New Bloggy Update! 3/19/23

I’m at 90%, health-wise!!

Whatever sickness took over my body for the better part of four weeks has finally left the building. The ten percent that’s stuck around can be attributed to a right ear situation that has yet to resolve itself.

It sounds as if I’m talking underwater (to myself). And if there’s crowd noise? Forget about it. Can’t really make out individual conversation. I go back to the ENT in April, so stay tuned.

Draft #7 of Sanctum is on the verge of starting. I was hoping to be at 100% before going back in, but at this rate, I’m just going for it. I’m not necessarily putting a time frame on when I’ll finish, but between you and me, I’d like this draft done by mid-April.

I’d like to remind everyone that they are welcome to step in and do a guest All Business column. There’s a decent number that have been posted already if you’d like to see the kind of thing I’m looking for. It can be about anything related to writing/selling/marketing and the average length usually runs between 600 – 800 or so words. If you want to give it a shot, send an email my way (srovens@yahoo.com).

As to what we’ve been watching…

Something in the Dirt (2022) – Made by the same guys who did The Endless (AMAZING FILM), Resolution, Spring, and Synchronic, this movie falls solidly in science-fiction land. Google claims that it’s a horror movie as well, but I didn’t really feel that. “When neighbors John and Levi witness shocking supernatural events in their Los Angeles apartment building, they realize documenting the paranormal could inject some much-needed fame and fortune into their humdrum lives.” (Google) I had VERY high hopes going in, hoping it would equate to the greatness of Resolution and The Endless, but I must admit, I wasn’t blown away. There were some good moments and the characters were believable, but it felt like there was a lot of “set up” and “preparation” for little payout. I’m glad I saw it, but I couldn’t get there. You might dig it if you like X-Files, alien-type of stories, sci-fi-ish tales, and good characterization. I gave it a 6.7.

Vengeance (2022) – “A journalist and podcaster travels from New York City to Texas to investigate the death of a woman whom he hooked up with.” (Google) Aside from The Office, whenever I see B.J. Novak’s name, I automatically get the feeling that I’m in for a self-realized, smug-lined tale that’s trying too hard to be clever. I still thought I’d give this movie a shot. (lol) And, boy, I’m glad I did. What starts as one kind of story transforms itself, takes some sharp turns, and comes out somewhere totally different. No spoilers here, but get thee to a streaming service and check this one out. I gave it an 8.3 (and Charlie gave it a 7.9)

Soft and Quiet (2022) – “An elementary school teacher organizes a mixer of like-minded women where an encounter with someone from her past spirals into a volatile chain of events.” (Google) This film…wow. Like the previously discussed movie, it starts in one place and ends up on the other side of the world. It’s not an easy watch, especially due to the subject matter, but it’s strong. I don’t want to give ANYTHING away, so I’ll just leave it at that. I’m really glad I saw it, although I wish they had made the ending better (or longer to carry on with the story). If you are easily offended, this one might not be for you. There’s some “challenging” scenes (violence and language), but it’s an intense and worthy hour and thirty-two minutes, especially in this day and age.

The Outsiders (1983) – “A teen gang in rural Oklahoma, the Greasers are perpetually at odds with the Socials, a rival group. When Greasers Ponyboy (C. Thomas Howell) and Johnny (Ralph Macchio) get into a brawl that ends in the death of a Social member, the boys are forced to go into hiding. Soon Ponyboy and Johnny, along with the intense Dallas (Matt Dillon) and their other Greaser buddies, must contend with the consequences of their violent lives. While some Greasers try to achieve redemption, others meet tragic ends.” (Google) Yeah, I’m a little late to the game on this one, huh? (lol) No, I’ve never read the book in all honesty, but I had a passing knowledge of the story. Now, maybe the book IS different enough, but this movie barely worked for me. I know, I know, it’s supposed to be this cult-like classic, and maybe, if I had seen it back in ’83, I would have taken to it more. It felt like an over-artsy After School Special that spray-painted itself with pathos. Sure, all the actors went on to be stars, but that doesn’t mean that the movie is good. I could only come up with a 6.0 and that was with a bit of prodding from Charlie (who gave it an 8.5).

The Office (UK) – Finally watched both seasons (and the two Christmas specials). I read that this Ricky Gervais comedy was cancelled after only twelve episodes because of low ratings. Ah, if people only knew what was to come. Yes, it’s slower paced than the American version, but some of the scenes and dialogue were downright knee-slapping. I’m a fan of both. I gave it an overall score of 7.7.

You – (latest season – #4) – Loved it. By the last episode, I was thinking of all the things I probably missed and wanted to go back through and pay more attention. If you know, you know. If you don’t, start with season one and get ready to have this creative and well-written puzzle of a show hook you in and not let go.

There we are – all caught up in time for Spring! Let me know what YOU are up to! 🙂