TV, music, movies, and books we're into this week

I may seem like a bandwagoner here, but Black Mirror has to be one of my favorite shows to come out of Netflix, if not one of my favorite shows of the past decade in general. I'm not alone here, and the hype surrounding the release of season four has definitely been palpable.I vaguely remember sneaking glimpses of eery Twilight Zone reruns when I was a wee lad, relishing in both the curiosity and terror they inspired in me. Black Mirror replicates that feeling, but for the digital age. And while, yes, some of the plots can seem contrived in service of the particular cultural critique at the center of the episode, Black Mirror is best enjoyed when you remember to view some of its darker elements from a comedic point of view rather than a deeply concerning warning of things to come. After all, the show oozes with the sardonic wit of creator Charlie Brooker.So, this week, I'll be happily binging all of Black Mirror season four after the hustle and bustle of CES 2018 is over. See you on the other side.

Wind River is quite simply the single best movie I've seen in recent memory. And I honestly can't believe it hasn't received more critical acclaim.The film is the story of a Wyoming state fish and game worker who stumbles upon a frozen woman in the dead of winter, not far from a local Native American reservation. The FBI is called in, or at least one FBI woman is, and she teams up with the state worker to solve the murder mystery.Sounds straightforward, right? It is. But it's the pacing, the atmosphere, the cast, and individual performances that make this thriller shine. Then there's that heart-wrenching storyline. Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen are masterful as the two lead characters. It literally had me on the edge of my seat from 10 minutes in until the closing seconds. It's the kind of film you don't want to pause for even a few seconds to run to the bathroom or grab another beverage. It's that good.I also love the last movie from writer and director, Taylor Sheridan, Hell or High Water, and Wind River firmly established Sheridan as director I'll be keeping a very close eye on. You should too. But first, watch Wind River.

After about a six-year break after the eighth season, Larry David has returned with a ninth season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. If you haven't watching any of the other seasons, I highly recommend watching them, though you can jump in pretty much anywhere and enjoy.Because David created and wrote a lot of Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm feels a lot like it, albeit more suited for 2018. David plays himself in the show, so all of his fame and fortune follow him around wherever he goes. Despite this, he's constantly in trouble with some individual or group, and he can't help offending almost everyone around him.

Although the movie was a letdown, I've been enjoying the official The Last Jedi soundtrack from John Williams. I don't often listen to orchestral music, but I find it's a nice companion when writing or reading and I need to drown out some other sound.It's sometimes tough not to think of epic space battles occurring at the same time, but most of the time you can just sit back and listen and enjoy the intricacies and nuances that make this music so great.

I just cannot stop listening to Illenium. He's growing in popularity and experience — the latter resulting in some absolute gems. Awake is pack full of fantastic tunes that require you to turn the volume up and enjoy some killer melodies.

Steinbeck's East of Eden has sat on my bookshelf for years, collecting dust and occasionally having an eye glance at it. I finally picked it up earlier this week, and it's been occupying my mind ever since.Although I'm not quite finished — this weekend should bring me to the end — it's so far been a treat to read. It's the story of two families living in the Salinas Valley in California and takes place during the late 1800s and early 1900s. One family, led by Samuel and Liza Hamilton, have deep roots in the valley before the Trasks come and settle and bring with them an enormous amount of baggage.Steinbeck called this his crowning achievement, and so far I'd have to agree. If you love an interesting story told with beautiful prose, check out this classic.