Stars Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Episode IX was the fitting end to decade when movies became all about the franchise. A once moribund, but beloved film franchise, restarted in the middle of the decade amongst other franchise films, ending in a somewhat leaden finale. It sums up the breakdown of Hollywood as they chase the movie franchise devil. The entirety of movie making is broken. Maybe the salvation for good story telling is really in the streaming realm. Or has that broke, too.

I did not like what they did with the premise of The Last Jedi. I thought the previous film was brilliant and would give us a different type of Star Wars ending. Of course, because of its controversy the studio decided to give us a conventional ending. It was very much a “Return of the Jedi” ending to the trilogy — same thing as the first but bigger, louder, and more of.

Not to say I didn’t enjoy myself, but the themes presented from the previous installment were abandoned (as was Rose Tico). The sense that the Force is not destiny — abandoned. It was missing. To be a Force user then you have to be born with the midiclorians. Sucks. I wish Rey wasn’t from any family, because it was more interesting.

#FreeRoseTico

3 of 5 stars.

Parasite

Oh, wow. What an egregious mistake. I was making my year end list of best films I saw in the theatre this year (wait for it!), and I see that I missed posting a review of Parasite. It’s one of the best films of the year — well reviewed and well deserved. It was a comedy, then it was a thriller, then it was a tragedy, and it wraps up as hope.

Also, the funniest thing ever. I went to the bathroom in the middle of the film. I was trying to find a spot to go. There was the down time as the protagonist family was getting drunk. I did not step out. I went as the scene finished with the previous housekeeper knocking on the door in the rain. Imagine my surprise as to what happened when I got back in. Alls I can say is, “Who’s that guy?”

I don’t remember too much, but I did like it. Actually, I remember a lot, but I think I’m still trying to process it months later.

4 of 5 stars.

The Good Liar

As I watched the movies this past few months, I knew from looking at the trailer that I was going to be seeing The Good Liar. It looked like a film my mother would want to see. Not me. So we went to see it.

It was fine for a Saturday afternoon. This is a film that still need to be made. It allows people to find something in the theatre to watch besides superhero films and scary movies. Hollywood should try to make more of these, but the public doesn’t believe in watching movies in the theatre.

3 of 5 stars.

Last Christmas

There’s a joke for weebs about George Michael’s Last Christmas. It’s the only Christmas song that the Japanese play. It’s terrible, because it’s about breaking hearts. I guess, for the Japanese, Christmas is for heartbreaks considering the country isn’t religious. I think they all go out on dates on Christmas. At least, that’s what anime has taught me.

Anyhow, there’s a twist in the movie, that if you paid attention will be completely obvious.

Overall, not a bad film. It may eventually become a Christmas classic. But that will take the likes of everyone to make it happen. Make it happen, everyone. We need another film to enter the Christmas film cannon.

3 of 5 stars.

You Get A Turkey Leg! You Get A Turkey Leg!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you and your family, friends, and significant others have a great and safe Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for… my family and friends. The beautiful idols of Nogizaka46… Yamshita Mizuki… Ikuta Erika… Shiraishi Mai… the whole of them… My MacBook Pro… barbecue ribs… fried chicken… oxygen…

I would like to think that Yamashita’s eating a turkey leg. So she’s celebrating it with us! Yumm!

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is a strange film from the director of The Witch. It’s a black and white film shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson as the lighthouse keepers. They go mad being cooped up alone in a lighthouse.

Was it all in their minds? Was it really madness? It was like Jack from the Shining going crazy. They were all going crazy from the solitude.

Now the hardest was that both characters were talking like The Sea Captain from the Simpsons. Sometimes it was hard to understand. Yaarrghh.

Was it scary? Yes in a psychological way. Madness is scary. And crazy ass masturbating lighthouse keepers, too.

3 of 5 stars.

A Soup A Week

Cooked another soup this afternoon. It’s a continuation from the last few weeks: soup on a Sunday to take to work for the first few days of the week. Today’s soup is lentil and sausage soup.

I made use of the beef stock I made last month. And the andouille sausage I had socked away in the freezer from some chili I had made a while ago. Also, I always have some lentil beans in the cupboard because I sort of like lentils.

In a 3 1/2 quart pot, I brown the sausages in a bit of olive oil. I sprinkle them with a bit of cayenne for some extra spiciness. Took them out then threw in onions and carrots to cook in the nice fond. Seasoned with salt and pepper then when they were cooked (about 5 minutes) I added some garlic. I’ve learned to put the garlic in after doing the first set of vegetables.

In goes the lentils and the sausage. Maybe next time the sausage goes in after 30 minutes. Bring to a boil and then knock it down to a simmer. After 30 minutes of simmering I threw in some zucchini. Simmered again for another 20 minutes. Done.

It wasn’t bad. I think it may get better as it soaks overnight.

Quote of the Day [11.20.19]

I want nothing
I want nothing
I want no quid pro quo.
Tell Zellinksky
to do the
Right Thing.
This is the final word 
from the Pres.
of the U.S.

Donald Trump

Mizuki-maru!

Just thinking. This is why I follow idols. Yamashita Mizuki… she makes me happy.