Spider-man: No Way Home

Spider-man: No Way Home (Jon Watts, 2021)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=8, P=7/ Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Action, Adventure, Marvel Cinematic Universe

What an amazing feat! After having watched and ranked all the other Spider-man films, I was so ready for this last installment. My expectations were a little high, just based on all the hype and from how enjoyable and well-crafted the last two films were. But this film exceeded those expectations. Yay more Dr. Strange and metaverse stuff! I don't want to spoil anything, so just see this film. If you like action films, the MCU, adaptations, homages, etc...then you won't be disappointed.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Cowboy Bebop Season 1 (2021)

Cowboy Bebop Season 1 (Christopher L. Yost, 2022)

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Rating: DSQ=7, SP=4 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=2, Scale C=2, Scale D=2, Scale E=2

Based on Anime, Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy, Western, Noir

I'm a firm believer that every adaptation must be judged as individual and separate from its parent/original as much as possible. That is really hard to do, sometimes, though. This is the perfect example. This live-action version of Cowboy Bebop was...fine. The original anime series is still WAY better than this, but it wasn't awful like so many fans and reviewers are claiming. BUT...the live-action has too much back story, made some strange narrative choices, and ultimately just feels like actors playing characters. The casting was good, the artistry was fun, but it isn't intriguing and mysterious and innovative like the anime. The elegance and beauty of the anime is completely missing from the live-action. That being said though, I still enjoyed it and I would have watched more.

Read my post on the original animated series here.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Crown Season 4

The Crown Season 4 (Peter Morgan, 2020)

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Rating: DSQ=12, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

1970s, 1980s, Historical, Biopic, Royal Family

I continue to be blown away by this poignant, elegant, exceptionally emotional, and gorgeous drama series. Season 4 was full to the brim with tension and showed Queen Elizabeth at her most stubborn, competitive, and disconnected. The writers of this series truly know how to show each member of the royal family as the complex, troubled, confusing, and often lost human beings they are. And how all the rules and duties of monarchy really did create generations of chaotic and messy personal and public lives. The story of Prince Charles and Princess Diana is utterly depressing. Magnificent performances from both Emma Corrin and Josh O'Connor. And I was amazed at Gillian Anderson's brilliant portrayal of Margaret Thatcher. Wow. I, again, can't wait to see more.

Read my posts on Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Dune (1984)

Dune (David Lynch, 1984)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Based on Book, Adventure

After seeing the new, fantastic Dune by Denis Villeneuve it was interesting to go back in time to the first cinematic version of the Dune story. The 1984 film is fun: colorful, silly, creepy, full of 80's sci-fi stuff, and definitely keeps you engaged. It has problems--from the film's preface, to the narrated thoughts of the characters (which works in a book but not on screen), to a lack of character development. It is a wholly different experience from the ethereal, immersive, and very emotional 2021 Dune.

That being said, though, I still enjoyed the escape. And I would watch it again.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

SPECIAL: Spider-man Films Ranked

Well, the next phase of my comic book/superhero film spree is Spider-man films. I hadn't seen any, weirdly, except for snippets of some of the Tobey Maguire films from my college days. So, who is my favorite Peter Parker? Definitely Tom Holland. No question. I much prefer his quirky sense of humor, his nerdiness, and his youth. And my favorite love interest? Well, I really disliked the overly sappy love story between Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. It does NOT work for me AT ALL. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's relationship was more believable and I could actually stomach it. But I prefer how the most recent Marvel films wrote it for Tom Holland--best friend Ned and then some crushes on first Liz and then MJ.

Best villain? That is a tougher question. Probably has to be Vulture from Spider-Man: Homecoming with a close second going to Otto from Spider-Man 2. But all the villains in the franchise are kinda...weird. I find the back story and family relationships that Peter has much more interesting.

Below I've ranked the Spider-Man films in order from my least favorite to favorite. Rather than write about each one, again, I will just include my ratings this time.

8. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Rating: Q=3, P=3 / Worst of the Worst

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7. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Rating: Q=4, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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6. Spider-Man (2002)

Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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5. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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4. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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3. Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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2. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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1. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Comfy Old Standard

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--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Dune (2021)

Dune (Denis Villeneuve, 2021)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Based on Book, Adventure

Mesmerizing. Beautiful. Evocative. I loved every minute of Dune and I am beyond excited to see more of this epic. Denis Villeneuve fully immerses us in the worlds of Caladan and Arrakis. The atmosphere of each place was created with painstaking detail and the effects are awesome. I truly felt like I was there--the lighting (so good), the sounds (oh, the tension and suspense from the score), the architecture, the sand and storms, everything. Glorious cinematography! Some reviewers have pointed out that there isn't enough story. It is true that much isn't explained. But I would argue that the story is absolutely there, it is just being told visually and is revealed slowly and while our main character learns it. I found that fascinating and gripping. Timothee Chalamet is incredible, as always, as Paul Atreides. And he is joined by an all-star cast, including Javier Bardem who is utterly brilliant as Stilgar, a Fremen leader. Of course this film is different from the books (I've only read some of the first book) and that doesn't and shouldn't matter. I'm still a firm believer that the two are separate and can't be compared. GO see this. It is fantastic.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Invictus

Invictus (Clint Eastwood, 2009)

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Rating: Q=5, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Biopic, South Africa, Apartheid, Rugby

Such a moving film with an incredible performance by Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. It is hard to imagine the conviction and strength of character and spirit that Mandela had in order to endure imprisonment for so many decades and then forgive his enemies when be became the nation's leader. And his wisdom on how important rugby would be to unify the country (at least begin to) is amazing. This is a compelling story to watch and an important one to remember.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 1

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 1 (Jennifer Corbett and Dave Filoni, 2021)

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Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

I was super excited when The Bad Batch was announced as I loved the introduction to this troop in Clone Wars. This new series did not disappoint. The animation is stellar, the storylines work, the characters are all interesting and each has their own quirks. While this isn't as good as Rebels or The Mandalorian, it is still really engaging. Introducing a child, Omega, was a fun twist and I can't wait to see how she fits into the bigger picture of the Star Wars universe.

The recent Star Wars shows have done a wonderful job at weaving together to make a cohesive universe. It's fun to be reminded of other storylines, events, and even see characters from other shows (Rebels, Clone Wars, The Mandalorian) show up in The Bad Batch.

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=4

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah (Shaka King, 2021)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Biopic, Civil Rights, Black Panthers, Fred Hampton, Race, 1960s

This is an important film about people and events that this country doesn't talk about, that I never learned about in school. Everyone needs to know who Fred Hampton was, who Bill O'Neal was, and what the FBI did. The film is edited so well--switching back and forth between the empowered Black Panthers, led by Fred Hampton, and the terrified and guilt-ridden informer, Bill O'Neal. It is disturbing and makes the viewer feel awful and angry. Masterful performances by Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield. I hope people watch this and learn. Very apt timing, unfortunately, as history seems to always repeat itself again and again.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Loki Season 1

Loki Season 1 (Michael Waldron, 2021)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

Marvel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Complex Relationships

Of all the bazillion characters that exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Loki is hands down my favorite. The God of Mischief is, in my opinion, the most complex, intriguing, and entertaining character to watch. And Tom Hiddleston makes Loki a wonderful blend of charisma, vanity, two-facedness, longing, and so much more (and very easy on the eyes, I must say). I had no expectations for a Loki series, but I was blown away with the direction that Marvel took this one. The show feels the most like a comic book of all MCU stuff I've seen--the quick pace, bright colors, character interactions and reveals, endless cliffhangers--which was amazing and somehow also different than the rest of the MCU. And even with all that emphasis on artistry it also managed to bring us a level of character development and growth uncommon in Action/Superhero films. Loki truly has grown from villain to anti-hero. So good! I am impatient to see what will happen next. Gimme more!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Nomadland

Nomadland (Chloe Zhao, 2020)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Grief/Coping, Pseudo-Documentary, Social Realism, Travel

This film is a poem. So beautiful. Chloe Zhao has made a masterpiece (only her third film!). I felt like I was watching something momentous in the history of filmmaking. Frances McDormand is incredible--her performance feels so candid, emotional, and meaningful. Watching Fern embrace a nomad lifestyle as she copes with so much loss is moving and important. Through Fern we see ourselves as individuals and as a broken species. As she says at the beginning of the film, she is not homeless, just houseless. Who is to say that the human society we've created--with mortgages, regular schedules, jobs with insurance and benefits, etc.--is the way we should be living?

This film definitely deserved the Best Picture and Best Actress awards. Probably my favorite Best Picture winner in quite a while. Magnificent.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Minari

Minari (Lee Isaac Chung, 2020)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Complex Relationships, Family, Farming, 1980s

A breathtakingly beautiful film about how difficult it can be to make a meaningful life--one that supports your family and your own personal dreams. It is a story about new beginnings, fresh starts, and second chances. It is about being Korean in the rural Midwest of America in the 1980s. It is about the struggles of marriage--the compromise, differences, patience. Jacob and Monica try, each in their own way, to protect each other and their children. Though they both strive for a perfection that cannot exist, they do achieve something marvelous--ultimately this story is about just letting be.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

SPECIAL: Marvel Cinematic Universe Ranked

UPDATED 7/13/2022: Added two films.

---

As most of you know, my favorite films are centered around strong scripts with emphasis on psychology and character development and relationships. So, it shouldn't seem surprising that I don't usually choose action flicks or big blockbusters. But I do love adventure and escape, so in recent years I've enjoyed watching more of these films. I got more into Star Wars and then the DC universe with the Batman films. Well, this last month or so, I finally watched all the Marvel films I could--still need to see the ones that are not on Disney+. I had already seen a few, and those are still my favorites, but I will say I liked them all much more than I thought I would. 

While the majority are still just mediocre films, in my opinion, I did really like them as a whole. My favorite hero is probably Dr. Strange (but Tony Stark is also intriguing and infuriating) and my favorite villain is Loki without a doubt. Favorite minor characters are Korg, Heimdall, and Shuri. I found most of the fight scenes boring (and sometimes way over the top) but my favorites were in Avengers: Civil War. Probably because there was a deeper and more complicated meaning behind those. I really liked seeing different worlds--everything to do with Asgard and Norse mythology was great. Some of the science and logic of certain films irritated me (and the time travel messed with my brain), but I still found it all fun.

Below I've ranked the films in order from my least favorite to favorite. Rather than write about each one (that would take far too long) I will just include my ratings this time.

22. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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21. Captain Marvel (2019)

Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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20. Iron Man 2 (2010)

Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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19. Ant-Man (2015)

Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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18. The Avengers (2012)

Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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17. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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16. The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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15. Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014)

Rating: Q=5, P=5 / Average OJ

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14. Iron Man 3 (2013)

Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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NEWLY ADDED: 13. Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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12. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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NEWLY ADDED: 11. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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10. Avengers: Infinity Wars (2018)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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9. Avengers: End Game (2019)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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8. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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7. Thor (2011)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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6. Iron Man (2008)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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5. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (2017)

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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4. Black Panther (2018)

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

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3. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)*

Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Comfy Old Standard

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*My previous rating went up on my second viewing of this one!

2. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Comfy Old Standard

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1. Doctor Strange (2016)

Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

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I still think Dr. Strange is the best. I like his struggles and how he overcomes his ego. I like the mystic arts and wizardry and concepts of reality and psychology in this film. And I like Benedict Cumberbatch, of course.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Bombshell

Bombshell (Jay Roach, 2019)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Based on True Events, Sexual Harassment, Scandal, Politics, Journalism, Drama

I remember when Gretchen Carlson and later Megyn Kelly and others sued Roger Ailes. I was disgusted and, unfortunately, not surprised that such behavior and misconduct is still happening in our world. The whole world of Fox News is incomprehensible, to me, so this film was fascinating and made me think even more about it all. Great performances by Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and especially Margot Robbie.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Oscar Dash 2021: The Results

And the winner is...Nomadland! Can't wait to see this film when I can.

For a full list of winners, click here.

Ammonite

Ammonite (Francis Lee, 2020)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Romance, Complex Relationships, Paleontology, 1800s

This is more than a story about the fossil hunter and scientist Mary Anning--it is a story about intelligent, interesting, and lonely women during a time when women were not valued for their minds or skills. And when their dreams and desires were dismissed. It is a quietly intense romance, a view into how it feels to be trapped or to be forced to suppress your will and desire. Beautiful and poignant film.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (George C. Wolfe, 2020)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

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Biopic, Based on Play, 1920s, Race, Blues

This adaptation of August Wilson's play is powerful in so many ways. Incredibly moving performances by Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis--wow. Boseman's last performance of his life is haunting and, as Odie Henderson writes in his review, transcendent.

This is a story about a very specific time and place--the summer of 1927 in a Chicago recording studio. It is about Ma Rainey and her band. It is about a young Black composer who wants to lead his own band. It is a tragic tale of struggle, defeat, and the painful realities that faced Black musicians of the day.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Trial of the Chicago 7--Post 500!

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Aaron Sorkin, 2020)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Protest, Courtroom Drama, 1960s

Such a powerful film about such an unfathomable trial in our nation's history. This is a story about doing what is right and about fighting against corruption. It is particularly apt that this film was released in 2020, a painful reminder of how so much work still must be done. Brilliant performances by Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Watching this made me angry and sad--I was literally shaking at some moments. Everyone should see this film and think long and hard about how this history can inform our present. 

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

P.S. This is my 500th post--whew! Feels good to have watched and written about so many fantastic films over the years.

Oscar Dash 2021: The Nominations

It's that time of year again...well, actually it's much later than usual. Oscar Dash 2021. I have had most of these movies in my queue for a while now and plan to watch them all before the winners are announced April 25. Here are the nominees for best picture:

Judas and the Black Messiah

The Father

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Nomadland

Minari

Sound of Metal

Promising Young Woman

Mank

Disenchantment Seasons 2 & 3

Disenchantment Seasons 2 & 3 (Matt Groening, 2018-)

Click here for the basics

Animation, Comedy, Middle Ages, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Adventure

Check out how I rated Season 1 here.

Season 2 Rating: CSS=9, CSS=6 / The Giggles

Scale F=3, Scale G=3, Scale H=3, Scale I=3, Scale J=3

    Favorite from Season 2 = "Stairway to Hell"

While not quite as good as the first season, Disenchantment Season 2 has some comedy gem moments, especially an episode set in Heaven and Hell. It was also fun to venture into a steampunk land. Great and quirky writing. All the episodes connect together well and there are lots of bizarre twists and surprises to keep things interesting.

Season 3 Rating: CSS=7, CSS=5 / The Giggles

Scale F=3, Scale G=2, Scale H=2, Scale I=3, Scale J=2

    Favorite from Season 3 = "Steamland Confidential"

"What is going on?" became my catchphrase for the newest season of Disenchantment. Yes, it was still fun and quirky but oh my goodness did things get chaotic quickly. I found Season 3 had way too many loose ends and randomness to fit well within the full story of Tiabeanie and her friends. Over the top can sometimes be a good thing, but not in this case. I need to do a second viewing, for sure, but I'm hoping that a fourth season will answer all the questions and make meaning of everything that was thrown at us here.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Tron and Tron Legacy

Tron (Steven Lisberger, 1982)

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Rating: Q=4, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=1, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

Technology, Action, Adventure, Philosophy

I had only seen bits and pieces of Tron, so it was high time that I watched it in its entirety. While I loved the concepts and the visual artistry, the story made me frustrated. I don't usually get angry at a film's writing unless it a) has a really amazing concept and b) introduces very interesting ideas and meanings BUT then does nothing with them. Tron is so cool and could be completely engrossing and immersive, but so many little things kept pulling me out of the film. I found myself asking, how or why or what's going on now in the outside world, etc. so frequently that it spoiled some of the fun of the brilliant world I was witnessing. The bigger meanings and symbolism that kept coming up in the story ultimately had no point when the film was over. That made me sad. But I loved so much about it--the mesmerizing visuals, the relationship between people and the technology they create, the music. I just wish that someone had written in a little more depth!

Tron Legacy (Walter Hill, 1978)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Technology, Action, Adventure, Philosophy

I much preferred Tron Legacy to its predecessor--the writing was certainly better and more time was given to meanings. I still had plenty of questions and parts of the ending left me confused and ready for more (Tron 3?) especially with regards to the characters Tron and Cora.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Rocketeer

The Rocketeer (Joe Johnston, 1991)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Action, Aviation, Hollywood, 1930s, Adventure

For some reason, I had never watched Disney's The Rocketeer when it came out in the early 1990s. But I finally did and enjoyed the little fantasy adventure. Yes, there are early airplanes and a rocket jet-pack, but the story is really more of a "boy saves girl and the world" tale. There is some zany mayhem, gangsters, Nazis, and Howard Hughes. It feels like a weird hodgepodge of stuff--pulp fiction on the screen--but it's a fun escape for that very reason.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Knives Out

Knives Out (Rian Johnson, 2019)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Mystery, Crime, Thriller

What a fun murder mystery thriller! Very Hitchcock-esque with some fun, modern twists. It's hard to make a good murder mystery the likes of Agatha Christie because detective storytelling requires such attention to little details and no loose ends. But Rian Johnson pulled this one off and it is enjoyable in every way. Great acting and very engrossing!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Young Sherlock Holmes

Young Sherlock Holmes (Barry Levinson, 1985)

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Rating: Q=4, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=3

Mystery, Detective, Coming of Age, Victorian, Based on Book

I'm not sure why I had never seen this film before--it is Sherlock Holmes meets Coming of Age! I enjoyed this fun imagining of what Sherlock and John could have been like when they were young teenagers. It's a quirky, whimsical, strange, and eerie escape film. Definitely a good pick for a winter night.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Cobra Kai Season 3

Cobra Kai Season 3 (Various, 2020)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Sweet Treat

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

First of all: I binge-watched this whole season in one day. Not sure what that tells you...;) Season 3 is tense, infuriating, and has some seriously depressing moments. But it is also full of connections and lessons. I appreciated exploring the back stories of several adult characters--this helped make sense of what was happening. Just like in the previous seasons, the physical and psychological impact of bullying and trauma and being part of a gang is shown, so these episodes are heavy. But important.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Star Wars: Rebels Seasons 1-4

Star Wars: Rebels Seasons 1-4 (George Lucas, Dave Filoni, and others 2014-2018)

Click here for the basics

Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

After watching all of Clone Wars in chronological order (which I recommend) my husband and I launched into more with Star Wars: Rebels. This show is phenomenal. I loved Clone Wars, but I really loved Rebels. The character development is wonderful. I cried more than once. I didn't want it to end. How can you not love each main character? Hera, for her bold leadership; Kanan, for his wisdom and persistence; Sabine, for her creativity and fire; Zeb, for his loyalty and strength; Chopper, for his sass and cunning; and Ezra, for his hope and charm. 

This show is the perfect combination of good characters and storytelling. It fits so well into the Star Wars universe and ties shows and films together in ways that make sense and isn't sloppy. Ah, it's soooo good.

Also, I am now officially a Star Wars nerd. I've seen all the canon movies and shows. ;)

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=8 / Decadence

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Season 3 Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

Season 4 Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Andrew Dominik, 2007)

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Rating: Q=7, P=4 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=1

Biopic, Frontier, Crime, Loyalty

It seems that every film Casey Affleck stars in depresses me...this one is just grueling. But it is absolutely gripping and starkly beautiful. Everything about the men in this film makes me sad. Affleck does a magnificent job of portraying a young man who craves glory and who tries to grapple with his destructive idolization of Jesse James. Great performances by Sam Rockwell and Brad Pitt, too. The legend of Jesse James (and any other infamous or notorious celebrity later) is rife with contradictions and falsehoods. It is exceedingly romanticized. Here is an early example of what happens if you are desperate to be noticed and your boyhood hero doesn't turn out to be anything like what you read or dreamed. Not even close. The assassination of Jesse James was less a murder of a man and more the destruction of an idea.

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Star Wars: Clone Wars Seasons 1-7

Star Wars: Clone Wars (George Lucas, Dave Filoni, and others 2008-2020)

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Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

After watching The Mandalorian my husband and I launched ourselves into all things Star Wars. We revisited many of the films and then watched all of Clone Wars in chronological order (which I recommend). The first few episodes didn't impress me right away--season 1 has some cheesy and goofy moments--but not longer after that the show gets really good and pulls you in. There is character development that never happens in any of the films, there is emotion and actual relationship building, and there are lots of droids and cool spaceships...pew pew! Clone Wars answers many questions that the films don't and provides so much more context to the Star Wars universe.

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=5 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=3

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Season 3 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Season 4 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=4

Season 5 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=4

Season 6 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

*My favorite storyline is episodes 1-4

Season 7 Rating: DSQ=12, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=3

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Silent Running

Silent Running (Douglas Trumbull, 1972)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Science Fiction, Philosophical, Environmentalism

Well, this one was pretty depressing. Silent Running is a film about what might happen if Earth no longer has any plants or wildlife left and no one cares about the fate of what little has been saved. It's a story, too, about morality and solitude. It's heavy, but there are light-hearted and hopeful moments. And droids! This film has been cited as the inspiration for many droids in Star Wars and Mystery Science Theater.

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The Driver

The Driver (Walter Hill, 1978)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Action, Crime, Chase

The Driver is a straightforward crime and car chase action film. While a large portion of the film is car chasing, which I don't care for, there is quite a bit of in-between story in a minimalistic style of filming and acting and that was intriguing. Ryan O'Neal barely has any lines and his swagger makes for a distinct contrast from his nemesis, Bruce Dern, who is a talkative and brash dirty cop. An enjoyable little escape.

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