Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Hand of God - I'm a bit intrigued by Paolo Sorrentino. I've never seen anything of his until this past year when I watched The Young Pope & The New Pope television series. And I honestly only watched that for Jude Law (he's so pretty). While I can't really say that I liked it, there is something fascinating about the style - it's very modern and a bit silly, but visually stunning with surprising music that somehow makes it irresistible. There are certain scenes that I could just watch on a loop because they are so beautiful. However, the story is practically non-existent and it moves at a snail's pace - both series could have been done in two episodes total. I read that this was a bit of an autobiographical story for him, and that seems more exciting because, theoretically, if you take that same passion he shows for style and combine it with a personal story, then that should be a perfect combination. Unfortunately, this is another frustrating experience. There are a few stunning shots, but nothing that will be burned into my memory, and it's quite funny in some parts, but other than that, it's very forgettable (and that's the worst thing a film can be in my opinion). I did like the end, though, with him pursuing his cinematic interests with the feeling of not wanting to live in reality anymore (definitely know that feeling well). And the filmmaker asking him "do you have a story to tell or are you just another asshole?", I feel like a lot of filmmakers/writers really should ask themselves that question more often. 

2. The Last Duel - Okay, first things first, I have to discuss the accents. It's absolutely bonkers to me that anyone would think it's acceptable to create a film that takes place in France in the 1300s, but not have the actors have a French accent (and really for authenticity, it should just be in French, but that's a whole other discussion and at least I understand the financial reason for this). And even worse, they all have different accents so it's not even consistent. I briefly read about the decision behind this and it seems they thought it would feel more "authentic" to just have their natural accent instead of distracting the audience with fake accents. I'm sorry, but, to me, that sounds like you're making an excuse for not being able to do an inherent part of your job as an actor. If you can't do the accent then maybe you're not right for the role? Plus, they don't actually use their "natural" accent - instead they do some weird vague American accent. I get that this was a bit of a passion project for Damon and Affleck, but casting themselves in roles they can't do is such an elitist, narcissistic move. Their instinct is right in the fact that they would feel inauthentic with these accents, but they also feel inauthentic in this world - the really bad hair style and fake facial hair is far more distracting than an attempt at a French accent, in my opinion (seriously, when I first saw the trailer and spotted Affleck, I laughed and laughed and laughed, which is not an appropriate reaction to this story). So, obviously, the casting is just a complete and utter disaster. And aside from Damon and Affleck, as you already know, I'm not the biggest fan of Adam Driver but he, oddly, fits into this world. There is nothing special about his performance, though. The saving grace is Jodie Comer (who apparently was supposed to sound French? I didn't get that at all. It was definitely more English to my ears). So, not that I've gotten that out - I actually really loved this movie! I didn't expect to, but it's really stunning in a lot of ways. I knew that the story was told in a very Rashomon, different "truths", kind of way about a rape, but I think what I find the most interesting is that their versions don't actually defer that much and that this idea that "she made the customary protest, she is a lady" so it can't be rape, has been passed down for centuries and says a lot more about "perspectives" rather than "memory". Comer is a revelation in her subtleties, but I loved how obvious her emotions are in certain scenes (and the absolute hatred she has for her husband in the later scenes are glorious). The three versions all merge into this brutal "last duel" in a spectacular fashion. Just gripping. 

3. The Tragedy of Macbeth - There's always going to be the question whether another cinematic version of Macbeth is necessary, and my answer (as a self-identified Shakespeare junkie) will always be yes, as long as it offers something new and/or extraordinary. And I think this film does both successfully. The cast is already intriguing - and unexpected. We know Denzel can deliver a monologue, and he excels in this. Same for McDormand. However, the interpretation of the three witches is sublime/spectacular/brilliant/genius and any other word for one of the best things I've ever seen on film. The way Kathryn Hunter contorts her body is so disturbing and creepy, and I could not take my eyes off of her. I'm not usually a fan of black & white used in modern films, but this is definitely more than acceptable. The use of light and shadows really accents the story in such an innovative way. Plus, some of the shots are just so stunning! I really loved all the scenes with the archways - the illusion of depth within the shadows is chill-inducing. But, the best part is that I can't stop thinking of this movie. At first, I thought "okay that was good!" and rated it 3 & 1/2 stars, but the more I think about it, it might be among my favorites of 2021. There's just something so satisfying about it. (also, yes I realize that I just went on and on about accents in The Last Duel, and this movie does exactly the same thing with having all the actors just use their natural accents instead of having a traditional Scottish accent, but this works because it is an interpretation - it's not set in any sort of realism. THERE'S A DIFFERENCE!)

4. Encounter - I really, really like this movie, and I'm sad that I've barely heard anyone mention it? Maybe because it's on Amazon and hasn't really been promoted properly, or maybe people were disappointed with the genre tricking (it's...not sci-fi), but I suggest people seek it out, especially if you're a fan of Riz Ahmed. He turns in another incredible performance (Oscar-worthy). It's fairly obvious as to what is going on in this movie right away, so I'm glad that they don't keep it as a "twist" for very long. Although, I did find myself wondering if there still was a "twist" and maybe things still aren't what they seem. *some slight spoilers ahead* I don't think the issue of "Family Annihilators" is a topic that is often explored with this much empathy and I appreciate that. Especially showing him as a loving and caring father - it forces the audience to consider his backstory of foster care, PTSD, and incarceration more thoroughly. His situation is the perfect storm of causing a psychological breakdown and basically, without help, this man is a ticking time bomb. The ending gets a little over-dramatic compared to the rest of the movie. I definitely would have preferred a quieter more thought-provoking ending, but overall this is an excellent movie. 

5. The Dry - This is a solid adult mystery/thriller film. First, Eric Bana with his Australian accent is a thousand times sexier than Eric Bana without his Australian accent. I don't usually find him this hot, but the accent combined with that tight grey t-shirt is quite something. And, he's also excellent in this (as he usually is). I like the slowly building mystery with the past intertwined with the present day story - it's interesting to figure out how the past effects the present, and I wasn't really sure how it was all going to play out. It's very smartly constructed. There's also a lot of psychological drama involved that quietly deals with guilt that this man feels about the past unsolved murder - it's what drives him to solve the present day case (to absolve him of his guilt...maybe?). The weird thing, though, is that I watched The Kid Detective shortly after this and they are oddly structured the exact same way - so much so that when I started thinking about this movie, I realized that I was totally confusing who the killer is in this. I would get more specific, but I don't want to spoil either film, but I just wanted to give you insight into how terrible my memory is. Anyway, I definitely recommend this movie, though. 

3 Thoughts on The King's Man

1. As a prequel - I've already written about my love for the Kingsman movies, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this movie. I think it's super cool to do a prequel and to see the beginning of how this elite group of spies was created. I also think the story can keep going until it catches up with The Secret Service. It's very successful in the way that it feels like it's in the same world as its predecessors, even as it's set over a century ago. One of my biggest disappointments, though, is with (some) of the cast. Ralph Fiennes, Rhys Ifans, and Djimon Hounsou are absolutely perfect for their roles, but mostly everyone else is a big miss. And a big reason I love the other movies is because of the cast. I'm not just talking about Taron, either. Although, I do think casting an unknown actor in the lead role worked out really, really well because they found the perfect person - he's got charisma galore (and he's um...really hot). Harris Dickinson falls completely flat for me. Just so unmemorable. But the casting of both Samuel L. Jackson and Julianne Moore as "the bad guys" is part of what makes the other Kingsman movies work. The "bad guy" in this is...well, it's a surprise, so I won't spoil it. But, it's not an actor comparable to either Jackson or Moore on any level. And, the stunningly fake Scottish accent is...a choice. It makes the casting decision even more odd. Although, I do think I have a sensitivity to accents that others don't - as the "bad guy" started to talk, my boyfriend whispered "oh is the guy you love in this?", I automatically thought he was talking about Taron since it was a Kingsman movie, and I angrily was like "are you stupid? How could he be in this if it's set 100 years ago?" (in my head of course), but then I realized he was talking about James McAvoy. And you know what? That would have been the casting dream right there (but I also don't understand how someone can't tell the difference between an actual Scottish accent and a bad fake one?? *rubs temples*). And Aaron Taylor-Johnson's role in this is so minimal, but clearly set up for the next in the series. I don't mind him (I wasn't really a fan until his brilliant turn in Nocturnal Animals - such a chilling, unforgettable performance), but, once again, I am so happy that he turned down the role of Eggsy. 

2. As Historical Fiction - It's so hilariously ridiculous the way this movie merges all of these historical events in with the creation of the Kingsman. I mean, I just laughed my ass off for most of it. But the even funnier part is that a lot of it...actually happened. It's the craziest history lesson that I've ever experienced, but also made for a fairly interesting plot device. Obviously some of it is exaggerated for effect, but Archduke Ferdinand did coincidentally drive past the man who *just* tried to assassinate him and Rasputin was one fucking crazy man that the Romanovs inexplicably trusted with their lives. And WWI basically happened because of three cousins trying to outdo each other. It seems legitimately made-up. Although, I think this is what made the movie feel a little more serious than the present day movies that are actually made up (although brain implants and a world held hostage by a weaponized pandemic seem more and more likely every day). It was hard to be lightly entertained, but still a brilliant use of history. 

3. As a Matthew Vaughn film - As much as I love Matthew Vaughn, one thing that can be said is that he does not know how and when to scale it back. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because it's very clearly his movie and I can always appreciate that. But just like with The Golden Circle, it should have been edited down by 30 minutes (at the very least). Some scenes just go on too long, and they aren't important or interesting enough to warrant it. There are also a lot of inconsistencies in tone and characters. However, in Vaughn's defense (and I will always defend his movies), I bet you never imagined watching Rasputin in a Russian dance/kung fu combination fight with Ralph Fiennes to the tune of the "1812 Overture"?? His creativity around action sequences, honestly, blows my mind sometimes. I wasn't as impressed with The Golden Circle because I wanted a scene like the church scene in TSS, and that didn't happen (and I concede that nothing will ever match it), but after watching it multiple times, I see the genius in both the first action scene in the car, as well as the end scene in the diner with all of the lasso work. I think if I rewatched this, I would most certainly find more value in some of the action and fight scenes. Vaughn clearly thinks outside the box and puts sequences together that no one else could. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Lost Daughter - I was super excited about this movie - Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. That's some serious potential right there. And I'm so happy to report that I really, really loved it. It felt like a serious meditation on motherhood in a way that is not often explored. It's summed up nicely with the pivotal line "children are a...crushing responsibility". While, overall, this movie is getting consistently strong reviews, I have seen some criticism about it being such a negative take on motherhood (and that the main character shouldn't be "celebrated" for abandoning her children...but...she's not...did you watch the same movie?? Some critics really just say anything nowadays), but I sort of love the honesty behind it. And you can still find the main character's actions disgusting, selfish, and utterly heartless, but still be invested in the story being told - and I definitely feel like that's the case here. And I don't think it's "celebrating" anyone, instead I think it's more of a story of finding compassion for new mothers who might be struggling and need support (so they don't just give up?). I literally can not think of a harder job than being a mother, and the truth of the matter is, there are many women who aren't capable of doing it well. And I think this compassion aspect can also extend to women, in general, because the whole "motherhood or non-motherhood" aspect is inherently part of our existence. Whether we have kids that we want, have kids that we didn't want, don't have kids that we do want, or don't have kids and don't want them. It's a question that's asked of us every day. "Do you have children?" and now that I've hit 40, it's turned into more of a statement "It's not too late!". And it's harder for the women who want them but can't (one of my co-workers is also 40, desperately wants kids, but due to a medical condition can not have children, and she gets the same statement all the time "It's not too late!"). Anyway, I've gone on a tangent, but I have a few more personal thoughts on my connection with this movie - one, my maternal grandmother abandoned her 5 children so I do think this woman is disgusting, selfish and utterly heartless, just like my grandmother (my mom forgave her later in life, but I wanted nothing to do with the woman) and two, my mother had me as a teenager and was not very motherly. She gets really upset over that fact, but it is what it is. I do think she tried her absolute best and she sacrificed so much for me, but when I see, like, actual good mothers, it makes me incredibly sad. Okay, enough of my sidetracked thoughts, my point is that this movie brought out a lot of emotions and thoughts, and that's always a wonderful thing. Olivia is stunning (but surprisingly not my favorite performance of the year - more on that next in this post). Dakota Johnson is perfect in this role because she has this natural naivete about her, it's very charming and lovely. Jessie Buckley, as a younger version of Olivia's character, is really great casting - and the best I've seen Buckley since Wild Rose. There is also such a beautiful, quiet restraint in every scene - it's never over dramatic, instead it feels natural and raw. It's very well done, especially for a debut directorial effort. 

2. The Eyes of Tammy Faye - I'm stunned by Jessica Chastain's performance here. And I'm even more stunned that she's not the front-runner for the Oscar race (but now that Stewart missed the SAG nomination, who is the front-runner? Olivia Colman? I'm definitely ok with that). I think it's partly due to the fact that it seems like a lot of people aren't very familiar with Tammy Faye? I sifted through several critic reviews and almost all of them said they weren't (two factors: age & non-American). Well, let me tell you, as someone who grew up with a fascination for Tammy, Chastain is absolutely incredible. I'm more impressed by interpretations than performances that try to copy or mimic someone, and this feels more like an interpretation, and it is just perfect. Religious or not, Tammy and Jim Bakker were EVERYWHERE. Subject of tabloid gossip, SNL sketches, and talk show guests, they built an incredible brand. I always felt a tinge of sadness for Tammy. I only really remember her after the drug use, loopiness, and overwhelming makeup, but she always talked about loving everyone and that was much different than other religious zealots of the time (the gays of the 90s absolutely LOVED Miss Tammy Faye). I have a hard time believing that she didn't know about the money laundering and fraudulent activity, because she's not stupid. I think she made a conscious decision to be "ignorant" of what was happening around her, but ultimately she had a good heart (and I think she also believed that God wanted her to have all of her success). Anyway, as far as the movie goes - it is very cut and dry in the way it tells her story, but her life is so interesting, so it works ok for me. But I saw someone mention how this would have made an incredible musical and, honestly, that would have made this movie so much better. I also would have preferred less makeup on Chastain - not the actual makeup that Tammy is known for (that is recreated very well), but the prosthetic cheeks aren't necessary. 

3. The Tender Bar - This is exactly what I was expecting, but that's sort of disappointing because I would have loved to be surprised by this. Instead it's a fairly cliched coming-of-age story. There's really nothing new or memorable about this or Ben Affleck's performance which seems to be weirdly praised (I love Affleck, but the film industry is so weird when the decide to praise something that is mediocre and then everyone just hops on the same train...). This does feel more confident in its direction than previous Clooney movies, but I still don't feel Clooney has a clear voice. And while I do think this is a fine movie, there are quite a lot of things about it that I either didn't like or are just very weird. The film focuses a lot of this kid having an absentee father, as if his life is out of the ordinary, but even back in the late 70s/early 80s that wasn't an unheard of thing. They also stress the point that his name is J.R and it's not initials for something it's for "junior", but because he doesn't have a father his name is apparently a big deal? SO MANY PEOPLE ask him about his name, and I just can't imagine that would happen in real life. If someone told me their name was J.R. I would just call them J.R., I wouldn't question it??? Also, this film follows in the footsteps of many films before it, in which a fatherless child has to suffer some sort of father/child activity at school and I just don't believe that those exist (father/daughter school dances, father/son school breakfast?? I never had such a thing and I don't know anyone who has). Then there is a series of events that just don't make any sense - this kid gets invited to his girlfriend's house for Christmas, she has loud sex with him in her house with her parents home, and then dumps him and says she's seeing someone else, and then he continues to have a meal with her and her parents?? Um...what? Wouldn't you just leave? And her motivation makes...no sense. A few other quick points: 1. It could have easily cut the narration (and it probably would have been better). 2. It cuts too quickly to him getting into Yale - the anticipation is non-existent. 3. The credits scene with him hanging out with his uncle and his friends should have been in the actual movie - to further enhance their bond to the audience. 4. The ending untangles pretty quickly - just a befuddled mess. 5. Why on Earth did they not just make this film set in Boston. It's clearly filmed in Boston, and everyone struggles with a Long Island accent. Ben is synonymous with Boston so having him choose between the Mets and the Yankees just takes the audience out of the story (and obviously he chose correctly). And 6. Ultimately it comes down to the fact that someone who has lived the least exciting life in existence maybe shouldn't write a memoir? That may sound mean, but it's just so narcissistic to believe that someone else wants to read about your boring life. 

4. Venom: Let There Be Carnage - Wow. I'm pretty speechless. I enjoyed the first one way more than I was expecting to. It's just simple fun, and ridiculously cheesy, but ultimately very entertaining. This one is just such a misfire. First, it's not funny. Like at all. Rave Venom is probably the best "idea" within this, and could have been really funny, but instead I just sat there watching a car crash. I did laugh once (the "tomato, tomato" scene with the ketchup), but otherwise it's just all so in-your-face obnoxious. Second, it moves very quickly. Which is usually a good thing for me, but this is too quick. It has no beats or moments to absorb, it's all very choppy and it just moves with no clear direction other than kill the bad guy. Third, I would love to say that the acting is, at least, tolerating, with the likes of Naomi Harris and Woody Harrelson but they take campy to an unbearable level. I do love the use of another Eminem song during the credits, it's hilarious that he's the go-to Venom rapper. It just feels right. Also, *spoiler* the after-credits scene is pretty important...huh? Nicely merging all of the storylines with the multi-verse plot (I haven't seen the new Spider-Man yet, but I knew he would appear in this because if you google the cast of this, Tom Holland comes up first! WHY??!). 

5. The Father - Second movie in a week starring the incredible Olivia Colman, and this one is just as incredible. I knew that this movie was about aging and possibly dementia, so I was in no rush to watch it as I assumed it would be incredibly depressing. And it is. However, the way that this film tells the story is so fascinating and a bit breath-taking, which I definitely wasn't expecting. I kind of don't want to give it away, you just have to kind of experience it for yourself. So, the only thing I will say is that acting living legend, Sir Anthony Hopkins, without a doubt, deserved that Oscar. He portrays the anger, paranoia, confusion, and isolation of aging with such heartbreaking resonance. It's an unforgettable performance. Along with the Oscar for Adapted Screenplay, I would have given it the Editing Oscar as well (the transition between scenes and actors is seamless). Also, the line "I feel as if I'm losing all my leaves" will stay with me forever. Just perfect. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Spencer - I like Kristen Stewart in some things (I think her best role is in Still Alice, which is probably an unpopular opinion). She definitely does smaller, quieter roles better than big blockbuster roles. I like what she is trying to do here, but unfortunately it doesn't work for me. I hate when I can tell that someone is acting. I don't even know how to explain it properly, but it feels like she is overthinking every single action and piece of dialogue (and that fits with the role of Diana, but I don't think she's doing it on purpose). I also don't like the whispered voice because, again, it doesn't feel natural. She's definitely better than Emma Corrin's performance in The Crown, though (and the constant look Corrin does is so cringey. I hate it so much. I'm very much looking forward to Elizabeth Debicki's take on the role). However, there is a lot of good stuff in this movie. The impending sense of doom in every scene is harrowing. It does a great job at showing her loneliness and isolation even while surrounded by dozens of people daily. It's also respectful in the depiction of her bulimia (and associating it more with a mental disorder/paranoia than with actually caring about her weight). There are some stunning shots, particularly the one that's featured in the poster with the white dress. And her dancing around the halls by herself is probably my favorite moment. The whole pearl necklace symbolism is a little too in your face, but overall I like this movie. 

2. No Man's Land - I have absolutely no idea how this ended up on the top of my "to watch" list? Clearly an error, but I watched it anyway. Maybe because it's about Border Patrol (my late cousin was a Border Patrolman and that job changed him forever...not in a good way)? Or because of Frank Grillo (I typically enjoy him)? I have no idea, but this movie is terrible. Not the worst 2021 film I've seen, but definitely towards the bottom of the list. The plot is actually pretty good, but it's also very melodramatic and poorly acted (and Grillo isn't in it that much. And I can't believe he's old enough to be the father of these two adult men, but he is. He just looks so good for his age.). I don't know who the main guy is, but I looked it up while watching and noticed that his brother is the director of the movie so that explains how he got hired because he is just an awful actor. And he reminds me of Logan Paul, although I'm not sure if I know what Logan Paul looks like, but this is what I imagine he looks like. Anyway, the whole story is basically this white guy from Texas is racist but then he seeks refuge (and forgiveness, I think?) in Mexico and learns not to be racist (again, I think?). That's really all there is to say. 

3. Censor - I like the authentic 80s representation - it feels incredibly genuine. The story is also fairly interesting - about a person who does film censoring during the time of the "video nasty" era. A film she comes across reminds her of the death of her sister, so she starts to investigate and things get real fucking creepy from there. It's not exactly scary, but there's some good gore. Niamh Algar gives a fantastic performance - among the best of the year! I couldn't figure out how I recognized her, so I looked her up and was stunned that she is the actress from Wrath of Man, not only because she looks so different, but because this is such a different role and she knocked both out of the park. I'm excited to see what she does next. However, I was also stunned by 1992 listed as her birthdate (sorry, but I think she's lyyyyyiiiing. She's way older than 29. So fascinating when actors lie - women about their age and men about their height). Anyway, this is a decent movie. I didn't love it/ didn't hate it, but it's a solid 3 star horror. I'm not sure it will be something I remember in a few years.  

4. Nobody - Highly entertaining, action-packed, and just a plain fun movie. I thought I saw the best "fight on a city bus" scene of 2021 with Shang-Chi, but this might have it beat? Far grittier and more realistic - it's one of my favorite scenes of the year. And while Pig might be a quieter version of John Wick, this is certainly a more realistic take. Bob Odenkirk is one of the greats, and I love watching him exhaustedly kick ass. Also, Christopher Lloyd is having the time of his fucking life in this movie - and that is very enjoyable to see. And I never thought I would see RZA and Lloyd in a gunfight scene together, but here we are (and RZA is getting old....which makes me feel even older because I met him over 20 years ago!). There are some things that irk me - like the fact that he doesn't just take the garbage out...the night before??? Who takes their garbage out the morning of? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard? Do people do that? I also think the action scenes combined with classic songs by Sinatra etc. have already been done (Kingsman: The Golden Circle did it with "My Way"), so this felt a bit unoriginal. I enjoyed it immensely, nonetheless. 

5. Old - I really expected to hate this. Aside from the Unbreakable, Split, and Glass trilogy, the only other Shyamalan movie I think is okay is The Sixth Sense. While I think The Happening, The Visit, and After Earth are three of the worst films I've ever seen. But I'm still always super curious by his movies because they usually have super bonkers ideas and I always appreciate that. I think my biggest problem with his movies is that the acting is usually really bad (actually the only exception to this is Split). That being said, this actually really surprised me. I didn't love it per se, but there is something really interesting about it. It's Super Bonkers, but it goes all in on the crazy and doesn't look back. It kind of has a Twilight Zone mixed with Lost kind of vibe. Plus, the ending is actually really great and unexpected. And I hate to say this, but in someone else's hands, this could have been a really, really good movie. I just don't think Shyamalan knows how to direct his actors - because this movie has solidly great actors (Gael Garcia Bernal is among my ALL-TIME favorite actors and he is terrible here. That's a directorial problem, in my opinion). Also, the weird camerawork that is meant to disorient the audience is amateur and frustrating (and the same thing he did in After Earth and was widely criticized for, yet he still does it...). There's a lot of convenient plot devices at work too (the mom just happens to have an extra bathing suit? who brings an extra bathing suit for just a day at the beach?). But, overall, I didn't hate it! So that's a win in my book. 

15 Books I Read in 2021

1. The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt - I don't say this very often, but what a masterpiece. When the movie came out, a friend of mine told me that the book is spectacular but they hated the movie. I didn't hate the movie - I actually found it really interesting, but it loses focus and I think tries to encompass too much. The attempt is understandable, now that I've read it. It spans many years, and tells a very unbelievable, but quite epic, story. I think the casting is a big misfire except for Nicole Kidman. Other than the comparison to the movie, I just really, really enjoyed reading this. It's so beautifully and poetically written, the characters are all fully-fleshed out, and it's just a really interestingly layered story. 

2. Supermarket, Bobby Hall - I love the style of writing - the flow of it, including the distractions, is exactly how I prefer to write (obviously, as you can tell). But, this takes it one step further because he's still a character, since it's not an autobiography, so he's imagining this writer's distractions. It feels a little immature sometimes, so I have to remind myself that it's about people in their early 20s. Bobby Hall (aka Logic) said in an interview that Taron Egerton is attached to the movie version (although I think he may have slipped with that information because it hasn't been announced yet), which is why I read this. I kind of wish a certain movie isn't mentioned on the back cover because that instantly gives away what is going on (although I think it's pretty obvious, but I can't tell because I was already spoiled by the damn back cover!). A movie version could be really good and Taron would kill this role (although, he might be too old now?). 

3. The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath - It's actually quite odd that I haven't read this book in its entirety. I think I've just read selected passages for schoolwork and assumed that I had read it all. I bought it recently, thinking that it's something that should be in my collection, but then I started reading the synopsis and I realized that it was definitely new to me. Stunningly written, and so rare for such honesty about mental illness at the time, it's simply heartbreaking. 

4. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley - A sci-fi classic that I'm glad I revisited. It's insane how relevant this feels to our current world. I actually forgot just how truly bizarre it is, so it was really fun to reread it. Just brilliant stuff.

5. The Romanov Sisters, Helen Rappaport - A really dense read, so much detail and depth in the writing - which is obviously a good thing. I don't know much about Russian history other than notable events taught in school (which consists of blips and important dates). So a lot of this felt like new information. Obviously I know who the Romanovs are, and I know all of the conspiracy theories etc. I also watched that recent mini-series, which is what peaked my interest in this. But I still learned quite a lot about this family, and Russian history (like, way more than I was expecting) and it's ALL so fascinating. 

6. Normal People, Sally Rooney - I really wanted to read this to get more insight into the characters, specifically Marianne, so I thought the book would give that to me. But oddly, I think the mini-series does the characters more justice. I do like how this is written, though. And I love that the time jumps are part of the book (I thought that was a nuance of the series). And I do think they did a superb job with the casting of these two characters - although it's hard to judge considering I saw the show first, but they are exactly as described in the book (but I still think Daisy Edgar-Jones is way too pretty)

7. Circe, Madeline Miller - Just so fucking beautiful and brilliant, I don't even have the proper words. I love the idea of it - that Miller takes these seemingly lesser characters from major works of mythology, and makes them the main character. I never would have given a second thought to Circe, but now I think she's fucking rad as fuck. Like, hero level idolization of this complicated but strong, brilliant goddess. She's evil, but the good kind of evil - and also, evil because the world around her forces her to be this way. It also showcases that motherly bond that's very human and relatable. I loved every second of it. 

8. In With the Devil, James Keene - Not really much into the whole True Crime phase that everyone else seems to be into, but I read this for the obvious reason (Taron Egerton is starring in the Apple+ miniseries adaptation,. I know, I know...I'm such a loser). The story is fascinating, but it's not really that well written - incredibly repetitive and obviously one-sided. He definitely has some sort of hero complex that is disturbing and it erases the fact that he is a criminal who is deserving of his prison sentence (although I won't deny that the entire prison system needs to be reformed). But if the mini-series has a Mindhunter vibe, then it could be excellent (*crosses fingers*).

9. I Am, I Am, I Am, Maggie O'Farrell -  Just so beautiful - the first chapter made me sob hysterically. The idea is so good - one of those that I wish I thought of first and I also want to copy. I could easily write a book about all the times I've "almost" died (and I'm only 40!), but more importantly I *think* I could write a good book. Probably not as good as this, though. The rest of it doesn't hit quite as hard as the first chapter, but it's really brilliant overall. 

10. Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M., Sam Wasson - Wasn't Audrey Hepburn just divine? That's really all I have to say about this. I read this over the summer, and I honestly don't remember much of it so I guess that tells you all you need to know. I don't think there is really any new information here, if you've studied film history, but if you haven't, it might be fun to see the innerworkings of creating Breakfast at Tiffany's. 

11. In a Dark Dark Wood, Ruth Ware - I like the suspense of it that starts right from the beginning. This is one of those twisty thrillers that could be made into a tv miniseries starring Nicole Kidman (I feel like she's the queen of these type shows, recently). And while I like the mystery - it does feel like completely and utterly unrealistic (why on Earth did this woman agree to go to this? No sane person would do this.). The characters are little stiff, too, but I think that could easily be fixed with a miniseries. 

12. A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara- Honestly the most depressing and traumatizing thing I've ever read. It's stunningly written - but I can't in good conscience recommend it to anyone (especially anyone who experienced childhood trauma and has had a history of suicidal thoughts). And just when you think it couldn't possibly get any sadder, it does, in a flash of a paragraph that I had to read 3 times just to be sure that I did indeed read the saddest paragraph of my entire life. It was like a fucking punch to the gut. Every single page is just miserable. 

13. Natalie Wood: The Complete Biography, Suzanne Finstad - I didn't expect to read another book about child abuse - I had no idea how awful Wood's mother was. And how abusive her dad was. And how people assumed that there might be sexual abuse in her past too?? Jesus. Questionable relationship with Frank Sinatra, exploited by Nicholas Ray, allegedly raped by Kirk Douglas (the rape is featured in the book, but he is not named). All before the age of 18. Her greatest fear was drowning in dark water. Multiple suicide attempts. It's just all so fascinating - even before it starts to discuss the events around her death. But massively depressing. I've always been convinced that Robert Wagner killed Wood (I also assumed he had been abusive to her before her death), but I definitely started to question things while reading this. I now think she either fell off the boat or they did get into a fight and he pushed her (not intending to kill her), but because of an insane amount of alcohol consumed they (Wagner and the driver of the boat) didn't take her seriously as she splashed around. She died because of his stupidity, which isn't much better than being murdered, I guess. And he did an abysmal job at covering it up, but because he's famous he was somehow able to evade legitimate questions about her death. I'm also up in the air about Christopher Walken's involvement - I do think he was probably asleep, but why didn't he publicly question things more and demand answers? Anyway, she was so stunningly beautiful, though. I watched Splendor in the Grass after finishing this and just fell in love with her.

14. Lost and Wanted, Nell Freudenberger - I'm not sure how this ended up in my "to read" pile (did I like the cover? Did I read about it prior to buying it? I have no idea). It's about a very scientific woman being visited by the ghost of her recently deceased best friend. There's a lot about it that reminded me of my college bff, and that made it interesting to read. But, no matter how "scientific" you make it, I'll just never believe in ghosts, so I'm glad they give a real answer for what is going on. I like the way it's written. It's a very easy read - even with all of the physics terms, I was able to follow it fairly easily. But there was too much theoretical Physics (I started skimming paragraphs, never a good sign) and not enough real world depth. 

15. Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - I'm actually still in the process of reading this - I'm just about 1/2 way through (is that cheating to include it in 2021??? Oh well...), but so far I like it. It's taking me a long time to read it simply because I've been really busy, but I'm looking forward to seeing how Ifemelu's story progresses. The experience of being an immigrant in America is obviously relatable for a lot of people, but the specific Nigerian experience is really interesting - her experiences with white Americans (we are so fucking cringe, I swear - and I can relate to the white people, obvi, but specifically the week I started reading this, I was driving one of my associates home because she doesn't live in the nicest area and is nervous to take the bus when she has a closing shift. She is black and when I got to her house, she turned to me and said "hey thanks for not changing your music for me" and I looked confused and she said "most white people change their music to more black music when I get in the car" and then laughed and shrugged. I didn't really have a response bc it's not even something I would think about. FYI, I was listening to the Rocketman soundtrack LOL. But it was a weird unforgettable moment where the implication was "hey thanks for not being racist by not doing something that most white people don't realize is racist", but THEN the next day we worked together again and I was reading this book on my lunch break and she saw me and said "oh that's a good book!" but then looked at me with this weird why on Earth are you reading it? sort of look and I felt awful - like one of these performative white people Adichie makes fun of. I just don't know what the right answer is. Anyway this is a super long side thought in these parenthesis so the next words are going to be jarring - go back and read the beginning of the sentence so you remember what the fuck I'm talking about) and black Americans provide depth into how complicated the race issue is here. Also, I really like the love story with her lost love, Obinze. I am rooting for them to get together in the end *crosses fingers*. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Joe Bell - The only think I knew about this movie is that it stars Marky Mark wearing an American Flag baseball hat, so I assumed it was another one of his "go America" propaganda movies, but it's not at all. It seems like this was a well publicized story, but if you, like me, have never heard of Joe Bell, it's about this man from middle America who loses his son to suicide after being bullied by his school peers for being gay. Bell goes on a quest to walk to New York City, all while promoting anti-bullying messages in small towns along the way in honor of his son. It's a great story, but this movie is painful. The only good thing is Marky Mark - who plays an angry, entitled white guy from middle America very well. It's obvious from the very first second that the kid is dead and he's talking to himself, but they don't tell you that until about 40 minutes in, which is a weird choice. The actor playing his son is really awful and looks nothing like Wahlberg so that's a big failure in casting. And while I do think the story is one that many could connect to, I personally think these redemption stories in which someone goes on a hike, walk, adventure, etc., are weird and usually pretty narcissistic. Like, why did he go on this journey, pretty much abandoning his family and ignoring the actual people who harmed his son? I looked up the story while I was watching this (it's very boring) only to find out that this guy gets hit by a fucking truck while walking on the side of the road! How fucked is that?? Makes the whole thing so pointless, really. 

2. Riders of Justice - I loved this! I didn't hear much about it, but I saw a few others mention it among the best of 2021 and it stars Mads Mikkelsen, so it moved right up the list and I'm so glad it did. It's darkly funny, incredibly violent, and an interesting take on the butterfly effect - and how humans will never really full grasp the idea because it's so expansive. But, it tries to take it to a human level of how we process grief and the constant idea of "what if?". The cast is incredible - not just Mads. The supporting cast is hilarious and they all have such wonderful chemistry together. His daughter reminds me of the girl from Babyteeth that I don't like (I actually looked it up to see if it was her), but luckily she's a far better actress. There are just some really undeniably memorable moments - like when the mathematician guy is pretending to be a psychologist and he says to the daughter "you're not dead inside. But you're chubby. A chubby little salami". I spit my water out with that line. I also thought there was an interesting line about Chess - not really a game I like, but I never really thought about how it has zero unknown factors like every other game (i.e dice, luck of the draw, jokers wild). That's kind of cool, and now I want to learn how to play it (weird that this did it in one line, while I watched all of The Queen's Gambit and still thought it looked incredibly boring...). Anyway, this is definitely one of my favorite movies of the year, and the fact that they ended it with them sitting around in Christmas sweaters is so satisfying. 

3. Free Guy - I had the idea that this was going to be fun??? It's...not. I lost interest about 30 minutes in, mostly because I didn't realize there would be an actual plot I had to follow - I thought it was just going to be a funny dumb video game adventure but it takes way too much energy to follow. It also feels really dated. Maybe if this came out 10/15 years ago, it might have been more interesting. Ryan Reynolds is grating here, just spouting out the dumbest one-liners with no personality at all. And they just kept repeatedly mentioning how "insanely hot" blue shirt guy is, and I kept getting confused because Reynolds has never been hot to me, not ever. I'll take the abs, but the rest of him can go. I was interested in seeing Jodie Comer in something different (I've only ever seen her in Killing Eve, which she is spectacular in, but I've learned my lesson with the Rami Malek/Mr. Robot fiasco. Now I'm more hesitant to praise someone for just one sublime role). She's fine here. A little dull, but fine. I didn't realize how young she actually is, but she looks really young in this (the real version of her not the video game version), and I honestly clocked her as being about a decade older. Also, I'm not sure if that's Taika's real accent or what accent he was even trying to do, but it sounded really unnatural (but I don't know if I know what a New Zealand accent sounds like?). He's a bit over-the-top as the villain of the story. And the much talked about cameos are barely existent??? I saw Channing Tatum for a hot second, heard Hugh Jackman's voice (not sure if he was in it too, but I definitely zoned out for minutes at a time), and instantly cried when I saw Alex Trebek (I miss him so much!). I will say I laughed out loud once and that was at the "Wrecking Ball" gag. But other than that, this is a complete snoozefest. I can't believe some of you guys thought this was fun. 

4. Being the Ricardos - Casting drama aside, I didn't think I would not like this. I tend to like Sorkin projects (although, maybe not his movies? maybe that's the problem?). This is...not good. It's just so odd to do a movie about a beloved comedic icon, but only show her in her bitchiest moments. And I DO think that's partly the castings fault. Because, I'm sorry, I love Nicole Kidman, but as I've said many times - she's cold (I know many see this as an insult, but I'm often called cold. It's probably in the top 3 adjectives people would describe me as, along with "nice" and "patient". I just don't have the warmth to me). But also, it just focuses so much on her being awful, rude, and inconsiderate of others around her, and I don't think the audience wants to see that? And it's not that I don't believe that she was probably a bitch sometimes (she was pioneering television sitcoms, a notoriously man's world - she probably had no choice), but I'm sure she had more layers to her than that. And I think it would have been better to show the frustration behind her bitchiness rather than have her be the instigator. The whole tone of the movie just feels off, to me. And back to the casting - I HATE the casting of this movie so, so, so much (and, again, I love both of these actors). These are just two very specific icons who have very specific voices, accents, mannerisms - and it's essential to get it right. Kidman just feels like Kidman with very, very bad makeup. And Javier Bardem does not embody Dezi Arnaz's essence at all (and as the dialogue itself says "he's a Cuban icon"; not having a Cuban play him is frustrating, but I would have forgiven it if Bardem nailed the performance). I also think J.K. Simmons as Fred (sorry I don't know the actor's name, only the character) is weird - it makes sense in a way, but also J.K. is, himself, a very recognizable face and voice, so he never becomes Fred for me. So, not liking the casting nor the tone of the story, let's see what else is there....oh yeah, the editing! Which is also...terrible! The time jumps are confusing and unnecessary. It feels like essential scenes are missing, and it is far too long. I thought it was almost over when she gets dropped by RKO, but there is still a whole hour to go after that (*bangs head against wall*). Ok, I think that's everything I hated, so here is some actual good stuff: The recreation scenes of the sitcom are far better than the real world stuff. And, I had no idea how hard Lucy and Desi had to push to show Lucy pregnant on the show nor did I realize she revolutionized depicting pregnancy on television. That's so interesting! Um...that's all I got. 

5. Don't Look Up - I don't really care about the film critic discourse (it's mostly mind-bogglingly stupid), this movie is...average. It's got some good parts, some bad parts, and mostly boring parts. Honestly, it's so exhausting just to think about writing my thoughts down. Not because the ideas are complex but because they are so simplified and obvious that I spent most of the movie rolling my eyes. It's, like, really weird that people assume if you didn't LOVE the movie that you must be against climate control or a right-wing lunatic, instead of not liking it because it's...got a lot to not like? Like the entire middle part that dragged out for so long that I almost fell asleep? Or Jennifer Lawrence's terrible acting (and hair cut - is it supposed to be funny?)? Or the seemingly elitist "this movie is smarter than you" attitude, when it's actually really stupid? Just some of the many problems I had with it. Anyone with half a brain knows that this movie is about climate change, and not about an actual comet hurtling towards Earth, while the whole world focuses on pop culture and the wrong headlines instead of DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. But I think it would have been smarter and funnier (and a better satire) if instead of focusing on the oblivious, they focused on performative actions that everyone seems obsessed with nowadays that aren't actually fucking doing anything (they sort of get there with the whole Ariana performance bit). But anyyyyway...like I said in the beginning - there are some good parts. Considerable amount of talent - DiCaprio, Streep, Blanchett, Hill all knock it out of the park. The running joke with the General charging them for the snacks really made me giggle. The fact that the comet that is going to wipe out the planet is named after Lawrence's character ("congratulations!"). Genuinely funny moments. And the casting of Melanie Lynskey as DiCaprio's wife is satire in itself, considering who he usually dates (i.e much younger women, usually models. Note: this is not a dig at Lynskey in any way - she's beautiful). Overall, this is very much a 2 1/2 star movie, but then the end happens and it's actually really, really beautiful - the way they just sit and eat dinner together enjoying small talk together ("we really did have everything...didn't we?"). I bumped it to 3 stars for those last 15 minutes (but then they ruin it with a joke ending that I'm pretending doesn't exist). 

Best and Worst Films of 2021

Here it is: My Top 10 Best & Worst of 2021. As always, check back in July for my more official list. 

Best 

1. The Harder They Fall

2. Riders of Justice

3. The Lost Daughter
4. A Quiet Place Part II
5. Oxygen
6. The Mitchells vs. The Machines 
7. Black Widow
8. Cruella
9. Pig
10. tick, tick...BOOM!

Worst

1. False Positive
2. The Resort
3. Voyagers
4. Chaos Walking
5. The U.S vs. Billie Holiday
6. Cinderella (2021)
7. Intrusion
8. Halloween Kills
9. Cherry
10. The Virtuoso 

Some notable films I haven't seen yet that I suspect might change my list: West Side Story, Last Night in Soho, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Belfast, and Licorice Pizza.