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I wish I got to talk about this movie with my Grandpa. He was big on watching westerns and I’m sure he had seen this one. I’m writing this as the end credits are rolling and the song is making me sad. 

The 4K transfer looks amazing! Glad I picked this up on a sale. I need to watch more westerns. Didn’t know who was in this except for Clint Eastwood. I had no idea Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman were in this, that was a pleasant surprise. Gene was incredible in this!

Caught this at the drafthouse! I’ll always give it 5 stars. The performances are great.

Studio Ghibli Fest 2025

Every Ghibli Fest I try to see all of them since I have seen only a small handful of them but when I was younger and hardly paid attention to anything. It’s always difficult to catch them too because they often show the subbed for like two days later in the day which usually is around the time I work or have to be in bed. That’s enough background information now.

Anywho, this is a new comfort movie for me! Kiki’s Delivery Service makes me want to start a new letterboxd list for movies to watch on a rainy day on a projector on the wall in some low light. It’s a sweet and cozy movie that I would love to own! I wonder if more Studio Ghibli films will be getting a 4K restoration like Princess Mononoke did. That would make a lot of money from the physical media enthusiasts. 

Another Studio Ghibli movie to cross off my watchlist!

Classic! Still wish there were some songs from the outtakes in the studio version of the album. 

He did that shit!! Love watching the BTS of the songs.

Pretty bad! I was a huge fan of Waves and didn’t know that this was directed by Trey Edward Shultz until I saw his name a billion times in the opening credits. Why the fuck was the opening credits so long! On an artistic level, this is very similar to Waves, nearly shot for shot. The lighting, the spinning pan camera, the heatwave shot from the fire in the foreground. These aren’t necessarily gripes either! I liked it all on a visual standpoint but it felt too familiar to me. I liked the color scapes.

Everything else was pretty trash. Jenna always delivers but even her and Barrys performance couldnt redeem this unfortunately. 

I forgot to mention that we were the only ones in the theater. The whole movie is very forgettable. I’m shocked this had a theatrical release with how little promo I saw of it. I don’t think I even saw a trailer of it. Just the “shut the fuck up” scene on instagram haha!

52 Week Film Series

Week #20
Film: There Will Be Blood
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

There Will Be Blood has been on my watchlist since I’ve ed letterboxd. I adding it with The Lighthouse, Banshees of Inisherin, and Drive My Car. I had no idea what this movie was about, I had only seen the clip of him in the church towards the end of the movie. 

There Will Be Blood looks and feels different from the previous PTA movies on our series. Had someone shown me this without telling me the director, I would’ve never even thought of PTA. That’s just a testament to his range in film I suppose. This being adapted from a book is probably why it feels different from his previous work.

There’s a handful of actors that truly disappear into their roles. A few being Ralph Fiennes, Joaquin Phoenix, Paul Dano, John Turturro, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and the list goes on. I say all this because I was impressed with Daniel Day-Lewis’ performance. I believe this is the first movie I’ve seen him in and it was so hard to believe that he isn’t Daniel Plainview outside of the film. He brought so much intensity, even when he wasn’t yelling or ive aggressive, you can feel and see his agitation with who he interacts with. Paul Dano puts a 110% into all his roles so it was no surprise to me that he delivered.

I am officially caught up in our 52 week film series. Hopefully I won’t fall behind again. The movies I’ve seen from PTA so far have been bangers! Next up is Phantom Thread!

52 Week Film Series

Week #19
Film: Magnolia
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Great character studies! I wish I could’ve written a paper on this in college. There’s so many uniquely written characters with enough depth to dive into.

I was worried about the 3 hour run time. Luckily it didn’t really drag too much for me! It was all engaging enough to where I didn’t need to take a short intermission. The music was utilized in a way that flowed between scenes holding the intensity across the story. I had realized in the second act but then there was a scene where it became diegetic with the characters! Super cool!

PT Anderson has a way of direction and writing that is unlike anything I’d seen. I love when a movie can pull off having an ensemble of characters that aren’t directly involved with each other. It can get messy easily. 

I recently became familiar with Philip Seymour Hoffman, and he is fantastic! He brings a lot of emotion to his roles. He’d be doing great things if he was here.

Next up is There Will Be Blood!

52 Week Film Series

Week #17 (Double Feature)
Film: Bo Burnham: Inside
Director: Bo Burnham

This is still one of my favorites to revisit. It inspires me in so many ways to create and do it myself. Bo didn’t need any huge crews to achieve making one of the best original comedy specials. Just him and his creative ability. 

I love all the commentaries too. The unpaid intern, the reaction to reaction videos, brand awareness, and all that. It’s great! Still obsessed over the black mirror shot into the camera and seeing the reflection of myself. Though this time I watched it on the iPad so it didn’t quite work out but when I watch it on the tv it’s so cool. I see myself in the frame which expands as it zooms into the lens of the camera. 

This is the perfect exit from comedy for Bo. I still hope to see him direct features or other comedians specials. 

Now I need to watch the outtakes soon.

52 Week Film Series

Week #18
Film: Boogie Nights
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

We are weeks behind our Film Series but today will be a PTA marathon! We start off the month with Boogie Nights!

I watching this maybe a year ago for the first time and at first I was a little concerned with what I was getting myself into. With this being my second watch, it was just as entertaining as the first time around! 

I really think everything about this is phenomenal! The ensemble cast is more than great. My personal favorite thing about this movie is the camera work. The camera movements are incredible. I really liked the first sex scene and we enter the camera and see the film reel zipping through the camera. I probably said that in the first review but who cares, I still very much like that shot. 

I’m excited to watch the next film. I have only seen Boogie Nights and Punch Drunk Love by PTA. So far Boogie Nights is my favorite and the bar is really high. I’ve heard great things about the rest of his filmography.

Post-Andor viewing of Rogue One. I unfortunately didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the last time I watched it. I can’t the last time I watched it but I it being a favorite of mine! After watching the incredible direction and writing of Andor, I’m kind of let down by Rogue One. The first two acts feel a little messy but the final act is where it feels most cohesive.

It’s a good movie and I’ll be entertained every time I watch it. I’m stuck between a 3 and a half or a slight 4. 

I don’t really like the Tarkin CGI either. It feels weird and doesn’t look very good. The Leia CGI wasn’t as noticeable. I’m sure they used look alike actor and then super imposed the true actors face onto the look alike.

He does a really good Trump impression. Scary good!

Trash. Garbage. Waste of time.

This was funnier than I was expecting it to be

Friendship Early Access + Pre-Recorded Q&A

Hilarious movie! It’s what I expected it to be while still surprising me. My whole theater was cracking up even if nothing funny happened. The camera would just be on Tim Robinson and the audience would go nuts. I’ve never really watched much of his stuff but this felt like a variety of skits stitched into a feature length run time. 

I haven’t seen a memorable new comedy in a while. I need to finish Banshees of Inisherin still. 

This concludes my Paul Rudd double feature!

Very funny! My mom and I had never seen this, we had a blast with it. Had us cracking up the whole time. Wish I had bought this when it was on sale for $5 instead of renting for $4. 

This was part one of my Paul Rudd double feature today. Seeing an Early Access Screening of Friendship later!

Actually a hidden gem. Only like 7 people I follow have logged or rated it. Shout out to my friend from work, Montana, for recommending me this movie!

It was honestly so great. Reminded me of this years Warfare as far as the bond between the men and the humor goes. The cinematography was great, sure there was some very noticeable CGI but it never really took me out of it. The performances were good all around. Anyone think that Miles Teller could’ve played a young Mark Zuckerberg in a movie??

I don’t know if I could watch this again because of how emotional it made me. I’m glad I rented instead of pulling the trigger and buying it. Firemen are heroes and I’m so glad they have this great movie to show the troubles and horror they face. I felt so bad for their families and this movie showed how difficult it is for everyone. 

My mom watched pretty much all of it. I noticed her go on her phone once. So it gets the attention grabbing approval from mom! Happy Mother’s Day!

C’mon! Got to catch this in theaters also and it was a great time! Mr. Miyagi had me laughing, smiling, and crying the whole time. I love Daniel’s Mom! There is a charm to this movie that I’m obsessed with. I can’t imagine anyone else playing the Karate Kid. 

Im looking forward to watching the Karate Kid Legends. I worry that my expectations are high after seeing the first trailer. They played a different trailer at this screening and it had some corny lines. Like “Let’s make a karate kid”. Hopefully it’ll be fun!

This movie is a 5 to me because watching it on the big screen felt so great. I’m used to seeing these big multi million dollar clear and sharp motion pictures but it’s nice to watch something simple and grounded. A classic in my family! 

I do wish it was like 10 minutes longer. The last 15 minutes goes by so quick and before it even begins to conclude it just ends. The final shot is infamous though so at least we got that from the short conclusion.

Still a fun time even though there isn’t much happening outside of the hollow plot. My theater had some laughter and audience interaction too which made it all even more enjoyable.

I liked the Willard and Ren dance scene! The music was good too!

He got some crazy big eyes. I also like the oversized coat he’s wearing. Funny special! It’s hard to rate stand up specials but this was entertaining!

Christopher Storer!

Good movie! Felt a little long from the poor pacing. The final act didn’t really do it for me. Leading up to it though I had a good time!

A really funny romance movie! Finally got around to watching this. 

“The royal penis is clean, your highness”

Not at all what I was expecting. I thought this was a musical! Good music!

52 Week Film Series

Week #17
Film: Risky Business
Director: Paul Brickman

We close out April with Risky Business. I decided to change the movie last minute because Steph had seen Sound of Metal already and I’m using my month as an opportunity to make her watch things I recommended her.

I couldn’t decide on a movie so I went with Risky Business, a racy coming of age movie about Tom Cruise making quick cash by becoming essentially a pimp and using his parents house as a brothel. When I read it back it doesn’t sound very good but it does have some redeeming qualities to it such as the humor from his friend Miles and the music! 

I enjoyed it a lot less than my first viewing but it’s still entertaining and not your average coming of age movie. 

Here’s to turning 25!

Thunderbolts* IMAX Opening Night Fan Event

I’m so happy. Marvel has been known to get people’s hopes up with a decent trailer just to be let down opening night. Thunderbolts was not a bait! Woohoo!!

I’m delighted to see something different. Thunderbolts has a good story, great characters, a memorable score from Son Lux, and balanced themes. Wyatt Russell is hilarious! Not really sure why but every time he was on camera or said something Id laugh! Florence was a stand out for sure. Her whole arc is short since her debut in Black Widow and her appearance in Hawkeye. how shitty that movie was? And how terrible the CGI was? It’s great to see this movie seemed to have some thought into the creative side of it all and not just vomiting a shitty movie knowing people will go theaters regardless. Feels fresh and sincere!

I do wish we could’ve seen what Steven Yuen would’ve brought to the table. He’s a stellar performer and could’ve played Sentry very well. 

There are a few nitpicks I have but I just want to enjoy this feeling. I haven’t felt this way for a Marvel movie in a while. Next is Fantastic Four! Let’s all hope that doesn’t flop either.

Really didn’t like the fast zoom ins and zoom outs. That documentary style cinematography never really works for me unless it’s used a couple of times to hone the audience focus a bit deeper or to just create a little bit on intensity. Hurt Locker used it way too much and it was distracting to me. I like the shaky cam but the zooms aren’t effective to me in any capacity. 

Wasn’t particularly impressed with the performances. I like Jeremy Renners character and his addiction to adrenaline and defusing bombs. 

A good watch!

No one else could’ve played Tony. It took me long enough to watch this.

It’s been awhile since I’ve watched this! I all the highlights of it but even the smaller moments have so much in them. Every scene with Pe and Anakin is so integral to the story and the rest of Star Wars history. I can’t help but think of the Clone Wars show when Order 66 is happening. The overhead shot of Anakin walking into the Jedi Temple goes crazy! 

I’m looking forward to continuing the Bad Batch. I watched half of the first season when it released but was told I should watch Rebels first. I still have a lot to watch. For now, Andor S2 is my priority! 

Glad my brother went with me to watch it!

Not the freeze frame and the swiping transition!! Goofy as hell!

I think it was better than the first one in the way that it added some Dad humor to it and the action scenes were a lot more entertaining. And the chemistry between Jon and Ben! It had my mom more invested than the first. She confessed to me that she loves Ben Affleck.

My mom barely paid attention. Only when bullets were being fired because it would scare her and then she would watch for a bit. Not sure if I should use the “with mom” tag but oh well.

The movie struggled with some pacing I think. It felt super long to me.

Really wasn’t expecting to spend my birthday watching all of the planet of the apes but here we are. My Grandpa enjoyed them so that’s all that matters. 

Unfortunately this movie kinda follows typical war movie tropes. It was entertaining enough. I didn’t really care for Woody Harrelsons villain. It’s insane how great the VFX is! That’s worth the rating itself.

I was shocked to hear my Grandpa wanted to watch the next. He sounds dedicated to finishing the Caeser trilogy at least.  

Matt Reeves knew what the fuck he was doing in this.

I guess it’s time for my annual Planet of the Apes marathon. My grandpa surprised me for my birthday and he saw these in my collection and wanted to watch them.

Not what I was expecting but still enjoyed it. Felt too personal as far as creating art that doesn’t get you anywhere goes. I had been putting this one off for awhile but I love Elara!

This was unbearable. Nothing interesting or fun about this.

52 Week Film Series

Week #16
Film: The Farewell
Director: Lulu Wang

I couldn’t do it. I’d be the family member that everyone would tell to stay home. I’m very much a grandmas boy. 

I love this movie so much. The writing and performances all around are great. The stand out for me was Awkwafina. What is the “what is you talmbout” meme with her?? The idea of this is so original and has a few layers that can be peeled back. The one that always stuck with me is accepting the differences between cultures even if it doesn’t make sense. 

I have to prepare myself for this movie because I get emotional every time. If it ended in the car instead of where it did I’d be balling my eyes out. But it ends in a much more lighthearted final scene. 

I picked sad movies for my birth month for the InFocus list.

Don’t know if I should use the watched with mom tag because she was on her phone for 98% of the movie.

Autumn is the first woman to shoot IMAX film!! Also pleasantly surprised with Miles Catons performance!

I love my dog :,))

Caught a free screening of this and I got a few things I want to say.

The title card feels very Invincible-coded. Didn’t realize there was a small Ludwig cameo. Ludwig’s score is incredible. I forgot how great this movie is. Michael B. brings such ferocity and emotion to his performance and Sly has great line delivery! Sly is funny in this without trying. The training montage still gives me chills. This was a 4 last I rated it but with this recent viewing I’m feeling a 4 and a half. It’s powerful and doesn’t pull any punches! Just a tad long.

I wasn’t looking forward to Sinners because I’ve seen the trailer so much in the past month, so much so that I can recite the whole trailer but after experiencing this on the big screen again, I’m reminded that Ryan is a fantastic and capable writer and director. I’ll be in the audience for Sinners.

Can’t believe I’ve lived in Texas for 20 years and never watched this. I always saw the copy of this in my parents house but never got around to watching it. I’m happy that I got see this in a theater and my mom was excited too, since she hadn’t seen it in theaters before. The theater gave everyone birthday cake for the screening since her birthday is in a couple of days!

I have seen JLo’s movies and it’s always pretty trash. I see now that she has the potential to be a great actor! She really delivered an incredible performance and gave it her all. She deserved this role.

The production and costume design went crazy!! I really liked the aspect ratio expanding in the beginning of the movie when the curtains open.

I really knew nothing about her life except the music she made so this was a really great to watch and see her roots and the cultural impact she had in Tejano music. I do think the runtime was long. I think it could’ve been like 20-30 minutes shorter and still have the same result. 

My mom cried like 4 times during the movie. There were lots of funny moments and lots of sad moments. In the end, I had a great time with this movie! 

Glad Yolanda got denied her Parole. 

Happy Early Birthday Selena!

52 Week Film Series

Week #15
Film: Memoir of a Snail
Director: Adam Elliot

Just as fun as the first time watching this. I think about how 4 years ago I likely would’ve never given a movie like this a shot. I’m glad I’ve expanded my taste and became more open minded to genres and styles of film that I thought I would hate.

I love the narration. I love all the main characters. I love love love the music! This is movie magic. It is so different from anything I’ve ever seen in all the good ways.

Good cinematography and performances.

Unfortunately it fell flat for me. It could’ve been a bit more fleshed out and more episodes. I’m sure these 4 episodes were difficult enough to make but it doesn’t really tie up. I couldn’t get attached to any of the characters and ending on that emotional note wasn’t effective for me. 

There were some themes that they were alluding to that could’ve added some layers to this like hyper masculinity, social media in the youth, misogyny, and bullying. This was all in the subtext but felt it could’ve been expounded more.

Haven’t watched this one in years. I I liked it a lot when I was a kid but unfortunately don’t feel the same about it. It’s fun though!

The score And the cinematography were great!! The mirror maze scene actually had me on the edge of my seat. I loved how it was shot. I also liked the scene with John Saxon and Ahna Capri talking for the first time. The action was entertaining!

Shout out to the people next to me that gave me the extra bowl of popcorn that their server gave to them on accident!

Happy 30th Anniversary to A Goofy Movie!

I’ve always loved A Goofy Movie even though I watched it way after its release since I wasn’t even alive when it came out. 

Anyways, I loved seeing the never before seen BTS of the movie and all the people involved! To the executives, director, voice actors, music supervisor, and Tevin Campbell. I’m glad they touched on Donald Glovers “Atlanta” episode with the fake documentary about the movie, the resonance the movie had with the African-American community, and the overall love that the fan base has shown. 

This is a must watch for any Goofy Movie lovers. If you don’t like A Goofy Movie hopefully you can appreciate the BTS and inner workings of a movie that was once an underdog at Disney.

52 Week Film Series

Week #14
Title: La Haine
Director: Mathieu Kassovitz

We start off April with one of my favorite movies that is masterfully framed and shot. The black and white color in this is what I strive to achieve when I make a B&W movie. The plot of La Haine remains timeless and never seems to age. A perfect ending where it just reverberates in your mind for a few minutes. 

Is La Haine a film bro movie pick? 

Unfortunately all the movies I picked for my birth month are all sad. Wish us luck because up next is Memoir of a Snail! See you next week!

Unfortunately not much of this worked for me. I can appreciate an original idea with some social commentary but it wasn’t funny, to me, when it was trying to be. I probably won’t revisit this movie, not in the near future at least. A guy in my theater was on his phone, fell asleep soon after, and started snoring for a good 15 minutes before someone aggressively woke him up. I think that about sums up my experience and opinion on this movie.

Happy Birthday Paul Rudd!!

One of the best coming of age movies. Excited for the documentary coming out for this on the 7th!

I miss my dad.

I didn’t know what roller derby was before this.

The only comedy special that makes me laugh but really sad at the end. “Are You Happy” song always gets me in my feelings.

Welcome to the 52 Week Film Series!

This list is a year-long adventure through film, curated by Steph and I to spark conversation, inspiration, and maybe a few debates. 

Each month is dedicated to exploring a specific director’s filmography, with special exceptions in April and July. April features a selection of Brendan’s favorite films to celebrate his birth month, and July highlights Steph’s favorites for hers. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just starting to explore the world of cinema, the goal is simple: watch one movie every week and share the experience and your thoughts with us. From beloved classics to under appreciated gems, this collection spans genres, eras, and emotions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. 

Let’s make this year one for the movies!

Note: Some weeks may feature two movies instead of one, so be ready for a double feature!

To follow along, view this list in “list view” mode to see which week corresponds with each movie and which weeks have double features!

Comment on this list if you will participate with us! We’d love to talk and connect!

1. Pi

   Week 1 (Jan 1 - Jan 7)

2. Requiem for a Dream

   Week 2 (Jan 8 - Jan 14)

3. Black Swan

   Week 3 (Jan 15 - Jan 21)

4. Perfect Blue

   Week 3 (Jan 15 - Jan 21) (Double Feature)

5. The Wrestler

   Week 4 (Jan 22 - Jan 28)

6. Seven Samurai

   Week 5 (Jan 29 - Feb 4)

7. High and Low

   Week 6 (Feb 5 - Feb 11)

8. Rashomon

   Week 7 (Feb 12 - Feb 18)

9. Throne of Blood

   Week 7 (Feb 12 - Feb 18) (Double Feature)

10. Ran

    Week 8 (Feb 19 - Feb 25)

...plus 53 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

As of January 2024

• Poor Things
• Anyone But You
• The Zone of Interest
• American Fiction
• Bob Marley: One Love
• Dune
• Edge of Tomorrow
• Dune: Part Two
• Madame Web
• Civil War

...plus 106 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Atlantics
• The Secret of the Grain
• The Spanish Apartment
• The Gleaners and I
• A Summer in La Goulette
• La Haine
• Chocolat
• Sugar Cane Alley
• In the Mood for Love
• Bicycle Thieves

...plus 54 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Physical and Digital Collection

List View shows which format it’s owned on

• Minari

  Blu-Ray

• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

  Blu-Ray

• Fury

  4K

• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

  4K

• Everything Everywhere All at Once

  4K

• Spider-Man: No Way Home

  4K Steelbook

• La La Land

  4K Steelbook

• Waves

  Blu-Ray

• Dead Poets Society

  Blu-Ray

• Mrs. Doubtfire

  Blu-Ray

...plus 197 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Aftersun
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• 1917
• In the Mood for Love
• Oppenheimer
• La Haine
• Thelma & Louise
• All That Jazz
• Dog Day Afternoon
• Good Morning

...plus 91 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Spring Breakers
• Ex Machina
• Moonlight
• The Florida Project
• Lady Bird
• The Disaster Artist
• Hereditary
• Eighth Grade
• mid90s
• The Last Black Man in San Francisco

...plus 38 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of not more than 40 minutes including all credits".

• Two Cars, One Night
• Mike's New Car
• El Materdor
• Rob Cantor: Shia LaBeouf Live
• For the Birds
• Don't Hug Me I'm Scared
• Knick Knack
• One Man Band
• Fiancés on the Bridge
• 3,000 Miles

...plus 49 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Godzilla Minus One

  Godzilla Minus One 2-Disc Watch Along Edition 4k + Blu-Ray (Comes with Minus Color)

• Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

  Criterion 4k

• The Fabelmans

  4k

• Loki

  Season 1 + 2 Steelbook
  

• Ford v Ferrari

  4k

• Marriage Story

  Criterion 4k

• The Wild Robot

  4k + Blu-ray + Digital

• Boyz n the Hood

  4k + Blu-ray + Digital

• Little Miss Sunshine
• No Country for Old Men

...plus 1 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• Her
• Little Miss Sunshine
• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
• Endless

• Surf's Up

  The final shot with You Get What You Give by New Radicals!

• Almost Famous
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
• Love & Basketball

List view mode will show if I ended up seeing it in theaters! 

• Almost Famous

  January 18, 2025

• La La Land

  January 25, 2025

• Gremlins

Not Ranked!

• Dune: Part Two
• Anora
• The Wild Robot
• Dìdi (弟弟)
• Transformers One
• I Saw the TV Glow
• Civil War
• Alien: Romulus
• A Real Pain
• Sing Sing

• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

  The extreme close up of Caeser! The slow pull back to reveal the ape army!