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Reviews
Our Flag Means Death: The Curse of the Seafaring Life (2023)
Maybe my favorite episode of season two
There are so many incredible moments in OFMD s2 but when I look back on the season as a whole, I keep thinking, "The Curse of the Seafaring Life might be my favorite episode." There's SO much good stuff here: Ed in the rice sack and cat collar, making his ridiculous corporate non-apology apology speech but then actually listening to and apologizing to Fang later in the episode; Lucius and Ed interacting for the first time since s1e10 (Nathan and Taika are always amazing together); Stede flouncing around in the suit; and, of course, the second "You wear fine things well scene," a scene that prompted me to text a friend, "The writers LOVE us." In the middle of the episode, we get to see Izzy training Stede and Stede and the crew finding and then off-loading the cursed suit, a rare moment in the second season that felt like fun for fun's sake rather than something that was there to advance the plot. I love seeing these characters breathe and interact so that was lovely.
...So Goes the Nation (2006)
Very interesting piece of cinema
When I went to see this movie, part of me was expecting an hour and a half of Bush bashing. That can be fun every once and again but what surprised me about this movie was the fact that it looked at both sides of the election. The Kerry/Edwards campaign was represented and so was the Bush/Cheney campaign. No one side was made out to look like it was perfect. Faults were shown on both sides and high points were shown on both sides.
As far as cinema goes, I thought this was a great film. When I left the theater, I was physically tired as a result of what I had just watched. The viewer gets so much information in this relatively short span of time. The film itself is well organized and well constructed, without too much bias (would it really be possible to have a film be completely without bias?).
Whatever your political stance, this is a film that can be appreciated for the questions it raises: questions about political strategy, specifically. Because it does not take a pro-Bush or pro-Kerry stance, it can appeal to everyone.
The Village (2004)
See it, right now
This movie is awesome. It is most comparable to The Sixth Sense as opposed to Signs or Unbreakable. It's not for those who want to see lots of action: blood, gore, chase scenes, etc. It is more of a thinking movie. You need to pay attention and appreciate the details. The twist really is a twist, completely unexpected and it will leave you plastered to your seat, mouth hanging open, just waiting to see where it will lead. Brice Dallas Howard is a quality actress, something I really was not expecting. I thought it was all hype because she's Ron Howard's daughter, but her performance proved me wrong. I can understand why there is talk of the film being an Oscar contender. My prediction is Adrien Brody for Best Supporting Actor. I highly recommend you see it.