Watching - July 2026

Project Hail Mary (2026)

Somehow what Andy Weir makes vaguely plausible in the novel seems ridiculously unlikely on screen. And the sentimentality at times just made me roll my eyes. But it was an entertaining, if somewhat predictable, watch.

Eternity (2025)

A mildly touching but slightly unfocussed romcom about a woman who has to choose which of her two husbands to spend eternity in the afterlife with. What's not really highlighted is that clearly the vast majority of people in this afterlife don't get that choice at all, and seem all right about it. Still, the film's message seems to be that a long life building memories and maintaining a relationship counts for more than the intensity of young love. Which is nice.

Kylie (2026)

An odd mix of carefully curated history and genuinely touching moments which, even at three hours, feels like a whistle-stop tour through her career.

Wimbledon (2004)

It seemed like the right season to watch this (again ...), and then straight after I watched it yet another time, only this time with the director's commentary. What struck me this time is the extraordinary array of big names in what is a pretty obscure (and under-rated, imo), twenty year old British romcom: not just the two main stars, but leading lights of British acting talent - Celia Imrie, Robert Lindsay, Bernard Hill, Eleanor Bron, a young James McAvoy (particularly hilarious) - and fairly heavyweight international names like Sam Neill and Jon Favreau. Have I mentioned how much I love this film?

Good Omens (season 1, 2019)

Michael Sheen and David Tenant are a dream pairing and the staging is so elaborate and well done, but I can't feel there's something slightly missing. Given that I've read Neil Gaiman books and found them underwhelming (and too long), I suspect what's missing is some of Terry Pratchett's unique authorial voice. Still, a visual feast and very enjoyable.

Top Hat (1936)

Somewhat slighter than I remember from when I last watched it - years ago - but you can't fault the dance numbers.

Ted Lasso (season 2, 2021)

I can understand programme makers being pleased to be free from the constraints of network television, but there's something to be said for them. In this second season, the characters are great and you really do care about them, but we seem to be edging away from comedy into soap opera - albeit a superior one with some excellent jokes - and the episodes are getting longer. It's still really good and involving, but I might find some other things to watch before I get round to season three.