The contributors at Rogerebert.com all wrote up briefly what we have been watching while we have been “sheltering in place,” especially if it was streaming. Passing it on for those of you looking for ways to pass the time and not go insane. And I did put Supernatural on there, since 14 seasons are streaming on Netflix. Newbies don’t need to know how we all feel about the last 3 seasons.
Also: how are you handling self-quarantine, if you are in that position? How are you managing your time? What are you watching? Reading? Of course worry and uncertainty is a given – which makes this “free time” not feel “free” at all. (One of my best friends “has it” and is now on mandatory lockdown. It’s a mild case apparently and he is a healthy person already – but still, it’s terrifying. And there are many people I know and love who are in vulnerable populations with health issues – and so if you are one of those young DINGBATS who are still going out to bars, or to spring break, saying “Well, I’m not going to get sick, so what’s the big deal” – stop reading me. Immediately. I don’t want heartless dummy-dumbs as an audience. Awful selfish people.)
Yesterday, there was some problem with the water main in my area. I didn’t have water all day. It was unnerving and gave me a sense of how quickly civilization could break down, given the right perfect storm of circumstances.
Anyway: what are you watching? Reading? Anything to pass on?
Well I WAS bingeing The Blacklist…but that ran out (well the seasons on DVD at least)…so I decided to watch Dr. Strangelove for the umpteenth time and it was oddly comforting, like an old fashioned melodrama. I’m glad one of the other writers at Ebert.com reminded me of the 60’s version of War and Peace. I’ve seen it several times but it might be time to really site down and analyze it!
I live in small town Florida and other than the grocery store being out of toilet paper there haven’t been many repercussions here. I shelter in place anyway so it doesn’t make much difference to my personal or work life but I feel badly for those who are suffering.
Be well Sheila!
You too! Since I work from home, staying home all day isn’t a huge adjustment – but my actor friends, my waiter friends, my cashier friends – it’s really really scary for them. New York has halted evictions for the foreseeable future which is one of the few altruistic understanding things that the government has done in the face of this crisis.
In re: The Blacklist – you know, I keep meaning to check that out. it sounds right up my alley!
In re: Dr. Strangelove: I so know what you mean about the comfort of re-watching old favorites. I don’t know what it is – the familiarity of it for sure – but also the moments you love always work – some movies are really special like that.
I’ve been feeling a yen to re-watch Only Angels Have Wings for … the 57th time or something. lol It’s one of THOSE movies. It always works for me, and it’s pleasurable and challenging and fun and exciting and I can sink right into it. It’s like wearing a beloved sweater you’ve had since high school.
I know exactly what you mean. I feel the same way about The Searchers. Always new things as well as the thousand things you noticed on the 57 previous viewings (that are still stimulating somehow).
Just FYI: I hope you fall in love with the Blacklist (never know about these things) enough to write about it. There’s like a Corona level scare in every episode, except we don’t know about it…and the world’s most wanted criminal is working closely with a secret FBI task force to keep us safe! And it all links back to the Cold War. Of course it does! I started watching it for James Spader and next thing I knew I’d watched six seasons in two weeks (and I work 60 hours a week). Hah!
It sounds really good! and I love James Spader too!
I am introducing classic movies to my roommate (who has never seen any before), starting with a Kate Hepburn streak–and GOD is it comforting to fall back into the rhythms of Philadelphia Story and Stage Door.
I’m also watching her Dick Cavett interviews for the first time. They’re like a bracing breath of fresh, cold air: her no-nonsense attitude, sharpness, sense of responsibility and belief in the essential kindness of people feel so affirming right now. (And, less high-mindedly, I love how she imperiously steps all over D.C. whenever he tries to interject a point or make a joke; you show that young whippersnapper who’s boss, Kate!)
Oh my gosh Lizzie YES, that Dick Cavett/Hepburn meeting is so fascinating. She is such a BOSS.
I totally understand finding comfort in the “old” things – especially if we know them well. Been doing a lot of re-watching myself.
Best wishes to you. I’m in the UK. My best friend’s housemate’s boyfriend has it, and so she’s quarantined. She’s young and healthy but I still worry, of course. Plus I went food shopping yesterday and found ALL the dried/tinned shelves empty. Had a moment of, ‘What the hell am I going to eat?’ I’m fine, but at these moments you kinda see how thin the fabric of society actually is.
I’m rewatching SPN (of course), watching Jonothan Strange & Mr Norrell (which hits a personal sweet spot), and reading Eva Ibbotson’s romance novels for the nth time. She wrote wonderful funny historical romance novels in this dry British voice (as an LMM diehard: the influence from her, especially Blue Castle, is palpable). They are perfectly toned- comic timing down pat, wonderful characters, and like many writers with dry comic voices she could be gorgeously romantic. Plus the times and places LIVE. She was an old-fashioned writer, so her adult novels aren’t read here the way her children’s novels are. It’s a crime.
Also rereading Vathek. Which, in contrast, is an ooze of dark, horrible, grotesque, hilarious hedonism.
Best wishes to your friend! They’re telling us all to shelter in place, and if we’re sick to manage the symptoms unless it gets really dire. so … yeah … not really comforting. New York has become the epicenter of this thing here – not surprising considering the population – but it is very scary and makes me wish I had somehow … gotten out of town for the duration. Although that brings its own problems.
// lus I went food shopping yesterday and found ALL the dried/tinned shelves empty. Had a moment of, ‘What the hell am I going to eat?’ /
I know. One cannot live on granola bars – although I am glad I bought boxes and boxes. They’ll do in a pinch. I went to the grocery store earlier this week and there was practically no PRODUCE either – supply chains are all messed up. I have nothing but respect for the people working in grocery stores double time to stock the shelves – working for our community at great risk to themselves. But still … I am glad I did the stocking up I did – it’s allowed me to not go out for a week. I’ll have to venture out at some point this week probably.
In re: SPN: I am thinking of starting a re-watch. I did one last year but … you know … all things considering … I think it might be time for another one. Especially since it’s now looking like the series might not even finish properly. I mean, it’s surreal. I can’t imagine now that this virus is going to “wrap up” in a couple weeks – i think this is much more long haul than that. How weird is it that this series we have invested so much time in may just … fizzle out … Is it fitting? Especially since this latest season is … not very good? I don’t know what I think. But I’ve been feeling a yen to revisit those early seasons. especially since writing about them for Ebert!!
You make me curious about Eva Ibbotson – I haven’t read any of it. especially the Blue Castle comparison!! WHY hasn’t Blue Castle been adapted into some sweepingly romantic comedic film? You wouldn’t even have to DO anything. all the dialogue and character is right there on the page!
Thanks so much for the rec. and Vathek – never read that either!
Be well!!
Yes- New York must feel somewhat apocalyptic right now. Best wishes to you. And yes, the people working in supply chains are amazing. Over here most people are being sensible- we can still go outside as long as we practise ‘social distancing’- but of course there are still some morons putting others in danger. Frustrating.
A re-watch might be a shout! I started rewatching again recently- properly, from the Pilot. It feels very good in these strange times. I’m just finishing season one. I am, as usual, behind on the current season. I don’t like the thought of SPN going unfinished- but to me, removed as I am from the current ‘discourse’, there’s something strangely fitting (?) about it. At least this way I get to picture Sam and Dean roaring eternally off into the sunset…
Please check Eva Ibbotson out! Her books have been the victim of godawful marketing, so don’t be put off by curly fonts and tacky covers. Here they are finally being reissued in nice editions with introductions and classy covers- it only took 40 years. It’s the little things. But they’re wonderful. Idiosyncratic and funny and special. If you do check her out, I recommend ‘Magic Flutes’- about a bunch of people in postwar Vienna who are debilitatingly ridiculously OBSESSED with opera and Mozart and theatre. (She wrote wonderfully about artistic obsession. The book makes me, a 20-year-old lit student, care about opera. And the characters are to die for. All her books are like that.)
In re: the Blue Castle: God!! I know! Did you check out that new Anne of Green Gables adaptation on Netflix? Beautiful casting, some lovely individual scenes but also some very weird decisions plot-wise.
Stay safe! And keep posting! We’re all in this together.
What am I watching?
Old John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Their politics might be stupid but they are always entertaining.
SPN (seasons 1 – 10) before the powers that be lost their everlasting minds.
The West Wing (seasons 1-4) . Good writing is good writing.
Justified. Eureka. Old Law and Order episodes because the good guys usually win and I need that fantasy now.
What am I doing?
Mostly gardening because I find that working on plants and dirt settles me like nothing else.
Calling my 90 year old mother who lives in NY who reminds me that she has lived thru the Great Depression, WWII, the swinging 60’s, the March on Washington, several assassinations, the Cuban Missle Crisis, Ebola, Sars, Swine Flu, 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, the loss of a son and two husbands, and Presidents Nixon, Bush and Trump. She fully intends to “get thru this shit, too.”
Carolyn – I love the glimpse of your mother here! Yes: we are made of STRONG STUFF. She has seen and experienced so much. We are tougher than we know. Best to her and to you! and your garden!
// Their politics might be stupid but they are always entertaining. //
lol Cosign.
Loving your rewatching style – I was just saying above I need to start an SPN re-watch – starting at the beginning. I did it last year (I think? the years blend together) – and those early seasons, boy, they’re just so good. I think I might need the comfort – because of our worldwide situation – but also because, like you say, the last 4 seasons have been such a disappointment.
I watched Les Mis with my 17 year old who hadn’t seen it, and we’ve been singing it constantly.
She was going to be in drama club production of various Shakespeare scenes which is cool because that means all the kids can get good roles. She was Hero in one, Lady Macbeth in another (“unsex me here” – takes a lot of confidence to say THAT line; I couldn’t have at her age), and MacDuff in another. The very day of opening night – last Thursday – they canceled all after school activities and now school is closed. I feel really bad for her, but she’s handling it well. Together we watched Joss Whedon’s Much Ado about Nothing and Macbeth with Michael Fasbender.
Saturday afternoon, when I heard libraries would be closing Monday, I hit three libraries within 5 miles of my house and got a huge pile of graphic novels that I’m enjoying reading including Speak, The Giver, and Animal Farm. A lot are YA books because I’m a teacher.
Aslan – oh man, I am so sorry about the cancellation of your daughter’s production – UGH. I would be heartbroken if I were here – so sad for all the teenagers who have all this stuff going on, not to mention academic stuff! I love that you’re watching things with her connected to her interests.
Isn’t that Joss Whedon Much Ado GREAT? I have a copy here somewhere – I still kick it old-school with my media whenever I can – and I just think it’s great, Nathan Fillion in particular. His performance makes me HOWL.
As a teacher, are you having to conduct online classes now? My sister is starting that up this week, even though all is chaos – and she now has her own three kids at home too.
Best to you and your daughter.
Last night a tree came down on the power lines around the corner and I had to read my book by candlelight. That book? Lincoln in the Bardo, haha. I’m loving it!
A couple of binged shows I’ve enjoyed recently are Succession (took me a whole season to really click into it, but I got there, and s2 was great) and The Expanse. I have plans to make inroads on The New Pope when I get a chance; the Young Pope was faaaaantastic.
I am not above BEGGING people to watch Documentary Now!
The Expanse rocks! Are you re-watching or is it new to you?
rewatched s1&2, first-timed 3&4. It’s a kickass show with some fabulous characters. 3 was pretty blurry and indistinct, but the episode with Drummer and Strathairn trapped together was magic. And I was SO HAPPY to see Miller again! And oh, the bearded Amosian glories of 4.
Yes to Drummer and Straithairn!
And loyal, amoral Amos.
The Expanse is so good. I would listen to Straithairn read the telephone book, with that invented-creole accent.
Really hoping for more Bobbie Draper, come season 5.
Strathairn, with his elongated Belter physique! The casting is, on the whole, magnificent. I’m dying to see Bobbie really get back into it in s5. Everyone is great in their own separate stories, but the show is one of those ensemble pieces where everyone is so well-defined in their personalities and objectives, when the threads come together it’s thrilling just to watch the characters interact.
I don’t know much about The Expanse – I need to look for it – is it on Netflix, or where are you all seeing it?
The Expanse is on Amazon Prime.
thanks!
I keep meaning to get into Succession – a lot of people have told me about it. and the whole Pope thing – what is going on? You’ve got your Young Pope, your New Pope, your Two Popes … it’s a very papal time!
I love The Expanse! I am always up for good space sci-fi. I inhaled all the books over the summer, I went to the pool every day after work and read poolside until the lifeguard closed it down. I even read some of the novellas, not essential but they do add background.
// I went to the pool every day after work and read poolside until the lifeguard closed it down. //
That sounds like so much fun.
Reading at the pool was for my mental health. Winter kills me, I’m so affected by lack of sunshine. I can block out almost any surrounding noise when I’m really absorbed in a book so noisy kids barely register.
// Winter kills me, I’m so affected by lack of sunshine. I can block out almost any surrounding noise when I’m really absorbed in a book so noisy kids barely register. //
I’m the same way. I actually love reading in a noisy atmosphere – the world falls away. Sadly, can’t do that anymore!
It does sound like fun! The only things I’ve read of the books/novellas is the Amos novella The Churn (I am fascinated by Amos and Chatham is so good at portraying that easygoing moral amorality) and the one about the Epstein Drive. It was cool to see that get adapted to an episode!
I’ve been doing a rewatch of the BBC’s Merlin from 2008 (available streaming on both Netflix and Amazon Prime). I have fond memories of watching it with my girls when they were younger. It’s aging well. And the actors have certainly aged well ;) It reminds me of Supernatural in that the main characters have this super strong would-die-for-each-other bond. Plus a good deal of humor and irreverence–not taking itself as ‘all that’. Plus it manages to show violence without slo-mo blood splatters (imagine that!) So hooray for sword fighting, handsome men in chain mail, beautiful women and sorcery that somehow Arthur never sees :D. I think we could all use a little magic about now.
Sandy –
// o hooray for sword fighting, handsome men in chain mail, beautiful women and sorcery that somehow Arthur never sees :D. //
Ha!
I don’t think I ever saw that – I’ll look for it on Netflix.
Well, since I live in Colorado, we are experiencing our usual mid-March snowstorm. Looks like I’ll be out shoveling tomorrow morning. Still, just trying to keep the anxiety on low. Watched Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice. Growing up in the 70s, I was always a fan, but had forgotten just how popular she was. That strong, versatile voice could sing anything. And she did. Next up: try to get caught up on El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, and rewatch a small movie called Henry Poole Is Here, because it’s just so full of hope.
Just started reading Joe Hill’s The Fireman. This may not be smart since the plot involves a pandemic, but it was next up in my reading queue, so just decided to soldier on.
Be well. This too shall pass.
Brad – isn’t that Ronstadt documentary amazing?? I was so frustrated it didn’t get nominated. The only docs that get nominated have to do with so-called “super serious subjects” – and some of them are crap (sorry). Or at least nothing more than a parade of talking heads plus news footage.
Whereas that Linda Ronstadt doc has done for her what should have been done a long time ago – acknowledgement of her MAJOR contribution to pop culture – and American culture – and a good reminder of how huge she once was. She was just EVERYWHERE when I was a kid – but I still learned a lot from that doc. I was particularly impressed by how this really young woman – a teenager practically – took charge of her career early, doing what she wanted to do, incorporating all the different strands of her own cultural background – opera, Mexican music, country music – bringing it all into the American mainstream. I thought it was fantastic!
Thanks Brad – you be well too!
Here in San Diego we are on day 7 of social separation. Since my hubby and 21 yr old daughter have “essential support” positions, that leaves my 18 yr old home with me. We have no idea if her senior year is over or just delayed…will there be a graduation?
I’m trying to balance the need to be informed of the latest information with escaping into fiction for my mental health.
I have watched some of my feel good favorites– the Back to the Future Trilogy, Speed, Footloose(’84), It’s a Mad,Mad,Mad, Mad World( Amazon runs it in full widescreen format!) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Somewhere in Time. I could watch classic Twilight Zone for always, and am really enjoying the new series Dispatches From Elsewhere. Criminal Minds with daughter #1 and the latest Charlie’s Angels movie with daughter #2. And of course SPN– my 4th go ’round, on season 2 now.
As for reading, I’m loving Street Gang- the Complete History of Sesame Street, the Oz series by Gregory Maguire, biographies of Betty White, Lucille Ball, and John Barowman.
So basically, I’m all over the place with my escapism!
I am the family caretaker, so when my parents or in-laws ( All 72+)need supplies, I’m their huckleberry.
Peace!
Dawn –
// I’m trying to balance the need to be informed of the latest information with escaping into fiction for my mental health. //
I’m doing the same thing. best wishes for your daughter. I really feel for all the teenagers in her position – my nephew is a senior in college and now … what … just … it’s over? I think he’s struggling with the fact that it – i.e. big happy day, proper goodbyes to friends and professors … might not happen.
There’s a lot of SPN re-watchers in this thread – I am going to join the flow. It’s been a while (well, since last year). I really want to “fall into” those early seasons again – the brothers – the look and feel of it – It’s funny, no matter how many times I watch, these old episodes always work – and I STILL can be surprised by them. It’s really amazing. so whatever we feel about the recent seasons – we’ll always have those early seasons (and so MANY of them) to enjoy.
How are you dealing with the fact that … the show might not get an ending? I mean, I’m not feeling hopeful that they’re going to be able to “wrap this up” … maybe they looked ahead and skipped ahead so we’ll get the final episode, I don’t know, they may have sensed this coming. I haven’t really paid attention to fan chatter in the last week and a half so I’m not sure if there’s a consensus building around this.
Love the subject matter of these biographies you’re reading!
Good luck to you and your family – stay well!
I am cautiously optimistic about the cast and crew being determined to complete the show. Dabb posted that they “fully intend to return and complete” the show. I have also read that they finished filming all but ep 19&20, with 14-18 needing some post production work when the shutdown ends.
So, I’m hopeful!
Dawn –
// I have also read that they finished filming all but ep 19&20, with 14-18 needing some post production work when the shutdown ends. //
Yes, I heard this – it makes me wonder if they actually “worked ahead’ a bit and aren’t saying anything. I don’t know – the “shutdown” really did seem to come about in a week’s time – there wasn’t a lot of lead time and everything changed very quickly.
It must be so weird for JA and JP right now!
I started watching The Witcher a few nights ago. I like it, but it is a bit on the confusing side because the story has different characters in different periods of time and no clear indicators on which time period it is in the episodes. I’ve went back and watched some of my comfort food Supernatural episodes and laughed over the fact that Croatoan has always been one of those episodes for me.
My life hasn’t changed drastically yet. I work 2 different child care jobs….A Mother’s Day our program and a daycare. The Mother’s Day Out program did make the decision to close down until schools reopened (we were out for spring break this week anyway) but we are planning on doing a bunch of things online to continue to engage with the kids while we are closed. Planning all of that has kept me busy. The governor of my state (TN) closed schools but encouraged daycares to remain open, so I’ve continued to work this week. My directors felt this was very unsafe advice and they made the decision today to give parents one more week and then close us down.
I’m glad you are doing well and hope you continue to do so. I do recommend The Blacklist….James Spader is amazing!!
Michelle – hi! I’ve been curious about The Witcher too.
I feel the same way about that Croatoan episode!! (plus its coda/flash-forward “The End”) – it’s so well done, so eerie. They knew it was coming. :)
On Saturday night, the governor of NJ closed all non-essential businesses – I am wondering if daycare is included in that? I’m … okay? But not for much longer. I am very fortunate that all my work is online – and that has continued – but by the same token, with all of these films delaying their releases there isn’t much work left. This is the freelance life, precarious at all times, but even more so now. New York has ceased evictions for the time being – which is incredible – but I am just so worried about people with either minimum wage jobs OR service jobs – all my waiter friends, actor friends – just … poof: NOTHING.
I gotta get on The Blacklist train – thank you!
Stay safe!
Book-wise, I just finished Borne, by Jeff Vandermeer. He wrote The Southern Reach trilogy. The first book, Annihilation, was made into a even better movie. Borne was very good, better character development. And then Agency, by William Gibson. It was a follow-up to The Peripheral (which I liked more). Just begun The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.
We watched Hell or High Water recently – excellent. And Bone Tomahawk, also very good. I forgot about the disemboweling, so beware. And we re-watched A Star Is Born ( Bradley and Gaga) last night. Happy sigh. Moulin Rouge is up for tonight. Come what may.
Before the theaters shut we saw Portrait of a Woman on Fire. Beautiful and romantic. And Emma – what a gorgeous film! We were hoping to see First Cow, but the indie theaters shut down before the malls.
Mutecypher – I love Hell or High Water so much! Bone Tomahawk: very good too. A Star is Born is so excellent – happy sigh cosign!
So excited you saw Emma – isn’t it amazing? They’ve already released it online – since this pandemic has interrupted its theatrical release. People are bitching about the price (20 bucks) and it’s like … show a little respect. You do realize why they’re doing it that way, right? It’s not price gouging. It’s the price of a ticket and a box of popcorn – cheaper actually (in New York anyway). They’re trying to survive – their whole theatrical run was cut off.
I am going to toss them a couple of shekels and watch it again – so glad i was assigned to review it. I really loved it. Isn’t Johnny Flynn great? He was new to me – my main reaction was: WHO IS THAT.
apparently he’s got quite a few credits to his name so I have some catching up to do.
I haven’t read Annihilation – I’m assuming that’s the book turned into the Natalie Portman film? which I LOVED – I should check out the book.
Thanks for checking in – hope you and yours are doing well!
Johnny Flynn is great! I hadn’t connected him with the guy in Beast – he was very good in that. And I see he was in Clouds of Sils Maria – gotta re-watch that since I don’t really remember his character.
$20 is cheaper than a ticket and a box of popcorn in Seattle, too.
I’m tempted to watch Emma again also, just for some of the shots – like the camera looking down from above the Venus statue and Anya looking up. Or the forests of food and haberdashery. And “If I loved you less I might be able to talk about it more.” And Bill Nighy’s cranky befuddlement.
I was confused the other day (normal) and thought that JF was in the Baz Luhrman Elvis movie where Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson got the coronavirus. But he’s David Bowie in Stardust. Both are things to look forward to.
I had first heard about Autumn de Wilde when I was reading up on her daughter Arrow de Wilde – singer in Starcrawler. I really like their music – Maria McKee had a photo of Arrow in her Instagram timeline a couple years back saying something to the effect that she was a true rock-n-roller. So that’s how I first heard of Arrow and then her mom (both have great names). I’ve only listened to a couple of songs of Maria’s new album, but I’m a sucker for anything referencing Dante or Blake.
So, more stuff to do during quarantine.
// And I see he was in Clouds of Sils Maria – gotta re-watch that since I don’t really remember his character. //
I need to re-watch too! He’s got a lot of good credits and I have serious catching up to do. Guy is a natural star.
Vanity Fair is streaming on Prime!
I’ve now watched EMMA five times. One of the perks of quarantine. I still have work but I got nowhere to BE. I loved the film when I reviewed it – and it totally holds up – in fact it’s better on a rewatch. I’m so thrilled about it.
I wish Johnny Flynn was playing Elvis. I don’t approve of the current choice – but take my UNIVERSE of bias into account.
Am so looking forward to catching Emma.! first caught Johnny Flynn in’Lovesick (aka Scrotal Recall) where he plays this great charming angsts bundle of custard-filled ball of boyfluff and then stalwart Captain Dobbin in Vanity Fair so I could not be more charmed he now a fully fledged member of the Regency Multiverse with Emma.
Helena – have loved talking about Emma with you on Insta. Isn’t it SO GOOD? I’m delirious with happiness about it (as much as I can be in this environment, that is.)
I’m watching it as many times as possible during the rental period – and it’s definitely a film where I want to buy ye olde DVD – I need to just have it around.
When Knightley flips out on her after the mean thing she says at the picnic – he is so filled with not just anger, but HURT – I think that’s key to why the scene works so well. He’s not just pissed, he’s devastated. He thought she was better than that. And the way he plays it – I mean, her bursting into tears and then crying on into the day – it just makes perfect sense.
I can’t remember – does the bloody nose come into the novel?
I’m going to start a re-read after I finish the writing assignments I still have. I don’t remember the bloody nose – if it’s an invention, it’s a BRILLIANT one.
// custard-filled ball of boyfluff //
this is fantastically put.
Hahahah! It was great talking with you on Insta – you caught me in the middle of my 5th viewing that day. I think I watched it about 10 times in 48 hours. It was a much needed injection of delight, with so many funny, unexpected or lovely moments, too many to list! But yes, that devastating argument and everything falling apart around Emma and her deep misery afterwards. You really felt it!
I will definitely be buying the DVD.
No nose bleed in the book, but enjoy the re-read!
We’re watching Locke and Key right now. I loved the graphic novel series by Joe Hill, and the show so far has been a good translation. And my kid and I watched Doctor Sleep recently. Interesting homage to both King’s book and Kubrick’s film. It has something to say about addiction, too. Reading–just started Tana French’s The Faithful Place. And fanfic. Far too much fanfic.
Our library is closed, and I’ve been loaned out to the fire marshals’ office to help with a data entry project. The library itself is being currently used as a daycare for the hospitals and first responders.
Barb – I’ve been hearing good things about Doctor Sleep.
Loved The Faithful Place – I think I am finally caught up in her work – read her latest – The Trespasser – last year. I am just blown away by her writing and her plots and what she has accomplished. There’s a TV series adaptation – I’m curious but also dreading it. My Irish friends have a LOT to say about it (good and bad) so I need to check it out.
Thank you for your service with the fire marshall’s office – amazing how a community can come together even in a time of chaos. Best to you.
I’m joining in the chorus to praise The Blacklist. I’ve been watching on TV and re-watched all of it 2 years ago – it holds up!
James Spader, but also Diego Klattenhoff, Sheila. ;)
I’ve been watching The Americans and re-watching Chernobyl, and reading Midnight in Chernobyl, Voices from Chernobyl, Chernobyl, the History of a Nuclear Catastrophe, Chernobyl: Confessions of a Reporter, and Chernobyl 01:23:40: The Incredible True Story of the World’s Worst Nuclear Disaster.
It’s all Jessie’s fault!
I’m also going to re-watch SPN. I had been thinking about it, but it now feels like the perfect time to do so. I’ve missed this fine group of people.
Lyrie – hello!
Diego Klattenhoff….. rowr.
I had SO MUCH fun binging The Americans, whenever that was. I know we’ve already discussed Martha – MARTHA. I think I wrote something about her here … have you finished it yet? I won’t say anything more.
I am also beyond blown away by the acting done by the two leads – well I guess Noah Emmerich is a lead too.
I should watch again – I got so into it I watched the whole thing way too fast – each episode is a cliffhanger – but it might be nice to slow myself down so I could really absorb more of it.
In re: SPN: doing my best to not mourn what the show has become. I really want to lose myself in how good it was back then. Will be interesting to re-visit!
What a great show, they’re all so good. Martha!
Yes, I have finished it, and finally saw what I dreaded most: Stan Beeman’s face when he realizes the betrayal. How amazing that with so much at stake, THAT was what I was obsessing over for the last few episodes – although I was afraid Elizabeth/Nadezhda would die, too. And the last scene – what a smart ending!
Some of my favourite things:
– Margo Martindale!
– Elizabeth’s blank face when she switches to full KGB mode
– Mischa’s son – we see him for what, 3 episodes? (I can’t tell, I binge-watched as much as my schedule allowed). Heartbreaking
– Martha’s “Don’t be alone, Clark”
– Martha and the Kama Sutra
– Aderholt is COMPETENT
– the cars
– the songs from the 80s
– the cello music of the end credits
// Stan Beeman’s face when he realizes the betrayal. How amazing that with so much at stake, THAT was what I was obsessing over for the last few episodes //
It makes so much sense!! I felt the same way – this feeling of dread about how he was going to feel when he learned the truth. I need to watch it again!
Martha’s Kama Sutra … THAT SCENE. I could go on and on why I love that scene. I love that they let Martha be sexually adventurous – probably for the first time in her life. She met a man who was up for it, who wasn’t a stick in the mud. And look what HAPPENS. UGH IT’S AWFUL. She’s a brilliant actress.
// Martha’s “Don’t be alone, Clark” //
wait I don’t remember this – what is this?
//Martha’s Kama Sutra … THAT SCENE. I could go on and on why I love that scene. //
Please do!
I love the portrayal of Martha, and of how people treat her. She is constantly underestimated because she is plain. But she is smart, she is confident, she is also very much aware of how people see her and she doesn’t let that define her nor make her bitter.
So of course she believes she deserve to be loved by a sex machine who also looks plain but is also a great person. Why wouldn’t she?
And Philip/Mischa ends up really seeing her for that lovely person that she is, and feels for her – more than just guilt, if not romantic love, in my opinion. He is so angry at having to wreck her life that way.
In general, I love that in that show sex can be so many different things – a powerful weapon, a distraction, a chore, tenderness and intimacy, something purely biological, etc… In Philip and Elizabeth’s relationship, it doesn’t matter who they sleep with for “work”. Even feelings of attraction or interest outside of their marriage are accepted, most of the time.
But think of defecting? Nuh-uh, your wife is having NONE of it, sir! The Motherland before anything else.
Same for feelings of love: the only relationship Elizabeth is crushed to lose is her friendship with a female friend. She mourns it, she is heartbroken like she’s never been for a romantic relationship.
How layered and beautiful.
// Martha’s “Don’t be alone, Clark” //
It’s the last thing she tells him before boarding the plane for Russia, when she knows his real name, who he is, etc. In that last moment, she goes back to what their relationship was. It KILLED me.
Hey Sheila!
Long time, no writing (from me). The Scandinavian with a shitload of opinions about supernatural and nowhere to discuss them in a proper way but here, with you.
Anyway this is not about Spn. It’s about an Amazing Movie called Mandy starring Nicholas Cage and Andrea Riseborough.
I don’t know how to describe it except it’s what I’ve wanted for so long. Longed for in this desert that is horror movies nowadays. It opened my eyes to what I have always loved about horror and the clarity that horror movies today is just a hole in my heart.
Yes, I loved, loved Get Out and Us. But this is something else. It’s not highbrow. It’s political without shoving a fork in your eye to make a point. And it’s NICHOLAS CAGE DOING SOMETHING PHENOMENAL like the good old days. It’s the 70’s, the 80’s, The Trip. It’s devilworshipping crazy ass motherfuckers. There’s so much to read into it. Of course as a novice I have trouble finding the Words.
I would so love to have your take on it. I’m inspired, uplifted, that this is still something that can be made. The manifestation of a well known quote, where the Bad Guy makes her listen to some music he made and she just laughs at him, and the way he retaliates strucks a chord with our current climate in such a poignant way.
Regarding Spn, I had to quit after season 11 out of sheer sadness and despair. I could no longer go on punishing myself every week for the writers, directors, showrunners and producers (and even actors) that have zero respect for the show. I realized they don’t respect their audience even a little bit so I can’t continue to feed the machine. The machine that forced personal to mix with business and made it insufferable to watch and as per usual, I’m guessing the CW also made it insuffareable for the cast. I was a true follower, a true lover, a true fan. But it became too cruel, too masochistic to follow. So my dissapointment is heartbreaking. Only fandom people know what I mean by that. They corrupted Everything that was true and Beautiful about the show and I’m not ashamed to say I’m glad that it’ll soon be over. Maybe then the cast can get some rest from the impossible standards they are forced to live up to. I truly wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
But I remember the innocent days, where love came pouring out of my heart for this beautiful show as for any real lover, any real love and still to this day I will say it was the love of my Life and I was so exhilirated to discuss it with you and others. It really does break my heart that it came to such a bitter break-up. Season 1-5 will always be by favorite show ever. My greatest love perhaps.
Anyway, rant over. Move on, move forward, don’t let an abusive spouse kill your love for life.
I really just wanted your take on Mandy (and maybe if you want, your own opinion about Spn’s final years).
I remember our heated and passionate discussions fondly and I hope you are doing well.
Best regards
Max
Max!! How ya been! Good to hear from you! I love your thoughts on Mandy – that was on my top 10 that year – I did write something about it on here, Ill see if I can find it. I was just thrilled by it – I need to watch it again. I saw it in the theatre and felt like – “Okay I wish every single cinematic experience felt this way.” Unbelievable film!!
// I’m inspired, uplifted, that this is still something that can be made. //
that is exactly how I felt.
I was dismayed by how many critics pooh-poohed it. They will never learn. They should not be entrusted with recognizing when something new and fresh and exciting arrives – 9 times out of 10 they’ll miss it.
So BOLD. It basically shows anyone who is “obedient” to cinema conventions to be unimaginative – like, why CAN’T we do things this way? Who even MADE those rules?
You’ve inspired me to watch it again!
// Regarding Spn, I had to quit after season 11 out of sheer sadness and despair. //
I truly understand this. I almost wish I had stopped. It has been heartbreaking. especially now that I’m going back and re-watching early seasons. It’s just amazing the wreckage done to that legacy – I am hoping that time will “even this all out” and that the wreckage will seem less important than the actual legacy – which is those first 5 seasons. (I was in love with it up until the end of Season 11 – although nothing can beat those first 5 seasons.)
I’ve been talking about SPN’s final years in real time – on my weekly “open threads” – where we discuss each latest horror show of an episode. So it’s all there – I mean, sometimes there’s something to like – but I have such admiration for JA and JP’s talents it’s never less than totally frustrating to watch them be sidelined. This new team does not know how to write for them. I, too, am glad that the two of them are going to soon be free.
Again – so good to hear from you! Hope you are weathering out this corona virus storm safely! Things are getting pretty … spooky in the NY/NJ area – and I am hunkered down – grateful for work still coming in that I can do (and be paid for) – as well as all my box sets of SPN to re-watch.
lemme see if I can track down the little thing I wrote about Mandy.
LOVED that film.
Here’s where I mentioned Mandy in my Top 10 List – too brief – just a paragraph. I should do more. Hell, I’ve got a little bit more time now that we’re all in lockdown in my state:
http://www.sheilaomalley.com/?p=141239
I will watch again for a more in depth discussion!
That’s so cool. I knew we had similar tastes but I avoided you for years (sorry) because I had to cleanse spn from my system (I know, soo dramatic) and now I find that the first time I NEED to talk about a Movie seriously, I can only do it with you. With YOU, cause you’re the only reviewer I’ve felt was genuine and unemcumbered by popular and sheepish opinions. Like you said and I agree with you. 9/10 are blind to beauty. I wanted YOUR opinion, and it’s already on your top 10. Fucking fate or really good instincts on my part :). Didn’t know they pooh-poohed it. And of course you had the Words I didn’t about this Diamond. Love U.
Wheathering the Corona safely, paranoid and with ridiculous precaution. I currently have underlying health issues which would make catching it unbearable and possibly lethal. So yeah, completely isolated. Though I do have to go in for this procedure in a few days which freaks me out cause a hospital is the last place you want to be right now.
Sooo, shows and movies, movies and shows. That’s my life right now. I’ve been (in?)appropriatly binging The Walking Dead. And though I love all things horror I’ve been avoiding it for a long time. I thought it was boring and nothing more than a demonstration of a million ways to kill a zombie. But it’s the relationships obviously. That’s why people love it and I get that now. Darryl and Carol. Awesome dynamic. All the characters are so interesting together. How sad did it make me to watch Daddy Winchester hamming it up all s7 for some obvious sensational publicity reasons. Very. And it does correspond with our world right now, when maybe the virus isn’t the worst thing to fear but tribes, people turning against eachother. Like all our different countries trying to profit from the Corona or steal eachothers resources, shipments of medical supplies. Like most horror it’s about what people do to each other in the face of horror and fear and not the actual threat itself.
Otherwise I would recommed The Punisher to whomever hasn’t seen it. I love Berndthal and I love the streetbrawling, unapologetic and ruthless violence he inflicts. It’s cathartic. It’s very Dean, no?
I also rewatched Community which is coolcoolcool. Always. My favorite episode right now is the one about Nicholas Cage. It’s a a class about Cage called Good or Bad? And Abed has a nervous breakdown trying to figure out if Cage is a good or bad actor. To me he’s great, even when he’s not, and in Wendy, he’s great-great. Anyway, funny.
But most of all, I NEED to recommend Sharp Objects. It was cheated out of all awards. Not surprising. But Amy Adams is the greatest actor living. I’ve seen it at least three times now and it’s Everything. Other actors I would watch anything in is Elizabeth Moss (tragic she’s a scientologist, genius nonetheless), Julia Garner (why isn’t she in everything??) and the new Kristen Stewart (hasn’t she grown into herself since she became herself?) She just became a better actress since she came out. And Julianne Moore always and forever. Gillian Anderson just keep aging like fine wine, obviously The Fall is something I need to recommend a few years late. X-files and Buffy. Can never stop rewatching. Sadly Buffy never really had a Break-Out actor. Trying to think of dudes. Michael Kenneth Williams. Yep. Always Amazing. Recently in miniseries When they See Us.
//It’s just amazing the wreckage done to that legacy – I am hoping that time will “even this all out” and that the wreckage will seem less important than the actual legacy – which is those first 5 seasons.//
Dude, I know. But the legacy has been chewed up and spit up and vomited and and shat out. There’s no way that other people, other than real fans will get it in the future. WE will know, but they FUBAR’d it so it will never be revered or loved or looked back on in a nostalgic way in the way other sci-fi classics are. Because the greatness was only a third of the show. Greed fcuked this show for future generations. Sorry, that’s what I believe, and it makes me furious.
So happy to talk to you too again after all this time. Will be checking you out more now and hope you keep taking care of yourself.
Love and Health
Max
PS. The Deuce. yesyesyes. Watchit.
Sheila, greetings from Northern Virginia! I’m still in my office but I believe my boss is going to make me work from home next week, I live alone and would rather not, we’re all in our own offices on my floor. I work for an electric coop so we’re considered essential. Our governor announced earlier this week that schools would remain closed for the remainder of the academic year. While I’m working my day job the part time evening job I work closed down for 2 weeks-I’m glad of that as there are still people who insist on shopping while sick (I always get some nasty bug over Xmas.)
I’ve been home every evening and weekend now so I find myself watching a mixed bag of stuff. I am trying to watch less grim programming -I have been watching the early seasons of Cheers-I never saw them as I was stationed in Greece with no American tv, and when I returned to the states I had a new baby and no time to watch tv at night. The humour still holds up even 30+ years later. Before all this mess started I began an SPN rewatch, I’m currently watching my favorite season-2. I haven’t watched the latest SPN since the 1st episode of last season. I watched an interesting series on Netflix over the weekend -Giri/Haji. It’s split between Tokyo and London, in Japanese and English. It’s so many things at once: noir thriller, romance, coming of age, a little animation, and in the final episode, interpretive dance. I found it fascinating. I started watching High Fidelity on Hulu earlier this week, Zoe Kravitz as Rob is a relationship train-wreck but a wonderful character, she’s so compelling to watch. Of course the music so so good! I’ve been re-watching Star Trek Next Gen because I’m watching Picard-you can never have too much Patrick Stewart.
I’m a drama person but I do have some go to shows and movies I watch in times of high stress – Psych (both my grandchildren love this show, even the 4 year old) Eureka, Chuck, Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, Great Bristish Baking Show, Midsomar Murders (better soporific than a sleeping pill) Star Trek (DS9 & TNG,) Lost, Battle Star Galactica (2004) all of Harry Potter; all the Alien movies (great for watching during blizzards) Princess Bride, Bull Durham, and the Avengers movies. These are comfort food for my brain.
I decided to reread The Stand and am reading Laura Lipman’s lastest book.
My daughter just informed me that the 4 year old’s daycare is closing Monday so we’ll have to rotate her among ourselves.
My 13 year old grandson is coping by trying to teach himself Japanese so I am assisting him by searching out language learning resources. (FYI – Livelingua has nearly the entire catalog of DLI and FSI language courses they’re open source so they are free)
I haven’t commented on your site in ages and have written a book! Apologies. Please stay safe
Kim – // I live alone and would rather not, we’re all in our own offices on my floor. //
I really get this! I have already been going a little stir-crazy since I work from home already – it’s been a little rough with the added anxiety.
and don’t get me started on people who insist on “shopping while sick”!!
// The humour still holds up even 30+ years later. //
Wow – Cheers! I don’t think I’ve re-watched since it aired – and I was a huge fan at the beginning. The whole Sam and Diane thing – I mean, I was HOOKED. Those names still go together in my mind! Shelley Long!! WTH happened – she was so fantastic.
// I’m currently watching my favorite season-2. //
I love to hear people’s favorite seasons. I think mine might be Season 3 – although I fluctuate. The 2nd season is sooo good, too. Why is it your favorite?
// It’s split between Tokyo and London, in Japanese and English. It’s so many things at once: noir thriller, romance, coming of age, a little animation, and in the final episode, interpretive dance. I found it fascinating. //
that sounds really good.
I’ve been hearing so much about this new High Fidelity! So interesting that Zoe Kravitz is doing the remake of something her mother was in – it really speaks to the power of the original. But then, I’m Gen X – that was one of OUR movies. I also loved the Chicago atmosphere – It came out a couple of years after I moved from Chicago to New York, and I was very homesick – so it was so good to see all those locations (including the music club where I used to go every Monday night – across from the Biograph – to see a guy named Pat McCurdy play. I was so sad when Lounge Ax closed. It was like a second home. When we see Lisa Bonet performing – that was filmed in Lounge Ax!)
I love the list of your comfort foods – I gotta get into the Baking Show – so many people say it has helped them get through this time, something about the positivity of it. I’m very curious about it!
So many daycares here are still open – at least last I checked. New Jersey has mostly shut down, except for pharmacies, grocery stores, pet stores – it’s kind of wild to go out now (which I’ve only done once in the last 7 days to get more supplies).
Congratulations on writing a book! Wow, that’s excellent and HUGE!!
Best of luck to you and your family during this challenging time. We will get through this!!
//The 2nd season is sooo good, too. Why is it your favorite//
I think it has the most creative storytelling, it’s as if the writers felt like they could breath somewhat and took more chances with the storytelling. There’s a darker element threaded throughout-you get Gordon, but there’re also some of the funniest episodes, where we get the Trickster. I think my all time favorite episode is “What Is and What Should Never Be”
//I gotta get into the Baking Show – so many people say it has helped them get through this time//
I was so surprised at how comforting watching it was. In what American reality competition show have other contestants bonded with each so much that they cry when someone gets eliminated? It is such an antidote to all the poison that is spewing from he who shall not be named. Plus, I feel confident that I can easily make my own puff pastry after watching (not even on my best day in reality lol) I binge watched all the available seasons
//Congratulations on writing a book!//
Lol, I wish! No, I was referring to my very lengthy post. I did start a science fiction novel with my three best friends when we were in Jr. HS, but that was my last attempt at novel writing
You take care so you can keep posting here, you are also comfort food for the brain but also nutritious!
// it’s as if the writers felt like they could breath somewhat and took more chances with the storytelling. //
Yes. I see this! You can feel it as early as the first two episodes – they sort of SETTLE IN.
// I think my all time favorite episode is “What Is and What Should Never Be” //
It’s definitely up there for me.
// No, I was referring to my very lengthy post. //
Ha!! Oops! I love lengthy posts – even if it takes me a couple days to respond.
I would say Amos is my favorite character, but there are so many good ones. Chad Coleman’s character, Col. Johnson, has a novella, “The Butcher of Anderson Station” I read the novels after watching the first 2 seasons and noticed there was lot missing from them in the tv show. Someone told me I should read the novellas, that they cover a lot of character back story. I’m looking forward to the final book.
On a barely adjacent subject -I have loved Chad Coleman since The Wire.
Kim– I cannot not think of Coleman as Cutty first, haha. Whenever I see him, even after all these years, on The Expanse or It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, my first instinct is to yell “That’s Cutty!” They’ve all been wonderful in other projects but those folks will always be McNulty and Bunk and Bubbles and Bunny and Lt Daniels and Kima and Omar and Frank Sobotka and Prez and Beadie and Bodie and Rawls and Clay Davis etc tc. The only one who escapes is Aiden Gillen who made such an impression long ago in Queer as Folk. Everyone did indelible work.