Happy September!! Whew, just like that, summer is practically over… but it looks like the warm weather is gonna be sticking around for a while. For us movie lovers, award season is upon us as I’ve started getting those For Your Consideration (FYC) screeners, so it’s an exciting time!
AUGUST VIEWINGS
I watched quite a few movies last month… 18 new-to-me movies and 6 rewatches, plus an entire season of a brand new series, FURIOUS, on HULU. I finally saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and it’s as good as everyone says, but also utterly heartbreaking. Both Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey are phenomenal, and their chemistry is off the charts! Interesting to see the fantastic supporting cast: Tom Wilkinson, Kirsten Dunst, and Mark Ruffalo.
I’m glad I finally watched it, though this trivia I found on IMDb kind of soured my feelings about the film director, Michel Gondry: When Jim Carrey initially met Gondry to discuss his role in the film, he was dealing with depression and was not allowed to get treatment. During lunch, Gondry told Carrey, “You are so beautiful right now. You are so broken… please don’t get well.” Reflecting on this story more than ten years later, Carrey commented, “That’s how fucked up this industry is.”
I also saw quite a bit of indie films via screeners that are good to excellent. The two Netflix documentaries on Boeing, Downfall: The Case Against Boeing and Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing, directed by Rory Kennedy, are eye-opening and infuriating. Ever since the Lion Air (Boeing 737) crashed into the Java Sea in October 2018 and subsequent accidents, not a single Boeing CEO has been charged.
(New-to-me movies I watched in August – ranked based on my rating)
FULL REVIEWS
Music Documentaries: ENNIO (2021) and The Sound of 007 (2022)
REWATCHES
My husband has been digitizing our physical media that’s been collecting dust, so it’s much easier to rewatch old favorites. As Bond was on my mind in terms of casting, I felt like rewatching my favorite 007, Timothy Dalton, in his best Bond film Licence to Kill (Robert Davi is a great Bond villain, and it’s fun seeing very young and slender Benicio del Toro as his henchman). Speaking of Dalton, he also makes a fun villain in The Rocketeer.
Mini Review:
BACKROOMS
After a therapist’s patient disappears into a dimension beyond reality, she must venture into the unknown to save him.
I’m not really into horror, but I couldn’t help but be curious about Backrooms, the A24 film inspired by those viral YouTube shorts made by Kane Parsons when he was just 16. In 2022, he crafted a chilling 9-minute found-footage short called The Backrooms using Blender, and that became the basis for this movie. With a budget of 10 million, it became A24’s highest-grossing film ever, raking in almost $400 million.
The two talented lead actors, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, really draw me in, and their performances take the film to another level. One standout aspect of this movie is the captivating first act where Ejiofor’s character, Clark, stumbles upon the backroom through a hidden door, which just seems to stretch on forever. I heard they built over 30,000 square feet of huge, physical labyrinth sets in Vancouver to nail that eerie, claustrophobic vibe.
I had really high expectations for this one, but honestly, it feels like this concept is better suited for short films. Parsons seems more focused on creating a vibe rather than delivering a solid story. The characters’ backstories are so vague that they hardly make an impact; forget about character development… perhaps that’s too much to ask from a YouTube concept. The whole experience felt like an experiment in abstract horror. What started as an intriguing premise became increasingly frustrating by the end of the first hour, and it’s missing a whole third act!
This movie would’ve been much easier to sit through if it were under 90 minutes, but it dragged on for over two hours. I was really hoping for a good payoff after such a wild, chaotic ride, but it ended up being a huge letdown. Even with some good performances, this has turned out to be one of the most overhyped films of the year. Parsons has become a Hollywood wunderkind after this; now let’s find out if he’s got more than just one trick up his sleeve.
ICYMI
Musings on who’ll be the next James Bond—and FlixChatter’s top 3 picks
TRIBUTE
I didn’t want to have to write another tribute after posting two in June, but I had to do a tribute to the late Dolly Parton. She’s much more than just the Queen of Country. Her influence reaches far beyond that genre, as she’s inspired and touched so many lives all over the world with her talent and benevolence.
UPCOMING REVIEWS
The Fix | The Dog Stars | Late Fame | The Uprising | The Scout | Primetime
TV WATCHES
FURIOUS-Season1 (Hulu)
I just finished the entire first season last night; woo-wee, that was intense! My review drops later this week!
TED LASSO—Season 4 (AppleTV)
My husband and I kicked off the latest season of Ted Lasso while we still have about three episodes of Furious left to cleanse our palate. The super wholesome and upbeat vibe is such a sharp contrast to the dark, intense psychological thriller about a serial killer that really digs deep under your skin.
I’ve only seen two episodes so far, and I’m thrilled that Lasso is back in the UK facing a new challenge, coaching the women’s team for AFC Richmond, the Lady Greyhounds. The first episode is set in Kansas City, Missouri, which becomes a hilarious joke for the confused Brits: Rebecca, Keeley, and Leslie.
Jason Sudeikis is just perfect as Coach Lasso, and I’m really happy to see the familiar faces back: Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Jeremy Swift, Brendan Hunt, and Brett Goldstein. Tanya Reynolds as Coach Alice Chilton, with her deadpan expression, is the perfect counterpart to Lasso, and I can’t wait to see how their contrasting dynamic unfolds for the rest of the season!
52 Films By Women – 2026 Challenge
I am once again participating in this challenge. Per Women In Film (WIF) organization, the basic rules are simple: watch 52 films directed by women within one year and share what you watched on social media, using the hashtag #52FilmsByWomen to spread the word and get more people talking about the women filmmakers who don’t always get attention.
I added another 5 new movies this month, woot!! So I’ve completed 42 out of 52, so there are only 10 more to go until the end of 2026. I better keep up with this pace in order to at least meet last year’s tally!
AUGUST MOVIE OF THE MONTH
HOW TO DIVORCE DURING THE WAR
If only this movie would get more buzz than Backrooms! This Lithuanian family dramedy set during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has a fascinating premise and good character development, not to mention an ending that really makes you ponder what you would do in a similar situation. It’s showing in select theaters across the country and is Lithuania’s entry for the Oscars. Fingers crossed it finds its audience!
Ruth, I found Backrooms to be way more mood than movie. Still, I’ll be very interested to see what Kane Parsons comes up with next. Looking forward to your review of Furious on Hulu. Not sure if it is worth a view or not. My wife and I are big Ted Lasso people, and the early episodes of this new season have been a pleasant surprise considering the new focus the show took with the women’s team dynamic. Favorite movie in August at the theatre was Coyote Vs. Acme. Lots of nostalgia and heart in this one, clearly aimed at those of us who grew up with those characters. So happy the movie finally got to see the light of day, and from the box office it seems others were looking forward to this one as well.
Hey there, Bruce! So you’ve seen Backrooms… I might’ve read your review on your blog. Yeah, definitely more of a mood, as it presents more questions than answers.
Furious is perfectly titled, as the characters are enraged against those who wronged them, but I’d say it’s understandable once you realize what’s been done to them.
Ted Lasso is wonderful! I’ve been a fan since its first season; it’s rare to see such an overwhelmingly positive series… almost wholesome in a way, though there are plenty of cussing in it, LOL.
Somehow I’m not very familiar with Coyote vs. Acme cartoon; I did watch some Tom and Jerry growing up. That said, the trailer looks like fun, so I’d be up for watching it once it arrives on streaming. Glad it lives up to your expectations as a fan of the characters.
I can’t believe there’s only 3 months left of 2026! The older you get, the faster the time goes by.
I saw two new movies this past month, the very disappointing The Dog Stars and the remake of Anaconda. I didn’t like that one either. It has one hilarious scene but the rest of movie were boring. What a miss opportunity, with talents they have in front of the camera and yet the story sucks. Then I watched couple of summer released flicks from over a decade ago, Mission: Impossible 5 and the last Jason Bourne film. Matt Damon mentioned that he and director Edward Berger are working on a script for the next Bourne film. The last Bourne film was considered outdated when it came out in 2016 but it’s more relevant now than ever! A big tech company teaming up with the government to spy on people, we are living in that world now.
I have no interest in Backroom, like you said, it’s probably more suited for a short movie. Let’s face it, the reason why it became a big hit is because the director has a lot of followers on YouTube and they showed up to see the movie version.
I started watching Ted Lasso’s new season too, glad it’s back! Finished the third season of Silo and currently watching a new season of Reacher and Lanterns. I wasn’t so sure about Lanterns but so far so good.
Hey Ted! Well September is still very warm, so I stll count it as late Summer, ahah. I’m hoping this Winter will be a mild one thanks to El Niña.
I have no interest in The Dog Stars, and looks like I’m not missing anything. I can’t stand Ridley Scott anymore, he kept blaming others for his movies underperforming, and he’s so darn grumpy. I really think he’s lost his touch. I laughed quite a bit watching the Anaconda remake, but yeah, it could’ve been a much better movie.
I’m excited to hear Damon working with Edward Berger on the next Bourne film. Berger is an outstanding director!
Well, with Backrooms being such a massive success, lots of teens are now gonna try their luck with their YT creations hoping studios would want to turn ’em into movies, ugh!
Glad to hear Lanterns is good, I don’t have HBO right now but might subscribe again later this Fall. I love Aaron Pierre! 😍
“I can’t stand Ridley Scott anymore, he kept blaming others for his movies underperforming, and he’s so darn grumpy.”
He is 87 years old so he’s definitely the definition of a Grumpy Old Man. Ha ha! But I think he should retire and enjoy the rest of his golden years. But like I said in my review of The Dog Stars, studios are still giving him massive budget for his movies, so he’ll keep making them. He now wants to finish his Alien prequel with Michael Fassbender.
Hey Ted, I’m about to post your review of The Dog Stars. I’m surprised the studios keep giving him tons of $$$ even though many of his movies have flopped. I’m curious about that Alien prequel with Fassbender though, more because of the actor.
These well known and respected directors, mostly men, can have several box office bombs yet they can still get big budget for their new films. It shows the sexism in that industry. Look at Patty Jenkins, she did Wonder Woman and it was a massive hit, then the sequel tanked and she hasn’t done any big budget film since. She was supposed to direct a new Star Wars film but that got canceled.
I’m curious too about the new Alien film. I enjoyed both Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. Apparently, he wants to finish the last one to complete the trilogy and he’ll get another big money to do it even though The Dog Stars bombed badly at the box office.
I count Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind as one of the best movies of the 21st century. A genre-blending sci-fi romance that’s comic and tragic, heartbreaking and wonderful. I didn’t know about Michel Gondry’s callous remark to Jim Carrey, but Jim gave his best performance in this movie, and Kate Winslet was perfect.
I’m glad I finally saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind! My hubby saw it years ago, but somehow I’ve missed it, so he encouraged me to finally check it out. It’s rare to see a sci-fi romance that’s more heartfelt and thought-provoking instead of just relying on cool visuals. Winslet and Carrey are both amazing, but yeah, it’s heartless to only think of how an actor’s performance would benefit the film, as if he’s just a tool instead of a real human.
Backrooms sounds like a great example of a concept that loses something when stretched too far. Sometimes 90 minutes really is enough, especially when atmosphere is doing most of the work.
Hello! Yeah, 90 minutes would’ve been better than 2 hours, but I still think this concept is more tailored for the shorts format.
What a month!
Well, I’ve got a couple here I want to see., now that I am free to watch non Emmy noms.
Hey… I got 3 out of 4 wins picked for the Emmy Costumes.
Palm Royale Won!!!!
Back to you – congrats on being in such great shape with the 52 Films by Women. Besides being a testament to your support, it seems to me there are more films by women to watch.
Think we’ll try “Furious”!
WHEN will they finally pick the new BOND!
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Hey Resa!! I’m thrilled that PALM ROYALE won!! The costume designer would’ve been flattered that you did a tribute for the show. Well done on your predictions, too!! 👏👏👏👏👏
I’m glad that there are more indie films directed by women. If I only relied on Hollywood movies, there would be far fewer of them that I could watch.
FURIOUS is a good one but oh so intense! I could only watch one episode at a time, and I had to watch something light like Ted Lasso as a palate cleanser. It’s so worth it though!
I think they’ll announce the new BOND soon; hopefully one of my picks will get it!!
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Yayayay!
I am so happy PR won!
Watched 1 episode of Furious tonight. I think N does not like it. That’s a big discussion on men born post war & in the 50’s up to the mid 60’s (predominantly) that are caught in a blender between June Cleaver & Gloria Steinem.
Anyway, tomorrow I will try Mayday. For some reason I thought it was on Netflix. No wonder I couldn’t find it.
They better hurry with the Bond pick, before Sean Connery’s Urn gets into the mix.
♦︎ ~ ✿❀ ༺ ꧁💙꧂ ༻ ❀✿ ~ ♦︎
Yeah, in regard to FURIOUS, it’s definitely not a ‘feel good’ type series. I actually said to my hubby as we were watching this that many men, especially older ones, might not like this show, as it paints most guys in a terrible light (abusive, misogynistic, power-hungry). Well, in certain circles, I think that is the truth. I think Gloria Steinem would approve of a show like this that gives a loud voice to the anger women feel toward a broken justice system and past abuse.
Mayday is on AppleTV, I actually put that on the title of the post 😉
Mwahaha, speaking of Connery, well I’m hoping they pick another Scot as Bond, I think Jack Lowden would be terrific!
Thanks, Resa!!
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