A breakdown of Cronenberg's eXistenZ

From wikipedia: "eXistenZ is a 1999 science fiction body horror film produced, written and directed by the Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg. It stars Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jude Law."

This movie was released around the same time as the first film in The Matrix trilogy. Both dealt with the nature of reality and behavior in a virtual world.

In the next to the last scene of the film, it is revealed that all this action takes place inside another virtual reality video game and no character has died. In the last scene, we are not sure if we are in yet a different video game or in reality.

pp1-3
We meet Wittold Levi, the project manager for eXistenZ at Antenna Research, lecturing about 75 people in a country church. The crowd includes ("Game-Pod Goddess") Allegra Geller, and a security guard Ted Pikul (rhymes with "Michael"). The crowd loves it when Geller is introduced and is fascinated by the (exposition) regarding the world of VR game players the story takes place in.

pp4-5
21 game-pods are set up as demos for crowd members to try out.

pp6-7
Joel Dichter tries to into the demo. Seems to be a huge fan of Geller, from what he says.

pp8-9
Pikul questions Levi about Geller (exposition).

p10
Joel Dichter pulls out an organic rifle, yells "Death to eXistenZ! Death to Antenna Research! Death to the demoness Allegra Geller!" and tries to kill Geller. The first shot hits her in the shoulder and then Pikul tackles Dichter.

pp11-12
Pikul, following a dying command by Levi, takes off with Geller, trying to find a safer location for her.

p13
Pikul and Geller (the aggressor) hijack a car, a Land Rover Defender 110 ("the Defender").

pp14-16
In the car, P+G discuss the assassins and hiding out in the coutry, where it will be safer.

p17
Pikul takes a call on his "pink phone", which Geller throws out, calling the phone a range finder.

p18
Pikul learns, before the phone is thrown away, that Geller has a 5 million dollars bounty, and that there is a group called "Anti-eXistenZialist".

p19
Pikul tells Geller he's not a security guard, but a PR trainee. Pikul is shocked to hear she's in so much trouble.
(Later we see this is a lie.)

p20
They stop on a country road and Pikul digs a bullet out of Geller's shoulder. It's a tooth. The pistol she was shot with shoots human teeth.

pp21-22
They stay in the Salmon Falls Motel. Pikul wants to contact Antenna Research. Geller won't let him. Geller sees Pikul has no bioport. She says "You've never played any game. That means you have no idea what a genius I am."

pp23-24
Pikul claims he's very very nervous about having a bioport installed on his body. Geller convinces him to do it.

p25
Geller convinces him, and Pikul agrees, to have a bioport installed (illegally) in him and play eXistenZ game with Geller.

pp26-27
They go to a gas station for an bioport install. The manager "Gas" says he's a big fan of Geller.

p28
Pikul agrees to get the bioport installed by Gas. Gas' done 2 before.

p29
They see a large, bizarre, non-functional insect outside the gas station. Pikul resists the final stage of the bioport install. Very funny line: "Yeah, all two of them."

p30
Following pressure from Geller, Pikul relents to the bioport install. (We learn later, this was planned all along.)
The install requires a temporary paralysis.

p31
Geller immediately wants to play a game with Pikul. Pikul plays coy but goes with it. She uses WD-40 (!?)
to help him sore back feel cold. (This seems like a ridiculous but minor plot point.)

p32
This somehow short-circuits Geller's port. Pikul "neural-surged". A disaster to Geller. "I was forced to trust you and you panicked and you neural-surged, and you blew my pod." she says. "Pikul, in this pod is the only, the original version of eXistenZ, an entire game system that cost thirty-eight million to develop, not including pre-release marketing costs."

pp33-34
Gas confesses it was his fault, not Pikul's, because Gas installed a "bad port" into Pikul. Also, Gas he wants to kill Geller for the 5 million dollar bounty, and destroy the game for a bonus. (This plot point could depend on Geller and Pikur trying to play a game together? If so, how could Gas expect this?) However, Pikul kills Gas at the last second.

pp35-36
Geller and Pikul leave the gas station in the Defender for a ski club, up a mountain road. Geller says "Nothing in the countryside is what it seems. It's all appearance versus reality." Outside the clubhouse, they see the same large bizarre insects as they saw at the gas station. Geller claims (or at least suggests) no one actually skis anymore, that it is all VR.

p37
Indeed, when they get into the clubhouse, the ski store has only very old supplies. They meet Vinokur. Vinokur claims to be on the side of Geller and wants to protect her. He seems connected to Antenna
Research somehow.

pp38-39
Vinokur tries to fix Geller and Pikul's port problem. Vinokur (painfully) pulls Pikul's bioport, and installs a new one.

p40
Geller convinces Pikul to try again and play existenz with her one more time.

p41
They port into a VR world. "The chalet melts away and is replaced by a scruffy game store." Cashier joins them in this world. Pikul and Geller become their game characters (though this is not revealed until later.)

p42
Exposition on the game. Geller says: "The beauty of eXistenZ is that it changes every time you play it. It adapts to the individuals who are actually playing it."

p43
They find a logo called "Cortical Systematics" for a game maker, or game system, and meet Dorsey Nader, at Dorsey Nader's Game Emporium. (Still at the Game store, no new slug.)

pp44-46
In the game store stockroom, they all start acting as their game character, in this strange VR world. Even their game characters have bioports.

pp47-49
Using their "miniports", they become more sexually aggressive and have sex (as their game characters).

pp50-51
At the "trout farm", Pikul works on a game-pod assembly line. As LARRY ASHEN, Pikul meets and YEVGENY NOURISH. Nourish repeats the line: "You might be new but you seem to know what you're doing." This indicates the odd world we are in now. Nourish suggests having lunch at the Chinese restaurant in the woods. Pikul agrees.

pp52-53
Pikul is told to go to the back room. There, pods very much like the one Pikul and Geller are ported into back home are being assembled. There, Pikul meets BARB BRECKEN, but her photo says she is Geller. They agree to have lunch at the Chinese restaurant in the woods.

pp54-56
At the Chinese restaurant in the woods, Pikul and Geller order "the special" from the Waiter. Pikul screams "eXistenZ is paused!" and the Chinese restaurant melts away. The guest chalet melts back up around them.

pp57-58
They argue about what is real. They return to the Chinese restaurant, where the "enjoy" their bizarre special.

pp59-61
Pikul's game character eats the disgusting food, using the bones to make an organic gun. Pikul kiddingly threatens Geller then shoots the waiter. A dog runs out from no where and takes Pikul's gun away.

pp61-62
Pikul and Geller escape through the kitchen, helped by Nourish. Nourish claims they passed his test and that the Waiter betrayed the cause. The three of them escape out the back door to a river running between the restaurant and the trout farm.

pp63-65
Along the walk, Nourish shows them strange creatures, mutated fish, amphibians, etc, used to make components for undetectable and hypoallergenic weapons. A glazed look comes over Pikul. He says robot-like: "Reality is threatened now more than ever. It is being eroded and it is washing away in the deforming storm of non-reality, which masquerades as reality, and eventually replaces it." Then Nourish smiles and hugs Pikul. Nourish says Geller and Pikul are "true and trustworthy Realists." After Nourish leaves, Pikul says to Geller, "Are the Realists the game-life version of the Anti-eXistenZialists, desperately want to kill you?" We also learn that Cortical Systematics (in the VR game world) is equivalent to Antenna Research in the real world.

pp66-68
At the game store, Pikul and Geller see a Cortical Systematics logo and pretend to examine the merchandise, while they look for Nader. They ask the cashier about Nader and he takes them to the stockroom, where they find Nader dead. The cashier says that they should not have killer the waiter, as he was their contact at the Trout Farm. "A damn good man." The cashier tells them that Nader was a mole for Cortical Systematics, and that Nourish is a double agent for Cortical Systematics. The cashier is a Realist, and is forbidden to have a bioport. The cashier tells them to look for a wicker basket at the trout farm.

pp69-71
The game store melts away and is replaced by a ski chalet. Vinokur knocks at their door and they let him in. He brings food. Vinokur tells them about the increasing number of anti-game fanatics.

pp72-73
Pikul guesses that Vinokur is going to turn Geller in to Antenna. Geller begs Pikul to play eXistenZ with her one more time. They do and the ski chalet melts away, and becomes the trout farm.

pp73-74
Pikul and Geller, once again wear their ID cards which identify them as LARRY ASHEN and BARB BRECKEN. Pikul says: "I don't like it here. I don't know what's going on. We're blundering around together in this un-formed world, whose rules and objectives are largely unknown, seemingly indecipherable, or even possibly non-existent, always on the verge of being killed by forces we don't understand."

pp74-77
They spot Nourish in the distance but don't find the wicker basket the cashier told them about. they go to another room, the last assembly bay, where they see a large, moldy wicker basket in the opposite corner. In the basket is a purpled, very diseased-looking game-pod. Geller plugs it into her bioport (against Pikul's advice). She immediately senses something wrong but Pikul is unable to unport her. "Pikul seizes a crude linoleum knife used for trimming oversized motherboards and, with three erratic slashes at the quivering UmbyCord, hacks her loose." Geller says "I'm bleeding to death." Nourish arrives and burns the purple game-pod. "The death-pod now swells and bubbles under the torch's flame, then explodes with a dull whump."

p78
Geller suddenly picks up the linoleum knife and lunges at Nourish driving the rusty, curved blade into his back with great force. As he dies, Nourish says "death to the demoness Barb Brecken" (Geller's game character). All four walls of the assembly bay are on fire (that caused by Nourish's torching). Then, the Trout Farm and its flames melt away, and the ski chalet melts up around them.

pp79-80
Geller and Pikul are in bed together. Geller awakes and says "We brought it back with us from eXistenZ. ... We brought the disease back with us. My pod is diseased. ... I'm going to lose my game! Unport me!" Pikul unports her and asks "How can a game event emerge into real life?" Geller injects her game-port with an anti-viral serum.
Then Geller claims Vinokur gave Pikul a new bioport. One that was infected, causing Geller's game-pod to die and so her game system.

pp81-83
Geller says "I'm going to seal up your bioport with this anti-viral resonator." She injects him, then says her game-pod's dying. Pikul asks Geller if she thinks Vinokur is an agent of the Anti-eXistenZialists. There is an explosion in the nearest chalet blows the windows and the door out of the guest chalet. The cashier, cradling a real-life submachine gun in his arms, steps boldly in through the doorway.He says "The uprising has begun! The whole place is on fire! Let's go! You've got to get out of here. They'll be looking for you." The cashier unslings his submachine gun, cocks it, and blows Geller's game-pod into streaks of slime, flesh, etc. The 3 of them leave the chalet. As they flee, they realize that all the chalets are on fire. The cashier leads them up to the top of a hill.

p84
At the top of the hill, Cashier says they are witnessing "The victory of Realism." Geller counters, they are witnessing "The death of eXistenZ." Cashier turns on her with his gun. He says "How could Allegra Geller, the world's premiere game designer, be on our side? Oh, yes, we know who you are. You can't hide inside a game forever." The cashier raises his gun to fire at Geller, but Vinokur shoots him with Pikul's gun assembled in the Chinese restaurant.

pp85-88
Vinokur says he has saved her game. He asks her to please come over to Cortical Systematics. Geller doesn't believe him. Pikul says "Wait a minute. Cortical Systematics is just the qame version, it's only..." Vinokur ignores him. Geller gets cashier's gun and opens fire at Vinokur. Pikul, upset, says "What if we're not in the game anymore? ... If we're not, then you just killed someone real."
Pikul admits he's an Anti-eXistenZialist, an enemy. Geller pulls out tiny electronic remote controller from the pocket of her shirt. She says "Understand that I suspected who you were from the moment you made that fake phone call to yourself in the limo. Understand that I knew you were my real assassin when you pointed the gun at me in the Chinese restaurant." Geller flips the toggle switch, killing Pikul.

pp89-91
We melt back up into the church, which we last saw in the first scene. However, all the character are now present.
Pikul is sitting next to her, next to him is Nourish, Nader, the cashier, Dichter, Gas, Vinkokur, even Frances, the limo driver. The players are all emerging from a game that has just ended - the movie we have been watching - and they begin to stir in their game gear. Also monitoring the action is a woman, Merle, who is the game's actual project manager - the real-life version of the game-character Levi. A broadly smiling Merle mounts the dais and stands in the center of the ring of players. She says "Are you all back?" Some make jokes about their game characters. For example, Gas says "Well, you know, I'm a gas-jockey in real life, so I was kind of disappointed that I was basically the same thing in the game. A little more fantasy, there, fellers." However, the gamers all compliment to Pikul and Geller.

pp92-93
Merle mentions TranscendenZ by PilgrImage game modules. Shyly, Geller says "I'd just like to say thank you to
Mr. Nourish for giving me the chance to play the role of a star designer. I guess the game picked up on my ambitions to be like you." Geller blushes. She reaches out for Pikul's hand. Merle says " Well, what do we say to our brilliant, award-winning game designer, Yevgeny Nourish? Does he have another winner on his hands or not?"

pp94-98
Nourish tells Merle privately, "Merle, I was very disturbed by the game we just played. ... it had a very strong, very real anti-game theme. ... there was a kind of industrial espionage subplot. ... I think we might have been infiltrated here, and if we have, we've got a big security problem." Pikul and Geller approach. Pikul says "We've played your game now, and so we can finally agree with the others that you are the world's greatest game artist." Geller says "Yevgeny, don't you think you should suffer for all the harm you've done, and intend to do, to the human race?" Geller reaches down and ... reveal two semi-automatic pistols ... Pikul and Geller grab the guns, pull back the slides, and coolly execute Merle and Nourish".
In their escape, they pass the waiter, who asks "No, wait, you don't have to shoot me. I just wanted to ask you a question. ... Are we still in the game?" Pikul and Geller look at each other, then into the camera. The church melts down around them into blackness.

Movies I watched in 2018

1. Logan
   I watched this on HBO via hulu. Excellent film. Lots of good action but an emotional story connecting a father and daughter. Logan escorts Laura, his daughter (and another mutant) to a safe location. Professor X, sadly, dies along the way.
   
2. Walk, Don't Run
   I watched this on dvd. The screenplay was written by Sol Saks and discussed in his book Funny Business . It’s a very enjoyable but slow moving comedy. The lack of “stakes” made the match-up between Samantha Eggar and Jim Hutton seem unimportant until near the end of the film.
   
3. As You Like It (2006 film)
   I watched this on hbo via hulu. Bryce Dallas Howard does an amazing job (her Shakespearean lines are delivered in what seems to me to be a British accent). Alfred Molina is equally excellent. The story has been transported from France to feudal Japan, with no corresponding change in names, which is a bit odd. Still, the story is easy to follow thanks to the fine acting.
   
4. Queen of Katwe
   Watched on netflix on December 31, 2017. I loved this movie! I cried when she lost her final game in Moscow. (There are a number of more appropriate places to cry, but that’s me.) I would not say the chess games were well-shot. A variety of camera angles were used from move-to-move, which actually ruins the ability to track the game action. Still, very well-acted and written.
   
5. Spy (2011 TV series)
   I finished binge-watching the (only) two seasons of Spy on hulu on 2018-01-03. Honestly, I enjoyed season 1 of this British spy-comedy series much more than season 2. If you like this genre, I do recommend watching the first few episodes of season 1, "Codename: Loser" and "Codename: Tramp".
   
6. All the Money in the World
   Watched this in the theater on January 4th. I enjoyed the film. Excellent cinematography. Michelle Williams (arguably the protag here) was great. It’s a sad story but the film ends on a slightly more upbeat note.
   
7. Killing Gunther
   I watched this on amazon prime (free) on January 13. This action-comedy is pretty fast-paced, which is good, but the premise is on the goofy side, and the comedy is pretty silly. The first appearance of Schwarzenegger is about 70 minutes into the ninety minute movie, despite him getting top billing and the biggest part in any movie poster. If comedy must be based on truth, then goofy premise doesn’t help the comedy.
   
8. Spectre
   I rewatched this (for the 4th or 5th time) on hulu, streaming, on January 14th. (I also saw it in the theater in 2015 and own the dvd.) I loved it, as before. The plot device of Bond’s girlfriend (Madeleine Swann) leaving him in London seems more artificial than before, but still a fun movie.
   
9. Sideways
   I saw this on HBO again. I also saw it in the theater and own the dvd. I loved it as before. I think it’s one of Elva’s favorites. Emotionally honest and funny.
   
10. Ingrid Goes West
    I watched this on hulu streaming 2018-01-28. Missed it in the theaters. The directorial style, from the perspective of flashes of instagram screenshots, at least in the beginning, was very original. The acting was excellent. The story gets sadder and sadder but has a terrific happy payoff at the end.
    
11. A Futile and Stupid Gesture
    Watched this on netflix streaming on 2018-02-01. I loved National Lampoon, the magazine, and the movies Animal House and Caddyshack that Kenney co-wrote. And, I loved this movie as well. The acting is excellent. The life of Kenney is sad, but the humor is balanced well by director David Wain.
    
12. Phantom Thread
    Saw this in the theater with Elva on 2018-02-03. While extremely well-made and acted, this film struck me as being about some very, very strange people who happen to fall in love and have a weird relationship. Great work by PTA. Recommended.
    
13. Altered Carbon (TV series)
    Watched season 1 of this series on Netflx streaming on the weekend of 2018-02-03. I read the book it was based on years and years ago. I loved the book and loved the series. The series has a talented cast and good imaginative set decorations, CGI and cinematography. It is rated R with lots of (by and against both men and women) violence, F-words, and (male and female) nudity. I do remember that the main character in the book was ex-military Takeshi Kovacs and he investigates crimes. That part, at least, is the same in the series. I don’t remember if the crimes in the series are the same as those in the book. In any case, can’t wait for season 2.
    
14. Electric Dreams (2017 TV series)
    On 2018-02-04 I finished watching season 1 of Electric Dreams on amazon prime (free) streaming. There are some fascinating stories (if you like PKD) and great actors in this series. Each is stand-alone, so the series is a little like a very high-quality Twilight Zone. Looking forward to season 2.
    
15. Guardians of the Galaxy
    I watched this on dvd 2018-02-10 for the umpteenth time. I also saw this in the theaters when it was released in 2014. This film is good each time I see it. I loved the story, characters, humor, acting, and visuals. Great film. Highly recommended.
    
16. Black Panther
    Watched the highly anticipated Black Panther in the theaters on 2018-02-17. Went to the earliest show and the lobby was so crowded I didn’t think I’d get a ticket. But there were a few spots near the screen at the front. I loved the movie. It’s beautiful with lots of natural landscapes and the story is a “human” one, basically two foes battling for power. One of the best Marvel movies I’ve seen and highly recommended.
    
17. MacGruber
    Watched this on dvd on 2018-02-18. I also saw this in the theaters when it came out in 2010. The broad humor of this terrific film works and I laughed out loud a number of times, despite seeing the jokes before. One very funny bit is when MacGruber follows the adventure movie trope of assembling a team, done via montage with upbeat music, but when the montage ends and he gets out of the van to brags about this great team he has, the van explodes, killing everyone but him. Excellent comedy parody.
    
18. Lucky Logan
    I watched this on amazon prime (free) streaming, 2018-02-18. Very enjoyable, well-written and well-directed film, with several funny moments. (The Playlist published an article saying that the screenwriter R. Blunt is actually a pseudonym for the wife of the director.) The film left me with a good feeling. Recommended.
    
19. Sherlock (TV series, 2017)
    I finished watching all 4 seasons of the recently British TV series on 2018-02-18 via netflix streaming. I loved it. Recommended for the camera trickery, fine acting and terrific writing.
    
20. Den of Thieves
    Saw this in the theater on 2018-02-19. This is a well-paced, testosterone-filled action film, with a nice twist at the end. Good acting by Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr. Highly recommended.
    
21. Wonder Woman
    Saw this on HBO streaming, 2018-02-19. I loved it. Visually beautiful in parts, with a humorous parts here and there, set in WWII with Chris Pine as a British intel officer. God chemistry between Gadot and Pine. Highly recommended.
    
22. Annihilation
    I watched this in the theater, 2018-02-24. Written and directed by Alex Garland, who also wrote+directed Ex Machina. While this scifi film is a bit slow at times, and not every plot point is sufficiently well-motivated, it is original, inventive and thought-provoking. Recommended for all sci-fi fans.
    
23. Game Night
    I loved the acting (it stars Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, who have excellent comic timing and chemistry) and comedy. Very funny, with some good twists. Highly recommended.
    
24. Philip Roth: Unmasked
    I watched this doc on amazon prime (free) streaming 2018-02-24. I enjoyed this portrait of Roth’s writing life. Recommended for writers and/or fans of Roth.
    
25. One Night with the King
    I watched this dramatization of the biblical story of Esther on dvd on 2018-03-02. Beautifully shot and with strong visuals, it has excellent acting by some and stale acting by others. The script is well-crafted but some scenes, in particular the end, lack emotional punch.
    
26. The Book of Esther
    I watched this on dvd on 2018-03-02. While this film has cheaper sets, some wooden acting, and a less than polished script, I liked the emotion of this film better than “One Night with the King.”
    
27. The Story of Ruth
    I watched this on dvd on 2018-03-02. This is much more in the mold of a classic movie. Likable performances and well-crafted scenes propel the story along. Recommended.
    
28. Red Sparrow
    Watched this in the theater 2018-03-03. I loved this movie. While slow in parts, it has great twists, visuals, action, and acting. I hope there will be a part 2 soon. Recommended.
    
29. Five Came Back
    I watched this doc (about the WWII-related film work of five directors – John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra, and George Stevens) on netflix streaming with Elva on 2018-03-03. This was released as both a 3-part "TV series" and as a stand-alone movie. In any case, I loved it. Fascinating doc. Recommended.
    
30. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
    I watched this on hulu streaming 2018-03-04 with Caleb and Elva. I think I've seen this at least 5 times before, including in the theaters. In fact, I think I first watched this in the theaters (in 1981 in Atlanta, while a student at Ga Tech - I remember being scared by the skeletons and the spiders, and found the snakes creepy). The direction, especially camera-work, and the script were so well-crafted, it’s a pleasure to watch again. Very highly recommended.
    
31. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
    I watched this on hulu streaming 2018-03-05 with Caleb. I didn’t enjoy this as much as "Raiders". The plot was more violent and the action too cartoonish. However, the banter and acting by Capshaw and Ford was very good.
    
32. Death Wish (2018)
    I watched this in the theater on 2018-03-09. While the reviews were poor, I enjoyed this a lot. Bruce Willis does a good job. Recommended for fans of that genre.
    
33. Infinity Baby
    I watched this via amazon prime (free) streaming on 2018-03-11. This is an original, very strange, dark scifi comedy, with quirky characters from a screenplay by Onur Tukel. It stars Kieran Culkin, Trieste Kelly Dunn, Nick Offerman, Martin Starr and displays some terrific acting. Not laugh-out-loud funny but very highly recommended. Shot in B+W.
    
34. Summer of Blood
    Because I liked the writing for the previous movie, Infinity Baby, so much, immediately after that, I watched this via amazon prime streaming on 2018-03-11. I liked this as well, but not as much as Infinity Baby. Still, a good film, with a rom-com twist on the vampire genre.
    
35. The Strangers: Prey at Night
    Saw this in the theater on 2018-03-14 (pi day:-). This is a sequel to the 2008 movie "The Strangers." I did think this was scary until the victims and stalkers started doing stupid stuff. The director made good use of pace and sound, but the plot details were lacking in logic to me. Not recommended.
    
36. Tomb Raider
    I saw this in the theater on 2018-03-17. This film, a sequel to Lara Croft: Tomb Raider with a different lead, is heavy on action and a fun ride. Recommended.
    
37. Wrinkle in Time (2018)
    I saw this in the theater on 2018-03-18 with Elva and Julie and Addie. A bit wooden in parts and very emotional in others, the details of the plot were confusing to me and the characters were often too sketchy. Still, it has glorious, beautiful graphics and fine performances. Also, it’s one of the few studio movies with a young African-American girl as a protagonist. Recommended.
    
38. Violet & Daisy
    I saw this on amazon prime (free) streaming on 2018-03-23. Very well-written, well acted, and very interesting premise. One critic complaint I read called it “yet another Quentin Tarantino knock-off.” I don’t agree, but so what? Highly recommended.
    
39. Ready Player One
    I saw this in the theater on 2018-03-31 with Tony. Non-stop action, with high quality production. I thought the emotional stakes felt a little forced, so not the strongest story Steven Spielberg has ever done. Still, I enjoyed it very much. Recommended.
    
40. Death of Stalin
    Saw this in the theater on 2018-04-07. I enjoyed this a lot. It was darkly funny and very well acted. (The actors used their natural voice, instead of imitating a Russian accent.) The script is available online as a pdf. Highly recommended.
    
41. I, Tonya
    I saw this on a dvd borrowed from Tony on 2018-04-07. I found this to be informative and moving, showing how easily we can mis-understand the truth by looking at a story given through media coverage. I came to the conclusion that Tonya’s boyfriend, and especially her “bodyguard”, were primarily responsible. Sad but recommended.
    
42. Radio Free Albemuth
    I watched this on amazon prime (free) streaming on 2018-04-07. This is painful to watch, though it has bright spots shone by Shea Whigham, who is excellent as Philip K Dick, and some excellent actors in small parts, such as Alanis Morissette. The CGI is very poor. Not recommended, even for PKD fans.
    
43. A Quiet Place
    Saw this in the theater on 2018-04-14. I thought it was well-made and well-acted. It's almost a silent film, as the monsters can't really see well, but have exceptional hearing. The connection between the father and daughter seems real. There seemed to be some minor plot issues. A little more motivation as to why the rules of the world make sense would be helpful. Still, recommended as a good horror film.
    
44. The Little Hours
    Saw this on 2018-04-17 on amazon prime (free) streaming. Goofy fun period piece about horny nuns in the middle ages. A little on the silly side but the great comedic timing of Aubrey Plaza was fun to watch. Recommended.
    
45. Role Models
    I watched this on hbo streaming (via amazon prime) on 2018-04-22. I’d bought the dvd (used) years ago but it stopped working half-way through, but, despite being a big Paul Rudd fan, I was too cheap to get a working copy. Hence the delay. I loved the film and was glad to finally see it the whole way through. The script is well-structured and the characters are engaging. Funny and well-acted. Highly recommended.
    
46. Atomic Blonde
    I watched this on hbo streaming (via amazon prime) on 2018-04-22. I also saw it when it was originally released in 2017. Action-packed with lots of great visuals. One thing I noticed when re-watching it is how well-structured the script is, bouncing back and forth between John Goodman’s scenes (which are riviting) and Charlize Theron’s (which alternate between action and clue-gathering). Highly recommended.
    
47. 22 Bullets
    I watched this amazon prime (free) streaming on 2018-04-24. This is dubbed in English and follows the (often used) story of a retired killer who is pushed out of “retirement” to defend himself and his family. Well-done and recommended.
    
48. Avengers: Infinity War
    I watched this in the theater on 2018-04-28. I loved it. Very high production value, entertaining and funny at times. Thanos as protag. A frustrating aspect of the ending was that it did not wrap up the story but left it as a cliff-hanger. Still, a terrific movie.
    
49. Heavy Weather (1995)
    I watched this for the umpteenth time on dvd 2018-04-29. I’ve seen this several times and read the book. O'Toole is flawless, IMHO. Delightful. Highly recommended.
    
50. Tully
    Saw this in the theater 2018-05-03 (opening day:-). Theron is the star, main POV, and unreliable narrator in this very well-written (by Diablo Cody) and well-acted film. Theron is excellent and Cody is in strong form. Highly recommended.
    
51. Anon
    Saw this on netflix streaming, 2018-05-04. I enjoyed this very much. The production values are high, but it was a very simple mystery story with a fairly small cast. Solid acting and interesting concept for the script. Recommended.
    
52. Life Stinks (1991)
    Watched this on amazon prime streaming, 2018-05-04. This has some very funny performances by co-writer Rudy de Luca. The funniest scene is between de Luca (as J Paul Getty) and Brooks. Other than them, it’s just silly. Think of it as a sweet-hearted silly romantic comedy. Recommended, but not for the laughs.
    
53. The Hitman’s Bodyguard
    Saw this on hbo streaming on 2018-05-07. I also saw this in the theater when it come out. Loves this now and when it came out. Great action comedy. Recommended.
    
54. Life of the Party
    Saw this in the theaters, 2018-05-11. I love Melissa McCarthy, but this was a poorly scripted film. Jokes were bad and characters were poorly drawn out. I wanted more from Maya Rudolph and Gillian Jacobs (and of course from McCarthy), but they didn’t have good material to work with. Not recommended, even for McCarthy fans.
    
55. The Last of Sheila
    Watched this on dvd (purchased via amazon) on 2018-05-11. An outstanding mystery. Benjamin is fantastic, the script is very clever and well-written. Highly recommended.
    
56. Bad Samaritan
    Saw this in the theater on 2018-05-12. This was a good film that, with better shot selection and scene organization, could be better. Still, recommended, especially for the brilliant Tennant.
    
57. Nightcrawler
    Watched this on hbo streaming on 2018-05-16. Louis Bloom is such a sleezy, amoral creep, I can’t say I enjoyed watching this. On the other hand, he presents an anti-hero with such skill, you are compelled to watch. The script is available online as a pdf. Recommended.
    
58. Deadpool 2
    Watched this in the theater on 2018-05-18. Funny but with slightly too much winking at itself, breaking the 4th wall a bit too much. I think Deadpool said “that’s just lazy writing” twice, but I could be wrong. Still, Lucky is a fun new character and it's very funny at times. Highly recommended.
    
59. Wind River
    Saw this on netflix streaming on 2018-05-20. Excellent mystery/thriller. Terrific story, almost a cowboy movie. The script is available online as a pdf. Highly recommended.
    
60. Tucker and Dale vs Evil
    Saw this on Netflix streaming 2018-06-22. I saw this once before, but I forgot when or where. I loved this movie. It's now one of my favorites. It takes the trope of the college kids going to a cabin and getting attacked by hillbillies and flips it. Smart dialog and a nice rom-com B story to boot. The script is available online as a pdf. Highly recommended.
    
61. Solo
    Saw this in the theater on 2018-05-25. I enjoyed this. Not just fast moving but fun to watch and with several funny moments. Recommended.
    
62. Little Evil
    I watched this on netflix streaming on 2018-05-27. Another comedy-horror by Eli Craig, "Tucker and Dale vs Evil" being the other. Adam Scott carries the movie well, backed by a solid script with some genuine laughs. Recommended.
    
63. Zombieland
    Saw this on amazon prime (bought for $11) on 2018-05-28. I also saw this in the theater when it was released in 2009. It is not a spoof of zombie movies but a comedy in the zombie genre, the surviving humans vastly outmaneuvering the zombies with superior weaponry and cunning. Terrific stylistic effects, such as 3d lettering of the “rules” of survival and slo-mo killing of zombies. The script is available online (written by the same writers responsible for Deadpool). Excellent acting and direction. Highly recommended.
    
64. The Brink (TV series)
    I finished watching this HBO TV series (watched via amazon prime) on 2018-06-01. There were 10 episodes in total. I loved this and thought it was very funny. Sad it only lasted one season.
    
65. First Reformed
    Saw this in the theater on 2018-06-02. This was an outstanding movie. The acting by Ethan Hawke was astounding. The writing by Paul Schrader was profound and emotional and engaging. Hope he gets nominated for best original screenplay. Highly recommended.
    
66. Law & Order, Showtime episodes
    This is a 3-hour Law&Order episode (in 3 parts, season 7, episode 17), that I watched on hulu streaming on 2018-06-02. I’m sure I’ve seen it before, as I think I’ve seen all the L&Os several times. Well worth watching, and has my favorite cast. Recommended.
    
67. The Sitter
    Watched this on dvd 2018-06-03. Definitely a watchable comedy, with good performances by Jonah Hill and Sam Rockwell. Recommended.
    
68. Laura (1944)
    Watched this on Amazon prime on 2018-06-03. It was purchased, not free. Great Hitchcock mystery movie. Highly recommended.
    
69. Marnie (1964)
    Watched this on Amazon prime on 2018-06-04. It was purchased, not free. Another Hitchcock mystery. While well-made (as usual), there are a number of perverse stories (involving Hedron and Hitchcock) surrounding this film. There is also the off-putting fact that I found the focus on Tippi Hedron to be slightly out-of-focus in a significant percentage of shots. Recommended but an uncomfortable film in many respects.
    
70. Crazyhead (TV series)
    I finished watching season 1 (there will be no second season) via netflix streaming on 2018-06-07. I loved this series, which mixed horror with a superhero vibe. The acting and chemistry was excellent. The series plot-line had some nice twists. Recommended.
    
71. Hotel Artemis
    I saw this in the theater on 2018-06-08. This was an okay film. I expected it to be a take-off on John Wick, which it wasn’t. It’s a violent sci-fi film whose only character arc consists of the nurse’s love for her dead son, and her search for answers. It lacks a real antagonist (Zach Quinto comes close, but no cigar) and a could have been much better. Still, recommended for the action.
    
72. The Ghost and Mrs Muir (1947)
    I watched this via amazon prime (paid) streaming on 2018-06-09. Lucy writes the story of Captain Gregg and makes a lot of money, then falls in love with Miles Fairley, a writer of children's stories. Miles hides the fact that he’s married from Lucy. When she discovers it, she’s crushed and dies at the Cottage an old maid. Then she starts a love affair with Captain Gregg. An enjoyable film if you overlook the contrived melodramatic plot (a weakness IMHO). However, good acting all around, so recommended.
    
73. Heaven Can Wait (1943)
    I watched this via amazon prime (paid) streaming on 2018-06-10. An Ernst Lubitsch film, no relation with the Warren Beatty comedy film of the same name.
    Some plot issues here as well, but an enjoyable film, almost a romantic comedy. Recommended.
    
74. Deadpool
    Saw this on amazon prime on 2018-06-11. Also saw this in the theater in 2016 when it was released. Great film. Very stylized, funny, and with lots of breaking the 4th wall action. Also, the script is available online. Highly recommended.
    
75. Fist Fight
    Watched this on hbo via amazon prime streaming on 2018-06-12. Any film with Ice Cube is a pretty decent film, and if it also has Charlie Day and Tracy Morgan then it has to be good. While not every joke lands, the zany energy of Charlie Day keeps it moving. Recommended.
    
76. Tag (2018)
    Saw this in the theater on 2018-06-15. While the story is not that engaging, it had some good humor and engaging comic performances, which made it worthwhile. Luke-warmly recommended.
    
77. Portrait of Jennie (1948)
    Watched this on dvd on 2018-06-15. Interesting concept for a film and there were some stylistic cinematography choices which are worth watching out for. Enjoyable chemistry between Jones and Cotton. Recommended.
    
78. Ocean’s Eight
    Watched this in the theater on 2018-06-16. I loved the technical parts of this - the planning, hacking, scheming. The acting and dialog is good. There were some montages that I felt slowed it down and could be cut. Still, very much recommended.
    
79. Set it up
    Watched this on netflix streaming on 2018-06-17. While there's nothing terribly original about the plot, this film has a lot of zany energy and the leads have good chemistry. Recommended.
    
80. Fahrenheit 451 (2018)
    I watched this on hbo via amazon prime streaming on 2018-06-17. It’s well-made, updated, and very stylish. Recommended, but see the 1966 version first.
    
81. Tropic Thunder
    Watched this on netflix streaming. I saw this in the theater in 2008 and own the dvd, but still it was good to watch it for the umpteenth time. This film makes me cry with laughter every time. One of the best comedies made. Highly recommended.
    
82. The Disaster Artist
    Saw this on amazon prime (free) streaming on 2018-06-20. This is a film about good actors pretending they are bad actors. The film is a bit painful for several reasons. One, it’s painful to see what actors have to go through in their real life. Second, it’s difficult to enjoy a comedy that’s partially based on making fun of a Wiseau, who seems to have serious mental health issues. Not recommended.
    
83. Mom and Dad
    Watched this on hulu streaming 2018-06-21. Dark humor and good acting by Nicolas Cage, shot+edited with the typical Taylor (of Crank fame) energy. Recommended.
    
84. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
    Saw this (“Jurassic Park 5”) in the theaters on 2018-06-22. Good acting but too much focus on predictable action sequences and not enough on characters, especially those of Pratt and Howard. Not recommended.
    
85. Whirlpool (1949)
    Saw this on amazon prime (purchased) streaming on 2018-06-22. I liked this. The twists felt real and thought out. Good story (screenplay by Ben Hecht) and good acting. Ben Hecht is one of my favorite writers. Recommended.
    
86. Kill Me Three Times
    I watched this on netflix streaming on 2018-06-23. It’s hard to easily describe the plot because of all the twists and back-stabbings and who steals what from whom when, but for a “comedy” it has a distinct shortage of laughs. Simon Pegg is in it, but as a sort of antagonist with a smallish amount of screen time. Still, it’s twisty enough to be recommended.
    
87. Handsome
    Saw this on netflix streaming on 2018-06-23. Loved this. The humor was diverse and dialog was smart. The comedic acting was wonderful. A real pleasure. Highly recommended.
    
88. Circle (2015)
    I watched this on netflix streaming on 2018-06-24. I don’t know if this is a contained thriller/drama or a contained horror, but it is very unusual. I recommend it on that basis only. The tension comes only from the fact we don’t know why they are being killed. The ultimate reason doesn’t seem to me to be that satisfying (an alien’s curiosity of how humans behave).
    
89. The Front Page (1974)
    Saw this via dvd on 2018-06-26. Loved this. Great writers (screenplay by Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond is based on Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur's play), great lead actors (Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau), good direction (Billy Wilder). Not as good as His Girl Friday (see 151 below), but still highly recommended.
    
90. Book Club
    I saw this in the theater with Elva on 2018-06-28. (The theater was nearly full, practically all women, all over 60 yrs old.) It has some funny moments and excellent acting. Recommended if you are over 50 yrs old and either female or married.
    
91. Sicario 2
    I saw “Sicario: Day of the Soldado“ in the theater on 2018-06-29. A disappointment compared to Sicario 1 from the story point of view, though it was written by the same screenwriter. Perhaps this is cynical thinking but it seems that the job was to provide enough action and drama to set up Sicario 3. Lukewarm recommendation. Or, you might want to wait for Sicario 3 to come out then watch them together.
    
92. Goliath (TV series)
    I finished watching seasons 1 and 2 on 2018-06-29. I loved it. Great characters and Billy Bob Thornton is excellent. I also thought that plot-wise the writing was excellent. Highly recommended.
    
93. CHiPS (2017 film)
    I watched this on HBO streaming via amazon prime on 2018-07-01. I watched this because I like action comedies and liked the TV series. Poorly written, a weak plot, and even weaker jokes. There were some funny moments though. Not recommended, except for the cinematography. I liked how the camera moved and cut between shots - not too hyper, not too static.
    
94. Indiscreet (1958 film)
    I watched this via amazon prime streaming (purchased) on 2018-07-02 with Elva. Terrific script (Norman Krasna), acting (Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman), and set decoration. Elva and I loved it. Highly recommended.
    
95. Ant-man and the Wasp
    Watched this in the theater on 2018-07-06. A charming family oriented film, with good action and humor. Recommended.
    
96. Before the Sun Explodes
    Watched this on amazon prime (free) streaming on 2018--07-07. This is an engaging independent film. Good acting, writing and directing (by Debra Eisenstadt). Recommended.
    
97. The First Purge
    I watched this in the theater on 2018-07-09. This was okay. Essentially a fictional, very violent depiction of class warfare. Decent acting but some plot details seemed like odd choices. If you liked the others, recommended, and not otherwise.
    
98. Skyscraper
    I watched this in the theater on 2018-07-13. I enjoyed this. It has some exciting, if not improbable, action sequences (starring The Rock) and a good family-oriented story. Recommended.
    
99. OSS 117 - Panic in Bangkok
    Watched this on amazon prime (free) streaming on 2018-07-14. Also called “OSS 117 - Shadow of Evil.” This is like a cheap version of the first year of the original TV series Mission Impossible. No comedic aspects (unless you count the badly staged action sequences), still recommended for genre buffs.
    
100. The Equalizer, 2
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-07-20. I enjoyed this, but not as much as the first. Still Denzel’s character is good and the action is fun to watch. Recommended.
     
101. Mr and Mrs Smith (1941)
     Saw this Hitchcock movie (his only rom-com) on 2018-07-21 on dvd (for the 3rd time, at least). I love this movie. Norman Krasna is one of my favorite writers and Carole Lombard is one of the best comic actors of her generation. Highly recommended.
     
102. Get Smart (TV series 1995)
     I watched this series on dvd on 2018-07-23. Only 7 episodes were made. Very corny humor and not quite achieving the banter and comedy chemistry of the original. Still, I loved it and recommend it, especially episode 6, "Wurst Enemies"
     
103. My Name is Modesty
     Watched this on dvd on 2018-07-26. The dvd also had some special features, which are interesting. This is a good film, with a solid script and good directing and camera work. Modesty Blaise is a character with numerous novels and comics written by Peter O'Donnell. This dvd also has one special feature interview with Quentin Tarantino and another interview with Peter O'Donnell. Both love this film. Recommended.
     
104. Mission Impossible: Fallout
     Watched this (“MI6”) in the theater on 2018-07-27. I think this is one of the best, if not the best, in the series. Stunts are incredible, visuals and locations are amazing, the story is good, and the mis-directions, plot twists and turns, made the film watchable from start to finish. Highly recommended.
     
105. Blazing Saddles
     Saw this on amazon prime (free) streaming on 2018-07-30. This one of my favorite films. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen it, but I laugh each time. I love how every Mel Brooks comedy breaks the 4th wall, in some sense making fun of itself. The only issue I have is the number of times the n-word is used. That’s a little uncomfortable. Still, highly recommended.
     
106. The Spy Who Dumped Me
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-08-03. I enjoyed this. You get a good script, the improvisational humor of McKinnon, and the expertly directed 2nd unit direction. The humor can get to be too silly, still recommended.
     
107. Are You Here
     Watched this on amazon prime (paid) streaming on 2018-08-04. I enjoyed the situational humor in this film, written and directed by Matthew Weiner. The story is bland but the performances are charming. Owen Wilson holds the film together well. He lives in Annapolis (in the story) but commutes to Lanchester PA (although filmed in NC) frequently where much of the story takes place. The film has the little emotional details that are expected from Matthew Weiner. Recommended.
     
108. Time Machine (2002)
     Watched this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-08-09. Uneven movie. The acting was good, and chemistry between the main characters was good, but CGI and action sequences were uneven some good some not. The direction was uneven. (Later Simon Wells directed Mars Needs Moms, which lost a lot of money.) Still, this one is recommended.
     
109. BlacKkKlansman
     I saw this in the theater on 2018-08-10. I loved this movie. Great story (based on actions of a real person), excellent direction and acting. One of Spike Lee's best and the lead is played by Denzel Washington's son. Highly recommended.
     
110. Get Smart (film)
     Saw this on netflix on 2018-08-11. I own the dvd and have seen this many times already. Carell (as Smart) and Hathaway (as 99) are excellent, but the jokes are a bit too corny. I loved it since this is exactly the genre I like. Recommended for Get Smart fans.
     
111. The Meg
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-08-12. This was okay, as action-adventure films go. The theater was crowded. Luke-warmly recommended.
     
112. The Heat
     Watched this on dvd on 2018-08-12. I've seen this a few times before on dvd, and also in the theater when it was released. I loved this. Bullock and McCarthy are in top form and the script by Dippold is clever and funny. Very much recommended.
     
113. Momma Mia!
     I watched this on netflix (?) streaming on 2018-08-13 with Elva. I didn't enjoy this much, but Elva did. I thought the singing was between okay and awful and the dialog was occasionally too on the nose. Elva thought the singing fit the goofy-comic tone of the movie. The story idea was good and the songs themselves are often very good (even if they are not the type of music I prefer to listen to). Also, the acting is as good, especially Meryl Streep. Not recommended, except as a date movie or chick flick.
     
114. Miss Congeniality
     Watched this on dvd on 2018-08-18. I've seen this a few times before on dvd, and also in the theater when it was released. Bullock and McCarthy are in top form and the script funny. The "Save the Cat" book breaks this film down nicely, showing why it works. Very much recommended.
     
115. Mile 22
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-08-18. This was okay, as action-adventure films go. The plot seemed contrived but there was enough testosterone to make it a fun ride. Luke-warmly recommended.
     
116. This Means War
     Watched this on dvd on 2018-08-19, but also saw this in the theater when it was released in 2012. This is an excellent movie, with innovating plot ideas, excellent comic timing, and direction. Highly recommended.
     
117. The Survivors
     Watched this on amazon prime on 2018-08-25. While this got terrible reviews at the time (in 1983), I really liked this. Script by Michael Leeson (who also wrote "War of the Roses", "I.Q.", and others) has lots of humor. The performances by Walter Matthau and Robin Williams were fun to watch. Definitely recommended.
     
118. Monsters Inc
     Watched this on dvd (again) on 2018-08-27. I read in "Save The Cat" that Monsters Inc and The Matrix have a similar script structure, so had to watch it to check that out. I'm still unsure, but I'm sure this is a great movie. Very highly recommended.
     
119. Kin
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-09-01. While this was a poorly reviewed film, I loved it. Yes, there are some predictable scenes, but they are fun to watch and keep the tension for the final climax. Very much recommended.
     
120. Operation Finale
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-09-03. This was a well-acted and well-directed film, with some nice lines of dialogue. The overall film is rather sad (to me), dealing as it does with the events of the Holocaust. Highly recommended.
     
121. Peppermint
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-09-08. The reviews for it are terrible (one star from a local paper) but I liked it. It's a standard revenge movie with little originality, except that Jennifer Garner is the star. Recommended.
     
122. Malice in Wonderland (2009)
     Watched this on amazon prime (paid) on 2018-09-09. A disappointing cross between Alice in Wonderland and a British neo-noir crime film. Nothing wrong, but I think it could have been more with a better script. Luke-warmly recommended.
     
123. Terminal
     I finished watching this on hulu on 2018-09-09. This was hard for me to to watch, as disjointed as the story was implemented. Starring Margo Robbie (as the femme fatale/mastermind) and other big names, while the acting was solid, I think the writing and direction were too clunky. Not recommended.
     
124. Active Measures (2018)
     Watched this documentary on 2018-09-09 via amazon prime (paid). Scary stuff about Trump and his methods. Recommended, at least for those that are not in the Trump base.
     
125. The Cabin in the Woods
     Watched this (again) on dvd 2018-09-12. I also saw this in the theater when it originally came out in 2012. Terrific direction, writing and acting. While a (dark) comedy-horror film, I like the way the writers (Whedon and Goddard) handle the transition from the "real world" to the "monster world". Highly recommended.
     
126. The Awful Truth
     Watched this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-09-12. Leo McCarey directed (and won an Oscar for it), and Irene Dunne and Cary Grant starred in this 1937 rom-com of a couple divorcing over a misunderstanding and only getting back together in the end. The script (by Vina Delmar) also got an Oscar nom. Highly recommended.
     
127. A Simple Favor
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-09-15. This is a murder mystery comedy, with some good twists and a few funny jokes. The (improbable) twists involving the mystery plot are played for comedic effect, and it works well, IMHO. Directed by Paul Feig and starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. Very recommended.
     
128. Smokin' Aces
     Watched this (again) on dvd 2018-09-15. I also saw this in the theater when it originally came out in 2007. Terrific direction and good, fast-paced, macho writing and acting. Stars numerous quirky characters, including a pair of female assassins. Recommended.
     
129. Brazil
     I watched this again on amazom prime (paid) on 2018-09-16. I think I used to own the dvd but now it's gone. Anyway, great film. Brilliant writing and imaginative sets. Highly recommended.
     
130. Hell Fest
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-09-29. This got bad reviews and, this time, they fit. The plot and script weren't up to snuff. The protags were two girls, played admirably by Amy Forsyth and Reign Edwards, who are the only survivors of the guy who pretends he's a security guy at a Halloween theme park called Hell Fest. He only uses found weapons to kill the people. For some reason he only kills the friends of the two girls. The murders were generally unoriginal and the stakes were poorly motivated. Good sets but poorly written. Not recommended.
     
131. The Village of No Return
     Saw this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-10-03. This is a Taiwanese-Chinese action-comedy film (dubbed into English) starring Shu Qi, whose most famous film to the west was The Transporter (she was the "package", who became the driver's lover). The film opens with plans to invade a small remote village by some bandits. In this village lives Autumn (Shu Qi), who was sold to a man in the village as a wife, although she loves Dean, a member of the bandit clan. A mysterious Taoist monk brings a magical equipment ("Worry Ridder") that can erase one's memory. Slowly he convinces everyone but Autumn to use the machine, forgetting their past, living "happily ever after". Autumn refuses to let go of her memories of her only love, Dean. The monk ties her up and strings her up hanging, until she's forced to use the machine. Then the monk takes her as his wife and makes himself the village chief. The bandit's leader knows of Autumn and Dean and sends Dean to the village to prepare for the raid. However, the chief has him arrested when Dean argues that Autumn is his wife. The chief is convinced the village hides a machine called the "Sole Restorer", which undoes the effect of the Worry Ridder machine. At night, when the chief is asleep, Autumn has been learning about how the Worry Ridder machine works. She knows that the erased memories are stored in a small cocoon. Eventually, she finds her cocoon and relearns of her life with Dean. Sole Restorer is found and she know she needs to use it to recover her old life with Dean. The bandits attack, but Autumn manages to survive by hiding with Dean. Many of the villagers also survive because the monk programs the village blacksmith to become a martial artist. He fights the bandits in an extremely well-shot action sequence towards the end of the film. Afterwards, the monk is arrested, Autumn becomes the village chief and marries Dean. Using the Sole Restorer, Autumn restores everyone's memories, although in a transformed way. In turn, the village itself is transformed into a beautiful and magical place.
     High recommended.
     
132. Venom
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-10-06. This got bad reviews but I liked it. The dialog was too tropey in some cases, but overall worked for me. Tom Hardy was intense and Ruben Fleischer did a good job of adding visuals. Recommended.
     
133. The Mummy (2017)
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-10-07. This got very poor reviews, including the lack of consistency in tone. I agree that Cruise's character Nick starts off irresponsible and reckless and ends up acting heroically and selflessly saving the world. One presumes his change is because of his love for Jenny, but that's unclear because they don't spend much time together before his change in mannerisms. In any case, I enjoyed it but agree that the plot is less efficiently told than perhaps it could have been. Still, recommended.
     
134. The Shape of Water
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-10-07. This is a great movie. It got great reviews, deservedly so. However, to me, one small plot complaint is that the protagonist Elisa, keeps the monster hidden in her apartment for an illogically long time. On the other hand, but doing so they fall in love and Elisa discovers more about herself, making it a much much better movie. Highly recommended.
     
135. Harry Brown
     I saw this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-10-08. This is a violent revenge/vigilante film from 2009 starring Michael Caine. He does a great job, but it might be too violent for some. Recommended.
     
136. I am Wrath
     I saw this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-10-09. This is a revenge film from 2016 starring John Travolta. An improbable plot yet an enjoyable film. The bright spot has to be Christopher Meloni is great as Travlta's side-kick. Very recommended.
     
137. Hang 'em High
     I saw this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-10-16. I own the dvd and have seen this many many times already. Terrific Clint Eastwood western about a man wrongly hanged who finds justice and love in a small territory town. Ed Begley's father (also named Ed Begley) plays the main bad guy and Bruce Dern and Alan Hale play one of the others. Highly recommended.
     
138. Jack Ryan (TV series, season 1)
     I finally finished this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-10-17. I liked this a lot. Star (and co-producer) John Krasinski does a great job and the writing and directing is very good. Highly recommended.
     
139. The Old Man & the Gun
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-10-20. This basically followed the (true) story of Forrest Tucker, a career criminal and prison escape artist. Starring Robert Redford in his last role, supported by Casey Affleck and Sissy Spacek, it is slow at parts but Sissy Spacek is vibrant in every scene. Recommended.
     
140. The Good Doctor
     I watched 11 episodes of season 1 on 2018-10-30. I loved the beginning of this. I was turned off by episode 11 of season 1 by the change in characater of Shaun. Not recommended.
     
141. RED 2
     Watched this again on TV on 2018-11-03, commercials and all. Also saw this in the theater when it was released in 2013. Loved it. Highly recommended.
     
142. Susperia (2018)
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-11-04. This is a remake of the 1977 version (which I never saw). I thought this was too slow - maybe an hour too long. Not recommended, except for die-hard horror fans.
     
143. The Maiden Heist
     I saw this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-11-04. Starring Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, William H. Macy and written by Michael LeSieur (who also wrote the action-comedy Keeping Up With the Jones), this is a fun flick. Recommended.
     
144. The Other Side of the Wind
     Saw this on netflix on 2018-11-05. This is Orson Welles' (possibly the greatest director ever) last film, starring John Huston and Peter Bogdanovitch. However, it's fair to say this is the worst film Welles ever made. I do like some bad films, as learning experiences. However, I'm not sure what you can take away from watching this film that's helpful. I can summarize the plot, but it's a waste of time. Not recommended.
     
145. How I Live Now
     Finished watching this on hulu on 2018-11-06. This is a YA post-apocalyptic love story starring Saoirse Ronan, directed by Kevin Macdonald (who also directed Last King of Scotland). I started this many times but stopped since Act 2 was too slow for me. Still, it finished well. Recommended.
     
146. Knight and Day
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-11-10. This is one of my favorite action rom-com movies and I don't know how many times I've seen it. Tom Cruise is in top form with excellent direction by James Mangoldt. Highly recommended.
     
147. Can you ever forgive me?
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-11-11. Starring Melissa McCarthy in a serious role, this is an excellent, but ultimately sad, film based on a true story. Highly recommended.
     
148. Sleight
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-11-12. Well-acted, sci-fi/urban action thriller. Cool special effects in the show-down scene near the end. Highly recommended.
     
149. Overlord
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-11-12. This is a good WWII horror/zombie film written by by Billy Ray and Mark L. Smith. Excellent acting by Jovan Adepo (who played the son in Fences). Recommended.
     
150. You Were Never Really Here
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-11-13. Directed by Lynne Ramsey, this is in the same genre as "Taken" but with a very different spin. Violent but much of the violence is not explicitly shown. Well-directed and well acted. Recommended.
     
151. His Girl Friday
     I watched this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-11-14. I can't believe this isn't on this "I watched" list already, as I watch this film relatively frequently. Front Page is listed above (see 89 above), and that's a variation of this film. Directed by the great Howard Hawks and starring the phenomenal Rosalind Russell (the protag) and Cary Grant, this is perhaps the best rom-com/screwball comedy ever. And it's in the public domain and the script is available online. I can't recommend this highly enough.
     
152. Blitz
     I watched this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-11-16. I watched this for Jason Statham, who has some action, but this film is not an action film. It's less of a "Dirty Harry" film than a crime thriller where the police search for a known (to the audience) cop killer. The twist here is that the cop killer disguises himself as a cop to kill Jason Statham, but then he's killed by Statham and the murder set up to be a victim of the cop killer. The action is slow, but still it's recommended.
     
153. Widows
     Saw this in the theater on 2018-11-17. Without giving way plots twists, the rough idea is that a crew of robbers are all killed and their wives pay for their crimes. Excellent acting, directing, cinematography. Highly recommended.
     
154. For a Few Dollars More
     I watched this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-11-17. Great spaghetti western directed by Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood. Highly recommended.
     
155. The `Burbs
     I watched this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-11-24. Enjoyable comedy thriller directed by Joe Dante (who also did the Gremins series and Small Soldiers) and starring Tom Hanks. Recommended.
     
156. The Woman in Black
     I watched this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-11-24. This is a Gothic horror film starring Daniel Radcliffe. Well filmed and acted. No blood and gore, just psychological chills. Boots Riley,
     
157. Sorry to Bother You
     I watched this on amazon prime (free) on 2018-11-24. This is about a telemarketer with a conscience. When I was about 16 or 17, for a week or two, I was a telemarketer with my older sister, though I don't remember if we ever got paid. In any case, brings back memories. Boots Riley, who wrote and directed this, is brilliant, as is his star Lakeith Stanfield. Highly recommended.
     
158. Paddington 2
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-11-28. Actually, I watched this twice, back-to-back. This is a touching, funny, inventive, well-acted, well-written and well directed live action animated film. Good for all ages. Hugh Grant is at his best. Very highly recommended.
     
159. The Post
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-11-29. Extremely well-acted, well-written and directed docu-film of the Washington Post's coverage of the Nixon era crimes. Very highly recommended.
     
160. What Happened to Monday
     Saw this on netflix on 2018-12-01. Terrific hi-concept action sci-fi film starring Noomi Rapace. Terrific action. Highly recommended.
     
161. Hudson Hawk
     I watched this again on dvd on 2018-12-01, but also saw it in the theaters when it came out in 1991. I loved it when it came out and have enjoyed rewatching it over the years. However, before seeing it the last time, I read the (155 page!) script. It's a bit messy. Howver, the film's a fun and imaginative caper comedy. Recommended.
     
162. Maze Runner: The Death Cure
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-12-04. A big budget film, the 3rd in the Maze Runner series. I confess I've not seen the others, but this one is fun in a fluffy way. This is full of lots of action supported by crazy stunts and CGI. Recommended.
     
163. The Good Place (TV series)
     I've been bingeing this on netflix (for seasons 1 and 2) and hulu (for season 3). This could be the best TV series on TV now. Very highly recommended.
     
164. The Favourite
     I saw this in the theater on 2018-12-08. Brilliant acting, writing, cinematography. This started off funny but ended on a sad note. Still, highly recommended.
     
165. Rampage
     I saw this on hbo streaming via amazon prime on 2018-12-08. Big action movie starring Dwayne Johnson. Fun but nothing very original. Recommended.
     
166. Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage
     I watched this documentary on netflix on 2018-12-08. This is a documentary of Rush, my favorite band as a teenager. I loved "Working Man" so much I had to go to see them in concert (in 1978?). Recommended.
     
167. Mortal Engines
     I saw this in the theater on 2018-12-18. Big action, lots of CGI, and wildly different (computer generated) locations and settings. It kept my interest due to the imaginative imagery and almost non-stop action. Recommended.
     
168. The Getaway (1972)
     I saw this on amazon prime on 2018-12-22. This is a Sam Peckinpah film, written by Walter Hill, with terrific acting by Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw. The pace, tone and editing is excellent as well. Highly recommended.
     
169. Aquaman
     I saw this in the theater on 2018-12-23. Big action, lots of CGI, and wildly different (computer generated) locations and settings. Good action and humor. Nicole Kidman had a small but great part. Highly recommended.
     
170. The Man Who Invented Christmas
     I saw this on amazon prime on 2018-12-24. This is a biographical film on Charles Dickens' writing of A Christmas Carol, based on actual events. Good acting, writing and directing. Highly recommended.
     
171. Christmas with the Kranks
     I saw this on amazon prime on 2018-12-25. This is a holiday film based on a novel by John Grisham, directed by Joe Roth (former chair of Walt Disney and 20th Century Fox), and scrpted by Christ Columbus (of Harry Potter and Home Alone fame). With such big names, you expect a funny holiday film. However, the humor, while clean and kid-safe, is barely even silly for the most part. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis do their best, but the plot, lacking both stakes and empathetic characters, is too weak. Not recommended.
     
172. Ready Player One
     I saw this on hbo via amazon prime on 2018-12-25 (and in the theater on 2018-03-31, see 39 above). I agree with what I said before, that it's non-stop action, with high quality production. Now, I think the plot is well-structured but a little more complicated than the average film. I also like its frequent references to pop culture. Again, I enjoyed it very much and I'd now say: Highly recommended.
     
173. Night Moves
     I saw this 1975 movie via amazon prime streaming on 2018-12-26. This is a terrific film-noir-ish detective movie starring Gene Hackman as PI Harry Moseby, with Jennifer Warren, Susan Clark, and (in minor roles) Melanie Griffith and James Woods. Moseby gets caught up in a scheme to use Hollywood stunt men and planes to smuggle art into Florida. Highly recommended.
     
174. Vice
     I saw this in the theater on 2018-12-28. Excellent acting by Christian Bale as Cheney. Great directing and writing by Adam McKay. Funny, creative, and informative at the same time. Highly recommended.