Sorry to Bother You (2018)

I just got back from seeing Sorry to Bother You. It wasn't going to play in Ithaca, but our
awesome local art house theater aka my home away from home, Cinemapolis was able to
bring it. I know I'm going to have way more to say about it and this isn't a movie I want to
spoil for anybody so I'm going to keep this brief and just say Boots Riley has made one weird,
thought provoking, mind blowing movie.

It's a scathing, satirical statement on consumer culture, capitalism, race, class, and society. It's
original and inventive and unlike maybe anything you've seen on the big screen. I wouldn't
know what to compare it to. I walked out feeling like my head exploded in the best way
possible. Which would be not my brains oozing out. That, I promise, is not what happened.
Because that's gross. Instead, I felt like every synapse was firing with thoughts of just about
every second of that movie.

Anyway, I hope you'll go see it and come talk to me about it. I mean, talk to me about any
movie, but especially this movie. And just a tiny note on this- support movies made by people
of color, queers, and women. Go see movies put out by smaller studios like Annapurna who
get "weird", "different" movies out there for us to watch that will make us think.

Sad Songs

Everyone has songs they listen to when they're happy. They have songs they put on to get

them pumped up for something. And they have those songs they listen to when they're sad.
Occasionally, I listen to this list when I'm in a happy mood, because these are songs I love,
even though I know they may make me teary.

Most of them I can get through without a single tear. I'm able to hold back the water works at
least until the end of the song. But there's one that my eyes well up at before I even get
through the first verse. I do this thing to myself where I'm out for a walk and I'm listening to
the list and I just think "yeah I do want to hear that song" so I start it and I'm out on the street
and next thing I know I'm crying. I'm sure people drive by and assume I'm upset about
something, but really, it's just the song.You see, it's about a cat recounting the story of
meeting his human when the cat was just a lonely stray. It's a sweet, sad song told by the cat as
he heads back to the abandoned building he once lived in for the final stage of his life.

Jeez, cat! way to make me cry while I write this. If you don't believe me, and you've never
heard it, give it a listen. Have some tissues ready.

Virtute the Cat Explains her Departure, the Weakerthans. Saddest song I know

Like most songs (or art in general), I'm sure people get something different out it. But for me,
this is about how something that seems as simple like giving an animal a bit of food or  some
scritches might seem like a small thing to you, but it means the world to them. And they don't
forget. I sometimes find it easier to be kind to.animals than to people, but this is a reminder
to me that I need to remember I don't know what other people are going through daily, so I
can try to be compassionate. I can try not to be salty about little things. I can try to help out.
Little stuff is often big stuff you just don't know about.

Ant Man & the Wasp (2018)

I wasn't planning on watching Ant Man & the Wasp today. I was going to see a matinee at the mop, then maybe see something at the mall later. But not Ant Man. I mean, I hadn't even seen the first movie, so why would I see this one? Why?!?!?!

Two words. Paul. Rudd.

I love that guy. I read an interview with him in the Sunday times, and thought, "you know, I should watch the first movie." And so I did. And I really enjoyed it. So I thought, tonight I'd watch the sequel. And I enjoyed it, too. Like the first one, it's funny and has some great action sequences. It's a perfect summer popcorn flick. Not too long. Not too serious. It's just a fun movie. Plus, its the first Marvel movie to give a female hero a movie. I mean, technically. (although Rudd still has top billing in the credits) It is called Ant Man and the Wasp, and Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) kicks a lot of ass in this movie. Plus Michael Pena steals all his scenes, just like in the first one. The villain is an angry stereotypical "bad things happened and now I want revenge type", which is unfortunate, but, that's my only gripe. It's a fun popcorn flick.

Summer Troubles

A few days ago I said to myself, "Self, I am going to try to see 10 movies in the next 10 days." Then I saw 3 films in a row- Mountain, First Reformed, and Won't You Be My Neighbor?- the Mr. Rogers doc, which I didn't write about but is very much worth your time, but please bring tissues.

I've been trying to plot out my remaining 7 but here is the thing which happens every summer: There isn't a lot I want to see. The 'mop has a couple more films playing that I will get to, and that will bring me to 5. It's the stuff at regal which I'm just sort of meh about. Incredibles 2? Sure, I want to see that, but I'm not dying to view it on a big screen, so maybe, maybe not. Ant Man and the Wasp looks fun. The Purge? Well, I'll obviously see that but not on my own. That one will need commentary. Tag? Deadpool 2? Uncle Drew? Sicario 2?I have zero interest in those. Jurassic Park? Maybe for the dinosaurs. Maybe.

I know, I know, I have movie pass. "it's free, cuz movie pass!" I can hear the chant from the crowd. hing is, my time is not free. I'd rather not spend it watching things I don't care about. SO I might not achieve the 10 I had hoped for. Although, new movies open Friday so... I might.

First Reformed (2018)

First Reformed (2018) A24 Films

I've been meaning to see First Reformed since it opened. Upon finding out tonight was the end of its run here, I made it for a 9:20 show and was not disappointed. Usually I wait a day or two to write about a movie, but this one has burrowed deep into my brain, and I figure rather than lie awake thinking about it until 3 am, I'd just get my thoughts down now.

All the raves I have heard were true. Ethan Hawke gave the performance of his career. Paul Schrader's script is an original, brutally honest tale of how the church is just another business to many, and how easily faith can be lost in the systems in which we find ourselves.

I was reminded of Affliction, an earlier film by Schrader, not in substance, but in style. The slow pace showing not only the mundane life of Hawke's Reverend Toller, but also his inner struggles. The slow pace as we see Rev. Toller drifting from his faith only adds to the suspense. A slow boiler is what I'd call this.

My mom was raised as a Catholic, but didn't raise my siblings and I in the church. Heck, we're baptized but never made 1st Communion and none of us have any regrets. I think if I had a more religious background, this movie might have resonated with me in a different way. 2 people walked out of the theater about three-quarters of the way though. Not sure why, but I was glad they did since one of them was reading on their Kindle app most of the movie. Sigh. Another woman got up the minute the movie ended and exclaimed "That's it? She had come in about 15 minutes after the film started, and was chomping apples the whole time. If you enjoy formulaic, run of the mill movies, might I suggest seeing something at the mall? Ok, that was a low blow, I admit. Mall Multiplex, I didn't mean it. I know you try.

This film takes some turns you might not expect (I sure didn't), and won't be quickly forgotten. Especially the ending. Look for it when it hits the streams.

Mountain (2018)

Last night I saw the documentary Mountain at my dear old local Cinemapolis. I am so glad I was able to catch this breathtaking film! I won't say much about it, other than it is a feast for the eyes and ears, as it is scored by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and narrated by Willem Dafoe- he's reading the words of author Robert MacFarlane. This stunning doc deserves to be seen on a big screen. At times I felt like I was at an IMAX movie. I should add the disclaimer that if you have a great fear of heights, then maybe wait for this to stream. But if you are fearless when it comes to watching others climb truly epic peaks and adrenaline junkies dive off of them with skis strapped on, you will be in awe of this gorgeous film. 

Hearts Beat Loud (2018)

I have been a fan of Nick Offerman since Parks and Recreation began. I thoroughly enjoyed his book Paddle Your Own Canoe- a sort of memoir/manifesto about living life by your own rules. I follow him on the social medias, and I am quite glad that I do, because he is a funny, thoughtful, caring, and really hates Donald Trump. He gets some good zings in on the Twitter. I'd go as far to say he's a feminist, although I shouldn't speak for someone I don't know. But it's apparent  to me in his posts interviews, and his various writings about his wife, sister, mother, and women who work at the Offerman Wood Shop Plus he loves dogs. And he can pop and lock. Ok, ok, I have a crush on him. Jeez.

Thanks to his Instagram, I had heard about Hearts Beat Loud before it came to my local movie house. It looked like a perfect feel good sort of summer flick I enjoy, so I went the other night and I really loved it!

In Hearts Beat Loud, Frank, (Nick Offerman), is preparing to sell his Record Store and make a big life change when his daughter Sam (Kiersey Clemons) leaves to start Pre-med at UCLA. Frank is that won't-grow-up character we've seen in a gazillion movies. 40 something dude who still wants to be a rock star. But he has responsibilities always threatening to make him act like an adult. His record store, raising Sam after her mother's untimely death, dealing with his aging kleptomaniac mother, and struggling with romance. Sounds like the same old same old, right? WRONG!

Frank and Sam have little jam sessions weekly, and out of one such session, comes a song- a pretty great song- which Frank puts on Spotify, and the rest you have to see for yourself.

What I loved about this movie is how charming Kiersey Clemons is, she did so much with glances, eye rolls, and smiles as we see her embark on a first romance while also trying to get ready to move across the country for school. Nick Offerman is fantastic as the dad who is struggling to hang on to his daughter as she was when she was younger, while knowing she is an adult, and he has to grow up, too. Ted Danson, Sasha Lane, Toni Colette and Blythe Danner round out a terrific cast. This isn't that film that goes exactly like you think it will, but it does go where it should.

All Hail the Sport of the World

I've been busy this summer. Reading. Working. But for the last few weeks, most things have been pushed aside for what I consider my favorite sporting event of all- The World Cup. It only happens every 4 years, so I relish spending every second I can watching matches. I don't even care who is playing. That's the beauty of the World Cup! You have your "team" but then there are all the other teams you root for because they have history or they're underdogs or they feature players from leagues you follow.

The Cup is being played in Russia this year, which has worked out pretty well for me. I can watch a game and a half before work, then chat up my few coworkers who love soccer.

Let me take a moment to talk about soccer in the US. Yes, it's gained popularity in the last 10-20 years thanks to a slew of reasons, but still, when I talk about soccer to people who don't watch, I often hear the same things. "Yawn, it's too slow." No thanks, too boring". "Soccer? you mean 'Football'. Ha, no thanks".

To those people, well, I typically want to say Suck It. But instead, I often ask if they've watched, and more importantly if they've watched with other soccer fans. Soccer is low scoring, but it is by no means slow OR boring. I find most people who don't like soccer have never really watched it. Also, It's called the World Cup for a reason, folks. I mean, IT'S THE BIGGEST SPORT IN THE WORLD! And yeah, everyone else calls it football. Because you in fact, kick a ball with your foot. Just sayin.

Best. Player. In. The World. Lionel Messi, Argentina

So this Cup is about to hit the quarter final stage. Maybe I should have written earlier but I've been busy getting my mind blown by what has happened during the group stages. Perennial powerhouse Germany didn't make it out of their group. And Russia stunned everyone by winning 2 of 3 matches in their group. Heck, Russians were asked at the beginning of the tournament who they were rooting for and most said "anyone but Russia" Till they crushed Saudi Arabia 5-0. Then beat Egypt. They lost to Uruguay, but hey, it's Uruguay. Iceland Held Argentina to a tie. another stunner which led that group to a nail-biting "who will go on to the next round?!?!?!" scneario with Croatia. Croatia just crushed everyone in that group. Just watching teams like Nigeria, South Korea, Switzerland, Senegal, Mexico, and Japan play some extraordinary soccer was exhilarating.

Next up, the knock out rounds. Russia beats Spain! Belgium beats Japan! France sends Argentina packing! Uruguay beats Portugal! Croatia sends Denmark home! Brazil wins against Mexico! England bests Colombia! and The Swedes hold off the Swiss. Messi, Rinaldo, El Chicharito, Iniesta and Ramos, Honda and Kagawa, and Shaqiri will all head home to watch the rest of the Cup from their couch.

The Quarter finals start Friday, with France playing Uruguay and Belgium against Brazil. Then it's Russia vs. Croatia and England taking on Sweden. This cup has been zany and unexpected, so it's anyones guess who will advance, but based on their stellar play so far, I begrudgingly predict France to make the final. And I will be here watching. Cheering on everyone. Except France. Old grudges die hard.