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wondernotenvy
I considered to leave the only ratings you'll find here would be titles that I find a fit for me as a viewer (at least 5 or above), then realised that I won't get the benefit of recommendations. Also...there's an option to list my ratings from highest to lowest (I'm regretting taking down some of them now) If you'd like to know if a title isn't here if I hadn't watched it...or it wasn't a fit you are more than welcome to send me a message: leighlim.com/contact
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Strange Weather (2016)
The right mix: 10% Comedy & 90% Drama
Ever 'lose' a title you've added to your Netflix list? Well...this one did...even if I was really happy after watching the first few opening minutes (which gave me the impression that it was going to be a cheeky comedy)..it probably took me more than a year to find it again.
I think the biggest barrier of this film finding its ideal audience (like me!) is the title and the poster (or at least the featured cover art on IMDB and likely on DVDs and various other mediums). The poster communicates 'afterthought'...and thankfully the film is nothing but an example of fine filmmaking.
I was chuckling when Clyde was uttering the 'cryptic' line at the bar. Though now it's actually a weighty scene rather than a light scene (guessing Walker's password) because I realised Byrd's consideration and response foreshadowed her revelation in a later scene.
I think the last film I paid attention to Holly Hunter on screen was 'The Big Sick' (To me...the best bits are either her or Ray Romano's scenes). And of course she's brilliant in both instalments of 'The Incredibles'. After seeing this...I will be keeping an eye on her other titles (and going the extra mile and requesting them to be added to Netflix ---- as currently...there are only two titles with her name).
If you loved Holly's 'Mama Bear' in 'The Big Sick' --- I think...there's a chance that 'Strange Weather' might be a fit for you too.
Tidying Up with Marie Kondo: Tidying With Toddlers (2019)
Sometimes We Need An Outsider To Give Us The Perspective We Need
I'm so glad that minimalism is still gaining steam. If you've been on Netflix for awhile, you might have noticed another title called 'Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things'. I had been fortunate to have read the essays Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus prior to watching the documentary.
I Feel like Marie Kondo's approach (I have yet to read her books) is more lighthearted (Unless that is basically the theme of the series? A lighter perspective otherwise we won't be able to get things done?) approach, compared to the drastic measures Joshua and Ryan needed to take with their lives.
Killing Eve (2018)
If You've Missed The Golden Years Of Grey's Anatomy
I got a bit worried when someone referred to the show as a 'female version of Hannibal'...
Why? Because Villanelle is more of the assassin variety and Lecter is...I think I'm going to leave that to those who have managed to closely dissect the films, books, and the show.
On the upside, I was thankful that a reviewer did mention the biggest difference with other shows: the ability to infuse levity. I'm not talking about South Park style humour or one that resulted in Justine Sacco's life taking a detour.
There is that (which you might notice that a lot of viewers love about the show)...but what kept me from moving on is how much Sandra Oh is allowed to shine (I later learned that the 'arm waking in episode 1' was a reshoot) because the writers manage to write to her strength. That croissant bit is probably what sold me to the show (if you add that to that 'sleeping on arms').
I've been known to keep very close tabs to what I let in my list because of the limited amount of time I am able to invest (indulge?) in TV and Film viewing.
Of course I wish that they'd tone down the graphic scenes (my solution is I skip it)...and I do hope that soon enough Eve and Villanelle find themselves on the same side (It's probably not a coincidence that the primary targets are VERY shady people).
Lucky Them (2013)
Watching with intent to notice the little things (like score transitions), make the film more enjoyable.
Bottom Line: I think I would have enjoyed this film more if I attempted to deconstruct it (listen to the score, sound cues, attempt to convert a scene into a pages of a screenplay..).
Having left my 'angst-y days' behind me --- I might have tuned out during the sections of the film when Ellie was stuck with what was happening in her life. Then when I was paying very close attention, I was looking at scene photography.
I know it's not as heavy (or tragic!) as 'In The Bedroom', it's just my way of picking something to watch (or continuing on) is for motivation or inspiration. So mostly what I go for now (aside from the film having to be rated 'M' or below) are films that have an element of hope in it
that can grab me by the hand and be able to hang on to me until the end.
This did
and somehow
even gave me the idea to watch it again
closely while deconstructing it. Well
that's something! That's why I gave it 5 stars out of 10.
Note: feel free to reach out to me (https://laysnotes.wordpress.com/about/fcv/) for a copy of my time-stamp review of this film (or score cue notes!). I do recommend you see the it first, but if you already sure that it isn't for you based on what I've wrote (whoa! The trust! Hehehe) --- I'm okay with that.
Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)
The 'Friday Night Lights' of Music.
Could it have made the transition to TV like 'Friday Night Lights'? I'm hoping in a number of years, the answer to that question would no longer be a mystery!
I'm currently in the process of re-watching it, and like most of the films in the same decade (the 90's) – it has that recognisable sweeping score. I think what makes it watchable decades later (like 'Good Will Hunting), is the cast and the writing. Though there are a lot of supporting characters that play teens --- there isn't a constant hum of that annoying teen angst that compels me to stay close to the remote and hit stop
and delete on the DVR.
Being a musician, it does get a bit personal sometimes --- and I considered not watching this with anyone else. Though I am comfortable pitching my music to perspective listeners --- sharing my connection with music
feels like letting someone have a peek in a diary that only contained those times when I come across a track that connects with me. Or even, despite the things I'd change
the feeling I get of humility (I'm so blessed to have been in the right place, time and frame of mind --- to be able to create this) and satisfaction (because it could have gone a thousand different ways
and I was able to pick this way
and I'm happy with how it turned out!).
Some magic moments for me:
(1) Recognising Terrence Howard (He's the guy who joined the band to get extra credit --- so he could make a stronger case to return to the football team), during his first scene with Glenn. Based on the year the film came out, he would have been in his mid 20's during filming. (2) For a moment thinking that Forest Whitaker was there, then before fully dismissing it --- he was (He played the Adult version of the actor who I thought was him). (3) The End --- I was fighting back tears (knowing already what would happen)!