Celluloid Diaries: Reading / watching / listening to...

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Reading / watching / listening to...

Under The Dome TV series

Reading

* The Ritual by Adam Nevill. Largely influenced by movies, The Ritual reminded me in the first half of The Descend and The Blairwitch Project and in the second half of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The result is claustrophobic, unsettling and clever. I'll be reading more of Adam Nevill's books.


Watching

* Under The Dome (episodes 1 - 3).  Stephen King's novels are usually too long for me (especially Under The Dome with its 1,088 pages) but I can proudly say I've seen every film adaptation of his work except for a rare Bollywood adaptation. Under The Dome announces itself positively in the first episode, but then declines in quality due to the stereotypical characters and their unnatural reactions. King repeats himself and he has been a cliché of his own work since years. Meanwhile, he knows how to intrigue and build up suspense and there hasn't been a dull moment in Under The Dome since the beginning. By the way, did you see that limited collector's edition of Under The Dome? It's already on my wish list just for the packaging. Check it out here and tell me you don't want this.

* Dexter season 8 (episodes 1 - 3). It's getting a little silly and repetitive, ins't it? But it's still the perfect TV series to unwind after a long day. And I love the twist at the end of the first episode.


* Passion. Brian de Palma goes back to his roots with this remake of the French film Crime d'amour / Love Crime by Alain Corneau. Passion may be over the top trashy and unbelievable, but I can't deny I had lots of fun with this story full of mystery, sex and murder. With Noomi Rapace and Rachel McAdams.

* The Burning. Gilles hadn't seen The Burning yet, so it was a good excuse to rediscover one of the better slasher movies of the 80s. Sometimes a little silly, sometimes delightfully suspenseful. The famous scene where half of the cast gets slashed in a matter of seconds is still memorable and surprising after so many years.

* The Brass Teapot. The teapot from the title is a magical object that sprouts money every time someone around it is hurt.When a white trash couple steals the brass teapot, things get out of hand. Several twists keep this movie fresh and funny.

* I Think We're Alone Now. Does this title ring a (musical) bell? Then chances are you're a child of the 80s and that you'll enjoy this documentary about the stalkers of former pop icon Tiffany. It's funny to see how these men are convinced they're meant to be with their idol. But it's also sad, because they're so lonely and unhappy.

* The Purge. For twelve hours a year all crime is legalized, including murder. A couple (Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey) with two children barricades themselves into their home, hoping to make it through the Purge alive. Then a stranger comes knocking on their door, asking for help. The beginning of The Purge is wonderfully suspenseful and promising; the second half is just flat. A film with a lot of potential that just doesn't bring it home.

* Komodo vs. Cobra. Yes, I watch this kind of stuff... And I like it too. Monstrous animals are cool, especially komodos. Who cares about bad CGI, story and acting, when there's a giant komodo eating people? And you know what's worse? This was a re-watch. First time was in a hotel room in Ostend ten years ago.

* World War Z. It's like Steven Spielberg's War Of The Worlds, but with zombies. After a memorable and heart-pounding opening, the movie succeeds in keeping its pace and originality up until the third act. From then on World War Z is still clever, just slower and more like many other zombie movies. An alternate, grimmer ending exists and I would have preferred that one.

* Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father. This documentary started as a message to a young boy whose father had been murdered by the woman that is now raising him. Whereas the documentary was fait-divers in nature, it brought to light criminal legislation flaws and succeeded in realizing necessary changes. There's also a book about the same subject: Dance With The Devil: A Memoir Of Murder And Loss.

* American Gigolo. This is one of those movies that defined my youth. Still fascinating and not aged a bit.


Listening to

* Alela Diane. The ideal background music for an afternoon of blogging in bed. My boyfriend's presence, scented candles, and my favorite drink (Tao) make the scene complete. 


What are you reading, watching and listening to lately?

11 comments:

  1. Alas, I have no cable, so I can’t watch Under The Dome as it goes, but I’m looking forward to it on video afterward. Under the Dome wasn’t my favorite King book (that spot goes to Duma Key) but I thought it was quite interesting nevertheless. Though I wonder what the show will do with the end revelations…

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  2. I’ve seen a lot of people recommend Mistresses…

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  3. I keep hearing about Under the Dome, I must watch it! :D

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  4. Oh, I love these posts.

    I want to get The Brass Teapot now. Sounds like my kind of thing. i haven't started Dexter yet. I'm worried that I'd get sucked in. I never started Lost for that reason. Everyone told me not too!

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  5. I don’t think I could EVER stay on the elliptical for a whole hour without the help of Grey’s Anatomy, or something of the like lol.

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  6. I missed Komodo versus Cobra.
    And your shark movie suggestions were awesome!

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  7. I agree with what you said about Under the Dome; matter-of-fact, I'm already bored. The Brass Teapot sounds interesting, and I totally want to see World War Z. I just watched Grown Ups 2. It's funny. I almost peed my pants during the car wash scene. However, I have to say the original is still my favorite. :)

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  8. I’m listening to: “Get Lucky” by Pharrell Williams, “Beautiful” by Mariah Carey featuring Miguel!

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  9. I'm looking forward to finding some more romance novels, I recently read an awesome anthology. Also want to check out the second wildwood book and maybe read Damned.

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  10. I am currently watching a crazy show called 'Call me Fitz'. We seldom watch anything on the regular television and this was something we ordered via the library. It's pretty funny. Next up 'The Republic of Doyle' Fun Stuff! Thanks for dropping by!

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