my thoughts exactly: viewing reviews 2024

Do you have any hobbies? Uh, yeah, I try to watch all the shows, apparently. Here we go.

80. 12/30/24

Broad City

(Seasons 1-5, Hulu)

I don't know when I restarted this series... sometime in the fall, I think, so finishing it right at the end of the year seemed important. I watched most of it on my own over lunch breaks or to pass the time on a night when Hubby was reffing, but the 17-year-old and 18-year-old did watch some episodes with me. Damn, I loved everything Ilana and Abbi got into together, the ridiculous plots, the unexpected cameos, all of it. By the final episode, I found myself weepy even though I'd watched the full series before, back in 2021. I'll undoubtedly be watching it again at some point.

79. 12/29/24

Last Christmas

(Max)

I didn't know anything about the plot going in, but I pretty quickly figured out that the very next line in the titular song was going to be applied quite literally. I needed a good little cry today, so this cute flick got the job done. Emilia Clarke has the lock on quirky, cute characters, and yes, I did just intentionally use the word 'cute' twice, because it's completely fitting. She's cute, the setting is cute, the guy is cute, and the twist is (obvious, and) made to be more cutesy maudlin than deeply tragic. And the George Michael's Greatest Hits soundtrack made my heart smile. Cutely, of course.

78. 12/27/24

Saltburn

(Prime Video)

I'd heard that there was a scene in this film that absolutely grossed people out, but after watching it, I couldn't figure out which one was the worst-- the tub, the cunnilingus, or the grave-- that really set people off. None of them would float my boat, but I was surprised that those were it, as I was bracing myself for something utterly depraved. It seemed easy to clock Oliver for who he really was, maybe because I'd seen The Talented Mr. Ripley twenty-five years ago, or because it was painfully obvious. I did keep waiting for Felix to turn sadistically mean or something, but apparently he really was just cute and shallow. Unfortunately, no one had much depth at all, other than the lush backdrops for the film. I think I expected more... something... anything. It ended up just being a bit boring, though pretty to look at. Is that the message about the 1%?

77. 12/25/24

epic

(Hulu)

It'd been several years since we watched this film as a family, so we pulled it up as we ate our Xmas fondue dinner. It was fun to watch the not-so-little kids remember lines and laugh at old jokes in this flick while reminiscing about watching it when they were younger. We all had to yell, "I hurt my elbow!" as slowly as we could, of course!

76.12/25/25

Elf

(Hulu)
Every year. Yup, same.

75. 12/24/24

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

(Hulu)

Every year. Every. Year.

74. 12/23/24

Tig Notaro: Hello Again

(Prime Video)

Oh, Tig, you are such a unique comedic voice, and I absolutely adore you. I was howling during this special as I wrapped Xmas gifts, even the ones I'd heard her talk about on her podcast before. Her delivery keeps me hanging on every work, even when I know exactly what she's doing-- like the piano here, and the Indigo Girls bit on a previous special. Tig Notaro could copyright her particular form of dryness and measured pace, because literally no one does like it her.

73. 12/20/24

No Good Deed

(Season 1, Netflix)

I didn't realize until maybe 2 or 3 episodes in that this is from the same creator as Dead to Me, but once I learned that, the same fingerprints were so obviously all over it. It began with lighthearted, quirky humor, only to be replaced with a darker (and then, much darker) tone, and then a depth of emotionality made itself apparent, which wasn't necessarily expected. I loved the ensemble cast, and with a variety of types of characters and situations, the twists and turns were fun. There's a potential for a second season, it seems, and I'd definitely watch!

72. 12/17/24

Somebody Somewhere

(Season 3, Max)

There could never have been enough episodes of this quietly beautiful show, but only three short seasons should count as an actual crime. Bridget Everett deserves every single damn award out there for her unbelievably relatable performance of Sam, and the rest of the cast blew me away, too. The intimacy and emotionality of this show moved me deeply, and I found myself crying through the entire finale, from the previous episode recap to its final scene. Nothing about this show was ever too much-- its scenes were snippets of life, its transitions were close-ups of items around the spaces the characters inhabited, and its dialogue was natural as it comes. Man, will I ever miss the fuck out of this show.

71. 12/15/24

The Big Chill

(Amazon, F-Ks purchase)

I watched this with the F-Ks, who had both seen it before, but I hadn't and really had no clue what it was about. We watched it in two sittings, but I was more clear-headed for the second half which helped, because this is a big cast and I struggled to remember everyone's names. I can see how this is a classic and often revered film, because I'm sure there was a generational connection for so many. While that wasn't a draw for me, I could relate to some of the issues that the characters were experiencing in terms of disenchantment with mid-life. I just learned that there was a film from 10 years ago that was described as not-quite a remake, but a millennial take on the story, so I'm curious to see that for comparison. Too bad there's not Gen-X version!

70. 12/13/24

His Three Daughters

(Netflix)

I had to watch this in two sittings and I think that disruption might have actually helped because I came back to it in a different mood and got into it more for the second half. This is a pure character development kind of movie, and a shift does happen to the three main characters that makes it easier to empathize with each of them, because in the beginning they're each really freaking difficult to connect with, annoying and tiresome each in their own way. These performances are truly incredible, and with almost the entire film taking place in an apartment, the whole movie is absolutely just the performances.

69. 11/30/24

Wicked (Part One)

I went with my two best pals to see this, and though none of us were dying to see it, I think we all enjoyed it enough. Two of us had read the book for book club a couple years ago but didn't actually like it all that much. I've never seen the musical, though I do know a couple of the most popular songs, of course. I was entertained by the film, and I will go see the second one. The performances were amazing-- damn, the singing was beyond incredible. The story is different from what I remember of the book, but in a good way. Great flick to see during the short Thanksgiving break.

68. 11/29/24

Me Before You

(Amazon Prime)

I'd read the novel this movie is based on about 8 years ago, and looking back at what I thought of it at the time, it seems that I was taken by the emotional connection of the main characters and, of course, cried a ton. As I watched the film adaptation, I felt the same, but I also had a loud voice in my head wondering how disabled people, especially those with paralysis disabilities similar to Will's, felt about this portrayal. Like I thought, there was a loud outcry against the movie and the message it sends through Will's perspective and words-- that a life as a quadriplegic could never be *his* life. Damn, that is a perspective that I obviously couldn't relate to, and the entire issue of medically-assisted suicide is something that is entirely individual and personal, but I can hear the argument that the movie did nothing to present other disabled people having different experiences. Or, troubling to me, was that we saw or heard nothing about Will getting mental health support or therapy or anything. He acknowledges that Lou has given him some of the most amazing experiences of his life, yet that joy he's experiencing with her could never be enough for him to want to continue living? I don't know, man, I'm super conflicted on how to feel about it all.

67. 11/15/24

Knives Out

(Amazon Prime)

This was my fourth (!) viewing of this movie, which was requested by the youngest for our family celebration of their birthday at home on a Friday evening. You'd think that by the fourth viewing, I'd have it all down, but I still needed to be reminded of a few bits and pieces. Man, when you remember what to look for, it's amazing to realize how much was laid out for viewers from the very beginning. I just love this movie so much!

66. 11/11/24

Survival of the Thickest

(Season 1, Netflix)

Michelle Buteau is a comedy genius who is using her powers for good. I enjoyed every episode in this short season (only 8 episodes), appreciating the depth of character development in such a short time. Honestly, everyone is quite good, but Buteau steals every scene she's in, with her big emotions and her genuine and vulnerable personality. I loved how this show normalizes so much-- her friends represent several different identities, and she isn't shy about her positive representation of body diversity, especially celebrating fat bodies. The romance storylines are sensitive and mature, showing growth for everyone even through challenging situations. I'm happily awaiting a second season. I'd watch anything Buteau creates.

65. 11/9/24

Dinner in America

(Hulu)

Our middle kid insisted that we watch this with them, because she was hanging out at home and loves this indie flick. We've had a 'weird movie night' thing with our friends for a while, and she thought this would be a good option, and I'm really glad that I watched with her first, because if I can convince our pals to watch this, it gives me an opportunity to watch it again. It definitely is weird and uber-indie, but the two leads give ridiculously funny performances. Like Napoleon Dynamite, there's a lot of odd scenes where a whole lot doesn't happen, but I was cool with the discomfort of it all.

64. 11/5/24

The Proposal

(Hulu)

I needed a distraction on this Day of Anxiety, and the tv put up this movie's poster was shown on a ribbon of suggested viewing options. I knew of the movie but had never seen it, and it was funny enough to kill some time otherwise spent obsessively worrying. Betty White was a national treasure.

63. 10/30/24

Woman of the Hour

(Netflix)

I didn't know about this real-life serial killer until the press for this movie. How fucking madness is it that he was able to evade arrest for as long as he did, then being released and killing even more. I appreciated this film's focus on the women and their perspectives, portraying the common experience of not knowing if one should be afraid and trying hard to be 'polite' about it. The youngest and I watched this together, and the intensity and realism really affected them.

62. 10/29/24

We Live in Time

(theater)

My middle child and I went to see this together at our local indie movie theater, and we knew we'd both be sobbing by the end. We were right. Even though we knew what was coming due to press about the film and its structure of bouncing around in time, we were still locked in on the relationship and wishing for more time for them together and as a family. I actually liked the bouncing around, as it felt like it was all memories, perhaps Andrew Garfield's character telling little tidbits about their life as short stories, bits and pieces here and there. Florence Pugh's character makes a choice about her life after a devasting, final diagnosis that perhaps many wouldn't make, and I empathized with her even if I didn't quite understand her motivation. Their chemistry together is PALPABLE, and my heart was wrenched through this whole film.

61. 10/23/24

Nobody Wants This

(Season 1, Netflix)

Meh. This was one of those shows I can put on in the background while I eat lunch or do some mindless chores and not have to pay too much attention. Not too many surprises in this pretty straightforward rom-com with pretty people and humorish performances. I mean, this easily gets a second season because people watch things that make them comfortable, I guess? Yes, I'm still terribly fucking pissed at Netflix over KAOS.

60. 10/21/24

Beef

(Season 1, Netflix)

Welp, that was intense. This was one of those shows that starts with dark humor and we get slightly comfortable until -- WHAM!-- it slams us with a sharp turn that makes anything previously thought of as 'dark' just laughable. Except this show just kept raising the stakes, snowballing into an absolute shit-show of a 'resolution'. I have not one single idea of what could logically happen to these characters after the final scene. The writing was stunningly brilliant, with quips breaking up the darkness and making me guffaw out loud. I don't know what will happen with the upcoming second season, since it's supposed to be a completely different story. I wonder if they'll be able to match this first season in intensity and unexpected twists and turns.

59. 10/19/24

Midsommar

(Apple TV+ rental)

Did I watch this a second time? Yes, and even more remarkable is that I got Hubby to watch it! Along with a friend and our middle kid, we settled in for a fall evening showing of this dark AF flick, mostly so I could do a mini character study on Dani before I attempt a Halloween portrayal for myself! Hubby was mortified at this flick, and I likely will never get him to watch another horror film again, so there goes my years-long effort for a viewing together of Get Out.

58. 10/18/24

Step Brothers

(Tubi)

My oldest and youngest kids were hanging out with me on a Friday evening, watching Jeopardy! as we ate dinner, and an answer involved this movie. When I commented that I'd never seen it, my oldest extoled its stupid humor, so it then became the thing we watched next. Yes, it was ridiculously stupid, and played into Will Ferrell's expertise the best. It's still unsettling for me to watch Adam Scott play a mean character. Overall, we laughed at a lot of utterly stupid jokes and groaned at the expected dashes of homophobia and ableism.

57. 10/13/24

My Old Ass

(theater)

I saw this film about an 18-year-old during her last summer before leaving for college with my own 18-year-old kid during her first semester of college. To say that this hit close to home would be a massive understatement. At times, we sat in the theater with our heads leaned into each other, both of us sniffling and 'awwww'-ing together. This film hit all the right notes-- teenagers who sounded and acted like actual 2024 teenagers, sentimentality in a coming of age theme without becoming maudlin, queer young people who are fully drawn out characters beyond just their queerness, and realistic parental and familial relationships that looked on screen like those I know in real life. Honestly, I could say so many things about how much I loved this film. I loved that there was this weird premise of a mushroom trip bringing the protagonist's future self to her in present day, but no details about the why or the how, just that it happened like that. The main character was so absolutely 18-- on that precipice of actual adulthood but essentially still a big kid, and she was charming in a way that felt authentic. Her relationships with her siblings was explored slightly, and totally felt relatable. And how much did I love that her youngest sibling seemed to be gender-nonconforming in little ways that were just there but never focused on. As I watched this, my brain went in so many directions. I was so acutely aware that my kid was next to me watching this from a perspective close in lots of ways to the main character, and even 30 years later, I can absolutely clearly remember how I felt at that age, too. Of course, I felt a kinship to the parents, especially the scene where the mom just randomly picks up dirty mugs in her kid's room as they chat. And I was also drawn to the main character's future self because who hasn't wished they could go back and talk to their younger self?? If I could go back to 1994 and hug 18-year-old Hubby (then new boyfriend!), I'd probably sob just as hard as I did while watching this incredible, incredible film. Right after leaving the theater, my kid said that we'd be watching that again, so maybe now we can have a double feature with Ladybird next Mother's Day?

56. 10/4/24

Babes

(Hulu)

From the opening scene, this movie hit home like no other portrayal of pregnancy, labor, and delivery has before. Holy shit, this was absolute perfection. I watched this with friends in their backyard on a beautiful early fall night, and the four of us were laughing almost nonstop. The humor, while crass at times, felt more realistic and candid than simply raunchy. The friendship shared by the characters played by Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau (two of my absolute favorites) allowed for utterly complete openness, and a shit ton of laughter as a result. In a delivery scene, one of the characters is encouraged to move onto their hands and knees during delivery, and she says something about giving birth in doggy style, which is exactly how one of my kids was born. I almost fell out of my damn chair as I laughed from deep in my gut. I loved this movie, and with this cast and Pamela Adlon in the director's chair, I definitely knew I would.

55. 10/1/24

Baby Driver

(Netflix)

My youngest child, now 16, wanted to watch this movie, and I had seen the first 20 or so minutes years ago while on a trip, so I was down to watch with them even though I knew it wasn't my typical go-to genre of movies. The 'adventure' was pretty damn intense and I was able to gasp and shout as much as I needed to since I was in the comfort of my own living room. Not surprising-- it was a lot of shouting. It was entertaining and gave my poor heart one helluva workout.

54. 9/30/24

The Perfect Couple

(Netflix)

The youngest and I watched this together on evenings when we were home alone, and it served as a fun whodunnit that ended up being funnier than I had expected. Man, did we enjoy hating on these ridiculously wealthy and wholly amoral characters. I hope this was at least a little bit absurd, but I'm guessing the stereotypes portrayed here are rooted in a lot of reality. We thought we had a solid prediction about the murderer, but sadly, we were off until the very end.

53. 9/29/24

The Wild Robot

(theater)

I gifted the first book of this middle grade series to my youngest child (before we knew it was going to be a trilogy!) back when they were 8 years old, and they immediately fell in love. They weren't exactly an avid reader, so knowing that they loved a book meant that when the second book came out a year later, it was a no-brainer of a Xmas gift. They loved that one as well, and even though they're quite a bit beyond the intended age, I still gifted the third book when it come out last year. When we found out that the first book was being adapted into an animated film, we knew we'd be seeing it and it worked out that we could go on opening weekend. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It was visually gorgeous and absolutely touching, especially in its take on parenthood. I'm glad I grabbed a bunch of napkins, because they were needed for my weeping more than my buttery-popcorn-fingers. The sentimentality here was pitch perfect, and I just wanted to hug my kids afterward.

52. 9/21/24 & 10/6/24

KAOS

(Season 1, Netflix)

Hands to god(s), I loved every bit of this show. As annoying as I might find Jeff Goldblum's whole schtick normally, it's P E R F E C T for his portrayal of Zeus, but his performance is just one in an entire gaggle of absolutely fantastic performances. This season had me on the edge of my seat, searching my brain for memories or pausing to Google mythology, watching eagle-eyed (sorry, Prometheus) for details in the background, and gearing up to re-watch the season by myself to try to catch even more. The whole concept of putting all human traits-- mostly the negative ones-- to the gods is brilliant and not that far from how the Judeo-Christian 'God' is described anyway. I especially loved the character arc of Dionysus, and his portrayal is an utter joy to watch. My other favorite has to be Caeneus, who is a trans character played by a trans actor, which is something that shouldn't deserve major celebration but it is because of how rarely it happens. Caeneus' original myth is horrendous and the creators of this show have changed it in ways that are validating and beautiful. Honestly, I'm going to be absolutely crushed if this show doesn't get renewed for a second season, and hopefully even more. Loved the style, loved the performances, loved it all.

51. 9/20/24

Gone Girl

(Amazon Prime)

My kid read this book recently and then wanted to watch the movie. I honestly forgot the plot until we were a bit into the movie, then it all came back to me just in time for my kid to say that the changes in the movie were pissing them off and they wanted to go hang out with their friends who were going out for the night. So, I finished this one on my own and was just as grossed out by the despicable characters as I was the first time I watched.

50. 9/19/24

Call the Midwife

(Season 13, Netflix)

This show has gotten all the way to the end of the 1960s, and I've enjoyed the melodrama every season. I watched this one bit by bit on my phone over lunch breaks or walks to work. As predictable as ever, I saw the big stories coming a mile away, and at least some of them were resolved by the final episode. However, I imagine the whole ownership of Nonnatus House issue with Sir Matthew having gone tits up with his finances could be setting up for the end of the series at some point. I'm along for the ride as long as they keep pedaling their bicycles all over the east end of London.

49. 9/15/24

Kevin Can F**k Himself

(Seasons 1-2, Netflix)

Oh man, did I quite enjoy this unique show. I had a very basic understanding of the show's premise before I started, mostly that it would be skewering the traditional sitcom format-- open on a brightly lit middle-class suburban living room where a family lives, headed by a schlubby, doofus of a white guy married to a much more conventionally attractive wife who gets the honor of being the butt of most of his jokes. Skewer the trope this most definitely did, and it juxtaposed it with another format of television storytelling in the 'other' world of the wife-- one where real emotion is expressed and the viewpoint isn't as rosy, literally and figuratively. Her perspective is seen through a more gritty lens of a cable channel's drama, and it is experienced in more realistic depth. While the show was originally meant to last at least a few seasons, they knew while making the second season that it would actually be the last, and the loss of some potential storylines is evident, though I'm quite glad that there never turned out to be children involved, especially as the show turned darker and more intense. I wanted to keep spending time with these characters, even when they made exasperatingly desperate choices. What I really came to love was the portrayal of friendship between the two main female characters, and their own individual character arcs. Fantastic performances.

48. 8/30/24

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

(Season 1, Netflix)

This was a light-ish YA novels turned TV series that the youngest and I watched together over the course of a week or so. For some reason, I had trouble keeping some characters straight-- like, why did it take me so long to realize that the friend's dad was the same person as the English teacher? We did have fun trying to guess the murderer and predict the twists, and it was entertaining enough that we're hoping for a second season. Neither of us has read the books, so we're blank slates.

47. 8/29/24

Umbrella Academy

(Season 4, Netflix)

Okay, okay, um, what? What just happened? I'm so confused that I don't even know all the questions I want to ask. Like, what the fuck did you to this show that was incredibly clever and smart but became a rushed disaster in the final season? There seem to be many un- or not-fully-explained factors that we're just supposed to assume are in play for the finale to make sense, like where were the other marigold-born babies in this Reggie timeline? And after everything is reset to the original timeline but without any of the seven Umbrellas plus Lila ever being born, how are Allison's kid and Lila's family all in existence? If I wanted to ignore all the questions (which we all know I won't stop thinking about until I've read enough reviews and online takes to satisfy the itch), I could focus on the one part of this season that I quite enjoyed-- Five. I didn't go back and see what I wrote as my post-viewing thoughts after the previous seasons, but I know that my adoration of Five is a common theme. (And Klaus, but he wasn't given much of anything to work with in this last season. I mean, how many lines did he even have? JFC.) Five, however, continued to shine here, and his ending broke my damn heart. I think of all the Umbrellas, an argument could be made that he had the toughest existence, and imagine having to live in a teenage body for THAT many years??

46. 8/28/24

Workin' Moms

(Seasons 6 & 7, Netflix)

If I was expecting anything even remotely positive from watching two more seasons of this fucking shitshow, I'd ask to be committed. But is it worse that I willingly watched, knowing that it was going to be just as terrible (worse, if even possible?!) as the previous five seasons that I also watched for some godforsaken reason? I mean, there was a glimmer of hope that each character was starting to realize just how utterly, miserably, disgustingly terrible they were, but then the final season started and they all threw every ounce of self-reflection out the goddamn window. Even the final moment of the final scene showed the main character being characteristically assholish. I mean, sure, you're on your way to work, so you can say no to your kids when they beg for a big breakfast, but c'mon, could you have done it in an even halfway decent manner? God, bury this show in the depths of hell, and it won't be far enough.

45. 8/22/24

Lady Bird

(Max)

Did my middle child and I watch this together on her last night at home before moving into her dorm for her first semester away from home? Yes, you're damn right we did. The tears that were shed were cathartic, and I may have leaned into her in the final act of the film just to soak up one last snuggle before she left the next day. What a phenomenal film that perfectly captures so many emotions that are hard to articulate.

44. 8/20/24

Dumb Money

(Netflix)

The oldest, youngest, and I watched this together, and it took us a while to finish the movie because we kept pausing to look stuff up related to the events of the film along with general concepts around investing and the stock market. Damn, there's a whole lot that I had/still have no idea about, but this was entertaining and informative as hell. Funnily enough, the youngest kid then had an investing project start in their government class shortly after we watched the movie, and they said that the stuff we were looking up and learning from our viewing experience helped them understand the assignment better!

43. 8/19/24

Bridgerton

(Season 3, Netflix)

Pretty people show some skin and make 'O' faces. This season simultaneously tried to do too much and ended up not doing enough. Glad to see Benedict getting it on in a way that I honestly would have expected long before this ripe old age, but if the season was supposed to be about Pen and Colin, why were there so many damn side stories? Eh, whatever. This show is exactly what it advertises, I guess.

42. 8/13/24

The Decameron

(Netflix)

I wouldn't have predicted how heartily I would laugh at a show about the Black Plague in 1300s Italy before viewing this. And just as I was getting comfortable with the dark comedy vibes, and the ridiculously funny lines and performances, the tone eases into a bit more serious territory, and the attachments I had apparently formed with some of the characters began to make the viewing experience more emotional. In either tone-- and really, as they both mix and mingle until the end-- I was absolutely obsessed with watching this series. Tony Hale and Saoirse-Monica Jackson seriously stole the show, even among this highly talented ensemble. Will there be a season two? Could there be? I'd watch!

41. 8/10/24

The Birds

(Rooftop showing, Athena Cinema)

Um, this is "considered to be one of the greatest horror films of all time"? Did I watch the same movie? I couldn't believe how slooooowly this moved along, and how many unnecessary scenes were included. Hey, we don't need to watch Melanie drive the whole damn way from San Francisco to Bodega Bay, Al. Jesus, the acting was stilted and so overly dramatic. Honestly, I was routing for the birds, once they finally got going. At 44 minutes in, I wondered why they hadn't even started yet. The characters were all dingbats. Why the fuck did they keep going outside? An outrageous mess of crows covering an entire 1960s era metal playground while the kids are all safe inside? Yeah, the solution is definitely to bring them all outside-- WITH ZERO WARNING-- and tell them to run home independently, down a road with no apparent houses. Then you're surprised when they get attacked and their brains pecked out? FFS. This flick's enduring praise is unexplainable.

40. 8/3/24

Big Mood

(Tubi)

This British show was not advertised enough here in the US, I don't think, as I don't know anyone who's even heard of it, let alone watched it. But when I did learn about it, all I knew was it was about mental illness/health and had Nicola Coughlan. Say no more. With a short season like most UK shows and a cliffhanger finale, it wasn't long enough of the stories for me as I quickly became enamored with both lead characters. While I don't deal with bipolar disorder personally, I did relate to the ways in which depression were depicted and talked about here, and I appreciated the humor along with the reality of the ugly sides of mental illness. Man, I hope this gets picked up for another season, even if means only another six episodes.

39. 7/27/24

Deadpool & Wolverine

(theater)

I saw the first two Deadpool flicks in the movie theater, so there was tradition to follow, and I was pretty sure I was going to be as grossed out as before but still laughing uproariously, and I was absolutely correct. Also like before, the fast pace left me missing at least a couple of the sarcastic asides that were lobbed out, but I think I followed along mostly. Did I have to google some shit later to fill in the gaps of my non-existent Marvel/X-Men knowledge bank? Most definitely, but it doesn't really matter a whole lot when it's just a ridiculous movie like this. My enjoyment was hampered a bit once I became aware of the couple 6-7 year olds in our row. JFC, that's a parental choice, huh? Once this comes out on streaming, I'd like to watch all three in an outrageous weekend movie marathon.

38. 7/13/24

Strange Brew

(Rooftop showing, Athena Cinema)

One thing I never thought I'd say aloud was, "Two tickets for Strange Brew, please." Yet, there we were in the year 2024, handing over our tickets and setting up our camp chairs in the top level of our town's parking garage for a special summer series showing of the 1983 movie that was so prevalent in my childhood. Hubby laughed so much at realizing this old flick actually did have a plot (a take on Hamlet, no less!), and we honestly had a blast. Childhood memories of "steamroller" on our living room floor flooded my mind, and I so wished my parents had been there to watch along with me. I'm pretty sure the well-worn VHS still lives in a stack at their house, so maybe another viewing is in the cards someday.

37. 6/30/24

The Age of Adaline

(Amazon Prime)

I wasn't feeling well on a Sunday afternoon and chose this movie after scrolling through streaming movies for a bit. I had heard of it years before and had a basic understanding of the plot. I figured it would be a good enough way to keep me entertained for a little while. Meh, not so much. The premise is one that would predictably pull me in, but I didn't get emotionally connected as I thought I would. It was all pretty enough and fine, but then the man who she is to fall in love with enters the scene and he's consistently pushy enough to begin to irritate me. Adaline/Jenny is pretty clear with expressing her boundaries from the start, and he acts like his pushing past them again and again is just some cheeky fun. Not that it would excuse it, but there's also a lack of chemistry between them or even an inkling of what's so special about him that after all these years, Adaline/Jenny would change her ways for him. A whole lot of movie happens before the main conflict, and then it's 'resolved', but not really? I don't know, man. This didn't do it for me. There was a sciencey narrator who gave all the details to explain why everything happened the way it did, but honestly? I didn't really care.

36. 6/18/24

I Saw the TV Glow

(Amazon Prime rental)

I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I needed things spelled out a bit for me after watching this film, which was evocative and visually compelling but somewhat confusing for me and my tendency to rely too heavily on literal narratives. I could get the basic gist of this film's messaging about being trapped in a life that doesn't feel real, especially as it relates to transgender people, but I still struggled to understand what was real and what was metaphor. Please be clear that this is entirely my issue and not the film's, because I was moved to read some think-pieces from trans viewers & critics who truly felt seen through this depiction. Reading and viewing different perspectives about the film helped me to reframe some of it and more openly embrace the dream- and memory-like tone that the filmmaker, Jane Schoenbrun intended. I watched this with my 18-year-old who was moved to sobbing but couldn't articulate exactly why... she was hit with an overwhelming wave of sadness that somewhat related to her own high school experience and also was unidentifiable. I think I need to watch it again, actually, with more intentionality in my viewing and less trying to figure out exactly what was 'real' or not.

35. 6/8/24

Girls5Eva

(Seasons 1-3, Netflix)

Dear lord, this was so ridiculously silly and entertaining and was absolutely perfect accompaniment for doing dishes and folding laundry. So many lines would catch me off-guard when they came out of left field, and when someone would mention something from the past and they'd show a "clip" of it, it never fell flat. Just so clever in its parody element, and I truly hope a season 4 gets approved!

34. 6/6/24

The Birdcage

(theater)

The two kids, Hubby, and I went to see this in our local 'artsy' theater as part of their "I <3 the Gay 90s" series." I can't remember when I saw it last, and neither kid had ever seen it, so I was a little worried about how it would hold up all these years later. For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised by a lot of it, even though the crux of the plot is so frustrating and hurtful, and not just a little absurd. Like, what did the kid getting married think was going to happen after the wedding for the rest of their lives? Nathan Lane's character was supposed to be the flamboyant and over-the-top one, yet he was the most true-to-himself one of them all. To have such a parent is a blessing!

33. 5/16/24

Wicked Little Letters

(Theater)

When I say that I roared with laughter during this movie, I am not exaggerating in the least. I just adored this so much. I adored Olivia Coleman and I super-adored Jessie Buckley, especially her one-sided smirk and her ease in letting the profanity fly. The 'mystery' here isn't terribly difficult to solve for viewers, but it's damn fun watching it all go down. I'm so glad I went to see it in the theater with some friends because funny things are always funnier when you're laughing with pals.

32. 5/5/24

Lady Dynamite

(Seasons 1 & 2, Netflix)

I say this with great affection-- this is likely the strangest mainstream(ish) show I've ever watched. Maria Bamford is definitely my cup of tea as a comedian-- unique, self-deprecating, unafraid, and funny in awkward and oddball ways that I connect with. From the very beginning of this series, it was made abundantly clear that this wouldn't be a typical sitcom, but I couldn't even have imagined the things to come. I was truly entertained, even when I was shaking my head in confusion... I'm looking at you, "Future" scenes. Honestly, Bamford is a treasure.

31. 4/27/24

Drive-Away Dolls

(Peacock, outdoor movie night at F-Ks)

Somehow I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be a comedy at first, I think because I was confusing the movie with a different one. But then it got going, and I was cracking up at the absurdity of some scenes and some witty lines. Again, I'm easy to please when it comes to movies, and this one had laughs, a charming co-lead, a dead-pan funny co-lead, and so many goofy, ridiculous things happening at once that I was solidly entertained.

30. 4/7/24

Shameless

(Season 11, Netflix)

I finally finished this series, which for all the years that we watched it, I've always had a love/hate relationship with the show. It seemed like there was even more absurdity to this season, and JFC, the ways some characters' arcs ended? Utter shock. How did Debbie and Carl seem to each swing to opposite sides of any sense of morality over the years? Seriously, Debbie continued to be a heap of garbage this whole season, and it's her daughter, Franny, and of course, Liam, who I feel the worst for as the show ended. Frank's death was inevitable, and while it was depressing AF to watch him die alone, it also made the most sense out of everything the show ever did, because a family reunion at his deathbed would have felt completely ridiculous. God, 11 seasons of this family was heartbreaking to watch, for even their joys seemed to be overshadowed by their difficulties, self-made and otherwise. I'm glad I watched, but I'm also glad it's complete.

29. 4/5/24

Midsommar

(Max)

I'm not drawn to horror movies the way I used to be when I was a teenager, but the kids convinced me that I could handle this one, and as an A24 flick, I knew it would be at least a wee bit wacky, so I said I'd give it a go. The teens warned me when something gory was coming up, and I might have shaded my eyes for a couple of seconds, but curiosity actually won out so I still saw everything. I needed a little bit of googling afterwards to clear up some details that I didn't intuit from the film, but I actually really enjoyed this wild story with lots of 'easter eggs' scattered throughout. I'm glad I watched in the safety of my own home where I could exclaim from surprise, confusion, or frustration with the characters-- stop taking rando food, drink, and drugs from these people, you ding-dongs! What a ride.

28. 3/29/24

Don't Worry Darling

(Max)

This came out about two years ago, and even with all the hype (i.e. Spitgate), I never got around to watching it, and miraculously, I never learned the details of the twist either. So, going into this watch from my couch, I was ready to see what the ado had been all about. I've said it tons of times, but I'll say it again- I'm not a real tough judge, I don't think, as I'm usually entertained enough by most things I watch, and while I wouldn't call this a masterpiece, it kept my attention for 123 minutes. I had lots of predictions/guesses about what was going on, and while I didn't nail it, I had some solid pieces here and there. I am still annoyed by the *many* questions that were left unresolved by the film's end, though, so the entertainment I felt was kinda gut-punched when the credits rolled. But, FloPu is a national treasure.

27. 3/23/24

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

(Disney+)

The 17-year-old has had an up-and-down-and-up-again opinion on Taylor Swift over the years, but she's mostly on the up at this time, so when she asked if I wanted to watch the concert movie together, I couldn't say no. There were still some songs or the majority of an era that she wanted to skip, which wasn't a biggie to me because I don't know much about TS. Her favorite was the Folklore/something else era that was the kind of music that I liked the most, too, of the show. But even if I don't dig all her songs, I have mad respect for her artistry, and damn, that was quite a show!