Ty Watches "Parasite"

I just finished the movie "Parasite".

Literally, I just got done watching it. I waited to write because I wanted to see this movie and give my instant reaction. I usually like to wait a day or so before talking about movies, but "Parasite" is on a whole other level from most movies I have watched. I think, and this isn't being a prisoner of the moment type thing, that this is one of the most important, and essential movies of the 21st century.

The way this “Parasite” breaks down class, society, the rich and the poor, how obsessed we have become with objects, it all rings true with the modern age. This was like a really, really, really good, and important, episode of "Black Mirror", except Bong Joon Ho, who is easily one of my favorite directors, told, and directed, this story so well. I have, and I don't know how, been able to not be spoiled by anything from this movie by the internet or friends that have already seen it. I stayed away from all the chatter because I wanted to watch with as little knowledge as possible. I knew the basic stuff, how the movie was about the upper and lower class people in Korea, but that was it.

So, when my father came over today, and we watched, it was, in all honesty, like I was seeing it for the first. It was exactly that case in fact. For the next two plus hours I was enamored with what I watched. I thought the directing, the acting and the script were pitch perfect. Side note, I don't mind reading movies, but for those that still don't know, the movie is in Korean with English subtitles. I don't feel that having to read what they were saying took anything away from the experience.

Another thing in the film’s favor, the acting, it was top notch. I loved how the movie started with the lower class family struggling to get wifi, getting off other people, taking very odd jobs just to make a little money and letting the fumigation going on outside come into their home to get rid of stinkbugs. I also found that, once the brother of the main family got into the wealthy house, that they wealthy family was very well acted, especially the mom. She played a simpleton, who was easy to fool fantastically. She was tremendous. I know the movie itself has gotten a ton of awards, and nominations, but if she doesn't have a best actress nod, I don't know what the hell is wrong with people. The same thing can be said for the dad of the lower class family. He was incredible as well.

As the movie progressed, and you saw how this family manipulated the rich family to get into their lives and make money, it was unsettling, unnerving and I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. The way they treated that mom, how they convinced her that none of them knew each other, it was great, and slimy. And while I am not going to spoil anything, but lets be honest, I think I may be the last person who wanted to see this movie that hadn't yet, the twist near the end was way out of left field, and it is what I have come to expect from Joon Ho. I thought it was pitch perfect. It was as unsettling as everything else that was in this masterpiece.

There is no other movie like "Parasite" out there right now. It is a totally original story told so very well. As I said, I feel like this is so important for right now. The obsession with wealth and an online presence and getting out of the lower class, "Parasite" tells this story perfectly. I am still in shock, and still amazed at what I just saw. I liked this movie slightly more than "Uncut Gems", and you all know how I felt about that movie. I still think "Us" is the best movie of 2019, but "Parasite" pushes "Uncut Gems" to three, and takes over the two spot for me. This movie is why I need to start seeing as many of these movies as I can while they are still in the theater. And since "Us" got zero Oscar love, which is so god damn stupid, I am going to be pulling big time for "Parasite" to win all of the awards. It is a different movie, but this ranks right up there with "Mad Max: Fury Road" for me. I will be talking about, and thinking about this movie for a very, very long time.

What a masterpiece.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "The Lighthouse"

I finally watched “The Lighthouse”, and I have some thoughts.

First off, I really wanted to see this movie. This was one of the movies in 2019, after I saw the first trailer, that I was totally in on. I thought the trailer was great, and I enjoy both Willem Defoe and Robert Pattinson. I tried to see it in the theaters, but timing never worked out. I did have time yesterday, so I rented it on Amazon.

I want to say, at the beginning, I enjoyed this movie. I was captivated, it kept my attention, and I’m still thinking about it today. I even had a dream last night where I was in a light house myself. Also, Defoe and Pattinson are exceptional in this movie. The movie is, for the most part, just the two of them, and they nailed it. Each has moments of monologues that are near perfection. Defoe has a few that should be studied in acting classes. When Pattinson’s character reveals his true self, that monologue was tremendous. Their performances were absolute powerhouse performances. I was amazed at their acting, and the direction from Robert Eggers.

I also really enjoyed the black and white, shockingly. I am not a huge fan of modern movies choosing this route, but for a movie like this, it was almost needed. The movie takes place in a light house and a cottage on a small remote island in the 1890’s. I think black and white was the correct way to go. I also liked how real the sound was in the movie. The fog horns, the inside of the house, the water crashing from the ocean, the bad weather, it was all heightened by the sound put into the movie. Even the super loud moments, I enjoyed. I also liked the old timey sailor speak, especially from Defoe. He sounded like he was straight out of “Moby Dick”. All the “aye sir”, “lad”, “hark” and “triton”, I liked with that accent. I also thought the story, of Pattinson’s character literally going insane, was well written, acted and directed. I was on board for it all.

Yet, there were some things that I was befuddled by. The whole “mermaid” thing was really weird. It seemed almost unnecessarily weird. I get that Pattinson is going nuts, but this “mermaid” was odd. Also, her screech laugh was the only time the loudness bugged me. Her, and I cringe writing this, the whole thing with her genitalia was just weird for the sake of weird. I also could’ve done without the whole seagull scene. Those who’ve seen the movie know what I’m talking about. Those that haven’t, it was incredibly brutal and seemed like it lasted forever. It reminded me of “The Simpsons” when Homer is Krusty, he’s at Krustyburger and the hamburglar character shows up and Homer pummels him and the little kid says, “stop, he’s already dead”. That was how the seagull scene hit me. I also could’ve gone without watching Pattinson act like he’s masturbating. It was too up close and personal. Again, I felt that it’s supposed to symbolize his insanity, but still, too up close and personal. And, as much as I liked the sailor speak, it was difficult to understand at times. But, those are my only really gripes with an otherwise very well made movie.

To me A24 is making some of the coolest, and most innovative movies at the moment. They seem to like to take chances, and let their directors and actors push themselves to the limit, and see how far they can go. All in all, I’m glad that I watched this movie. I don’t think that I’ll ever watch it again, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Also, to see Defoe and Pattinson’s performances was more than worth the rental price. If you like weird stuff, shot in black and white that really pushes the limits of a psychological thriller, I recommend this movie.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Better Late Than Never on "Brittany Runs a Marathon"

Yesterday I finished watching “Brittany Runs a Marathon”. It took me two days, but it’s not because I was bored by it, and figured I should finish it. Quite the opposite. I loved this movie. I felt like it was very relatable, especially the running stuff, to my experience. The only reason it took me two days, I have two kids, and they had zero interest in watching with me. If it doesn’t have super heroes, Pokémon, Minecraft, Barbie or Ryan from “Ryan’s Mystery Play Date”, my kids could care less.

As I said, was super impressed by every part of this movie. This was another one that I wanted to see in theaters, but couldn’t find the time. I was also intrigued because my buddy that I run with said he liked it, and thought I would to. He had good taste, and I usually watch most of what he recommends. When I turned the movie on it was already in my head that is was going to be good, so I’m glad that it hit, and exceeded, my personal expectations.

Jillian Bell is a great comedic actress, so to see her in a role that was more dramatic, I was pleasantly surprised at how good she was. She truly embodies the character of Brittany. From her partying days, to trying to get fit, to struggling personally and athletically, to getting her life together, I was in for all of it. I do want to point out how realistic, and how relatable, her running journey was in the movie. I am a person who was, at one time, a pretty big dude. I’m still big, but not as big as I was about 7 years ago. I took up running because it is a free sport, as long as you have shoes, and you can do it all year round. My favorite line in the movie, Brittany is at a gym, the trainer says something to her about the pricing for a membership, and she says, “you know I can just go outside and run for free, right?”. My running friends, my friends and myself, we say this all the time. It’s such a true statement. Sure, I’m part of a gym, but when given the option, I choose running nearly 100 percent of the time. When that line was spoken, I was completely on board. To see her go from that point, to starting running, again, easily relatable. When she tells herself just to make it a few blocks, and it’s a struggle, I had the same thing. It was so hard that first time I decided to run as well. From there, everything was relatable. The first time she runs two miles, and feels that joy and endorphin rush, same here. When she decides to run the NYC marathon, and starts her training, I did the same, only for a half marathon. When she runs and converses with her new friends, that’s one of my favorite things to do when I run with other people. When she starts to lose weight and feel good about herself, I went through the exact same thing with my family and friends. The injury portion from the movie, I’m currently learning how to pace myself and not re injure a minor knee injury I currently have. When she is told she can’t run for 8 weeks, I felt so bad for her, and Bell played that perfectly. The only thing I didn’t do that she does in the movie, I’ve never neglected myself from friends. I’ve never retreated into myself that much. But, again, Bell does it great in the movie. And when she’s finally healthy, and runs the NYC marathon a year later, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I choked up a bit, and some tears may have been shed.

Look, for where I’m at in my life right now as a runner, and yes, I am a runner, this movie came at the perfect time for me personally. I know I’ve only talked about Bell, but that’s rightfully so. This is one hundred percent her movie. Everyone else is good, but Bell shines. Also, I say again, I totally related to her journey. I feel like anyone could watch this movie and enjoy it, but I feel like runners will appreciate it a bit more. I don’t know if that sounds weird, or if I’m saying that you have to be a runner to like it, which you don’t. But I think if you are a runner, or a person simply trying to better yourself, you will get much more out of this movie.

I cannot recommend “Brittany Runs a Marathon” more. I think it’s a great movie, and will really speak to the runner in everyone. Go seek this movie out. It’s very good.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Better Late Than Never on "Captain Marvel"

Continuing to get caught up with movies that I have wanted to see, but didn't have time while they were in the theaters, my wife and I finally watched "Captain Marvel" the other night.

We both wanted to see it while in theaters, didn't have the time, realized that we are Disney + subscribers and decided it was time to finally watch it, and I have to say, I enjoyed this movie. While it is not "Black Panther" or "Endgame", "Captain Marvel" was a fun and entertaining movie. Sure, there were some parts that felt a little tacked on, or they could have cut it, but that is small nit picking stuff. All in all, I found this movie to be good.

First off, Brie Larson is a great, great actor. She has been in some of the best independent movies I have seen, won Oscars for them, been in comedies that were hilarious, and now, she got to try her hand at a Marvel movie, playing the most powerful Marvel hero. And to no ones surprise, she was excellent. I bought every second of her performance. I like how literal she took everything. I believed all the heart felt moments. Her stunts were kick ass. She was kick ass. When she realizes her full potential, that was an amazing scene. The fight between her and Annette Benning, who was great, was totally awesome. Her final battle scene was incredible. The back and forth between her and Nick Fury was tremendous. She was really, really good in this role. I don't know why I wouldn't expect that at this time, but she was great.

As was the rest of the cast. Sam Jackson as young Nick Fury was perfect. Seeing a young Agent Coulson was great. Captain Marvel's friend, Rambo I believe her name was, was super believable as the best friend who thought she lost her best friend. She was also a kick ass pilot as well. Jude Law as the bad guy, I mean, he is really crushing most of his roles lately. He is even good in movies that aren't so good. So, when I get to see him act well in a good movie, that is a treat. Ben Mendelsonn, who is super underrated as an actor, was so good as the main Skrull guy. I fully expected him to be the main villain, and spoiler alert, when he isn't, that was a shock, and it totally got me. He is a good guy. He is just looking for a safe place for his family and friends to live. I loved the misdirection.

As for the color and way the movie was shot, it was awesome. I like when Marvel does these fun and super bright movies. It reminded me a ton of "Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2", except a little less bright. But, it worked. The special effects were amazing. I mentioned the fight scene between Larson and Benning, that was cool as hell. The way she bends her body into a wall that is made of silver, that was so cool. Oh, and the music, it was wonderful. The movie takes place in the mid 90's, so I got to hear a ton of songs that I remember listening to when I was a teenager. And the way they set them to battle scenes, it was pure perfection.

While I may like the "Guardians of the Galaxy" movies a little more, or acknowledge how important a movie like "Black Panther" is, or how final "Endgame" was, I still see the importance of a movie like "Captain Marvel". It introduces us to a very important, very powerful superhero, and it is a great origin story. I put this one right up there with the original "Ironman". It is giving us the story of the new most important Marvel hero, and it tells it with a fun, and good, attitude. Marvel does good superhero movies, and "Captain Marvel" is one of the better ones out there tight now.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Dolemite is My Name"

Yesterday I sat down and watched "Dolemite is My Name", and I have to say, this is one of the funniest, and most heartfelt movies that I have seen in some time. I watched the preview for it about a month ago, and I knew then that I was going to enjoy it, I just had to find the time. I had an open afternoon, and watched it while I folded laundry.

This movie totally delivered as well. I am an Eddie Murphy fan, but some of his stuff lately isn't that great. It is funny because he is in it, but it just doesn't hit like "Beverly Hills Cop" or "48 Hours" did. "Dolemite is My Name" hit, and hit a god damn homerun. When Murphy is given range to be filthy, use a ton of 4 letter words and act like a comedian, he crushes his roles. That was what made him so great in a movie like "Dream Girls". He got to act like a hyper version of himself. Casting him as famed vulgar comic Rudy Ray Moore was perfect. It was almost as if he was born to play this role. He embodied it as well. I fully believed he was Rudy Ray Moore resurrected. He was just as filthy and funny and hard working and a hustler and a perfectionist, just like Moore aimed to be. To see Murphy play him from his lowest point was exceptional. To see him play him as he makes his rise, well that was even better. Murphy was astounding. The fact that he didn't even get a sniff from the Academy for the Oscars shows how unimportant that awards show has become. To pass him up for Joaquin Phoenix's Joker is so stupid. To pass him up for anyone playing a real life person, which I thought the Academy loved, is asinine. He should have been, at the very least, nominated. I think his snub is even bigger than Adam Sandler getting nothing for "Uncut Gems". Watching this movie made me remember that Murphy is a star. He was exquisite.

But it wasn't just him. Everyone involved with this movie was great. Wesley Snipes should have also gotten awards consideration. His character was so holier than thou and high and mighty and acted like he was too good for all of this, and Snipes absolutely nailed it. Just like with Murphy, it made me remember that Snipes is a really, really good actor. Titus Burgess is wonderful as Moore's record store buddy and friend. To see him in a role like this, outside of "Kimmy Schmidt", was great for a fan like me. Burgess was funny, but he was also grounded. It was great. Da'Vine Joy Randolph, as his comedy partner, was wonderful. She was tough, beautiful, funny and I loved every second she was in this movie. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen when she was there. Even actors in smaller roles, like Craig Robinson as the singer in a band and Mike Epps as a friend of Moore's, they both shined when they were on screen. Robinson is a great singer as well, and getting to hear him do the Dolemite theme was dynamite. Keegan Michael Key, as the writer of the movie, was wonderful as well. It also helped that we got cameos from both Chris Rock and Bob Oedenkirk.

As I said, the movie is a riot, but it also has some heart in it. I feel like it is a true journey, filled with all the ups and downs, about becoming a Hollywood star, and how hard that can be. But Murphy's portrayal as Moore had me rooting for him all the way. And he was never really mean to those that helped him. He didn't treat them like lesser than him. There was no scene that shows him acting like he is better than everyone else. He was a dude that worked hard, and appreciated all those that helped him get to where he got. Rudy Ray Moore became a star, but it wasn't all him. He had help from a ton of people, and I feel like this movie did a great job of showing that.

I highly, highly recommend checking this movie out. I feel like we are getting an Eddie Murphy renaissance at the moment, and this movie is the catalyst to all of that. What a winner.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Better Never Than Late on "Vox Lux"

Yesterday I wrote about a movie starring Natalie Portman that I really liked. Today, I’m going in the opposite direction.

I really wanted to see the movie “Vox Lux” when I first saw the preview, about 2 years back. I thought it had an interesting premise, girl is involved in a school shooting, gets hurt, writes a song about the event, becomes a pop star and has many mental problems stemming from the incident in school. It also starred Portman as the grown up version of the kid, the pop star version.

The movie started out strong enough to keep my attention. The school shooting was a little bit too real, which made me emotional, and I felt for this young kid, dealing with the aftermath. It was upsetting and a struggle and, at least I thought, portrayed tragedy through the eyes of a teen very well. But, when the music starts in the movie, that’s where they lost me. As I said, the main character writes a song about the event, someone is filming it on local news, a record exec hears it and decides they want to record it. That is when the movie shifts tones and kind of goes off the rails. The girl, while dealing with record people, and people in the music industry, kind of becomes a satirical version of a young person breaking into the pop music scene. She has to learn how to do choreographed dances, but can’t really dance after the shooting. She goes away overseas and starts to get heavily involved in drugs and sex. She constantly derides herself for making pop music. She has weird monologues that seem pointless and endless. She walks in on her sister sleeping with her manager and that strains their close relationship. She is then late for a plane, but she’s told that she is going to make a video because her song is so popular.

What I gleaned from all of this, pop musicians can do whatever they want if they’re good. She shoots the music video, but that scene felt forced and pointless. We then flash forward about 15 years, and we see Portman as the adult version. And surprise surprise, she has all kinds of mental problems, she’s a head case, she’s an addict and she has no real redeeming qualities.

I’m a humongous Portman fan, but I did not find her very good in this movie. She talks way too fast, and her New York accent is trifling. She’s also over dramatic far too often. As is Jude Law, who plays her manager. In fact, everyone is a bit over dramatic in this movie. They also have a scene, twice in fact, where some bad dudes dressed as the people in her video, shoot up a beach, and they only broach that topic once. I feel like they could’ve done a ton with that, using her past, fame, religion, a ton of stuff, that they barely touched on, if at all. And when you think there’s going to be some big, revealing ending, there’s not. Spoiler alert, Portman sings the song from the beginning, they scan the characters in the audience all smiling, and when the song is over, credits roll. It was very unfulfilling.

This movie had all the makings of things I like, original songs from Sia, Natalie Portman, talking about modern pop music, and a tragic story that could have ended with revelations. None of that, except Sia’s music, worked at all. I wish this movie was better. Unfortunately it is not. Oh well, at least Portman crushes in pretty much everything else she’s in. Watch “Annihilation” instead of this movie. You’ll be happy you did.

Also, on a positive note, happy birthday mom! Love you.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Better Late Than Never on the Movie "Annihilation"

With all the streaming options available now I have been catching up on a ton of movies that I have wanted to watch, and now have the time. I will be writing about two of them the next two days, and I want to do the good one today.

So, I recently watched the movie "Annihilation" and boy oh boy did I love this movie. I remember seeing the preview awhile back, probably over a year ago, and thinking that it looked pretty good. I then saw that it was directed by the same guy that did "Ex Machina", and that pretty much sealed the deal for me. I also heard some people talk about it, mainly RD, and they all seemed to find something to enjoy about the movie. I had a free afternoon on Tuesday and I decided that it was the perfect time to check it out. I was blown away.

The simple synopsis of the movie is that a group of women, some soldiers, some with wild pasts, decide to enter this weird, alternate universe called "The Shimmer" to see what is going on. Natalie Portman is the main character, and her husband, played by Oscar Issac, went to "The Shimmer", and came back a totally different person. Portman plays a biologist, and she wants to know what happened to her husband. She wanted to find out why he was so different. To find out what happened. She joined a group headed by Jennifer Jason Leigh, and it included Gina Rodriguez and Tessa Thompson. They enter this "Shimmer", and things are not what they seem. There is wild vegetation. The animals are weird hybrids. The days seem short but are actually months long. Compasses don't work. Timing is all odd. It is nuts.

I loved every second of it. I like weird sci fi movies that stay with you days and days after watching it. I have not stopped thinking about this movie since I finished it. I texted RD immediately to tell him how much I loved it. I told my wife all about it. I did the same with my parents. And when they asked me what was so good, or why I liked it so much, I have a plethora of answers.

First off, the story is really good, and fairly easy to follow. The imagery is some of the coolest and most unique stuff I have ever seen in a movie. The monster, the hybrid animals, are cool and scary and wild and memorable. The acting is top notch. The direction is cool. The colors are as colorful as "Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2". And I dig this director. I was blown away at everything in this movie. When you see some vegetation that looks like people, I was blown away. When the crazy stuff starts to happen, I'm trying my best to not spoil anything because this movie needs to be seen by everyone, I was stunned and shocked and pleased in all the right ways. The alien in this movie was one of the coolest things I have seen in quite some time. Everything that happened in "The Shimmer" was totally cool and fresh and like nothing I have ever seen before. Natalie Portman is so good in this movie, and when she has a solid script, she really knocks it out of the park. Also, I want to shout out Gina Rodriguez. I have only ever seen her do comedic stuff, but in this movie she is rough and gruff and I was on board. Also, shout out to the people who let women be the guiding force, the strong people in this movie. That doesn't happen enough, and when it does, it works.

I really think "Annihilation" is going to be fondly remembered as a very solid movie. This is another step in a good direction for director Alex Garland. To follow up "Ex Machina" with this, I am stoked for the future. "Annihilation" is a great movie that I highly recommend. Also, go into it knowing as little as possible like I did. The movie will blow you away.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Uncut Gems"

Hello all. I am back from my week off, and I do have some very solid ideas for pieces I will be writing this week, and today I want to start off with something I have wanted to write since my birthday. I couldn't write it then because the movie wasn't released in Saint Louis yet. But, the movie came out here on Xmas eve, and I finally went to see "Uncut Gems" yesterday.

I tried to wait to write all of my "Best Of" because I wanted to see this movie because I assumed it would be on my list. Had I waited a bit longer, it would have been either number 1 or 2. I loved every single second of this movie. I read some audience reviews the day before seeing it because I was interested, and the people who gave it bad reviews were upset by the "vulgarity", "people talking over one another" and how "violent" the movie was. I guess the people who saw this movie expected a typical Adam Sandler movie. Well, it is nothing like a typical Sandler movie.

First off, this is an A24 movie. This movie was not from Happy Madison, so he had no producing credit, and pretty much no say as to how the movie was made. Also, the movie is rated R, they state that it is due to violence, language and sexual situations. So, seeing that, the people that may not have expected that, or liked it, should have known better. Finally, the "talking over everyone", a big part of the movie takes place in a busy jewelry shop in downtown NYC. The talking loudly over one another is exactly what I think it is in downtown NYC.

So, I am glad that I pushed those reviews out of mind, and went anyway. "Uncut Gems" was also, probably, my most anticipated movie of the year. I am a big time Adam Sandler fan, and when he does stuff like this, dramatic and sinister stuff, I am all in for it. I like it when actors try something out of their comfort zones, and Sandler absolutely crushes in this movie. He is exactly what I think a degenerate, cheating, scummy and down on his luck compulsive gambler is really like. He has zero redeeming qualities, and I think that is the point. I don't feel like we are supposed to root for him, or anyone for that matter, in this movie. There is no hero, no bad guys, just scummy people. And Sandler was king of them all. He was so good in this movie. I cannot overstate that enough. I hope he gets awards recognition, because he 100 percent deserves it. He should get all the accolades. I would love to see him get an Oscar nomination of this role. He is that good.

And he wasn't the only person that was great. Everyone did a splendid job. Kevin Garnett, in his acting debut, was incredible. He is such a charismatic dude, and that comes across tenfold. Julia Fox, who is relatively new, at least to me, was great. She is Sandler's girlfriend, on the side, and she is just as slimy as him. Lakeith Stanfield is quickly turning into one of my favorite actors. His scenes with Sandler in this movie are perfection. Also, his orange hooded sweatshirt at The Weekend's show, that is a beautifully shot scene. Idina Menzel, Sandler's wife in the movie, is so good as the woman who is fed up with her husband. The scene where she tells him off at his folks house during Passover is amazing. Judd Hirsch is solid in his minor role. The Weekend is one hell of a singer. The guys that play Sandler's brother's bodyguards are perfectly cast as the type of dudes that would do that job for a living. The kids in the movie were good. The acting was great across the board.

I also really dug the way the Safdie Brothers directed the movie, and had the movie scored. The while thing is frantic and fast paced and doesn't let you take a breath. I feel like they want you to be pushed to the brink with this movie, and they nail it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and that ending, no spoilers, took me by complete surprise. All the stuff leading up to that, it was perfectly directed. I heard some say the score was odd, I disagree. I truly enjoyed it, and felt it added another cool feel to the movie. It was different and pushed my anxiety to the brink just like the scenes in the movie did.

I was predisposed to enjoy this movie. I really like what the Safdie Brothers do, "Good Time" is great, I am a big time Sandler fan, I like movies like this and was highly anticipating it. It met my expectations and then some. I took my dad to the movie with me, and was curious how he felt. He said it started a little slow for him, but once it picked up, he was fully on board. That is high praise coming from my father. So, the fact that "Uncut Gems" won him over as well, that is another feather in its cap. I think this movie will find a huge audience when it hits streaming, but I will say, I went to a 9:40 am showing on a Sunday morning, and the theater was about 60 percent full. That also made me happy.

Go see "Uncut Gems", in the theaters if you can. This is a very good movie, it proves that the Safdie's are legit filmmakers and that Adam Sandler is more than just a Netflix, goofy movie making actor. Given solid direction, and the right material, he can be a very, very good actor. He was awesome.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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The Sin of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

Oh great, another hot Rise of Skywalker take

This Article Contains Spoilers for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

What is the point?

That is the question I asked once the credits started to roll on “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”.

That is not the question I wanted to ask.

I love Star Wars and would never let any group of critics dissuade me from enjoying a few hours in a galaxy far far away. I have defended “The Phantom Menace” for over twenty years now. I have watched all of “The Clone Wars”, even the awful feature film, I watched “Rebels”, I have started “Resistance”, and I am currently loving “The Mandalorian”. At 44 years old I am just a bit older than the Star Wars franchise, and my love has never wavered. These are my Star Wars fan credentials.

I stay with Star Wars because it tells new and interesting stories, stories I want to see. I like the characters, and I like to watch them fail and grow. Luke, Han, and Leia learned through failure and triumph. Obi Wan and the rest of the Jedi failed Anakin because of their absolute belief in their views being the only correct way. Ahsoka Tano became the most interesting Star Wars creation ever due to her questioning of what was the core of the Jedi and the Sith. Kanan, Ezra, and the rest of the Ghost crew found a family and challenged an empire. What did Rey, Poe, Finn, and Ben Solo do that was new and interesting?

That is The Rise of Skywalker’s greatest failure, it did nothing new. The Force Awakens was a retread, but there was hope for some new stories with these new characters. They were defined by the past but could forge their own futures. The Last Jedi started the trio on their path to individuality. Rey could be the balance that Anakin and Luke could never achieve. Poe could be the selfless hero by learning to fail. Finn could be the spark that allows those in the Empire, I mean First Order, to see the folly of the militaristic organization, and create a rebellion from within. 

None of that happened.

Rey was Luke but better. She defeated the Emperor on her own. Poe was Han Solo but better. His smuggling days were in the past, he was already the hero when The Force Awakens begins. And Finn, well Finn grew and understood the Rebellion, I mean Resistance, in The Last Jedi, he learned from Rose that they defeat the Empire, I mean First Order, together, and then he became a background character in The Rise of Skywalker. No growth, no forward storytelling, just a rehash of what we saw in Return of the Jedi. Pointless.

What is particularly frustrating about “The Rise of Skywalker” is that the movie had some great character moments surrounding Ben Solo/Kylo Ren. All of the actors do a great job, but this new trio of films belong to Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley. Unfortunately for Daisy, Adam was given the most nuanced material. The moment Kylo Ren becomes Ben Solo is touching and meaningful. His lost boy who regains his humanity through the parents who abbondoned him is great story telling. His rush to save Rey is inspired. I just wish a better, more original, movie was built around the Ben Solo story.

That is how this new sequel trilogy should have played out, make Ben Solo your main character. George Lucas tried to show the fall of Anakin in the prequels, and it did not quite work until the very end. “The Clone Wars” cartoon told the story of Anakin’s fall much better than the prequels. JJ Abrams and Disney could have taken a new stab on showing a good persons fall to the dark side, and his redemption, instead of retelling Star Wars 4 and 6. The only original film in the new trilogy was The Last Jedi because it focused on new ideas, mainly Ben Solo’s fall. That is why The Last Jedi will be remembered more fondly than The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker. 

The fact is that any new Star Wars is going to be worth my time. I have already seen the movie two times because I am that guy, i.e. Comic Book Guy. The issue I have with the Rise of Skywalker, and to a lesser extent The Force Awakens, is how pointless the storytelling was. I saw this story in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. I enjoyed the hell out of the story. I celebrated for decades the victory of Luke, Han, and Leia. I went all in on the problematic prequel movies because I loved experience new parts of a galaxy far far away. I walked into each of the sequel trilogy films with a smile on my face and high anticipation. I walked out of The Rise of Skywalker feeling like the story was pointless and a waste of time. That is the biggest sin of The Rise of Skywalker.

At least I have The Mandalorian to feed the appetite for new and exciting stories in the Star Wars world I love so much.

RD

RD Kulik is the Head Editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Best of 2019: Best of Everything Else

Super writer/critic extraordinaire Ty has already covered the best albums, the best movies, the best television shows, the best podcasts, and the best sports moments of 2019. Today I am going to give the rest of the stuff of 2019 some love. We will cover books, tech, video games, and a few other corners of society not given the top five/ten treatment by our publications. Let’s get started.

Best Video Game of 2019

Untitled Goose Game is the game we needed in our lives at this very moment in history. It appeals to young and old alike, and for very different reasons. I talked with a nine year old about the game, and then spun the game as an allegory for President Trump.

As for the game itself? You are a goose, and you are here to terrify a small village. You get from place to place by solving puzzles that involve your goose stealing things, scaring kids, and causing general mayhem.

It is awesome.

Best Movie Trailer for a Movie Released in 2019

This should have been the first trailer for Joker, but then Cats came along. A movie trailer needs to be memorable, and oh boy was the Cats trailer memorable for all the wrong reasons. The movie looked horrifying and stupid at the same time. I spent most of my time watching and rewatching the trailer asking myslef why would such an such actor be in this thing. My answers never came. Cats shows us that the best of us need to be told every now and then. The trailer was our first warning.

Best Movie trailer for a Movie Released after 2019

In 2019, the DC movie Universe started to catch up with Marvel. Aquaman came out in late 2018, but was the top movie in the early months of 2019. Shazam was a modest hit, and well like by the critics and the audience. Joker was a megahit and the most talked about movie of the year. Then around Thanksgiving we were given our first look at Wonder Woman 1984. The setting was spot on, the music was incredible, and the movie itself looks amazing. June 5th, 2020 cannot get here soon enough.

Best Book of 2019

Great new books come out every year. What is truly the best is usually left up to a person’s personal preference. Many times the best book we read in a given year came out in a previous year. The best book for 2019, or the most important to read book, is George Orwell’s 1948 novel 1984.

In 1948, George Orwell understood the dangers of screaming fake news and blind loyalty to a government that has an agenda counter to the benefit of the people they serve. In 2019 we live in 1984’s world, and we do not care. It could never happen to us is what we said when we first read Orwell’s dystopic story. In 2019 we need to read 1984 to acknowledge the fact we live in this society.

Best Tech of 2019

It is hard to judge new technology until we have seen it in action for a year or more. All the big tech sites with praise anything Apple, and then quietly say how bad the tech was years later, see the Apple Pencil and Macbook keyboard.

Apple is not alone in the blind praises bestowed by the tech media on the companies and personalities the writers so desperately want to have access to. That is why the Tesla Cybertruck is the best tech of the year.

The cybertruck look stupid, it will be grotesquely overpriced, and it will be bested by a real car company in the not so distant future, but the Cybertruck will be considered the first heavy duty pickup to normalize the idea of an all electric truck for the masses. In the not so distant future when Tesla is gone, the tech media will continue to remind us that the Cybertruck was “first”. They will not be totally wrong.

Best Written Thing on the Internet

In 2019 the website Deadspin.com entered a death spiral. The owners decided to lay down the law on the creators, and the creators revolted. The end of one of the most important internet sites had dawned. Before the true endgame, former editor Megan Greenwell wrote an insightful and scathing piece about the current state of internet journalism. We live in a world where traditional journalism, i.e. newspapers, radio, and televsion, has been sacrificed on the alter of capitalism. The internet was where real journalism was still breathing it’s survival breaths. Then the corporate raiders came for the internet. Clicks, likes, and trash were valued more than the talents of creators. Megan Greenwell saw this, was fired, and then left the last parting shot. Forget about all the “traditional” media think pieces on the world around us. Megan Greenwell gave us a true look into the future we are moving towards. Read her words and be wary.

Best Visual Thing on the Internet

The Peloton is stupid. Exercise is good, but the cult like, false view of wealth, that the Peloton sells is poisonous. The company/cult’s newest ad reflects the toxic image the overpriced spin bike is selling.

Enter a hero. Ryan Reynold’s owns a gin called Aviator and he sought out the woman in the Peloton ad. Together they made the greatest ad of the year. Who knew that gin was more progressive, and respectful, than an exercise device. Now we know.

These are just a few of the things I saw in 2019 that made an impact. While companies like Peloton and any trust fund idiot that owns a website tried to push society backwards, we had heroes like Megan Greenwell, Ryan Reynolds, and an untitled goose to give us the catharsis we need. In 2019 we were also gifted with the reminder of what was warned in 1948, and we were able to observe pop culture’s hubris with Cats. All in all there were scares and hope in the year 2019 of the common era.

Bring on the 20’s.

RD

RD Kulik is the Head Editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Best of 2019: Top Five Movies

Continuing my Best of 2019 lists, today I come to you with my top 5 movies of the year. Now, I do not get out to see as many movies as I would like, more on that when I get to my disappointments of the year, but I still see more than enough to put together a best of. The rare occasion I do get to go to the theater, I usually pick a movie that I am nearly certain I will like. I don't want to waste money. I have started to take advantage of On Demand and renting movies on Amazon, which has become a big help. Anyway, lets get to the list.

At number 5 I have "Between Two Ferns: The Movie". I had the most fun watching this movie over any other movie I saw this year. It was funny, goofy, well improvised, well acted and an all around good time. The fact that it was on Netflix was an added bonus. I have watched the movie several times because of that fact. Also, I like that they took this awkward concept and turned it into a feature length movie. "Between Two Ferns" was funny enough on its own, and then making it a movie made it that much better. Sure, the story was weird and pointless, but I don't come to this for the story. I want to see the awkward interviews, and they are a plenty in the movie, and they are great. Every person that was interviewed was game, and it showed. I laughed harder at this movie than any other comedy I have seen in quite some time. And Zach Galifinakis is truly awesome. His interview style is so funny. I love this movie.

At number 4 I have "Avengers: Endgame". This movie could have been a real problem, could have felt overstuffed and was already on thin ice with me because I am growing weary of the MCU. But, they did everything absolutely right in this movie, and they closed a chapter better than any big budget, multi universe movie has done in probably forever. "Endgame" was filled with action and drama and made me ugly cry a few times. When, spoiler alert, Ironman dies and has a funeral, I was sobbing so hard that the teen sitting next to me asked if I was going to be okay. I also teared up when Captain America told the Avengers to assemble when they all came back. "Endgame" is the way a super filled cast superhero movie should be done. The movie was over 3 hours long, well over it, but it never felt that long. The movie flowed to perfection. "Endgame" made me appreciate "Infinity War" more, and that in and of itself is an achievement. I am once again excited to see where Marvel goes from here, and that is because "Endgame" was so well done.

At number 3 I have "John Wick Chapter 3; Parabellum". I am a humongous John Wick fan. I was all in on the franchise from the start. I love the action and how nonstop and relentless it is. And "Parabellum" is that for nearly 2 hours. This one picks up right where chapter 2 left off, with Wick now on the run and all the assassins ready to take him out. It is nonstop fro there. The opening scene, where he beats up and kills pro basketball player Boban Marajonivic with a book was unexpected and it ruled. When he fights a group of bad guys with a horse that he whips to kick them in the face, amazing. Being on the run constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. The fight he has with the host of "Iron Chef America", in a smallish room with a ton of stairs, was brilliantly choreographed and a thing of beauty to watch. This movie starts fast, gets faster in the middle and ends on an unnerving note that this may not be the end of the franchise, and that is great news. I hope they continue to make these movies because I will keep giving it my money. John Wick is one of the quintessential characters of the past decade.

At number 2 I have "Yesterday". Look, I was predisposed to like this movie, and I ended up loving it. The movie is filled with the music of The Beatles, who I have called the greatest band of all time, and was directed by Danny Boyle, who doesn't make bad movies. The premise, a guy gets hit by a bus during a worldwide power outage, wakes up in the hospital, and is only one of three people left that remembers The Beatles music, that hooked me in the first preview. The fact that they were able to make a cohesive, beautiful and fun movie out of it, that is icing on the cake. The cast is great as well, led by Himesh Patel, who is simply wonderful in this movie. His version of Beatles songs is reminiscent of the sound from "The Royal Tenebaums" soundtrack, and I thought that was a great choice. I know some called it too sweet, or didn't like his version of Beatles songs, or trashed the premise. I couldn't disagree more. I adore this movie. I will fight for this movie. I legitimately think Patel should be talked about more during awards season. "Yesterday" is a sweet love story to the importance of the music of The Beatles. How could one not like that?

At number 1 I have "Us". Jordan Peele is the best modern day horror director. I don't usually go for horror movies, but "Get Out", and now "Us", has me totally rethinking that stance. He has made two perfect movies that are not only scary, but have solid messages, crazy twists and his sense of humor sprinkled in. The story of "Us", how there is a whole society of doppelgangers that live beneath us on Earth is trippy and it works. I fully bought in from the jump. Oh, and the acting in this movie is top notch. Going back to Patel and awards season, how in the hell is Lupita Nyong’o not up for any awards?! The two characters she plays in "Us" were totally different, yet she absolutely nailed them both. She is amazing in this movie. So is Winston Duke, Tim Heidecker and Elisabeth Moss. Oh, and the kids, they are just as good. But Nyong’o stands taller than all of them. She is astounding. Also, the way Peele puts scares in his movies, not jump scares, more of the psychological kind, it stays with you so much longer. I find myself just sitting around on a random Tuesday and asking myself, what would I do if I ran into my "tethered"? That is the sign of a great movie to me. "Us" is going to go down as one of the best horror movies of all time. I guarantee it.

As far as disappointments for me in 2019, one is "Joker". I had such high expectations of this movie, and after seeing the first trailer, they only got higher. I took my father to see it on its second weekend, and I walked out of that movie more frustrated than anything else. I don't like when movies are complicated just to be complicated. I know this is my problem, and how I consume movies, but "Joker" is one of the more frustrating movies I can remember seeing in a long time. The same thing can be said for "Midsommar". I begged my wife to see this in the theaters, and when we couldn't find a time that worked for both of us, we finally had a weekend open where we could rent it On Demand. We sat down, watched the whole two and a half hours in silence and, when it was done, both said, "what the hell was that?". Now, the movie was beautifully shot, looked tremendous and had some solid acting in it. But, there was so much silence, some of the wildest shit I have seen on screen and the ending was one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen. This movie stayed with me for a few days afterward, but not in a good way. Again, I was confused and frustrated by what I saw. I don't know if taking psychedelics would have helped, I have seen people online say that it does, but I don't do drugs or drink. I know that "Midsommar" has a fan base, and I so wanted to be part of it, but the movie just didn't work for me. Finally, and this is more of a time thing, I am upset that I have seen "Parasite", "The Lighthouse" or "Uncut Gems" yet. I want to see these movies in the theaters really bad, especially "Uncut Gems", but I just have the time. I have a full time job as an at home dad, my wife works 40 plus hours a week and we do things with our kids on the weekends. I will see all three of them eventually, and I am sure I will like, maybe even love, them all, but they will have to wait for now. I will try my best over my kids winter breaks from school to see all three of them in the theater, but that may be wishful thinking.

Okay, that does it for movies in 2019. Come back tomorrow for my TV picks of 2019.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. Ty wrote his list before the biggest movie of the year has been released. What oh what will Ty think of “Cats”?

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SeedSing Classic: The Advent Calendar of Great Holiday Movies: Day 15 "The Christmas Shoes"

ed note: This article was originally published on December 15th, 2018

The pre-Christmas Day season of Advent is upon us. Here at SeedSing we love the chocolaty goodness of getting a piece of candy once a day until we get to open our presents. As our gift to you we are looking back at the great holiday music, movies, television episodes, and food of this great season. Enjoy

Day 15: “The Christmas Shoes”

Opened Doors: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14

Yes the movie I choose for day fifteen is a little film called “The Christmas Shoes”. First things first, I have never seen this movie, but I wanted you the audience to be aware of it’s existence. I put it on here for two reasons, the star and the song.

“The Christmas Shoes” premiered in 2002 and Rob Lowe, aka one Ty’s favorite actors, was the star. I do not know why. Rob Lowe has always seemed to make pretty good career choices. To star in a movie based off a terrible christian book and song, that seems noteworthy. Maybe Lowe, like us all, has his own guilty pleasures. Starring in this maudlin, convoluted, story is his I guess. God speed Rob.

The other reason I think you should all be aware of “The Christmas Shoes” is because of the epic take down Patton Oswalt does on the god awful song. (Here is a great animation with Oswalt’s epic piece.) It may not be a movie, but that under eight minute YouTube clip is probably more worth your time than the two hour made for tv movie.

My gift to you this season is to make you aware that Rob Lowe starred in a made for tv movie based on one of the worst Christmas songs ever. Now you know, and that is half the holiday battle.

RD

RD is the Head Editor for SeedSing. Do you know what can be festive and tacky at the same time? Christmas lights. Thank goodness there is a joyous song about all the lights we see during the season.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

SeedSing Classic: The Advent Calendar of Great Holiday Movies: Day 11 "Scrooged"

ed note: This article was originally published on December 11th, 2018

The pre-Christmas Day season of Advent is upon us. Here at SeedSing we love the chocolaty goodness of getting a piece of candy once a day until we get to open our presents. As our gift to you we are looking back at the great holiday music, movies, television episodes, and food of this great season. Enjoy

Day 11: “Scrooged”

Opened Doors: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10

For day 11 of our Advent Calendar of holiday movies, I want to talk about one of my favorites, "Scrooged". To me, this is the best telling of the famous holiday story.

For those that may not know, "Scrooged" is an "updated" version of Dickens famous "A Christmas Carol". But, in "Scrooged" we get the absolutely wonderful, in one of his best roles, Bill Murray in the main role. He is a TV exec, and all he cares about is money and his show. He could care less if people have to work on the holiday because to him, it is all abut the bottom line. When the lady in his life, the excellent Karen Allen, has had enough, she leaves him. This sends him into a tailspin where, he doesn't care who he hurts, and how badly he hurts them. He is on a mission to make everyone else feel as miserable as he does. And while it sounds like Murray is mean, and he is, he plays the role so funny that is almost hard to root against him. When I watch it, I kind of feel a bit for him. He is a miserable person, and his best way to cope with bad news is to make the people around him just as miserable. He even makes his cheery assistant, the great Alfre Woodard, angry enough to yell at him and be mean to him. By the way, Woodard, at the time, was an unknown to me, and she is so awesome in this movie. In fact, I have compared every role I have seen her in since this movie, and this is her best performance for me.

Anyway, after a night of yelling at everyone, and some heavy drinking, we get the "Christmas Carol" treatment. Murray is met by three ghosts throughout the night that show him what his life would have been like had he picked certain paths. He meets up with David Johansen early in the movie, some of you may know him as the lead singer of New York Dolls, or as Buster Poindexter, and he is the Ghost of Christmas Past. These scenes, while important, are kind of sad. We see why Murray acts the way he does. But, we also see that he could have not been this way had he made some different choices as a kid. We also see how different he could have been if the adults in his life where a bit more present. As I said, it is kind of sad, but Murray and Johansen make it funnier than it should be. They make it good. Johansen is great in this role too. I didn't know he could act until I watched him in "Scrooged". He was awesome.

Besides Murray, Carol Kane, as the Ghost of Christmas Past, is tremendous. She is so perfectly cast in this role. She has that sweet voice, sweet to me, and dresses so Disney-ish and seemingly nice. But she is anything but nice. Anytime Murray mouths off to her, she hits him with her wand, and she hits him hard. This gag is used a bunch and it works every single time. When she is not hitting him, she is showing him how the future will work if he continues to act like he currently is. No one wants to be around him. Allen wants nothing to do with him. His former co workers are much happier when he isn't around anymore. It is a real slap in the face, or whack with a wand if you will, to Murray.

The “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is the same old black hooded grim reaper looking thing, but this one is full of tv’s. It is quite surreal.

After seeing all this, just like in every other "Christmas Carol" movie or book, Murray cleans up his act. But the way he does it in "Scrooged" is so much hipper, funnier and cooler than in any other version. Murray continues to act like a jerk, but it is all a façade. He is truly changing his ways. He is messing with people, but he has truly turned a leaf. He gives things to the home that Allen volunteers in. He gives Woodard the day off, but not before giving her a raise and a hug. He convinces Bobcat Goldthwait, who is so good in this movie, to not hurt anyone after all. He even stands up to people who continue to act like he does after he sees these three ghosts.

"Scrooged" is one of the best holiday movies. As I said at the top, I consider it the best version of this famous story. Murray totally drives this movie, but the supporting actors, mainly Carol Kane, do just as much heavy lifting. I watch this movie every year when I wrap presents, and I have grown to like it more and more every year. "Scrooged" is a classic, and it is one of Murray's best. In fact I think I want to go watch it right now. See ya.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. For a new take on the Santa Clause tale, check out the incredible “Twilight Zone” Episode “Night of the Meek”.

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"Love Actually" Actually Sucks

I talked on our most recent pod about writing a response piece to RD putting “Love Actually” on his Xmas movies list for this year, and that piece comes today.

I’ve made no bones about my distaste of this movie to anyone that will listen. I saw this movie in the theaters with a friend of mine, and from that moment on I've loathed this movie. I was bored then, and I recently rewatched it, for research I suppose, and I came away even more angry. Now, I know it’s just a movie, and it’s supposed to be charming and funny and romantic, but there are so many problems with this movie.

RD said in his piece that it’s the perfect representation of Hallmark Christmas movies, but I have to respectfully disagree. Hallmark movies know what they are, and they make no bones about it. The Hallmark movies are goofy and devoid of any real plot and the actors are one of two types, either old stars or people just trying to get work. They know it, and we the viewer know it as well. The Hallmark movies are also breezy, easy to get through and you can do many other things while they’re on. It’s almost like white noise for the holiday season. “Love Actually” is none of these things.

The actors in “Love Actually” take their roles way, way, way too seriously, with one exception. The only person who is worth a damn in this train wreck of a movie is Bill Nighy. He clearly gets it, and he’s just goofing around and having a good time. I’d watch a movie solely about his character, and I bet I’d love it. Outside Nighy, I have a major problem with every main character. Colin Firth is a stalker and lame. His role is pointless and nonessential to anything that has to do with the “plot”. I like Firth as an actor, but I hate this role. I don’t so much have a problem with Hugh Grant, but I despise the way they treat his love interest. She is a beautiful, and in this movie, a very sweet lady. But all the cast around her does is fat shame her, and she is nowhere near fat. She looks fit and in shape. But, I guess the writers of this movie seem to think that being in shape, and not rail thin, is fat. The jokes about her are crass, insensitive and flat out bad. It’s hackey and played out the way they treat her. I feel like frat bros wrote her part. It’s so disgusting and chauvinistic the way she’s treated. I hated it in theaters, and I hate it even more as a husband and father. Alan Rickman is a scum bag cheater. And before I get the whole, “but he didn’t cheat on his wife. He bought her a gift”, stop. He yearns for the lady that is flirting with him. To me, flirting is a form of cheating. He is just on the edge of stepping out, but he gets caught. And, to have Emma Thompson wear a fat suit in this movie, I mean, what is it with these writers and making fun of fat people. Who cares what someone weighs or how they look if they’re good people. This movie, to me, says it’s okay to think about cheating, or make fun of, if you’re overweight. That’s so wrong. The whole Liam Neeson and his son thing is so cloying and so played out and so heavy handed. I swear his role was simply to get people to tear up. Also, why should I care about, or root for, two young children falling in love. Most likely, those two would never see each other again. Also, his son has serious OCD tendencies and a stalker mentality. The Keira Knightly, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rick Grimes, don’t know his real name, story is creepy. Ejiofor seems like a great match for Knightly, like a good guy and friend and doesn’t deserve Rick Grimes opining his lost love. And for Knightly’s character having to act like she thinks his cue card deal is cute, it’s not. It’s creepy as hell. As much as this movie likes to poke fun at overweight people, it seems to defend cheating and or stalking as well. The lines are not very blurred. Even my wife doesn’t care for the Laura Linney storyline. It’s an odd departure from the mostly upbeat feel of the movie. It’s sappy and sad and fails at making me feel bad for anyone involved. Martin Freeman and his scene mate scenes are supposed to be funny, but they’re not. It completely misses the mark. It’s also too far fetched and seems very out of place in this movie.

As for the English dude who moves to the states and ends up at a bar with Shannon Elizabeth, January Jones and Elisha Cuthbert, that was so odd and so dumb. RD made a great point about this whole scene, where he thought the ladies were going to murder him. They didn’t. It was another cliche male fantasy, where the three ladies love his accent so much so that they are ready to be intimate with him the moment they hear him speak. It’s so stupid.

“Love Actually” is the worst Xmas movie of all time. I’d rather watch “Jingle All the Way”. There, I said it. This movie is lame, mean, misogynistic, unfunny, pointless and unnecessary. I despise this movie. I know I’m on an island, but I will stay on this island forever. “Love Actually” is garbage and needs to be scrubbed from any streaming device. What a steamy heap of trash this movie truly is. I bet “the president” loves the way women and overweight people are treated in this pile of crap. Watch “Scrooged” instead. That movie is rad.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. No arguement here. “Scrooged” is most definitely rad.

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SeedSing Classic: The Advent Calendar of Great Holiday Movies: Day 8 "He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special"

ed note: This article was originally published on December 8th, 2018

The pre-Christmas Day season of Advent is upon us. Here at SeedSing we love the chocolaty goodness of getting a piece of candy once a day until we get to open our presents. As our gift to you we are looking back at the great holiday music, movies, television episodes, and food of this great season. Enjoy

Day 8: “He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special”

Opened Doors: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7

There are times when we may find ourselves in a place that does not have the same traditions and customs that our homes celebrate. We may go to a new part of the world that our western way of life has not been the primary influence. First thing to know, do not be rude. We can introduce our customs and traditions, but we must respect the ways of the indigenous people’s. We may learn some new traditions to bring home, and we may impart part of our way of life to make a positive impact on their day to day dealings. These lessons of understanding and sharing are not just important to Earth, but to all the planets we may accidentally visit that are spread out among the universe.

On December 25th 1985, the “He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special” aired once on American televisions, and was then released as a VHS so families could enjoy the movie every holiday season. The story centered around two Earth kids who were accidentally transported to the planet Eternia and they just want to get home for Christmas. The wizard Orko initially accompanies the kids, and he learns all about this holiday called Christmas. Orko is on board with this great day, and he wants all his Eternia friends to get in on the action.

Since this a He-Man She-Ra joint venture, the audience is treated with the double dose of villainy that is Skeletor and Hordak. The two bad guys want to please their great evil master by bringing the earth kids to him (or to it, Horde-Prime may have a masculine voice but is just a big colorful cloud, I do not think cloud’s have genders. I could be wrong.). Unfortunately Hordak and Skeletor do not like each other, and refuse to work together. Through some sort of shenanigans, Skeletor ends up with the two earth kids in his custody and he is going to bring them to Horde Prime.

The moments with Skeletor and the earth children is what makes the “He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special” an instant classic. The kids teach Skeletor all about Christmas, and the evil ghoul seems all in. He asks if their are fights and exploding presents, the kids say no there are only nice things that people want at Christmas time. The problem is that Skeletor likes fights and exploding presents, oh and he is definitely not nice. See the magnificent scene for yourself.

Thanks to a well timed attack from a snow beast, and a dog that keeps licking Skeletor’s fleshless face, the once evil scourge of Eternia seems to be infected by the Christmas spirit. He saves the kids from the snow beast, saves them later on from Hordak and Horde Prime, and doesn’t beat the hell out of He-Man and She-Ra when they have a laugh at Skeletor’s Scrooge like change of heart. The Earth tradition of Christmas saved everyone on Eternia the inconvenience of a Skeletor scheme on this one day of the year. God bless us everyone.

The best of our traditions that get passed down generation to generation usually have great kindness at their heart. Eternia may not have had Christmas before a couple of Earth kids got caught up with the careless Orko, but the ideas of generosity, togetherness, and being nice had a great effect on the planet’s number one Grinch. For good measure the earth kids also got to take home a tradition from Eternia. Man at Arms gifted them some run of mill rocket belts. Befriend Skeletor and get a couple of rocket belts, it is going to be hard to top that Christmas.

RD

RD is the Head Editor for SeedSing. If the earth is destroyed in a nuclear war, will Christmas still exist? Weird Al Yankovic seems to think it will.

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Is "Weird Science" a Feminist Movie? Let Me Explain

As I am want to do I peruse the movie channels in the afternoon while my kids are napping or at school. Yesterday I happened across one of my favorites, “Weird Science”.

I’ve adored this movie since I first saw it when I was a pre teen. I have always been a fan of Anthony Michael Hall. Like, an unabashed fan of his. I defend him in arguments with friends and family. I have always had a crush on Kelly LaBrock. I like Bill Paxton(RIP). And I am a John Hughes(RIP) fan. I like most of his movies, but “Weird Science” is, to me, his masterpiece. It is quintessential 80’s. It has all the tropes, but it does them better than any other movie from that era. There, I said it. But yesterday was the first time I’ve watched it since I’ve had kids, and been a husband and father. And I noticed something that had never dawned on me, and it made me happy.

Before I get into it, there are problematic elements in this movie. Some of the language used is vulgar and offensive, some interpretations are off and it goes way off the rails at times. But, it was the 80’s, and as Rick James(RIP) put it, “cocaine is a hell of a drug”. I needed to say that before I drop this bomb of a take on everyone.

After watching the movie from start to finish yesterday, I think that “Weird Science” is a movie, in its whole, that is feminist at its core. Now, before you yell at me, or say I’m “mansplaining”, one of my least favorite terms, just hear me out. Yes, Lisa(LaBrock) is created by two nerds. And she is a bombshell that horny high school dudes would come up with. And there may be a million other sexist things in the movie. But, when Lisa shows up on screen, she is the immediate star and carries the movie. She is pure confidence. She exudes it. She is willing to go anywhere, hang out with anyone, call out assholes and get these two dorks to finally be confident. Case and point, when she wants to go out, she takes the kids to a bar filled with older, and gruffer people. When the kids push back, she lets them know that they’re all people, and that a business won’t turn away paying customers. And she’s right, and it makes for some of the best scenes, and everyone has a great time. She lets the boys know that people are just people. Don’t judge before you get to know them. As for hanging out with anyone, well, we have the bar. She also invites all of the school to the big party she throws. She includes everyone. She talks and mingles with everyone. She sets time aside for all the people that were able to come to the party. Be it jock, bully, nerd, she talks to everyone, and everyone talks to her. She is the life of the party. She’s so cool, people thought it was her party and her house. Not the nerds.

As for fighting and standing up to bullies, there’s at least two occasions that come to mind. She doesn’t let Anthony Michael Hall’s father, who’s a real jerk, speak to her like she’s lesser than him. She stands up to him and calls him out right to his face. That is another great scene in the movie. It’s also very funny. She’s keeps telling the other nerdy kid to stand up to his bully of a bigger brother, played by Bill Paxton. She wants Wyatt to be tougher and more assertive. She’s constantly telling him that. Robert Downey Jr and his buddy, two of the biggest bullies in the movie, she doesn’t then give them an inch. They think they can get any girl, that they can be mean and they will still get their way. Well, Lisa totally calls them out for the phonies they are, and proves that they aren’t as tough or cool as they may think they are. The way she blows them off at the mall is classic.

As for helping the two nerds find their confidence, she is the driving force in getting them to stand up to the motorcycle gang that crashes the party. She gets them both to come out of their shells and, not only stand up to hardened criminals, but also get the girls in the end. Kelly LaBrock is truly wonderful in this movie, and is amazing in the role. It was great to see it with real adult eyes. I’m married to a total badass independent woman, and after seeing LaBrock in “Weird Science”, it makes me appreciate my wife that much more.

Another thing, you have to look at when this movie was made, 1985, and think of how awesome, and ahead if its time it was to make the female lead this incredible. We have more movies now, still not enough, but more that let women shine. You can see it in “Frozen 2”, “Wonder Woman”, “Bridesmaids”, “Bad Times at the El Royale”, “Widows” and so on, where the women rule the day. So, for “Weird Science”, and Hughes and LaBrock, to have made and been in a movie this forward thinking almost 35 years ago is astonishing.

I know this may be a weird take, and some may think I’m wrong, but I’m going to stand by this until the day I die. I feel that “Weird Science” is one of the first true feminist movies made.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. After watching “Weird Science”, Ty thinks this Robert Downey Jr kid may have a future in Hollywood. Anybody know what he has been doing these last thirty years?

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SeedSing Classic: The Advent Calendar of Great Holiday Movies: Day 3 "Love Actually"

The pre-Christmas Day season of Advent is upon us. Here at SeedSing we love the chocolaty goodness of getting a piece of candy once a day until we get to open our presents. As our gift to you we are looking back at the great holiday music, movies, television episodes, and food of this great season. Enjoy

Day 2: “Love Actually”

Opened Doors: Day 1, Day 2

The holiday season is filled with a bunch of different characters. There is the old man who finally discovers the true meaning of Christmas. The little boy who makes a grand gesture and starts his ascent into manhood. The long married couple whose passion is gone and needs the holidays to reignite the flame. The creepy guy pining for his best friend’s girl. The hot, and easy, American girls looking to give a few British blokes a good time.And last but not least, the Prime Minister of Great Britain looking for a holiday office romance with a staffer.

In 2003 Richard Curtis, known to some as a writer for the television show “Black Adder”, unleashed the film “Love Actually” onto the world. The movie was a mega hit and has become a holiday staple since it’s release. The movie follows a bunch of different stories about varying stages of love, and it all takes place around Christmas time in Britain. The mood is downright magical. For anyone that has seen “Love Actually”, there is no denying the schmaltzy Christmas feel of the film.

A movie like “Love Actually” will always have it’s fans, but it also has quite a few detractors. Personal note - I saw “Love Actually” during it’s original run. I thought it was enjoyable enough, but I also thought it was forgettable. I was wrong. The anti-”Love Actually” crowd has drawn me in, but I have not seen the movie since 2003. That is my bad. If you want to bag on something, make sure you watch it so you have a little credibility. Plus, I still think Bill Nighy was awesome in the movie.

Speaking of Bill Nighy, the cast of “Love Actually” is one of the most impressive casts of any film made the last 50 years. It is the “Avengers: Infinity War” of classy British thespians, with a few yanks thrown in for good measure. Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Martin Freeman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, Keira Knightly, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Billy Bob Thorton, Rowan Atkinson, January Jones, Elisha Cuthbert, Shannon Elizabeth, Denise Richards, and even writer/director Richard Curtis gets a place in his cast. That is one hell of a cast for a movie that seems like it belongs on the Hallmark Channel during the Christmas season.

That is the most impressive thing about the staying power of “Love Actually”, it is the most Hallmark Christmas movie ever. People flock to watch cheesy movies during the holidays because we all want to believe that the season brings magic into our lives. ‘Love Actually” is the king of the Christmasy schmalty films that seem dumb on paper, but make us feel like Scrooge on the morning of December 25th after he has his pleasant psychotic break due to hallucinations. “ Love Actually” is probably the most Christmasy movie ever made that does not involve mutated reindeer, Grinches, or Santa’s. “Love Actually” gets what we want to see on our screens for Christmas.

Good, bad, cheesy, heartwarming. None of this matters. “Love Actually” can claim all of those adjectives, but it will still be loved by many this holiday season. Movies like “Love Actually” are meant to force the happiness and warmness of the holiday season onto our darkened souls. Say what you want, but “Love Actually” does really believe that Christmas is all around, no matter how ridiculous it may look and sound.

RD

RD is the Head Editor for SeedSing. Hanukkah is different year to year. Need some more Christmas cheese, with a much less impressive cast? Go check out the classic “Saved By the Bell” two part story Home for Christmas.

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Ty Watches "Frozen 2"

This past weekend my wife and I took our kids to see “Frozen 2”. This was more for our daughter, who loves Anna and Elsa, but our son loved the original “Frozen”, my wife LOVES the music and I think the animation and imagery is very beautiful. We bought tickets to an early-ish evening show on Friday, and the theater was filled with kids and parents. That’s usually a good sign.

I want to get the cynical stuff out of the way first, I did not really care for this movie. It felt like an unnecessary sequel. I think the people behind it had such a big hit with the original one, they just assumed everyone would want a sequel. And while I think the fans may have wanted it, I don’t think the average movie goer, or parent that takes their kids to see this, necessarily needed, or wanted it. I didn’t think the story was totally thought out. The sad stuff that Disney does so well was undone in this movie. The animation, while still pretty, wasn’t updated or made to look sleeker. The songs do not have the staying power of the original. There is nothing close to “Let it Go” in this one. And it just felt kind of long and boring, to me. Again, this is the critical side of me. I’m writing on this site to review movies, and this is my honest review. I’d much, much rather watch a movie like “Moana” 10 times out of 10 over “Frozen 2”. It’s a far superior movie.

When I take off my critic hat, and put on my dad and husband hat, I can see the draw of this movie. My wife, as I said, loves the whole ethos of “Frozen”. She’s bought into the whole created universe, loves the music and digs the story. And I can see why. She likes movies like this. “Frozen 2” is, at its core, a musical. There is much, much more singing in the sequel than was in the original. The dialogue is there to set up songs, and she adores that stuff in movies. And she really likes the songs. We listened to the soundtrack right after the movie, I gave my opinion, and she couldn’t have disagreed more. She’s now almost memorized all the songs, and I can hear her humming them around the house. This was exactly what she wanted to see out of this movie.

As for my kids, putting the dad hat on now, they both liked it fit different reasons. My son loves him some Olaf, and boy oh boy, was he heavily involved and goofy as ever. He also likes Christoph, and he has moments solely given to his character, so much so that he does a weird, 90’s esque music video song. It was weird and seemed out of place, and my son loved it. He was cracking up the whole time. My daughter loves loves loves Elsa, and she is front and center in this one. This “story” is all hers, and she is all over this movie. When she was on screen at the very beginning, my daughter screamed, “yeah!!!!! There’s Elsa!!!!”. That was worth it. She was so amped and invested whenever she was on screen. She fell in an ocean at one point and my daughter screamed with terror, as did most of the kids in the theater. Whenever Elsa would sing, my daughter sat as quiet and focused as I’ve seen her in her four years on Earth. She was more in than my wife. It was pretty cool to see. I wonder if this is how they see me when I watch Michigan football games.

So, when I get my critical mind out of the gutter, the movie was worth the price. The three other people i was with, my family, all enjoyed the hell out of themselves. This was what they wanted, and they had an absolute blast.

While I wasn’t much of a fan, I’d still recommend this movie because 75 percent of my family loved it, and are still talking about it and singing the songs. Oh, and we now have to buy some merchandise for the holidays. So, Disney truly accomplished what they wanted out of this movie, good for them. If you’re on the fence, take your whole family to see “Frozen 2”. Their joy will make it more than worth the time and money.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. In Ty’s world, if you want to make a sequal to a beloved kids movie, make “Babe 2: Pig in the City”. Do that and you will never have to make another film in the series. (BTW - Babe 2 rules)

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Better Late Than Never on the Film "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"

I recently watched the most recent Coen Brothers movie, "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs", and I have to say, I really loved this movie. I knew of it because I watched a few trailers, and as I feel with every Coen Brothers movie, I was intrigued. I like their take on Westerns, and they are 2 of the best directors that are out there right now. Also, the cast that was announced was pretty dynamite. I am a big Tim Blake Nelson fan. I adore Tyne Daly. I like James Franco. Tom Waits is weird, but he is a perfect fit in Coen Brothers movies. Zoe Kazan was a revelation in "The Big Sick". And that is just a few of the very big names that were in this movie. I also enjoy movies that go the vignette rout, and the Coen Brothers did this perfectly.

"The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" is split into 6 different stories that may, or may not, be connected. I tend to believe that they are each their own story, and each one is very well told. The movie starts off with Tim Blake Nelson, as the titular Buster Scruggs, and his story is fast and funny and violent and great. Nelson is funny and breaks the fourth wall all the time. He is constantly talking to the viewing audience, telling us his backstory, and I loved every second of it. He also sings some catchy songs, and brutally kills people that have wronged him. His demise was unexpected, but very well played. I liked this segment a ton.

The second segment featured James Franco and Stephen Root. Franco is a bank robber and Root is the teller. This story was a bit more dramatic, but when Root runs outside covered in pots and pans, I found myself chuckling. Also, the stuff with the Native Americans was tremendous. Franco is about to be hanged, and they come and save the day. I was blown away at how cool this whole scene was in the movie. While this segment was a bit slower, it still kept my interest to the very end.

We move from there to the Liam Neeson and Harry Melling segment, which was as dour as it gets in this movie, and I loved it. Neeson plays the care taker to Melling, who is armless and legless, and he does dramatic readings of plays and speeches in towns that they travel to. The speeches are great. Neeson's portrayal of the care taker was solid. But, Melling was the star of this vignette. He was tremendous and I could not take my eyes off him. His readings were dynamite, and when he wasn't doing the readings, he spoke not a word, but we saw his reactions to Neeson's life. It was incredible. This segment proved that the Coen Brothers are just as adept at drama as they are at everything else.

The Tom Waits segment came next, and he was pretty much the only person involved. He was a gold miner, and watching him go through the days, just panning and panning until his big payday was truly wonderful. Waits was so good. Even when he finds his fortune, he gets shot in the back, which made me sad, but he was still alive, and he still got his payday. That made me happy, and to see Waits gallop away on his horse was moving. This was one of the few segments that had a "happy" ending.

The Zoe Kazan vignette was next, and this one kind of had it all. It was classic Coen Brothers at the start. The scene around the dinner table was so good. They have the comedy from that, and then goes to dramedy, when Kazan's brother suddenly dies. I say dramedy because his character was an odd dude, and the crew taking them to Oregon didn't seem to sad when he died. We then got a love story between Kazan and one of the main ranch hands leading the trip. This quickly turned sour when Native Americans found her and her dog watching prairie dogs, and the main ranch hand came to help her fight. He told her that if things got bad, to shoot herself in the head. He told her this would be a much easier death than anything else that may happen. When things seemed to be okay, with the main ranch hand holding the fighters off, it turned sad because Kazan shot herself, thinking things had gotten as bad as they could. I was absolutely stunned by this ending, and it made me very sad.

The final segment was probably my second favorite, behind the Buster Scruggs one, and it was filmed and acted perfectly. There were 5 people in a horse carriage, and they all kind of tell their own story. There is 2 guys on one side, and 2 other guys and a lady on the other side. The 3 people each have very strong opinions about their lives, and how each other lives. It is, at times, funny, sad and interesting. I was hanging on every word from all three actors. Then they pan back to the other 2 guys, one of which is Brendon Gleeson, who breaks into song, and everyone stops to listen. It was touching and moving. They then pan to the gentleman he was with, and he reveals that they are bounty hunters, and the other 3 passengers may be their next victims. It was another stunning turn,, and I loved the way they revealed it. This was such a well told story. It was so well acted. It was near perfection, and the way it ended made it even better.

"The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" is one of the better movies to come out in 2018. I wished I had watched it sooner, but that is the good thing about Netflix. It is still on there to watch, and I am glad that I did. I highly recommend this movie, and I give it as many thumbs up as I possibly can. What a great, great movie.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. The movie was great, but could have been better with one more vignette. Imagine a story where Ty is watching the film and then writing about it. That would be epic.

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Better Late than Never on "Midsommar"

I have been pestering my wife for months now to watch the movie "Midsommar" with me. I wanted to see it in theaters, I was willing to rent it on iTunes and I finally convinced her to rent it on On Demand this past Saturday.

I heard pretty much nothing but good things about the movie from critics and people who's opinions in movies I trust and respect. I also like to watch a good psychological thriller around this time of year. Most people like straight up horror movies, but I prefer to have my mind twisted and bent in all wild directions. Those are the "Scary" movies that I enjoy. For example, last year around the same time my wife and I watched "The Babadook", which ruled by the way. So this year we finally got down to "Midsommar", and I have some thoughts.

First off, this might be one of the most unique and original movies that I have ever seen. There is nothing out there like this. It is uniquely its own thing. No one else has made a movie like this and went in this many directions. Also, the setting was beautiful, which made the cinematography wonderful. Wherever they shot this movie, it looks like a wonderful destination. I am envious of the actors getting to do this movie in such a beautiful place. And, for what it is worth, the movie has there rare moments of comedy, and it lands every single time. Any time a joke, or one liner or some kind of odd sight gag is put in, I found myself chuckling. Outside of that, I don't know what to think of "Midsommar".

This movie has had the same effect on me that "Joker" did, being that I cannot stop thinking about it. But, where "Joker" left me annoyed, "Midsommar" has simply confused me. I will not say it is a bad movie because it is not, but I also don't want to say it is a good movie. It is a unique movie, and you may want to take some mind altering drugs before watching it. Also, some of the imagery in this movie is very, very horrifying, and it is up close and personal when it appears on screen. You see caved in head, broken bones and skinned bodies, both human and animal. The movie also does a good job of sending up pagan rituals and religious communes. It does not paint them in the best light, and I think, personally, that is a good thing. Most of these communes have some deep, dark secrets from the past, and probably the present, and "Midsommar" does a good job of not glorifying that.

The movie was very hard to watch too. And that was good and bad. For one, it is very long, clocking in at around 2 and a half hours. There is also good chunks of the movie where no one speaks. There is just wailing and music accompanying the wailing. The two main characters say nothing for the last 25 minutes of the movie. But, the silence was perfect at times. It was needed because what you were seeing was so unsettling, and when I tried to put myself in that scenario, I would be speechless too. The movie also makes you feel like you are on drugs, and I have never done an illegal drug in my life. The way the plants and bushes and flowers moved when the characters were tripping felt so real and kept me in the movie.

"Midsommar" is a very ambitious, very bizarre and very strange movie. I'm glad that I saw it, but I don't think I will ever watch it again willingly. It is a good psychological movie if you are in to that type of thing, but just know, it is brutally violent as well. I would say to watch this just once if you are curious about, but know, it will stay with you and may even haunt you. What a bizarre movie this was, and I still can't shake it.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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