Hello, and welcome to another Weekly Recap.
This week I spent more time watching TV and reading than I have in a while. I also got some good game sessions for Persona 4 Golden. I’ve tried playing this series previously, without enjoying it that much, but this one is really doing it for me.
Let’s get right to it!
FILM
Highlight: Problemista | 2024 | Julio Torres ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
An aspiring toy designer’s work visa runs out, and a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream.
The wait is finally over to watch this weirdo, surrealist comedy and it was well worth the wait! Tilda Swinton gives an electric performance as Elizabeth, a demanding former art critic. The story is sweet and touching, and deftly touches on matters from aging, to the creative process, to the immigration system. It’s a lot that, if not balanced as well as it is by director and star Julio Torres, would fall as the house of cards it is. As it stands, it’s a wonderfully weird story.
Yankee Doodle Dandy | 1942 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s always weird for me to see James Cagney in non-gangster roles, as those are the roles of his I have cemented in my mind. He’s wonderful here, though! How can you not be charmed by him tap dancing around as George M. Cohan?
The Beast | 2023 ⭐⭐½
I was fairly excited about this one. However, Léa Seydoux and George MacKay could not save this futuristic Romeo and Juliet sci-fi snore. I was just bored honestly. It has some interesting ideas that in a tighter-written story could be incredibly evocative.
SCAM Girls Movie Club
And the Madeline Goes To…
This month’s choices are curated by my good friend Madeline Cook (check out her podcast here). The theme is movies that she believes should have won the Oscar the year it was eligible instead of whatever film did win.
The Awful Truth | 1937 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The winner of this year’s Oscar was The Life of Emile Zola, which I haven’t seen but heard it’s very dull. Something that this movie was absolutely not. It was hilarious! Which, I mean, it does have Cary Grant so how could you not have a good time? He and Irene Dunne are perfectly matched here in this zippy screwball comedy of love gone wrong.
TV
Highlight: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Season 1
This was an incredible story. I went in expecting an epic high fantasy action story but was given a contemplative study of life and memory. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of incredibly drawn action sequences and magic duels. But the emphasis of the story is the life that happens between battles and after the big bad has been defeated. The animation is gorgeous, the characters are perfectly written and performed, and the story is gripping and delightful. This is one of my favorite newer anime, one I highly recommend.
In Progress
The Hollow Crown, Season 1, Episode 1
Shōgun, Season 1, Episode 7
Sound! Euphonium, Season 1, Episode 1
Bartender Glas of God, Season 1, Episode 1
A Brief History of the Future, Season 1, Episode 1
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024), Season 1, Episode 4
X-Men ‘97, Season 1, Episode 1
Spring Baking Championship, Season 10, Episodes 2-4
Books
Highlight: The Sunlit Man | Brandon Sanderson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve caught up (for now) with Sanderson’s Cosmere novels. This is my favorite of his Kickstarter Secret Novels, mostly due to its close connection to The Stormlight Archive series, which is my favorite of his series. The magic system in this one is odd as it’s the sunlight that’s supercharged with power and completely eviscerates everything in its path. The citizens of this world have to constantly move as the sunlight creeps over the horizon. It’s like a futuristic Western, as a stranger to this world arrives out of nowhere and is immediately thrust into the politics of the world. December’s release of Stormlight Archive 5 can’t get here quick enough.
In Progress
Fire & Blood | George R.R. Martin — 3%
The Big Read
Jane Eyre | Charlotte Brontë - 24%
The Weathered Tome Society
The Shamshine Blind | Paz Pardo — 29%
Games
In Progress
Persona 4 Golden | PS Vita | Atlus
YouTube
Disney’s Imagineering facility is truly a wonder. The tech showed off in this video is so cool! It also shows a sneak peek of the animatronics for The Princess and the Frog ride coming to Magic Kingdom, which has me pretty stoked for when that finally opens!
That’s it for this week. Let me know some highlights you’ve taken in recently!d
Thanks for reading. Til next time!
— Colton
I want those holotiles! Such a cool video. I need to know how to become an imagineer.
I haven't seen Emile Zola but the lead actor, Paul Muni, is often phenomenal. I would highly recommend “I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang” if you haven’t seen it yet!