Thought I’d already given up? Nooooo, but I have been fighting with the editor in my head who continues to attack my every idea. And so, after a few days of typing, backspacing, and typing some more, here are five of my favorite film finds of the year.
1. Heard She Got Married: One of two features produced by Motern Media in 2021, and one of the few films of the year to really stick with me. At this point I have given the film eight dedicated viewings, as well as probably half a dozen more times where I’ve started it but had to turn it off before leaving.
Described by the creators as a “suburban noir”, Heard She Got Married is about a singer/songwriter who moves back to his hometown. He befriends his eccentric new mailman and stumbles onto a conspiracy involving his old clique.
I am eagerly awaiting the blu-ray, which also hosts their other 2021 film, Metal Detector Maniac. I have yet to see that one, however my excitement only grows each day I am left waiting. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a full review soon.
2. Sons of the Desert: I’m embarrassed to admit how little Laurel and Hardy I have seen. Aside from a few clips online and the 2018 biopic Stan & Ollie, I’m a novice. But after my experience watching 1933’s Sons of the Desert I’m eager to seek out more.
These two friends mug around for 68 transcending minutes of comedy. It hits different cords than modern comedies do. I was content to sit back and let all the chuckles and hearty laughs wash over me. I hope to return to these comforting rascals shortly.
3. Dirty Work: Norm Macdonald’s passing last year left a hole in the hearts of comedians everywhere. And the loss of Bob Saget (who directed the feature) last week only widened it.
I wish I had seen this film earlier. Like many other films, this was one I purchased forever ago and let sit on the shelf for too long. But, aside from the previously mentioned Heard She Got Married, I doubt there is any film I have watched more times in 2021.
Funny side note, my brother and I inadvertently bought each other the OOP Olive Films blu-ray for Christmas.
4. Thrilling Bloody Sword: I first began listening to The Important Cinema Club podcast back in 2016. Since then the podcast has grown substantially, and my cinematic tastes with it. One of the favorite parts of my physical media collection is a complete run of host Justin Decloux’s Gold Ninja Video line.
From their celebration of the Prince of Poverty Row Sam Newfeld to the wicked wuxias of Pearl Chang and their magnificent Director’s Cult Collection titles, I’m constantly blown away by the sheer quality and care given by Decloux and his collaborators. Last year he ran a successful crowdfunding campaign where he purchased a brand new film scanner. And Thrilling Bloody Sword is the first release touting a new 2K scan!
Using the only known theatrical print, Decloux rescued this Taiwanese fantasy epic from the sands of time. A jaw dropping take on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the eye popping colors and charismatic performances drew me in.
5. Spider-Man: No Way Home: Call me a basic blockbuster nostalgia-driven normie if you have to, but this is possibly a new favorite in the superhero genre. Instead of being a film about “a good guy beating a bad guy”, No Way Home was about trying to help and reform them.
I’ll admit I cried more than once at this movie. It’s so easy to let the anger, the apathy, and the cynicism of the world get to us. And the pressure can be too much. And after dealing with everything, it’s nice to slip away and let your six year old self take over again. That magic sense of astonishment is still there, it’s just hard to reach.
Jesse Shira's Rambling Rants 