Normal and What’s Making Us Happy

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Glenn Weldon, Ronald Young Jr., and Chris Klemick critique the new action film 'Normal,' starring Bob Odenkirk as Sheriff Ulysses in a small Minnesota town with a dark secret. The film, written by Derek Kolstad and directed by Ben Wheatley, attempts to blend the tone of 'Fargo' with the action of 'John Wick' but ultimately falls flat, criticized for its derivative plot, excessive exposition, and tonal inconsistency. The panel expresses disappointment in its lack of originality, overuse of clichéd dialogue, and underdeveloped characters, particularly a token LGBTQ+ character used as a narrative device. Despite Odenkirk's strong acting range, the film fails to leverage his depth, opting instead for a shallow, formulaic action format. The hosts agree it’s better suited for streaming than theatrical viewing. In contrast, the segment 'What’s Making Us Happy This Week' brings warmth and levity: Ronald finds joy in the drama of Bravo’s 'Summer House' and 'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island'; Chris is thrilled by the Disney+ docuseries 'Light and Magic,' which chronicles the evolution of Industrial Light & Magic; and Glenn is captivated by the YouTube and Instagram channel 'Project Lighthouse,' which follows a father and son restoring decommissioned lighthouses, offering a romantic escape through renovation content. The episode ends on a note of shared whimsy and quiet inspiration.