Ryan McNeil
Crazy week, wasn’t it?
It started off with a lot of family for me over a long weekend that wasn’t nearly relaxing enough. It led into my first baseball game of the season, which gave everything I’d want (except for a home win). That was followed by a lot of online discussion that, quite frankly, wore me out. Through it all I was continually distracted by a trip I’m planning for July.
It sorta feels like I’m at the age where these weeks happen more often than they don’t – perhaps minus the discussion. I don’t think they ever taught me about this growing up. I mean, I certainly don’t remember a scene about it in “You’re Getting Older, Charlie Brown”. It’s good though. I’ve seen and heard enough to know that a lot of people my age find themselves in a repetitive mundane rut by now, so being so busy with things I enjoy doing can’t be all that bad – can it?
If you missed yesterday’s post due to its later-than-usual posting time, I’d really dig it if you could click back and give it a look. I’m pretty proud of it.
As for the day ahead of us, I’ll be spending it catching a Short Film Programme presented by my friend James…which, I’m sure will be followed by a round of drinks and much discussion. Welcome to the weekend boys and girls.
For your listening and reading fulfillment, I give you…
We don’t cover TV very much here at The Matinee, but I must say that I am quite smitten with The Walking Dead and everything it did in season two. GMan sums it all up in a bonus episode of The Unnamed Movie Podcast.
I don’t usually designate something as my favorite post of the week – but Courtney’s testimonial over on Big Thoughts was timely, personal, and something I could very much relate to.
In perusing the summer movie preview issue of EW, I was a bit bemused by how many blockbusters I’ll be sitting out. Confirming my suspicions on one of the earlier offerings is Tom Clift, who confirms that BATTLESHIP is indeed – pardon the pun – a miss.
I’ve been listening to a lot of David Bowie lately, so perhaps it’s finally time I reached for one of the few bright spots on the left-hand Shelf of Doom – VELVET GOLDMINE. Under the heading of “Great Minds Think Alike”, The Movie Nut recently watched it herself.
Over at FMR, Fogs has a series of great debates going where he gets people to choose a side. Hey Fogs – “Oasis or Blur?”…make it happen). This week he has pitted two 80’s action heroes against one-another.
With Mike Wallace’s passing this week, Ruth was inspired to revisit one of my favorite films of the 90’s, Michael Mann’s INSIDER. Take a look at her thoughts on two of Christopher Plummer’s best moments in a film I still believe to be underrated.
Finally , the tweet of the week brings good news for those who like smart discussion of smart films:
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/#!/cinemasights/status/190533432567275520″]
Enjoy!
Thanks much for the link… I’m getting a lot of positive feedback on that bonus season wrap up episode, will be putting it to the guys if they want to do more along the way.
Anytime. It’s rather apropos because this week’s informal Matineecast will be about something similar. Make sure to check in Monday and give a listen.
Finally I make this elusive list! Thanks again, Mad.
Anytime – apologies for leaving you on the bench for so long.
Oh, much obliged for the link love, Ryan! Glad to hear you LOVE The Insider as much as I do, Christopher Plummer is massively underrated, but at least he’s got his Oscar now.
THE INSIDER was one of those fantastic 1999 films that drew me deeper into being a movie geek, so it will always have a place in my heart. I’ve always loved the way the two stories within it overlap.
Oasis or Blur? Blur. But I’d still rather listen to Pulp.
I would say Blur but I also prefer Pulp. Yet, I do love Definitely Maybe. Still, Suede was the better Brit-pop band.
Oh no, what sort of argument have I started? Next thing I know, someone will claim their preference for Massive Attack
Thanks for the link love, and the kind words, Ryan. I did not anticipate the piece connecting with people the way it has, it has been a pleasant surprise to say the least.
I love when that happens. You put together something that has a bit of yourself into it, but you think is more for you than it is for the others, and all of a sudden people latch on to it.
Again, very well done sir.
Grudge match this weekend. Not really, but I thought I would try to kindle a rivalry between the O’s and Blue Jays.
Friday afternoon I had dreams of a sweep, now I’ll take going 1-2 for the weekend.
Still, I remain optimistic for this season.
You a fan of the birds?
Oh yeah, I grew up and was raised in the Baltimore-area until I was 13. O’s fans never have much to look forward to toward the end of the season, so I’m enjoying the season thus far.
Here’s hoping Toronto manages to swipe one of those wild card spots this year. Anything to keep NY and BOS out of it.
I actually took in a game at Camden Yards last summer – nice little ballpark. Pity they haven’t been able to field a competitive team in there for so long.
Wild Card? We’re aiming for the division baby! Who wants to win their way into a one-game knockout? No sir. The next big test comes tomorrow with The Rays in town for 3.