Just saw “A Disturbance in the Force”, a documentary about the Star Wars Holiday Special. I was already familiar with it—I’d seen the special, the special with MST3k (or RiffTrax?) commentary, and IIRC some documentary on it a decade ago.
This one was pretty good. Lots of stuff I already knew, but still plenty new background info, more context on the TV scene in the 70s, and new interviews with some of the creators and modern pop critics.
For sure worth a watch if you’re into some coke-fueled Star Wars nonsense
Watched Violent Night the other day. It was really dumb and a ton of fun. I liked that it leans into the “magic of Christmas” angle and kind of "yes and"s it with a bunch of gore.
Princess Mononoke - I’ve seen a lot of Ghibli films but haven’t seen Princess Mononoke yet. Watched it last night and it’s probably one of my favorite Miyazaki films now. No dull moments in a 2 hour movie.
The Creator - I’m not really a fan of John David Washington’s acting, but I kinda liked him in this. I wouldn’t call the film amazing, but it’s good, not bad or anything.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters - Can’t really say I’m enjoying the series so far. The acting hasn’t really been great among the current time cast outside of Kurt Russel, and I’m honestly more interested in Keiko, younger Randa, and younger Shaw’s adventures in the '50s.
Sweet Home Season 2 - I still have the same opinion as I had with the first season. It’s ok, but I don’t find it great or anything. Also, you’d think with the success they had, the cgi would be better now.
I watched Filth and Rocky IV over the weekend. Filth was great and I look forward to reading the book. The characters are probably really fleshed out there. Rocky had highs and lows, but it really is Montage the Movie.
The Thing (1982). I keep meaning to watch the 2011 remake, then I decide I should watch the original first to refresh my memory, then I don’t feel like putting myself through the 2011 version anymore.
Slow Horses - easily the best thing that we are watching at the moment. Oldman’s Lamb is my role model.
Doctor Who - Wild Blue Yonder was great. The Giggle was middling at best. RTD’s sickly sentimentality dominated the conclusion.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters - the first three episodes have been surprisingly good. This - the fourth - was basically dull.
Krapopolis - wasn’t sure about this to start with, but it has grown on me. Waddingham’s Deleria is the obvious inital draw, but the rest of the main characters have been fleshed out to the point where I will be looking forward to season 2.
Enemy at the Door - from 1978, although I can recall nothing at all of it from back then. Set in the German occupied Channel Isles during WWII, each episode centres around a moral dilemma relating to loyalties, duty, consequences for the bigger picture etc etc from both sides. It holds up remarkably well.
Film
Krampus (2015) - which has become something of a tradition for us on Krampusnacht, and continues to be enjoyable.
I Know Where I’m Going (1945) - a Powell and Pressburger that doesn’t hit the heights of A Matter of Live and Death or The Red Shoes etc but is still a stylishly told tale. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Webster’s intended husband only through a staff card, a printed itinerary and a disembodied radio voice.
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