Ryan McNeil
I’m thinking that without a major incident that leaves me bed-ridden for a week, that this year will see a radical downturn in the amount of films I watch. Looking back to this time last year, I’m about 40 titles off the pace. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, mind you. Oddly enough, I’m actually well ahead where screenings are concerned, so there’s something to be said for getting out more…and being on my couch less.
At least in a week where I could count my tally on one hand, there was also a good emphasis on watching new material, rather than tossing on THE AVENGERS for the seventeenth time, right? After all, if one’s weekend – and midweek holiday – are so busy that there’s only a little bit of time left over for film, it’s probably best to use that time wisely, wouldn’t you say?
Then again, I know people who feel the opposite…who think “I don’t really have time to sit and concentrate, so what can I put on Netflix that will allow me to turn my brain off?”. There’s probably something to be said for both points of view.
Speaking of Netflix, another reason I have such a low tally this week is because I just got into Sense8. Anyone else watching that? Not only have I been working through it, but Lindsay is watching with me…and given that she has more of a tendency to binge-watch than I do, most viewings are at least two episodes.
Here’s the week at hand…
Screenings
TERMINATOR GENISYS – More on this tomorrow, but lordy am I confused at the state of this franchise.
Streaming/Blu-Rays/DVD’s I’ve Never Seen
LA HAINE – Hells yes.
DANNY COLLINS – Better than I thought it would be, that’s for sure.
“10” – A pop culture touchstone that has NOT held-up over the years
Streaming/Blu-Rays/DVD’s I’ve Seen Before
AMERICAN GANGSTER – Wow the amount of supporting players in this who have gone on to big things!
In terms of choosing what to watch, I have a new focus on watching things that are about to expire on Netflix. I generally choose the more fun/less mentally taxing movies first, although I watched a silent Lubitsch film yesterday (The Doll) that satisfied both sides of the cinema brain. If I remember right you were trying to see more Lubitsch this year? The Doll is an early gem! His sophistication is very much on display in it. It’s quite charming and funny.
First time:
Skeletons
Blood Gnome
Golden Years
The Ladies Man
The Black Godfather
All the Boys Love Mandy Lane
Her
Knives of the Avenger
…And God Spoke
The Doll
Revolt
And I re-watched:
Last Action Hero
Babe
First-Timers: Altman, The Cruise, and Episode 5 and 6 (which I’m watching right now) of Twin Peaks.
Re-Watches: Beerfest