Pattering rain one hour and bright sunshine the next. Southern California is being weird today.

If I had a nickel for every time the hand washing feature on my Apple Watch didn’t work, then I’d have enough money to buy a new Apple Watch that had a properly working hand washing feature. 🍎

It being more “industry standard,” I frequently try to give Logic Pro a fair shake for my podcast editing. I’m not sure what’s wrong, but it just never sticks. I always find my way back to the comforts of Ferrite Recording Studio.🎙

The Stream Dream Team has posted a brand new episode of their podcast today!

This time, we’re discussing Olympic sports, watching movies in movie theaters (finally), and Violet Evergarden becoming a badass uniter of nations. Listen today! 🎙

If I didn’t have tinnitus before my brother’s wedding, I certainly would now.

In all seriousness, I’m thrilled for him! He and his wife deserve all the best. I was very happy to share and celebrate the day with everybody. ❤️

Nothing has ever made me feel more pleased with my own small wedding than witnessing the huge production that is my brother’s wedding. To each their own, but man, does that look stressful to me.

Did Christmas come early for everyone today? Not quite, but on More Movies Please! we did watch and talk about a Christmas classic this week. It’s The Long Kiss Goodnight and it was a blast! 🎙🎥

Raiders of the Lost Ark was written by Lawrence Kasdan and directed by Steven Spielberg. It was released in 1981. The film was produced by Paramount Pictures and Lucasfilm. The titles were created by the MGM Titles department.

Archaeologist Indiana Jones, played by Harrision Ford, discovers that the Nazis, led by rival archaeologist René Belloq, played by Paul Freeman are hot on the trail of the Ark of the Covenant, the chest holding the Ten Commandments. Indy is recruited by the U.S. Army to recover the Ark before Adolf Hitler can use it to make his army invincible. Reuniting with old flame Marion Ravenwood, played by Karen Allen, and friend Sallah, played by John Rhys-Davies, the trio sets off on a globe-crossing adventure to find the Ark so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Coming off the one-two knockouts of Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, it’s no surprise that this film quickly became a critical and commercial success. What’s a little more surprising, even to some of the stars of the film, is how influential and beloved the movie has become since its release. It’s a thrilling and moving film, to be sure, but a crown jewel in the history of cinema? Who ever expects something like that to happen? Something like James Cameron’s Avatar is undeniably more financially successful,¹ but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who holds Avatar in higher esteem. They’re both action-adventure films, made with the height of filmmaking technology at their respective production times. Yet, here we are. Due to its amazing performances, stellar direction, and a closing sequence that still boggles the mind, Raiders of the Lost Ark is a film that will be remembered forever. 🎞

I’ve been co-hosting a new podcast show with my dear friend, Lee! It’s called Stream Dream Team and here are the most recent episodes. We’ve got a good head of steam going with our series on Violet Evergarden. I’d love for you to give them a listen! 🎙

I finished watching Schitt’s Creek a few days ago. The show has been stuck in my mind since then for two reasons:

1. I enjoyed just about every dang second of it.
2. I’m disappointed by the ending of the show.

In fairness, the conclusion of a tv show will never satisfy every viewer, and this is especially true when a show becomes widely watched and beloved. Game of Thrones, anyone?¹ However, for a show as smart and caring as Schitt’s Creek, I expected more real growth from the main characters than what we got.²

The Rose family blew through the town of Schitt’s Creek like a slow whirlwind, affecting its citizens in myriad ways. The tears and heartfelt goodbyes that the Roses received when three-quarters of them left in the series finale demonstrated that they all left indelible marks on those with whom they had relationships. Therefore, it leaves a hollow feeling when it’s only David who stays behind. The rest leave with some fond, peculiar memories, but in some cases, little personal growth.

Were it not for his new husband, Patrick Brewer, David would have been out of the town in a flash, opening up a new location for his Rose Apothecary somewhere in New York City. That is, if he had ever been able to open up the Schitt’s Creek store in the first place without Patrick’s help. I’m grateful for his sensible realization that he’d be happier with his husband and business in the place that’s given him so much. His new house isn’t half bad either.

Alexis’s exit made the most sense. She’s at the beginning of a grand new adventure. Her blossoming PR firm, Alexis Rose Communications, was born out of her determination to get her G.E.D., find something to do with her life, and chase after that goal. It’s a great tragedy that her relationship with Ted Mullens had to end for her to achieve her dream (and he to achieve his), but sometimes life gets in the way of even the best relationships.³ Alexis’s life before her time in Schitt’s Creek was certainly colorful, but it was aimless. By the end of the show, she’d found an exciting path to travel. It just so happened that the path led away from the town. Nevertheless, her emotional parting conversations with Twyla Sands show that she understands the value of her time spent there.

Johnny, always the patient, level-headed patriarch,⁴ birthed a new business with the help of the wonderfully acerbic Stevie Budd. Their sure-to-be successful chain of motels will give them all security and purpose, along with, one can assume, a new mountain of cash. Why the headquarters of Rosebud Motels couldn’t be located in Schitt’s Creek, I have no idea. How nice would it have been to give back to the town, and Roland and Jocelyn Schitt, that took the Rose family in at their lowest point by making it a major hub for this business? California is nice,⁵ but why is it an essential location? If that was the case, why wasn’t it necessary for Stevie to come along to California? It’s an interconnected world. They started the new business in Schitt’s Creek and got noticed, so why couldn’t they keep that momentum up in the city?

Moira may have been the worst of the bunch, in this case. As we saw in the season five finale, titled, Life Is a Cabaret, upon learning that her beloved crows movie wouldn’t be getting a premiere event or distribution deal, she let out a scream to split the heavens and collapsed into a sorrowful heap. She spent a decent amount of the subsequent episode in a near-catatonic mess, hiding in her closet behind its flimsy accordion door. Her hard work was going to go unseen, but more tragically, her burgeoning ticket out of the titular town was being stolen from her.

However, when things turn around for The Crows Have Eyes III: The Crowening, leading to her reprisal in the reboot of her star-making soap opera, Sunrise Bay, she ultimately takes the role. The job would necessitate her presence on set outside of Schitt’s Creek, but why couldn’t the town be her home during the show’s downtime? Instead, she’s always been the most eager to return to a life of recognition and riches. It’s a shame to never see that desperation fade. I do not doubt that she became a better person since losing her past life, but even the newfound closeness her family experienced was never enough to fill the hole that fame dug into her. Even after her heavy goodbyes to the group that loved her the most—her fellow Jazzagals—she was all too willing to put the town in her rearview mirror, so to speak.

I loved this show and will surely watch it again in the future. However, the ending could have had a better message—one of growth, appreciation, and love for the people of Schitt’s Creek. They were always more welcoming and caring than the people who turned their backs on the Rose family at the beginning of the show. The journey was fun, but for me, still fell short of being spectacular. 📺

Steven and I are talking about the wonderful and thrilling film from Gareth Edwards, Monsters. Make sure to give this episode a listen. This film is quite unlike any monster story you’ve ever seen. 🎙🎥

Happy Day When All the Inconsiderate Jerk-Faces Set Off Explosives That Scare My Dogs All Night Because They’re Jerk-Faces!

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was written by Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich, and Dorothy Kingsley and was directed by Stanley Donen. It was released in 1954. The film was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

In 1850, there’s wood to be chopped, dances to be danced, and women to be married. Adam Pontipee, played by Howard Keel, meets local tavern worker Milly, played by Jane Powell. Within hours of meeting and falling for her, Adam asks her to marry him—a proposal which she accepts. Upon returning to Adam’s mountain cabin, Milly is surprised to learn that Adam is the eldest of seven brothers, all living together. Despite her disappointment at not being able to live the married life she had envisioned for herself, she tasks herself with cleaning up her new home and teaching the brothers how to be polite and proper men. These six lovelorn men soon realize that the only way they’ll meet and marry a woman like Milly is if they drop their poor manners and do things her way. At a social gathering in town, they meet six women and try out their new personas on them. The girls take a liking to these brothers, but trouble erupts when their current suitors find out about these new sweethearts.

There’s a shameful hole in my movie-watching past, and it consists almost exclusively of unwatched musicals. I don’t dislike musicals. I just haven’t watched many of them. It’s a damn shame because a great many of them can be counted amongst the best films ever made. Singin’ in the Rain, anyone?¹ My wife, on the other hand, has maybe seen every single musical ever made. Thank goodness she still decided to marry me. I think she saw my musical inexperience as an opportunity to educate me on the finer points of this genre, one of those being this film. Which I loved. Loved a whole lot. Like many musicals, the songs are the main draw here, and there are some serious bangers (as the youths say).² You would do well to check out Bless Yore Beautiful Hide, Goin’ Courtin’, and The Barn Dance. If you’re anything like me, you should go into the film without any notions about it. Its bouncy, tuneful, and vibrant spirit will win you over. If you’ve already seen it, why not give it another watch? You already know how excellent it is. 🎞

• Point Break: While watching this, I became even sadder knowing that Patrick Swayze is dead. He was a great talent, but more than that, we’ll never get to see a sequel where Bodhi is somehow still alive and finally makes everyone’s dreams come true by getting it on with Utah. Surf-style. Also, I will never not enjoy John C. McGinley yelling his damn head off at other people. That’s my happy place. (★★★½)
• Capernaum: This is an amazing, moving, important film that I never want to see again. It sapped me of so much energy and was one of the toughest watches I’ve ever had. There can never be enough praise given to Zain Al Rafeea for his supernaturally good performance. What he did, and at his age, is beyond comparison. It was truly something special. (★★★★½)
• Batman: Mask of the Phantasm: An extended version of a show that’s already one of the best superhero cartoons ever made is sure to be excellent. This one did not disappoint in any way. In fact, it elevated Batman. By delving into Bruce Wayne’s history, we’re shown more about the motivations and hindrances that the Caped Crusader faces. Throw in a great Mark Hamill performance and a mysterious new antagonist and you got something timeless. (★★★★)
• Bo Burnham: Inside: A melancholic, introspective look at isolation, humanity, the desire for connection, and creativity. This is a moving and imaginative work of art. It comes with frequent bouts of brilliance, as well as songs that can stand on their own. I’m astounded by how much Bo Burnham was able to accomplish on his own. He’s got true talent. After watching this, I wish nothing but the best for him. (★★★★½)
• An American Tail: That damn mouse! So much heartache and terror just because a kid wouldn’t listen to their parent, but I guess that’s just reality when it comes to children. There was some pretty astounding animation shown off in this film, and it was apparently unique in its classic feel. It goes a long way to making a somewhat thin storyline feel more robust. This film gains depth by providing some astounding eye candy. (★★★½)
• Shadow of a Doubt: The peculiar editing of this film threw me off so much that I thought there was something wrong with the video file itself. To find out that this is one of Hitchcock’s favorites of his own work takes me aback even further. Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotton are thrilling and excellent, to be sure, but this one just didn’t do it for me like the director’s other works have. It’s a dang shame because the story is clever and unique. I wanted to enjoy it more than I did, but alas… (★★★)
• Say Anything…: Watching this felt like I was peering through a portal into my teenage years. So much of this felt familiar. It’s astounding to know that this is Cameron Crowe’s first feature film. His first outing is this damn strong? Who the hell does he think he is?! If I had watched this film when I was Lloyd Dobbler’s age, I’m sure I would have related to him the most. I’d be sick of the world, man, and I’d be head over heels for Diane Court (Ione Skye is breathtaking). Now that I’m almost twice his age, I find myself more enamored by John Mahoney as James Court, and I don’t think that’s just because of my love for Frasier. The tragedy of his character is so palpable that I want nothing more than to spring him from his prison cell in a daring, midnight prison break. Maybe one day. (★★★★)
• Dawn of the Dead (2004): As a first feature film, this is a strong offering. Zack Snyder, along with the incredible help by the usually amazing James Gunn, has somehow managed to take a classic of the genre and not turn it into a flaming dumpster fire. That’s usually much harder to accomplish than it should be. However, there’s not a huge amount of depth to the characters. They’re all caricatures of their upbringing/profession, and until the very end of the film, are never given a chance to be anything more than a police officer, a nurse, or a homophobic loudmouth. (★★★)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: I watched the extended edition of this film, which is probably the only way this trilogy should be watched, and it continues to hold up. The visual effects are beginning to show their age, which is no surprise considering the age of these films. For my money, the main draw of this trilogy has never been the visual effects. The adventurous, thrilling, and at times, heart-wrenching story of the Fellowship was what captured my imagination and what keeps this movie engaging. It’s a timeless good vs. evil story that has begun to acquire the same fame and importance that its source material has developed over its long life. (★★★★½)
• Wall Street: The notoriety this one has developed since its release led me to believe that it would be far better than it ended up being for me. By the end of it, I found its strongest aspect to be Michael Douglas’s performance. No wonder why he received an Oscar for it then. Its quick pace and the finance-centered script made it something of an inscrutable watch for someone who has no foot in the world of Wall Street. Beyond that aspect, it’s just a fairly good downfall drama that Aaron Sorkin probably would have written if it had been made in the last decade. (★★★½)
• Airplane!: Oh boy, did I ever see this one at the wrong time of my life. I should have watched Airplane! when I was a teenager because that’s clearly the target audience for this film. I think I would have appreciated it far more than I did. I would be hard-pressed to call it a bad film—it’s not by any stretch—but I don’t think it achieves the legendary comedy heights that so many people believe it has. This is worth a watch for Lloyd Bridges and Leslie Nielsen in one of their first comedic roles. (★★★½)
• Thelma: I can’t figure out why, but something about Joachim Trier’s films really does it for me. His previous film, Reprise, was a transformative experience. This one takes that same Norwegian drama feel and adds a supernatural aspect to it. It works on every dang level. Some people may be put off by its slow pace, but if that’s not an issue, then you’ll be treated to a great mystery. The fraught love story at its core gives the film balance and momentum. A woman who has grown up in a religiously oppressed family falls in love with a woman. There’s no way that’s not going to be an emotionally charged story. Throw in possible mind powers and you’re left with a film that’s going to stick around for a long time. (★★★★)
• Army of the Dead: Compared to Dawn of the Dead, this film is clearly an improvement in many ways. Thanks primarily to a healthier budget, the scope of the film, the visual effects, and the sheer bombastic attitude have been elevated to extreme heights. When it comes to something like story, there’s not a huge amount of improvement. Everyone’s trying their damnedest to inject more dimensions into their characters and, aside from Dave Bautista, it largely fails. As with Dawn of the Dead, it’s hard to create something that just isn’t there on the page. The unique premise makes for thrilling fun, though. (★★★½)
• Ralph Breaks the Internet: I truly enjoyed the first film. I thought it was filled with fun and had a lot of heart. Where that one taught the important lesson of loving yourself for who you are, this one throws all of that out with the message that you should try your damnedest to be someone else if it’s attractive to you. I feel that so much effort was put into visualizing the grand and intimidating world of the Internet. I wish more was put into asking whether this film truly needed to be made. (★★★)
• Network: I want so badly to call this film something like an adult dramedy. It goes to lengths that seem absurd, including giving our poor, dear Howard Beale his own sensational, televised soapbox from which to yell. The last decades since the release of this film prove that it is instead a sad, prescient satire. This film shows that it’s still okay to be “mad as hell,” so long as your anger doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s money. If it ever does, there will be hell to pay, because life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness only apply to the richest among us. Once it infringes on their money accounts, you’re a problem to be squashed (unless you too somehow become rich, and then, hey, you’re actually worth a damn). Dream, dream, why don’t you, but don’t you dare make any real noise. Don’t you dare try to lift the boot that is squashing you out. You’re here to make the rich richer, and that is your only value. You could make this movie today without changing a thing and it would still be exactly as relevant. Still… there are some extremely funny bits. Faye Dunaway earned the hell out of her Oscar. (★★★★★)
• Boss Level: I really should have just watched Groundhog Day or Palm Springs. Those were more engaging than this thing. I expected more from Joe Carnahan. (★★)

Total movies watched: 16

Be sure to follow me on Letterboxd! 🎥

Yes, it’s always a citizen of the U.S.A.’s great civic duty to appear at the local courthouse when summoned for jury service.

As I experienced earlier today, getting one of those dreaded envelopes in the mail is still a bit of a day ruiner. 😩

On this week’s episode of More Movies Please!, Steven and I welcome a special guest from ‘90s nostalgia TikTok fame, Tara Town!

We’re all traveling back in time when things were (relatively) easier as we talk about the enjoyable Disney film, A Goofy Movie. Listen today! 🎙🎥

Wife: has to spend several hours at a bridal shower.

Me: gets to spend the day at home watching season seven of Bosch.

I need to get her some cookies because I think I got the better end of the deal here.

The Matrix was written and directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski. It was released in 1999. The film was produced by Warner Bros., Village Roadshow Pictures, Groucho Film Partnership, and Silver Pictures. The artists for the main titles were Harold De Jesus and Marcel Valcarce.

Thomas Anderson, known by his preferred hacking alias “Neo,” played by Keanu Reeves, lives an unsatisfying life and has always suspected that there’s something wrong with the world he lives in. His suspicions are confirmed when he meets Trinity, played by Carrie-Anne Moss. After an unfortunate run-in with a sentient computer program known as Agent Smith, played by Hugo Weaving, she introduces him to a mysterious man named Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburne. Morpheus explains to him that the world Neo knows is nothing more than a computer simulation, a construct playing out within the minds of comatose humans as they are used as an energy source by intelligent machines. Initially resistant to this staggering revelation, Neo is soon reborn into the real world, a post-apocalyptic hellscape full of human factories and immense dangers. Morpheus believes Neo to be “the One,” a human who is believed to free humankind. Neo must learn what it means to be alive in the real world, and hopefully, live up to what’s prophesied about him.

The titles demonstrate an unusual juxtaposition in the film. The Matrix, with all of its advanced technology, is personified through ancient computer screens. There’s no color besides green. No icons on the screen. No menu bar to be seen anywhere. The vast complexity of this simulation is shown as raindrops of computer characters. The words “The Matrix” are themselves formed from the physical representation of The Matrix: the sickly green on black glow of old computer screens. This feels like an expert melding of the visuals of the film and the complex ideas that drive its story. From moment one, the film gives us a clue as to what is in store for us.

I recall being held in rapt silence while watching this film in the theater when it came out. You knew you were about to watch something special when those characters started falling from the top of the screen. One of the most thrilling sequences in film history follows this opening title: a squad of police officers and three relentless, terrifying Agents surround the building in which Trinity is holed up. She must fight her way out and into safety, or die trying. To this day, it’s still completely effective. Give that scene a watch again. 🎞

Do you want more action, romance, and oiled-up Jason Statham punching people’s faces than you can handle? Well, More Movies Please! has got the film for you. For June’s B-movie bonus episode, we watched and talked about the film, The Transporter!

Listen today!🎙

Google, Facebook Pressure Falls Short as Antitrust Measures Advance in House Committee

I’ll readily admit that I don’t know as much about this burgeoning antitrust legislation as I should. However, does this “American Choice and Innovation Online Act” mean that I have the choice to keep any new Apple device I get largely the same as I have them now? Doesn’t seem like it.

I believe that giving the ability of smaller businesses to fairly compete with larger ones is generally good. Lower the cut Apple takes on sales. Make it easier, i.e., not impossible, to go to a company’s website where I can subscribe to their service. Remove the fear that some developers have over dealing with these large companies. However, don’t throw the word “choice” around without understanding and acknowledging that it should cut both ways. I don’t want the overall Apple experience I know and love to be destroyed because, for example, Epic wants its own app store on Apple’s devices.

I’ll also readily admit that I may be singing a different tune if I were a software developer working with Apple’s platforms. As a consumer, though, I’ve had no problem with my past Apple experiences and would like the ability to keep that going for myself. That’s my choice.

I wish there was a version of YouTube Premium that only disabled the incessant, terrible ads that play during videos. I don’t care about any of the other features. At the moment, twelve dollars a month is too much for just ad removal.

On the More Movies Please! podcast this week, we watched and talked about the phenomenal and moving film, Room.

Was it a tough film to watch? Yeah, it was. Was it one of the most rewarding experiences in recent memory? Oh, hell yeah. Listen today! 🎙🎥

For the second time in as many weeks, the power has gone off at home. Thankfully, it’s only been happening super early in the morning.

Still, it feels like a dreadful omen for how the rest of the summer is going to be.

Citizen Kane was written by Herman Mankiewicz and Orson Welles and was directed by Orson Welles. It was released in 1941. The film was produced by RKO Radio Pictures and Mercury Productions.

On his deathbed, the elderly Charles Foster Kane, played by Orson Welles, utters one final word before passing: “Rosebud.” Kane, a wealthy newspaper publisher and industrial magnate, has always garnered much attention, so his death is big news. His last word presents a mystery that newsreel producer Jerry Thompson, played by William Alland, is tasked with uncovering. Through interviews with Kane’s friends and associates, more is learned about the history of this prolific and imposing man. His newspaper business, his failed romantic relationships, and the great highs and lows of his life are described by those who knew him. By the end of this tale, there is a greater understanding of the man, but will anyone ever discover the true meaning of the word “Rosebud”?

At this point, there’s probably little to be gained from me waxing on about the importance of this monumental film. The subject matter has been talked to death. The character of Charles Foster Kane, and his clear inspiration in William Randolph Hearst, have been dissected enough. Heck, most everyone probably knows what the heck “Rosebud” is by now.

Instead, what strikes me most about this title card is not the film that follows, but instead the imposing nature of the letters. The words “CITIZEN KANE” take up the entire screen. They’re as large as the film itself, which is to say, larger than life. They tower over the audience in a pompous, arrogant, and self-important manner, as if to reflect the personality that’s central to the film. However, behind that grand façade lies an insecure man who longs for the comforts of his childhood. The letters of the title card might be seen as something of a put-on. A shield that Kane can use to hide behind, all the while wishing that he could recapture his youthful happiness while hiding away from the dread that comes with facing the world he built for himself. The title card personifies a man who is theatrical and legendary for the world, yet diminutive in private.

Also, I’ve really been captured by the first trailer for the film. It’s still unlike anything you’ll ever see. For a film that was released in 1941, it feels far ahead of its time. Considering how unusual the trailer is, it’s probably far ahead of any time. Instead of a tapestry of shots from the film that describe the general plot, we’re treated to a voice-over from Welles himself, narrating aspects of the production and introducing many of its main players. Give this fascinating thing a watch. 🎞

I’m finding myself less interested in absorbing any sort of news and more interested in just watching a lot of ‘90s WB cartoon shows.