Spontaneous Musings

Well, the Meclizine is kind of helping? No nausea. But still feel out off-balance. I'm fine, if I sit straight without moving my head too much - particularly not up or down. Side to side is fine. It's still congested. And the weather shift make it worse.

Because I was home sick today and couldn't do anything but watch television, I finished the Newman/Woodward Documentary airing on HBO Max (And according to my Aunt, on Amazon Prime). A couple of caveats? This is neither a memoir nor a biography in the traditional sense of the word, so viewers going into it with the expectations of getting what we'd normally get in either - will be sorely disappointed. The documentary doesn't start with either's childhood for example - it starts with Ethan Hawk on Zoom telling a bunch of his contemporaries that he's been tasked with this project, and requires their help in accomplishing it. He tells them that Newman dictated all these tapes to his friend, then for some unknown reason, destroyed them. But his friend had already transcribed all the tapes prior to their destruction. Then the documentary launches into Newman and Woodward's first major roles and introduction into acting and how they originally met. It's worth keeping in mind that this is documentary done by an actor and director, who was hired by Newmans' kids to do it, and enlists fellow actors and directors to aid him.

( Read more... )
At the end, this documentary is a documentary of the Woodward and Newman relationship to each other, their kids, and their professions and the effect it had on those around them. It's not a memoir or a biography.

Took migraine medication, and using cooling pads. Also ate a bit more today. Hopefully I'll be able to go to work tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
I think it might be a sinus infection? Not positive. Might do a hot shower and neti pot tonight.

More on Woodward and Newman Doc.

Takeaways:
( Read more... )
I told Mother about the doc - and she asked if they'd addressed Rachel, Rachel yet - it's among her favorite films. They do in Chapter 3 and in quite a bit of depth, I was pleased and impressed, and it made me want to watch the film. (I grew up with parents who loved to analyze the films, books, theater, and television series that we saw. We'd discuss them. Knew the trivia. Some families are into sports or music? Mine was into film and television. My parents did enjoy sports and music. But we all thought visually and were analytical - so...I grew up doing it. It's why I do it here - it comes naturally? Like breathing?)

Got today off - as a paid holiday, it used to be Columbus Day, and is now officially Indigenous Peoples Day.

I watched two Christian Bale flicks over the weekend that dealt with genocide and indigenous people. One was Hostiles (starring Bale, Rosamund Pike and Wes Studi) - ( Read more... ) The other film was The Promise (starring Oscar Issacs and Bale in a love triangle with another woman whose name I can't remember), - it focused on the genocide by the Turks of the Armenians during the first part of WWI. Turkey has a lot to answer for in WWI. ( Read more... )

I'm seeing a general theme in my viewing? I also saw Penguin Lessons on Netflix - which is adapted from Michel's memoir of teaching at a school in Fascist Argentina during the 1970s. ( Read more... )

Yup. I need to find a film or series that isn't about Fascism? [Still hope to visit the Jewish Holocaust Museum near Battery Park on Thursday, and walk down the pier afterwards.

Speaking of Bale? He's got another movie coming out. Ironically, Oscar Issacs and Christian Bale are in two different films, but they are in the same over all genre, and versions of the same story trope.

Oscar Issacs is playing Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein by Guilermo Del Torro which takes place in 1800s England, while Christian Bale is playing Frankenstein the Monster in Maggie Gyllenhal's film The Bride - about the Bride to Frankenstein, which takes place in 1930s Chicago.

Here's the trailers:

The Bride - this is only in Theaters. (Bale's worked with Maggie Gyllenhal before - but when both were actors. And enjoys working with female filmmakers. He hit it off with the filmmaker behind American Psycho.)

AND Frankenstein

I should add Oscar Isaccs to my male actor crushes, also Antonio Banderas.

****

Angel S1 rewatch. Apparently they liked the actor who played Ken in the Buffy episode Anne so much they rehired him - to play the demon fiancee of Doyle's wife Harry in Bachelor Party. I was watching - and thought, wait, isn't that Ken from Anne? I thought Buffy killed him? And why is Doyle's cute human wife marrying him? OR is this just my imagination?

( Read more... )

(It's a horribly written episode with plot holes a plenty. (Example? It doesn't make a lot of sense that Harry left Quinn and hooked up with another demon, when Quinn's half-demon status caused her to freak. It also doesn't make a lot of sense that four-five years later, they are still married. And it kind of drops in out of the blue? There's no real build-up. It's a testament to Glenn Quinn's charm that it works at all.) The writing in Angel S1 is very uneven and reminiscent of Buffy's early seasons. Sigh. Network television - always a mixed bag. Cordelia is fulfilling the Xander role here and not always in a good way. Seriously Cordy can you be any more annoying. I'm reminded of why I didn't watch Angel consistently back in the day and Dochawk had to send me copies of the episodes on VHS - for me to be able to write about them in 2002. The episodes aren't that...compelling? Relatable? Good? And the characters don't jump off the screen or grab me in the same way they do on Buffy.)

Glenn Quinn's story is rather tragic. And what happened to him on Angel is kind of the opposite of what happened with Marsters. ( Read more... )

But alas, no, a heating pad will have to do.

It's a lovely day, clear blue sky, and in the low seventies, upper sixties. Brisk breeze. Apartment is cool as well - in the low seventies. So no A/C nor fans are required. I do have air purifiers running. But whatever was in the air last weekend beating my sinuses up - is gone now. Thank heavens.

For a moment or two today - I got confused and thought it was Thursday, but no, it is thankfully Friday. Been listening to Juliette Landau's Revamped podcasts on youtube via my smartphone, all day long, along with music here and there. Made it through her re-watch of part 1 of Prophecy Girl, and When She was Bad, also interviews with Nerf Herder (apparently Alyson Hannigan recommended the band to Whedon), and Charles Martin Smith (who directed Welcolme to the Hellmouth and was in American Graffitti, his father was also a Parisian animator, who did the Peanuts animation). I highly recommend Landaus for film and television geeks and nerds. She goes into detail on theater, film, and music bits. At one point she informs the listener that the prop/set designer for Buffy's husband, created the Pirate ship for Pirates of the Caribbean. He was told by the studio/director to go to town on it - spend whatever he wanted - he had an unlimited budget to design the Pirate Ship. The twelve year old child in him was hopping up and down yelling - best job ever! Landau is charming, lovely, and easy to listen to. She is also quite knowledgable about film and theater techniques and how to convey them to the listener. Plus a considerate interviewer. She's won an award for her podcast - and I can see why.

Question a Day Meme - September and October

29. When was the last time you had to take part in a fire evacuation?

Eh, about ten years ago - I think - in Jamaica. We used to have them a lot in the old workplace in Jamaica. Mainly because folks were always setting off the alarm by leaving bagels in toaster ovens. At one point - the fire department took the toaster oven and the microwave away from us. While we understood the toaster oven, the microwave didn't make much sense, and they got a new one.

30. Have you ever owned an electric blanket?

Yes, but it was a very long time ago - in the 20th Century, and possibly the 1980s. So I don't remember it clearly.

OCTOBER

1. It’s National Cookbook Month – do you own many cookbooks, or do you rely on the internet for recipe ideas?

I own a lot of cookbooks. I rarely use them. I rarely follow recipes. I read the recipe - then go off and do my own thing. Mainly because I rarely have the right ingredients or appliances, so have to redefine the recipe to fit my needs. That - and I'm single - and most recipes are designed for a family of five. I don't know why it's five - but it is. Sometimes it's two, but rarely just one person. We live in a society that actively discriminates against single people - it's as if everyone assumes that the vast majority of people are married and have kids.

Uh no.

2. Have you ever made chilli (with meat or vegetarian)? Even if you haven’t, what do you like to have alongside chilli as part of the meal?

Yes. I've made both. I prefer vegetarian. I make it with dark chocolate like my mother does. And usually have it either with a small side salad, and cheese and crackers.

3. Do you have well-organised kitchen storage?

LOL! No.

***

Bonus questions:

Name a television show that you will be a fan of until you die - and know everything about, and seen more than twenty times...and never get tired of re-watching?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Sigh. (not sure why exactly - combination of dialogue, snarky self-deprecating sense of humor, and characters - also it features strong women and is among the few series that is female centric and allows women to be strong physically, and take on a traditional male role...subverting expectations).

Film series?

Star Wars. (Not sure why - it may be a combination of the world building, dialogue, characters, and the sense of hope...)

Book series?

Kate Daniels Magic Series by Illona Andrews ( I have no idea why - I think it's the dialogue and sardonic sense of humor? Also features a badass female lead who can take on the male leads, excellent sword-fighter, and is equal to the male romantic lead. And I'm partial to the idea of lions - a shapeshifter who is a lion as opposed to a werewolf is appealing to me.)

It's a Monday. But at least the weather for the most part was pleasant. Over cast most of the day, until I got home, but in the low seventies. I took a long walk to McNally's Book Store, and back. Picked up a book that I'd been eyeing the last time I was there. ( Read more... )

Entertainment Items of note

1. To anyone who watched Angel the Series (and more importantly still remembers it well enough to answer this question) - someone on Facebook thinks Angel was turned human by Wolfram and Hart then turned into a vampire again because he had to fight the monsters in LA. They are referring to the fifth season. To my recollection, the only time Angel ever became human was in I Will Always Remember You. Granted it has been some time since I've seen Angel the Series, but I'd think I'd remember that? (Considering how many metas and reviews I wrote about it.) Anyone remember Angel turning human in Season 5? Or is this person completely deluded?

2. Buffy Revival - it's not a Reboot, although people keep calling it a Reboot, and people keep fighting over whether it is one or not, which I find amusing, because they've managed to completely confuse the fandom.
At any rate, Charisma Carpenter has finally clarified that she is not in it, she's not been contacted, and has no idea where they are with it, nor is she in contact with anyone involved. She's only made it known that she'd like to be in it.

I think the people who have been contacted and may be involved are Gellar's friends: Marsters, Hannigan, and Seth Green. They appear to know something.
But I could be wrong. Those are the three she still appears to be close to on some level and in contact with.

3. Alien Nation - the newest thing by Noah Hawley - who is best known for the television series: Fargo and Legion (he also worked on Bones for a bit). No, Ridely Scott isn't involved at all. And I could tell - after seeing the first two episodes. Scott is scarier. I can't watch Scott's Alien.

Once again, folks are fighting over whether it is a reboot. (It's not. It's an expansion on the previous series. Similar to say the Star Trek franchise.)

The first two are intriguing? But I'm on the fence about it. It's biological sci-fi leaning towards horror. [Anyone else see it?]

4. Alan Cummings reports loving filming Avengers Doomsday
( excerpt )
***

Music and Religion

Finally, I decided to listen to the Superman 2025 soundtrack, Punkrocker, Nine Inch Nails...I need album recs. I only really have listened to Downward Spiral and Pretty Hate Machine.

Also Jimmi Hendrix's Machine Gun, rec'd by a Franciscan Priest on loan to a Unitarian Church during a sermon on how to tell the Jesus story. (Yes, I was intrigued by all the contradictions in that sentence as well.)

Mother: Wait. What is a Franciscan Priest doing at a Unitarian Church?
ME: No clue. But I find it intriguing. More intriguing than the wannabe Rabbi playing Unitarian Minister actually. Plus he's doing bible studies.
And is a Jimmi Hendrix fan. What are the odds? [And having done the wannabe Rabbi's bible studies, I'd like to try the Franciscan Priest's bible studies.]

I like contradictions. I'm contradictory. These are my people.

A couple of things that have zip to do with the meme.

Spoke with Mother. Apparently her church is requiring her to do a virtual background check to see if she complies - in order for her to sing in her church's choir. And she can't get it to say she complies.
( our conversation regarding this insanity... )

Oh, and I saw Fantastic Four : First Steps - which was excellent. It was everything I wanted in a superhero Fantastic Four film and then some. I've been lucky - I've only been to the movies twice in the last three years, and both films I loved to pieces (the other one was Oppenheimer).

***

Below is an insanely long MCU (Marvel Cinema Universe) franchise list - television and films, meme. Similar to the Star Wars and Star Trek memes, but longer. I thought about making it even longer by adding all the films that were adapted from Marvel Comics by other studios, such as Across the Spiderverse, and well all the X-men films, but chose not to, because the list is long enough on its own. There are lot of Superhero films and television shows out there. If they stopped making them tomorrow? We would not be deprived. (Not to worry - they won't.)

I take no credit for this monstrosity, I snagged it from colls, thank you colls for doing it.

( insanely long MCU superhero film list )

Haven't done much today. Outside of fighting a sinus headache. It's a hot day - 87-89 F/ 27-29 C, an muggy. So I've been sticking to the fans and A/C (78-79F/18-19 C indoors). And looking out at the treetops, birds and sky, also binge watching The White Lotus S3 on HBO MAX, and watched a portion of my UU Church's service about how make it about Love. Didn't hear the whole sermon - but the portion I did was interesting - the lay-person lecturer/preacher was a former staff member of the Bernie Saunders Campaign, and had worked for a non-profit involved with Hurricane relief. She interviewed a Mayor who had worked with Hurricane victims. ( Read more... )

The White Lotus, Episode 7, I think also had a nice little thought lesson, which I didn't expect to find. It's underlying theme of the series, I suspect?
( Read more... )

At any rate, both comforted me more than expected. Like a cool blanket or hugging a monk.

**

I also saw Ryan Coogler's Sinners on HBO Max this weekend. How to describe it? ( vague spoiler )

The set up, although it may be better to go in blind like I did? I don't know. I kept going to sleep during the first half - which was kind of plodding, except with insanely beautiful cinematography. So beautiful, I was glad I had a 55 inch television set. It would look amazing in a movie theater. The colors popped.

Then in the second half, once the sun goes down - it changes. And takes off. Also, it suddenly becomes a really cool musical.

Wales told me some time ago that she walked out of the movie theater and couldn't see the whole thing. She loved the first part, but found the second part too scary. I didn't find it all that scary when I saw it? It didn't scare me at all. (It's not a mean horror film like Heredity or MidSommer or so many others, it's more of a fun thematic musical horror movie?) Actually I was kind of puzzled at why Wales found it so scary she had to walk out of the movie theater? (I saw the Ring in the movie theater with Wales and Blair Witch Project, she didn't walk out then? Those were scarier and ended horribly, this really wasn't. This ended on a good note. It wasn't mean.) Honestly, if you can make through Supernatural, Game of Thrones, Vampire Diaries, Buffy, and Doctor Who - you'll be fine. It's kind of humorous actually. While it borrows heavily from Night of the Living Dead - it's not Night of the Living Dead (way too many horror films have). And doesn't come close to The Walking Dead.

The film is beautifully made, and has an excellent score. Also the performances for the most part are spot on. But, it like many of Ryan Coogler's films is more style over substance. I never care that much about the characters? I don't know them well enough to care. Part of the problem is the action takes place within one day, and there are a lot of characters to care about. Also, we're not given a lot information on any of them? Just snippets here and there. The point of view character - we only know a scant amount about, and his relationships with the others, a stray line here or there. The focus of the film isn't on the characters or the plot really, but on theme. The director is more interested in the meta or the thematic message, than he appears to be in the characters or the story - so it all felt a bit hollow in a way?

That said, it's a lot of fun in the second half, and has great visuals and soundtrack. If you are a fan of cinematography? And visuals? You should enjoy it. Also R&B music, blue grass, and African-American/Irish/Scottish-American folk. The Soundtrack is great - I want the soundtrack. Also there is an all-encompassing scene of African-American musicians throughout the cultural history of that music - which is worth seeing on a big screen with surround sound all on its own (if you are into that sort of thing? I'm not, so seeing it on my television screen was fine for me).

I just wish he did a little bit better job building and developing the characters, which would have meant cutting back on the long scenes of the boys driving through the white cotton plantation fields (that's what kept putting me to sleep). And I get why we got those scenes - like I said, it's a visually thematic film - heavy on the meta-narrative, and blends genres, while commenting on them as well as various horror film, historical and black exploitation film tropes. Also went through various music genres and how to tell stories through music and build suspense through music. This film is in many ways a musical - but it uses the music to further theme and story, without becoming an opera, or a musical in the classic sense of the word.

I'd tell you more? But part of the fun is not quite knowing. Although I did figure it out - more or less at a certain point, the writer more or less telegraphs it to the audience at the halfway mark.

1. Dueling Superman Reviews - which unintentionally depict how to write a film review and how not to write a film review.

Professional film/music/book critic and science fiction novelist John Scalzi and his daughter, an inspiring blogger (who to date has primarily written blog posts in her father's blog) post dual reviews of the new film - Superman (directed by James Gunn).

Go HERE (Warning, Athena Scalzi's review is filled with spoilers, although I got confused halfway through, jumped to the end and gave up on her review, her father, John Scalzi's review has relatively few - actually no spoilers outside of what you might see in the trailers.)

The dueling reviews - which are quite different takes on the film - unintentionally show the dos and don'ts of writing reviews, and glaringly show the difference between a professional film critic's review and a amateur film reviewer who saw a flick.

Snippets for examples of the difference:

Beginning of AS's review: ( Read more... )

Beginning of JS's review: ( Read more... )

And..

Ending of AS's review: ( Read more... )

Ending of JS's review: ( Read more... )

The trick in reviewing anything - is to give the reader just enough information for them to determine privately if they want to see, read, or listen to the item being reviewed themselves. Is it worth their time? Their taste more likely than not will differ greatly from the reviewer's - so the trick is to give them enough information, without spoiling them, to know whether to check it out for themselves. And at the same time - entertaining them, giving them interesting information, and not boring or confusing them in the process. This is not easy to do. Most amateur reviewers haven't a clue how to do it, as you can see from AS's review.

I figured out from John Scalzi's whether it made sense to see the film in a big theater, and whether I'd like it. And that was without being insanely spoiled on it. Besides giving me a headache, Athena's review confused me and spoiled me about various bits, I'd prefer not to be spoiled on. Also, AS's review only works for those who have already seen the film and not as a review - whose audience is those who haven't seen the film yet. You can't make sense of AS's review without having seen the film. I also couldn't tell if I'd like the film or not. But I knew without a doubt whether I would reading her father's review. (I won't and will wait for it to come on television. It's like Gunn's other films - too busy. And movie theaters aren't comfortable any longer? And have too many distractions? I'd rather watch at home.)

( cut for length )

2. Books

I think I've landed on The Rook -

Per Good Reads: Myfanwy Thomas awakens in a London park surrounded by dead bodies. With her memory gone, she must trust the instructions left by her former in order to survive. She quickly learns that she is a Rook, a high-level operative in a secret agency that protects the world from supernatural threats. But there is a mole inside the organization, and this person wants her dead. Battling to save herself, Myfanwy will encounter a person with four bodies, a woman who can enter her dreams, children transformed into deadly fighters, and terrifyingly vast conspiracy. Suspenseful and hilarious, The Rook is an outrageously imaginative thriller for readers who like their espionage with a dollop of purple slime.

"Utterly convincing and engrossing -- -totally thought-through and frequently hilarious....Even this aging, jaded, attention-deficit-disordered critic was blown away."-Lev Grossman, Time

About the author: Dan O'Malley graduated from Michigan State University and earned a Master's Degree in medieval history from Ohio State University. He then returned to his childhood home, Australia. He now works for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, writing press releases for government investigations of plane crashes and runaway boats.

This may work for me - it fits my sense of humor, and I'm also a jaded, attention-deficit-disordered critic at the moment.

Plus it's on Kindle so not hard to lug around.

Finished Remarkably Bright Creatures - my difficulty with it was all the characters were frustratingly dense. The writer contrived ways to keep them apart which irritated me. I deal with dense people daily, I can't handle reading about them? Also the writing style didn't work for me, for some reason?

Re-listening to all of the Kate Daniels Graphic Audio Dramatizations - there's ten in all. Plus several single audio books, which aren't. Maybe by the time I finish there will be more? The Kate Daniels series scratches whatever itch I need scratched at the moment. Also they are kind of comfort reads.

And still making my way through the thick paperback of Fair Folk.

Better mood today - I got sleep, and my digestive system cleared out the toxins. (Note to self - I really need to stay away from processed food, specifically french fries. I had some last week - and I think it played havoc with my digestive system. Also, no pie for me, or no Meredith's gluten-free pies, although I think it had built up over time. I had to take anti-biotics earlier in the year, and that always screws with my gut.)

Pop Culture news that is cheering me up and making me happy. It's the little things. The sky was blue today. It was cool but sunny. And there's cool pop culture news about upcoming films either newly released to streaming, or in the works to look forward to. (I'm taking a break from the national/international news for a moment for well my mental, emotional and physical well-being?)

1. Marvel Live Stream Reveal

"Earlier this month, co-directors the Russo brothers said they see Avengers 5 and 6 as a “new beginning” that will lay the foundation for whatever comes next in Phase 7 of the MCU.

“The only thing I’ll say about the movie is this: we love villains who think they’re the heroes of their own stories,” Joe Russo said. “That’s when they become three-dimensional and they become more interesting. When you have an actor like Robert Downey, you have to create a three-dimensional, well shaped character for the audience. That’s where a lot of our focus is going.”

Avengers: Doomsday is currently set to arrive in theaters on May 1, 2026, and Secret Wars arrives about a year later in May 2027. Before then, Thunderbolts* comes out in May 2025, TV show Ironheart is out in June, and Phase 6 kicks off with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July.

In October, Marvel Studios added three untitled movie projects to its 2028 release schedule: February 18, 2028; May 5, 2028; and November 10, 2028. It seems increasingly likely one of these movies is X-Men."

Go Here

I also love Robert Downy Jr, although I managed to miss his one-man show at Lincoln Center - I couldn't afford it. I'm considering joining Lincoln Center, and getting discounted tickets that way.

There are ways?
( ways to get discounted Broadway tickets )

Other good entertainment news?

2. A Complete Unknown is now streaming on Hulu!!! Yay!

Sing Sing is currently streaming on MAX (this is the film about the inmate who starts a theater troupe within the prison).

More and more Oscar nominated films are popping up for free (with a subscription) on streaming platforms.

3. Doctor Strange 3 has been confirmed and has exciting casting news. Sam Rami is returning as director.

And..."Benedict Cumberbatch will return, and it’s likely that Charlize Theron will also reprise her role based on the cliffhanger from the previous film. Wong is expected to return as well. However, the report also confirms an exciting addition: Dormammu!

Yes, the villain from the first film is making a comeback, and we’re thrilled to share that he will be portrayed by Denzel Washington. This suggests we may see more than just his head in the third installment."

[The Marvel movies continue to have the best casting and directors. They cast folks I'd go watch read the phone book.]

4. Upcoming Superhero Films for 2025 and 2026

Ah, I'm right, Fantastic Four: First Steps is going retro - it's in an AU, and takes place in the 1960s. Fantastic Four Trailer - this could actually work? Fantastic 4 works better as retro - because a lot of the things that happened in the comic don't really work now, but did in the 1960s, it solves the problem.

And the Superman Trailer (Superman has a large cast)

I managed to see all the Oscar Nominated films for Best Animation, the last three over the weekend. I'm not sure you can really compare or choose between them? They are so different, and will appeal to different tastes? All have similar universal themes? But that's about it. Outside of being animated and similar on a general thematic level - they are nothing alike.

1. Memoir of a Snail was not at all what I expected. First off, this is an Australian film. It's obviously an Australian film - it takes place in Australia for one thing, and everyone sounds Australian in it. It's an independent Australian film by way of IFC (the distributor). (there's three independent entries in the Oscar race, Memoir (Australian), Flow (French), and Wallace and Grommit (British).)

After seeing all the others, I was expecting a children's film about a snail.

It is not a children's film and while it has "snails" in it - it's not about a snail. I picked up on this right before the opening credits rolled - it's R-rated. And I thought, okay, that's interesting. How are they doing an R-rated film with stop motion? It's among the few R-rated animated films I've seen, there aren't that many. Nor do I tend to (generally speaking) seek them out - because, well..if you've seen them, you will understand?

I admittedly have mixed feelings about this film.

Mother: would you recommend it?
ME: uhm, I'm not entirely sure I'd recommend it to anyone? It's admittedly innovative and brilliant in places? But also dark, kind of repulsive, a little on the offensive side, with a biting and somewhat crude sense of humor?
Mother: did you like it?
ME: I honestly don't know.
Mother: you obviously found it watchable -
Me: Oh it was compelling. I stayed up past my bedtime watching it - because I miscalculated and thought it would be shorter than it was. Also it haunts me with visuals that I'm not entirely sure I want in my head?

It was also absurdly funny in places. It has a biting sardonic adult wit. But not for the metaphor blind, the jokes will jump over your head and do the hoochie coochie and turn themselves about.

( review of Memoir of a Snail )

I say more - I'd give away the movie. And I don't want to do that. I went in blind - completely blind. See above.

Here's a trailer, so you don't have to go into blind if you don't want to:
Trailer of Memoir of a Snail

Eh, the trailer was more uplifting than the movie. I understand why it was nominated, it's innovative. I've not seen anything quite like it, and it haunts me long after it ended. It's clever, intricately animated, and different. I'm just not sure I like it or want to recommend it?

How can you watch it? It's on AMC+ free with subscription, or for $4.99 via Amazon Prime, which is how I did it. Cheaper than a subscription.

2. Inside Out 2 - this apparently was the highest grossing film of 2024 (which says a lot about the film audience in 2024 although I'm not entirely sure what?). It took me three tries to get through this film. I get why it was nominated, I'm just not sure I'm the correct demographic for it? And I liked Inside Out 1 and Turning Red (which kind of tackles the same issues this one does) better - but that's just me.

What is it about? It's much like Turning Red in that it is about female puberty. Although I thought Turning Red handled it a little better? This film is a sequel to Inside Out and while it most likely would work better if you saw the first film? You could most likely figure it out without seeing it? It does give the audience a recap.
( review, somewhat spoilery )

The animation style is familiar to anyone who has watched Pixar. But after seeing the other films, I think Pixar may need to up its game a bit? It's prettier than snail. Bright colors. The people are pretty. Most if not all the human characters are female, and well drawn. The emotions are the range and distinctive, with bright upbeat colors. If watching Snail felt like well watching through a dirty mud puddle or snail shell (which might have been deliberate and the point), Inside Out is like watching through a Rainbow of candy coated colors - which probably was also deliberate and the point. I thought it went on too long, and drug a bit. My attention kept wandering away from it. But it was moving towards the end, and delivered. I cried at the end of it - I admit that.

It's on Disney +, and recommended for ages 12 and up. It is not an independent film and was done by Pixar Studios which is part of Disney Animation Studios.

3. The Wild Robot - this is Dreamworks entry, distributor is Universal Studios.

It's a stunning film. And definitely a children's film. Ages 10 and up.
A bit long, but compelling. It concerns a robot that crash lands on an island that has no one but wild animals, birds, etc. It's science fiction.
Heartwarming. And the point of view is mainly the robot.

I think it's better to go into it blind, like I did?
( vague spoilers )

Wild Robot is available on Peacock for free with subscription.

***

So, now that I've seen all the Oscar films? Here's how I would rank them, although to be fair? They aren't really comparable. This is just a personal preference thing? Completely subjective. Because all the films are brilliant innovative pieces of animation in their own right, and artistic achievements. Of the films, I found the Memoir of the Snail and Flow to be the most surprising and innovative - they both haunt long afterwards. Flow I want to see again and adored.

On Television front, tried Poker Face created/directed by Rian Johnson, with the main show-runners being the ones who want to do the Buffy reboot. The pilot episode was okay, but didn't really blow me away. I agree with the folks who state that Natasha Lyon's character is a kind of female Columbo, but not quite as bright as Columbo, nor with the backup. I think Columbo worked better.
( vague spoilers for the pilot episode )
I don't know if I'll stick with it or not? It's a bit too episodic for my taste. It did do well apparently - it only had one season. Aired in 2023.

Then I tried Northern Exposure on Amazon Prime. Unlike Buffy, it does not hold up well. Granted it was filmed in the mid-1990s. I suppose it depends on how you view it? But the Native Americans are used as comic relief, and Joel is ...well beyond sexist in how he relates to the women in the town. We also have the whole Shelly (Miss America who is in her early twenties) being fought over by two men old enough to be her grandfather.

I looked it up? It much like Ally McBeal derailed in its final seasons (basically seasons 4-5). It is really hard for a television show to make it past five seasons or to five seasons apparently. ( Read more... )
What was that Judge smoking?