A Year in Movies
- Mike Fisher
- Dec 6, 2020
- 12 min read
“The rumors of my promiscuity have been greatly exaggerated.”
- Olive Penderghast
One of the many and most trivial limiting factors of COVID have forced me to reevaluate how I plan to approach my upcoming midlife crisis. I realized this a few weeks ago as I recognized it was exactly one week from my birthday. This year isn’t a milestone year, but next year will be so I began to think of things I wanted to do before I hit the mark. It came to me that so many of these things were difficult to plan for, considering I have no idea if/when restrictions will be lifted and I’ll be able to do some of the things I would have normally thought to prioritize. Things like travel to a certain number of countries, run a marathon or even go watch a certain number of live sporting events probably would have been involved in a normal year, but I don’t expect 2021 to suddenly bring any level of previously thought of normalcy. I also hate making goals that I don’t intend to complete or at least give a realistic shot at - so I decided to choose wisely and think of things I have control over. One that I recognized right away - I can still watch movies.
Maybe not in a theatre, or maybe not due to some country related restrictions in streaming providers, but in general, it can be done. So instead of more active pursuits, I decided I would start to make a list of movies I wanted to see in the next year before I jump into the next decade of life. This list had four main distinctions.
1 - Movies I had always assumed I would watch but haven’t gotten around to yet
2 - Movies I have not rewatched in a significant amount of time and am curious if they still work in a modern context
3 - Movies that at one point in my life or another, defined me or my situation and therefore I have seen an embarrassingly high amount of times.
4 - Movies that are coming out that I still really want to see.
When the dust settled on the first round of my list (as I’ve added to it significantly since), I recognized that this was going to be an undertaking. It was going to involve discipline and for me to throw up a crazy number of movies per week and see what I can do to hit that number. At first I wanted to average a movie per day, but realized quite quickly that while it could be considered the high mark, it is unlikely unless I decide that working and making money is no longer something I am interested in continuing. Sadly it is - so it likely will not happen. Instead I rested on a still impressive 5 movies per week. This would put me at approximately 260 for the year. So if I keep the high bar there, it means if I do this right, I will watch anywhere from 260 - 365 movies in a year.
Right away it seems I should be skeptical, but if you think about the logistics, it’s doable (I think). Most working nights if I’m at home (which is often) I don’t really have anything that would suggest I can’t put on a movie while I eat/pretend I don’t have a job to go to the next day. And even if/when I fall behind, there are lazy days occasionally when you can watch a few in an afternoon or if flights ever return, I usually knock off anywhere from 5-8 when I go from Nairobi to Toronto.
The second issue is more to do with choice and preference. Lately, I’ve found it easier to get into TV shows, both because the quality of newer shows are high but also because you make one choice and then you are set for a while. In this case, I’ll have to make daily choices which just isn’t typically my style. However, to make this happen, it’s a mountain I’ll just have to climb.
So here it goes. Week one of my self induced challenge took place from Halloween to November 6th. I’ll give a little for each movie I watch but I won’t go crazy. If I don't have a lot to say, then I’ll break from my norm and be brief… or at least I’ll try. Side note about rankings. For now, I’m sticking with the IB scale as I actually think in this situation, it’s better than 4 or 5 stars. This means I will give a score out of 7. Here is a rough idea of what each means:
1 = No attempt or so bad it can’t be defined
2 = Failure, but at least you tried.
3 = Barely passable. You’re kinda close but you’re actually not.
4 = Passing grade. Nothing else to see here.
5 = Good all around. Tougher to get than you think, but no one seems happy when they get it. It means you tried, and you are just not exceptional. BUT.. you’re still good..
6 = Outstanding. Exceptional in at least a few ways. This is either all around excellence or just insanely strong in one or two vital ways.
7 = Top of the line. Transcendent. I will rewatch this consistently, or I have already.
*As an add on, I started writing this as I was choosing movies and because having a job really hurts my ability to do other things right now, I was a few weeks into the project and I hadn’t finished a full week of write ups. I would make significant notes after watching, but I didn’t put them in full sentences or with any attempt at cohesion. Long story short, I realized that I don’t just want to write movie reviews but make some connections and/or larger points at times if possible, but this would require having a weekly theme. I didn’t start this until a few weeks in, so some of these are not movies I watched in the first week. Instead, I’m starting to categorize so I can see if some weeks can have a level of overarching themes or filmmakers. You Probably don’t care, I just figured it was a good time to mention that. This way in future installments, the quick reviews will also have a few overall ideas to go with them. This week, no theme. It also means I didn’t actually watch these movies this week - but I did watch them.
Notable Names:
This is a relatively independent Kenyan movie, so unless you are keen on that scene, probably none. If you are, maybe Enos Olik who is getting some buzz with the way they work a camera, or Cajetan Boy who has a local following as a writer, director and he plays the reverend here.
Why am I watching it?:
I live in Kenya and love an excuse to see a filmmaker I don’t know anything about.
Was Left Wanting More:
The plot was clearly missing some elements, but I was left wanting to see even a vague justification of how someone was able to maneuver through the van so eloquently and kill so quickly - especially at the end when it’s right next to characters that we can see and hear. I didn’t need a great explanation, but humour me. Give me something. I would have believed it.
Could Have Used Less:
I get that this didn’t have a limitless budget, but many of the cuts were rough. If I saw this at a local indy festival, I wouldn't flinch. But Netflix picked it up. Throw a couple bucks at this and all would be sorted.
This One Was Just Right:
So many things. The plot device worked for me. One of the reasons I’m sticking with movies is the idea of limitations. 40 matchsticks worth of time and mostly within an inclosed space. It’s like a Kenyan Agatha Christie. The Swahilii/English hybrid speaking was also on point. It might be frustrating for those who haven’t spent time here, but it was about right. Even down to which characters were more apt to go to English words and which ones were expressly in Swahili.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
Can’t let it go. I want to see that (spoiler) woman get her way around the van and slit some throats. I have so many questions and no answers.
I find in any of these movies or stage productions oddly rooting for certain characters to die. So in an odd way, I not only dug the plot device, I also appreciated the order. Each character got the humane or violent treatment they seemed to deserve. I also enjoyed how a lion eating people was just something that the characters had to reckon with, but didn’t really raise any suspicions. I can’t imagine this helping with the stereotypes people back in Canada will have about Kenya, but in an odd way, it also made at least an element of sense. Lions don’t really hunt that way, but stay here long enough and you will have a story about how you (hopefully) almost went down at the hands of an apex predator.
Ranking:
For sure some issues with the product, but given the budget I would say a solid 4.5 dismembered mikono out of 7.
Notable Names:
Keira Knightley, Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan, Donald Sutherland,Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Jena Malone, Judi Dench.
Why am I watching it?:
I had never seen it but had made constant references to the sheer volume of period pieces Knightley had in her stat page. I also asked a student for a random recommendation and this came up.
Was Left Wanting More:
I guess a general understanding of the book. I have not read this, and I might never. But while watching this I couldn’t help but wonder what was from the book and what was a choice. To answer this, I could go online and watch someone on YouTube break it down for me, or I could read. Since it’s a classic, I’ll hold off until I have the time to read.
Could Have Used Less:
Mr. Darcy is a sad sack. Apparently to some, this is faithful to the book and that is meant to be super romantic, but I’m not seeing it. I’m not even making a point about how he might not be a good fit for Elizabeth. He just seems about as fun of a hang as Ross Geller in Season 1 of Friends. Always gloomy and seemingly forever keen to remind everyone that his wife just left him for another woman. Maybe it’s just the tone of his voice, but I wasn’t sold. I heard Colin Firth played this role in a mini-series. Maybe I’ll give him a shot and see if it was just the character.
This One Was Just Right:
The central family was the heart and soul of this. Especially the daughters. The mother was a bit much, but I think that was by design. And she made up for the father who seemed to always almost be dying, yet wasn’t. All of the sisters had a clear role to play, and ultimately I was interested in each one. I kept thinking Kitty was going to die, but then I realized I was thinking about Little Women.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
This seemed to kick off Joe Wright and Knightley’s relationship that would take them to Atonement and to Anna Karenina. He’s also had a cup of coffee with Saorise Ronan in Hanna and helped Gary Oldman win a Best Actor for the Oscar baiting, Darkest Hour. He must have the reputation of being an actor/Oscar friendly director as Amy Adams and Tom Hanks are signed onto upcoming movies. One wants to win their first and the other wants to have a final push.
I really want to know if this is actually how people spoke to each other or if it’s just how novels were written. It just seemed like it was so tough to get anything out. Although, I do appreciate a sarcastic but cutting insult that sounds dignified.
I really don’t buy any of the relationships in this entire movie except between the central family. I must be taking crazy pills though as everyone else seems to.
Ranking:
Seems like I am complaining a bit here, but I still did enjoy the movie. It was one that I barely looked at my phone as it was well shot and the dialogue keeps you invested in the characters - just for me - not the romantic relationships. 4.5 droopy mutton chops out of 7.
Notable Names:
Nope. I guess Coogan..Maybe Kenneth Branagh as an extreme version of himself for one scene.
Why am I watching it?:
I was looking for something short, sweet and quirky. This very much fit the bill.
Was Left Wanting More:
No character stands out, but if they followed this with an actual mock episode of the old show, I probably would have watched it and enjoyed myself.
Could Have Used Less:
The whole plot line with the detective (spoiler) turning out to be the culprit was a bit under-cooked. Although, I guess that’s them being meta. It is meant to send up the genre, so it does. But someone who has shown talent like Andrea Riseborough was probably capable of a bit more.
This One Was Just Right:
Run time and general awkward humor. Some movies try to do too much with the goofy and uncomfortable nature of their plot lines. This one toes the line. It’s a mix of stupid and clever, awkward and endearing. And kinda oddly gets the combination right.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
If you are into the British TV scene, or you like how British actors are taking over some North American TV roles, there are many rabbit holes to follow here. Also, this is probably the best movie looking into the seedy underbelly of the Isle of Man.
Ranking:
4.5 vintage 80’s leather jackets out of 7.
Notable Names:
Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Zoe Kravitz, John Mulaney, Nic Cage, Chris Pine, Liev Schreiber, Katheryn Hahn
Why am I watching it?:
Honestly I was pretty hung over and was looking for a solid rewatch that I could comfortably curl up on the couch with. I also wanted to rewatch it as I’ve only seen it on a plane.
Was Left Wanting More:
Most of it. I will get on and off of my high horse when it comes to IP movies as while I can be suckered into them, I tend to resist when possible. However, when it’s done well, I’m all in. This does leave you wanting even more Spider people, which is actually quite surprising. I don’t usually like sequels so I may not end up liking this one, but I was certainly left knowing I would watch it at some point when it comes out.
Could Have Used Less:
Nothing leaps out at me. The origin story wasn’t played out and it was definitely a trope they played with throughout the movie, as usually I’m just keen on them moving on, but in this case it was new enough. Also, by (spoiler) killing a version of Spiderman early, it really did give some suspense to the end. I mean, I knew he would come around, so I guess that part dragged a bit, but most conventions were out the window, so it still worked for me.
This One Was Just Right:
Just how many subplots they juggled and yet made you care about. They managed to have the father son dynamic, the Uncle/Prowler relationship, the mentor/mentee bit, the budding romantic/friendship story line - and yet somehow you ended up kinda being engaged with all of them despite knowing how they were likely going to end.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
I wonder when they will make a movie about someone from Brooklyn and not have that be a huge part of their character. It’s almost like when you meet someone who went to Harvard so they try and get that fact in every conversation they have. Brooklyn isn’t as pretentious, but it’s pretty much the same thing.
Why is it that when animated movies about superheroes have way more villains than they have time for, it works out. But if a live action movie tries to have more than 2, it is almost always a train wreck?
Will I ever watch this movie and not have Sunflower stuck in my head for days afterwards?
Ranking:
6 Air Jordan 1’s out of 7. That’s high praise.
Notable Names:
Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson, Stanley Tucci, Lisa Kudrow, Cam Gigandet, Malcolm McDowell, Fred Armisen.
Why am I watching it?:
Another one I heard so much about but never put time into watching. I was starting to have seen clips or heard enough about it that I felt I already knew what to expect, which is the best way to get me not to watch a movie.
Was Left Wanting More:
Nothing really. And that’s not a slam on the movie. I was good with it in most ways, but I didn’t need any more from any particular story line or character.
Could Have Used Less:
The relationship at the end. It was set up to a point, so it wasn’t as if it was just thrown together, but it wasn’t really holding my attention. As soon as it became the central part of the movie, I was fully ready for things to wrap up. Nothing really wrong here, but I wasn’t feeling the chemistry and it was very clear that a guy wrote this script.
This One Was Just Right:
Emma Stone in general, but looking at this with the perspective of knowing where things would go this decade for her, I guess that’s not surprising. You could also argue the parents, but I might disagree. Both parents are great actors and very likable, but they kinda push things a bit. I almost had them down for the previous category.
Random Asides/Nit Picks:
Emma Stone was born in 1988, so she was at least 20 or 21 when this was filmed and 22 when it came out. This may not seem like a big deal, but she was in Superbad as a senior in High School three full years earlier and had already played roles of people in University. I get they want sophistication in this role, but this is a trend I still don’t fully understand. Why do movies and TV shows keep casting people in their 20’s for High School roles and then sexualize them? No good can come from this.
With no justification of the racial background of the younger brother but also a few ill themed jokes, this movie has the ability to come across as woke and offensive at the same time. A rare accomplishment.
This is for sure the peak for “Pocketful of Sunshine”? If you don’t believe me: A: Tell me who actually recorded it - and B: Google it and see if Emma Stone’s two minute bit in the movie doesn’t come up.
Ranking:
5.5 Scarlet A’s out of 7.
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