Posted by Happy New Year! (or, as Larry David would say – you’re seven days too late. You can’t wish someone a happy new year after January 7th)
A new year. A new month. Time to start looking into events for the spring. Time to think about heading into Draft #2 of In a Corner, Darkly: Volume 3 (which, realistically, won’t be happening until at least late February) Time to crank the up button on the book/social meter.
Still…
I’m also looking forward to doing other things that don’t revolve around writing. In a little over 2.5 months, I’ll be turning 60. Yeah. Sixty. Yikes. It’s one of “those” birthdays that don’t necessarily sneak up on you, but when faced with it, the number it represents makes one think about what is really important. Where best to spend my time? Are certain things I’m doing really going to make a difference in the long run?
It might sound overly philosophical, but that’s not really where I’m going with this line of thinking. For example, I’ve decided to dump any further plans for ‘going social’ on Tik Tok and Instagram. I mean, I’m sure it works for some people and that’s great. But to be honest, it’s simply not where I want to put my energy. I have a blog, a FB page, and an email. I do events. That’s enough for me.
For the next two years or so, I’ll be working on Volume #3, the short story collection. After that, most likely starting in 2025/2026, I’m going to start on a non-fiction book – kind of a one off, but it’s something that I really feel I need to do.
The blog will stay the same delicious goodness – with Meet & Greets, Spotlights, and FlipSide interviews (when I can get them – you know of any musicians and/or artists? send them my way!!). I’ll also be continuing the All Business section and of course, the Bloggy Updates.
What about you? Any changes to speak of?
So, with all this heavy thinking, what the heck have we been watching?
Ricky Gervais – Armageddon (2023) – Love him or hate him, most people have heard of this British comedian who created a number of television’s top shows (The Office and After Life, to name a couple). I think he’s cutting, sharp, daring as all get out, and most of the time, I’m completely on board with what he’s saying. I don’t know if this was his BEST hour, but it was downright Ricky Gervais all the way. Loved it. Gave it a 9.1 (Charlie gave it an 8.4). I strongly recommend any of his specials, but only if you know what you’ll be in for. Otherwise, you could be offended.
Polaris (2022) – Set in the frozen world of a post-apocalyptic 2144, a young warrior girl raised by a polar bear must fight to survive after she is captured and escapes from a brutal rival tribe. (IMDb) Uh, could I hate this more? (lol) It’s sci/fi/fantasy with most of the characters yelling and screaming (non-verbal) at each other. For some odd reason, some ratings go pretty high. Fine. Every movie isn’t going to click with everyone. But for me, I saw this as somewhere closer to a YA/Disney (albeit, there is a bit of graphic violence) tromp. I ended up rating it a 2.2 because there’s a few animals in it, but that’s where I draw the line. It’s an hour and a half of an eye-roller for me.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) – The story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. (IMDb) Based on the true story (with some dramatic flair, I’m sure), this slightly over two hour film was hands down incredible, riveting, and never let up. Honestly, I thought I might be bored, but let me assure you, that was never the case. A star power cast with impeccable acting ability, there was nothing about this movie that was lacking. Whether you know the story already or not, please, do yourself a solid and see this one.
Influencer (2022) – While struggling on a solo backpacking trip in Thailand, social media influencer Madison meets CW, who travels with ease and shows her a more uninhibited way of living, but CW’s interest in her takes a darker turn. (IMDb) We all know that in today’s society, many people follow these so-called influencers – people who are famous, for, well, being famous. I don’t know – maybe it’s a generational thing. Personally, I don’t really care what XXX had for breakfast or what YYY is wearing. BUT, it might be fun to watch a movie with that as a premise. Enter Influencer: The Movie. I was hoping to like it more, but to put it bluntly, the film basically follows obnoxious people doing obnoxious things (to each other and to strangers). By the end, I was hoping for more kills (lol). Eh, I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch this, but I guess we did. I gave it a weak 6.8 for holding my attention enough to hope it would get better. (it didn’t)
Saltburn (2023) – A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family’s sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten. (IMDb) People are going crazy for this film and I’m not sure why. I went in to this cold, not wanting to know much about it, and that worked…until it didn’t. This is over two hours and I felt it. It’s a s-l-o-w burn (no pun intended) until…things happen…and then it’s s-l-o-w again until other things happen. The characters are barely likable (most, anyhow), and by the time things “turn”, I just wanted it to be over. My rating is mostly for the cinematography and filming, which were great. There was a couple of scenes I found rather nauseating and I would caution against those, yet I don’t want to delve into spoiler territory. I ended up giving it a 7.2, but it’s not for my love of the movie itself.
So, that’s a cold wrap! It’s -4 as I write this from central Illinois. Stay warm, people!!
Sue Rovens 