Finally Watched It

atthequillsmercy

Finally Watched It: “The Amityville Horror” (1979)

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This is one of those classic horror movies that just sorta flew under my radar until I started my little Finally Watched It list. If you don’t know the story, it’s about a newlywed couple who moves into a house that’s haunted.

I wouldn’t call this movie subtle by any means but it is more subtle than the remake. If I had to pick between the two, I would pick the older one because I personally feel the atmosphere is better here; especially with the father character who is slowly being driven mad. Neither version is bad, I just feel the older one had more charm to it. It was more menacing than outright scary and I think horror can do with more of that than jump scares and gore. I’m glad I was able to cross this off my list.

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atthequillsmercy

Finally Watched It: “Superheroes”

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This documentary is about real people who dress up and fight crime in the US. Of course, it starts with Stan Lee and is peppered with actual law enforcement saying that this is probably not a good idea for civilians to be doing this. But to be totally honest, the people in this seem to genuinely want to help people. Not all of them are abject crime fighters, some simply help the homeless with little kits, water, blankets, or simply asking them if they have a safe place to sleep that night. Sometimes the way it’s edited you can tell the film is trying to make fun of them. Despite this, I finished this film feeling inspired. Not that I’ll be squeezing my ass into a costume and roaming the streets at night but I was sitting there wondering in what way I could make a difference in the world. And for that? I say check this out.

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atthequillsmercy

Finally Watched It: Die Hard

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Die Hard was always one of those movies in my orbit that I could never quite catch from the beginning and be able to watch it straight though to the end. Not because I didn’t enjoy it; something would always interrupt me. So, this being the holiday season, I grabbed this movie and finally sat down to watch it.

This film is so 80’s it’s comical. It’s everything an action movie was back then that’s not the same today: smart, funny, impressive, exploitative, and thrilling all at the same time. You get random boobz, explosions, blood, guns and man is it ever fun! I had a great time watching it but I can see how I wouldn’t catch this right when it came out. I was really young and in my phase where I was so into cartoons, I had a grudge against Bewitched for having an animated intro but not being an animated show (I got over that eventually).

I absolutely think that is would have been so cool for the nanny to tell the press to fuck off when they went to McClaine’s family’s house. What I wouldn’t have given to see her say “I’m legal, idiot.” and slam the door in his smug little face. But tropes gotta trope, I guess.

I’m not sure about going through the sequels to this as I personally have little faith in sequels living up to the original. I’m sure glad I saw this one, though.

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Finally Watched It: “Stranger Things”

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The subject of a series of unethical experiments, Eleven escapes her tormentors and is found by three young boys; Lucas, Dustin, and Mike. But Eleven isn’t the only escapee and with townspeople vanishing, the organization is hunting Eleven down.

That’s a pretty thin synopsis but I don’t wanna even attempt to give anything away. I don’t know what is going on with these little original series these days but WOW, are they impressive. The characters are written so well you relate to them immediately and the flow of this is on point. I won’t give away too much but I will say that the sheriff character in these types of shows can take entire seasons to deduce things but Jim Hopper is on the damn ball. And Winona Ryder as Joyce? She’s just amazing.  Even the kids make these fabulous performances.

The only bad thing about this is just a common writing thing where if the characters provided simple explanations, some misunderstandings would be avoided but that’s just a very, VERY minor gripe.

I get some serious Outer Limits, Twin Peaks vibes from this show and it trips my nostalgia switch being set in the early 80’s. This is yet another series where I am so glad I listened to people when they insisted I watch it. Completely worth my time and I look forward to season 2.

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atthequillsmercy

Finally Watched It: “Luke Cage” Season 1

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I finished off Jessica Jones and went right into Luke Cage. Totally worth it.

If you don’t know already, this series follows former convict, Luke Cage, trying to make a life for himself in Harlem. When gang violence takes the live of someone he loves, he puts his super-human strength and impenetrable skin to use in order to bring order to the streets.

First off? AWESOME to see so many of my fellow African Americans on screen playing major roles (as good or bad guys or the creators themselves) in a hit series. Second, I have to say how awesome to see so many powerful, competent women on screen; again, as good and bad guys! And everyone is written so well, you connect with these characters from the very start.

I was hooked from start up until the final battle when I see this:

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Sorry, I burst out laughing. And it’s NOT the character’s fault! Despite having a major case of monologuing (is this gonna be a thing now? Between Diamondback and Negan, I am SO done with talking…), there was such buildup to the final face off between Luke and Diamondback that when he shows up in that outfit my first reaction was “What the fuck is this bootleg Judge Dredd bullshit and why is there a Roomba on his back?!” Any intimidation factor was instantly lost on me and I kept giggling whenever I looked at him. Hate on me if you want, but that get up is funny as hell.

Other than that and me wanting to just glomp on to Cage all the time (who wouldn’t wanna hug that gorgeous man…), this is a fantastic show. The writing, the acting, the music; all of it well thought out, contemporary, and ingenious. Sign me up for a Luke Cage hoodie because I am pumped for season two.

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atthequillsmercy

Finally Watched It: “Jessica Jones” Season 1

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I know I said I wouldn’t do TV shows until I had more movies knocked off my very, VERY long list but since I have been threatened with various acts of violence, I made time for this show.

If you don’t know, this show is about the alcoholic super powered private investigator, Jessica Jones and her dealings with the twisted Killgrave. The first season follows her attempts to bring him down and reveals their sordid and twisted past.

I have to say with writing and story telling like this, it’s no wonder the movie industry is worried about losing money. Wickedly fun, beautifully flawed, and achingly sad all at the same time, this series impressed me nearly from start to finish. If I had any criticism, it would be that it started to be almost comical how often Killgrave would get away. Yes, I know this sort of show needs to have a villain that is there for at least one season but the plot points to keep him at large started to get a bit ridiculous. Also, the character motivations baffled me sometimes. Not to spoil too much but is it really worth freeing a murdering sociopath to solve your first-world problems? No. No, it is not.

I did LOVE how they handled how Jessica dealt with surviving abuse. I identified with a great deal of it except for the drinking. Girl, we need to get you some more fancy booze. Try Black Seal 151. More suited to killing zombies than human consumption (in my opinion) but you’re ‘gifted’ so you can take it.

Other than that, top notch! This series crosses over with Luke Cage so, I’ll be writing about that one next.

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Finally Watched It: “The Haunting” (1963)

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Dr. John Markway in an attempt to gather research on the paranormal gathers people who have claimed to have supernatural encounters to stay with him in a haunted house and document what happens. Among them are Luke; a skeptical underachiever who hopes to sell the house one day, Theodora; a clairvoyant, and Eleanore; a psychic who becomes attuned to the spirits in the house.

Now, that I’ve seen the original, I can see why the remake was a flop. This version is subtle and unnerving; relying on the slow build of the character’s backstories to prepare you for what’s to come. The people are relatable and I love how it’s shot. This is just wonderfully done.

Rather than rely on jump scares, this movie instead blurs the line between what is supernatural and what is inside Eleanore’s head. I think I prefer a horror movie leaving me unsettled and off balance rather than going out of its way to startle me. There’s also this sadness to it and expects more from the audience.

Smartly done, I’m glad I went back and watched this one!

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Finally Watched It: Salad Fingers

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I had never heard of this series before but since Film Theory is doing an analysis of it, I actually thought I would check it out. This is yet another thing that I mentioned I’d never seen or heard of that garnered a gasp of shock so, it qualifies for my Finally Watched It series.

This is freaky as hell with some very disturbing imagery. I wouldn’t let my kid see this if I had any control over it, that’s for damn sure. But, call me psycho, I found this to be supremely sad. Perhaps the Film Theory colored my perception of it but I watched the series all in one shot and it was clear to me that our main character up there has either done some really fucked up shit or has been through some really fucked up shit and he just broke. His mind is DONE. Everything in his behavior smacks of DID and PTSD. The second part of that video didn’t come out yet but I really do wonder if he’s a former soldier with severely damaged hands who was possibly a POW.

Yeah, I know. This is a messed up series and there’s something probably messed up in my head for me to jump to sadness and pity for the main character rather than abject horror. Don’t get me wrong, I was disturbed and freaked out but to me, it was so obvious that what I was seeing was inside someone’s head that all I could think of is what terror this poor man suffered to end up like this.

My guess is probably WAY off base, though.

If you are looking for some creepy old animation to watch for Halloween, this series will take up about an hour of your time. I can’t say it’s for everyone so feel free to bail out after the first part if you want. I wouldn’t blame you.

If I remember, I’ll post if I was right or not about my guess.

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Finally Watched It: Over The Garden Wall Episode 4: “Songs of the Dark Lantern”

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Wirt and Greg are extra special lost so they stop at a tavern to ask for directions. Of course the tavern is insane and asking for directions turns in to a series of off topic song and dance numbers until Wirt mentions the Beast. They warn him about the Beast but Beatrice gets into trouble with the Woodsman and the brothers mistake him for the Beast. After they rescue her, the real Beast appears to taunt the Woodsman about his daughter’s soul inside the lantern he’s carrying and decides to go after the kids.

Right now the Beast is all in shadow but he’s still not as creepy as when the Highwayman in the tavern does his little dance. The super close camera angle and overly smooth animated movements freaked me out. I do enjoy having this singular antagonist, though; and I am loving the Alice in Wonderland vibe I get from this show. It’s so creative, fun, and creepy; I am really enjoying it. Took a dark turn with the girl’s soul in a lantern, though.

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Finally Watched It: Over The Garden Wall Episode 3: “Schooltown Follies”

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Wirt, Greg, and Beatrice the bluebird continue their journey and come upon a school house run by a nice teacher with a stern father. This episode is just so batshit silly, I giggled the entire time. It’s not as dark as the previous episodes but I like how the colors keep that creepy tone instead of the episode’s content.

My only gripe is now ‘Potatoes and Molasses’ is stuck in my head…

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