Mike’s movies - 10/16/23
Movies I watched this week.
Searching for Sugar Man
Upbeat documentary chronicling mysterious 1970s American musician Rodriguez, who remained unknown except for blowing up in South Africa, where the mystery of his disappearance unravels. Easy watch with likable characters and intriguing storyline, all to the warm music of Rodriguez. WIll make you want to listen to his music.
Shortbus
Movie intercuts between three characters' individual sexual situations, and continues to follow them throughout their relationship and self-image issues as they go to therapy and parties. Jumps from absurd to depressing and then to silly, which was tonal whiplash. Fun when the characters interact with eachother.
Splendor
Sexy feel-good art film about a woman enravelled in a polyamorous relationship with two flavours of himbo: brooding artist, and puppy-dog jock. Lighthearted in tone, with the prettiest main cast that existed in 1999, all shot beautifully. Strong indie music soundtrack. All of the characters are formed and likeable, alongside a smooth-flowing narrative exploring fantasy vs reality.
Don’t worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot
Biopic about cartoonist John Callahan, following his alcoholism and how it led to his quadriplegia, a dysfunctional group of AA friendships, and his sobriety. The editing between different time periods is disorienting, sometimes hard to follow, but the emotional payoff is worth the long runtime imo. A story of transformative forgiveness carried by a strong cast of actors. Hands down the best acting I’ve seen from Jonah Hill. Also of note is the film was scored by Danny Elfman.
Vegas In Space
Lo-fi, lowbrow, queer space odyssey following three agents infiltrating the city of Vegas in Space. Campy as hell and unapologetic about its cheapness, it’s packed with creativity and full of amazing drag. Felt way too long and the epic nature of the story shot over it’s capabilities so was hard to follow at parts. Audio is not great so watch with subtitles. While you need to exercise patience watching, it's a must see for drag artists and enthusiasts — you can see it’s visual influence on drag today. Great AFAB representation in drag as well.
Nightcrawler
Anxiety-inducing film following a psychopath who becomes a death-cinema kingpin as he films crime scenes and accidents as they occur and then sells them to the news. Made my heart race and faith in humanity lessen, but I couldn’t look away. Super unique story, constantly compelling, a strong cast of actors. Very dark, cynical subject matter.
