Roald Dahl Short Stories by Wes Anderson

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Wes Anderson, 2023)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

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

The Swan (Wes Anderson, 2023)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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

The Rat catcher (Wes Anderson, 2023)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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

Poison (Wes Anderson, 2023)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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

This collection of Roald Dahl shorts is very entertaining--weird, unexpected, and poignant. Each story leaves you with questions but not necessarily wanting more. They are beautifully visualized by Wes Anderson's striking style. While Henry Sugar is clearly the best of these shorts, they all have moments. I especially liked the choice to have the actors narrate and act much like a stage production.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Image from: https://medium.com/@kaethish/review-of-the-wonderful-story-of-henry-sugar-c3902d82333c 

Oscar Dash 2025: The Nominations

It's that time of year again...The Oscar nominated films were released. Like the last few years I'm not compelled to do an Oscar Dash. I just hope to watch all the films eventually. And I do plan to post about each one once I do watch, so you can anticipate those throughout the year and beyond. And don't forget to watch the awards on March 2, 2025!

Here are the nominees for best picture:

Anora

The Brutalist

A Complete Unknown

Conclave

Dune: Part Two

Emilia Perez

I'm Still Here

Nickel Boys

The Substance

Wicked

Skeleton Crew

Skeleton Crew, Season 1 (Christopher Ford and Jon Watts, 2024)

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

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

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Star Wars Universe, Epic

Unlike the most recent Acolyte series, Skeleton Crew was a breath of fresh air. Yay, back to another good, well-written Star Wars show! Sure, this one is lighter and more family friendly, but it felt like pure escape and not heavily bogged down by Star Wars lore and rules, etc. It is still within the Star Wars universe and has tons of Easter eggs for fans, but it also holds its own and feels fresh. I loved the adventure, the character development of the kids as individuals and also as a team, trying to figure out the mystery along with them, and the great places and people they met along the way. Does it need more? No. Would I like more? Not necessarily. Maybe a related, separate story about Jod. But I'm satisfied with this lovely story. It is just right.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Happy 2025!

Happy 2025! I watched a lot more fantasy, adventure, and some excellent new shows and seasons again this year. Started revisiting Hitchcock, Coen Brothers, and favorites. My favorite film I saw this year was Furiosa. Favorite show was Shogun.

Other highlights were Bad Batch season 3 and starting to watch Skeleton Crew. Also A Complete Unknown as a pleasant surprise this last week.

My goal for 2025 is to continue watching old favorites, forgotten classics, and dig into more Dickens adaptations. There is just so much to watch!

Best wishes!