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A movie that takes a dark look into the entitled world or fine dining.

I walked in completely blind to this movie so I had no clue what twists were coming or the reason it was listed as a dark comedy. But as the film went along I could see the concept to the film and the examination being done.

We follow a group of people who’ve paid to dine at an exclusive restaurant where the food is to die for. 😉 Our main character to follow is Margo, played brilliantly by Anya Taylor Joy (actually this is my first movie I’ve seen with her 🫢), it’s clear from the beginning Margot has caused some sort of issue within the restaurant because she was not originally who was invited for the experience.

Margot’s date is Tyler who is a massive food lover that rambles on about how great the experience is and eats copious amounts of the food even when Margot admits to her distaste for the experience of this evening. And she’s not exactly wrong to have that uneasy feeling; it’s realized by their third course that this experience will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

The Chef played by Ralph Fiennes being just as sinister as many roles he’s played before and hardly an expression of joy throughout the film; it become clear to the viewer he no longer loves his work and find the patrons at his restaurant pretentious and entitled. Something that we will have made known frequently in the movie.

Also side note but I loved the dress Margot wore in this film; her style is just perfect.

[nicki-lewis903]

Yes!!!!

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This shot from "Rear Window" of L.B. Jefferies' simple sandwich and milk reflects his dull, passive existence. The bland meal symbolizes his confinement and lack of excitement, contrasting with the looming telephoto lens, which represents his growing obsession with voyeurism. The tension between the plain meal and the intrusive camera highlights the film's central conflict: Jefferies' mundane life versus the thrill of watching others from afar.

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Haunting, gruesome, grotesque, and a story of vanity. I had no idea what to expect from this film but it did take me by surprise.

For a film from the 1960’s it definitely had its moments where my jaw dropped because of the gore that was allowed; I had to remind myself that what wasn’t allowed in the states at the time didn’t apply to other countries. In the case you could see the operation on a person taking place to showcase the horrifying depths one person will go to in order to “save the in they love”.

The story has one classic horror/thriller movie trope; the corrupt power hungry doctor who hides behind the facade that his practice is just what the public sees but behind a closed door is something far more sinister. After this particular doctor caused his daughter to lose her face in an automobile accident, he vows to try and replace her face and restore who to who she once was. In the meantime she roams the halls in this haunting and soulless mask he begs her to wear so no one sees her face.

The movie had a few moments I definitely was not expecting and probably will still make some people squirm at such as; the grotesque scenes of surgery; also some implications of animal cruelty (my least favorite scene in the film) and the mask alone would probably do some people in. The underlying story of suffering for the sake of beauty is more of the darker tale than what you get from the like of films like Death Becomes Her.

It’s definitely worth checking out for a horror movie choice this Halloween.

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“I wasn’t going to wait around for some prince, when I could very well save myself.”

— Jodi Picoult, Plain Truth

[nicki-lewis903]

Hey Nicki, I like your channel.

I also like movies and TV series.😙🤟🏾🥰🌟

Thank you! ❤️

[nicki-lewis903]

In this shot from "Strangers on a Train," the camera focuses on Bruno's distinctive shoes as he crosses his legs beneath a table, marking the beginning of his fateful encounter with Guy. Bruno, played by Robert Walker, wears flashy, two-tone shoes that contrast with Guy's more conventional footwear, subtly introducing his flamboyant and eccentric personality. This hints at the dark, obsessive behavior that will drive the plot. Hitchcock's decision to isolate the shoes draws attention to the anonymity of public spaces and the randomness of encounters, symbolizing the ominous crossing of paths that propels the film's central narrative and tension.

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Oh I am so devastated by the news of Dame Maggie Smith’s passing. She was such an icon and I loved watching her onscreen; her wit and passion for the acting craft was something many never even achieve.

I’ll always remember her primarily as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies and how that character felt like it was basically made for Maggie; and the same for the Dowager Countess in Downton Abby.

She will be greatly missed by her fans and those in the acting community. Rest In Peace Dame Maggie Smith; tonight we will all raise our wands in your honor.

[nicki-lewis903]

Why do I second guess everything I’m going to text a person? I don’t have social anxiety these days I seem to have texting anxiety! And that’s worse because you can’t convey tone in texts.

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Autumn leaves are falling down like pieces into place because Red Taylor's Version season is here (like it ever left). 🍂

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There are times when I am convinced I am unfit for any human relationship.

Franz Kafka, letters to Felice

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Many know of Full Metal Jacket as the movie with the chilling scene of Vincent D’Onofrio and the trademark Kubrick stare; but the film is more than that.

This is film in which we are shown the horrors of war, boot camp and the impact combat has on someone. And with Stanley Kubrick at the helm you know he will not shy away from showing us what would be a realistic take on that.

The film has been debated by many as being like two films in one. The first half showing us the men as they begin training at Parris Island and the brutality of what that can be. It’s here we are introduced to three crucial characters in the story; Private Joker played by Matthew Modine, Private Cowboy played by Arliss Howard and Private Gomer Pyle played wonderfully by Vincent D’Onofrio.

At the boot camp no one has it worse than Pyle who struggles with the most basic tasks and is physically unable to do the obstacle course due to his larger size. Their drill Sargent Sgt. Hartman played by R. Lee Ermey makes sure to punish the men in the platoon for any errors made by Pyle which results in a mass hatred for him. That and the treatment from Hartman leads to Pyle’s breaking point and the most shocking part of the film which is accompanied by an equally disturbing score.

After those scenes the film goes from an unsettling, eerie character analysis to a look at war through the eyes of the young men. They joke with each other, dehumanize the locals, make obscene remarks and sleep with the woman they can get. It still shows the realities of the war but the feeling you get between boot camp and the actual battles is something that makes many take note of the first half of the film that makes people feel is the stronger portion.

However I will say the last few moments of the film do take it back to that feeling again, this can be attributed to the score having and similar sound to that of the most iconic scene and giving you this overall unsettling feeling that you wish you didn’t see this happening.

Now of all the things I can say it is a damn shame Vincent D’Onofrio did not get many award nominations for his performance in this film because it is definitely the stand out of the film itself. The soundtrack was filled with lots of the classics from the 60’s and the score itself as I said had moments where it was just unnerving with the synth tracks and the low bass line.

Another thing I noticed is the use of color for conveying the tone at different points; in the beginning the fear is lit in tones of a cyan blue and lit as if by the moonlight in an old horror film, the second half the next pivotal moment is lit with a fire orange and it stays that way until the credits role; this is a way to showcase the character completely being changed by war.

It’s worth checking for the performances and the storytelling.

[nicki-lewis903]

A show that’s perfect from start to finish is rare; but when you find one you can’t help recommending it. For me that show is unquestionably Derry Girls.

I had the honor of discovering this show last summer after coming home from a trip and feeling a little worn out; so I sat down and decided to just binge some Netflix.

The show’s premise is about five teenage friends living in Ireland during the civil war along with their families, not to mention the many other things that can occur in your teen years. Like trying to get money for a school trip, having to pass a test or even first love. But nothing these five get into ever turns out all wrapped in a bow to look pretty.

Every character in the show is fleshed out enough to make their stories even more relatable to the viewers; they are not perfect or even unlikable. They’re human and flawed which is why every character in this show is a joy to watch. In fact this is one show where I can’t pinpoint a favorite character because each has something unique to bring.

The comedy in the show is also top notch in my opinion; it’s not easy to predict what will happen. You may think the joke will pan out one way but the writers have a different outcome entirely. But one thing I also love is the fact the comedy is so balanced between the drama of what was actually happening during those times. One shot will show the five friends laughing or dancing together and then it cuts to a significant moment during the war.

One of the most wonderful and realistic moments comes from and interaction between the main protagonist Erin Quinn and her best friend Clare Devlin. I won’t spoil it but the final episode of season one between these two had a moment that is something so real for that time period and the acting in that moment between the two actresses Saorirse-Monica Jackson and Nicola Coughlan was beautifully done.

The family and townspeople of Derry are also a joy to watch; from Granda Joe and Gerry bickering, Sister Michael’s ruthless sarcasm, Aunt Sarah not being fully aware of what’s happening in that moment or social cues, Uncle Colm’s stories and unhinged shop owner Dennis. The whole town is unique and honestly has someone that we all knew just like that as kids.

Every season finale will be sure to bring a tear to you in some way, like I said the writers did a beautiful job balancing the humor with the historical events and drama. However the series finale monologue is one of the most beautiful summaries not only to what these characters went through but what everyone experiences in those years going from a teenager just enjoying life to having to grow up and knowing that things won’t be the same.

It’s definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever watched, probably the series I quote the most and is a show I never tire of watching. If you’ve never seen it but have a love for comedy it’s worth checking out. Maybe like for me this show will be your comfort series that brings you infinite joy and laughter when things get tough.

[nicki-lewis903]

That rarity where even though the character does awful things, you still enjoy watching them and in some ways love that character. A true testament to the wonderful actress that is Olivia Colman. Love her!

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“I want everything back, the way it was. But there is no point to it, this wanting.”

— Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

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“Most people love you for what you pretend to be.”

— Jim Morrison

[nicki-lewis903]

I love this scene so much. And we often talk about how he saw her speaking to us and asking where she was going off to in that moment later on in the season, but I think he saw her doing that here and was bringing her back into the present. Priest is the only person who noticed this, noticed her, asked about her, and wanted to get to know her. It still hasn’t passed. 💔