Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Flash - *some spoilers* Big surprise everyone: I didn't hate it! I think it was mostly entertaining. Some really dodgy CGI, especially for how much it cost and how long it was in post-production, but the story is actually interesting, and Michael Keaton is pure JOY to watch as Batman. It's a solid 3 star movie, which is better than most DC films (I think the only ones I rated 3 or above are Wonder Woman, Man of Steel, and The Suicide Squad. Oh and the Snyder cut of Justice League). Controversy aside, I think Ezra Miller is severely miscast in this role, HOWEVER, I think it's very challenging to do two versions of a character in the same movie - so I will give him credit for that. I just think that The Flash/ Barry Allen is supposed to be charming and likeable, and Miller does not give off that vibe at all (especially now!). He was outstanding in We Need to Talk About Kevin, and he should stick to those type of roles. I met him a long time ago (it was 2009ish for a movie called Every Day - wayyyy before anyone knew who he was and I think he was only like 17 years old. But, he gave me the CREEPIEST vibe in the world, just from a very short interaction). I think the rest of the cast saves this movie, though. Obvi, Keaton, but also Sasha Calle and Kiersey Clemons. And I think the film is genuinely funny. I was actually surprised at how much I laughed (mostly at the alternative universe stuff - like how Marty McFly is played by Eric Stoltz, and how Applebees is called Bananabees). Even though the story is a bit cliched with the whole Butterfly Effect, and the whole "trauma makes you a hero" trope, I still found it really engaging. BUT, and this is a huge BUT - why the fuck does it look this terrible? The beginning with the babies is actually horrendous. It looks bad, and it's also kind of like "what the fuck am I watching?" (I tend to like that people die in the DC universe because it's kind of ridiculous to pretend like buildings are exploding and bridges are collapsing but the "superhero" saves every single person, but nobody wants to watch babies in peril. And I don't need a whole entire scene showing him save them all in the most ridiculous way possible). I just think if a tv show on The CW looks better than your 200 million dollar movie then there is a larger problem at play. And the scenes with Zod never looked that bad in previous DC films, so what exactly happened here? And the scene with him going through the different universes is rough - the quick shots of "other" superheroes like Nic Cage's Superman is the worst of the worst as far as fan service goes (it's actually worse than the female Avengers shot - and I didn't think it could get any worse than that!!). I'm also SHOCKED that they got George Clooney. SHOCKED!!! I figured they could get everyone else - I even expected Christian Bale over Clooney. 

2. How to Blow Up a Pipeline - Well, this is one of those films that I read nothing but good reviews about, and I don't get it. It's soooo boring. It's touted as a "thriller", but there is absolutely nothing thrilling at all during its entire runtime. I think my biggest issue is that none of these actors are particularly engaging. I do tend to like Sasha Lane, and she is probably the highlight in this, but she doesn't really have much to do until the end. I've never seen Ariela Barer in anything before, and she is also strong in the more lead role, but the wigs they make her wear really distract from her performance (I'm not even sure if the shorter hair or the longer hair is the wig, or both? But the hair, in general, doesn't look like it matches her face). I can't stand Lukas Gage; I think he's a terrible actor and was BY FAR the worst performance in The White Lotus, but he's one of those "buzzy" new actors who everyone seems to be talking about. I think it's a strong story; especially in our current climate of protesters and strikes happening in the world. I think people forget that the whole point of these things is to cause an inconvenience and/or a disruption. And this is how we've secured so many rights for women, POC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, etc. I think it's a lot harder to fight against large corporations such as oil conglomerates as opposed to the government (I'm not saying it's easy, obviously it's still a struggle, but ultimately the government, in theory, is run by people, while oil companies are run by money and greed), so the disruption has to be larger and have a harsher impact. So it's interesting to see this happen from the perspective of young people trying to make a positive change by using something that is, at first, perceived as negative. However, like I said, this cast is just so dull and there isn't much to the story. Perhaps with a different cast and a quicker pace, I would have enjoyed it more? 

3. To Catch a Killer - I like this movie - it felt like a 90s thriller (especially with that poster!) and, for me, that's a good thing, but it also has more of a modern day gun violence topic that is relevant for today's audience. The fact that someone can set up camp and kill random people sharp-shooter style is such a terrifying thought, but obviously has happened with the Las Vegas mass shootings and the D.C snipers (which honestly feels like it happened 5 years ago - can't believe it's been like 20!). This film focuses on the more human aspect of the people responsible for catching these types of murderers - not only the stress, but the aftermath of failing, the guilt and responsibility of future deaths on their shoulders. It must be such a hard thing to experience, and definitely has a hold on ones mental health. It also focuses a little on the bureaucratic red tape that is often a detriment to solving crimes like this - there is so much pressure to just blame someone (anyone!) to appease the public, but it often allows for mistakes and further crimes. The way it's handled here sort of reminds me of the Boston Marathon bombings (wasn't someone else accused first? or am I thinking of the Atlanta Olympic games? There's just so many of these things now, it's exhausting and they are starting to blend together in my mind). Both Shailene Woodley and Ben Mendelsohn are really engaging and they both feel exhausted - they do such a good job of this realistic detective (as in they aren't superheroes; instead they are flawed and human). I didn't really need the scene in the slaughterhouse, but the end is really good and intense. 

4. Hypnotic - *some slight spoilers* So, I think this a very average movie, but it has a killer ending. I rated it 2.5 stars, but it could easily be a 3 star movie (which means "good" to me! I don't know how suddenly 3 stars is a bad rating for a movie? Everyone is so hyperbolic nowadays and it's so fucking annoying), but it also would have been a 1.5 star movie if not for the end. This is the type of movie that I think Ben Affleck should start avoiding - he always seems so lifeless. He should stick to comedy (as an actor) or directing (I love all of his movies aside from Live By Night). If he was more engaging, I would have definitely rated this higher. The supporting cast is really strong though - JD Pardo is a favorite of mine (he's so hot in that Sons of Anarchy spinoff!) and I think Alice Braga should be a much bigger star than she currently is. I also had NO IDEA that Robert Rodriguez directed this until I started reading the (very funny) Letterboxd reviews. He's usually a director with style, but this movie has no idea what it wants to be (I think it's trying to be a gritty noir, but it has too many sci-fi elements to make that work. It also feels like a low budget Inception...). They also make it seem like people under this "hypnosis" are akin to zombies, which makes the whole thing really unbelievable. The plot is very elaborate, and some of it is obvious (his daughter is clearly of Hispanic descent so I instantly guessed that Braga was actually her mom. And while Pardo isn't the biggest name, he's still a strong enough actor to not be killed off in the beginning, so I assumed he was still alive). However, like I said, the twist is incredible and it makes the last 30 or so minutes so interesting. It's just a shame that the hour before it already felt like two. It's also INSANE that there is a mid-credits scene that sets up for a continuation or sequel because LOL - there is no way this is getting a sequel. 

5. The Little Mermaid (2023) - While I still don't see the point of all these live-action Disney animated films, I do think this is definitely the best one so far. Halle Bailey is a STAR for sure. And she has a stunning voice. There was so much pressure on her, especially to sing one of the all-time great Disney songs, "Part of Your World", and she did a wonderful job of still feeling like the original but giving it her own little spin. I think she did a great job as Ariel, and that is coming from someone who holds the original film really close to her heart and sites Ariel as her favorite Disney "princess". I also think Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, is a clear highlight. She goes full camp, and it really works for me. But, I think the rest of the cast is a little rough. The guy who plays Prince Eric certainly looks the part, but he has, like, nothing behind his eyes. It would be fine, but I think this version tries to give him a little more substance and it just fails for me (ugh, he even gets his own song. Gross.). But, even worse, Awkwafina, as Scuttle, is truly one of the worst things I've ever witnessed. You may already know that I'm not a fan (I actually think she's a terrible actress), but we can all certainly agree that her voice is...the worst part about her...right???? RIGHT??? And the "Scuttlebutt" song is absolutely horrendous. There is also a scene in which Scuttle is under the water...talking. I understand that this is all make believe, but it should still stick to certain rules (like, fish and mermaids can talk underwater because that's where they live, sure, but a BIRD??). Also, it's quite weird that the STAR of one of the biggest Netflix series (Simone Ashley from Bridgerton) is in this and I don't even think she had any lines?? That's kind of embarrassing at this point in her career, no? I don't think I would have noticed the song lyric changes if I wasn't already aware of them (but it's still dumb...). I think my biggest problem with the movie, other than it being pointless, is that it just doesn't look very good in a lot of places. The beginning is very beautiful, but it also is soooo CGI heavy that it practically looks like animation (so again, the whole thing becomes pointless), and then there are certain scenes, like the "Kiss the Girl" scene that are very dark and grey because they take place at night and nobody knows how to shoot night scenes anymore because they all rely too much on CGI. But, I do have to admit, that I was entertained and if I were 10, I probably would be obsessed with it, so mission accomplished, I think. 

Thoughts on 5 New TV Shows

1. Hijack - First of all, it is so Goddamn hard to figure out if something is a movie or tv series nowadays, right?? I, for sure, thought this was a movie until I went to play it and saw "new episode" in the corner. I mentioned it on Twitter and a few others thought the same. I think it might have benefited from being a movie, but I enjoyed this tv series nonetheless. It's action-packed, fast-paced, very well-acted, and had me guessing 'til the end. It's also very addictive - I watched the first 4 episodes in one sitting! Idris Elba is just such a watchable movie star. I really did hope he would take over the Bond role when rumors first started erupting, but it's too late for that now especially since they want to go younger. The first episode plays out very similar to that Joseph Gordon-Levitt movie (I don't feel like looking it up, but the one where he's the pilot of the plane that gets hijacked). I do think it falls into a lot of cliches and convenient storytelling (**spoiler** like how the co-pilot basically disappears from the end. Wouldn't they have her land the plane??), but ultimately, I think it's hard to create something new with such an overdone plot, and somehow they still make this series very entertaining. 

2. Secret Invasion - I didn't think this was as bad as reviews claimed while watching it. I found it perfectly entertaining and certainly not among Marvel's worst shows (that's probably Ms. Marvel and Falcon and the Winter Soldier). And I'm not even the biggest fan of Captain Marvel (I actually really didn't like it at all). It has a very clear, direct story, which I think is rare for Marvel stuff nowadays - I have such a hard time following it all now especially with the multi-verse. Plus, a BIG stand-out is Kingsley Ben-Adir. Just such a strong actor and he gives a really spectacular performance among a lot of others that are simply phoning it it or can't act at all - Sam Jackson and Emilia Clarke, respectively. I'm sorry, it's well-established that this woman can't act after Solo, Game of Thrones and whichever Terminator movie she was in, how does she keep booking such big roles? Her agent is fantastic, whoever they are. I do think that its big fault is that it's not very memorable. As I said, as I watched it, I was entertained, but now that I'm trying to write about it - I'm having a hard time even remembering what it's about aside from literally everyone being a skrull. Oh and a character that I've always disliked dies! I hope that actually sticks, but knowing Marvel, they will keep reappearing in everything. Oh and Olivia Colman! She seems like she had a lot of fun with this role. 

3. The Idol - I imagined this was pretty bad, but nothing prepared me for how truly awful it is. Definitely one of the worst shows to ever exist for so many reasons. First, and foremost, The Weeknd is one of the worst actors I've ever laid my eyes on. It's actually stunning to me that everyone involved just...went along with it? Nobody at the top said "maybe we made a mistake, let's recast?". I can't really say that Lily-Rose Depp is any better, so obviously the decisions made here are just deeply awful. I know that Sam Levinson and Abel took control over it after Amy Seimetz left, but they were supposed to be involved from the beginning, so it was always going to be terrible. I'll focus more on Levinson in a bit, but as far as Abel goes - he's supposed to be, like, this magnetic force of a character; someone who the audience can see as a slime ball, but we can understand how others have come under his spell. But he is far from magnetic; instead he's just...gross. Actually...repulsive. I saw the viral clip of him mispronouncing "carte blanche" as "cartay blanchay", and I do think that was done on purpose to show that his character is not who he says he is, but he does not sell this dialogue at all and that's why it becomes so funny and cringy. Plus, I've honestly never really had anything against him until this show - I know a few of his songs, I don't personally like them, but I never really cared enough about him to *dislike* him. BUT NOW...I can't stand him. His voice is terrible - so high and screechy. And as far as Depp goes, I think this role was just above her acting abilities. There is a key scene in the beginning that shows her "acting" during a photo session (which is foreshadowing in the most obvious form), but her eyes don't change or move at all. It's like watching a blank fucking slate and pretending it's The Odyssey (incidentally, the scene reminded me of that scene with Zendaya in Malcolm & Marie, in which she shows her "acting" skills, and it's actually painful). She's supposed to be a huge giant pop star and in order to do that one has to have a personality. It may be manufactured, but it still has to exist. There's just nothing here. She's a beautiful girl, and she has a very pretty voice, but is definitely the epitome of a nepo baby. There is no way she would have gotten anywhere without her parents. There is sort of a great supporting cast, but they ruin it by having Hank Azaria do a God-awful inconsistent accent, and Dan Levy is only in the first episode (but solid turns from Rachel Sennott, Da'Vine, and Jane Adams). Second, I was expecting something, like, bold and sexy - something that was going to maybe go a little too far and make me uncomfortable, but it's uhhhhh really tame. I think this is direct proof that tv/movies have become sexless because there is nothing in this that would even make me blush, but it was practically deemed hedonistic by the press and social media. And Depp was treated like a victim in many write-ups about this show, which is the weirdest thing in the world if the people writing those things actually watch the show (which is ultimately about how she's the one in control the whole time...duh). I hate when adult women are treated like they must have been coerced or pressured into doing sex scenes and/or nudity. Because, yes, obviously this does happen, but there are many women who have no problem with it and can make their own decisions about it. So maybe just assume that unless told otherwise? Or do we want to just keep placing victimhood on every woman for everything she does? A lot of women describe being naked onscreen as empowering and freeing, why do people feel like they need to "correct" those feelings? The poor girl states many times that she enjoyed filming the show and had no issues on-set with the things she was asked to do. Let's believe her? ANYWAY, talking about believing women, I think this show is a super weird choice for Miss Lily-Rose, more because of who her father is and what he's been accused of - it certainly parallels the narrative that women are manipulative, a narrative that her father's camp pushed so successfully. And I definitely feel like this is a statement of support for her dad (whether intentional or not, it's weird either way). Third, it's so clear that Sam Levinson wants to be Nicolas Winding Refn so fucking badly. I noticed it with Euphoria, but to be fair, there is some really good stuff in Euphoria. I don't like it as a whole (and I think when people reassess, they will realize that it's not as good as they first thought), but there are certainly parts of it that are very strong. But this? This is pretty much just a direct copy of The Neon Demon (which was co-written by Mary Laws, who is an Executive Producer on this show...coincidence??). Obviously, not nearly as good (I loved The Neon Demon). I started to look into the creation of this show and its inspiration, and apparently people are theorizing that it's about SELENA GOMEZ?! FOR REAL? I was a bit too old when Gomez hit her pop star heights, but I thought she was, like, this innocent Disney pop star? Was she sexualized like this? I'm not sure why that's so shocking for me, but I just never thought of her that way. There's a lot of other bad things I can say about this show (like when the character with the last name Finklestein uses like a dozen Jewish slangs within his first 2 minute introduction, or how Lily-Rose is supposed to be one of the biggest pop stars in the world but doesn't have 24 hour security with her???), but I do have one extremely positive thing to say about this show and that's Suzanna Son! From Red Rocket! I listen to her slowed down version of "Bye, Bye, Bye" ALL THE TIME. Her voice is so angelic and stunning - it literally gives me goosebumps. I'm sad she's in such a shitty show, but there are a lot of powerful people involved and I'm glad that she's getting the exposure that she deserves. Every time she sings in this, I said "now THAT is a STAR!". I love her so much. 

4. Jury Duty - I'm so in love with this series that I'm actually considering watching it all again. It's one of the most heartwarming stories I've ever seen. So many things could have gone *so* wrong, and yet it all goes so wonderfully right. First, and foremost, Ronald Gladden is a national treasure. Seriously, give him the Nobel Peace prize for being the kindest man on Earth. If you don't know what the show is about, let me explain - it's a faux docuseries about a group of jurors, but the twist is that 11 of them are actors playing roles and then there is just one non-actor (my dear Ronald Gladden), who thinks he is being filmed for an actual docuseries on jurors. If your first instinct is "that's so mean!", then you'd be correct. It is mean, and I've never liked any of those prank shows because it's all sooo mean-spirited. Which is why this is so fascinating and brilliant that it turns into such a sweet and funny series. No matter what they throw at Ronald, he chooses to be kind in every.single.situation. He doesn't make fun of the weird inventor guy; instead he befriends him and shows interest in his ideas. He doesn't tell on his fellow jurors when they do something that might get them in trouble. He genuinely takes his role as jury foreman seriously and tries to come to a fair verdict. He refuses to take money from a fellow juror after winning a (fake) betting game. And when a famous actor (James Marsden playing a version of himself) throws a tantrum, he forgives him. There is a point in which he says "this feels like reality tv" because they throw so much ridiculousness at him that it can't be real, but also, why would it be fake? And obviously, he is aware that he is ON camera (although he's not aware of all of the hidden cameras), but I just don't know many people who would pass ALL of these tests. I think even my patience would have broken at some point, and I'm pretty nice. The last episode made me cry (like actual tears) when they told him they were giving him 100k. That made it even better because he definitely was not expecting any financial windfall from participating on jury duty. I love the last episode because they explain how they accomplished everything and told stories about how it *almost* went wrong several times (like the bailiff saying the wrong name and then pretending like someone who worked there has that name LOL). The whole cast is extremely talented to be able to improvise so quickly and making it feel real for Ronald. It's definitely a different kind of acting to have to immerse yourself into a character with no real dialogue to work with. But the real winner, aside from Ronald, is Marsden. I've always been a big fan, but this made me love him so much more. He's up for some tough competition for that Emmy, but I wouldn't be mad at him winning. It's definitely a more challenging role. And if all of that doesn't peak your interest, then also let me tell you, it's very, very funny. I was crying with laughter within minutes of the first episode and I definitely could have easily binged all 8 episodes in one sitting but I had to work. There are so many funny moments, but some of my favorites are when Marsden learns he didn't get the role he wanted and he yells into the phone "Oh my God! Which Chris???", and when the one juror gets hurt and everyone has very detailed stories about him - and Ronald is so confused because he barely spoke to anyone, and when the accuser is on the stand and says "I had a hard life; they used to call me Jackpot Jackie because I was so rich" (she was also made fun of for being "tall and thin" LOL), and the whole Margaritaville scene is hilarious ("this is one of my top 20 favorite times at Margaritaville!"). The whole thing is just hilarious. And heartwarming. 

5. The Changeling - I watched the first three episodes and I AM IN. I am also stunned by the tough reviews??? Like, HOW?! Are you watching the same show? It has such an interesting structure, and feels so creepy while still feeling real and tangible. And the acting is incredible. LaKeith is KILLING IT! Just a stunning performance so far. *some spoilers for the first 3 eps ahead* I skimmed through a few reviews that touched on the fact that we see this woman's trauma of Post-Partem through a man's eyes, but where were all those reviews for Fleishman is in Trouble??? It definitely feels a bit racist that I was supposed to feel sympathy for an asshole wealthy white guy, but I'm supposed to see this black man with some financial struggles - who adores his wife and actively takes care of his baby - as a villain somehow? Plus, if during a PPD episode, a woman *kills* her baby, I think we're allowed to see how that effects father, and we see his multitude of emotions - from the love for his wife, to the guilt, confusion, and regret he has for how things escalated. Honestly, though...if you gave positive reviews of that shitty show, but are struggling to find the humanity in this show, I'm just going to call you racist (and there are lot. I specifically went and looked at several critics who reviewed both shows.). I know we are only 3 episodes in, so maybe the show dramatically shifts to show him as a villain, and if that happens then I will take it back, but I don't think that's how the show is going to go. Anyway, I'm excited to watch the next episode, and I feel like this series is going to explore so much more with the more mystical atmosphere. I have no idea how the story is going to continue or what it's actually about and I find that really exciting. 

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

1. All About Eve - [blind spot] I know I complain a lot about film length in recent films, but it's not exactly a new problem in film. There are a LOT of classic films that could be a LOT shorter and would be better for it, and this is one of them. I watched this a few months ago and that's literally the first memory that I have of it - it's just so long. Obviously Anne Baxter and Bette Davis are flawless, but it's kind of weird that Marilyn shows up for like a half of a second and she steals the whole damn movie! Talk about presence. I think I was expecting more with this, but I enjoyed it - there's just nothing extremely special about it, for me. 

2. Casablanca - [blind spot] This and Gone with the Wind are probably my biggest film blind spots. And I do plan on watching Gone with the Wind, but it's like 4 hours long, so I just keep pushing it down the list. My one takeaway from Casablanca is that I never, ever, ever want to hear "As Time Goes By" again. It's played through the entire movie so much so that I wanted to die by the end. However, I did get amusement by all of the classic dialogue that I knew was from this movie, but I never really had any context. It's insane how many lines have become part of our everyday dialogue even 80 years later. "We'll always have Paris", "Of all the gin joints in all the world", "Here's lookin' at you, kid", "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship". There are just so many!!! I liked this movie a lot, and I'm surprised by what the actual plot is. I just don't think it's, like, the greatest movie ever made or anything even close. Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Bergman are flawless, though. 

3. The Blob (1958) - [blind spot] I've definitely seen the 80s version, but never the original and let me tell you, this movie is HILARIOUS. It's weird that I was deciding between watching this or Bullitt not even realizing that Steve McQueen is in this too! I always thought his first big movie was The Magnificent Seven. I think of all the old school classic male movie stars, McQueen might be my favorite. He's just so effortlessly cool and a genuinely good actor. And also, people always said that my grandfather resembled him (he had those piercing blue eyes and ash blonde hair - he was also effortlessly cool). Although it's weird that he's supposed to be 28 in this and he definitely looks about 45. But back to this movie being hilarious - the actual blob is just so funny. Obviously, they did the best they could with the technology at the time, but I just couldn't stop laughing. I did enjoy all of the classic Americana locations like the movie theater, diner, supermarket, etc. 

4. The Producers (1967) - [blind spot] Another one that I've seen the remake of, but not the original, and I didn't really like it. But this is SO much better. Gene Wilder as Leo Bloom, is just such a naturally funny person - and he plays so well off of the actor who plays Max (Zero Mostel). On a side-note, I really do need Jeremy Allen White to play Wilder in a biopic, like NOW. And it's almost embarrassing that they cast Timmy as a young Wonka when someone like Jeremy exists - looks like him, and can actually act. ANYWAY, I found this movie very funny and entertaining even knowing the whole story. And the actual play that they produce is obviously offensive, but I can totally see how an audience can eat it up. There is definitely some underlying commentary about having mass audiences fall into "hive-mind" mentalities (paralleling with the hive-mind that allowed for the holocaust to happen), but it is very subtle and I don't even know if audiences in the late 60s realized it. I definitely don't think the remake shares this commentary - instead it feels far more slapstick. 

5. King Kong (1933) - [re-watch] I love all the King Kong movies (except maybe the Naomi Watts one? Which I don't really remember, but I know that I watched it). I watched this original one for a film class - I believe it was for a film technique class, so we focused more on the making of the film as opposed to the impact it has had on modern sci-fi films. I think for most of the population if you asked who the original "scream queen" was, most would site Janet Leigh (or even a more recent person like her daughter Jamie Lee Curtis), but Fay Wray is absolutely the FIRST "scream queen" (I was actually surprised that googling "the original scream queen" does give the correct answer). I would also say that this film has one of the most undeniably classic scenes in film history with the empire state building. The effects for Kong, are obviously terrible, but for 1933 they are actually quite stunning - especially the close-up stationary shots (the motion shots are where it's hard for a modern audience to adjust to, I think). 

6. Bullitt - [blind spot] I love watching a classic movie for the first time and seeing how many modern movies took inspiration from it. I've already mentioned Steve McQueen, but he really shines in this, and I think Brad Pitt stole his entire persona based off of watching this. There are so many films that went through my head as I watched this - like The Fugitive, The Italian Job (which I know the original came out around the same time as this), Drive, To Live and Die in L.A., the Bourne films, I could go on and on. This definitely paved the way for car chase sequences - and it was wildly invigorating to watch those classic cars speed through the streets of San Francisco. Loved it. 

7. Yours, Mine and Ours (1968) - [blind spot] This is another one that I've seen the remake without seeing the original, or in this case, even knowing that there was a previous version - the only one I knew existed is the one with Renee Russo! But unbeknownst to me, the original starred LUCILLE BALL! It's very cute, and obviously inspiration for The Brady Bunch (I'm assuming? This film was released a year before). There's a lot I like about this - Lucille is hilarious (obvi) - the scene with her eyelashes is very Lucy. Plus, her laugh is infectious. I also like how genuinely good this man is - he cares a lot for her, but also shares responsibility (of 18 kids! LOL what a nightmare), makes her feel wanted, etc. - everything a husband should be but I don't think was often portrayed especially in the late 60s. I do think the narration is terrible and feels so awkward that it ultimately ruined the film for me. Also, I think the saying "only the good die young" is a horrific saying for many reasons and I've always hated the Billy Joel song, but it's interesting that the saying actually dates back to ancient Greece (fun fact!). 

8. Rosemary's Baby - [blind spot] I thought that I had seen this, but I definitely have not. I'm not sure what movie I thought was this?? So weird. But it's even weirder because this is my mom's favorite horror movie. So I assumed that I watched it. I can understand why my mom had such a connection with it (she has a history of being manipulated and in abusive situations). It's not exactly scary for most of it, though. It's pretty much a drama (with a few creepy moments) until the last 25 minutes. But, man, those last 25 minutes are spectacular. Roman Polanski is a rapist but also an incredible filmmaker (two things can be true a the same time). Mia Farrow really got shafted, didn't she? She should have had a Michelle Pfeiffer level career. She's incredible in this - crazy that she wasn't nominated for an Oscar for this performance (but I guess the Academy ignoring actresses in horror films dates waaaaaay back). I also loved the pixie haircut and Peter Pan collars she wears. What a fashion icon. 

9. The Seven Year Itch - [re-watch, I think] I'm pretty sure that I watched this before, but I just don't remember much of it. Obviously, I remember its most famous scene with Marilyn Monroe in the white dress standing over the steam vent. But honestly, I think that's really the only scene worth remembering. Although, it is definitely entertaining and has some very funny moments. Seven years isn't very long for someone to start getting bored of their partner, so I always thought this sentiment was stupid. Like, if you're bored after just 7 years then you should definitely just get divorced (it's not going to get better??). It's obviously a little sexist, but definitely a product of its time. And also, Tom Ewell looks about 55 in this movie and he's supposed to be 38 (I looked it up because it's baffling, and he was 46 while filming this) and he definitely could not get a woman as hot as Marilyn Monroe so you kind of have to suspend belief for this plot to work (sorry facts are facts). It's also crazy that Monroe is considered "curvy" when her waist is that small. And once again, she steals every scene - her dipping her potato chip in the Champaign is so perfect. 

10. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg - [blind spot] Wow, what a gorgeous movie! I was a little thrown off by the sing-songy dialogue, but once I got used to it, I adored every second of it. It's a little crazy that as I was watching this I thought in my head "uhhhh is this the original La La Land?" and, yes, indeed it is. Obviously, La La Land is an "original" film, but the similarities and "inspiration" from this is stunningly obvious (it's my biggest issue with Damien Chazelle - I have LOVED all four of his films. Like, absolutely LOVED. They are so well-made and beautifully detailed, but they are all referential. And I don't think Chazelle has a style of his own. He's still so young, though. I think he's going to blow everyone away once he stumbles into some originality). Anyway, back to this movie, it's beautiful - and it's one of those films that the more I think about it, the more I love it. I love the production design, I love the first shot, I love Catherine Denueve (and her makeup!), I love the story, I love the ending, I love how the outfits matched the wallpaper, I love the whimsical feeling. Just all of it. Love.