What Else I Watched, 2024Q4

For October I rewatched The Little Shop of Horrors (1960) then saw Little Shop of Horrors (1986) for the very first time. The Roger Corman film was adapted into an off-broadway musical In the early 80’s, then later adapted for this film and changed quite a bit along the way. I was pretty lukewarm on the first film and was again here. I didn’t love the musical remake as much as I hoped. I liked elements of it. Ellen Greene was spot on as Audrey. Rest in peace, Jonathan Haze.

I also rewatched Carnival of Souls (1962), which was fine. I gave it a four last time, and I will leave it there.

Wicked Little Letters (2023) is loosely based on a true story of a woman who was falsely accused in 1920 of mailing profanity-laden letters to a respected family in a small English village. I remember enjoying it but little else. I gave it a 7 on IMDb, so 3.5?

It’s been eight years since I watched The Bishop’s Wife (1947). I liked it fine back then, saying it was “quality holiday fare” and had “humor and heart”. On second viewing, I think I liked it even better. I’ll give it a 4 out of 5 this time around.

A Christmas Story (1983) is still charming and amusing and a must-watch Christmas movie, but I don’t know if it’s at the must-watch-every-season level. Like Carnival of Souls, a bit of the shine seems to have come off.

From Darkness to Light (2023) is a documentary about Jerry Lewis’ troubled production of The Day the Clown Cried. Long story short, the studio lost faith in the production, the producers failed to renew the rights to the story, and the existing footage was both praised and condemned by Lewis himself. The shoot was not complete, there is no final edit, no adaptation rights, and we may never see it. If Harry Shearer is to be believed, maybe that is a good thing. Fascinating watch. AMRU 4.

I first and last saw It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) fifteen years ago, when I called it a “Well made, satisfying movie”. I will revise that by saying it’s the best Christmas movie ever. Ironically, the climax was far more impactful the second time around. I will up my rating from 3.5 to 4.5, and my IMDb score to 9/10. I am looking forward to seeing it again next season.

Eight off-brand films a quarter isn't too bad, I suppose, but it was feast or famine for me. Three were in October and four in December. And truth be told, I haven't watched anything since. Happy nother year.