“I! Like! Turtles!”
Genre: Actiony Rom-com
Release Date: 2015
Where I Watched: Netflix
Talky Talk: This might become a VD tradition around here. Hey, I’m interrupting my night because I want to clue you in on this hidden gem immediately. That should let you know I’m not messing around. So…you can’t decide between a rom-com and a bang-bang actioner for date nite? Why choose? Just throw on this film, and call it a night.
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Ready to get your Oscar ballot in order by catching something worthy? Because I’ve got passes for the virtual screening of The Mauritanian! Synopsis!
Captured by the U.S. Government, Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) languishes in prison for years without charge or trial. Losing all hope, Slahi finds allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley). Together they face countless obstacles in a desperate pursuit for justice. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), eventually reveals a shocking and far reaching conspiracy. Based on the New York Times best-selling memoir, this is the explosive true story of a fight for survival against all odds.
Ready? Let’s go!
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Looking for something a bit different for this year’s Winter Chocolate Binge this month? How about something a bit…spicy? No, not that kind of spicy, I’m gonna keep it clean in this review y’all. This chocolate brand, made “exclusively for” Aldi, this bar is actually five smaller bars, each wrapped individually. It’s nice portion control, though this chocolate is tasty enough that stopping at one mini-bar will be a test of your willpower.
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Let’s get 2021 started y’all! Because I’ve got passes for a film that looks really cool. You can even customize your viewing experience: in-theater, streaming on HBO Max, or book a private screening with any of the major theater chains open near you! But first, synopsis!
FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands?
Ready? Let’s go! (Or stay in!)
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“The only way out is down.”
Genre: “In Search Of” Cave Horror
Year Released: 2014
Pedigree: From John Erick Dowdle, the guy who brought us The Poughkeepsie Tapes (Yay!), and Quarantine (Um…)
Where I Watched: Netflix
Synopsis: Scarlet Marlowe is an archeologist possessed. No, not like that; she’s her own personal demon, driving herself to find the mythic Philosopher’s Stone. (Sit down, Harry Potter.) After an almost deadly trip to Iran for clues, she and her friend/ex-bf George, and they translate her findings. Wouldn’t you know it, the Stone is right below their feet! Y’know, in the catacombs of Paris. But the chamber is off the beaten path, so they’ll need help from experienced, illicit, spelunkers getting there. I’m sure it’ll be a piece of cake. Hey, where’d that entrance go – it was right here….
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It’s that time of year y’all! Time to check out the nominees for the Golden Globes! And while 2020 was definitely not a regular year in terms of hitting the multiplex? There are a slew of excellent films, performances, and creators worth celebrating.
Promising Young Woman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Hamilton, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Sound of Metal… All incredible, and I’m so glad to see these films – and several of their artists – receive attention. Though I would have liked to have seen more love for Lovecraft Country, and some recognition go to The Boys, I May Destroy You, Mrs. America…
But enough blathering. Scroll through the GG’s pages of nominees and see for yourself. There are a few films and shows that I really want to get my eyes on but haven’t yet (Looking at you, The United States vs. Billie Holiday and Mank), so feel free to use these nominees as a jumping off point for your own viewing pleasure!
The 78th annual Golden Globes will be broadcast on February 28th, 2021.
Genre: Documentary
Release Date: 2003
Where I Watched: Amazon Prime
This documentary popped up in my Prime queue, and I jumped on it. Like the incredible Horror Noire, Century takes a look at the sadly neglected history of black cinema, as well as the creators, performers, and back stories. From short silent films of the early 1900s to the films of Spike Lee, it’s a tribute to the talent and creativity of these artists.
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“Life’s a bitch, and then you don’t die.”
Genre: Alt-Future Horror Noir
Year Released: 2009
Pedigree: Ozploitation, Creature effects by WETA Workshop;
Where I Watched: Peacock (free)
After the messy disappointment of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, I’ve been hopeful but wary of G’s match-up with Kong. And by the look of this trailer, it seems Warner Brothers heard the complaints about cutting away from monster-on-monster action in Monsters, and will be giving us a whole lot of smack downs in Kong. But Kong looks overly chaotic, with a whole lot of subplots vying for attention.
We’ve got a little girl who can “talk” to Kong, Kong fighting winged serpents, Millie Bobby Brown and the Monarch crew, Godzilla getting controlled by Somebody (maybe that APEX corporation briefly shown this trailer?)…and more I’m too lazy to add in here. Sounds like a whole lot. Sounds like too much. But I’ll keep an open mind til I get a look at another trailer. Meanwhile, I’ll temper my expectations and hope for the best.
Godzilla vs Kong hits theaters and HBO Max March 26th, 2021.
“Working with the mentally disturbed can lead to a breakdown.”
Genre: Anthology Horror
Year Released: 1972
Pedigree: Amicus Productions; written by Robert “Psycho” Bloch
Where I Watched: Shudder
Synopsis: A young doctor interviews for a position at a mental hospital. As part of the interview process, he must interview a handful of patients. Why? Because one of the doctors has lost touch with reality, and the new hire must be able to figure out which one is the previous doc. Cue the anthology format!
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Got a dollar to spare? A quarter?
Atomic Fangirl 