The Count of Monte Cristo, Miniseries

The Count of Monte Cristo (Bille August, 2024)

IMDB film information

Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

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

Based on Novel, 19th Century, France, Crime, Suspense, Complex Relationships, Philosophical

Not since Hulu's recent Shogun miniseries have I been this thoroughly impressed by an adaptation. Absolutely marvelous storytelling. This production is what authors dream and hope their stories become when put on the screen, at least it is what I would want! This timeless tale of revenge and the consequences of taking that path. But it is also a tale of morality, hope, patience, and redemption. Marvelous performances from all actors, especially Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons. And the visuals are sparkling on the screen. It is so tense, dramatic, devastating, and rewarding.

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Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring Revisited

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring (Kim Ki-duk, 2003)

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

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

Buddhism, Philosophical

I first saw Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring not too long after it was released while I was in graduate school. I loved it then and my re-watching of it was even better. I've since become more focused on simple things and Buddhist teachings, so that resonated with me more. And I'm older, of course.

This film has few words. It is all about observation and reflection. All life is precious and miraculous. Go into this with an open mind and heart. You'll be glad.

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The Naked Gun 2025

The Naked Gun 2025 (Akiva Schaffer, 2025)

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

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

Comedy, Spoof, Crime

Comedy remakes don't usually work, in my opinion, but this time I think it did. The Naked Gun (2025) is ridiculous, silly, crude, dumb, and full of gags. And that is what you want from a good comedy. You'll chuckle if you liked the first film and any of the original Zucker brothers films.

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Sinners

Sinners (Ryan Coogler, 2025)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Average OJ

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

1930s, Horror, Race, Music, Fantasy, Philosophical

Ryan Coogler never ceases to make films that suck you in, no pun intended. Sinners is a wild ride. Even though I knew there'd be a twist, I was more than still surprised when it happened. This film is an experience. The visuals are stunning, colorful, leaping off the screen. And the story is a fascinating blend of genres--Horror, Gritty Realism, Music, Biopic--I've never seen before or even considered. The music is outstanding and almost transcendent. The acting is vibrant and memorable. I wanted more character development at times, but the film doesn't suffer because of that.

What really happens when you sell your soul to the devil? Seems like it keeps happening and has been going on for a long time...

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Oscars 2026: New Approach and the Winner

Over the last few years I've not been enthusiastic to watch every Oscar nominated film before the big event, but I still love watching the movies eventually. I've decided to stop doing the Oscar Dash I used to do in the past. Going forward I just plan to share my views/ratings of any nominated film when I watch it. But you can view the nominees for best picture and read more on plenty of websites.

The winner was One Battle After Another, which I hope to watch soon!

Train Dreams

Train Dreams (Clint Bentley, 2025)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

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

Philosophical, Period (19th and early 20th century), Lumberjack, Complex Relationships

"There were once passageways to the old world; strange trails, hidden paths. You'd turn a corner and suddenly find yourself face-to-face with the great mystery, the foundation of all things. And even though that old world is gone now, even though it's been rolled up like a scroll and put somewhere, you can still feel the echo of it."

These opening words are perfect. Train Dreams is truly the story of the life cycle--birth, change, death, rebirth. It shines a light on one man's cycle and all the sorrow and joy and confusion in it. The film is a quiet and exceptionally beautiful reflection of the human experience. I cried more than once. I appreciated the simple and somber tone and emphasis on visuals. Few words speak volumes. I hope, like the narrator says, that this old world isn't completely gone. We need to hear and see the stories of regular folks in the past to appreciate and cherish what we have and what we, as human beings, always will be.

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The Boy and the Beast

The Boy and the Beast (Mamoru Hosoda, 2015)

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Rating: AQ=6, AP=6 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=3, Scale P=3, Scale Q=3, Scale R=2, Scale S=2

Anime, Coming of Age, Action, Adventure

I've never thought what it would be like to be raised in a world of gods with a god as my guardian and mentor. It's a fun concept. The story is charming--I loved watching the characters grow and really wanted to see them succeed and gain each others' respect. The Boy and the Beast also expresses what humanity has and lacks through the characters of  Kyuta/Ren and Ichirōhiko in a way I've not quite seen before. And the ending is bittersweet and beautiful. I love the idea that your mentor, teacher, father, loved one, lives on in your heart as a sword--your strength.

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Samurai Marathon: Three Outlaw Samurai

Three Outlaw Samurai (Hideo Gosha, 1964)

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

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

Samurai, Action, Complex Relationships

I enjoyed this one. It felt similar to many of the other samurai films--Ronin who are in the wrong place at the wrong time (or perhaps right place at the right time?). Questing honor, coping with guilt, and the ever-present corruption of those in power are all present here.

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Happy 2026!

Happy 2026! My favorite film I saw this year was The Dig (though it was not new). Favorite show was Andor season 2, definitely. But also Stranger Things season 5 was monumental in so many ways.

A few highlights were: watching most of the Coen brothers films and a samurai film marathon. 

My goal for 2026 is to watch more films from the last 5 years, get to the theater a bit more, and revisit some Shakespearean classics and other period dramas. 

Best wishes!

Stranger Things Season 5

Stranger Things Season 5 (Matt and Ross Duffer, 2025)

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Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

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

Retro, 1980s, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller

I don't think I've ever cried so much during a season finale. Or thought so long and hard about all the plot lines of a show. Stranger Things Season 5 blew me away--but in ways I didn't expect. While some of the story reveals and plot twists didn't surprise me, I was still captivated. And the epic "final boss" battle was fantastic and fun to watch, even though it wasn't necessarily phenomenal. 

What really got me in this last season was: saying goodbye to these characters, this story, to childhood and the past. We saw each friendship at its peak, most powerful and most vulnerable, then watched all the friends go their separate ways. I sobbed because of how real and deeply moving each performance was. I remember being a teenager and not wanting childhood to end. I remember the many events that broke the magical veil of childhood and the instances when I realized nothing would be the same again. Stranger Things captured all of that. Sometimes it is easier to see our own lives through someone else's story. And sometimes we need to have a fantastical/sci-fi show with monsters and terror and superpowers to see our broken world more clearly. I am so glad this show was created and lasted as long as it did. I'm sure to come back to it again and again.

Read my reviews of Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, and Season 4.

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