Ryan McNeil
After a stretch spent primarily in the company of old favorites, this week time came to return to the new work and get back to some first time watches. Many of them were year-end offerings that the studios are hoping to make part of the awards conversation – and in many cases, I dare say they will succeed. In some occasions, these offerings have been truly and deeply moving, Other occasions…well…less so.
However, even an imperfect work that seems designed to be mentioned time and again during awards shows can provide for interesting brushstrokes. The photography of this film is lush, the story of that film is engaging, the acting in this other one over here is superb.
It’s what keeps me going merry along in this passion of mine; finding perfect elements in imperfect works. The whole song might not be the sort of thing I usually listen to, but the bass line in it is so damned catchy!
A busy few weeks lay ahead, and lots of reviews are yet to be written. Even if they aren’t all glowing testimonials (and they won’t be), I remain vigilant for the beautiful elements they will contain within them.
Here’s the week at hand…
Screenings
THE GOOD DINOSAUR – Visually, this is in the conversation as one of the best films Pixar has ever made. Narratively, it’s a very different story.
TRUMBO – Review forthcoming, but I have to believe there was a better way to tell this story.
Streaming/Blu-Rays/DVD’s I’ve Never Seen
MADAME BOVARY – It’s strange for me to watch a Minnelli movie in black and white.
OUR MAN IN HAVANA – I really must get to Cuba soon.
BEASTS OF NO NATION – I really don’t get the awards attention this is getting.
LORD OF THE FLIES – I don’t care what Andrew Robinson says, this movie was incredible.
CAROL – Truly, truly, one of the very best movies I’ve watched this year.
LEGEND – Not bad, and a review may come yet…but this story feels like it runs out of steam.
SUFFRAGETTE – I truly feel as though this subject deserved a better film.
THE DANISH GIRL – Review coming tomorrow, but in short – this film is splendid.
JAMES WHITE – Never thought an 85 minute film would make me feel as though I’d just been through the wringer
MAGIC MIKE XXL – It’s going to be hard for me to behave myself in Kwik Stops now.
Streaming/Blu-Rays/DVD’s I’ve Seen Before
ANNA KARENINA – Still so darned stunning. One of these days I must read this book.
SCROOGED – The Christmas movies have been lacking this year
Boxscore for The Year
237 First-Timers, 160 Re-Watched
111 Screenings
397 Movies in Total
How’s about you – seen anything good?