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Movies the giraffe watched in 2020: May
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Noteworthy: The best films I watched this month
The breakdown: 39 films watched, 7 short films
32 first views, 14 re-watches
31 via streaming and 15 via DVD/BR
Decades touched: 1930s, 60s-2020s
I think pretty much everything I have to say about this month is laid out below, but I do want to note that all the films in this section except for Deerskin were watched during the Chattanooga FIlm Festival which was the highlight of the month (not to mention the year thus far). I could have easily put more of those films in this section, but I'm trying to limit myself to the ones that I loved the most.
32 first views, 14 re-watches
31 via streaming and 15 via DVD/BR
Decades touched: 1930s, 60s-2020s
I think pretty much everything I have to say about this month is laid out below, but I do want to note that all the films in this section except for Deerskin were watched during the Chattanooga FIlm Festival which was the highlight of the month (not to mention the year thus far). I could have easily put more of those films in this section, but I'm trying to limit myself to the ones that I loved the most.
11
7
6.1
First viewing - May 24th
Both The Wave and Skull had a Q&A session scheduled today, so they were my next priority. The Wave is a mind-bending little oddball of a film that I wound up loving more than anything else I watched all weekend. It's thought-provoking and fun all at once, and I'll be adding it to my collection to revisit a few more times. Apparently it's available through the Starz app if anyone has that.
Both The Wave and Skull had a Q&A session scheduled today, so they were my next priority. The Wave is a mind-bending little oddball of a film that I wound up loving more than anything else I watched all weekend. It's thought-provoking and fun all at once, and I'll be adding it to my collection to revisit a few more times. Apparently it's available through the Starz app if anyone has that.
the giraffe's rating:
1
9
7.8
First viewing - May 25th
"Girl in the Hallway" took the festival's Best Short prize, and rightly so. I loved the look of it and the narration, and it really hit me. Easily my favorite short too.
"Girl in the Hallway" took the festival's Best Short prize, and rightly so. I loved the look of it and the narration, and it really hit me. Easily my favorite short too.
the giraffe's rating:
21
5.9
5.3
The Beach House (2020)
First viewing - May 23rd
The way things worked out I didn't get to watch any films on Saturday until after lunch, so I started with The Beach House. I loved the way it took the time to establish the major players before diving into the action of the story. The film takes influence from Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Fog, and Cronenberg's best body horror films, but manages to stand on its own by creating something new from them. It'd make a nice pairing with Sea Fever I think, should anyone be so inclined. I liked it so well that I intend to own a copy of it whenever one becomes available.
The way things worked out I didn't get to watch any films on Saturday until after lunch, so I started with The Beach House. I loved the way it took the time to establish the major players before diving into the action of the story. The film takes influence from Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Fog, and Cronenberg's best body horror films, but manages to stand on its own by creating something new from them. It'd make a nice pairing with Sea Fever I think, should anyone be so inclined. I liked it so well that I intend to own a copy of it whenever one becomes available.
the giraffe's rating:
4
6.3
5.4
Homewrecker (2020)
First viewing - May 25th
Next up after Climate of the Hunter was Homewrecker starring Precious Chong and Alex Essoe. The title sets things up well enough, but I was really impressed by the performances of both women. They even had a hand in writing the script, and it works wonderfully. The story details unravel further as the film rolls along, serving up some surprises and coming together in a finale that had me cheering on my couch. I'll gladly sit through it again down the road.
Next up after Climate of the Hunter was Homewrecker starring Precious Chong and Alex Essoe. The title sets things up well enough, but I was really impressed by the performances of both women. They even had a hand in writing the script, and it works wonderfully. The story details unravel further as the film rolls along, serving up some surprises and coming together in a finale that had me cheering on my couch. I'll gladly sit through it again down the road.
the giraffe's rating:
42
6.6
6.6
Deerskin (2019) (2019)
First viewing - May 6th
Thanks to the virtual cinema options this month I was able to catch Quentin Dupieux's latest film which was a priority for me at the start of the year...you know, back when I expected to see it in a theatre. If you enjoyed Rubber and Wrong, I would say Deerskin is about on par with those films. It's weird and unpredictable and fairly ridiculous (in a good way), and Jean Dujardin is clearly having a blast with his role. I mostly loved it and would gladly watch it again.
Thanks to the virtual cinema options this month I was able to catch Quentin Dupieux's latest film which was a priority for me at the start of the year...you know, back when I expected to see it in a theatre. If you enjoyed Rubber and Wrong, I would say Deerskin is about on par with those films. It's weird and unpredictable and fairly ridiculous (in a good way), and Jean Dujardin is clearly having a blast with his role. I mostly loved it and would gladly watch it again.
the giraffe's rating:
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Home viewings
Not that there are theatrical viewings to be had right now...
337
6.9
7.2
Re-watch - May 1st
On the first day of the month I have a work project that usually takes me about an hour and a half when I'm in the office. I learned last month, however, that the same project takes almost 7 hours when I'm working from home and most of it is me waiting for it to pull data. Therefore this month I made sure to have movies lined up for the occasion, and as luck would have it the kiddo was with me. I let her choose our first film, and she made a beeline for this one.
We both had a lot of fun with it, and she laughed more often than she did at A Shot in the Dark. Luckily for her I've got two more of these lying around for us to watch together, and lucky for me she's found an appreciation for them.
My thoughts on the film more or less remain the same as last time.
On the first day of the month I have a work project that usually takes me about an hour and a half when I'm in the office. I learned last month, however, that the same project takes almost 7 hours when I'm working from home and most of it is me waiting for it to pull data. Therefore this month I made sure to have movies lined up for the occasion, and as luck would have it the kiddo was with me. I let her choose our first film, and she made a beeline for this one.
We both had a lot of fun with it, and she laughed more often than she did at A Shot in the Dark. Luckily for her I've got two more of these lying around for us to watch together, and lucky for me she's found an appreciation for them.
My thoughts on the film more or less remain the same as last time.
the giraffe's rating:
235
7.5
7.5
Iron Monkey (1993)
Re-watch - May 1st
OK. When the previous film ended she asked if we could watch Jaws next. And while I was more than willing to do so, Jaws is two hours long and my lunch break was an hour & a half away. I didn't want to have to stop the film and come back to it. So she told me to pick something else, and I threw this on. Iron Monkey has been one of my favorite martial arts films ever since I caught it in a theatre back in the '90s. It's basically a Chinese version of Robin Hood, and it's directed and choreographed by the master Yuen Wo-Ping. Thus the fight scenes shine at every turn and it's a joy to behold. The story is solid, the characters are great, and it's a fun time all around. My only complaint is the same one I always have, which is that it makes me want Chinese food & often when I can't have it. (Note: I did manage to have some delivered later in the weekend, and there was much rejoicing.)
The kiddo said she enjoyed it, but I'm not sure how much given she was playing on her phone at times & I even had to make her stop so she could see the grand finale. Hopefully she appreciates it more later on.
OK. When the previous film ended she asked if we could watch Jaws next. And while I was more than willing to do so, Jaws is two hours long and my lunch break was an hour & a half away. I didn't want to have to stop the film and come back to it. So she told me to pick something else, and I threw this on. Iron Monkey has been one of my favorite martial arts films ever since I caught it in a theatre back in the '90s. It's basically a Chinese version of Robin Hood, and it's directed and choreographed by the master Yuen Wo-Ping. Thus the fight scenes shine at every turn and it's a joy to behold. The story is solid, the characters are great, and it's a fun time all around. My only complaint is the same one I always have, which is that it makes me want Chinese food & often when I can't have it. (Note: I did manage to have some delivered later in the weekend, and there was much rejoicing.)
The kiddo said she enjoyed it, but I'm not sure how much given she was playing on her phone at times & I even had to make her stop so she could see the grand finale. Hopefully she appreciates it more later on.
the giraffe's rating:
4677
7.4
8.1
Re-watch - May 1st
Right after lunch we sat down with Jaws, and I was pleasantly surprised that she got it but wasn't really scared. She did say at the end, however, that she was sad the shark didn't win since all it wanted was to eat. Heh. I don't have anything new to say about the film as we're all more than familiar with it. I'm just glad it still holds up.
Just a thought: Can't help but think about the parallels between this and America's response to the pandemic.
Right after lunch we sat down with Jaws, and I was pleasantly surprised that she got it but wasn't really scared. She did say at the end, however, that she was sad the shark didn't win since all it wanted was to eat. Heh. I don't have anything new to say about the film as we're all more than familiar with it. I'm just glad it still holds up.
Just a thought: Can't help but think about the parallels between this and America's response to the pandemic.
the giraffe's rating:
2094
7.6
8
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Re-watch - May 1st
After dinner the kiddo was entertaining herself & declined my invitation to watch another movie together. I wanted to watch something, and felt it'd be a good idea to pick something she could join me for if she wanted to rather than something inappropriate for her. So I threw on Guardians which I hadn't seen since right before its sequel hit theatres. And to nobody's surprise she soon came running and watched it with me. And then when it ended she got around for bed so we could watch the second one.
After dinner the kiddo was entertaining herself & declined my invitation to watch another movie together. I wanted to watch something, and felt it'd be a good idea to pick something she could join me for if she wanted to rather than something inappropriate for her. So I threw on Guardians which I hadn't seen since right before its sequel hit theatres. And to nobody's surprise she soon came running and watched it with me. And then when it ended she got around for bed so we could watch the second one.
the giraffe's rating:
1097
7.2
7.6
Re-watch - May 1st
I'm really impressed on how well Gunn has brought these two films together, and the time and care he spent on the stories. It makes me all the more glad that he's returning for the 3rd film. And while these are both rated the same here on Listal, I think I prefer this one just a little.
I'm really impressed on how well Gunn has brought these two films together, and the time and care he spent on the stories. It makes me all the more glad that he's returning for the 3rd film. And while these are both rated the same here on Listal, I think I prefer this one just a little.
the giraffe's rating:
3173
6.7
6.8
Hellboy (2004)
Re-watch - May 2nd
Pretty sure I haven't seen either Hellboy movie since 2008, and I figured the kiddo would probably dig them. I was right. I still dig the characters and the world-building. The sequel is more fun overall than this one and has more interesting creatures, but both films are solidly entertaining.
Pretty sure I haven't seen either Hellboy movie since 2008, and I figured the kiddo would probably dig them. I was right. I still dig the characters and the world-building. The sequel is more fun overall than this one and has more interesting creatures, but both films are solidly entertaining.
the giraffe's rating:
2006
6.8
7
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
Re-watch - May 2nd
Just a thought: After revisiting these I'm even more bummed that the we didn't get a follow-up to this film. And of course now it's too late for that to happen as del Toro has long since given up on it.
Just a thought: After revisiting these I'm even more bummed that the we didn't get a follow-up to this film. And of course now it's too late for that to happen as del Toro has long since given up on it.
the giraffe's rating:
14
5.7
4.5
Moon Zero Two (1969)
First viewing - May 2nd
Look, I've never heard of this film either. But the kiddo and I watched it together thanks to the first ever MST3K LIVE Social Distancing Riff-Along. If you missed it, head to YouTube as it's been uploaded there. I figured since they were doing this livestream it'd be a good opportunity to finally introduce the kiddo to the MST3K experience. She loved it, so we'll have to watch more of their stuff together now.
The movie is horribly stupid while taking itself far too seriously, but that's usually the kind of target they pick for these things. Thankfully their riffing kept it worth sitting through, especially since they ran the original episode from the TV run while also having the bots and Emily adding their riffs as needed. They also incorporated comments from fans that were sent to them via social media, which was kinda cool, plus gave regular shout-outs to health care workers. Overall it was a good time, and I'm glad I was able to share the experience with my daughter. If they do another one, we'll gladly watch it.
MST3K edition rating: 8/10
Look, I've never heard of this film either. But the kiddo and I watched it together thanks to the first ever MST3K LIVE Social Distancing Riff-Along. If you missed it, head to YouTube as it's been uploaded there. I figured since they were doing this livestream it'd be a good opportunity to finally introduce the kiddo to the MST3K experience. She loved it, so we'll have to watch more of their stuff together now.
The movie is horribly stupid while taking itself far too seriously, but that's usually the kind of target they pick for these things. Thankfully their riffing kept it worth sitting through, especially since they ran the original episode from the TV run while also having the bots and Emily adding their riffs as needed. They also incorporated comments from fans that were sent to them via social media, which was kinda cool, plus gave regular shout-outs to health care workers. Overall it was a good time, and I'm glad I was able to share the experience with my daughter. If they do another one, we'll gladly watch it.
MST3K edition rating: 8/10
the giraffe's rating:
765
7.9
7.8
Duck Soup (1933)
Re-watch - May 3rd
Since the kiddo likes the Marx brothers I figured I'd watch Duck Soup with her. I've talked about the film before on this site, but it was a joy for me to see her laughing along with their antics. I think her favorite part was seeing Harpo run wild with his pair of scissors.
Since the kiddo likes the Marx brothers I figured I'd watch Duck Soup with her. I've talked about the film before on this site, but it was a joy for me to see her laughing along with their antics. I think her favorite part was seeing Harpo run wild with his pair of scissors.
the giraffe's rating:
270
5.3
5.6
First viewing - May 5th
I dig how Boomerang is kind of the flip side of Coming to America. In that film we got a guy who was more or less a pure soul who searches for the love of his life. Here we've got a total playboy who finds love when he's not looking at all. Murphy shines here, and most of the cast keeps up with him admirably enough. Grace Jones shows up and is totally insane, which is pretty amusing. I thought overall it was a decent film, if a bit predictable at times. I might even watch it again at some point.
I dig how Boomerang is kind of the flip side of Coming to America. In that film we got a guy who was more or less a pure soul who searches for the love of his life. Here we've got a total playboy who finds love when he's not looking at all. Murphy shines here, and most of the cast keeps up with him admirably enough. Grace Jones shows up and is totally insane, which is pretty amusing. I thought overall it was a decent film, if a bit predictable at times. I might even watch it again at some point.
the giraffe's rating:
235
6.7
6.7
The Stepfather (1987)
First viewing - May 8th
Decided to fill in one of my blindspots in Horror by finally watching The Stepfather. And it's a solid flick. Terry O'Quinn is really good in his role, and the story that unfolds is an interesting one. There's nothing here that elevates it to greatness, but it's a solid if average little horror movie and I'm glad I finally caught up with it.
Decided to fill in one of my blindspots in Horror by finally watching The Stepfather. And it's a solid flick. Terry O'Quinn is really good in his role, and the story that unfolds is an interesting one. There's nothing here that elevates it to greatness, but it's a solid if average little horror movie and I'm glad I finally caught up with it.
the giraffe's rating:
165
5.8
6.2
First viewing - May 9th
Little Richard passed away this weekend, so I wanted to watch something with him in it. This was apparently my "best" option. They do make an odd choice in having Richard play a character that's not himself yet plays piano and sings just like him. His music even features elsewhere in the film, making the choice to cast him as someone else more baffling. They could've just let him be Little Richard.
Aside from that the movie is okay. It reminded me a lot of Harry & the Hendersons, only with a homeless man instead of a sasquatch. Dreyfuss and Nolte are excellent throughout the film, but the story tries to juggle a bit too many elements and thus doesn't satisfactorily tie them together. I didn't mind watching it, but doubt I'd sit through it again.
Little Richard passed away this weekend, so I wanted to watch something with him in it. This was apparently my "best" option. They do make an odd choice in having Richard play a character that's not himself yet plays piano and sings just like him. His music even features elsewhere in the film, making the choice to cast him as someone else more baffling. They could've just let him be Little Richard.
Aside from that the movie is okay. It reminded me a lot of Harry & the Hendersons, only with a homeless man instead of a sasquatch. Dreyfuss and Nolte are excellent throughout the film, but the story tries to juggle a bit too many elements and thus doesn't satisfactorily tie them together. I didn't mind watching it, but doubt I'd sit through it again.
the giraffe's rating:
934
7.4
7.4
Straw Dogs (1971)
First viewing - May 9th
After dinner I decided to watch another movie before bed and wound up choosing Straw Dogs, a film I've seen a fair amount of praise for over the past decade or so. And it's an engaging film, albeit a bit confounding at times. I can't discuss my issues with it without divulging plot details (which I'm always loathe to do), but there were some moments that punctured my wall of disbelief. I'm also not entirely sure the choice to put an American in this situation in England was justified, unless it was a matter of the film not getting made without Hoffman. Overall though despite my issues with it it's worth a look, just nothing I'd sit through twice.
After dinner I decided to watch another movie before bed and wound up choosing Straw Dogs, a film I've seen a fair amount of praise for over the past decade or so. And it's an engaging film, albeit a bit confounding at times. I can't discuss my issues with it without divulging plot details (which I'm always loathe to do), but there were some moments that punctured my wall of disbelief. I'm also not entirely sure the choice to put an American in this situation in England was justified, unless it was a matter of the film not getting made without Hoffman. Overall though despite my issues with it it's worth a look, just nothing I'd sit through twice.
the giraffe's rating:
50
6.4
6.4
Hooper (1978)
First viewing - May 13th
Hooper is a super fun film about stuntmen, made with heart and respect for the profession. Naturally that means it features some impressive stunt work, including an all-out finale, but it's got a good story and I genuinely cared about most of the characters. I'm glad I finally caught it after years of hearing about it.
Hooper is a super fun film about stuntmen, made with heart and respect for the profession. Naturally that means it features some impressive stunt work, including an all-out finale, but it's got a good story and I genuinely cared about most of the characters. I'm glad I finally caught it after years of hearing about it.
the giraffe's rating:
7380
7.5
8.2
Batman Begins (2005)
Re-watch - May 15th
The kiddo and I started watching the Batwoman TV series this month and she's super into it. Thus I decided she should watch Nolan's Batman trilogy. As you can probably tell she really enjoyed them and we wound up having a very Nolan weekend as a result.
As for these films I can't think of anything else to add, and even if I tried to odds are you've seen them all and have made up your own mind about each one. Suffice it to say I own them all so I can revisit them whenever I want to.
The kiddo and I started watching the Batwoman TV series this month and she's super into it. Thus I decided she should watch Nolan's Batman trilogy. As you can probably tell she really enjoyed them and we wound up having a very Nolan weekend as a result.
As for these films I can't think of anything else to add, and even if I tried to odds are you've seen them all and have made up your own mind about each one. Suffice it to say I own them all so I can revisit them whenever I want to.
the giraffe's rating:
7834
8.3
9
The Dark Knight (2008)
Re-watch - May 16th
Just a thought: How much do you think Katie Holmes was kicking herself for turning this down to be in Mad Money, a film few people liked and nobody will remember?
Just a thought: How much do you think Katie Holmes was kicking herself for turning this down to be in Mad Money, a film few people liked and nobody will remember?
the giraffe's rating:
5066
7.9
8.5
Re-watch - May 17th
We ended the weekend with The Prestige, a film I figured she'd enjoy since it deals with magic as well as features Bale and Caine. She did like the film very well, and again there's not much I need to comment on.
We ended the weekend with The Prestige, a film I figured she'd enjoy since it deals with magic as well as features Bale and Caine. She did like the film very well, and again there's not much I need to comment on.
the giraffe's rating:
359
5.7
6.3
First viewing - May 18th
I needed something short to watch before bed, preferably a film I hadn't already seen, and this won by default. It's got some very funny moments along the way, as well as some moments that don't hold up well. Granted as you can tell from the poster it's a film in the vein of Porky's or Meatballs, which is fine if you're into those I guess. I was entertained enough with it that I don't regret watching it, but it's nothing I'd bother sitting through again.
I needed something short to watch before bed, preferably a film I hadn't already seen, and this won by default. It's got some very funny moments along the way, as well as some moments that don't hold up well. Granted as you can tell from the poster it's a film in the vein of Porky's or Meatballs, which is fine if you're into those I guess. I was entertained enough with it that I don't regret watching it, but it's nothing I'd bother sitting through again.
the giraffe's rating:
755
7.9
7.8
First viewing - May 20th
While I generally enjoy screwball comedies as well as both Hepburn and Grant, I couldn't quite find my way into this one. I found the characters grating at times and eventually started to wish it'd wrap it up already. Unsure whether I just wasn't in the mood for it or it's just not to my taste. Perhaps I'll try again down the road, but I'm not too enthusiastic about doing so.
While I generally enjoy screwball comedies as well as both Hepburn and Grant, I couldn't quite find my way into this one. I found the characters grating at times and eventually started to wish it'd wrap it up already. Unsure whether I just wasn't in the mood for it or it's just not to my taste. Perhaps I'll try again down the road, but I'm not too enthusiastic about doing so.
the giraffe's rating:
1548
6.5
7
Re-watch - May 30th
With all that's going on in the world right now (pandemic, protests, etc.) I really needed something that's not serious. So the kiddo and I curled up on the couch for an '80s double-feature centered around high schoolers. She had a good time with this one, which is to be expected given the ways it incorporates various historical figures to excellent comedic effect. And she got bonus points when she turned to me and asked if the phone booth was like the Tardis. The film is nothing great, but it's too much fun for me to dislike, and having grown up with it I'm always happy to revisit it.
With all that's going on in the world right now (pandemic, protests, etc.) I really needed something that's not serious. So the kiddo and I curled up on the couch for an '80s double-feature centered around high schoolers. She had a good time with this one, which is to be expected given the ways it incorporates various historical figures to excellent comedic effect. And she got bonus points when she turned to me and asked if the phone booth was like the Tardis. The film is nothing great, but it's too much fun for me to dislike, and having grown up with it I'm always happy to revisit it.
the giraffe's rating:
3134
7.6
7.8
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Re-watch - May 30th
After Bill & Ted we hung out with Ferris and his friends and laughed from one end of the film to the other. When it ended she wanted more of what happened to Cameron, which is a fair request though this is clearly not his film. The two films paired together well enough, and wound up being a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
After Bill & Ted we hung out with Ferris and his friends and laughed from one end of the film to the other. When it ended she wanted more of what happened to Cameron, which is a fair request though this is clearly not his film. The two films paired together well enough, and wound up being a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
the giraffe's rating:
Add items to section
Chattanooga Film Festival 2020
Normally I don't get to attend film festivals for a number of reasons, but this year the Chattanooga Film Festival was held virtually through their website. Since I didn't have my daughter with me over the holiday weekend, I decided to participate in it. For $30 I got access to all of their films and live events, and as you'll see I got more than my money's worth. There were a few technical glitches along the way, but nothing that deterred me from the experience. Hopefully other film festivals will follow their lead while we're still under the threat of the pandemic and perhaps beyond. Going online allows those with disabilities, various social aversions, or those who live too far away from an event to attend and still feel included. Had the festival been held in Chattanooga I just wouldn't have gone, but with the online version it was easy to attend.
Anyway, once I'd decided to attend I came up with a schedule so that I could engage with the live events and ensure I had time for breaks and meals as needed. There were 6 films with a Q&A session scheduled, so I made a point to watch them ahead of their respective events. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead had signed on to do a live commentary the first 3 nights with their films Resolution, Spring, and The Endless, so I figured I'd definitely catch the first one and depending on how it went I might catch the others. I also opted to check out something called "The Pumpkin Pie Show" which featured two people telling fictional stories (for a taste of that, go here), a Q&A with the main people behind Fangoria, a chat with Joe Dante who received the festival's Lifetime Achievement Award and discussed most of his career, and something called Scripts Gone Wild which you'll see more about below. All of this added up to one of the best weekends I've had in years, and I couldn't be more thankful that I was able to participate.
2
8
6.5
Attack of the Demons (2019)
First viewing - May 22nd
After work and dinner on Friday night, I decided to kick things off with Attack of the Demons. It's an animated horror film, similar stylistically to South Park but very much its own thing. I deeply appreciated it. The characters are well-established, the story was entertaining, and the gore effects left me thinking that had this been live action you'd probably need Screaming Mad George to pull them off. If that sounds like your kind of jam, then whenever it comes out I suggest you give it a look.
After work and dinner on Friday night, I decided to kick things off with Attack of the Demons. It's an animated horror film, similar stylistically to South Park but very much its own thing. I deeply appreciated it. The characters are well-established, the story was entertaining, and the gore effects left me thinking that had this been live action you'd probably need Screaming Mad George to pull them off. If that sounds like your kind of jam, then whenever it comes out I suggest you give it a look.
the giraffe's rating:
1
7
0
The Ringing Bell (2020)
First viewing - May 22nd
Since Attack of the Demons was less than an hour & a half, I was left with enough time to watch one more film of similar length before Resolution began. Thus I picked The Ringing Bell which is about a trio of young people who set out to pull off a heist that doesn't give them the pay-off they are hoping for. Adding a wrinkle to the story is the fact that our main character suffers from a form of narcolepsy. It was a very interesting premise, though as it ran along it lost me a little bit. Definitely worth seeing, and I'm sure others will enjoy it more than I did but it ultimately just wasn't to my taste.
Since Attack of the Demons was less than an hour & a half, I was left with enough time to watch one more film of similar length before Resolution began. Thus I picked The Ringing Bell which is about a trio of young people who set out to pull off a heist that doesn't give them the pay-off they are hoping for. Adding a wrinkle to the story is the fact that our main character suffers from a form of narcolepsy. It was a very interesting premise, though as it ran along it lost me a little bit. Definitely worth seeing, and I'm sure others will enjoy it more than I did but it ultimately just wasn't to my taste.
the giraffe's rating:
70
6.8
6.4
Resolution (2013)
Re-watch - May 22nd
To end my Friday night I settled in to watch Resolution with live commentary from its directors as well as one of the producers. And while they had some interesting things to say, I quickly ran into the same issue I always have with live commentaries which is that I wind up wishing I was watching the film without them. Plus, for whatever reason the visual quality of the film and those commenting was not very good. So I stopped it and watched my own copy of Resolution instead, and then went back and was able to watch some of the last half-hour of their commentary as it was left up on the site. I even initially tried out running my copy of the film with its own included commentary & was hearing some of the same things being discussed, which I guess is to be expected. But again I really just wanted to focus on this amazing little film and enjoy it for what it is without someone talking over it all. Once I made that choice, it wound up being a great way to end the night.
To end my Friday night I settled in to watch Resolution with live commentary from its directors as well as one of the producers. And while they had some interesting things to say, I quickly ran into the same issue I always have with live commentaries which is that I wind up wishing I was watching the film without them. Plus, for whatever reason the visual quality of the film and those commenting was not very good. So I stopped it and watched my own copy of Resolution instead, and then went back and was able to watch some of the last half-hour of their commentary as it was left up on the site. I even initially tried out running my copy of the film with its own included commentary & was hearing some of the same things being discussed, which I guess is to be expected. But again I really just wanted to focus on this amazing little film and enjoy it for what it is without someone talking over it all. Once I made that choice, it wound up being a great way to end the night.
the giraffe's rating:
3
5.5
0
First viewing - May 23rd
The Wanting Mare wound up taking the festival's Best Feature Film award, and is a hell of an achievement. It took several years to complete, and the majority of it was done in a warehouse in New Jersey. There's no actor that's known, and very little in the way of budget, yet its writer/director has an interesting concept he's working with that I suspect will earn him a devoted following, especially if he can continue to tell stories in the universe he's created here.
It wasn't entirely to my taste, however, as there are long passages where nothing is happening. And no matter how good it looks, it's tough to maintain interest if there's not much going on beyond the visuals. It's clear this is intentional, however, which is why I say it's not to my taste. Others will surely appreciate it far more than I did, and I wouldn't deter anyone from giving it a look.
Just a thought: This would pair nicely with The Ringing Bell.
The Wanting Mare wound up taking the festival's Best Feature Film award, and is a hell of an achievement. It took several years to complete, and the majority of it was done in a warehouse in New Jersey. There's no actor that's known, and very little in the way of budget, yet its writer/director has an interesting concept he's working with that I suspect will earn him a devoted following, especially if he can continue to tell stories in the universe he's created here.
It wasn't entirely to my taste, however, as there are long passages where nothing is happening. And no matter how good it looks, it's tough to maintain interest if there's not much going on beyond the visuals. It's clear this is intentional, however, which is why I say it's not to my taste. Others will surely appreciate it far more than I did, and I wouldn't deter anyone from giving it a look.
Just a thought: This would pair nicely with The Ringing Bell.
the giraffe's rating:
137
6.6
6.7
Spring (2015)
Re-watch - May 23rd
Between The Wanting Mare and Spring there was a Q&A session for The Beach Houseand the Joe Dante award, plus dinner. This time around I watched my own copy of Spring first, then returned for the commentary at the end. There's nothing in this movie I don't love and appreciate, and I can't imagine sitting through it while anyone talks over it. Maybe one of these days, however, I'll have time to watch it the normal way and then sit through the included commentary after.
Between The Wanting Mare and Spring there was a Q&A session for The Beach Houseand the Joe Dante award, plus dinner. This time around I watched my own copy of Spring first, then returned for the commentary at the end. There's nothing in this movie I don't love and appreciate, and I can't imagine sitting through it while anyone talks over it. Maybe one of these days, however, I'll have time to watch it the normal way and then sit through the included commentary after.
the giraffe's rating:
2
6
5.2
Eat Brains Love (2019)
First viewing - May 23rd
I ended my Saturday night with Eat Brains Love, which comes to us courtesy of Rodman Flender who directed Idle Hands. Had I looked over his filmography prior to watching this one I might have lowered my expectations, since that's the only good film he's made as far as I can tell. Alas the title was too enticing to resist, and as you'd expect it involves zombies so of course I was going to watch it.
And it's fine. The humor is hit or miss, and the story seems like it's stuck in the past in some ways. It does take an interesting approach to the zombies themselves, which I liked, and the gore effects were very well done. The characters are a mixed bag though, and the ending was rather lacking. Apparently it's adapted from a book, and perhaps that book is better than this is. Thankfully I've seen far worse films, but I don't intend to revisit this one.
I ended my Saturday night with Eat Brains Love, which comes to us courtesy of Rodman Flender who directed Idle Hands. Had I looked over his filmography prior to watching this one I might have lowered my expectations, since that's the only good film he's made as far as I can tell. Alas the title was too enticing to resist, and as you'd expect it involves zombies so of course I was going to watch it.
And it's fine. The humor is hit or miss, and the story seems like it's stuck in the past in some ways. It does take an interesting approach to the zombies themselves, which I liked, and the gore effects were very well done. The characters are a mixed bag though, and the ending was rather lacking. Apparently it's adapted from a book, and perhaps that book is better than this is. Thankfully I've seen far worse films, but I don't intend to revisit this one.
the giraffe's rating:
1
8
7.3
The VICE Guide to Bigfoot (2019)
First viewing - May 24th
I made sure to have enough time before lunch to watch this one since it had a Q&A set for 1:30-2pm. And it's a lot of fun. The Bigfoot myth isn't that interesting to me, but the approach here worked so well that I got into it. It works as a satire of VICE in general, while also delivering a good story with some memorable characters. It's not quite great in my book, but I'd gladly sit through it again.
I made sure to have enough time before lunch to watch this one since it had a Q&A set for 1:30-2pm. And it's a lot of fun. The Bigfoot myth isn't that interesting to me, but the approach here worked so well that I got into it. It works as a satire of VICE in general, while also delivering a good story with some memorable characters. It's not quite great in my book, but I'd gladly sit through it again.
the giraffe's rating:
1
8
0
First viewing - May 24th
I kept seeing buzz on social media about the short films available through the fest, so I decided to check a few out as time allowed. So after lunch I found myself with some time to kill before the Q&A, and therefore watched a pair of short films. "Megan, 26" is a comedy horror about dating in the modern world that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Prior to this, I also watched another short called "Compartmentalization Storage Facility" which is mysteriously missing from IMDb and thus I'm not able to give it its own spot at this time. It was an inventive short film that I also highly enjoyed, though I thought it might have worked even better with a little more set-up than it has.
Rating: 8/10 as well
I kept seeing buzz on social media about the short films available through the fest, so I decided to check a few out as time allowed. So after lunch I found myself with some time to kill before the Q&A, and therefore watched a pair of short films. "Megan, 26" is a comedy horror about dating in the modern world that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Prior to this, I also watched another short called "Compartmentalization Storage Facility" which is mysteriously missing from IMDb and thus I'm not able to give it its own spot at this time. It was an inventive short film that I also highly enjoyed, though I thought it might have worked even better with a little more set-up than it has.
Rating: 8/10 as well
the giraffe's rating:
8
4.4
5.1
Skull: The Mask (2020)
First viewing - May 24th
Horror fans will absolutely need to check this one out. The gore effects and kills are insane, and while there are some familiar elements this Brazilian film is very much its own creature. I was even more impressed with it after learning from the Q&A that it was shot in 16 days on a shoestring budget, and this was the first feature film their effects team had ever worked on. It's not perfect, but it's a damn good time and I'd love to get the chance to watch it with others someday.
Horror fans will absolutely need to check this one out. The gore effects and kills are insane, and while there are some familiar elements this Brazilian film is very much its own creature. I was even more impressed with it after learning from the Q&A that it was shot in 16 days on a shoestring budget, and this was the first feature film their effects team had ever worked on. It's not perfect, but it's a damn good time and I'd love to get the chance to watch it with others someday.
the giraffe's rating:
1
7
0
Thorns (2020)
First viewing - May 24th
Again I had some time for a couple of short films, and this was a title that kept popping up on social media. Basically you've got two women who stop at a hotel for the night and discover it's not too safe for them. It wound up being pretty good overall, but I wasn't as in love with it as others seemed to be.
Again I had some time for a couple of short films, and this was a title that kept popping up on social media. Basically you've got two women who stop at a hotel for the night and discover it's not too safe for them. It wound up being pretty good overall, but I wasn't as in love with it as others seemed to be.
the giraffe's rating:
1
6
0
Inferno (2019)
First viewing - May 24th
Next I tried "Inferno" which is another short set at a hotel. The entire time I felt like I was watching a teaser for a feature film, so if it ever becomes one I won't be too surprised.
Next I tried "Inferno" which is another short set at a hotel. The entire time I felt like I was watching a teaser for a feature film, so if it ever becomes one I won't be too surprised.
the giraffe's rating:
6
7.2
6.2
Fulci for fake (2019)
First viewing - May 24th
As if I was going to ignore a documentary about Lucio Fulci. This was really interesting and kept me engaged the entire time. There's not a lot of information about Fulci floating around, so watching this guy go around and interview people who knew him as well as some film historians gave me a lot of insight into who he was. Or at least who he was as far as others saw him. Best of all it wasn't super spoilery on his films they discussed. Those of you who are fans of Fulci would do well to seek this out.
As if I was going to ignore a documentary about Lucio Fulci. This was really interesting and kept me engaged the entire time. There's not a lot of information about Fulci floating around, so watching this guy go around and interview people who knew him as well as some film historians gave me a lot of insight into who he was. Or at least who he was as far as others saw him. Best of all it wasn't super spoilery on his films they discussed. Those of you who are fans of Fulci would do well to seek this out.
the giraffe's rating:
2603
7.9
8.1
Scripts Gone Wild - May 24th
I ended Sunday night with a Scripts Gone Wild edition of the original script of The Thing. Basically they assembled a bunch of people to read through the script and turn it into a drinking game. Any time anyone messed up their lines, they had to drink. Any time someone reading for a character in the film said a word with "thing" in it, everyone had to drink. And when they got to a certain line in the script everyone had to finish their drink. One of them didn't drink, so she had a designated drinker. The highlight of the entire thing, however, was Barbara Crampton as MacReady. She had two costumes, kept using the light on her cellphone as a flashlight, and served as film historian by pointing out anything in the script that wasn't in the final film. It was a lot of fun to witness, and I'm glad I didn't have any alcohol to play along with them or I might not have made it through the next day.
If you've got the 2 1/2 hours to kill and want to watch it for yourself, it's since been uploaded to YouTube.
I ended Sunday night with a Scripts Gone Wild edition of the original script of The Thing. Basically they assembled a bunch of people to read through the script and turn it into a drinking game. Any time anyone messed up their lines, they had to drink. Any time someone reading for a character in the film said a word with "thing" in it, everyone had to drink. And when they got to a certain line in the script everyone had to finish their drink. One of them didn't drink, so she had a designated drinker. The highlight of the entire thing, however, was Barbara Crampton as MacReady. She had two costumes, kept using the light on her cellphone as a flashlight, and served as film historian by pointing out anything in the script that wasn't in the final film. It was a lot of fun to witness, and I'm glad I didn't have any alcohol to play along with them or I might not have made it through the next day.
If you've got the 2 1/2 hours to kill and want to watch it for yourself, it's since been uploaded to YouTube.
the giraffe's rating:
1
7
5
Climate of the Hunter (2021)
First viewing - May 25th
I wasn't sure how much I'd get to watch on Monday because I needed to get some chores done around the house first. As luck would have it, I got it all done by lunch time, which left the rest of the afternoon and after dinner to watch more films.
I began on this day with Climate of the Hunter, an unusual film about two sisters who reunite with a gentleman they used to know and are drawn in by his charms and intelligence. However as they spend more time together, one of the sisters suspects he's actually a vampire. The style of it and the period setting worked really well to put me in the story, and the acting is good across the board. There are some stylistic touches that did nothing for me, however, which lost it a few points in my book. But it's an interesting film that kept me guessing, and I'd say it's worth a look.
Just a thought: This film gets bonus points for allowing an actress to actually look like she just woke up on two occasions.
I wasn't sure how much I'd get to watch on Monday because I needed to get some chores done around the house first. As luck would have it, I got it all done by lunch time, which left the rest of the afternoon and after dinner to watch more films.
I began on this day with Climate of the Hunter, an unusual film about two sisters who reunite with a gentleman they used to know and are drawn in by his charms and intelligence. However as they spend more time together, one of the sisters suspects he's actually a vampire. The style of it and the period setting worked really well to put me in the story, and the acting is good across the board. There are some stylistic touches that did nothing for me, however, which lost it a few points in my book. But it's an interesting film that kept me guessing, and I'd say it's worth a look.
Just a thought: This film gets bonus points for allowing an actress to actually look like she just woke up on two occasions.
the giraffe's rating:
10
6
6.2
Koko-di koko-da (2019)
First viewing - May 25th
This film really kept me guessing through the ending, and I loved the artistic touches throughout. It's an unusual meditation on grief, which means it's also not the kind of thing you want to watch a bunch of times but it's very well-crafted and acted. I might revisit it at some point if someone else wanted to watch it with me, but I don't know that I'd watch it again on my own.
Just a thought: This film serves as a reminder of why I usually don't want to go camping.
This film really kept me guessing through the ending, and I loved the artistic touches throughout. It's an unusual meditation on grief, which means it's also not the kind of thing you want to watch a bunch of times but it's very well-crafted and acted. I might revisit it at some point if someone else wanted to watch it with me, but I don't know that I'd watch it again on my own.
Just a thought: This film serves as a reminder of why I usually don't want to go camping.
the giraffe's rating:
2
7.5
8.2
Little Willy (2020)
First viewing - May 25th
All you need to know is that Adrienne Barbeau and Zach Galligan are in this, and it's a lot of fun. I had a blast.
All you need to know is that Adrienne Barbeau and Zach Galligan are in this, and it's a lot of fun. I had a blast.
the giraffe's rating:
1
7
0
First viewing - May 25th
"What Daphne Saw" could just as easily be fleshed out into an hour-long story and work as an episode of Black Mirror. As it is, it was interesting but could have used more depth to it. Ultimately the message of it is what matters most. I doubt I'd need to watch it again, however.
"What Daphne Saw" could just as easily be fleshed out into an hour-long story and work as an episode of Black Mirror. As it is, it was interesting but could have used more depth to it. Ultimately the message of it is what matters most. I doubt I'd need to watch it again, however.
the giraffe's rating:
6
7
5.7
Scare Package (2020)
First viewing - May 25th
I ended my weekend with Scare Package in time for its Q&A. It'll be popping up on Shudder in June, for those who want to check it out. It's an anthology film, and the idea is to poke loving fun at horror tropes. Some of the entries handle this well, while others feel like they're overdoing it. It's really annoying to me when they're clearly spoofing something and then a character calls attention to what they're doing as if that somehow makes it funnier or better. After seeing people post their love for it all weekend long I had higher hopes than it managed to deliver on, so it wasn't the best way to end the weekend. At least the effects were excellent throughout the entire thing, so it wasn't a total loss. And the Q&A was worthwhile despite my being underwhelmed by the film, so that helped take some of the sting out of it. I doubt I'd sit through it again, unless it was to see whether a second trip through it would give me a more favorable opinion of it.
I ended my weekend with Scare Package in time for its Q&A. It'll be popping up on Shudder in June, for those who want to check it out. It's an anthology film, and the idea is to poke loving fun at horror tropes. Some of the entries handle this well, while others feel like they're overdoing it. It's really annoying to me when they're clearly spoofing something and then a character calls attention to what they're doing as if that somehow makes it funnier or better. After seeing people post their love for it all weekend long I had higher hopes than it managed to deliver on, so it wasn't the best way to end the weekend. At least the effects were excellent throughout the entire thing, so it wasn't a total loss. And the Q&A was worthwhile despite my being underwhelmed by the film, so that helped take some of the sting out of it. I doubt I'd sit through it again, unless it was to see whether a second trip through it would give me a more favorable opinion of it.
the giraffe's rating:
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Year-long focus: Godzilla's Showa era
I picked up the Criterion Collection release of Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954-1975 in 2019, and have decided to watch all of the films in it over the course of 2020. There are 15 films in all, so I'll watch no more than two per month.
97
6.5
6.2
First viewing - May 31st
The kiddo and I ended the month with Invasion of Astro-Monster, mainly because I realized we hadn't watched it yet this month. The production value on this one is much the same as its predecessors, but the plot is far more ridiculous this time around. They go to great lengths to find excuses for another battle between Gojira, Rodan, and King Ghidorah, and it didn't really work for me. The kiddo was bored out of her mind this time around, which has me seriously considering continuing the series without her. If she's bored with the next one, then I just might have to.
The kiddo and I ended the month with Invasion of Astro-Monster, mainly because I realized we hadn't watched it yet this month. The production value on this one is much the same as its predecessors, but the plot is far more ridiculous this time around. They go to great lengths to find excuses for another battle between Gojira, Rodan, and King Ghidorah, and it didn't really work for me. The kiddo was bored out of her mind this time around, which has me seriously considering continuing the series without her. If she's bored with the next one, then I just might have to.
the giraffe's rating:
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