Some of the movies and TV I watched in January of 2024:
Midsommar (2019)
⭐⭐⭐
Hereditary traumatized me, so I was preparing for the worst with Midsommar. It didn’t live up to my lofty expectations. The shocking moments didn’t land like Hereditary.
The Boys (2019– )
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I finally caught up on the first three seasons. The show is (unfortunately) a much more plausible depiction of a world in which superhumans exist than anything Marvel or DC makes.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
⭐⭐⭐1/2
This is an entertaining and smart film. They know exactly how much information the audience needs to stay engaged with each repeated day. Tom Cruise is the action star of his generation.
Fargo (2014–2024), season 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Season 3 was not good, and I didn’t even try to watch season 4 because of the bad reviews. Season 5 is a return to form. I love how they took elements from the movie (i.e. the kidnapping) and turned everything on its head. Juno Temple is amazing.
Fargo (1996)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve watched this now classic a handful of times. Top to bottom, a perfect film.
Saltburn (2023)
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
I love this movie and am disappointed by its lack of representation at the Oscars. What a wild ride. Beautifully shot. Some shocking scenes, but never out of character. Barry Keoghan is a star (of course that was already obvious to anyone who has seen Banshees of Inisherin).
Rome (2005–2007)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Season 2 is rushed due to the show’s early cancellation, but they pull it off well. By the show’s end, the writers pulled back on Vorenus and Pullo being total assholes, which was much needed. Antony is fantastic throughout. Octavian needed to be fleshed out more, but I imagine the abrupt cancellation put a damper on those plans.