Category Archives: TheMovieMyLife

MOVIES & I, A LOVE STORY…

When my love of movies was relatively fresh, I used to watch a lot more films than I do now. I’m sure that in addition to simply wanting to be entertained, another reason I’ve seen as many films as I have over the years includes a general curiosity and desire to learn about those who live the kind of lives my growing mind could only imagine.

In all the years of being an avid consumer of great films and TV shows (the ones that called to me – because there’s certainly plenty I’m yet to see), I eventually got to a place where I realised that I’d exposed myself to a plethora of stories about the many aspects of the human experience that I’d been curious about, including many that I had no idea I’d want to know. I did this by being open to seeing easy-to-watch films/programmes that did little more than distract/entertain me and others that had me, laughing, crying and thinking deeply.

At this point, I can honestly say that the stories in all the films and TV shows I’ve seen have helped get me to where I am today, and in ways I could not have foreseen. They’ve contributed to making me the thoughtful, understanding and empathetic person that twelve-year-old me somehow knew I wanted to be. Because at that age, I remember deciding that one of my goals in life would be to try and understand people.

Movies & I, A Love Story, The Movie My Life
Movies & I, A Love Story, The Movie My Life

Of course, psychology, meaningful conversation and a commitment to empathy are some of the key ways to get to understanding others. Nevertheless, Little did I know that years later, I would feel as though I understand many aspects of the human condition, thanks in no small part to all the rich stories I’ve seen in the films and TV shows I’ve had the privilege of being exposed to.

I’m not writing this because I’m going to stop watching movies or writing about them. But because these days, even though I remain eternally curious about the human, that curiosity is now predominantly seen in my interactions with people I encounter in real life. And not because I believe that film has taught me all that it has to teach, but rather that at least in this new-ish phase, films/stories that are fun, lighthearted and entertaining are far more appealing than those where the protagonists suffer in hard-to-watch ways.

In case anyone had been wondering why I haven’t yet reviewed/watched Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Origin (2023), The Zone of Interest (2023) or any other seemingly emotionally taxing films, this is why. I may eventually get to these movies but until then, their trailers are enough. And thank goodness for The Fall Guy, (2024) Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), Beverley Hills Cop – Axel F (2024), and so on.

How have your movie-watching habits evolved over the years? Are there genres you used to love but now can’t get into?

I may change the title of this post later, but for now, I can think of nothing else.

Happy Film Loving,

G

IT’S BEEN 200 YEARS, SINCE MY LAST POST…

TheMovieMyLife, The Movie Love Continues…

Technically, precisely 67 days have passed. It’s just that I tend to embellish ever so slightly by saying 200 years for almost all periods of time that feel ridiculously long.

The reason for my absence from blogging isn’t as simple as being burnt out. I’m also unlikely to ever become tired of movies. However, life did become a tad more hectic than usual. So, I took the necessary 200 years to simplify my daily routine.

It would be great to say that I took the time to travel abroad and explore during half of the 67 days. Except, that I’m one of those people who’ll need more time before I can feel comfortable being on a plane/away from home again. One of these days I might even do some domestic travelling! Until then, quality time with friends and family is vacation enough for me, especially when I get to annoy my nearest and dearest to no end. They love it!

I spent some of my time away from blogging listening to podcasts. Naturally, I listened to – and continue to listen to a few that are linked to show business. For example, SmartLess, a funny, fun podcast hosted by filmmakers Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett; three friends who have enviable chemistry and lots of witty banter, and that’s before I mention their many great guests. Interviewees such as Ryan Reynolds, LeBron James, Reese Witherspoon and Robert Downey Jr., to name just a few.

SmartLess Podcast, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Simplecast
SmartLess Podcast, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Simplecast

A handful of random things I’ve learned since becoming a regular listener of podcasts include, but are not at all limited to, how much many of my Americans brothers and sisters apparently LOVE Target as a place with isles to enjoy walking down, particularly late at night. The second thing listening to podcasts made me realise is that podcasting is harder than it looks, because the art of great conversation is no easy thing.

The third and perhaps, most important thing that’s happened is I’ve reached a controversial conclusion. Specifically, that big fans of burger restaurants In-N-Out and Five Guys are as deluded as each other. Yes! This is fighting talk, and I’m certainly no fighter. Still, I had to say it. Even more so because I’ve eaten at both places, and I’m convinced that the patrons of each have dead taste buds, in different areas of the mouth. With that said, could the 200 years away made me braver? Or something else? šŸ˜

Whatever the answer, I say all the above to say that I’m back, dear movie lovers. And I look forward to catching up with your blogs to see what I’ve missed. Fingers crossed that you’ll enjoy the movie content along with the occasional non-movie specific topics I cover.

Which are some of your favourite podcasts? They don’t have to be about movies. Though, it helps if they’re funny.

Happy Film and Life Loving

G