comic character Condorito). In themselves they are an interesting curiosity, often experimental in their animation proper, almost endearing in their earnest ignorance about Latino reality… and on a whole, still worth a look and discussion. Within, ahem, the community or in a diverse group, that is!

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