Bullet Train movie review: total derailment
The cast is, on paper, terrific, but there’s nothing engaging in their bloody savagery. A misfire of a supposed action comedy, this mind-numbing mess is by turns grating, tedious, and infuriating.
Year: 2022
weekend watchlist: hacking capitalism
Plus the horror stories women live, cold cops, and more. (First published July 2nd, 2022, on Substack and Patreon.)
loaded question: what’s a thing from movies (or books or TV) that you absolutely believed as a kid?
And do you still kinda sorta half believe it?
Mrs Harris Goes to Paris movie review: a fashion for kindness
This 60-year-old story of pursuing a dream with resolute kindness could not feel more fresh in its knowing class clash. Lesley Manville is an absolute treasure, her command of comedic pathos supreme.
loaded question: what’s your favorite cultural life hack?
Are there ways that you consume or play with music, movies, books, games, etc, that give you extra pleasure, and/or that you suspect may not have occurred to other people?
weekend watchlist: a couple of treasures for Pride Month
Plus a lovable English crank and a put-upon Texan mom. (First published June 18th, 2022, on Substack and Patreon.)
follow along on my awful COVID journey on Twitter
The pandemic will be twitterized…
sick again… and I’m pretty sure it’s COVID this time (update: it’s COVID)
I have little energy and almost no focus. I’m not sure how much, if anything, I’m going to be able to offer you in the next days and weeks — hopefully not weeks!
weekend watchlist: country twang with a Scottish accent
Plus a soothing science-fiction horror and a scathing not-at-all satire that helps explain Boris Johnson. (First published June 11th, 2022, on Substack and Patreon.)
loaded question: what movies can give us hope for a better future?
I vehemently believe that positive visions are essential for helping us imagine better for ourselves. Where are they?
