New Life - Fantasia Film Festival

 

With every story about a contagious disease, there’s a survivor and a pursuer. You can expect the story to one of two ways and neither has a pretty end. New Life literally breathes fresh air into this familiar set up. With a solid cast and decent central characters, there is something intriguing and terrifying to be absorbed by. Yet, the film can’t shake off its own confinements. With such a potentially big story, the film feels contained despite there being multiple locations with both main characters on the move. 

A young woman, Jessica, escapes a mysterious facility and goes on the run. Determined to get as far away as possible from those who held her captive, she meets kind strangers who help her along the way. Meanwhile, an agent, dealing with her own issues, is assigned to bring Jessica in at all costs. But as times ticks by, the stakes of the pursuit take several dark turns with devastating consequences.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

Are You There God? It's Me, Katie

Reading this iconic book by Judy Blume felt like a right of passage. My mum had bought it for my older sister originally and by the time I was 11 or 12, it was my turn to read it. At first it felt like a forbidden ‘grown up’ book but I soon realised it was for any pre-teen, or teenager to consume. Back in those days, I liked to read often and faster than I do now. True to my own personality, once I’d read one Judy Blume book, I had to read more. Books were also a lot cheaper in the late 90s/early 00s which meant I could pick up lots of books at a time. But unfortunately, I can’t remember much about any of the Judy Blume books I read, except for the seminal, Are You There God? It’s me Margaret. 

I thought it was odd that this book, which everyone seemed to know, whether they read it or not, had never been adapted into a film or TV series. But here we are 20 years after I read the book, a film has finally been made and its feels true to the book, as far as I can remember anyway. Originally the book met with controversy because the frank discussions about menstruation and the fact that Margaret is allowed to choose her own religion, because of course that’s controversial for the 70s. Only now are these kinds of discussions becoming more frequent and normalised. Though I never understood by Margaret and her friends desperately wanted their periods. The hell storm and pain that is causes many women; you would have thought you’d want that occurrence delayed as much as possible. 

Played by Abbey Ryder Fortson in the film, Margaret is as insecure and concerned about growing up as much as possible to fit in with her new friends. She has the contained, sometimes humorous conversations with God, wanting advice and wondering what religion she should choose. Her curious nature and her parents openness, allows her to explore the possibilities. I had forgotten how much religions plays a part in the story and how this choice Margaret feels she has to make weighs on her throughout the film (and book). The film differs from the book in concentrating on Margaret’s parents and her bellowed grandmother, which I was concerned would feel forced as these actors are the ‘famous’. But the scenes and storylines with the adult characters actually made the story more grounded and felt less like a pre-teen coming of age drama. The film felt more about family with Margaret at the centre. 

 

Judy Blume herself was one of the producers on the film, which probably meant, this was the right time to adapt this story. The author even said ‘the film is better than the book!’. For anyone who hasn’t read the book, its an enjoyable story with a talented new lead. For those who grew up with the book, it’ll take you back to when you first read it.

Quiet Time

 This is probably the first time in a long time I've only written and posted less than 4 posts in a month. 

I used to make sure I write two posts a week, now that seems an insane concept to me. Partly due to time constraints because work and other commitments and partly due to lack of inspiration. This month I have been busy with day job tasks, as we get closer to Cannes, it's just become more difficult to separate from that mind set. There has also been opportunities which I have already mentioned in a previous post. This month I have written a feature but that will be in print later this month (hopefully) and I was a guest on The Matinee podcast HERE. But not much else to show for my film viewing. 

I have read quite a few scripts - but I can't discuss these. I've also watched films for work and again, I can't discuss these. It's frustrating.

I know its going to be busy over the next couple of weeks too so things won't pick up here until June, also that depends on opportunities again.

My time has been spent catching up on TV (Our Flag Means Death) and obsessing over new TV shows (Heartstopper) and getting round to Ten Percent which I am very much enjoying. A few films in between as well as watching Poirot and just taking it easy. 

Hopefully I will have more to share than this in the next month.

Success

 There have been articles, posts, comments about gate keeping and supporting others, bringing people up with you and I still see more of this ilk but there is also been a steady stream of commentators on success. I am well aware there is an argument for the natural decline of film criticism and the downfall of the ‘old white male critic’ in favour of diverse voices. 

Obviously, I still believe that film criticism is an important part of the film exhibition and distribution vein of the film industry as a whole. I also strongly believe that diverse voices are needed, as with most creative things, varied opinions spark conversation. And not the kind where people try to best each other, that should have no place in film, at any stage. The heinous issue about whether a film critic or film journalist is worth listening to is same conundrum as the writer has about whether a film is good or not, it is all based on opinion. Film criticism is not excluded from the age-old problem of ‘it’s who you know’. I’ve encountered this issue time and time again, but this has nothing to do with gate keeping but about cliques. If you are a lone wolf trying to succeed as a film critic you have to hustle in your own way but will find it much harder without a pack. I’ve seen various writers in the last few years ‘move up’ and have that ‘access’ that I’ve been striving for for years, but as I am not in the ‘right’ clique and I haven’t met anyone who genuinely wants to uplift others writers, such sharing contacts, invites etc, seeing others moving up makes me think this was all for nothing. We have moved on to the age of the ‘young male white critic’ and I have only seen a few women ‘move up’ in the film criticism sphere. Can a film critic remain at the same point and be content? Or are you only worth a damn if you are ‘successful’? I wonder what does it even mean to be considered successful. 

Having been writing for over 10 years about film, a degree I never used under my belt (also about film), in the last year I haven’t watched that new releases and having retreated back into my cine-shell watching my old favourites, the ones I gave a second chance and that never ending pit of straight to streaming platform. I think is it time to ease into what I’m used to and stop worrying whether I am successful or not. Unlike many film writers of the moment, I was constrained by needing to get a job and when I found that film criticism is what I wanted to pursue, it was already too late. I had my full-time job and writing about film on the side. Then there was the pressure to make money from your side hustles, which any writer would tell you is difficult. Not being able to have the same access as others who didn’t have to worry about their day job meant that I was cut out in favour of those who were students and had the time. Just like any uphill struggle I was faced with publications not wanting to give me an opportunity because I was still ‘new’. I am by far not unique in experiencing these problems, but it is disheartening when it keeps happening, even now. 

They say Film Twitter is poisonous and that is correct. But through the poison you find friends and fellow writers who don’t want to start an argument at the drop of a film release. I thought maybe the key to success looks like the number of followers going up steadily or maybe it is the precious blue tick but really it’s when you receive a box of gifts from a distributors on a regular basis and get to brag about because who wouldn’t? There are moments of joy that mean more privately than publicly. 

If being cut out of the running for opportunities due to my full-time job was bad, then being cut out because I live in London was even more crushing. This ‘postcode privilege’ that I kept hearing about but had never even benefitted from just made me feel like I was one of the perpetrators in stopping regional film screenings. Film screenings should be held around the country or at least screener should be sent out more willingly, regardless of postcode. I can’t help the fact I live in London. I grew up here and I like it (for the most part) here. It should not be a reason to discount someone JUST because they live in London. It’s infuriating. 

What I have learned over the last few years as to how to be successful is that I must live outside London, have the freedom to be able to go to any screening/interview/junket, automatically have the right access to films, have the right circle of film friends and if I’m being really honest, a man. 

If anyone is reading this and thinking harshly of me for saying such things, I can’t stop you. The realistic truth is not easy to swallow. I have come to terms with this reality many times. You might think I’ve done nothing to try harder, but I have, oh but I have. Emails, messages, meetings, promises made by others, I am still trying. It all comes down to who you know and unfortunately not what you know. 

Apologies for the bleakness, but it’s been a tough decade.

What is the great MCU plan?

 

What is the great MCU plan? What do they have set out for us all? 

 Having just seen Eternals recently on Disney+ because I missed it at the cinemas, my thought about the film were not what they should be. Firstly, and personally, I felt the film was too wide, it felt as if it was stepping outside the last MCU phase and was observing from afar. I know this is what the Eternals were meant to be doing but it felt that there was yet another layer being added to the heavily padded out universe. Dare I say it that Marvel Studios had bitten off far more than they can chew and spit out. Secondly, I thought the film was, on the whole quite good, Chloe Zhao has a keen eye for visuals and I very much appreciated the variety of characters. But I also felt that the Eternals never should have been included in the MCU. 

Their purpose and involvement was too vast. Having them fight Deviants (lame name but you can’t win them all) just felt and turned out to be time wasting. Adding even more characters to the already over-crowded mix is mind bending. Not to mention with the arrival of the multiverse it’s going to become a hell of a lot more confusing. Before Phase Two began, the execs were worried that Guardians of the Galaxy was going to be too weird. But as that is literally a space story with aliens, guns and an 80s soundtrack, it was going to be a sure thing. BUT Eternals isn’t. Its set on Earth with a group of humanoid beings with powers. It could either be seen as more of the same or just too beyond the scope, especially with the celestials. 

The days of having the Defenders on Netflix, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and the MCU films feels so long ago. The Agent Carter series that had such promise then buckled under in season two also, seems so long ago. We also don’t talk about Inhumans. Now that Disney has literally SO many TV shows in the works makes me wonder whether when will this all end or will it be never ending considering the amount of comic book characters out there. Personally, I didn’t watch all the shows, I haven’t even caught up with the films yet (No Way Home, also missed at the cinema). I only watch what interests me and if it has Oscar Issac in it. 

Having gone back and rewatched AOS seasons 1-5, I remembered why I stopped. It wasn’t just that I wasn’t able to find the last two seasons to watch (the UK was a year behind on TV) but I felt that something had shifted to the point I wasn’t sure if I liked how the series was going. I will finish the whole thing as I really need to know exactly what happened not just the final few minutes. Season 6 marked the point where the series wasn’t acknowledging the films, made sense but also didn’t. One of the biggest mistakes was the films not acknowledging the series. Especially as it has the greatest love story in the MCU. 

There is a part of me that wished everything had ended with Endgame just for the sake of neatness and a story coming full circle. But there’s more, there’s always more. Of course, I want Guardians of the Galaxy Vol3 and to an extent Thor: Love and Thunder, but otherwise, I’ve stopped getting excited for the next release. Shang-chi was exciting as I loved the cast and on the whole, really enjoyed the film. But every film, set on Earth, seems to just be about the be all and end all. The smaller stories are no different. With Wandavision, Wanda threatened to tear reality apart, in Loki, the Time Variance Authority and a massive clue towards the multiverse and the new ‘big bad’. Honestly didn’t bother with Hawkeye and the other show, they really didn’t interest me. Despite the backlash that the series on Netflix got, I very much enjoyed some of the shows involving the Defenders. That intimacy is what’s missing but it looks like Moon Knight might capture this again. But knowing Marvel, it will be connected to a bigger picture, maybe, Secret Invasion involving MI-13 (the British S.H.I.E.L.D). 

Unlike before, there were Avengers films to collect everyone together but for Phase 4 there is no film that will have everyone together as there is no more Iron Man or Captain America to bring everyone together. But it still feels like everyone is being pulled in together. So far characters from Phase 2 & 3 are appearing in each other’s films and TV shows. There is no, sorry to use this, endgame. God knows what Phase 5 will be or if we’ll get there. I’ll be ok with that not happening. 

One of the theories my friend and I had was that multiverse was an opportunity to bring in mutants and the X-Men, now that that film franchise is dead. But with the way things were going in Wandavision, I thought House of M might make an appearance. Bu then again, the latter mostly affected mutants. Maybe all of the above will happen but as there has been no word, Disney might try and let that superhero chain cover over in dust. 

Its strange to think that this all started in 2007 with Iron Man, I never would have guessed this growth.

Watch List 2021

 

It’s been yet another strange year, in general and for film too. Having stopped posting my monthly watch lists, which I thought weren’t needed anymore, I didn’t want to miss out on the year round up or rather what I feel are my top films from the year. Unlike like every other year, I haven’t been able to get to the cinema as much as I usually do. Even during 2020 I managed to see the ‘big’ and festival films. This year however, with a mix of virtual and in person events, I haven’t seen all I wanted. Including not making it to all the festival films I wanted. This list comprises of those that were released this year. There are a few omitted because they are released in cinemas/online next year and will most likely appear on my list in December 2022. 

Having forced to be more select, due to availability and the films being on at the cinemas near me, I saw all these films online rather than a cinema. This also meant I missed out on more of the big blockbuster films which is why they don’t appear on my list. I absolutely loved The Suicide Squad but I felt that it wasn’t as good as the other titles on the list.

This was always going to end up on my best films of the year list, although I saw this in 2020, the film was officially released in 2021. The sheer brilliance and captivating character of Cassandra and her request for revenge is poured out HERE if you care to relive this film with me. 

Another early in the year favourite that had stuck with me throughout. A horror story with a thriller twist and fascinating character at the centre of it all. I got to talk to the director Jill Gevargizian which gave me more insight into the filmmaking and creation, which is maybe why I love this film more than other female fronted films this year. Interview in full HERE as well as the review HERE. 

As a very avid fan of Tove Jansson and her Moomin books, I was of course very excited to see a film about her life. A very specific part of her life is explored in the biopic and love hate relationship with her own creations as well as her broken heart over her first love affair. The review in full can be read HERE. 

I have been meaning to write a full post dedicated to this great film but I could never quite capture the glee and joy I had watching this film about female friendships as well as teenage rebellion that didn’t feel cliché. Plus, the use of zines and riot grrrl camaraderie was always going to be a win my eyes, personally. Directed by a favourite of mine, Amy Poehler so I knew this would have an edge to the other teen dramas before and this definitely stands out in the sea of lesser than films. 

Story aside, because who can resist a film set entirely at a wake where a young woman is trying to hide several lies, she’s told to several people, plus avoiding certain people and try to find out more about the older guy they’ve been sleeping with, all in a closed environment, its brilliantly executed but truly, it’s the soundtrack that gives this film the perfect horror like atmosphere. If you want to read more, full post is HERE. 

Based on a true story recounted on Twitter, enough said. This was either going to be a hard sell or the best film adapted from said Twitter story. There’s nothing quite like it. Read more about the film HERE. 

 

With the video nasties of the 80s as a backdrop to this sinister story about a censor who believes her long lost sister is in of these horror films, reality is blurred with hallucinations and dreams. It was great to be back in the cinema for a special event after such long time. The entire post can be read HERE. 

Having no clue what this film was about except that I had been very excited to watch it, this slow twist thriller was one that exceeding my expectations. My spoiler free as possible post is HERE. 

Like most films this was pushed back and there was a worry we wouldn’t even get this in the cinemas. A science fiction saga spectacle deserves space, especially such a story as this. Although the books by Frank Herbert have been adapted before, they hadn’t had the Denis Villeneuve treatment and going by his previous sci-fi films this was the right director to bring this story of spice, warmongering houses and chosen ones to the life. It was exciting to see such an epic back on the big screen again, perfectly timed it turned out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring, the film that brought back the epic and changed the landscape of cinema. Dune feels like its going to be the start of something spectacular. 

 

I feel like I’ve been writing about this film for months (I actually have). The film that shook Cannes, the film that will shock you and all that PR jazz, this film is fantastic, do believe the hype. Read more about it HERE.

If anyone is interested, I have zines for PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, THE BETA TEST and TITANE - message me on Twitter or Instagram (@shelikesmovies_)

Gate Keeping

There is a trend out there in every corner of any industry of any sector to help out friends and family. When this familiarity stretches to friends of friends and friends of those friends, our networks become bigger. But when someone who isn’t in our inner circles or knows someone in those inner circles approaches us, we immediately clam up and don’t want to network. The arts and media are well known for only hiring and working with people who they know and the creative industries function on ‘it’s who you know’. No matter how many schemes pop up in places to combat this insidious way of working, this is STILL the ‘way things work’. As many people know film is notorious for this trait. As much as it is said that the best person for the job gets the job, we all know that’s not true. This isn’t just the case for production. It is in every single corner of film. And I mean, every corner, including exhibition, distribution and criticism.

 

Opportunities outside of the inner circles are rare and the opportunities that are available are picked out for the lucky few that make it through the doors. Circles in every corner of the film industry pop up or you can see these cliques forming right before your eyes. This happens with criticism and programming. The same things are said; we need to be more diverse; we need to include new people; we need to talk about varied films etc. But nothing really changes. With PR companies gate keeping opportunities from those would-be critics, you end up with the same voices. Its all too often that I see writers scrounging for contacts to get screeners so they can write about films. If they’re lucky, they’ll know someone who knows someone, but that’s where the sharing ends. Websites, publications, festivals will only accept you if you have X many readers, X many followers and so on. It turns into a loop like the job search. You need experience to get a job but if no one will give you a job how will you get experience. It’s not enough to say, that’s how it is, unfair. Anyone in a position to help others should try and change this poisonous circle. It happens in exhibition as well.

 

I took part in a workshop last year with two friends during lockdown. We had met on a course a few years before and had wanted to start our own film collective. But, due to the very closed off nature of film, we couldn’t break through the wall, despite our hard work and effort. This workshop which we applied to was hopefully going to be our stepping stone. But once again, we were outsiders. While others were congratulated for their ideas, even though some weren’t strong, we were supportive. But our idea, was picked apart, stamped on, no kind words of encouragement. Fair enough we thought, we can work on this to improve it. But the plain fact was that we weren’t ever going to be selected for the final round. The gate keepers, the organisers, were looking for something very particular and our idea wasn’t it. We basically didn’t tick enough boxes for them. I know this because I’ve also worked in a place where they did the same thing. I called them out on it at the time but to no vail. At first when we weren’t selected at the workshop, I thought, that was just our luck but when the people who were picked were revealed, it made more sense. It’s difficult to convey exactly what happened and how the organisers behaved through this post. You might just think this sounds bitter but having seen this behaviour so many times at different jobs, course, events, you can see what’s really happening.

 

We are told that we shouldn’t be bitter towards those who have succeeded where we have not. We are told that our own time will come. We are told that we should celebrate those who are succeeding and cheer them on. But those are succeeding are never asked to uplift someone else. Perhaps someone who has been struggling for a long while. No, we are told we mustn’t bother them just congratulate them. If you feel angry, you can be angry. These condescending comments filtered through social platforms and random articles across the internet are the real problem not you feeling angry that you haven’t excelled the way you wanted to and for worked for. There is no need to be jealous of others but you have every right to be fed up.

There Is No Guilt If It Comforts You

During the multiple lockdowns we've all experienced, there has been a lot said about the comfort films and TV shows, as well as stories that will uplift, entertain, bring joy while we're all stuck at home. Now that cinemas are open in the UK we can once again indulge ourselves and enjoy films on the big screen. Having missed the cinemas for month, like a lot of film fans, I can now sit in the dark with a few strangers sitting far away from me. It’s been noted that audiences are getting fed up with streaming things, I am for sure tired of wanting to watch a film, only to find that I have to pay as much as the cinema. I'd rather wait. But I know not everyone is ready to venture out to cinemas yet. I also understand that. especially those who work in the film industry that there is film fatigue and the want and need to just watch something light or basic instead of the latest blockbusters and art house offerings. 

This made me think of the films that I reached for during the lockdowns. I wanted new films of course, I still like to keep up to date but I also started watching favourite shows on a loop. Once I finished one, I'd start another, then loop back to that first show again. I also revisited old favourites that I don't tend to repeat watch. This is what kept me going, in one way. We all find comfort in certain things, some call them guilty pleasures, but one person's guilty pleasure is another's favourite film of all time. One person's top ten films are another's worst films they've ever seen. When it comes to what comforts us, I revert back to something I know will stimulate me and help me relax, murder mysteries and crime shows. I was feeling very on edge recently, riding the high anxiety train and I automatically put on Miss Marple. Immediately calmed down and absorbed myself into the world of Agatha Christie. While many places were dishing out listicles of the best 'comfort shows/films' these will not translate to everyone. We all have our different vices and its best to lean into them. No calling them guilty pleasures, no need to feel guilty at all, we all like what we like. 

There is a strange acceptance for those who like film that they must consume all film all the time. As much as I love films, I don't always feel the need to explore every single corner of the filmscape all the time. Some days I just want to watch a murder mystery show and be left to enjoy it with coffee and biscuits. Other days I'm craving something new I've never seen before. Then there are days where I will watch something a friend has suggested. The pressure is high, especially, I feel if you write and work in film. There is no need to be on the ball every single hour of the day. Taking a break to recharge from the medium you subscribe to the most is a much-needed thing.

Moving Forward

 I changed the name now I'm changing the location.

Some years back, my blog used to be called something else. I decided I needed to rebrand and be more concise. That other blog is actually still active somewhere on the web or when a link goes wrong. Now, I'm finally moving myself to another site. Its been a long time coming but it was needed. Buying the domain and everything.

I'm in the process of migrating over all my older posts as even though some of the things I used to write about wasn't all about film, I think its important to see where you've come from and the progress you've made along the way. But posts such as the Lemon Torte reworking of Last Resort may be a gem for the blog but might not be the next site. Going through and reading what I used to write about goes from bizarre to insightful at each post. I really have come along way from 2011 when I used to include poetry, events, my day to day, documenting my dissertation and making my final year film and even a story series. I also used to write far more shorter posts, like this one. I miss this short form blogging as it feels more personal. There seems to be a hell of a lot of pressure to create something that looks 'professional' and less like a blog. In fact, a blog is seen as something beneath the world of writers, critics and creators. But blogs are where so many people started off, they need more credit. 

I won't be deleting my blog, it will still be available to those who read it and who wish to see what I used to write about. Watch this space for more information and for when the BIG move will happen.

UK Criterion Collection 5th Anniversary

 

Today marks the 5^th anniversary of the Criterion Collection releases in the UK. Usually, I wouldn’t make such a fanfare about something like this BUT as an avid collector I think it needs celebrating.

 

The collection landed in the UK with only a few choice titles, the cult documentary Grey Gardens, the award-winning It Happened One Night, Only Angels Have Wings, silent slapstick Speedy, and Tootsie. I immediately bought It Happened One Night as this is a favourite of mine. I already a couple of editions from the US but now I could just collect without the worry of shipping fees!

 

With releases each month, including the very fancy boxsets for Godzilla: The Showa-Era films as well as beautifully crafted editions such as The Grand Budapest Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom that came with extras that any collector would be very pleased with, the collection now has over 150 titles available in the UK.

 

Personally I’m looking forward to completing my Wes Anderson collection but I am looking forward to some Coen brothers films being released but until then Happy Birthday UK Criterion!

#Criterion5thBirthday

The Collection

 

The Criterion Collection has long been an infamous and desirable collection that all film collectors have coveted. Having only been available in North American and the corners of the internet that make these editions with the grasp of a collector. As the Criterion collection is forever growing, with some titles being unavailable and out of print, it seems at times, an impossible achievement to collect them all or even the titles that you want the most. For some reason, I thought back to my childhood when, like many Millennials who actually admit it, I collected Beanie Babies. I believe it started when I was 8 or 9 and I was given one for my birthday. I wasn’t an avid toy collector at the time, I like my pens, books, child size post offices so when this little dog landed in my lap I was confused. But it didn’t stop there. As well as this dog, Wrinkles, I was gifted a cat (forgotten the name) and a leopard, Freckles. With these three in my hands, something clicked. I could collect more! 

 

In just a few weeks, I had Ringo the raccoon, Pouch the kangaroo and Nuts the squirrel. These were my first 6 Beanie Babies. Over the years I had in my collection 67, which may not seem like that many considering how many other people had at the time of the Beanie Babies boom. My friend and I were competing over who had the bigger collection, she definitely won by a mile because she used to buy a handful at a time it seemed and her Grandad doted on her so bought her as many as she liked. I was a modest collector to be honest, where I went far but not too far. I did of course buy a couple of editions of the magazine and I did collect the cards too (still have those) and my dad did take me to a Beanie Babies fair once. I was so happy with my three purchases as well as some cards and tag protectors and then I saw my friend role up and point to the bags full of swag in the back of the car. That’s when I thought, maybe there is such a thing as too much. I was still very happy with the three I had bought. Fast forward to today and the Beanie Babies that remain are boxed away in my parent’s attic, waiting for the day they will be worth something. A few have disappeared or given away over the years and I still have my favourite one with me (Waddle the penguin) along with the card collection. I still hope they can be sold but until TY stops making them, they’ll remain in the attic. The way this collection ended is how I worry about my other collections I have started over the years will go. Despite not collecting soft toys at a child, at least not that many, I still had a large Sylvanian Family collection, boxed up in my parents shed and a Polly Pocket collection, solely from the 90s era, safely stowed away in a box in my old bedroom. My extensive card collection which included many Beanie Babies cards, a handful of Pokemon cards I found in a car park, the PG Tips cards my Nana used to save for me and a loud of The Two Towers stickers which must be saved at all costs, the whole lot is with me right now. Why? Because I just can’t bear to part with them. This is the case with all the other collections. I realise I have a habit, may it be good or bad, of starting collections. My mug collection had got me into many a massive argument with my parents when I Iived at home and has since been thinned out, taking only the precious few with me to my flat. My postcard collection, which I still have, has not been added to in a long while because I have actively stopped myself in obtaining any more. My tarot deck collection has grown to the point where I sold off a few and stopped buying so many. Even books I have slowed down in the last year as I know I have too many. I don’t buy physical CDs anymore, haven’t for years, plus they are outdated now. I own a handful of vinyls and that’s all I want. I don’t need a big collection of those. I stopped buying so many Funko Pops because I could see the trap I was falling into. Sold off some of those too. But when it comes to film, I will never stop collecting DVDs and Blu-rays. 

The reason why people collect is something ingrained in them when they are young. We desire something and we must have it. Collecting is essentially desiring something, which is a strange way to put it but absolutely true. Collecting has been described as an addiction and I very well believe that is the case. Just like caffeine is addictive. An acceptable vice in society. As obvious as the negative side to collecting is, the positives outweigh the negative. There is community, there are way to meet people with similar interests (not talking about Beanie Babies now) and of course the personal feeling of accomplishment and the inevitable joy of adding something new to the collection.

 

I worry that all the other collections I have will end up in the attic of my parents’ house but never my film collection. So many people, growing up, thought that my film collection was ridiculous, they didn’t see the point and thought it was unnecessary. But I would see their shoe collection, their music collection, jewellery, figurines, make up etc and think, why is your collection justified but my film collection isn’t? We all have our vices and mine just happens to be films. Sometimes I do think back to when I would open my cupboard at there the Beanie Babies would be. I knew the TY craze wouldn’t last and as I entered Year 6 (11 years old) I drifted away from them. I moved onto other things, it just happened. I stopped thinking about where I could get my next Beanie Babies fix. Whenever they come up I conversation, my dad liked to remind me when he was on a work trip in the US, how he was running around crazy looking for Beanie Babies, but I think he secretly enjoyed the hunt. My parents collect too. Not the same things as me, but they do like to collect. They judge me for my collections (particularly films and Tarot) because they know what I’m like. I like to collect. People collect what they like to collect and I see no harm in that.

 

Coming back to the Criterion Collection, of which I have a collection within the bigger film collection, I’m happy to continue on picking up titles I’ve been waiting for in the UK as well as looking longingly at those still not available yet.

 

10 Years of She Likes Movies

On March 11^th 2011 I started a blog. I started it initially to chronicle the making of my final year film, Space Detective and then my dissertation on violence and its meaning in the Coen Brothers’ films. One of my favourite post titles, Operation Dissertation Hibernation, which was very accurate. I kept in my room writing, editing and then printing for 3 days, making an extra-large thermos of hot water so that I could make multiple cups of tea without going to the kitchen. Back then, I was still able to drink black tea. I would switch to green tea in the evenings and during the night if I decided to write later. On the fourth day I went and printed extra copies at the University (as far as I can remember) and then submitted it. It was an intense few day but the dissertation was complete. My film was complete. University was almost over. Little did I know that my blog would my constant companion, source and outlet for my writing and ultimately my gateway to other ventures. 

 

The original name for my blog was an inside joke between me and a friend and I had no intention of taking my blog any further than just writing a few silly stories, anecdotes and sharing my thoughts on films. Ever So Ethnically Confused was a place for fiction, film and reality (oh my). Through the blog and the blogging community I met other film bloggers, writers and critics. I was part of the female geek bloggers, taking part in Fandom Fridays. I was part of the Thursday Movie Picks group for a time, but couldn’t keep up with commenting and reading, there were a lot of us. I drifted away from the more fun side of blogging and tried to become more focused on writing about film. Stream lining to reviews, feature length (sometimes) posts and listicles of my own. I created my Afternoon Movie reoccurring posts as well as the VS posts and finally moved towards film festivals. But by 2016 I decided that I needed a name change and a slight redesign. I was now writing regularly for Vulturehound and an active member of the Park Circus Ambassadors Network, attending events and screenings so I needed to streamline my writing even more. She Likes Movies was my new identity. 

 

Since 2016, my blog and hopefully my writing has improved. I’ve written for more places, I’ve gained accreditation at festivals and I’ve covered countless films, either for myself and blog or other outlets, mainly Filmhounds (used to be Vulturehound). I’ve also expanded my knowledge, attending a film critics workshop, a film programmers’ course, going to more film festivals, big and small and stretching outside my comfort zone covering films in genres I wouldn’t have touched 6 years ago. I’ve also collaborated on a few pieces, done a few interviews and introduced a few films at special screenings, a particular highlight was getting to introduce The Big Lebowski at Cinema Rediscovered. On top of all this, I’ve also got to create my own zines! 

 

I said I was planning something special, ideally it would have been a screening or at least I would have tried to make than happen if it hadn’t been for the pandemic. So, instead, I created a book to commemorate 10 years of writing on my blog, 10 years of She Likes Movies.

 

 

This blog has been a big part of my writing journey, as cliché as it sounds, this blog is what got me love film again and find a pathway into what I really want to create. Although I set out to become a filmmaker back in 2011, I can return to the craft one day but at heart, I’ll always be a film critic and this blog is part of it. It’s been 10 years so here’s to the next decade of film!

 

The Greenhouse - BFI Flare

 

Grief is a difficult thing. Everyone grieves in their own way that others may not understand and interpret in other ways. The Greenhouse is a physical manifestation of one family’s journey through the past and present, centred around the death of a parent. 

 

On the weekend of her mother’s birthday, her siblings are coming back home, where Beth has never left. Still grieving for her other mother who died, Beth feels stuck where she is. But one day she enters the greenhouse which sends her back in time where she can watch moments in hers and her family’s life and she gets to see her mum again. But as she spends more time in the greenhouse avoiding her present, fractures and old arguments start to break through. 

 

The family dynamic is clearly set up within the first few minutes of The Greenhouse, giving us a great insight to how this family lives. With mums Lillian and Ruth at the head of the family, Beth and her other adopted siblings; Raf, Doonie and Drew seemed to have a rather harmonious life together. But outside their home there were issues faced. Things seems to have fallen apart after the death of Lillian yet Beth still can’t leave her childhood home or her mum Ruth. As the child left behind it feels as if the other siblings resent her for staying yet don’t feel guilty for going, leaving Beth stuck in limbo. The Greenhouse itself feels like a gateway, a limbo like area that joins the past and the present but it’s unclear how long this gateway has been there. There is a possibility it was created after Lillian’s death as Ruth is fully aware of its power yet didn’t share the discovery with Beth. Once the other siblings enter the greenhouse, they too see visions of the past, which Beth tries to prevent, not wanting them to see certain moments. This only ramps up the tension between the siblings. Not respecting how their sister grieves is one aspect of the story but this angst that has built up comes to a head, giving them all space to say exactly how they feel.

 

Another part of the story is how Beth and her best friend Lauren fall in love as teenagers but as young adults Beth is unwilling to go any further. She is unable to leave town with Lauren, therefore prolonging her own happiness and denying her own feelings for the sake of her two mums. This sacrifice is used against her by her angrier siblings to call her out for not being her true self, causing even more pain for Beth. The love story element does muddy the main story about the family slightly but it is necessary so we can see Beth as more than just the one who stayed behind.

 

Blending family grief with a science fiction twist in the form of time travel makes for a sombre watch at times, given the subject matter, but it is beautifully shot and the family members are well rounded characters are believable that they are an actual family.

Sell! Sell! Sell!

 

While we're all-in lockdown, some of us furloughed and with little to do that consume copious amounts of film and TV (nothing wrong with that) there seems to be a trend going round and this is completely understandable, but we've either got rid of a lot of things or bought a whole load more of new things. Of course, I'm specifically talking about film/TV collections.

Many of us are spring cleaning and we have been since last year, wanting to get rid of the clutter around the home that we've had to stare at for months on end. Charity shops have been inundated with donations even though they've been saying 'please stop' as they cannot go through the mountains of things left outside in the British weather. So, there must be other creative ways for us to get rid of things. Although I should add, if you're happy to donate to charity and wait until these shops are open again, that's more than fair enough. Personally, I do donate but right now, I just want to clear out. 

I've noticed an increase in adverts appearing on my screens for MusicMagpie and that damned Vinted app that I know will be of no use to me. Saying it’s the best place to make a few quid is actually accurate, you can literally make about £2 for a box full of stuff. For the other car boot sale type apps, I've tried over the years, none have been good experiences. With people haggling for ridiculous prices, some being outright rude and others wanting a refund 6 months after buying the thing from me. I've learnt over the years that Gumtree is great for furniture, Depop was good for shoes and random t-shirts, eBay worked for Tarot decks and Amazon was ok for DVDs, Blu rays and books, over time and for clothes, I should either throw them in the bin or give them to charity.

For those who are keen to get rid of their unwanted books, DVDs, Blu rays any CDs lurking around, charity shops are the best place, when they are open of course. It’s less hassle and you can literally say goodbye to everything in one go. I did look around for charities looking for entertainment such as hospitals, but understandably, they only wanted uplifting films which I wasn’t really getting rid of. Same for sending to the soldiers. Most of the places I did find wanting donations for the latter were all in the US so that wasn’t practical. If you know of any charities accepting donations via post (when volunteers can resume) do let me know. With car boots being a thing of the recent past, who knows they may spring up again in June, but for now, car boot type apps might be something you find works for you. Personally, books, DVDs, Blu rays, CDs, don’t sell at all on these apps.

If like me, you’re happy to make a little bit of money, if any, I would say you might have to surrender to MusicMagpie or CEX. Both have easy enough ways to send the items off BUT bear in mind that both places have changed their minds about orders and I’ve received less money than agreed. CEX is the worst for this as the difference was quite a bit so I’ve never sold things to them again. In store is longer but you can trust how much you get. MusicMagpie is only slightly better. They offer less than 10% of what they resell for which is pretty damn bad but every now and then, there’s an item that’s worth much more than the rest so makes up for it. They say they offer a courier BUT again, don’t trust this. Just box up the goods yourself and take it to the local parcel shop.

For books, I’ve recently discovered Ziffit and sent off a box. Better prices than MusicMagpie but like them, they don’t take everything.

If you’re playing the long game, Amazon, even with its fees, is probably the best bet. Over the years, I’ve sold bits here and there, sometimes for a hell of a lot more than I expected. If you’re happy and willing to put up with listings for a long time and don’t mind making random trips to the post office, this is the way to go. Plus, Amazon only charges a fee WHEN you’ve sold something and its automatically sorted out. The cheaper items might mean you don’t make much but if you have an assortment of things varying in prices it works out.

Finally, there’s eBay. I would suggest eBay if you have rare or unusual items or films from outside your country’s region. These again, might take a while to sell but you get more money than on Amazon, at least that’s what I’ve found. Books do not tend to sell on eBay unless they are rare, of a certain genre and they are dirt cheap, keep that in mind.

So, in summary:

Books – Ziffit app

Rare/Special Edition DVD/Blu ray – eBay

DVD/Blu ray/Books – Amazon, for the long game

CD/DVD/Blu ray/Books – MusicMagpie IF you just want to get rid of things and make a little bit of money

If you can recommend of anywhere else to sell things or where you’ve had success, please do let me know.

Happy selling and spring cleaning everyone!

 

 

 

Neo Noir: Marnie

 

SNAPSHOT POST

Hitchcock's suspenseful sex thriller, as the poster for the film calls it, is borderline insane as its premise is ridiculous, on paper. On screen however, Tippi's Marnie is both a cold hearted thief and vulnerable woman suppressing childhood trauma that rears its head at the most difficult of times. On the surface the cruelty Marnie suffers is a punishment for crimes but really this is a exploration into her mind. Not as deep a dive as it could go but still a worthy Hitchcock classic that is mostly pushed aside in flavour of his other films. The double side to this film is connected to Tippi Hedren herself who only did the film because she contracted to due to the abuse she received from Hitchcock. This could be the real breakdown we witness from that stress. But that might reading too far into it.

 

For more #noirvember & #NeoNoir follow @little_sister_filmnoir

 

Handsome. Clever. Rich.

What is it about Emma Woodhouse that has everyone captivated? As the most adapted Jane Austen, she not only stands out from the other heroines for being the most unlikeable, but she is also the only protagonist to boast her own fortune and be from the ‘wealthier’ set. Of all the images of Emma we’ve seen, whether it is a modern day adaption set in Beverly Hills, multiple TV series in the Regency period, a web series where she is a life coach or even in present day Dehli, Emma is always the same captivating, cunning, interfering, somewhat elitist centre of the universe of whatever world she finds herself in.

You can read my full review over at Vulturehound HERE.

Comfort Zone

Everyone has their own comfort zone and what their go to films, TV, books and music are. But my comfort zone has stretched no farther than what I watched last month. I'm sure there are a billion other posts are there like this one, but this one is mine.

I'm admiring all the other bloggers and film writers out there who are continuously writing. Those who are able to get past any personal issues that may get in the way of their writing. Anyone who can carry on despite there being less 'new' content to talk about. I not only admire and commend you all but I envy that ability. I haven't been consistant with my writing since January (moving house stress, starting new job stress, having guy problems, feeling demotivated then lockdown happening) and I've tried a few times to get back on the writing horse but haven't been very successful. I have been working on other side projects (latest zine - coming soon) and other interests (tarot readings - if intrigued ask me) but my love of film has been diluted of late and this isn't because of all the pre lockdown things, its literally been because of lockdown. I know I'm not the only one out there feeling like this and there really isnt a magic cure for this very odd variation of writer's block. So instead I've retreated into my comfort zone of rewatching films that I find an easy watch or could have on in the background and TV shows that make me laugh no matter how many times I watch them.

To try and get me out of this comfort zone, I have watched a few films I haven't seen before whether I wanted to (hopefully my Charlie's Angels review will be up soon, either here or on Vulturehound) or because I'm watching it with my friends (my uni friends are still having our film nights/days over zoom) or because I was so intrigued I made myself watch it (The Platform on Netflix, its horrible but very good) and finally I made a pile of all the films I own that I haven't watched yet BUT that pile was then tidied away when I reshelved my collection. Instead of watching all the films I wanted but didn't have time before I have rewatched 'Ready Player One' and 'Oceans 8' many many times as they are both easy watches.

But the real comfort has been TV. In between watching 'Tiger King' over a few days and managing to cram in 'The Pale Horse' and wait impatiently for the next Mandalorian episode, I've rewatched 'Brooklyn Nine Nine from seasons 3-6 twice. I have also rewatched Schitts Creek seasons 3-5 twice, not including when I watch the entire show the first two weeks of March before lockdown. These two shows have taken the place of my favourite go to comfort show, 'Parks & Rec' which I regularly from seasons 2-7 (first season isn't great). I have watched the latest season of 'Kim's Convenience' in the middle of all this but otherwise its been title of your sex tape jokes and enjoying David's quips and outfits.

The need for comfort TV or films is having something familiar and reliable, you know how it ends and you know what to expect which is what I've needed in these very uncertain and terrible times. My attention is also not fully needed as, again, I know what happens. BUT I have avoided my Lord of the Rings marathon, even though these are my favourite films and this is the perfect opportunity to rewatch them. But I have avoided the films and others as they deserve my respect and full attention. It may seem an odd way to look at it but that's just how I'm feeling right now.

I actually had several posts planned out, which I wrote out last month, here's hoping that my motivation returns and I can steer myself out if this block as no matter how many crumpets and gin I consume, its not changing my state of mind. Hope you're all doing better than me out there!

Closing the Door

With the BAFTAs on Sunday, you'd think this was about the closing of the door on that subject but luckily it isn't. I won't be flogging that dead horse (expression not real actions). Instead I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent turmoil surrounding HMV. 

It feels not too long ago I was writing a similar post about HMV possibly closing its' doors when it went into administration. A drastic measure where they shut down their online store, dramatically scaled their rewards and points system, Pure HMV and closed many of their stores. This was back in 2013 which feels not too long ago in retail years for this to happen again to the historical store. With 27 more stores closing around the UK, this means more jobs lost and less opportunities for film and music fans to find what they're looking for. They say its connected to people buyng more things online and streaming services but it seems that its always the internet that is to blame.

I've found over the years shuffling through shelves of chain shops, mega and tiny as well as the odd indie shops, that prices are very similar to those online, unless its preowned or on sale. Exchange shops such as CEX have been useful but not so generous when you sell your goods to them. Of course I know they're there to make a profit BUT I swear 90% of their exchange rates only offer 5% of what they'll sell the goods on for. CEX operates in stores and online and there seems to one from every corner, online only places like Music Magpie offer similar terrible exchange rates and rely on people getting rid of a bulk of films, CDs, electronics and books because they just want to get rid of them. I've done this a few times and been disappointed with the money returned, but as the alternative for much of the stuff is donating to charity shops, its always been worth getting that little bit of extra cash, hard times.

BUT I do still buy physical films, less DVDs and more Blu-rays. I have stopped buying as CDs as I'm not intuned with the music scene. I go by songs and artists I've loved for year and will download or dare I say it listen to on Amazon Music. I have always championed the physical copies of films, whether its an obscure film that never came out in the UK or a very special edition of that film I loved when I was a kid. But now I collect for the practical reason; you don't own digital copies. People who have tried converting their film collection to digital have been surprised to see some films they bought disappear from the digital stratosphere. As an avid collector, I'd rather horde of films than risk them being deleted at any time.

There was/is one place I used to visit every week, sometimes even twice, to get my film buying fix, Fopp in Covent Garden. Just after Christmas I was devastated to see that the shop hadn't had any new stock since before Christmas. Throughout January there was only old films, old sales to stare at. I was overjoyed, as were many loyal customers, to find out that Fopp Covent Garden had made the cut. So even though the historical site of HMV on Oxford Street will close its doors, at least my favourite shop lives on. I feel for the loyal Fopp fans that have lost their local store. To find out that Bristol and Edinburgh  had stores when I visited was amazing but alas they will both be closing.

Even HMV has been mostly 'saved', I know the new owners are trying to save more shops from being closed. I hope they do but I can't help but think, will we be here again in another 6 years?

If you're a Londoner and love films, please do go to the Fopp in Covent Garden, lets keep this one going so we can avoid the bloated Amazon zeppelin.