[Weekly Update] Some Random Movies I saw lately.

Currently setting up my eclipse equipment so I can photograph the moon. This is the third attempt, and so far all of my previous attempts have ended with a blurry and unimpressive mess. As I mainly do street event photography, the long term planning required for astrophotography is completely different from the single instant photo that I'm used to.

Oh and I took a look at some star trackers (camera mount that rotates against the Earth, so that the sky position remains static on screen), and they caused more than a PS5. I don't even own a PS5... What have I gotten myself into.

If you are experienced in astrophotography, please give me some directions lol.

CHANNEL UPDATE

I made some small changes to our schedule. I've been struggling with our video on Maggie Cheung, as the scope keeps expanding, and it's difficult to talk about acting in an interesting and engaging way. The video will take more time in the oven.

In the mean time, I'm get the Dynasty Part 2 video out as soon as possible. I should have a complete script to share tomorrow, and hopefully get the video out by weekend.

For bonus video, I think I'll talk about the Murder on the Orient Express trilogy. I have just finished the entire series. While I can't say they are great movies, they are fascinating in their style. My favourite is A Haunting in Venice. If you only have time to watch one, watch this one. The wide angle cinematography reminiscent of classic gothic horror is pretty charming. Also Michelle Yeoh's in it.

Finally, we are looking for footage of scholar eclipses, especially shots of the environment during totality. If you have any to share, and would like them to be part of an upcoming video, forward them to me!

MEDIA TALK

Let's just return to the basics this week, and talk about movies I have seen lately.

I have not been to the cinema in a while. It's tempting to go watch the Monkey Trilogy, especially Monkey Man, the ridiculous ticket prices always dissuaded in the end. This economy is just not good for art.

That means, I ended up watching some random, and mostly brainless movies on streaming. And they are a real mix bag:

Spaceman is kinda meh. I honestly feels like a lesser version of Ad Astra, and I already wasn't impressed with Ad Astra. The introspection meets space exploration wasn't particularly engaging, nor does it achieve the meditative pace of other similar movies (such as Journey to the West). At least Adam Sandler, as I had hoped, gave a very good performance.

It's not the film for me, or for most people. But to the people who like it, I think they will love it a lot. Such is the nature of a niche Adam Sandler drama film.

Immaculate is surprisingly safe and boring. The cinematography and the editing gives a hint of a niche horror production with edge and personality. But unlike X, a niche horror film that has actual edge and personality, Immaculate somehow managed to take the same anti-religious fanatic angle and made it lame. The simplistic story is entirely lay bare for the audience, with neither mystery, humor, or personality. The only thing keeping the audience awake is the ceaseless screaming of Sydney Sweeney. Her acting is great, though. Also her name is so much fun to say.

For a film with such a messed up premise, how on Earth does it feel so tame.

Tetris is fun if you don't take it seriously. It takes a lot of liberty with actual history, so it is gonna annoy some people. But the performance for everyone involve, even from the minor characters, are enough to dazzle. This is one film where you see the photos of the actual people at the end, and you go like "oh wow they really do look similar".

It's not easy to make a corporate heist film engaging, since most of the film involves people sitting down and talking. But Tetris did a good enough job to keep you interested throughout.

Cade: The Tortured Crossing is a disgrace. There is, unfortunately, no better way for me to summarize and review this newest Neil Breen production than to paraphrase RedLetterMedia: Breen is doing a George Lucas. After so many films, all of which are financially successful, Breen seemed to have grew old and tired of the production aspect, and began seeking shortcuts. This led to his new film being shot entirely in front of a green screen.

In his mind, just as it was in the mind of Lucas, he is taking his film to a new level with more ambitious special effects. In reality, the whole film simply lacks the passion he once exhibited in his old works.

I hope Breen takes a break, and let his next film cook. Passion can be spent. Just because you love something doesn't mean you can't be burnout on it. That's why it's important for artists to take break.

Anyway, that is the update for the week. Now time to finish up my script on the Three Kingdoms period, and hopefully I'll see you soon with a new video!