Madeline Miller - The Song of Achilles

Some stories are so familiar and so woven into the other stories we know and tell that it's basically impossible to encounter them afresh or in a truly new light. Achilles and Patroclus as lovers isn't new, much less the Trojan War and its backdrop and principals, and telling it from Patroclus's perspective feels of a piece rather than genuinely illuminating - reading The Song of Achilles, I didn't feel the spark of anything piercing or unexpected. But it's graceful, well-crafted, clear - the characters, actions and choices feel real, the events and world in which they take place are persuasive and don't feel anachronistic. And so by bringing these so-familiar stories to life, again - that's worthwhile.

Olivia Rodrigo - you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love

Another high quality rush from Rodrigo, who seems to be right in tune with the mainstream zeitgeist. Lots of influences, lots of individual vibe and convincingly authentic personality.

My highlights are some of the peppiest: "drop dead" with its delightful refrain kick-off "one night I was bored in bed and stalked you on the internet", "stupid song" (an irresistible build up-er), "maggots for brains" (I'm not especially a fan of the poppier side of new wave but in Rodrigo's hands it bursts). "u + me = <3" (just a good time, and what a chorus) ... all four are stand outs by any measure. And after hearing the Cure vibes on last album Guts, it's fun that this one features not only a song called "the cure", and a lyrical reference to "Just Like Heaven", but also an actual duet with Robert Smith.

Civil War

Civil War's got a bracing toughness, and for me strikes the right balance between a clear message about the dangers of right wing politics and polarisation and a nuanced depiction (more of a sketch) of the social context that could enable disaster to follow. The choice to centre journalists covering the war is canny and opens up space I haven't seen explored before - thematically, and action-wise. Kirsten Dunst is great - an actor who I feel I've grown up with, and this role gives her plenty to sink her teeth into.

Sinners

Confident, muscular movie-making from the get-go - larger than life in all the right ways, and deft in how it combines its different elements. 

Honey Don't!

As enjoyable as it was to watch 90 minutes of Margaret Qualley striding around Bakersfield (aka a certain vein of Americana central) in detective mode, there isn't really a point or substance to Honey Don't - not even in the intersection of Coen-ish style and tone.