Watched Banshees Of Inniserin last night. If this doesn’t win a best picture Oscar they might as well quit giving it out. It’s exactly what they are looking for….thought provoking, tragic, funny, beautiful, unique. And Jenny is a next level scene stealer….she’s really a movie stealer.
I so want to see that. It was put on my list as soon as I read about it.
HBOMax added it a couple days ago, been waiting.
I Came By (Netflix streaming)
Follows a young graffiti artist who discovers a shocking secret that would put him and the ones closest to him in danger.Dollars to donuts you can guess the secret very soon into the movie, but it was a solid movie, definitely did not follow formula in some major aspects of the plot. Worth a watch.
Watched it a while back and I enjoyed it. I know it got panned by some critics for being "obvious", but I felt that the way we got to the ultimate resolution took a different path than normal.
That different path definitely set it apart.I Came By (Netflix streaming)
Follows a young graffiti artist who discovers a shocking secret that would put him and the ones closest to him in danger.Dollars to donuts you can guess the secret very soon into the movie, but it was a solid movie, definitely did not follow formula in some major aspects of the plot. Worth a watch.
Watched it a while back and I enjoyed it. I know it got panned by some critics for being "obvious", but I felt that the way we got to the ultimate resolution took a different path than normal.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Merry Kiss Cam (Hulu)
Was strong armed into watching this. It’s not good. But it does have a college hockey storyline. Focuses on UMD and how bad they are. It’s cool to see some spots in Duluth and college hockey getting a spotlight. Just don’t get caught up in the details. Like the uniforms, opponents, arena, or really anything hockey related.
Merry Kiss Cam (Hulu)
I watched this as well after a heard a couple people talk about it mainly about the Duluth centric plot and scenery. This a Hallmark movie at best, but it falls short of that. It is cool to see Duluth in a movie though.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
@g-manpuck Apparently the writers of Merry Kiss Cam stopped reviewing Duluth Hockey History with the 07-08 season since they referred to Duluth as never being able to win the big game, LOL.
Clerks III (Netflix disc):
Dante, Elias, and Jay and Silent Bob are enlisted by Randal after a heart attack to make a movie about the convenience store that started it all.
I swear this was a movie mentioned before, but didn't find it while (admittedly) briefly scanning the last few pages. It's damn good, if one is a fan of the View Askewniverse. I dare say some onions were in the room by the end, as many of us were/are the same age of the characters as this story expanded.
Given K Smith's talent for dialogue and character stories, we all know a Dante, a Randal, a Silent Bob, a Jay, and maybe even an Elias. Highly recommend, and while I know there COULD be more to this story, I do hope it stops here, only because Smith really capped it off correctly.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Violence Action (Netflix streaming):
A young girl leads a double life as an assassin for hire.
Japanese movie 100%. Silly slapstick that interjects the over-the-top action scenes. Bloody, too. Crazy-ass editing, could be seizure-inducing. It was an entertaining watch, but man, you have to be ready for it.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Where The Crawdads Sing (Netflix streaming):
A woman who raised herself in the marshes of the Deep South becomes a suspect in the murder of a man with whom she was once involved.
Very good drama. Slow-paced, which fits the location the story happened (backwoods NC). Many stereotypes, but it's not forced. They show it just the way it was at that point in time. Many times something you think might happen, doesn't happen, and vice versa. Definitely worth a watch.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I watched Top Gun Maverick last night. I was genuinely entertained. It has been a while since I've seen a movie that has done that with the expectations going into watching it.
Nobody liked the original Top Gun because of a great screenplay and same with this show. If there is one shortfall in the screenplay it would be how they played out the relationship between Maverick and Rooster. But damn it, I was entertained and it was better than just a popcorn movie.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix streaming):
Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest case.
I really hope this becomes a franchise. Great movie, leaves enough clues for people to catch right away, but also foreshadows in such a way that the viewer looks back and asks "HOW DID I MISS THAT?"
Spoiler: Ed Norton plays an a-hole. One particular trait is recklessly copied from another movie of his, but the writing around it saves that flaw. I do recommend, if you like a good who-done-it. Nothing is what it seems, but you can see it, if you're good enough.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix streaming):
Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest case.
I really hope this becomes a franchise. Great movie, leaves enough clues for people to catch right away, but also foreshadows in such a way that the viewer looks back and asks "HOW DID I MISS THAT?"
Spoiler: Ed Norton plays an a-hole. One particular trait is recklessly copied from another movie of his, but the writing around it saves that flaw. I do recommend, if you like a good who-done-it. Nothing is what it seems, but you can see it, if you're good enough.
The casting in this is insane. How did Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Yo Yo Ma get in there? It did get a little over the top but it mostly worked. The first movie was a more traditional whodunnit and probably the better one if that’s what you are looking for. The way they weaved the writing with flashbacks and new angles to slowly reveal is masterful.
I think they are leaning towards doing a third one but have not officially announced it yet.
I agree the first one was better, that's expected. If there is a third one, we'll see how they tweak the presentation.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
A Christmas Story Christmas (HBOMax):
Follows the now-adult Ralphie as he returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child, reconnecting with childhood friends, and reconciling the passing of his Old Man.
I signed up (again) for HBO Max just for this movie (although found they also have Banshees Of Inisherin on there). I mean, c'mon, HAD to see it.
It's in the style of the Mary Poppins "sequel," where the main characters of the first one now older and such. Lots of nods to the original, while creating its own story. I thought it was very well done, great ending, and lots of meat to it. Some scenes were pretty much direct copies in the way they were shot in the first one, even though the context was a bit different. They couldn't get the original mother to reprise her role, but Julie Hagerty did a fine job. Most of the original characters are back as their older selves.
Much like Top Gun: Maverick, they took the time to do it right. I applaud this ONE AND ONLY SEQUEL TO THE ORIGINAL 😉 and would recommend it.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I found myself really wishing Melinda Dillon would/could have done it, because Julie’s take creates a different character. That said, I agree that overall it is good and that switch didn’t distract me nearly enough to ruin it. Fun to watch, tugs at a heart string or two a couple times.
I do wish she would have come back, and I do like Hagerty as an actress. I think she did her best to capture Dillon's character, and it was a great effort. Close, but no cigar type of thing. Way better than the "ol' college try."
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix streaming):
Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest case.
I really hope this becomes a franchise. Great movie, leaves enough clues for people to catch right away, but also foreshadows in such a way that the viewer looks back and asks "HOW DID I MISS THAT?"
Spoiler: Ed Norton plays an a-hole. One particular trait is recklessly copied from another movie of his, but the writing around it saves that flaw. I do recommend, if you like a good who-done-it. Nothing is what it seems, but you can see it, if you're good enough.
Daniel Craig in that blue and white striped swim outfit, yellow neck scarf and peep toed sling backs
?.
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
Craig gets some low key funny lines too
He's SO proper but so sly...and aloof, which only adds to the character.
Banshees Of Inisherin (HBOMax):
Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.
Set in the 1920s, this is a simple movie on the surface, very intricate as you dissect it. The nuances of the impasse are dealt with, in a traditional macho fashion. "This is between him and me." PERIOD. It adds to the dynamic of the changed relationship in a very multi-layered way. There is a deeper theme going on, with the Irish civil war happening
It's basically a 4-5 character movie, stripped down, relying on dialogue, customs, and character study. I really enjoyed it, though, especially the details of said impasse. Some might nod, and say, "Yup, I get it." Others, they might not get it.
I recommend it, for anyone who can enjoy a movie that is basically an audio-book, and I say that in a good way.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
It’s an audio book except for all the beautiful cinematography of Irish islands.
It’s an audio book except for all the beautiful cinematography of Irish islands.
Def give you that. Not essential to the story itself, but it is a very nice bonus.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix streaming):
Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest case.
I really hope this becomes a franchise. Great movie, leaves enough clues for people to catch right away, but also foreshadows in such a way that the viewer looks back and asks "HOW DID I MISS THAT?"
Spoiler: Ed Norton plays an a-hole. One particular trait is recklessly copied from another movie of his, but the writing around it saves that flaw. I do recommend, if you like a good who-done-it. Nothing is what it seems, but you can see it, if you're good enough.
The casting in this is insane. How did Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Yo Yo Ma get in there? It did get a little over the top but it mostly worked. The first movie was a more traditional whodunnit and probably the better one if that’s what you are looking for. The way they weaved the writing with flashbacks and new angles to slowly reveal is masterful.
I think they are leaning towards doing a third one but have not officially announced it yet.
re-watched tonight. Caught 2 things that I missed before, b/c obv wasn't looking for them. One involves a red herring, for sure, and the other you can see for only a brief glimpse.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I just watched this tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is one I’ll have to watch again to see what I missed the first time.
oh - and Madeline Cline is certainly easy on the eyes 😉
I just watched this tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is one I’ll have to watch again to see what I missed the first time.
oh - and Madeline Cline is certainly easy on the eyes 😉
So is Janelle Monae.
I caught the one that was made most obvious to the audience. That was an easy pick up. It was the first twist, I suppose, that was mentioned. Again, trying not to spoil things here. 
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I’m convinced Monae was made in some kind of lab or something. Stunning.
I just watched this tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is one I’ll have to watch again to see what I missed the first time.
oh - and Madeline Cline is certainly easy on the eyes 😉
So is Janelle Monae.
I caught the one that was made most obvious to the audience. That was an easy pick up. It was the first twist, I suppose, that was mentioned. Again, trying not to spoil things here.
Theres not a ton of them since this was made during Covid but there’s articles about all the cameos and JGL is probably the best one.
That was a good one. So was Ethan Hawke. 😀
"You're good."
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Merry Kiss Cam (Hulu)
I watched this as well after a heard a couple people talk about it mainly about the Duluth centric plot and scenery. This a Hallmark movie at best, but it falls short of that. It is cool to see Duluth in a movie though.
came across this. Haven’t watched it but remembered you guys talking about this movie here.
That was a good one. So was Ethan Hawke. 😀
"You're good."
What was so great about that he was shooting who knows what into their mouths to theoretically protect them from Covid and they were asking “what is that” and his answer was the same for each of them…
There’s so many subtlety funny lines in this.
Smile (Netflix disc):
After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can't explain. Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.
For the first half of the movie: What. The. F. Creepy and suspenseful as all hell, you are just staring at the screen watching the plot develop. The second half was more above average horror (not gory, though), and still good. The acting was great, the overall theme seems obvious, but there's another theme at work here that powers the main theme, and I think the secondary theme is really the meat of the story.
If you get a little twitchy and jumpy watching these types of movies...I definitely recommend. Might be sleeping with the lights on after watching it. 😉
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Came up on the Twitter machine, and I will admit I haven't seen a couple movies that I think will crack the top ten (notably Woman King, which should be on the way this week):
In no order:
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Maverick
Banshees Of Inisherin
Smile
RRR
Bullet Train
Where The Crawdads Sing
Emily The Criminal
Glass Onion: Knives Out Sequel
Hustle
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Could have also gone in the TV thread:
Burnt (Netflix streaming):
Adam Jones is a chef who destroyed his career with drugs and diva behavior. He cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can gain three Michelin stars.
Starring Bradley Cooper, this is basically Bourdain, or any other famous chef, and the life they live in. That being said, I really loved it, and for the foodies, it's soft porn. 😉 A higher class degree of food than "Chef" (which starred Jon Favreau, also a very good movie). I will say, chefs are indeed nuts, but they kinda have to be. The service industry is crazy enough as it is, among the plebes. To get A-listed? JFC.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Went and saw Avatar: Way of the Water today. Going to be honest, I wasn't super keen on seeing it. I thought the first one was really good but there was nothing really drawing me to the second one. However I had the day off, my wife works from home, and today was the first day we did not have our 2 foster dogs (they found a home last night) so I thought I would give her a distraction free day.
Boy was I more than pleasantly surprised. It's simply an amazing movie. As I've read other places, the story is simple and average but WOW the effects are simply spectacular. Especially the water/underwater scenes. There is so much attention to detail if every shot. I just can't imagine how much effort it took to make this movie.
That said, just like the first one, there is nothing memorable enough about it that I want to see it again, but I was blown away nonetheless
The Pale Blue Eye (Netflix streaming):
A world-weary detective is hired to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet. Stymied by the cadets' code of silence, he enlists one of their own to help unravel the case - a young man the world would come to know as Edgar Allan Poe.
Christian Bale stars, so, yeah, gonna watch it.
Went from a little odd, to disturbing, to effed up. Period piece, so the language and customs take some getting used to. Gillian Anderson plays a small part, and emotes WAY TOO MUCH. I didn't like her performance at all, I like her better in a more subdued mood, I think she's more effective that way. Nice cameo by Robert Duvall, though.
All in all, a good who-done-it, some nice what-ifs, and oh-that's-interesting moments...
I would give it a watch.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Barbarian (HBOMax):
A woman staying at an Airbnb discovers that the house she has rented is not what it seems.
Starts off really creepy, you think you know the direction it's kind of going, then the twists start to happen, with a really hard left turn about halfway through, and makes you pause for a second, wondering if it's the same movie, until the connection reveals itself, then it's back to suspense/horror. Not a gorefest, outside a couple of very brief scenes. More disturbing than anything.
If this is your thing, give it a spin. Some friends and I were talking about recent movies, and I had brought up "Smile," and someone said to check this one out, for that type of movie. I'd have to agree.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Menu (HBOMax):
A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.
Well, this was certainly different, and I am not using midwest dialect in saying that. This was all sorts of different. Suspense, satire of sorts, and drama. Within a few minutes, you will find your opinion on a diner/customer, and will know the reason why. That's the obvious. The satire theme is the most layered part of the movie. The suspense and drama just come with the territory.
I really enjoyed it, and found myself laughing (in an evil way) and internally yelling "YES!" at certain parts of the movie.
And this review also encapsulates all that the movie is saying. 😉
Definitely recommend.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
In accepting the Golden Globe for best screenplay for Banshees, Martin McDonagh joked that he wrote it for Jenny the donkey and was disappointed she didn’t get nominated…it’s a shameful omission and PETA should get involved………….
Just got back from M3GAN, man that movie is fun. I guess it’s horror but it’s PG-13 and we were rolling laughing as there’s some great lines. Ronny Chieng kills it in his role. If it’s possible it’s a comedy thriller, I guess…???
Jennifer Coolidge is such a treat. ?
In accepting the Golden Globe for best screenplay for Banshees, Martin McDonagh joked that he wrote it for Jenny the donkey and was disappointed she didn’t get nominated…it’s a shameful omission and PETA should get involved………….
That was such a subtle and great movie. Colin Farrel does play the "slow" character quite well (he has in at least 1-2 other movies).
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Amsterdam (HBOMax):
In the 1930s, two friends witness a murder, are framed for it, and uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history.
I had no idea about the "real" story, so this movie was great for that part of it. This also bounced back and forth between comedy and serious and noir, rather haphazardly, and it works. Tremendous cast, including an unrecognizable Timothy Olyphant in a small role, and Taylor Swift basically doing a cameo. And those are the small names.
One might cringe at a 2+ hour movie, but believe me when I say it flies by. I really liked this one.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Forgot to add: Christian Bale's speech pattern is absolutely stolen from Al Pacino's pattern, I swear. He didn't have the Pacino Yell, but everything else...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Vanishing (Netflix streaming):
Three lighthouse keepers on the remote Flannan Isles find a hidden trunk of gold, leading to their mysterious disappearance.
"Inspired by a true story" which means pure made up stuff, but the true story is indeed weird. This story is suspenseful, and captivating, though. 6 week shift, with only a 3 man crew, on an island. Oh, and it's set in 1900. Very little to do to pass the time. That's a hard life.
Good acting as far as that scenario goes. A slow drama, with a couple moments of action/excitement, it's a good watch.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Woman King (Netflix streaming):
A historical epic inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Rather intense movie, Viola Davis and company shine in their acting. Unfortunately, some major facts of the state are flat-out ignored, because that would have tarnished the story big-time. That being said, the action scenes are well-done, you do get involved in the story, and *gasp* might even learn some history in the process. I do recommend it, but I would also say read up on the rest of the story after watching.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker (Netflix streaming).
This shocking documentary chronicles a happy-go-lucky nomad's ascent to viral stardom and the steep downward spiral that resulted in his imprisonment.
Bizarre story. I remember the viral part. Didn't recall the rest. Wow. One one hand, you do see the good in him, but on the other, there were 3 options that I thought of:
1. He is on SOMEthing
2. He SHOULD be on something, b/c he's a bit nuts.
3. Maybe a combo of both.
Captivating, good watch.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Watching S.W.A.T. (‘03) movie. Seen it dozens of time and it’s like Shawshank, Goonies and Karate Kid… you can come in any time during the movie and watch it.
Keep your stick on the ice...
The Stranger (Netflix streaming):
Two men who meet on a bus and strike up a conversation that turns into friendship. For Henry Teague, worn down by a lifetime of physical labor and crime, this is a dream come true.
Based on a true crime case in Australia, neither of the main characters are who they seem to be. It's a slow burn, worth the wait. A "Seven"ish or "Silence Of The Lambs" type of movie, where the pieces are slowly revealed. I liked it, was always wondering how the characters would react to the ever-changing situations they were in, etc.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker (Netflix streaming).
This shocking documentary chronicles a happy-go-lucky nomad's ascent to viral stardom and the steep downward spiral that resulted in his imprisonment.
Bizarre story. I remember the viral part. Didn't recall the rest. Wow. One one hand, you do see the good in him, but on the other, there were 3 options that I thought of:
1. He is on SOMEthing
2. He SHOULD be on something, b/c he's a bit nuts.3. Maybe a combo of both.
Captivating, good watch.
Wild story. He’s one of those types with an undeniable charisma that draws people in.