Movies Watched in October 2021

The Many Saints of Newark – I had this plan after the first trailer for this movie was released to try and watch every episode of The Sopranos to prepare. I’m so thankful I didn’t do it, because this will go down as one of the biggest disappointments in some time. Barely a movie, The Many Saints of Newark is a collection of scenes that were referenced during The Sopranos. Ray Liotta and Vera Farmiga steal every scene they are in, but the film is not about Tony Soprano as the marketing would have led you to believe.

Return of the Living Dead 3 – This is the type of horror film I get most nostalgic about. It’s something I caught randomly in the middle of the night on some movie channel in the 90’s. I’d most likely have a blank tape ready in the VCR to record anything that interests me and I would end up with a recorded copy of this movie that I’d watch over and over for years to come. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat down and watched Return of the Living Dead 3 and I’m happy to say while the movie itself is a bit weak, the practical effects are fantastic and I really dig the Romeo and Juliet style storyline. In fact, it may be technically the most touching, romantic horror film that I’ve seen.

Batman: The Long Halloween Part I and II – I wanted to watch this because I thought it took place entirely at Halloween and I thought it’d tie in well for the season. Sadly, I mixed up the plot of Hush with this (it’s been a very long time since I’ve read the comics) and while the story begins on Halloween it quickly leaves the holiday and is your typical Batman affair. The film was good, but I’m not a fan of the animation style they decided to go with. Also, three hours was maybe a bit too much.

Near Dark – Well, I have a new favorite vampire movie. Wow, this film blew me away. I need to start giving Kathryn Bigelow’s films more of a chance since last year I was equally as thrilled with Strange Days. I’m not really a fan of vampire movies and after the whole Twilight fad a couple of years ago, I felt like vampires were permanently ruinend for me. This film however is gritty, dramatic, intense, and beautifully made. With brillant performances across the entire board it’s rare for me to say I am this stunned by an older film. Near Dark is totally worth a watch.

Halloween Kills – No joke, I walked out of the theater and said I could probably write a thirty page paper on this film and I stand by it. I want to dig into it, but I also don’t. There is a lot to unpack in this different take on Michael Myers and my lifelong fandom of the series. To wrap it up as nicely as I can: I enjoyed the experience.

Deep Rising – This film popped up on a list I saw a week months back and when I noticed it was streaming on Tubi I decided to give it a shot. I’ve had so much fun watching old 90’s action/sci-fi films this year and Deep Rising was a film I hadn’t seen. It runs a bit long, but it was actually quite enjoyable. I’m always a fan of Famke Jansen and abandoned cruise ships fascinate me. I couldn’t help but be reminded a bit of Virus, another movie I watched this year that was less entertaining.

Free Guy – So…. this one surprised me, big time. Damn solid movie. It’s fun, light, and heart warming. Just the type of movie I think we need more of. There was a little Disney fanfare towards the end that made for a good scene, but I could have done without, but overall I enjoyed this way more than I ever imagined I would.

Heavyweights – This has been on my watchlist since I was a kid and with the launch of Middle Aged Fat Kids, I thought it was time to watch a movie that seemingly honors us that grew up on the hefty side. It’s a fun, well written, 90’s kid flick that I probably would have loved as a twelve year old.

Stepbrothers – I honestly can’t remember if I’ve seen this film or not, and well… I’m glad I watched it nonetheless. I’m not the biggest Will Ferrell fan, but it really cracked me up and I had a good time watching this movie. The scene with the bathroom rug is the hardest I’ve laughed in a very long time.

40 Year Old Virgin – Still looking for something light and fun, I found myself revisiting 40 Year Old Virgin, a movie I haven’t seen in quite some time. It holds up well and the jokes still land. Sadly, some of the technology references really date the movie.

The Guest – This film has been on my list to watch for a year now, so on Halloween I watched it and I’m happy I did so since it takes place at Halloween. I don’t want to spoil anything about the movie, because I went in blind and it was a very rewarding experience. It’s definitely worth a watch if you like films that don’t quite fit into genres.

One Reply to “Movies Watched in October 2021”

  1. I love Heavyweights.
    I’m glad you gave a review of Batman. I am a big fan of the animated movies, but have been on the fence on this one. I may still watch it and give a review as well.

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