Ryan McNeil
Believe it or not folks, there comes a time where even I say “Maybe we should skip the movie tonight”. That’s precisely what happened this week when Lady Hatter and I took a pass on a double-feature we were planning to see.
I chalk it up to peripheral awareness. Specifically, if you find yourself in the middle of a busy stretch, and you recognize that skipping out on an activity or two will do a greater amount of good, you should skip. It sounds silly to say that, I realize, but at the risk of sounding like an old fogey, sometimes that little bit of added rest can do a great world of good!
In my case, after a week that was dotted by two screenings, an afternoon at the ballpark, and dinner with friends, something had to give. That “something” was a documentary double-feature on Thursday night. Both films looked like fun, but considering all the running around I’d already done, and the fact that this week promises more of the same, I stand by my decision to take the night in.
Yep: I’m getting old!
Here’s The Week at Hand…
Screenings
INFERNAL AFFAIRS – Andrew Robinson prefers THE DEPARTED. I concur.
MUSEUM HOURS – One of the best “film to see” suggestions I’ve been given in a while.
Blu-Rays/DVD’s I’ve Never Seen
SHOOT ‘EM UP – Gloriously silly.
SOMEWHERE – Watched for Coppola completism; I liked it as little as I figured I would.
REAL STEEL – That last fight sure is fun, ain’t it?
THE WIZ – Inspired by my recent bit of Sidney Lumet reading.
Blu-Rays/DVD’s I’ve Watched Before
MONSTERS – God, this film is pretty on blu-ray!
The Story of Film
Chapter Five – This was the episode that spoke about Orson Welles, neo-realism, and noir. Suffice it to say, I was in heaven.
I know exactly what you’re talking about with skipping the movie for more rest. That happens to me all the time, so I guess I’m getting older too!
For me–
First timers:
Shadow Girl
The Imposter
Merrill’s Marauders
And I re-watched:
Heavenly Creatures
Judge Dredd
One of these days I will find a way just to go to the cinema every day. Until then, we shall all need to stop and rest for a while.
For me The Departed, a favourite film of mine, is light years better than Infernal Affairs but I still like the Infernal Affairs trilogy.
You should check out the other 2. The Departed is clearly adapted from the trilogy.
I definitely shall, but considering how long part one lingered on my to-see list, I might have to wait for a screening around town somewhere!
I’m glad you like Somewhere which is my 2nd favorite Sofia Coppola film.
The First-Timers I saw this week are: Pitch Perfect, Farewell, My Queen, Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me (Best Documentary of the year so far), Alice, Shadows & Fog, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days are Over, and Husbands & Wives.
Re-Watches: Stardust and Pleasantville
You mis-read, amigo: I didn’t much care for SOMEWHERE. It’s quite firmly my least-liked Coppola. Until recently, that was ANTOINETTE, but at least that film has eye-candy.
What did you make of PITCH PERFECT?
Firsts: Trance– That was crap. James McAvoy’s eyes were its only saving grace.
Sympathy for Lady Vengeance– Excellent.
Fanny and Alexander (extended version)– I really really liked it, but I think I would have preferred the shorter version.
The Craft– 90s witches were funny.
Shadow of a Doubt– Brilliant and god, I want to rewatch Stoker now.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag– Bollywood biopic about one of India’s greatest sportsmen. It was good-ish.
Before Midnight– I’m kind of conflicted about it. On one hand, I know this is the only way this whole story could have ended, but then I feel I am too young for it. Also, I think watching the entire trilogy one after the other was a bad idea, especially for this film.
Rewatched: The Avengers– I still love it so much.
Before Sunrise– It is such a fairytale.
Before Sunset– Best in the trilogy.
Damn Nik – those are some awesome titles to gather into one week! Now that you’ve watched BEFORE MIDNIGHT, I vote you go listen to the last Matineecast. Joanna and I had some pretty interesting things to say about the state of Jesse & Celine’s relationship.
PS – Doesn’t Swedish Christmas look like a blast?
The big question with THE DEPARTED is whether you can even compare it to INFERNAL AFFAIRS. The original did the heavy lifting and set up the structure of the story, and Scorsese ran with it. I saw INFERNAL AFFAIRS first and really enjoyed it, but it’s hard to say how to compare them.
My viewings include two Billy Wilder first-time viewings along with two re-watches:
STALAG 17 – I liked this movie, particularly William Holden, but I wouldn’t put it at the top of Wilder’s career.
CITIZEN KANE – It was so great to revisit it after so long, and writing a post about just one part of it was fun.
THE SEVEN-YEAR ITCH – My expectations were pretty low for this one, but it was more fun than I anticipated. I can see how Monroe became a big star, even more than with SOME LIKE IT HOT
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA – Watched this for the Filmwhys podcast and still had a lot of fun with it. It was also cool to discuss it with Bubba Wheat yesterday.
Amazing how great a film one can make out a simple premise like “It’s summertime and Marilyn Monroe can’t cool down…”
Definitely. I’m finding it a little challenging to write much about it, but its premise is deceptively simple.
Great selections Ryan. Boy I hated SHOOT ‘EM UP, even though I like Clive Owen AND Monica Bellucci but it was just too preposterous. I didn’t enjoy Somewhere either, such a far cry from Lost in Translation. I was impressed by Elle Fanning though.
I should check out MONSTERS one of these days.