Dateline: Aug. 18
By Lynn Venhaus, Alex McPherson, C.B. Adams and Carl “The Intern” Middleman
We are busy popping up around our region, and suspect you are too. Our newsletter, featuring links to our recent online works, in other publications, and heads’ up tips on what’s ahead, is meant to serve as a guide for you navigating an extensive ‘what to watch, go, see, do” that the universe is beckoning us to check out.
Welcome to our inaugural issue of our weekly newsletter, guaranteed fresh every Monday on our website and in your inbox. We hope you not only enjoy but spread the word – we’d like to reach as many fellow Popsters as we can.
Now Showing: Our timely film reviews so you can decide what’s worth your time and money.
East of Wall: Gritty cowgirls struggle in South Dakota, out in theatres Aug. 15.
Lynn Venhaus reviews for Alliance of Women Film Journalists:
Highest 2 Lowest: Spike Lee and Denzel Washington reunite, at the top of their game, in crime thriller set in NYC. Out in theatres Aug. 15, streaming on Apple TV+ Sept. 5
Nobody 2: Bob Odenkirk is back as Hutch, and all he wants is family vacation time. Yet, he’s pulled back in, and Sharon Stone is cray-cray as monstrous villainess.
Carl The Intern reviews: https://soundcloud.com/lynn-zipfel-venhaus/august-13th-2025-ft-the-st-louis-fringe-festival
Snoopy Presents a Summer Musical: Now streaming on Apple TV+
This is sentimental and sweet, charming and delightful. Here’s the trailer: https://youtu.be/Bnd8wceX9ok
Lynn reviews: KTRS segment, 40 – 58.
https://soundcloud.com/550ktrs/the-frank-and-jill-show-8-15?in=550ktrs/sets/jennifer-wendy
REWIND: “F1” – IMAX re-release in theatres Aug. 15
Boomer and Zoomer Takes on F1: The Movie
Lynn’s review: https://poplifestl.com/f1-the-movie-spotlights-the-need-for-speed-breed-in-action-spectacle/
Alex’s review: https://poplifestl.com/f1-the-movie-brad-pitt-blockbuster-spins-its-wheels/
VIEW AT HOME: Fighting for Truth, Justice and Kindness “Superman”
The big summer blockbuster, DC Studio’s “Superman,” is now available to watch at home digitally — through video on demand starting Aug. 15. Check out your favorite platforms (Google Play, Amazon, Apple, etc.)
St. Louis’ own James Gunn’s movie also comes out on physical 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on Sept. 23. Numerous featurettes are included.
Released on July 11, the film has earned more than $579 million worldwide, become the highest-grossing solo Superman film in the U.S. and is also the largest grossing superhero film year-to-date.
The Boomer and the Zoomer Takes:
Lynn Venhaus review: https://poplifestl.com/fresh-warm-hearted-look-at…/
Alex McPherson review: https://poplifestl.com/james-gunn-mostly-saves-the-day-in-superman-as-big-hearted-comic-book-spectacle/
A divisive dark comedy-drama-western from Ari Aster: Eddington
Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomato meter 69% (227 critics including Lynn), Popcornmeter (1000+ verified ratings) 65%, Critics’ consensus: Eddington carries a stellar cast, fearless direction by Ari Aster and an off-kilter story, but its tonal misdirection will often leave viewers wanting. Alex says yay, Lynn says nay.
The Boomer and the Zoomer Takes:
Lynn’s review: https://poplifestl.com/eddington-confuses-in-look-back-at-pandemic-boiling-points-in-2020/
Alex’s review: https://poplifestl.com/ari-asters-latest-eddington-is-a-frenzied-absorbing-nightmare/
Hot Doc: “Catching Bullets” documentary shot in St. Louis is now available to stream worldwide. The hard-hitting film about the gun violence epidemic and the community activists who hope to change the generational cycle through a public health initiative.
Lynn’s feature article on the film and director, Webster Groves native Ben Scholle, in Friday’s Webster-Kirkwood Times: https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/catching-bullets/article_c4c8e7a1-da82-4d4d-b6b3-4a2d639d4a30.html
On Stage: Before the final curtain —
The Second Hurricane from Stray Dog Theatre – Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. now through Aug. 30 at Tower Grove Abbey
C.B. Adams STLStageSnaps review: https://youtube.com/shorts/9E-kdHSHWrM?si=7GRYTi6QeREM0B3d
Lynn review: https://poplifestl.com/stray-dog-theatre-triumphs-with-poised-polished-copland-opera-the-second-hurricane/
Austen’s Pride from Stages St. Louis – Daily except Mondays at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Check schedule for times. www.stagesstlouis.com
Chas’ review: https://open.substack.com/pub/stlouisarts/p/through-august-24-when-wit-falls?r=jcv46&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Lynn’s review: https://poplifestl.com/polished-performances-lift-stages-austens-pride/
The Stream: What’s ahead?
Season 2 of Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” drops Oct 23
Second Season of “Untamed” on Netflix has the go-ahead, BUT it’s going to be in a new park, not announced yet
“Ted Lasso” season 4 is expected to come out mid-year 2026, Apple TV Plus hinted.
Bookshelf: Jeff Tweedy
Wilco played The Factory Aug. 12, to adoring fans, as usual. For 30 years, Wilco has been a pioneering force in independent music.
From Lynn: I’m still stunned when people don’t realize Jeff Tweedy grew up in Belleville, Ill., and the band, Uncle Tupelo got its start there, before they split into Wilco and Son Volt in mid-90s. Now considered a Chicago band, Wilco has released 13 albums and won multiple Grammy Awards.
The sextet is comprised of Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche, Pat Sansone, Nels Cline, and Mikael Jorgensen—and their live shows are legendary. They sell out within minutes every time they are in St. Louis. NPR said: “To see Wilco on stage is to hear the best of the best.”
You may also be surprised that Tweedy is an accomplished author, and his books capture his wit, insight and storytelling magic. I highly recommend these three (and his memoir has priceless chapters about growing up in my hometown, too).
“Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back): A Memoir of Recording and Discording with Wilco, Etc.,” 2018.
“How to Write One Song: Loving the Things We Create and How They Love Us Back,” Oct 13, 2020
“World Within a Song: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music,” Nov 7, 2023
Good Eats: Located at the Phillips 66 station at 14195 Clayton Road in Town and Country, 3 Bay BBQ & Bakery is no. 5 on the national Yelp list for “10 Don’t Miss Gas Station Restaurants 2025.” https://www.yelp.com/article/top-gas-station-restaurants-2025
While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the Sloppy Rib Sandwich, involving shredded smoked baby back ribs and Sweet GG’s BBQ sauce, is a must-try. Pick up dessert, too – homemade carrot or banana cakes are favorites.
Our Playlist: We recommend
CB: “Wanderings,” the debut album from pianist Brian Woods, performing Chopin’s Ballades alongside pioneering compositions from Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger, and Amy Beach.
Here a clip of Brian Woods: https://youtu.be/qLQ3AtrbA70?si=LMfpagaQAVTdVa4M
Alex: The score for “28 Years Later” by Young Fathers
Listen at: https://28yearslater.lnk.to/soundtrackAY
Alex called it masterful and “initially seems anachronistic, yet perfectly complements the film’s messy but deeply poignant core.”
Carl: Listening to KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack – “can’t get the songs out of my head before hockey season starts.”
Netflix song compilation: https://youtu.be/oDSEGkT6J-0
Lynn: Can’t get enough of Missouri native Chappell Roan‘s “Pink Pony Club”? Check out the earworm as interpreted by the Brooklyn Duo: https://youtu.be/BJXLEYyskLc?si=51XDdglEWEZTbxoX
PopLifeSTL Presents Podcast: On Aug. 13, co-hosts Carl the Intern Middleman and Lynn Fringed with Matthew Kerns and Suzi Peters, director of headline act “John Hughes Your Own Adventure” – and special guest late-night entertainer Lola van Ella with an overview of this year’s 14th St. Louis Fringe Festival: https://soundcloud.com/lynn-zipfel-venhaus/august-13th-2025-ft-the-st-louis-fringe-festival
Stay Tuned: The Saint Louis Art Museum’s Art Hill Film Series is changing seasons, moving from its usual July dates to October. This year, the outdoor series will feature two classic films under the stars: Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo on Friday, Oct. 3, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on Friday, Oct. 10.
The shift to October aims to bring a cozy, fall vibe to the outdoor film screenings…stay tuned for more details.
The Vault: Special anniversaries this week –
Aug. 19, 1983: Michael Keaton endeared in “Mr. Mom.” “220, 221, whatever it takes.”
Aug. 20, 1997: Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s animated series “South Park” premiered on Comedy Central, where it is still flourishing 27 seasons later. To their critics, Eric Cartman would say: “Respect my authoritah!”
Aug. 21, 1987: “Dirty Dancing” starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey was released, and we had the time of our lives.
Aug. 22, 1986: Stephen King’s novella “Stand by Me” directed by Rob Reiner opened, immortalizing its young cast of Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton.
Aug. 23, 2000: The first season finale of the reality show “Survivor” aired, with Richard Hatch winning the $1 million prize. Now, 48 seasons and counting.
Aug. 24, 1891: Thomas Edison patented the motion picture camera.
On Our Radar: What we’re excited about this week.
CB: “Jersey Boys” at the Muny and “Salome” at Union Avenue Opera.
Alex: Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 bravura piece of filmmaking “There Will Be Blood” will be shown at 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, part of their Widescreen Wednesdays 35 mm series.
Here’s trailer: https://youtu.be/0FIm5ATyAY0?si=UREyxV_SVCr6bspW
Carl the Intern: Looking forward to the heat breaking so I can mow the lawn.
Lynn: “Jersey Boys” is the seventh and final Muny show of the 107th season. Here’s the opening night montage of a St. Louis favorite jukebox musical that will play Aug. 18 – 24.
and
Boomer Bliss is singing “Happy Together” along with The Turtles, other ‘60s acts, and our tribe singing their signature song at the top of our lungs. The Happy Together Tour comes to the Family Arena Thursday, Aug. 21, from 7 to 10 p.m., It’s one groovy time with Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Vogues and The Cowsills.
https://familyarena.com/event/happy-together-2025/
(Carl and I will interview The Cowsills on our PopLifeSTL Presents podcast Aug. 20).
Where Can You Find Us?
Chas: St. Louis Arts Scene, PopLifeSTL.com, STL Stage Snaps on YouTube and IG, and the socials.
Alex: https://bsky.app/profile/gdogmcp.bsky.social and https://letterboxd.com/gdogmcp/
Carl the Intern: Find me @_CarlTheIntern on IG, X & Threads and on the Big 550 KTRS M-F 5a-10a.
Lynn: KTRS, “The Frank and Jill Show,” every Friday at 11:08 a.m., PopLifeSTL.com, Webster-Kirkwood Times, (Belleville News-Democrat for news and features, St. Louis Magazine for dining contributions), and all the socials.
Word: “Great art picks up where nature ends.” ~Marc Chagall
Our Favorite Things! Cover Photo: Coming Soon! “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” — David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer). MVPs all. They’ve gotten the band back together! Rob Reiner directs, and Paul Shaffer and Fran Drescher return, with cameos from Questlove, Elton John and Lars Ulrich.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/wMQZG9u4Sjg?si=fyza0IWiGQaVudZF
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.