Blue Jean, 2022 - ★★★
I could feel the pressure building for Jean with every minute that went by. She's stuck. Questioning every action she makes. Justifying her choices as much to herself as the people around her.
It's a difficult watch at times and I found myself wondering what I would have done in her situation. It also made me recognise how lucky I am to be a generation or two on from this.
And yet, it feels so very relevant for this to be released now as we appear to be cycling round again.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, 2019 - ★★★★
I'd put off watching this as I feared that not being familiar with Mr Rogers, and his place in US culture, would be a barrier. That I wouldn't get it. But it's not a biopic in the traditional sense, as summed up by Matt Singer in his review:
"the movie is less about Fred Rogers than about his spirit and lessons"
It's also, in a way, far more about Lloyd and I really felt I journeyed with him on his arc.
Day 1: secure #mbmar
SA put up a good fight for a first final against a team they’ve never beaten in T20 but just not enough in their batting lineup.
Who is going to stop the Australian juggernaut? And when? 🏏
Sunday sports day: 🏏 T20 World Cup final, 🏉 big Six Nations game, ⚽️ EFL Cup final. Might need some multi-screen action to cram it all in
My body clock needs a reset — been waking up on the dot of 05:20 every morning this week 🥱
TÁR, 2022 - ★★★
I think it says a lot about my response to this film that I developed a bit of an obsession with her shoes. I did wonder if this was due in part to how the film starts - I felt like I was watching something in a language I couldn't speak with no subtitles. I couldn't understand the words so I focused on noticing the detail in what I could see, how the characters interacted, their body language and habitual movements. And I think that level of observation continued throughout the film.
I did struggle a little with the pace of both the beginning and end. The film starts slow and then wraps up in a flurry. Everything in the middle felt more like it unfolded more naturally.
I left the cinema feeling a little underwhelmed. I'd expected more drama, more tension, more divisiveness, more extremes, just more of everything really.
The Guard, 2011 - ★★★
Needed something that was entertaining but not taxing for a Saturday night after a day of sport. This fit the bill nicely.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Gerry and Wendell. And that for much of the film we’re as clueless as Cheadle’s FBI agent over whether Gleeson’s Gerry is really smart or really stupid!
Went to see the sea today
Finished reading: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles 📚
I read this with anticipation having loved the author’s previous book, A Gentleman in Moscow. Sadly this just isn’t anywhere near as good and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Underwhelming.
I listened to an interview with the new England coach yesterday and I’m hopeful for our chances at the Women’s T20 World Cup… but ask me again after we play the West Indies today 🏏
I really think more of a distinction should be made between a missed penalty and a saved penalty ⚽️
📺 Finished watching Wednesday (2022)
I delayed starting this because I’m stubborn and was convinced I wouldn’t like it. Two friends kept raving about it though and I finally caved… happy to admit I was wrong
Uncut Gems, 2019
In summary: men shouting.
Not giving this a rating because I only made it half way. The prospect of another hour of the same noise did not fill me with joy.
Finished reading: Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie 📚
I enjoyed the relationships and the range in this story (across both time and geography). However there were a few too many episodes that had the right people in the right place at the right time that felt obviously engineered.
I am always over ambitious about what I can do on Friday afternoons
Me and my Dad moved a shit ton (I think that’s the technical term) of soil over the past few days. If anyone needs me in the next couple, I’ll be sleeping!
Post-dinner nap time; Mum, Dad and dog have all nodded off. Good job I have a book
Red Notice, 2021 - ★
Needed something mindless after a hard day working in the garden… this was certainly that.