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cats16
Half-elven
Jan 24 2022, 7:44am
Post #1 of 20
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Late January: what are you watching?
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Hello, all! It's time once again for our semi-monthly 'what are you watching?' thread. What's been on your viewing docket lately? Sports? Guilty pleasure TV?
I've been digging into some of the Hitchcock films currently streaming on the Criterion Channel. Believe it or not, I'd never seen Rear Window until about 10 days ago. It was wonderful! I rewatched Vertigo and soon will be diving into several lesser-known works of his that sound fascinating nonetheless.
We recently watched the Netflix adaptation of Tick, Tick...Boom starring Andrew Garfield. I wasn't at all familiar with Jonathan Larson's works (including Rent), but Garfield's dedication comes through very strongly here and was the highlight of the movie for me. I'm sure any musical theater fan would want to check it out.
So, what have you been watching lately?
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jan 24 2022, 12:44pm
Post #2 of 20
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I never saw the original Let It Be back in the day, and am grateful now that I didn't.
Peter Jackson and editor Jabez Olssen have returned us to the Beatles in all their creative glory. I'm in love again.
I kept thinking of Gandalf's desire to use the palantir: "...to look across the wide seas of water and time to Tirion the Fair, and perceive the unimaginable hand and mind of Feanor at their work..."
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
(This post was edited by dernwyn on Jan 24 2022, 3:57pm)
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cats16
Half-elven
Jan 24 2022, 5:45pm
Post #3 of 20
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Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Did you have a favorite of any of the three "parts" of the documentary?
I haven't gotten the chance to dedicate time to it, but hope to correct that soon!
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
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Ataahua
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/ Moderator
Jan 24 2022, 5:49pm
Post #4 of 20
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I've seen three of them so far. Wanda Vision was interesting and raw and believable of a grieving super-human. (But the first two episodes, while understandable, were really slow.)
I *loved* The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This one felt grounded in reality, with the way it dealt with the aftermath of the Snap - both on a population scale and in the personal relationship of Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. It handled some heavy topics and did it well.
Loki ... I don't think I'll watch season two. Where it ended is exactly the type of story that gives me the heebie-jeebies.
***SPOILERS FOR LOKI***
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There's something about being lost in a different timeline and unable to get back to your own that makes me recoil. I enjoyed the series up to that final moment in the last episode but if season two is all about this, I don't think I could watch it. The idea is just really, really unnerving.
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
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Annael
Elvenhome
Jan 24 2022, 8:14pm
Post #5 of 20
(854 views)
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Finished up "The Rebel Princess"
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Chinese series, obviously no expense spared, quite engrossing despite the funky subtitling.
Then I binged "After Life" with Ricky Gervais. A bit too deliberately gross for my taste but some truths about the grieving process, and a lovely German Shepherd in a lead role.
And The Witcher is back! Enjoying it. Not enjoying "The Book of Boba Fett' so much . . . they keep on switching up who the villain(s) is/are without Boba actually doing anything.
Saw "Encanto" and watched it again the next night. I identify with Luisa.
Still keeping up with NCIS. They're doing a good job of bringing Gary Cole along, but also they are giving more emphasis to the rest of the team which I like.
Bored with "Jeopardy." It's great that Amy is the first trans winner and all, but watching the game these days is like watching a pro baseball team up against some Little Leaguers. I feel so sorry for the other contestants who mostly just stand there while she runs away with the game. Would like to see a real competition! At least Amodio and Holzhauer got threatened more than once.
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
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NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
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Kimi
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jan 24 2022, 10:04pm
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No, not the movie from c. ten years ago, but a BBC co-production set in Australia. Short introduction courtesy of Wikipedia:
When a man wakes up with amnesia in an Australian hospital, he must use what few clues he has to discover his identity before his past catches up with him. In the first scene, the protagonist is driving through the outback pursued by a truck whose driver is trying to run him off the road.
We were really gripped by this one - the sort of series where we're talking about it over coffee next day, mulling over clues and possible outcomes. Tight writing and good acting; a nice blend of characters with touches of quirkiness that never goes too far. I enjoyed the reminders of our own small experience of driving in outback Australia, too - the sheer distances, the dryness, and the fact that the 'roos really are inclined to hop about on the highways when the sun goes down. The final episode took a dark turn that I was not expecting, but it was quite credible. Recommended.
Also re-watching Season 1 of "Resident Alien" in preparation for Season 2. Hugely enjoyable.
The Passing of Mistress Rose
My historical novels
Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there?
- A Room With a View
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ElanorTX
Tol Eressea
Jan 29 2022, 6:52am
Post #7 of 20
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Gramma and I have been awaiting your review
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Sirius XM has an all-Beatles radio channel, so I hear plenty, but I still want to see them creating a mystery tour.
"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Jan 29 2022, 3:38pm
Post #8 of 20
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Here are some that I recall right off, and I'm realizing that I've got to re-watch this as there were so many more wonderful moments.
Paul and John messing around while working on "Two of Us" and "I've Got a Feeling", their grins and fun interactions and the way they pick up on each other and move one another along. At times like this it feels like they're back in their teen days, creating songs.
Paul and Ringo playing boogie-woogie on the piano, Paul on the lower keys and Ringo left-handed on the upper, it was perfect.
Paul playing a variety of rock and roll on the piano, Ringo off to the side saying that he could listen to Paul playing piano for hours.
The first-ever chords of Octopus's Garden, Ringo playing them on piano to George, who makes some remark like "Hey, you've learned A-flat".
Yoko is there daily, the other three are actually okay with that, they know that it's just John being John and that's what he needs to do. Linda Eastman is there several days, sometimes she's smoochier with Paul than John is with Yoko. Little Heather her daughter comes one day, gets into everything and giggles. And Maureen Starkey is there a couple of days. And some friend of George's. Peter Sellers stops by. Billy Preston is in town, they've known him since their days in Hamburg, and he joins them for a few days, the foursome becoming a happy fivesome.
One of them saying about being filmed, sarcastically, "Fifty years from now they'll be saying the Beatles broke up because Yoko sat on an amp."
The overall situation: At the start they're in the big Twickenham studio, then move into a smaller one on Savile Row when it becomes clear the original concept of filming them rehearsing then doing an outdoors concert is not working out. Paul started out as overbearing, but he realizes it when George quits the group after the first couple of days. There's a conversation between Paul and John that they didn't know was being picked up by hidden mics: they work things out. I can't recall if George returned before or after this, but Paul stops his controlling attitude, and now we hear some of George's songs in the rough. The scope of the project keeps changing, they can't do what they originally intended but they do need to keep creating and recording songs.
And the final concert venue, after much back-and-forth, is fixed when Ringo flatly states, "I want to play on the roof." That's it, no more discussion of whether the roof is feasible or they should go to a park somewhere, this is treated as the final word and it gets done.
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Jan 30 2022, 2:47pm
Post #9 of 20
(783 views)
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ElanorTX is right! *slaver, slurp*
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We've been waiting for this... and you've highlighted exactly what I wanted to see/know! Of course there would be hours of coming & going, plucking and fidgeting, trying and re-trying as you would have in any creative process. But to be a fly on the wall and see these wonderful moments "come together" makes all the work getting there all the more fascinating. These are 4 very special people who... in a very short time... changed and gave so much.
The movie "Yesterday" is a wonderful tribute to the meaning and richness their music has given to the world.
pssst... it's being released on DVD on February 8!!!!! *twitch*
We have been there and back again.
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Ioreth
Rivendell
Jan 30 2022, 3:47pm
Post #11 of 20
(775 views)
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based on a novella by Jane Austen. With Kate Beckinsale as Lady Susan.
The second time now. I really like it despite some weird hairdo and weird costumes. But the SPIRIT of the book is there
and done very funnily!!!! I laughed at several pieces :)
The regency geek in me loved the litte nice things like PROPERLY folded letters and such :)
And lots of dialogue direct from the book, too :)
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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Jan 30 2022, 8:06pm
Post #12 of 20
(755 views)
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Ghosts (UK and US versions) and catching up on other series
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I love both the UK and US versions of Ghosts. It's a fun show with some wonderful poignant moments. Lots of goofiness.
I'm back into A Discovery of Witches. This season will be the darkest of the three and it's already had me watching through my fingers. One episode a week feels like the old days when I looked forward to a show coming on. I'm hoping for a return of my favorite character - Philippe. James Purefoy plays him exactly how I read him in the book - larger than life.
I'm also watching All Creatures Great and Small each week. I loved the books and the original series in the 1970s. This show has a similar feel without the dated production values that sometimes pulled me out of the story. The casting is spot on and the scenery is so beautiful, I could just watch that.
I also found a couple episodes of Midsomer Murder that weren't included when Season 22 originally dropped into my Britbox feed. I like the new (although not so new anymore) Barnaby. And the newer Coroner is a real character. She comes up with some real head turner comments. After 22 seasons, you'd think they'd run out of people to kill and ways to kill them, but it stays relatively fresh and fun to watch.
Lots of TV lately. I come home from work and just veg. I can't seem to get much of anything done once I get home from work. These shows are a good escape!
_
Heed WBA when building blanket forts.
ITLs don't get enough FAS. :)
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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Lily Fairbairn
Half-elven
Feb 1 2022, 3:37pm
Post #13 of 20
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We thoroughly enjoyed the US Ghosts when it started, then were tipped off to the UK version, which turned up on HBO Max. We're finding the latter to be our favorite now. Since it has no commercials, it has time for more complex stories.
As you say, the programs are funny one moment and poignant the next. Just last night we watched the UK Christmas special, which was superb. The brief scene where Alison and the ghosts sing "In the Bleak Midwinter" actually brought tears to my eyes.
Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing?
They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow;
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow....
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 2 2022, 2:03am
Post #14 of 20
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Grab one as soon as you can! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Feb 2 2022, 2:13am
Post #15 of 20
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Also: All Creatures Great and Small
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Season two of the new version. I love the gentle humor and the characters. So well-cast, the landscape is gorgeous, and takes me right back to the original series.
Also watching Eighty Days Around the World streaming just before it. I've seen the old David Niven movie, and appreciate the updating they've done to the material.
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
Feb 2 2022, 11:16am
Post #16 of 20
(701 views)
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It's a very fun film by Mel Brooks that highlights many of Hitchock's films (The Birds, Vertigo, etc.).
I just watched "Ghostbusters Afterlife" and loved it!! I am so relieved that they maintained the feel and great story of the original Ghostbuster films. The kids did a great job and were very well cast... unlike my experience with the most recent Bill and Ted's. That's what I was scared of... but I just love how this film unfolded and honoured the heart of the films :D Even had a good cry at the end.
We have been there and back again.
Join the "Tolkien Fandom Oral History Project"
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Dame Ioreth
Tol Eressea
Feb 2 2022, 2:35pm
Post #18 of 20
(693 views)
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I got into the Beatles when I was 10 years old, after they had already broken up when an older cousin introduced me. If it was possible to wear out vinyl, I certainly tried. I recently passed on my original Sgt. Pepper album (that I got from that cousin) to my oldest daughter.
My favorite scene from this movie/documentary was during an interview with John and Yoko. In the background, you can hear Paul doodling around on the piano. It's him writing Let It Be. Right there. Just sitting at the piano fiddling and my favorite Beatles song just comes out. Man... Blew me away.
I've often wondered what it was like being part of such a talented group. It's sad that their differences caused them to break up. So much good music came from their collaboration.
_
Heed WBA when building blanket forts.
ITLs don't get enough FAS. :)
Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
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Annael
Elvenhome
Feb 2 2022, 4:14pm
Post #19 of 20
(686 views)
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That was a tour de force for Kate Beckinsale
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she talks NONSTOP, trying to control every situation!
I loved picking out all the early characters who would develop into fuller versions in her adult novels (she was 17 when she wrote "Lady Susan" I believe?).
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
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Na Vedui
Rohan
Feb 5 2022, 12:17am
Post #20 of 20
(645 views)
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I saw this in the cinema when it first came out, liked it and bought the DVD. It's great fun, isn't it?
A friend lent me DVDs which I watched this January, of "Victorian Farm" and "Tudor Monastery Farm". If you don't know them, they were UK TV series where a team of people lived "in period", tackling farming and domestic tasks round the year as they would have been done in those days. The Victorian one covered the time when machinery was beginning to infiltrate farming alongside older ways, and the Tudor one, set just prior to the dissolution of the monasteries, also covered various other monastery-related activities like eel-trapping, making a stained-glass window, and even lead-mining (the monasteries used to sub-contract various enterprises to lay-people on their lands). I really enjoyed them, and learned a lot.
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