2017 has only been around for two days, and I’ve already watched season
one of Stranger Things in two sittings, I sat through a godawful Lifetime
movie, and I accidentally read a book in one sitting. So much for my one book a week goal!
Here’s what I did last week.
Books
The Sun is Also a Star by
Nicola Yoon: C-. Reviewed here. It’s not sitting well for me, especially the ending.
All the Way by Robert
Schenkkan: A-. Fun fact: I’m a total U.S. President nerd: when bored, I will often research U.S.
Presidents, and I am far too interested in the margins of victory for each
Presidential Election (let’s not talk about 2016’s victor, thanks). That is how I found my way to All the Way, the 2014 Tony Award Winner
for Best Play. Here is a historical play
that is so gripping and entertaining that in the lead-up to the 1964 election,
I questioned LBJ’s margin of victory, even though I, of course, knew it was a
landslide victory. I’ll definitely seek
out the 2016 HBO adaptation of the play.
Wishful Drinking by Carrie
Fisher: A-. Yes, I read this because
of Fisher’s untimely death on Tuesday.
Even if you take away the Star
Wars performances, Carrie Fisher’s wit was one for the ages. The essays in Wishful Drinking are equal parts hilarious and insightful, as
Fisher covers her fame, family tree, and she’s very frank about her mental
illness. It’s very rare to read someone
who is trying to take the stigma from mental illness, which I appreciated.
The Price of Salt by Patricia
Highsmith: B. I prefer the 2015 film Carol starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney
Mara to the novel, which is overwritten—especially the opening chapters, which
slogs through before getting to the meat of the story. Once the book hits its stride, though, it’s
just as captivating as the movie was.
Movies
Lion: C+. Philomena version 2.0: overly sentimental, but not terrible. Capable
acting from most involved...except for Rooney Mara, who gives a bewilderingly
bad performance. This is catnip for Academy members of a certain age; I'll
admit, the ending had me brushing away a tear.
Kubo and the Two Strings: B+. Short on plot and heavy on stop motion animation—but
goodness, what great animation!
Gleason: B+. I knew it was a documentary featuring a
popular football player who battles ALS, but I didn’t realize how harrowing the
experience would be. I also wasn’t
prepared for an honest look at how an illness like ALS could take a toll on
marriage, family and friendships. I need
a hug.
Demolition: C-. This fucking movie...I didn’t care
much for it. It started off promising, but then quickly spiraled down. It
doesn't help that this Fight Club
knock-off was written by a guy whose next screenplay would be an adaptation of
a Nicholas Sparks novel. I am Jack's growing sense of bemusement.
I Am Not a Serial Killer: D. I know this movie was probably made on a
budget of ten dollars in Kohl’s cash, but it still didn’t need to look like a
cheap SyFy movie, especially in the final moments. Also, I grew increasingly tired of the lame
symbolism. John sees a serial killer who
removes vital organs from his victims.
Cut to a scene where John watches his mom gut the holiday turkey, then
cut to the family playing Operation. GET
IT?!?!?!
Trolls: C. Nothing especially bad, but too zany for its own good; some
questionable music choices (“Hello” by Lionel Richie? “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross? Really?). Wouldn't it be great if all of the
world's problems could be solved by a Justin Timberlake song?
Krisha: A. Ever have a drunk aunt who embarrasses herself and everyone
around her at Thanksgiving or Christmas? Well, Krisha is a full-length version of this character. Not only am I in
awe of how this film was made and with so few resources, I'm equally impressed
that the acting works, and there's not a false note around. I hope Trey Edward
Shults is a voice that will be around for a while. As it would happen, the last film I saw in
2016 is easily one of the best of the year.
Here is what I plan to read and watch this week.
Books
Been Here All Along by Sandy
Hall: I read this in one sitting today,
oops.
The Motherfucker with the Hat
by Stephen Adly Guirgis: This play has
been on my radar for some time now. Yes,
the unusual title has increased my intrigue for it.
I'm going to try and read fewer books this year, so hopefully this is all I read this week. We'll see!
Movies
Hidden Figures: I’ll never shy away from a female-led
ensemble, even when the movie could be a dopey historical movie.
I’m not sure what else is coming to St. Louis this weekend. I may go see Phantom of the Opera in Chicago on Saturday, so my movie watching
week may be truncated.
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