Not happenin’

What’s a movie you expected to hate but ended up loving?

WP, let me tell you about the movies/series I bin.

You get in the vibe, wanting to chill and ‘ get away from things’ for a while, and bam!

The opening scene is an animal either being shot or hunted or possibly dissected. Nah, not going to be watching that.

In fact, if a dog or cat play a role early in a movie, you can guarantee it won’t end well for them. So I watch those with caution…and then say to myself,’ There you go. You knew it, eh?’

Continuity issues drive me insane and there are so many you really do wonder how the film/series got released without someone checking the details. It happens so often. For example, in one scene, the hair looks this way. In the next, it has been tamed or untidy, or in one case, I remember a different colour. And if that happens in the first few scenes, I end up waiting for  more issues instead of watching the movie for itself.

Check out The Red Road on Netflix. Season 1 Episode 1.In the first 10 minutes or so…man pulls up at a cabin and takes a plank of wood out of his truck and goes inside. A couple in bed, woman flees. Watch the man in the bed, his hair. At first, whilst he is talking to the intruder, it’s all smooth. Yes, he is threatened and does sink back onto his pillow…but when he sits up again🤣 really?

Being highly observant is not always a superpower!

Lighting. I loved the US series Homeland,  but over time the lighting became so dim ( on any device/screen) that I simply gave up on it.

Connecting with the lead characters can be tricky. If they are meh, then the film/series is toast.

Thing is, life is short, and our time is precious, so I’m not going to waste any of it sitting through any screen time that triggers me in any way, shape, or form. It’s not happenin’…

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Screen Times

What are your top ten favorite movies?

Okay, WP. We have certainly got to sing for our supper here today!

I know for a fact that when I’ve  finished the post, more thoughts will spring to mind. I shall jot them down along with others that have stirred me for the next time you ask us.

The Green Book.. 2018. An American biographical true story set in the deep South. With Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. Directed by Peter Farelly. I found this captivating.

Ripley..2024. 1960’s Italy. With Andrew Scott, Elliot Sumner, and Dakota Fanning. Directed by Ridley Scott. The cinematography blew me away!

The Big Wedding..2013. A comedy/romance. With a stellar cast, I have to mention some of them. .Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heifi, Susan Saradon, and Robin Williams. Written and directed by Justin Zackham. So funny.

If..1968.A British satirical drama/film. With Malcom McDowell, Christine Noonan, Richard Warwick +. Directed by Lindsay Anderson. I saw this as a kid on TV and wrote to whoever to ask about the music. The soundtrack is Missa Luba. I ask Alexa to play this for me from time to time. It always stirs me.

Okay two film here which made me sob…The Passion of the Christ..2004. A historical horror film,really. With Jim Caviezel and Monica Belluci. Directed by Mel Gibson.

And..Hachi: A Dog’s Tale..2009. A family/drama. With Richard Gere and Joan Allen. ( must find the credit to give the dog) Directed by Lasse Hallestrom.

Iris..2001. A British true story about the novelist Iris Murdoch. It’s a really good film with a great cast..Judge Dench, Jim Broadbent and Kate Winslet. Directed by Richard Eyre. I keep begging Netflix to show it again. Perhaps I should ask Prime?

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. 1993.  An animated family film and my most favourite for children. It’s adorable. With Niamh Cusack, Rory Carty. Andrew Clithero and June Whitfield Directed by Dennis Abey +2.

So that’s 8.

Years ago, I was busy doing something, and the tv was on in the background, then I quickly sat up when the play/movie kicked in. I had always remembered it as Kenneth Brannagh, Othello, and being in black and white. But I my memory is not serving me well. There is a 1995 Othello movie with Kenneth Brannagh and Irene Jacob, but it is in colour. Was it so captivating I didn’t see the colour. Was the lighting just so? Mmm.

I went on the hunt for a b&w version, and I’ve found one by and starring Orson Wells from 1951. Yikes! This looks like something I must watch.

And finally..

Night Always Comes..2025. An American crime/thriller. Good casting. Vanessa Kirby, Julia Fox, Zach Gottsagen, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Eli Roth. It was directed by Benjamin Caron. I watched this the other night and really enjoyed it.

And there we have it, my friends. If you will excuse me I now need to lie down in a dark room. 😆