Film Retrospective Part V: Thoughts on 10 Films (pre-1970)

Well, I did it! My film goal this year was to watch 50 films pre-1970 (with a mix of rewatches & blind spots). I enjoyed doing it because it forced me to expand my viewing and appreciate the history of film. I'm going to continue my retrospective into 2024, but I'm going to increase the date to pre-1980 (which is exciting because the 1970s is one of my favorite film decades).

1. Gone with the Wind - [blind spot] I have no idea how I've gone this long without having seen one of the biggest films of all time, but it is what it is. The weird thing is that, unlike most "classic" movies, I've never even seen it in parts? I thought some of it would seem familiar as I watched, but, nope, nothing. I'm not sure if the introduction in the beginning is exclusive to the streaming service I watched it on (Max), but I think it's extremely weird and it makes me really worry about the next generation (even more!). "Watching Gone with the Wind can be uncomfortable and painful" - uhhhh yeah, no shit. It's a product of its time and a lot of uncomfortable and painful shit happened, like slavery! It's weird that a modern audience is supposed to be aghast that this movie depicts the south and the continuation of slavery as idyllic? But...that's what happened? It's about a white, wealthy family in the south, and if you were white, wealthy, and living in the south at that time, life was pretty good! That's why they went to war - to keep their lifestyle. There's definitely a slew of films made today that society will deem offensive in 80 years, are we going to attach weird messages like this...forever? It's akin to a "trigger warning" and I find them mostly ridiculous (I think it's up to personal responsibility - like if you are extremely sensitive to stories about rape then you should do the research yourself and avoid films about rape, but also, we live in a society (!) and you can't just avoid things that are uncomfortable). Overall, I did enjoy this movie - it's beautiful and a classic, epic, sweeping tale of love and war. It goes much darker than I was expecting, like towards the end when she's pregnant and he says to her "cheer up, maybe you'll have an accident" and then SHE FALLS DOWN THE STAIRS! I was horrified! and when he says "you're not worth $300!" LOL. I was also horrified by her being upset about her "20 inch waist". Uhhhh what?? Those are like Barbie measurements. I have a 24 inch waist, but I'm only 5ft tall and very skinny. I can't imagine being 4 inches smaller and thinking I was fat?! What the fuck? Anyway, I did expect there to be a lot more classic lines like when I first watched Casablanca earlier this year - there are like a dozen classic lines in that. But this there was really only ONE that I recognized as being a super famous line of dialogue: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!". 

2. Persona - [re-watch] I think it was a little coincidental that I watched this a few days before I watched May December, and I think it had a lot to do with my enjoyment of that film. I saw the inspiration so clearly. This is one of my favorite movies, but I haven't seen it in about 20 years. It's a film that made me fall in love with film. It's gorgeous, filled with breathtaking shots, a focus on silence and a well-curated horror score, the lighting, the blocking, the close-up shots. It's just perfect. Plus, it's about things that are still taboo (and heartbreaking), with dialogue about abortion, stillborn babies, etc. I think a lot of films were inspired by it (literally any trashy erotic thriller from the 90s, Single White Female being the obvious). Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson are incredible and have wonderful chemistry together. I feel like if they ever remake this (which they shouldn't, but they probably will eventually), Mia Goth would be the perfect person to cast (in either role, really). 

3. The Thing from Another World - [blind spot] I figured since The Thing is one of the greatest horror films of all time, I should watch the original (although Carpenter based his film off of the short story, I remain firm that if a film version has already been done, then it's a remake. You can call it a "reimagining" or whatever you want, it's still a remake). I was surprised at how boring this is - very dialogue heavy and just not suspenseful at all. Nobody stands out among the cast, they all sort of blend together, which made the dialogue harder to follow. I just couldn't get into it at all. 

4. The Great Escape - [blind spot] Another big blind spot, but at least with this, I do feel like I've likely seen it - it just had to be one of the films my grandfather made me watch when I was a kid (he watched Westerns, films about WWII, and The Twilight Zone, exclusively). I'd imagine that this is one of his favorite films, as he LOOKED LIKE STEVE McQUEEN and was HELD AS A POW IN A NAZI PRISON CAMP! But since I was probably, like, 9 years old when I watched it, I'm counting this a first "official" watch. This is such an incredible based on a true story - I did a lot of googling about it afterwards because it's so interesting. I was a little confused as to why they didn't really show any awful treatment of those captured in these camps, but apparently this camp didn't treat its prisoners that badly. The film is almost 3 hours long, and definitely would have benefitted from some editing, but overall it is excellent. 

5. The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) - [re-watch] It's weird that I've only seen this version and not the other version from the 50s (both directed by Hitchcock, it's probably one of the only Hitchcock films that I haven't seen!). From what I understand they are very different films. I will watch it eventually, but I really wanted to rewatch this because after having rewatched M, I was just completely mesmerized by Peter Lorre and I wanted to watch something else with him in it. This is a good movie, but definitely a lesser Hitch. I do think the plot became a little clearer this time than when I first watched it. It's crazy that Lorre didn't even speak English and had to learn his lines phonetically. He's still so magnetic. 

6. Wild Strawberries - [re-watch, mostly] Well, now I'm going to be on a Bergman kick going into 2024. I'm pretty sure I've seen this one - I think in a film class. I've definitely seen clips of it, at the very least, but most of it seemed familiar to me. This is another stunning piece of filmmaking from Bergman. I love the play with memory and guilt. The composition of scenes and overlaying of images is, as expected, really interesting. I didn't realize that Bibi Andersson was a Bergman staple, but I'm so excited to watch the rest of their collaborations together because she's incredible. 

7. Meet Me in St. Louis - [blind spot] I didn't really like this, and while I was bored to death watching it, I realized that it's from the same director as Gigi (Vincent Minelli, aka Liza's dad), which I also didn't like, so I guess that makes sense. I will say that the musical numbers are FIRE. I recognized almost every single song, but had no idea they were from this movie, such as "The Trolley Song", "Skip to My Lou", and one of the most iconic Christmas classics "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"!! Now I'm wondering if I've perhaps seen a stage version of this? But, as I said, just so boring - and just not my thing, I guess. I like that there's some history to it, with it being about the lead up to the World's fair.  There's a lot of Hollywood history to it, also, because this is where Judy Garland and Minelli began their relationship, and the rest, as they say, is history. Garland is obviously the highlight - her voice is is one of my favorite singing voices ever. And she has the screen presence and comedic timing that make her stand out from this large cast (like the corset scene - she really sells it and makes it funny). 

8. A Christmas Carol (1938) - [re-watch] I watched this probably a dozen times as a kid, but never as an adult. I actually played Tiny Tim in a school play of this production when I was in 9th grade (I'm very tiny, even still!!). I wanted to watch something festive while I wrapped presents, but also something that I didn't really have to pay much attention to. Obviously a classic Christmas story by Dickens, that has been retold and remade dozens of times, but I like this original film version probably the best. I like that it's not as sad as some of the remakes - like the Cratchet family is a happy family just doing their best. It's also no-nonsense storytelling at a nice, short 69 minutes!! I wasn't even finish wrapping all the presents when this ended! 

9. Godzilla (1954) - [blind spot, mostly] I've seen a lot of clips and scenes from the original film, but never the whole thing in one sitting (at least that I can remember). I loved it. I've always been more of a King Kong fan, but I'm excited by all the new Godzilla stuff so I figured I'd start from the beginning. I'm enjoying the Apple+ tv show (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) and I've heard really good things about Godzilla Minus One. And apparently there is also another one coming out in 2024?? As expected, the movie is not really about Godzilla, it's about uncertainty after nuclear war, etc., but I really just love a good ole' disaster movie and this is one of the first! It's spectacular. The joke's on me though, when I went to look at how many of these films exist - it's going to take me like a decade to get through them all! 

10. Christmas in Connecticut - [blind spot] This is a really cute comedy of errors type film. I don't say this often, but the right person could do a really good remake of this. Obviously, some of it would need some modernization, but it's got a lot of good stuff about gender roles and stereotypes that would still be relevant today. Barbara Stanwyck is a legend - just so charming and funny (and beautiful!). She says the dialogue with such a natural ease, that it took a second for me to realize some of the sarcasm. I think the funniest part is the whole baby thing because they literally, like, steal someone else's baby for their ruse. And then the baby gets switched and its a different gender! LOL. Good stuff. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Maestro - Wow. I hated this. I was definitely not expecting to, as I love Bradley Cooper so much. It's just...so awful. I can't even think of anything nice to say about it except that I really liked the opening scene. The sweeping camera movement, the black & white cinematography sets up the "old Hollywood style" that persists through the whole film. In general, it's a well-made film, but it just feels so manufactured and the acting is forced. As I said, I've been a Bradley Cooper fan from day one. Literally. I even have the Kitchen Confidential box set (I bet most haven't even heard of Kitchen Confidential!). And I don't think I've ever hated a performance from him, but this is horrendous. I don't know much about Leonard Bernstein, to be fair, but this is grating to watch. He just overdoes it in every single scene. I'm not bothered by the makeup - and I even think the "old" makeup is done really well, which usually I am hypercritical of. I don't think it's antisemitic to give him a prosthetic nose if the real Leonard Bernstein did, in fact, have a large nose (it would be antisemitic if it was a fictional Jewish character. How are people not getting this? This faux outrage and "gotcha" moments are killing art.). But the performance is just so unnatural. Even weirder is that a lot of reviews that I read that aren't so favorable towards this movie or to Bradley, cite Carey Mulligan as the saving grace, but she's EVEN WORSE! Her voice sounds so strained, which caused the whole performance to feel also strained. This is where I would argue that it's important when doing biopics to capture an "essence" and not necessary try to replicate the person exactly. Because if you don't get it right, it turns into...this. My face hurt from scrunching it through this entire movie. But, again, it's well-made. I, for one, can easily hate a well-made movie, though. Aside from the performances, I don't really see the point of this either, because as I said, I didn't know much about Bernstein, and I still don't know much about him after watching this movie. It's just so boring and seems pointless? Did Bernstein overcome some big obstacle that I missed? This goes back to the point I've made many times, but not everyone is interesting enough to make a movie about. 

2. Saltburn - *slight spoilers ahead* I liked this movie. Certainly not as much as I liked Promising Young Woman, but it's entertaining and interesting, and incredibly gorgeous to look at. I don't think it's as "crazy" and "disturbing" and "shocking" as a lot of the reviews describe, but I also think this is a product of movie "reviewers" (i.e bloggers and not actual critics) being...young. And probably have not seen any films by Lynch. Or Cronenberg. Or von Trier. I could go on, but you get my point. This is fairly...mild. Definitely not as dark and twisted as it wants to be. BUT, I had a great time with it. Barry Keoghan is incredible and one of my favorite young actors - he takes on some really unexpected roles and he's nailed every single one of them. I'm not as much of a fan of Jacob Elordi, but I think he's perfectly cast here, because there is no denying that he is very, very pretty. And the way that Emerald Fennell captures his beauty is really stunning because it is "the male gaze" that is so rarely done well (and yes, I know "the male gaze" is about how women are portrayed on film, but it works here because his beauty is shown through a male character perspective. You can also call it "the female gaze" since it's a woman director. Both would be correct, I think). I've seen a lot of people compare this movie to a modernized version of The Talented Mr. Ripley (which is one of my all-time favorite movies), and I think it's a fair comparison because Jude Law was filmed the same way in that. The story also has obvious similarities and subject matter (obsession with beauty and wealth), but that's probably where the comparison ends. In The Talented Mr. Ripley, you know Ripleys' intentions from the beginning, the excitement is watching him get away with it, while I think this movie tries a little too hard to make it suspenseful and twisty by hiding our main character's intentions until the end. I do like the twist. I knew something was off, and I guessed that he was a bit of a grifter, but I think it would have made the story better if we knew that from the beginning and watched it all unfold from his point of view. As I said though, there's a lot to like about it - Carey Mulligan is the sneaky highlight (I didn't even know she was in this, and it took me a few seconds to even recognize her). I don't typically like Rosamund Pike, but her line delivery is incredible with some of the most ridiculous lines of dialogue. And back to Elordi - he's very attractive, not necessarily my type, but I get it. I didn't realize that he didn't have an American accent naturally? So now I'm questioning if his terrible performance in Euphoria is due to the fact that he's struggling with the accent? I can usually hear it right away when someone is struggling (like in this, he struggles with the British accent), but I just assumed he's just not a very good actor (especially since the lead of that show...is...also...not very good. SORRY! I'm not a Zendaya hater, though. I think she's adorable and seems sweet so I can forgive her acting skills). Anyway, I would be interested in seeing Elordi act in something with his natural accent. Him and Keoghan have great chemistry together - I LOVE their height difference. The production design and cinematography are really well done, and this world at "Saltburn" is fully realized. And there's some dark humor to it that keeps it really interesting. I think that if you go into it expecting to be shocked, you'll be disappointed. Mind you, there are some scenes that are disturbing, but it's nothing any true cinephile hasn't seen before. And, that last scene with Barry dancing around the house is so freakin' funny. 

3. Beau is Afraid - I can't believe that this film is 3 hours long. Imagine if this was told within a 2 hour timeframe? It would be a stunning achievement. It's still great - one of the best of the year, but there is something to be said about the importance of editing and pace within a film. I harp a LOT on film length, and it's exactly for this reason. Because this film would have been even more impressive with a strong critical eye that could cut the nonsense and elevate the story. Anyyyywaaay...this is a classic Greek tragedy type story - an epic, sweeping tale that has similar themes to The Odyssey. Joaquin Phoenix, once again, knocks it out of the park. How he isn't the frontrunner for the Oscar is mind-blowing and really shows that it's not necessarily about the "best" performance of the year (the three biggest factors seem to be (1) release date, (2) promotion & campaigning, (3) popularity and/or "buzz"). And you know who else is incredible in this movie??? Patti fucking LuPone. The confrontation between them towards the end is a masterclass in acting. This is probably my favorite Ari Aster film - I loved Midsommar, and I liked Hereditary but I think they were both a little overpraised and elevated by terrific acting performances by Florence Pugh and Toni Collette, respectively. I actually rated Hereditary a little low because that ending just ruined the whole movie for me, and made me angry, but maybe one day I will reassess. But, this movie not only has incredible acting, but just really beautiful imagery. The way that his paranoia is portrayed as more of a "horror" film within this drama is really successful. I loved the bit in the middle where he kind of goes through his life as if he were on a stage, but I think the beginning is the strongest. It's very interesting to watch him walk through life as if everything being said online is true (as in the world is falling apart and cities are filled with so much crime that you can't go outside. The hyperbole is unreal!). I read a few reviews that mention the films subject is possibly schizophrenic (which may be true), but I think it's more commentary on mental illness in general, and the effects of being constantly medicated. Living your life constantly afraid is a very sad way to live, but I don't think 60% of the people on medication actually need to be on medication. On a side note, that's not really criticism, but a comment on a recent trend - this is the third thing in a row that I watched that featured full-frontal male nudity (Saltburn, The Curse, and this) and can I just say, no thank you??? I feel like there's this whole push to equate the sexes with nudity in films but why?? Let's be honest, women are much more aesthetically beautiful. I just don't need to see a naked man running around with a flaccid penis and I don't think many people want to see that. 

4. The Family Plan - Obviously, this is a dumb movie. Not every film has to be high art - this was made to entertain and it accomplishes that, I think. I'm always entertained by Marky Mark, though, especially when he tries to be funny. There's just something about it that always makes me laugh. I also LOVE Michelle Monaghan. She's such an under-rated actress, and she's funny and seems sweet. And they make a cute couple together. I feel like the story has been told before (an ex assassin/spy/etc. gets thrown back into his old life unbeknownst to his new family), and they don't do much to update it or keep it interesting so it does feel like it drags towards the end (and it's too long because OF COURSE IT IS! Could have benefitted tremendously by being a solid 100 minutes). It's also very obvious; especially the whole Maggie Q bit (another under-rated actress who should have a HUGE career). There's a point where she's practicing punching on a punching bag and she says "I'm so bad at this" and I actually laughed out loud because it's so ridiculous and obvious that she's lying because SHE'S MAGGIE Q! I also think that the whole plot starts off stupid because this couple have been together for over 17 years and she's like upset that they have different visions of what the future looks like for them. Shouldn't they have discussed this, you know, like 17 years ago? He's someone that wants structure and routine - it's literally his entire personality. You can't get upset about it YEARS later? My husband is sort of the same (he HATES change and I thrive on it, but we talk about it and compromise on a lot of stuff. But we also both want the same thing in the future - no kids, maybe a small beach house, lots of travelling). Anyway, as dumb and predictable as it is, I still had fun for most of it. There's some very funny stuff - Michelle's attempt at kicking ass at the end is hilarious. The laser tag scene is really funny ("you're a laser tag savant" "no I was a kid in the 80s!" P.s, No Marky Mark nobody wants to be reminded of what you were doing in the 80s. *cough* hate crimes *cough cough*). Them singing "Ice Ice Baby" - uhhhh it's so good. But the best joke is probably something that not many people notice - the son is given the name "Van" at some point, which they all make fun of. He's not an actor that is well-known, so I don't think anyone will get that his real name is, indeed, Van unless you watch the credits (I tend to keep the credits rolling for a little). 

5. Oppenheimer - First of all, I know that I should have seen this in a movie theater. I meant to, but time got away from me, and by the time I planned to go, it was no longer playing at my local theater. I was disappointed, but it is what it is. Having seen Dunkirk (and most other Nolan films) in a theater, I know that Nolan takes this experience very seriously, especially with his sound design. But we tried our best to capture a cinema experience at home by watching it in our den that has a 65" tv, with surround sound, and all the lights out (at night too, so it was as pitch black as we can get it). Second, yes this movie is too long. But I feel like Nolan is one of maybe two directors who can get away with it - the other is Scorsese, both for very different reasons. Nolan knows how to fill the story and pace it correctly, while Scorsese has earned the right to do whatever the fuck he wants. So, no I wouldn't cut a single second from this film, which is super rare for me to say. Third, I loved this, but, surprisingly, it's not my favorite film of the year (I think May December still takes it because it's stuck with me in a stronger way). It's very typically Nolan: stunning sound design, a play with timelines while still creating simplicity for the audience, and a strong group of actors that each are given their moment to shine (I will say the exception to this among Nolan's films is Tenet, which I still liked more than most people). My favorite Nolan film is Dunkirk and this feels very much the same with the focus on a historical event, but giving it detail and also space to breath. I don't know if that makes much sense, but I just love his focus on negative space- not only visually, but also cinematically. The things that aren't said are *just* as important as what is. I was blown away by Cillian Murphy, who has always given his all as supporting characters in previous Nolan films. He should also have multiple Emmys for Peaky Blinders and he somehow has NONE??? It's crazy that he's been one of the strongest actors for the past 20 years and doesn't have an Oscar nomination and yet RAMI MALEK HAS AN OSCAR (I will never get over this, sorry!). I'm glad that he's finally being recognized as one of Hollywood's best, but I feel like everyone owes him an apology for ignoring him for 20 years. As for the supporting cast - all are great, but I think the standouts are Robert Downey Jr., and David Krumholtz (who is way too far down on the cast list? He has a fairly major part?). I didn't even realize that Matt Damon was in this, but he would be my 3rd pick as a standout. I think both female characters are severely underwritten, but I don't really mind it because I think they weren't fully formed people in Oppenheimer's life or mind, either (he didn't treat either one of them with any sort of respect). I know there were criticisms about how this film doesn't show the perspective of any Japanese people; nor does it show the devastating aftermath of the bombings (even from Spike Lee!!), but I highly disagree with that take. It's not what the film is about - and everything that happened afterwards is more well-known in history. I think Nolan does a fantastic job at showing Oppenheimer's guilt, without having it spelled out in writing (again, what's not shown is given an equal weight to what is shown). Also, to place blame on scientists for war sets a disturbing precedent - he's a cog in a machine, really. It reminds me of how that movie about Madam Curie (that was awful, btw) pretty much blames her for Cancer. Life is far more nuanced than that. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. May December - I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I do. It's my favorite of the year (so far! I still have A LOT to see). While I've liked all of the Todd Haynes films I have seen, I haven't truly loved any of them. But, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman in a film together is already a win. It's insane that they are being overshadowed by a guy who is best known for Riverdale - although I do think that show has a few talented actors, which is why I kept watching it even though it completely chaotic. Charles Melton was definitely always a highlight of the show. But if you asked me to guess which one of them would ever be in Oscar talks, I would probably laugh at the question, and I never would have guessed him. He is, in fact, incredible in this, as are both Moore and Portman. I think it's definitely a film in which context is necessary - and if you don't get the context, then the film is not really going to hit the notes it's meant to hit. So, first, I saw a lot of people, including legit film critics, not know what the phrase "May December" means. But also, a lot don't seem to be familiar with the actual plot based on the Mary Kay Latourneau controversy (partly due to age and also people outside of the U.S). So, to be clear, this was a HUGE story over here in the late 90s, and everyone was absolutely disgusted by it. I saw a critic talk about how this story would be told differently if the sexes were switched, as if the film isn't putting enough emphasis on how awful this woman is, which simply isn't true because that's not even what the film is about. It's about our insatiable need for these stories - to take stories like these, stories that destroyed lives, and turn them into film-of-the-week/tabloid gossip obsessions. It's about voyeurism, artistic integrity, and sensationalism; it's designed to make the viewer uncomfortable. Purposefully filmed like a schlocky Lifetime movie/daytime soap opera, complete with intentional overbearing musical cues and soft lighting - Haynes knows exactly what he's doing and I found it all very effective. I also think it's completely clear that this woman, the one who is supposed to be Latourneau, who raped a 12 year old boy and then married him years later (after going to prison), is a complete psychopath who manipulated and gaslighted a child, even though the story is pretending to be "neutral". I think it's an interesting way to do a biopic - instead of just telling this story, the movie is actually about an actress who is going to portray this woman in a movie-version of her story, so she spends time with her as research for the role. Her "neutrality" as an "observer" is a strong indication of what Haynes is attempting here and I think it's very successful. With clear inspiration from Persona, which I coincidentally just rewatched a week before this for my retrospective series, I just think it's genius to take this story and turn it into *this*. I also think it brilliantly skewers the self-importance of actors (not sure if that is intentional, but maybe). The only real criticism I have of it is that I wish they dropped the lisp that Latourneau had (past tense because apparently she died a few years ago? I don't remember hearing anything about that). Moore struggles with it, and it becomes a big distraction, for me. Otherwise, this movie is pretty stunning. 

2. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - This is truly disastrous. I can't say that I'm the biggest fan of the Indiana Jones movies (I KNOW! But, in my defense, I didn't watch them until I was an adult, and I'm not really a fan of Harrison Ford - again I KNOW! Blasphemy. I think he's hilarious as a person, but he plays the same character in every single movie and he's been a grumpy curmudgeon character for like 40 years now. I just find it annoying and grating), but I wasn't expecting it to be this bad. I think it's even worse than the last one, with Shia LaBeouf. And speaking of LaBeouf - I'm kind of shocked that they just *spoiler alert* killed his character??? I couldn't get over it for the whole movie - like, are they for real? They just killed his son off and we're supposed to just move on from that? I just CAN'T DO IT. But, I'll try for the sake of this paragraph. I know a lot of people like Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and I enjoyed Fleabag a lot, but I think it was definitely a product of hyperbole. Everyone claimed it "THE BEST SHOW EVER" and that's simply not true. And I honestly can't remember much about it only a few years later (hot priest might be the only memorable thing about it?). I hate her in this. She's so unlikeable and rude, and not funny in the least bit. Mads Mikkelson is just completely wasted (again! How does this keep happening to such an incredible actor?? Does he not care? I think he clearly takes roles like these for the paychecks, and that's fine because he does a lot of indie films and showcases more passion for those). Boyd Holbrook is also starting to get typecast (you could practically copy and paste this character into the new Justified show. Almost identical, just different timeline). The beginning, with the de-aging stuff, didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. I actually think they do a really good job with it, which I don't say often, but that actually looks like a younger Harrison Ford. It's just that the rest of the film is so...ugly. And that third act is wild. I'm surprised because James Mangold is an excellent director, so I'm not sure what went wrong. Also, they killed Indiana Jones' son! 

3. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken - Quite possibly one of the worst animated films I've ever seen? I don't think I've ever put an animated film on my "Worst of the Year" lists (there's so much work that goes into animated films - I hate to criticize it that harshly), but this is unfortunately just that bad. It's just so unoriginal - basically a mix of The Little Mermaid and Turning Red, with a little more obvious allegorical tale for becoming a woman (I didn't think it could get more obvious than Turning Red!). I also hate the animation style - it's so oversaturated and busy (again, like Turning Red), but I could forgive that if the story were interesting or even entertaining. But the characters are very cliched, the dialogue is super cheesy and not one joke lands, and the storyline is super predictable (also, don't google the voices while watching it because it spoils the only surprise by giving away a character name). Jane Fonda is the highlight - her pronunciation of "grand-maMA" is everything. I also think Annie from Schitt's Creek is perfect for this role. I don't have much else to say about it, which is probably the most frustrating part. 

4. Leave the World Behind - *some spoilers* I was looking forward to this one, even with the mixed reviews. First, I love Sam Esmail - and even though Mr. Robot completely fell apart towards the end, the first season of that show is one of the best first seasons of any television show...ever. I also loved Homecoming with Julia Roberts. I think he has really interesting ideas, and he has a way of capturing uncertainty and paranoia really well. Second, this cast is fantastic - I never knew I needed Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as a married couple, but they work so well together. I've always been a big fan of Julia - I think she's a little under-rated, as far as acting is concerned. I know she's a mega superstar, but she has a way of capturing an audience that is very rare, especially nowadays. I also just think that she's absolutely gorgeous, and not in a fake botoxed way - like, she's just so naturally beautiful. I would be shocked if she had any surgery or anything (even though I know that her skincare routine probably costs more than my mortgage). My favorite scenes are the ones in which she goes toe-to-toe with Myha'la Herrold. The tension that is built between them is impeccable. I do think that the racism undertones are a little too overt - I think it would have been better if it was more subtle. And it's a little annoying that this woman from Manhattan doesn't believe that these people own the house they are staying in because they are black, as if wealthy black people don't exist in Manhattan?? It's just stupid. It would make more sense if she were from the middle of the country somewhere or even like further up northeast (Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont are some of the whitest states in the country). Don't get me wrong, I believe that a majority of middle-aged, wealthy, white women from Manhattan are probably racist, but she wouldn't be shocked by wealthy black people is all I'm saying. Anyway, I think her character is still very believable because she literally felt like my mom. My mom does not trust a single thing that anyone says and she's super paranoid that everyone is scamming her somehow (she's also a middle-aged, wealthy, white woman who is racist). As for the rest of the film, it feels like someone took other recent films like White Noise and Knock at the Cabin and jumbled them together to produce this. Overall, it's kind of mediocre, but there are some fun (and funny) scenes that I enjoyed - like Julia and Mahershala dancing to Next's "Too Close". I was literally dying watching it - the song is literally about having a boner. And there's Julia Roberts doing her best white girl dance to it. It's just so funny. And definitely something I would do if I thought that the world might be ending (just throw some music on and dance until I die). I also think the Tesla scene is super funny. But, obviously, my favorite part is the teenage daughter just trying to watch Friends. There's a lot of reasons these scenes are important for the story, but it's also just really hilarious and relatable. Friends is obviously a comfort show for a lot of people, including myself (I can't bring myself to watch it now because of Matthew Perry's death. I turn it on, but my eyes start to water. I've never been sadder by a celebrity death. This is the worst one for me), so it's easy to relate to this girl wanting to pretend like everything's fine by watching her new favorite tv show. But I think it's smart commentary on media consumption - how the world could literally be on fire and we would just be concerned with our Wi-Fi. But, it also is strangely "pro-media" because ultimately distractions from the "real" world keep us sane. And the end is clear pro-physical-media (I won't spoil it, but it's hilarious). But it's a perfect ending, and probably my favorite ending of any movie this year. 

5. Family Switch - I wasn't expecting much from this but it's slightly worse than I was hoping for. It's kind of cute, I guess, but also just really dumb, forgettable, with very few laugh out loud moments. I've said it before, but I don't understand Jennifer Garner's career, but whatever makes her happy, I guess. But, to do another body-swap comedy is certainly a choice. I appreciate that they make references to body-swapping comedies of the past ("no kid ever woke up Big" and "I'm 13 Going on 30"), but the film doesn't do enough to justify its existence. Like, 13 Going on 30 is a genuinely good, funny, sweet movie. This is just...there. I laughed a total of ONE time ("it's not magic, it's performative liberalism"). But the rest is kind of dumb - like when the entire teenage party is dancing to "Bust a Move"??? Why would teens of today dance to this? They don't even know the song? It would have made more sense if it was an adult party and the parents (in the teenage bodies) started dancing to it. Or if they just chose a song that actual teens would dance to (like Cardi B or something? Do teens dance to her? I have no idea). Also, what a bunch of spoiled fucking kids, man. I would give my left arm to have had a childhood like that - where my parents made a big deal out of Christmas and gave me literally anything I could possibly ask for. It's insane that these kids are like "my parents are awful and they are ruining our lives". I was also gobsmacked by the end credits "Directed by McG". WHAT???!! I was not expecting that. And, I laughed more at the blooper reel than I did for the entire movie. So that tells you everything you need to know, really. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Blue Beetle - This is a perfectly fine superhero movie. There's a lot to like about it, but I am definitely part of the "superhero fatigue" club. It's just all too much, too quickly. I had to look up to see if this was even Marvel or DC because I honestly can't even keep track anymore. And you know what? I can't even remember now - I think DC? Anyway, like I said, there's some good stuff here - Xolo Mariduena has great screen presence (and a wonderful smile) and I enjoyed watching him in this role. I would love to see more of him - a CW type show like The Flash would have suited this story better, I think. Most of the rest of the cast is great too - Susan Sarandon is a great villain, the girl that plays his sister is really cute, and the love interest is good too (I'm tired and I don't feel like looking up names, sorry! But I actually thought that this was Chris Evan's girlfriend until I looked it up while watching it. They look similar, no? I could be wrong because I already forgot what she looks like. I do NEED the 3 piece lavender suit that she wears in the beginning. Not joking - I NEED IT!). I think the costume design is pretty cool and I like how grotesque it is for him to turn into the Blue Beetle (it should be gross - he's literally turning into a human/insect hybrid). I like that it embraces Hispanic culture, that they create their own little version of Miami with "Palmera City", and that both English and Spanish is spoken. It's made very well - I love the bright colors, and there is a fight scene that takes place at night THAT I COULD ACTUALLY SEE!!! I also laughed a few times (like when it attaches to his face like an alien face-hugger). But, it's also too long. There was a moment when I thought it was almost over - like maybe 20 minutes left, and I paused it only to find out that there was a whole hour left. It kind of made me lose interest in the story because I knew it was going to be dragged out. It could have been a very clean, concise 90 minute movie. I don't know why filmmakers keep making this same mistake, but it's annoying the fuck out of me more and more. I also think that George Lopez overdoes his role and I usually like him. He just didn't feel like a real person, more of a caricature. Overall, I was entertained, but I don't think it's very memorable. It's just going to get lost in the swarm of superhero films. 

2. Past Lives - Ok. So. I loved this. BUT. I also think that it's being waaaay overhyped. Like, as far as Oscar talk, I think maybe a screenplay nod, but that's it. I think it's an *excellent* debut film, and I'm very excited for what Celine Song is going to do next, but I think there are definitely better films this year. The performances are strong, but I think Teo Yoo is the CLEAR highlight performance, and yet the more hyped performance is from Greta Lee. I kind of...don't like her (I KNOW. Another lauded actor/actress that I just don't agree with. There are so many of them now). I actually can't stand her on The Morning Show (her, along with her co-star Reese Witherspoon, truly make that show almost unbearable. They both literally look like they are reading off of cue cards. But, man, does Nicole Beharie knock it out of the park this season, and Billy Crudup has been the saving grace since the beginning), but I didn't mind her on Russian Doll. I don't mind her here either, but I don't think she does anything special with this performance, especially when compared to Yoo. John Magaro probably has the hardest role - being a supportive husband who is hurt and jealous, but not angry or controlling is a rarity, especially in film land. I think this is also why I would cite the writing as award-worthy, because it would have been much easier to write this character in a more cliched way and made him unlikable so that the audience roots for the "main" couple. Instead, he comes off as a fucking angel of a man. I think it's extremely relatable for a whole lot of people (just having an ex, in general, that may or may have not been "the one", but also anyone who has been in a long distance or online relationship, or a relationship that ended due to circumstance, etc.) - there is always this feeling of "what could have been", but I am definitely in the same mindset that Greta's character is in, which is, as she says "This is where I ended up. This is where I'm supposed to be". It's definitely my favorite line of dialogue of the year and will resonate with me for a long time, I think. I think it's a very romantic notion, although some will think the opposite. But, there are choices that you have to make in life, and constantly questioning or second-guessing those choices will drive someone crazy. You just have to trust that you're where you are supposed to be. I think that's all I want to say about this movie. I can easily connect it to my own life, but I think my brain is forcing me to disconnect from it (otherwise I will turn into a bawling, heart-broken mess of a person). It's sort of fitting that my husband came home when I was half-way through this, sat down with me, watched the rest of it, and declared that it was "the most boring movie ever". 

3. Nyad - This is a very typical biopic elevated by some stellar acting performances from both Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. I don't really follow sports, especially swimming, but this story is super interesting and I'm kind of surprised that I had no previous knowledge of it (especially when it shows her on all these talk shows and such). I will never understand the type of person who sets out to do impossible tasks or break records, etc. I LOVE adventure and doing things out of my comfort zone (like I FINALLY went on a volcano helicopter tour and it was awesome and definitely addictive because I want to go on another helicopter ASAP. It was so much fun. I actually looked into how difficult it is to become a helicopter pilot. Something to think about.), but this is INSANE. And doesn't look particularly fun. I love swimming, too. And the ocean. But swimming from Cuba to Florida with no assistance and barely any food, is basically torture. But this crazy fucking woman is determined to do it and be THE FIRST even though she's past the age that most people would even attempt such a feat. It's impressive, for sure, but also very, very dumb. It all plays out exactly how you expect (she eventually completes her mission after failing a few times). I do wish they dove more into her backstory, too, because they kind of gloss over the fact that she was abused by her swim coach. There are these little confusing blips within the story, but it's not fully realized until they talk about his death. And it's kind of interesting that she openly lies and embellishes things and it's just accepted (like her last name). The best part of this film is the focus on the relationship she has with her best friend, who also becomes her coach, played by Foster. First, dear God, I hope I look as naturally beautiful at 61 as Jodie Foster does. She is, BY FAR, the highlight of this film. Bening is getting a lot of push behind her for awards nominations, but Foster should be a lock in the supporting category. Second, it's so rare to see female friendships on screen that aren't tested because of a man coming between them or another friend that makes them jealous. Their relationship is tested at one point in the film, but it's more of realistic approach to their dynamic (one is the giver and one is the taker - which I think is true in a lot of relationships). On a side note, the one thing that this film did do for me is that it motivated me to swim more. I really wish I had a lap pool (ultimate goal of mine - I think I would truly be happy if I could go for a quick swim every morning. We have gyms and the Y with public pools close to my house, but that seems like a hassle. I just want it in my back yard). It's such a healthy exercise, especially for older people and it soothes muscles and joints which I have a lot of problems with. 

4. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One - I actually liked this more than...any of the other M:I films?!! Could that be possible? I think they are all just *okay*, but I actively enjoyed this one way more than I remember liking any of the other ones. It's still a 3 star movie, but at the very top of the 3 star movies of the year. It's just a lot of fun, and I liked all the twists & turns. There are several action sequences that are incredible and I love the addition of Pom Klementieff (although my husband commented "why is she dressed like a pirate?" and I couldn't stop laughing at her. She did look a bit ridiculous for most of the movie). Vanessa Kirby is also a very big highlight (especially in a particular scene in which she had to basically be a different character). Rebecca Ferguson, also great. I'm not really the biggest Haley Atwell fan, but even she did a good job in this. They all just worked really well together and Atwell has great chemistry with Tom. I do think it's too long (because OF COURSE IT IS EVERY MOVIE IS TOO LONG), and a few scenes, while spectacular, are dragged on a little too much - the ending train sequence is a perfect example. But, it's also so incredible and intense (and also felt like Speed - I was literally waiting for them to say "we have to jump the track". I also got a Speed vibe from the fight on top of the train. I pictured Keanu saying "yeah, but I'm taller" and laughed to myself). I also think, as is the case with every other M:I movie, they explain everything a little too much. They explain everything like 10 times in the beginning as if we're all too stupid to understand such a *complex* plot (that was sarcastic). Even though it is all very obvious and over-done, it does have an interesting story about how AI is going to eventually destroy the world. We should all be terrified. 

5. Rustin - Just like Nyad, it's a typical (i.e mediocre) biopic, but Colman Domingo's performance make it worth a watch. It just feels more like a made-for-tv biopic, the story is too simple, the dialogue is a little cheesy, and some of the acting....is rough. How Chris Rock got cast in this, is beyond any reasonable thought, and then to put him in that old man makeup - it's just laughable. It felt like an SNL parody or something. He's just not a serious actor (and that's okay! Stick to what you're good at!). The story just...starts, too, without any real information on who Rustin is (as if he's just as popular as MLK or something? But I don't think most people know who he is. And that's also okay! That's the whole point of biopics like this - to tell these stories of people giving their lives so that we have the freedoms we have today. Just make him a fully-fleshed out person, please!!). Also, I don't know who that actor is who is playing Martin Luther King Jr. (too lazy to look it up!), but he is so bland (especially compared to what Domingo is doing). Nobody gets MLK, right though. His presence is impossible to recreate. As I was watching this, I thought to myself that it felt a little bit like Milk, which is one of my favorite biopics of all time, but it's just missing *something*. I had NO IDEA that Dustin Lance Black co-wrote the screenplay so that Milk feeling makes a whole lot of sense now (he also wrote Milk). I just wish it was as good. 

Thoughts on 5 New TV Shows

1. Gen V - I enjoyed this show - not nearly as much as The Boys, but it's solidly entertaining. I think the only real issue that I have with it is that the cast is a little bland (especially compared to The Boys). They spend a lot of time with character development, but it just doesn't work for me because I still couldn't care less about any of them. I also think that it's a little too connected to The Boys. First, I would have NO IDEA what was going on if I hadn't seen it's predecessor, plus I feel like this story is going to bleed into it so if you don't watch it, the next season of The Boys might be confusing. I do think it's a little too dramatic and it feels like what The Umbrella Academy already did. They've also gone a little crazy with what's considered a "super power" (like the person who can change gender. How exactly is that a super power? They don't explain why they switch from male to female and vice versa in certain situations. Is one gender better at certain things??? I mean, the answer to that is yes, but they don't answer that question at all in this. Like, if you're going to go there then GO THERE. Take a stand, but I still wouldn't consider it a super power). I also just don't think that they would let someone who could perform mind control (even on other supes)...loose in the world?? If someone had that power, it's quite literally a threat to national security. I know I'm over-thinking it, and a lot of super powers could be used for evil (and therefore become villains), I just think that that super power would be considered one of the most dangerous and she would be monitored at all times. Anyway, I'm looking forward to more and hopefully the next season they can add a few more cast members that really elevate it. 

2. The Continental: From the World of John Wick - I honestly thought Hotel Artemis was supposed to be this show because there were so many talks about a spin-off and that movie was about a hotel of assassins. I was shocked that it was just a copy and that someone got ahead of it. Instead this official spin-off is a prequel, so at least it is something different. I'm a big fan of the John Wick universe and I was looking forward to this, but unfortunately, I didn't really like it. It's completely forgettable and Mel Gibson's performance is awful. He needs to stop acting (I think he can stick to directing, I guess, but he hasn't given a good performance probably since Ransom. Remember that movie?? It's great). His over-acting combined with the cartoonish accent (how is his NY accent this bad when he's FROM NY??? Just an hour outside of NYC - and very close to where I grew up. So I can say with authority that this accent is absolutely cringe), and the scene chewing, it just really ruins the whole thing for me. There's nothing special about the rest of the actors, either, and honestly, I think the casting is just weird. The younger version of Winston is nothing like Ian McShane at all - in presence, physicality, nor accent. Also, Ian McShane has looked at least 50 years old for the last 50 years (look it up!). It's just dumb. The first episode is...okay, they seemed like they were setting up for an interesting story, but then it just falls flat and I could barely pay attention to the second episode (kudos to the "Let's all go to the lobby" jingle - I instantly perked up from hearing it because it brought back a flood of memories). Also, the fight sequences and choreography are great (because OF COURSE THEY ARE IT'S IN THE JOHN WICK UNIVERSE). But the rest of it is very ugly - dull and yellow-toned. I did really like the opening credits - very retro 70s feeling. So I guess that's something. I think the episodes are too long and drawn out. I would have preferred 5 shorter, better paced episodes over these 3 extremely long slow episodes. I think it's safe to say that we've exhausted this franchise (I haven't even watched the most recent movie yet, but I have a good idea of what happens), so hopefully this is the end of it. 

3. Lessons in Chemistry - Let me start off by saying that the third episode of this series will DESTROY you. I wasn't expecting it, as I'm not familiar with the story and had not heard much about it from fellow film/tv lovers. The first two episodes are a little boring and I wasn't really sure how they were going to sustain a full series with this very expected plot. But then something happens at the end of the second episode that definitely surprised me, but THEN, the next episode *mini spoiler* is narrated by a dog - a dog who feels like he's failed his mission in life. It's soul-destroying. I cried. Multiple times. As far as the human story goes, as I said, there's not much that's holding my interest. I like Brie Larson a lot, and I think she's far better in stuff like this as opposed to big blockbuster stuff. I also LOVE Aja Naomi King (from How to Get Away with Murder). She's a terrific actress and deserves to have a starring role in something pronto (she was also great in The Birth of a Nation). I also feel extremely dumb because as I was watching this I kept thinking that the love interest guy looked exactly like Bill Pullman, but I didn't look it up until 3 episodes in to realize that his name is Lewis Pullman (i.e Bill's son). He was also in the new Top Gun movie, but I inexplicably didn't notice the resemblance then. Anyway, I'm interested in how the story is going to evolve after the shockingly devastating twist. They do a good job of making it feel real and grounded, because I honestly thought it was a true story. 

4. The Fall of the House of Usher - Mike Flanigan has been killing it with his Netflix horror shows - my favorite, I think, is The Haunting of Hill House, but I've really liked them all (I haven't seen the Midnight Club one, but I also didn't see anyone talk about it, so maybe it's not a good one?). I love that he uses the same cast, yet puts them in completely different roles. In particular, I'm a big fan of Kate Siegal, and she's great in this, but I would like to see her in something other than her husband's projects (and in a different genre than horror). She looks so hot in this, though, with the white hair - it suits her really well. I also love Carla Gugino - I think I've mentioned this before, but I was obsessed with the movie Son in Law (yes, the one with Pauly Shore), because I loved her so much when I was young. I thought she was, like, the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen and I wanted to be like her. This also has Zach Gilford and Carl Lumbly (although Lumbly has been in a million things, he will always be Marcus Dixon from Alias to me. Love him.). I was a little underwhelmed by the first episode, but it definitely picks up with the second. And I'm soooo happy that ***major spoiler*** the youngest of his children dies first because that dude is a horrible actor and his character was the worst part of the whole show. The end of the second episode is STUNNING - and then it never slows down. Just one stunning scene after the next. The show is a bit of Succession if they were in the pharmaceutical business (and all died a horrible death), mixed with Edgar Allan Poe's beautiful darkness. It's a simple story of selling one's soul to the devil (literally) and the repercussions of that - it's all very expected, but I don't think the actual plot is the important part. It's the way the story is told that is important - and it's just a stunning piece of television. Each episode builds and builds on this tale of greed and lust for power, until it, quite literally, falls. I love the use of Poe's poetry in the last few episodes to really elevate the depth of the story. I still like Hill House better, but this is probably better made. 

5. Fellow Travelers - I like Matt Bomer enough, and I really want to like Jonathon Bailey (and I'm going to use this show to decide because I can't take Bridgerton seriously). I would love for Bomer to play a different role, but he seems to pick the same thing for every project. He's good at it, though. I definitely don't like Bailey with this American accent, but I think he's in the more challenging role and he does a decent job. I like that they are both political nerds who spend their day working in an office, but they both have defined six pack abs....sure, okay. I do appreciate the full-on sex scenes, though. I'm happy that most film/tv creators are pushing back on the anti-sex scene narrative that a very small but loud group seem to be offended by (one of the recent studies about young people wanting less sex in media interviewed people aged 10-24. Why the FUCK are we interviewing 10 year olds on sex in the media? And how is that not going to be obviously skewed against it? ANYWAY...) The absolute worst part of the show is the parts with them in their older makeup. Sorry, but the makeup is AWFUL. It looks so fake. Allison Williams with the fake neck wrinkles?! Hard to look at. Overall, I think this show is a little...blah. But I'm only 4 episodes in and I've heard that it gets really good, so I guess we'll see. I just feel like I've already seen this story before and they aren't doing anything to it to really grip me. It's still an important story and I do feel like most stories overlook the anti-gay part of the McCarthyism, instead the focus is on the anti-communism aspect, but it was very much anti-gay. And we are at the tipping point of repeating history with the anti-trans stuff happening. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Killer - Ummmmmmmm....so, I didn't love it. It's exactly how I feel about Fincher's output since Zodiac. I haven't loved any of it (except Mindhunter!!), and some of them I didn't like at all (Mank, Gone Girl). It's really a shame considering that Se7en is one of my all-time favorite films. And I love Fight Club and Panic Room. But this is just so dull. It's well-made, and visually appealing, but the actual story is so predictable and the story of a killer (whether paid assassin or serial killer) letting his personal life effect his "job" has been done a million times (Dexter, Barry, Killing Eve, that awful Jessica Chastain movie Ava, are the first projects that pop into my head, but I'm sure I can probably name a dozen more if I really thought about it). I quite like the idea behind it - that being an assassin is just as mundane as any other 9-5 job ("Redundancies, Redundancies, and Redundancies" said in the same tone as "I smile, I smile, and I smile"). And at least Fincher knows how to light a night scene! There's also a lot of discussion within the film community about Fincher's use of seamless CGI, which I also agree with. But I just couldn't connect to it at all and I found the soundtrack extremely grating (we get it, he likes The Smiths, but Jesus Christ there's only so much I can take within a 2 hour timeframe). I think it could have been more subtle, or had more nuance. It also could have gone much darker or added more comedic moments. But instead, it's just all sort of...there. It's definitely a case of style over substance, and I do think his fanbase are those kind of "die hard" fans that will see genius in everything he does even if it's mostly mediocre. I also think Michael Fassbender is (usually) a terrific actor, and he does a good job of leading this film. I do think it's weird that he seems to have escaped the abuse allegations. I see it brought up every once in a while, but then it's quickly forgotten about again. It's most definitely because he's white, handsome, and has star power that can lead franchises (also, maybe the allegations aren't true, but it's still weird that nobody seems to want to address it). Overall though, meh. 

2. El Conde - I think this movie is sort of genius. It's a little too long and it feels kind of like an episode of Succession but with vampires, but then there is a really funny twist to it that I don't think anyone will see coming unless you're like me and wonder who did the narration and were too impatient to wait to find out. I googled it within the first minute and realized I spoiled a huge twist for myself. ***and spoilers ahead*** I honestly looked it up because I thought why does this narrator sound like Gillian Anderson doing her Margaret Thatcher on The Crown impersonation??? And then once I realized that it is supposed to be Margaret Thatcher, I kind of knew how the story was going to end. It's hilarious, though. But anyway, I think Pablo Lorrain is a really interesting filmmaker, even though I haven't loved all of his movies (Ema is my favorite of his, and I liked both Spencer and No. The only one I didn't really like was Jackie, but that might have been due to my own expectations). There's some really beautiful cinematography in this, and the scene with the young woman flying is excellently executed (I didn't love the overwhelming violins though). I don't know if the movie will really stick with me (other than the Thatcher twist), but I appreciate what it attempts. 

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - This is a stunning movie. I really, really liked the first one, but I thought the praise was a little too much. When the same praise happened for this one (and most citing it as "even better"), I assumed it was another product of the hyperbole machine. However, I think I agree! It's definitely better than the first one, and it's one of the most well-thought-out superhero stories...ever. I did find the animation to be a little over-stimulating (and I didn't feel like that one with the first one), but it's still absolutely gorgeous. There are so many highlights to the story, but my personal favorite is Spider-Punk, voiced to perfection by Daniel Kaluuya. I laughed so hard at how much he loved the chaos (a lot of his little mannerisms are in the background too, so you have to really be paying attention specifically to him to notice it). I also thought the Indian version of Spider-Man was hilarious as he's showing them around ("this is where all the traffic is"). I love that both of these films have leaned into the fact that they can do Spider-Man comic book things that don't translate well in live-action (like Spider-Cat for example), and I can't wait to see how the next one attempts to top this. I was already aware that this was a "part one" and that it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I kind of guessed what was going to happen, but I don't really rely on these stories to be shocking. I also don't rely on them to have this much depth and heartfelt emotion, but this film excels in this aspect. Just everything one could ask for in an animated film - perfectly cast voice actors, gorgeous animation filled with unexpected visual styles, a strong story, well-written characters, and some emotional punches. I think Infinity Pool is still my favorite film of the year just because of the sheer audacity of it, but this is a better film in terms of filmmaking so it's a close second.

4. Fingernails - I really liked this movie, but I'm also a little disappointed with it because it could have been A LOT better. I just think that a movie with this cast that has a storyline on par with The Lobster, should be my favorite film of the year and I don't think it's going to even make my Top 10. It just feels like it's missing something. And one of those things is chemistry. While I LOVE Jessie Buckley and Riz Ahmed - they just don't click for me at all. I wanted to feel the aching they had for each other. And I love that Jeremy Allen White is, like, a household name now (he was so good as Lip Gallagher, and I've seen a lot of people going back to watch the U.S version of Shameless due to his current popularity. Now if I can just convince people to watch the original first season of Shameless, my heart would explode. It's still my favorite season of any television series ever. Plus, James McAvoy), but he's given very little to do in this. I also don't really feel the chemistry between White and Buckley either, which I think was sort of done on purpose, but I think it would have made the story a LOT more interesting. I do like a lot of other things about this movie, though. I love that it feels futuristic and retro at the same time - it seems to take place in the late 70s/early 80s based on cars and technology, but they have an advanced system of detecting if two people are in love. I also think they mention the movie Titanic? So it would have to be after 1997 (or do they talk about the actual Titanic??? Now I'm double guessing myself). Anyway, it's definitely an interesting world that they've created. And I love all of the dancing scenes because it's very ridiculous, but they take it very seriously. There is a line of dialogue that I deeply hate though - "watching a love story feels safe, while being in love doesn't". What the fuck? Being in love should make you feel the safest you've ever felt in your whole life. If it doesn't then please get the fuck out of the relationship. 

5. Barbie - I'm not quite sure just how I feel about this movie yet. I know when the trailers were released and everyone was freaking out about it, I thought it looked horrendous. I had no interest in watching it in a theater, because it seemed like a nightmare (especially with the whole Barbenheimer thing). I wasn't surprised when reviews starting come in and they were largely good, but mostly because Greta Gerwig has a fairly large fanbase and her movies are a bit over-praised, in my opinion (I liked Lady Bird a lot, but it wasn't a masterpiece as some describe it. And I enjoyed Little Women more than I thought I would, but I can't believe it was nominated for Oscars). But, I'm happy to report that I definitely liked this - it's funny and cute, very well-acted, and the production design and costumes are a dream. But, I also think it's also a little cheesy, kind of stupid, and...very simple. I think too many people acted like it was subversive and layered, and I found it to be the opposite. The biggest success is most definitely the casting - Margot Robbie is Barbie and I love how much she just owned it - the press she did pre-strike, in which she wore recreated iconic Barbie looks were downright genius. And while I think Oscar talk is ridiculous, Ryan Gosling as Ken, is HILARIOUS. I think the best thing about Gosling is that he's in on the joke. Like, he knows how ridiculous this movie is and he just leans into it. I was surprised at how good he sings that Matchbox Twenty song, and I sincerely hope that "I'm Just Ken" is nominated for an Oscar because I think watching this performed live during the Oscar ceremony could potentially be an Oscar highlight of the century. I also love the casting of Issa Rae (her line delivery of "that's because they're dreamhouses, mother fucker" is probably my favorite line of the whole movie), and the Sex Education reunion (I'm going to miss that show so much). I also think that the whole battle of the sexes aspect is done really well - and when Ken introduces the patriarchy to Barbie Land, I laughed really hard at most of it. I appreciate the production design, the attention to detail with the costumes, and the choreographed musical numbers. It felt like Gerwig put a lot of love into this, and I'm glad that she was rewarded with breaking box office records. But, as I said, it's also really stupid, the ending drags a bit, and it's not something I would ever watch again. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Haunted Mansion - I like a lot of this cast (LaKeith Stanfield, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Hasan Minhaj, Dan Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, even Owen Wilson sometimes!), but this movie is God-awful. It's not quite the worst movie of the year for me (so far), but it's pretty damn close (the worst is still Cocaine Bear - nobody can convince me that it's "fun & campy"). It's a weird group of people to put in a movie together (from Oscar nominees & winners, to legends, to...Tiffany Haddish - such an unfunny person that keeps being in stuff). It's a shame they weren't able to promote it because I do think it would have been a more successful family movie if it were promoted by its stars. It also had an unfortunate release date (why not wait for Halloween? Even the streaming release felt early - release this on Halloween weekend...duh). But, I also wish it were better. The story is kind of cute-ish, but it's just very busy and cheesy, instead of campy. The effects are very poorly done, and the "twist" is basically The Sixth Sense. I do love the New Orleans setting, but also I feel like people from there probably get really annoyed by all of the tourists interested in all the "haunted" stuff instead of the actual history. I think I could forgive the movie more if it were geared towards children, but it's SO boring, I would have hated it as a kid. 

2. Bottoms - This is a cute and funny teen comedy, but the hyperbolic praise for it is...really something. It really makes me long for genuine film criticism that isn't necessarily serious (because a lot of film critics are elitist assholes), but also not out here giving movies like this 5 stars on Letterboxd. I know that a lot of people, including critics, admit that they don't take the stars seriously (one that I regularly read rates every single movie 5 stars), but putting this movie in the same rating category as, like, Vertigo, is just insane to me (I'm not exaggerating - Bottoms has over 100k 5 star ratings. I just wish there was something in-between being elitist and being completely chaotic with ratings). Anyway, I did enjoy this a lot (I rated it 3 stars - which means "good" because I'm not a psychopath) and I laughed a lot. There are a lot of seemingly throwaway lines that are so bitingly funny - my favorite is "this is the second wave all over again" (referencing second-wave feminism. It's very funny, if you're well-versed in the history of feminism). But I also laughed out loud to "nice try, but my vagina belongs to the government", and "you don't care about feminism, you're favorite show is Entourage". Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri have great comedic chemistry together, and I think it's super cool that Sennott co-wrote this as well. I also really want to root for Kaia Gerber (she was terrible in the AHS spin-off, but I see potential. And I've always been a big Cindy Crawford fan - one of the best supermodels ever). AND one of my favorite newcomers, Havana Rose Liu! I was hoping to see her in something bigger after her excellent performance in No Exit. I was having a lot of fun with this, but it definitely starts to fall apart about 1/2 way through, which is why it's NOT a 5 star movie (I will never get over this!). Also, I always get really annoyed at how American high schools are portrayed in the media - like why are that many people at a pep rally? Nobody cared about pep rallies in my high school. In fact, it was kind of uncool to care about school or participate in any of that stuff. But then I was talking to my husband, who went to a more typical suburban high school, about it, and he said that at his school they were required (!!) to attend. Like, they gave everyone off from whatever class you had during the rally but you had to go to the pep rally instead (!!). It's so crazy how different we grew up considering we both are from right outside of NYC (just opposite directions), but my school had about 4000 kids and his only had 1100. Anyway, I guess it is something that happens in American schools, but it certainly isn't happening at every school. 

3. Reptile - This is a very average movie - but somewhat interesting. I think there is a good movie in here - like a solid 90s thriller, but a few mistakes were made - it's far too long (there are SO MANY unnecessary scenes!), it feels like it's trying too hard to lean into a gritty, noir instead of leaning into a trashy thriller, and it's extremely obvious as to who "did it" - I knew it as soon as we see the woman's dead body (which is kind of spoilery since we aren't introduced to the other two suspects until after she dies. Ooops). Also, I have no idea why it's called Reptile? No reference to reptiles at all in the entire movie (at least that are noticeable) - just on the poster with the tagline "Shed The Lies"....Uhhhhh? Okay, I guess. But, it has a great cast - Benicio Del Toro, Alicia Silverstone, Frances Fisher, an extremely under-utilized Michael Pitt, Ato Essendoh, and a stand-out performance from Karl Glusman (I feel like he usually picks better movies that this though - Neon Demon, Watcher, Nocturnal Animals - he has an excellent filmography so far). And, of course, Justin Timberlake. I've said it before, but to repeat myself - Timberlake is an incredible performer. He's just not the greatest actor. I think he gets miscast in a lot, so it enhances his lack of acting skills, but also I think his own personality shines through every role he's done. Also, while we're on the subject of Justin (someone that I was obsessed with during the Justin/Britney days - and I also worked as an intern at their record label, and have heard a LOT of gossip from both of their perspectives), I am so frustrated by Britney's "tell-all" book. First, I would never, ever, ever do that to an ex-partner - especially if that person were only 20 years old at the time of our relationship. Like, OF COURSE, they both made a lot of mistakes - it was an insane time for both of them and they were practically kids, thrown into the world of celebrity almost instantly. I think it's such a shitty thing for her to do, especially considering how she's been treated her whole life. And I think it's weird that nobody is criticizing her for it - instead he's cast as a villain. I sincerely hope he does the bigger thing and just keeps his mouth shut. At this point, I think it would be useless for him to defend himself. The internet had made up their mind already. Annnyyyway...like I said, it's an average movie, at best, but there's some interesting things within it. 

4. No Hard Feelings - I liked this - it's probably not something that will stay with me. There are no memorable lines that I'll be quoting decades from now, but I was entertained and I laughed a few times. The funniest part was a throw away line about her adopting a dog - when she's asked why she wants to adopt a dog, she responds "because I can't have a dog of my own" (I snorted laughing. It's a very clever line that doesn't get the same landing that some of the unfunnier jokes get). I'm glad that the scene from the teaser trailer is shown right up front, because I was very nervous that this was going to be a disaster from that clip - I only watched it because everyone on twitter seemed to think it was hilarious, but I thought it seemed desperate and cringe. However, it is mostly a sweet and funny movie. Jennifer Lawrence is good when she wants to be, and she has a very natural sense of humor. I appreciate the lengths she's willing to go to for a laugh. And her fighting a group of teenagers on the beach...naked...is definitely funny (but it also felt like CGI, so I didn't actually think it was her until I read afterwards that it was). I also laughed very hard when they call her "ma'am" and act like she's ancient even though she's like 30. Her reactions and timing are on point, and this is by far one of her better performances (I also thought she was great in mother!, and The Hunger Games movies. I don't think I've loved another performance from her - even the ones that she's been nominated for Oscars for. I think she's miscast in the O. Russell films). I do think the movie is also a little...sad? Like how stunted young people have become, especially post-Covid, combined with a massive increase in social media usage. I was talking to this man the other day about how he has 17 year old twin daughters, and they don't date. He said none of their friends do either. Guys don't ask them out or even really talk to them, and how when he watches them in group situations they all just ignore each other and look at their phones. It's like nobody knows how to communicate anymore, and it's only going to get worse. I think this movie touches on that social anxiety a bit, and how child-like a 19 year old is. I was a full-blown adult at 19 - lived on my own, had multiple relationships by then, etc. I'm just getting more and more scared for the future generations every minute. 

5. Fair Play - I'm actually in a little bit of shock at how much I liked this movie. I certainly didn't expect to, for multiple reasons. First, I think Phoebe Dynevor was the second worst thing about Bridgerton (the first was Rege-Jean Page), and I assumed that she was a terrible actress. Second, it's a Netflix movie and most of those have ranged from terrible to mediocre. Third, the beginning is really awful. I couldn't even look at the screen - just about the worst engagement scene I've ever seen. However, as the film continued, there is something really interesting explored within the power dynamics of this relationship and the pacing of the story is fan-fucking-tastic. It's been a long time since I've said that about any movie - so many are drawn out, or too dull, or don't know how to build tension. But this hooked me and I couldn't look away. Dynevor is incredible, which shocked me, but also I LOVE when someone surprises me. I think maybe her performance in Bridgerton is a product of bad casting. However, Alden Ehrenreich steals the movie - I sort of hate that a film with this subject matter (a woman superseding her male co-worker, who also happens to be her fiance, in the work place), that is directed by a woman, has a male performance as the highlight, but I have to be honest. He is stunning in this film (and will likely be ignored for any awards) - he somehow created a character who is a TOTAL asshole that I still felt sympathy for because I could see his emotions bubbling behind his eyes and his struggle to contain it and remain "cool". And his performance gets even better once he does break - when he goes full psychopath and starts fucking barking. It's glorious. It's such a good story of a man being emasculated, his over-reaction to it, his manipulation, the way he undercuts her but in a seemingly supportive way, and ultimately the way he's convinced himself that sexual favors were exchanged - as if that's the only explanation for her succeeding. It's just so good. And I think very realistic, unfortunately. I think it's a big mistake to work with your partner because there's always going to be a bit of competitiveness that will strain the relationship (my husband and I have talked about me working for him - he owns two stores, and I have over 20 years of experience in retail management. It would be logical and also, financially smarter for him to pay me as a manager - having that money go into our own pockets instead of a stranger. BUT, I tell him flat-out that I would run circles around him in a work environment and it would bother him. He claims it wouldn't, but I think it's just a product of our environment for men to feel emasculated if women are better than them at certain things. And business is one of those things). The way this film handles this tension, how it shifts the power dynamics back and forth, how it plays with reality - it's going to stick with me for a while.