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kman1902 · 6 years

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Bits and things about movies and TV shows in 2018

It is a rather similar post to what I have done back in 2016, and I thought it would be a great way how to re-start /for at least a fifth time/ to write and share some stories of life, movies and some other things as well. Movies and TV series have always been something that I enjoy watching. I love it for many reasons, starting with the fact that you can see a form of art displayed on the screen. Imagine how many people it took to put the whole thing together. Actors, directors, designers (costume and set), producers, editors, sound engineers and way more. Movies and TV shows in a way also provide a great escape for those who need it. You can let your imagination flow with the movie and explore something above your own life. Movies and TV shows can also change our perception of life. I am not saying it alters your life completely, but I do believe that a great idea caught in a movie can be taken home with you and it shifts your understanding at least a little bit.

This is not a list of the TOP 10 movies, created by the academy or a scientifically proven list, this is just me as a friend and a lover of the arts sharing my own favourite movies and TV shows of 2018. A fair warning ahead, these are not just movies and TV shows released in 2018, but I have included older ones, which I have seen and enjoyed in the past year. I have been nice and I linked all the titles with the IMDb pages as well. /Enough blah, blah and lets start!/

The Voices (2014) - /Told you that I ain't sharing just 2018 love affairs/ This one definitely has flown under the radar by many. Ryan Reynolds is in it, so do you need any other reason, why not to watch it? It is a very psychedelic thriller comedy. It definitely made me a bit sad the next day /and slightly relieved/ that I can not understand what my animals are trying to say.

Black Panther (2018) - Of course this is on my list, not just because I am a huge fan of the Marvel cinematic universe, but also because this raised a new bar for superhero story telling. I know that a lot of people did not like the movie, it was not their taste. That is totally fine, cause we are so different, with so many opinions. But for me the movie felt great because it was engaging both on the action, I loved the story how Black Panther came to be and it was filled with color. Also in my opinion the African style was very nicely added within the clothes and each tribes specific culture. Additional reason why it is one of my 2018 favourites is also due to what it did on a social level. If you have no idea, what I am talking about, check this article. Wakanda forever!

The Office (2005–2013) - As I had no job for a month and a half, between writing job applications and sleeping /officially we stick with this story/, this was what I devoted my whole attention to. For sure this is not everyones cup of tea, but as a person who quit working in a big corporation I could relate to a lot of things within the show. Also I started daydreaming of having a similar love story as Jim Halpert and Pam, but more in reality I was driving towards being Stanley or even Creed. Not sure what I am talking about, again? Just check out the show. The jokes are still very relevant and the corporate environment is still the same.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - /Give them all the Oscars/ A second of many entries from the Marvel universe. Not everyone likes superhero movies, but for those who do, I think this one is one of the top ones. The sheer pressure throughout the movie and the rather dark ending of it brought many people to shed a tear. /Me included/ What in general I love about superhero movies lately is the fact, that it is not all fun and games, and being the best. It is portrayed as a challenge that actually in the end destroys you. Speaking in philosophical terms, it is the same as being nice and open to everyone in these days. Sooner or later you will burn out for the sake of others. Back to the movie, it is also amazing that they managed to connect so many characters together and bring a good story with them all. Marvel has definitely worked this out, and the result of Captain America: Civil War already showed it.

Lady Bird (2017) - Yes, standing next to superheroes there is also this film. The simple question - do you remember how you felt when you were seventeen? When I look back at things now, sometimes I would give everything to be seventeen again. Take away the responsibilities and everything, but then I also remember that even back then the world felt a bit too big to handle. Most of us have managed to step away from the idea that we need to please everyone, but still we do like the idea that people like us. Remember how it was back then?

The End of the F***ing World - There are many opinions about this TV show, from people saying that it is awesome, to people saying that they don't get why others waste time on it. I loved it. It is best if you check out the trailer and give it a try. Maybe it connects to people on a personal level and it drives them to watch it, maybe that is also the reason for such divided opinions.

The Magicians - I have not seen Harry Potter /for shame... I know... how can I even exist/ but I think this would be something a HP fan would love as well as anyone else. The premise is simple - what would you do if you would find out that magic is real? I watched the first season with a buddy in 2017 and then I binged watched the second and third once I moved back home. It is a crazy story that can also drive the question in your mind - what would do if you would find out magic exists? Watch the first trailer here and do the goddamn magic! P.S. Hurry up season 4 is just around the corner.

The Orville - I owe a lot to my buddy Marian for sharing this with me. This show definitely receives a gold medal from my side. It is funny, engaging and it talks about so many social questions and issues all at once. In our society I would expect we would be more advance and wiser, but there are still so many instances of racism and homophobia around us. This show tackles these serious notions and others perfectly. Of course in reality most probably if we would meet alien species at first it would be bombarding them and asking questions later, but just think how our belief and general acceptance would change if we would live and work side by side with aliens from many different planets. There is more to life than just black and white, and it is my belief that we should be advancing to a more open, understanding and diverse society. Second season is out now and so far it is as amazing as the first one.

Papillon (2017) - The story plot I think is not heard for the first time. A wrongly accused man gets imprisoned and forms a friendship with someone. But the story develops and takes you along with it. The sad reality is that quite a lot of people have faced it back in the day and in some countries they face it still.

A Prayer Before Dawn (2017) - The plot of the movie is based on a real life story of an English fighter who is imprisoned in Thailand. It is not an easy afternoon movie to watch, it is actually rather hard to digest, because of the simple notion that it is true. I can only be surprised how in reality the main character has survived it all and how he now works with prisoners and tries to help them.

Origin - This was such a damn surprise. Started it at the end of the year and binged watched it until the end, after coming back home from a New Years party on the 1st of January. It is a thriller horror mashup. The idea of moving away from direct jump scare and gory horror is something that I love, and this show delivered on it. Being a suspense play between hunting an alien on a spaceship, surviving and dealing with their own pasts, the survivors on the ship portray brilliantly how people in stressful situations change. The horror genre is not for everyone, but seeing that this is not the standard horror flick with gore added, I can only recommend it.

A Quiet Place (2018) - I started 2019 by really jumping into scary (or I would much rather call them thriller) movies. In a way, I blame Origin for that, because it filled me with adrenaline and I needed more suspense, and boy o boy, did A Quiet Place deliver on it. John Krasinski has directed a great movie, playing in it with sounds and sign language, adding suspense as the movie develops. It is called one of the best movies of 2018 and there is a good reason for that. I did not like the ending of the movie, but that is something you can check out and share your opinion about.

Aquaman (2018) - Yes, I am ending the list with a superhero movie. I just will come out and say it - I loved Aquaman! I am still so hyped about it, that I am even going to take my sisters kids to see it. The DC universe has been in the shadows ever since Batman v Superman (I am on of the few people who loved it), better let's stay away from Suicide Squad because it was a pure disappointment. Justice League was ok, but in all honesty I forgot I have seen it. But Aquaman... oh Jason Momoa, hats off for bringing the character that has been a bit of a joke between the comic fans on the first spot. The visual effects, the action, the story. It was all really well combined. I do hope that Warner Brothers and DC take this into account and they maybe find their vibe in creating good movies. I still don't get it, why did they get so afraid when people said that Batman v Superman was so dark.

Honorable mentions:

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) - Perfectly stands next to Avengers: Infinity War and tries not to compete with it.

Venom (2018) - Not sure why people did not like this one.

Deadpool 2 (2018) - It is Deadpool... how can you not love Deadpool?

The Terror (2018) - Literally a chilling TV show thriller.

Bird Box (2018) - The hype is very real and deserved.

Outlaw King (2018) - Netflix definitely has the power to create great movies (most of the time)

Darkest Hour (2018) - As it turns out Mr. Churchill in real life was not such a nice guy, but Gary Oldmans performance of the character was amazing.

Altered Carbon (2018) - I like Sci-Fi and in particular I liked Blade Runner 2049, and this gave me a similar feeling to it.

Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017) - I did not know Vince Vaughn could play such a strong and steady character. This movie reminded me Shot Caller which in a similar way undeservedly flew by people.

I did not get it:

The Predator (2018) - They had such an amazing material (first two movies in particular) to work with, but they created such a dud.

Bright (2017) - I miss the days when Will Smith was in good movies.

Skyscraper (2018) - I know that The Rock can do way better movies. Just look at The Rundown (2003).

Daddys Home 2 (2017), Tag (2018) and Night School (2018) - Comedy movies in general are facing a hard time, it could be because most of the jokes have already been said and also because it is hard to connect with a slightly older audience. /Yes, yes 27 is not that old, but it is not that young as well either/ I think comedy movies should stop dumbing it down and maybe trying to find more intelligent and maybe sarcastic approach to jokes. Not saying that the movies are bad per say, but they are not impressive enough in a genre that deserves and needs impressive, good comedy movies.

Murder on the Orient Express (2017) - Tried to watch it at least three times and could not finish it.

This is for sure a view point of my own and I am not expecting that everyone would have the same opinion about the movies selected. Movies and TV shows are something to enjoy and entertain ourselves with. It is not just the story plot, the acting, it is also camera work and playing with words and in some cases even sounds. Spending their free time in front of the screen is not for everyone, but for me, I love a good movie and TV show, the same as I love reading a good book in the morning whilst going to work. 2019 will be an interesting year for movies and TV shows, as Marvel is releasing Captain Marvel, Avengers: End Game, there will be also many great shows returning like The Magicians, The Punisher, Vikings is now running as well, and of course Game of Thrones comes to an end.

Have I missed something watch worthy?

Let us hope for a headbanging and awesome 2019 inside and outside of the big screen!

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kman1902 · 9 years

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A little bit about movies of 2015

As a big fan of movies I always try to find time to watch them. Few years back I used to do it more on regular basis, but I guess old age happened or responsibility. Many times with the movies it feels the same as with writing, you need inspiration or that mysterious feeling of watching something new. It does not happen every day, at least for me it does. I can only admire people being part of the movie world - actors, directors, screen writers, editors, costume designers, stunt people and all others. It is such a big list of people that are gathered together that their result already is a masterpiece in its own way. If you are also into movies on such level try checking out some videos on Youtube how the films were made. It is a magnificent work.

The title of this post is a bit deceitful. I will not mention only the movies that have been screened in 2015, more like movies that I have seen through the year and that have been most memorable to me. I thought quite long on how to make this post happen. It will not work with creating the best top 10 list or something similar to that, because it does not work, it does not feel fair, so lets try and see how this goes:

Foxcatcher (2014) - Movies that come close around the theme of wrestling are not the most loved by people, especially when it is American professional wrestling. But this movie itself is memorable. A very unpredictable ending, slow pace evolving story line that does not make you bored, and the story of a dream/the perfect life turning into a nightmare. Honestly I did not expect that Channing Tatum could lift such a role, but he was really good and he did not even undress that much.

Unbroken (2014) - Quite a lot of movies can leave one speechless once it is over, but this one dropped me flat speechless and thoughtful. Somehow I managed to see this one at one of the lowest times of mine so it brought quite a lot of thoughts for the mind. Avoiding spoilers I will not go into details, but after watching it and re-watching it after few months I could only wonder if I ever would have the courage that Louis "Louie" Zamperini (main character played by Jack O'Connell) had.

Whiplash (2014) - Seems that this year for me is about movies where the main characters get challenged to the full amount. This movie is hard to describe, because as all of the rest mentioned here it is a good and something I would definitely suggest to watch. It is amazing how the actors pulled off the intense roles they had and that they survived the making of the movie. Watch it, I can promise that you will not be disappointed. /Be aware that there is jazz music if you are not into it, but the movie is good/

Mortdecai (2015) - It was very surprising to find out that this movie has failed to get back the money invested in it and that it was so much thrown in the dirt by critics. It is a light comedy film, might be that many people awaited something more with it due to the cast. Johnny Depp is remarkable in the work he is doing and the characters he can adapt within his films. It is good as something light for someone to watch.

'71 (2015) - Second of three movies in the list starring Jack O'Connell. The actor could live up to a rather good future if all goes well for him. This movie was very low noticed within the year, but it was note worthy of the fact of how it is filmed. The technique seemed rather interesting and it helped to develop the mouse and cat game feeling that is the main key of the film.

American History X (1998) - Edward Norton is in it. Rather poor statement from my side. This movie falls in line of becoming a classic and something worthy to watch. It was good within the acting and storyline, and precisely direct on showing how fanaticism destroys your moral understanding as an individual, that you just start to believe in things without evaluating if it is wrong or right, and it is all just because your belief stands with it.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) - This is the reason why I did not bother to create a list of best movies, because Birdman stands over any lists. The most controversial movie of the year for me, because between my friends I could create two lines with ease of the people who have seen it. One saying that it is the most brilliant thing they have seen and that I should watch it, and the others saying that it was the biggest nightmare and time worst spent in the cinema chair. I am sorry to disappoint line number two, but I loved it, it was as people said it would be, it was out of this world. I actually watched it two times and second time using headphones, because it felt necessary to catch every single note of the conversations, I wanted to get pulled away with the movie. The soundtrack of it also sticks with you. If you are into movies that twist your mind, that make no sense at first, but make perfect sense at some other moment then this is something for you.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013) - Something I wanted to see based on the fact that there are a lot of references connected with Ron Burgundy in other films and jokes, it all has become a small subculture thing. Definitely both of them could cause a lot of debates because of jokes being close to vulgar and even close to sexist. But on this matter I think, it is also how we digest it all at the end that matters. Do not expect too much from them and if you are easily offended then maybe there is something else for you to watch. As long as you do not take it too serious these ones can bring some good laughter.

The Judge (2014) - Seems not nice to put something like this after Anchorman, but that is why this is not a list. The Judge feels a bit unappreciated as a movie. It is a serious one and not easy to watch. It reflects on the modern relationship that a lot of people face between children and parents. There were moments that felt long pulled on side stories, but in the end it was worth to watch. As serious as it is, it is good in giving some points to reflect within your own life.

Starred up (2013) - And the third movie by one of the years stars Jack O'Connell. Being a low budget movie, it does not disappoint and brings a very strong story and acting in it.

Apocalypse Now (1979) - A classic within this all. A lot of people look away from this one due to the fact that it is connected to such themes as war and American intervention in global conflicts. It is a movie about war there is no hiding that, but it shows a gruesome version of it all. It transfers you to the reality of what it was, how it changed people and what was the aftermath of it all. It is a long movie, but it is something I could recommend to watch, because it talks way more than just about war.

The Company Men (2010) - This was a surprise. Wanting something serious to watch I stumbled on this and it did not disappoint. It also a serious movie right next to The Judge as it talks about what happens to people when they loose so much in their lives. It seems that all next steps are blocked by a huge wall and sometimes we are the ones building it. The main thing is not to give up and get over the wall. /some personal motivation, oh yeah/

American Sniper (2014) - Another movie closely tied with American intervention in global conflicts. I kinda prefer these kind of movies of the fact that during my childhood years I watched a lot of them, but there is a story and sense to them as well. A soldier is not just a soldier, he/she/e is a person with a story that goes with them. Same as in The Hurt Locker (2008) this movie looks more behind of what is just war, it focuses on the individuals and traumas that comes with it all. There is a reason why people go in the army and do what they do and it is far beyond what so many think. We all have our mission in life and our story that comes with it.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) - If you have not seen it yet, then this as all others from the list in my opinion is something to see. Great casting. great filming, good humour and espionage glamour. Although the story line did drop for a second the film kept its promise of bringing you to the end with laughter. Second part is already being planned so there is still some time to catch up.

Black Mass (2015) - Johnny Depp is in it and he is insanely good. I would give all my awards to him for sure. The dark character that Johnny brought out within this film was so powerful and convincing that you just could not control yourself. You felt along with him with all that was happening. There were comments saying that people did not enjoy it of the fact that you could not recognize Johnny, but I think that is where the magic hides, he has shown many times to use how far he can go with his characters and I do believe that this was a new level for him personally. Someone should cast him in either Batman or Avengers sequels as the dark character, I do believe he could bring a totally new experience to the viewers.

The Green Mile (1999) - I have had the DVD of the movie for some 10 years and I could manage to watch it only now. It also falls as a classic and there is no doubt that it should have received a lot of awards both for the story and the acting. It is for sure that some people would not like it because of close ties to religion or because of Tom Hanks, but if you look pass that the movie is good in bringing a smile to you and making you grab a napkin at the same time to hide some tears.

Inside Out (2015) - Another surprise for myself. I am not the biggest fan of cartoons and I was rather skeptical about this, but interested caught me to watch it because a lot of people have written and said good comments about it. And it lived up to what people said. Not sure if the kids would fully get the message it brings, seems a bit more like a cartoon for grown ups. For instance I do believe that “9“ (2009) was more adult based. The story is cute and accurate, I think anyone who watched this could relate to it in one way or another. It would be a worthy watch for parents, because with its simplicity it makes you think along with the story and to check it a bit personally in the way we communicate with others.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - Being a big fan of Mad Max when I was a kid gave me a real scare when I heard that this will come out. Those who know the old movies remember Mad Max 3 and what a huge disappointment it was. Mad Max: Fury Road... where to even begin. I am not shocked at all that it is made the #1 of the year in so many lists. I can only imagine how challenging it was for George Miller to bring it all together. The detailed work both in filming, the costumes and design of all the cars, creation of the story lines, filming it all and putting it together. It is a job well done and finally Max Rockatansky has a story continuation that he truly deserves.

If we are talking about staring at the screens then lets talk about one TV series:

Breaking Bad - Caught the train two years too late. Although I did start to watch it at the end of 2014, I finished the series two months back due to a long break in between. I loved it, I loved it all and I do understand why people are sobbing that nothing better has come after this. There are good TV shows, but I doubt that anyone will be able to follow what Breaking Bad did and maybe they even should not. Let this stay as a phenomena of the TV series.

Sadly a bit disappointed:

Blackhat (2015) - What happened Chris?

How I met your mother - “Oh nooo, how could you?” Again a train caught few years later. I am so sorry, oh wait, I am not. The show is not bad as such, but I guess I did not fall in the hype that other people were with it. I much rather wanted to deport Robin back to Canada and punch Ted in the face /yes, imaginative violence. I am actually a rather nice guy few times a year/. It just did not work for me and I could not even go through the final season so I left it hanging. It just was not the show for me.

Few weeks are left until the new year and there will be some more things to watch, but in general 2015 on the screen look like this for me. There have been more films, but these came to mind the most when writing this. There are still few movies I would like to see, for instance Spectre, Sicario and the new Star Wars movie, but all in good time. Each year brings a lot of experiences and I think if you are into film watching then it can be something that intensifies your experiences and views as well. Have a great week and don`t hesitate to leave a comment with your movies of the year.

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