Good morning 🐣

If you’re feeling a bit peckish, check out Barry Enderwick’s “Sandwiches of History” Instagram account. (Slogan: “Making olden tymee sandwiches daily!”)

He has hundreds of super-short videos where he discusses the origins of various sandwiches and then makes and eats them, some you’ve heard of and some rightfully lost to the dustbins of history, e.g., 1893’s hot broiled ham sandwich, the shrimp and raisin sandwich from 1936, and the delectable Japanese fruit sando. There are even some very specific moments in time, like 1941’s Warner Brothers Studio Cafe Manager’s Special Sandwich.

They’re very satisfying to watch, especially when he says “Let’s give this sandwich a go” and takes a bite. (Is this my ASMR?) Plus you get to learn a little culinary history.

Now watch this 👀

I guess I’ve been on a maximalist, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink kick lately with my movie habits; case in point: “Polite Society” is a mashup of high school hijinks, heists, Islam, Matrix-level martial arts, feminism, sisters growing apart, and IVF mutant alien babies.

In her first leading role, Priya Kansara (a couple episodes of “Bridgerton” and “The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself”) stars as Ria Khan, a British-Pakistani teenager with big dreams of becoming a Hollywood stuntwoman. When not filming herself attempting flying jump kicks for YouTube, she writes unanswered fan mail to her idol, the real-life Eunice Huthart, stunt double for Angelina Jolie, Uma Thurman, and Milla Jovovich. Ria’s big sister Lena (Ritu Arya) is a dropout art student, probably suffering from depression. When Lena suddenly falls for a handsome doctor, Ria is determined to prove it’s not just an arranged marriage (bad enough), but a nefarious scheme. To do what exactly? She’s not sure, but Ria and her friends (played by the delightful Seraphina Beh and Ella Bruccoleri) are determined to find out.

It’s a confident feature debut for writer/director Nida Manzoor, who previously created the sitcom “We Are Lady Parts” about a British punk band composed of Muslim women. She cites some of her influences as Jackie Chan, the Coen Brothers, Edgar Wright, and the sharp, snappy dialogue of classic Hollywood films.

What I like about this one is that it’s never simplistic with its themes. Ria can be a brat. Her sister isn’t necessarily giving up her dreams. Family that love each other and know each other better than anyone can still misread things. But above all this action-comedy is just a load of fun, with bright colors and bold music. Plus anything that plays a Mohammed Rafi song is A-OK in my book.

Until next time! 👋