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.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
When Michael Left for Colorado
I'm in a hotel, watching the episode of The Office where Michael finally leaves Dunder Mifflin, heading off to Colorado with Holly. The staff all think he has one more day, but he doesn't. So Pam isn't at work and he is sad he cant say goodbye. He is leaving Scranton as soon as he leaves work that day at 4pm
But Jim knows. Michael reveals he's sad, and can't believe hes sad and worries he might be making a mistake. But Jim gives him a pep talk of sorts, and tells him is s the best boss he's ever had. That is maybe a stretch but here is the thing: I've seen this episode at least 4 times. When it fist aired, a couple times during re-watches. And tonight. And I have teared up every time. John Krasinski and Steve Carell are so good, and so believable. and so genuine.
The reason this show is so watchable (and re-watchable) is the dynamic between all of the characters- not just the core cast, but also the background players. This sitcom made me tear up more than maybe any other I can think of. Even my beloved Parks and Rec. It has also made me laugh, a lot. If you've never seen it, you should give it the 5 episode shot.
But Jim knows. Michael reveals he's sad, and can't believe hes sad and worries he might be making a mistake. But Jim gives him a pep talk of sorts, and tells him is s the best boss he's ever had. That is maybe a stretch but here is the thing: I've seen this episode at least 4 times. When it fist aired, a couple times during re-watches. And tonight. And I have teared up every time. John Krasinski and Steve Carell are so good, and so believable. and so genuine.
The reason this show is so watchable (and re-watchable) is the dynamic between all of the characters- not just the core cast, but also the background players. This sitcom made me tear up more than maybe any other I can think of. Even my beloved Parks and Rec. It has also made me laugh, a lot. If you've never seen it, you should give it the 5 episode shot.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Overdue Recaps
Between the last 2 movies I wrote about, which were Unsane (in March) and Hereditary, I have seen a slew of stuff I'd like to say a sentence or two about.
Flower- I think I would have enjoyed this more if I were 20 and or didn't care about a flimsy plot.
Ready Player One- Not sticking to the book worked for this film. I went in with low expectations and found myself enjoying it.
A Quiet Place- This one deserves it's own post. Possibly my favorite film of the year so far, A great, scary, original film that made me afraid to make a sound while I watched a family terrorized by monsters who hunt by sound. My poor popcorn didn't have a chance!
The Party -Pitch black comedy about political and marital discontent. Fantastic cast, I liked it.
Ismael's Ghost- If someone says "you could watch Ismael's Ghost or watch paint dry" Watch the paint dry. This was so boring and disjointed.
Gemini- Two words: "Lesbian Intrigue". Two more words: "L.A. Noir". Very enjoyable.
Revenge- This was a little too I Spit on Your Grave for me. And over-hyped.
Solo- There was plenty to like about this (Han's origin story, young Lando, meeting Chewie, Finding out how he made the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs). I'd personally like them to slow it down with the Star Wars movies. It's taking the magic out of them.
Adrift- I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Less about the love story, more about survival at sea. And Shailene Woodley was great.
RBG- This documentary on Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a little too middle of the road for me.
The Rider- A beautifully shot film based on a true story featuring not actors, but the real people the story is about. Sad, real, and beautiful to sum it up.
Ocean's 8- I liked this heist movie a lot. Maybe because of the cast (Sandra Bullock, Cate Blachett, Mindy Kaling, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, and Rihanna) or maybe because the cast had hardly any men. Whatever, Cate Blanchett on a motorcycle!!!!! WOO!
The Seagull- Do you like being depressed? Do you like great casts who don't have a lot to do? Do you like Russian literature brought to life by not Russian actors? Well, this might be the movie for you. We cringed our way through it.
Alright! There you have it, mini reviews! You are welcome!
Flower- I think I would have enjoyed this more if I were 20 and or didn't care about a flimsy plot.
Ready Player One- Not sticking to the book worked for this film. I went in with low expectations and found myself enjoying it.
A Quiet Place- This one deserves it's own post. Possibly my favorite film of the year so far, A great, scary, original film that made me afraid to make a sound while I watched a family terrorized by monsters who hunt by sound. My poor popcorn didn't have a chance!
The Party -Pitch black comedy about political and marital discontent. Fantastic cast, I liked it.
Ismael's Ghost- If someone says "you could watch Ismael's Ghost or watch paint dry" Watch the paint dry. This was so boring and disjointed.
Gemini- Two words: "Lesbian Intrigue". Two more words: "L.A. Noir". Very enjoyable.
Revenge- This was a little too I Spit on Your Grave for me. And over-hyped.
Solo- There was plenty to like about this (Han's origin story, young Lando, meeting Chewie, Finding out how he made the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs). I'd personally like them to slow it down with the Star Wars movies. It's taking the magic out of them.
Adrift- I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Less about the love story, more about survival at sea. And Shailene Woodley was great.
RBG- This documentary on Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a little too middle of the road for me.
The Rider- A beautifully shot film based on a true story featuring not actors, but the real people the story is about. Sad, real, and beautiful to sum it up.
Ocean's 8- I liked this heist movie a lot. Maybe because of the cast (Sandra Bullock, Cate Blachett, Mindy Kaling, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, and Rihanna) or maybe because the cast had hardly any men. Whatever, Cate Blanchett on a motorcycle!!!!! WOO!
The Seagull- Do you like being depressed? Do you like great casts who don't have a lot to do? Do you like Russian literature brought to life by not Russian actors? Well, this might be the movie for you. We cringed our way through it.
Alright! There you have it, mini reviews! You are welcome!
No Matter...
No matter how hot out it is, my dogs will always want to cuddle. After I turn on the A/C of course.
(this is a dramatization, these cute pups are not my cute pups)
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Found in the Stacks
I find many a wacky book when I'm shelving at work, but after finding this I figured it was time to start sharing the here:
Sure, you've seen Fabio on the cover of many a romance novel. But how many novels have you seen where he was also the author?
Sure, you've seen Fabio on the cover of many a romance novel. But how many novels have you seen where he was also the author?
Feelings...
This week my Facebook, Twitter, and even Instagram feeds had an explosion of posts about mental health, dealing with depression, people being open to "listening" if you're feeling sad, and a lot of sharing of feelings and personal expression of depression. The catalyst for this being the suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. For one week, my feed was less regurgitated babble and ire about terrible Trump, and more about caring for one another.
Last night I was having drinks with a friend and we got talking about feeling sad and dealing with depression. I told him I sometimes get sad for what seems like no reason. Everything in my life could be going great, but I just feel sad. And sometimes angry. I know, for me at least, a lot of this has to do with hormonal imbalance, being hangry, etc. But also, sometimes, I just feel sad. Its not the same as being depressed, and I know how lucky I am I can say that.
When I got home, I watched a little TV and saw a very thoughtful ad with Michael Phelps, advocating for therapy, by talking about how much it has helped him. I thought "wow, this is great, and hopefully will help de-stigmatize therapy".
I know so many people who have been helped by seeing a therapist. I also know an equal amount of friends who think they can work stuff out on their own. Maybe they can. But when you are feeling overwhelmed by everything around you, it doesn't hurt to talk to someone who can hep you deal with your stuff.
My previous job drove me close to what I am pretty sure was a nervous breakdown. I spent most of my time crying and feeling like I was being crushed every day I was able to get out of bed. I put on a happy face at work- well, as happy as I could, even though I was barely hanging on. When I did talk to people about how I was feeling, I often heard "hang in there". "Hang in there" is for those last couple hours of a work shift. It's for finishing a grueling project. Don't say that to someone having a meltdown. I contemplated therapy every day, but had no idea how I would be able to get away from work to go. Or pay for it. So I didn't go. Instead I quit that job. A place I loved, a job I didn't. It took a while being away, having a new job I love to get back to what is normal for me.
Why am i even writing this blog post? Well, I guess I have been thinking about it a lot lately. And writing stuff helps.
Last night I was having drinks with a friend and we got talking about feeling sad and dealing with depression. I told him I sometimes get sad for what seems like no reason. Everything in my life could be going great, but I just feel sad. And sometimes angry. I know, for me at least, a lot of this has to do with hormonal imbalance, being hangry, etc. But also, sometimes, I just feel sad. Its not the same as being depressed, and I know how lucky I am I can say that.
When I got home, I watched a little TV and saw a very thoughtful ad with Michael Phelps, advocating for therapy, by talking about how much it has helped him. I thought "wow, this is great, and hopefully will help de-stigmatize therapy".
I know so many people who have been helped by seeing a therapist. I also know an equal amount of friends who think they can work stuff out on their own. Maybe they can. But when you are feeling overwhelmed by everything around you, it doesn't hurt to talk to someone who can hep you deal with your stuff.
My previous job drove me close to what I am pretty sure was a nervous breakdown. I spent most of my time crying and feeling like I was being crushed every day I was able to get out of bed. I put on a happy face at work- well, as happy as I could, even though I was barely hanging on. When I did talk to people about how I was feeling, I often heard "hang in there". "Hang in there" is for those last couple hours of a work shift. It's for finishing a grueling project. Don't say that to someone having a meltdown. I contemplated therapy every day, but had no idea how I would be able to get away from work to go. Or pay for it. So I didn't go. Instead I quit that job. A place I loved, a job I didn't. It took a while being away, having a new job I love to get back to what is normal for me.
Why am i even writing this blog post? Well, I guess I have been thinking about it a lot lately. And writing stuff helps.
Monday, June 11, 2018
Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary 2018, A24
What the fuck is CinemaScore?
I had never heard of it, so I looked into it. Here's what Wikipedia had to say:
CinemaScore is a market research firm based in Las Vegas. It surveys film audiences to rate their viewing experiences with letter grades, reports the results, and forecasts box office receipts based on the data.Wikipedia
I looked at their website and saw the following grades:
Hereditary D+
Hotel Artemis C-
Ocean's 8 B+
Book Club A-
Midnight Sun A-
Overboard A-
Solo A-
Solo an A-? I haven't seen Midnight Sun, Book Club, or Overboard, but I am scratching my head at those grades. But only a tiny scratch. We see this in box office figures. We see this in longevity at the theaters. Most people like a simple story with a clear plot. Or they are up for a more complex story that doesn't hold all the cards for a final reveal in the last 15 minutes of the film.
Here's your "It might get a little spoiler-y" warning.
Part of this score, I would guess, is the way Hereditary was marketed. Scariest Movie of 2018! Not by a long shot. A Quiet Place was far scarier. Because when a horror fan hears "Scariest", they want to be scared. Hereditary does dole out some good scares, but its more of a creeping dread type of film. An in-the-back-of-your-mind kind of scare. After my first viewing, I was struck by the themes of mental illness present throughout the film. That and so much decapitation. I went with a big group and we were definitely divided on how we felt. After seeing it again, I caught things I missed or that just didn't register the first time, as you do on second viewings. But I also went with a different set of people, so there were different insights and opinions. One of which was that Toni Collette's character Annie complained constantly about how awful her own mother was, while her son is thinking the same thing about her. These inherited cycles. DNA. The environment you grow up in. Family history. Family plots. All this, and witchcraft.
It's ALWAYS witchcraft.
The look and feel of this film got to me. For a first time director, I feel like Ari Aster nailed it, even if the film felt a wee bit long. Toni Collette was outstanding at playing a range of emotions in a way you don't always see, definitely not in horror. If you want to see a well crafted, psychological horror film that will stick with you after seeing it, this is for you.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Could it be...Murder?
I've always had a fondness for true crime, but I often finding myself saying things like "I LOVE MURDER!" Which, is not what I mean. Just the other day I had to make a promise not to kill someone I care for very much, and also had to agree not to expect them to ever help me kill someone. I made the promise on both accounts, in case you were wondering.
I have no interest in killing anybody, think of all the work and planning that would entail. No thank you! I also don't like ruining clothes, and blood stains are a pain to get out. Ruining clothes means having to go shopping, so for that reason, along with the work involved and planning means I will give murder a hard pass.
Also, I'm going to go out on a limb and just say that prison is not for me. Nor is being "on the lam." I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like either of those things. Also, I have a very, very guilty conscience. So the truth is, I do not in fact love murder.
I love true crime. I often feel like I can't get enough, and I know I am not alone. Recently I gained access to the Investigation Discovery channel and after saying I hardly watch TV in the summer (to the same person I promised not to murder) I am finding myself glued to the TV every night. I just watched Dead North in one sitting. From ID's website:
Dead North is a true crime thriller set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This is the story of a female police chief who goes against all odds to uncover what happened on the night Chris Regan went missing and will stop at nothing to catch his killer.
Ooooh copy and paste is so fun. I am leaving that as is. Dead North is a whodunit that turns into what in the hell WHO WHAT WHY WHOA! I highly recommend it, and if you also are a true crime fan/murderino like me, just check out the ID channel in between fun and sun. Because murder! Dang, I mean true crime. I'll keep working on that.
I have no interest in killing anybody, think of all the work and planning that would entail. No thank you! I also don't like ruining clothes, and blood stains are a pain to get out. Ruining clothes means having to go shopping, so for that reason, along with the work involved and planning means I will give murder a hard pass.
Also, I'm going to go out on a limb and just say that prison is not for me. Nor is being "on the lam." I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like either of those things. Also, I have a very, very guilty conscience. So the truth is, I do not in fact love murder.
I love true crime. I often feel like I can't get enough, and I know I am not alone. Recently I gained access to the Investigation Discovery channel and after saying I hardly watch TV in the summer (to the same person I promised not to murder) I am finding myself glued to the TV every night. I just watched Dead North in one sitting. From ID's website:
Dead North is a true crime thriller set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This is the story of a female police chief who goes against all odds to uncover what happened on the night Chris Regan went missing and will stop at nothing to catch his killer.
Ooooh copy and paste is so fun. I am leaving that as is. Dead North is a whodunit that turns into what in the hell WHO WHAT WHY WHOA! I highly recommend it, and if you also are a true crime fan/murderino like me, just check out the ID channel in between fun and sun. Because murder! Dang, I mean true crime. I'll keep working on that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)