Last year I included non-blog films in my end of year wrap-up, and the list was rather long. Too long to go into any depth. I want to try something different this year. Instead I will post quarterly. It will allow me to go into better depth without resorting to a novel-length piece that would give Spider-Bot pause. Let’s see how it goes.
Newer films:
Asteroid City (2023)
I am a big fan of Wes Anderson and went into Asteroid City aware of a certain amount of hand-wringing. I didn’t know what to expect of this Most Wes Anderson Wes Anderson film and it delivered on that ambiguity. It is his lowest rated film and I get that. The film insists on not being what the viewer expects it to be. Despite or because of this, it may be my favorite. From a watch for enjoyment perspective Grand Budapest is very much tops, but Asteroid City certainly demands a second viewing. AMRU 4+.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
Origin story for President Snow. Didn’t know this film even existed. Has some good stuff, some not so good. It’s pretty dark in parts and I liked that. I’d have more of an opinion were I a Hunger Games fanboy, which I am not. Now, if you will excuse me, I will go back to not knowing that this film exists. AMRU 3-.
The Mercy (2018)
Truish story about a sailing amateur who enters an around the world, non-stop sailing competition. Things don’t go as planned. Interesting watch but I was taken out of the story by the contradiction between how the main character is portrayed (sober, rational, family man) and the choices he makes. Colin Firth is always great, but the flaw remains. There are a few videos that detail the actual events. AMRU 3.
Past Lives (2023)
I could describe the story but it would sound boring. First time film director Celine Song wrote the script and was nominated for best screenplay and best picture. Filmmaking, it’s been said, is about making good decisions. As director and screenwriter, Song made some amazingly brave and wise decisions. It’s a simple yet complex story, intensely moving but not manipulative. It’s a film about adults acting like adults. I’ve already scheduled my second viewing, this time with others. Better than Barbie. AMRU 4.5.
Documentaries:
John Ford: The Man Who Invented America (2019)
I knew very little about the enigmatic John Ford. The man directed 122 features and won four Oscars, but I've only seen two of his films. This documentary was very enlightening and motivated me to watch more of his work. A bunch are already on my DVR. Stay tuned. AMRU 3.5+.
The Heart of New England (2023)
iMax film that explores the heart of New England, from Boston to the coast of Maine, to Boston, and did I mention Boston? I think they mentioned Connecticut once. It was fun and encouraged me to start jogging. I didn’t, but wanted to while watching. AMRU 3.
Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession (2004)
In the 1970’s and 80’s there was a pay cable channel that would broadcast uncut films of all categories, and was so popular with cinephiles that it died before 1990. I would have loved a channel like this back then. This documentary covers the rise and fall of Z Channel and its charismatic program director Jerry Harvey. The channel's commercial failure despite the adoration of film lovers interestingly mirrors the plight TCM finds itself in now. An adored, singular source of quality cinema that is in constant danger of being cut by profit obsessed executives. The parallels are profound. I'm sure completely by accident, once recorded, Magnificent Obsession was titled The Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970) on my DVR. AMRU 4.
The Power of Film (2024)
A six part series focusing on various topics of filmmaking, featuring retired film studies professor Howard Suber. Interesting if not exactly enlightening, it seemed to insist on explaining things by not explaining them. Sometimes these elements are like this and sometimes like this. Pleasant, but a bit of a fluff piece. AMRU 3.
VOIR (2021)
Tony Zhou, famous for his Every Frame a Painting youtube channel, was involved in producing this six part special for Netflix. While it doesn’t match his best youtube content, it was still excellent and informative viewing. Tony’s segment was the least interesting. AMRU 3.5.
Four narrative films, three documentaries, two short series. I've struggled to find time to watch anything in recent months, but that is a temporary situation. It has encouraged me to be more selective in the meantime.
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