October was filled with comfort viewing and rediscovering heroes, with familiar favorites and inspiring underdogs taking center stage. Here’s the best things I read, watched, etc. in October
Every time I rewatch this show, I’m reminded that creator Bill Lawrence (perhaps as much as any other creative) knows people. He knows how to create characters who are real people, but dialed up to 11 in their quirks and characteristics. JD’s constant daydreaming, Dr. Cox’s perfectly thought-out rants, Elliot’s amplified neuroses, Carla and Turk’s goofy and reassuring chemistry, and then the wonderfully (and weirdly) endearing cast of supporting characters (Janitor, Dr. Kelso, The Todd, Ted, Doug, Jordan, Laverne…)
And at the same time, these fantastical characters are so grounded in reality. Sometimes so grounded that you forget you’re watching make-believe.
I haven’t watched this movie all the way through in at least a decade. Yet, every time I watch it I’m reminded of how an 80’s action movie is consistently ranked in the top 100 movies of all time. There’s the perfect amount of action, the perfect amount of storytelling, memorable characters, and a plot that isn’t trying to be something that it’s not. I mean, it’s got everything: endlessly quotable lines (“Game over man, game over”), mind-blowing practical character effects (why can’t more movies do this), and perhaps the greatest hero of all time: Ellen Ripley.
I mean, think about it. She’s a civilian in these movies. And yet, she’s the bravest and most principled character - despite being absolutely terrified (and Sigourney Weaver does a wonderful job showing that balance between bravery and fear).
At the end of the movie, when the girl, Newt, has been captured and taken to the alien queen (and is most assuredly dead), one of the three survivors is like “Okay, we’re getting off the planet before it blows up in 15 minutes, right?” And Ripley’s like “Nope. I’m gonna duct tape a rifle and flamethrower together and take on the entire alien army to rescue that little girl. And you’d better be there to pick me up.” And everyone just says, “Yep, makes sense.”
Most badass hero of all time.
After hearing good things from some friends, and my kids talking about it nonstop, I had pretty high expectations for this movie. And it exceeded all of them.
Just a solid movie. A great story that dives right into the action, with the most addictive songs you’ll ever hear. But it’s also a great play on the hero’s journey: the hero breaks the sage’s mold and forms her own new world. Some great storytelling for kids.
I also appreciated the Ginu character, and how he initially tells his story as the trope that he was a good person in a bad situation, but then we find out that he was actually a bad person in a bad situation who ultimately redeems himself by sacrificing for the good in the world. For a kids movie, this is some good complicated storytelling. Plus, the songs are just bangers all around.
PS, this WSJ article is a fascinating backstory about how Netflix (and everyone else) thought KDH would not be a popular title, and as a result, there’s almost none of the merchandise, toys, etc. that would usually accompany the release of such a global media property.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
A wonderful, short little book. I appreciated the approach (a senior demon advising his younger relative on how to turn his human subject away from God), and it was such an original way of telling a story. It reminded me of Charlie Munger’s speech on what to do in order to guarantee a life of misery, which was itself an homage to a similar Johnny Carson speech.
I really enjoyed it, and as other people have said, it really did feel like Tarantino’s love letter to Hollywood.
In typical Tarantino fashion, I appreciate the long camera shots/scenes because he really does have a unique way of packing those scenes with so much story. I also appreciated the alternate-reality ending with the killing of the Manson family members because it really felt like Tarantino so strongly wished this had been the reality of what happened.
Tarantino does a wonderful job of portraying the “victims” of the Manson family as a group of really nice people enjoying their new places in life. For example, the scene in which Sharon Tate visits the cinema to see her own movie poster hanging up, and then comes back a few minutes later to buy a ticket and sit in the audience as they enjoy the movie. That was such a nice moment. And so it was nice to get to the movie ending and be surprised they all survive.
Not bad, but definitely the worst entry in this series. The story was original and okay, but just not quite punchy enough (pun intended). Even the fight scene at the end was missing that “Rocky” je ne sais quoi. I’m glad I watched it, but it really just made me want to rewatch the first two Creed movies.
Phylicia Rashad was masterful and really stepped in to fill Rocky’s missing presence. She deserves awards for her acting in this trilogy.
A Final Note
What I’m currently reading
Morning Star by Pierce Brown. Late-night stressing over Dodgers baseball didn’t give me much time for bedtime reading, so I’m still working through this one. It’s so good, and I’m always amazed by Brown’s ability to sustain action without overdoing it.
The Korean War: A History by Bruce Cumings. Just started this and debating whether to finish it.
A quote I’m pondering:
“When you are fragile you need to know a lot more than when you are antifragile. Conversely, when you think you know more than you do, you are fragile (to error).”
Until next time