The Mouse Trap (2024) Review

Mouse Trap | 2024 | R | Now Streaming on Peacock

"The Mouse Trap," a film directed by Jamie Bailey, seems to have stirred a mix of opinions. While some viewers have expressed their dislike, pointing out the film's low budget and perceived shortcomings, others have found it to be a hidden gem, appreciating its creative storyline and the performances of its cast. The film takes a unique spin on the slasher genre by incorporating elements from the public domain, a move that has been compared favorably to other horror series like "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey." 

Sophie McIntosh, who plays the 'girl next door,' has been particularly praised for her performance, with fans eagerly anticipating more from her. Mackenzie Mills is another name that has garnered attention, with viewers looking forward to her future contributions to the film industry. Despite its imperfections, "The Mouse Trap" offers an entertaining experience, clocking in at an hour and twenty minutes of suspense and thrills. It's a testament to the fact that even with limited resources, a film can still capture the imagination and provide an enjoyable experience for its audience.

Movie 87 out of 100 for the 100 Horror Movies In 92 Days Challenge 

Bobby Make Believe: Spook Imitations

 

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Timmy The Timid Ghost

Food Fright: A budget-friendly experience!

The Great Pumpkin Spice Pie Debate

It's that time of the year again when the leaves start to change, the air gets crisper, and pumpkin spice products begin to invade every shelf in the grocery store. Among the contenders for the fall flavor crown is JJ's Bakery Pumpkin Spice Pie. Now, let's talk about this pie. It's like the underdog of the autumnal pastry world. You've got a decent amount of filling, which is like finding an oasis in the desert of pumpkin spice products. But then, there's the crust. Oh, the crust! It's flaky, it's buttery, it's... overpowering. It's like the crust is trying to steal the spotlight in a high school play.

The filling, on the other hand, is playing it cool with just a whisper of pumpkin spice. It's not shouting, "Look at me! I'm fall incarnate!" No, it's more like, "Hey, I'm here too, enjoy the subtlety." It's the kind of pie that doesn't scream for attention but rather waits for the discerning palate to appreciate its mild manners.

And let's not forget the price. At 75 cents, it's like the pie is giving you a wink and a nudge saying, "Come on, what have you got to lose?" It's the perfect companion for a stroll through the crunchy leaves or a cozy evening wrapped in a blanket.

So, if you're looking for a pie that won't assault your taste buds or your wallet, JJ's Bakery Pumpkin Spice Pie might just be your go-to. It's not just a treat; it's an experience—a flaky, mild, budget-friendly experience. Happy fall, folks!

3 Smoking Guns out of 5

Don't forget to check out the other bloggers celebrating the holiday

Crack Kills

 "Crackcoon" (2024): A Wild Ride of Horror and Humor

"Crackcoon," directed by Brad Twigg, is not your typical horror flick. It's a film that takes a walk on the wild side, blending elements of horror with a dash of dark comedy. The premise is as bizarre as it is thrilling: a raccoon, transformed into a monstrous creature after ingesting a synthetic drug, goes on a rampage in a mountain community.

Brad Twigg doesn't attempt to reinvent the horror genre with "Crackcoon," but he certainly knows how to entertain. The film starts off at a measured pace, allowing viewers to get to know the ill-fated characters before the chaos ensues. Once the action starts, it's a relentless surge of adrenaline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The cast delivers performances that strike the right balance between horror and humor. They navigate the script with a sense of awareness that they're part of something that's meant to be fun and frightful. The real star of the show, however, is the raccoon. Its transformation from an innocent woodland creature to a ferocious beast is both terrifying and oddly captivating.

"Crackcoon" may not be the cinematic masterpiece of the year, but it's a film that knows its audience. It's a gory, laugh-inducing romp that embraces its identity and runs with it—literally. For those who enjoy a good scare with a side of laughs, "Crackcoon" is a must-watch this Halloween season. It's a reminder that sometimes, movies are about the simple joy of being entertained, and on that front, they deliver in spades. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a movie that's as much a party as it is a panic. Just remember to keep an eye out for raccoons on your next camping trip!

I know I already missed a day for the countdown I will do my best to check in every day but sadly at work, I'm setting up Christmas Bluh!

Exploring the Depths of 'Crawlspace': Another Television Movie Gem 

In the vast landscape of television movies, the 1972 classic 'Crawlspace' emerges as a unique and enthralling narrative that captures the intricate web of human emotions and the unexpected repercussions of well-meaning actions that misfire. Directed by the adept John Newland and Buzz Kulik, 'Crawlspace' offers a riveting story of a couple devoid of children who, in their yearning for a child, welcome a troubled young man from their crawlspace into their lives. The film artfully intertwines suspense with psychological intricacies, culminating in a thought-provoking finale that challenges the audience's perception of selflessness.

Arthur Kennedy's compelling performance as the husband, caught in a tug-of-war between doubt and the urge to fulfill his wife's wishes, showcases his exceptional talent. His character's evolution from uncertainty to a state of urgency mirrors the film's core conflict. Tom Happer delivers a remarkable portrayal of the mysterious figure from the crawlspace, heightening the movie's tension to unprecedented levels.

The eerie and evocative score by Jerry Goldsmith stands out, masterfully binding the film's components, leaving a lasting impression on the viewers well beyond the end credits. Goldsmith's musical prowess reflects the emotional turmoil of the characters, drawing the audience deeper into the narrative's embrace.

While 'Crawlspace' may not have achieved widespread recognition, it endures as a potent narrative that demonstrates the capacity of television films to delve into the darker and more intricate facets of the human condition. For aficionados of cinema who dare to probe the more obscure corners of the human mind, 'Crawlspace' represents an expedition worth embarking upon.

The film's lingering effect is undeniable, as it instills a sense of unease that stays with you, prompting reflections on the sounds that echo from the basement and the paths that kindness led us down in the 1970s. 'Crawlspace' is indeed a profoundly unsettling masterpiece, a testament to the era's bold storytelling.

This was movie 54 of the 100 Horror Movies in 92 Days Challenge Bob

All The Kind Strangers 1974

The 1970s: A Golden Era for Made-for-TV Movies

The 1970s were a golden era for made-for-TV movies, a time when the small screen was graced with films that have since become cult classics. Among these is the 1974 thriller "All the Kind Strangers," directed by Burt Kennedy, which stands out as a particularly unsettling gem.

The film's premise is simple yet chilling: an unsuspecting LA photographer, while driving through the backwoods, encounters a young boy and offers him a ride. This act of kindness leads him to a remote house where he finds himself trapped by the boy's siblings, who are in search of a new "parent" – a role that comes with a deadly ultimatum.

What makes "All the Kind Strangers" resonate with audiences even today is its exploration of innocence juxtaposed with malevolence. The children, with their seemingly kind faces, harbor a sinister secret that turns the photographer's altruistic gesture into a nightmare. The movie taps into the fear of the unknown, the isolation of rural America, and the unsettling realization that danger often comes disguised in the most innocent of packages.

The performances, especially by the young cast, are commendably haunting, capturing the eerie atmosphere that pervades the film. Stacy Keach, as the photographer, delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man caught in an unimaginable situation, while Samantha Eggar, as the unwilling "mom," adds depth to the narrative.

"All the Kind Strangers" is a testament to the era's ability to produce content that was both engaging and thought-provoking, without the need for big-budget effects. It's a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact a well-crafted narrative can have on its audience.

For those who appreciate the unique charm of '70s made-for-TV movies, "All the Kind Strangers" is a must-watch. It's a film that not only entertains but also lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, proving that sometimes the most dangerous thing is a kind face. If you're intrigued by the blend of innocence and terror, this movie is a perfect addition to your watchlist. So, dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be unsettled by this classic thriller.

This was movie 62 of the 100 Horror Movies in 92 Days Challenge Bob

The Devil and Miss Sarah

 Exploring the Unconventional: The Allure of Made-for-TV Horror Westerns

The 1971 TV movie "The Devil and Miss Sarah" stands as a testament to the creative potential of blending genres. It's a film that daringly combines the dusty trails of the West with the chilling corridors of horror, creating an experience that is both unique and unsettling. The movie, directed by Michael Caffey, takes viewers on a journey through the rugged landscapes of the American West, only to confront them with the unexpected: the supernatural.

At the heart of this narrative is a psychological battle that transcends the physical confines of the western frontier. The story revolves around a homesteader and his wife, who face the daunting task of transporting a notorious outlaw to prison. However, the outlaw is no ordinary criminal; he possesses satanic powers that he uses to try and possess the wife, turning what should have been a straightforward journey into a nightmarish ordeal.

The film's ability to merge the horror and western genres is not just a gimmick but a storytelling technique that amplifies the tension and fear. The western setting, often associated with lawlessness and the struggle for survival, becomes the perfect backdrop for a horror story that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown.

"The Devil and Miss Sarah" is more than just a made-for-TV movie; it's a piece of cinematic history that showcases the power of genre fusion. It invites audiences to question the boundaries of genre conventions and encourages filmmakers to experiment with their storytelling methods. The result is a captivating film that remains a topic of discussion for fans of both horror and westerns nearly half a century after its release.

As we continue to explore the path of made-for-TV horror, "The Devil and Miss Sarah" serves as a reminder of the genre's potential to surprise and captivate us. It's a shining example of how, even within the constraints of television, filmmakers can craft stories that are both innovative and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the landscape of genre cinema.

This was movie 53 of the 100 Horror Movies in 92 Days Challenge Bob

A Look Back at a 1970s Psychological Thriller

 The Legacy of 'Bad Ronald': A Look Back at 1970s Psychological Thrillers

The 1970s were a golden age for psychological thrillers, a time when filmmakers captivated audiences with stories that were as much about creating a haunting atmosphere as they were about weaving an intricate plot. Among the era's most memorable tales is "Bad Ronald," a film that stands out for its masterful use of sound design to evoke a sense of isolation and tension that grips viewers long after the credits roll.

Based on the novel by Jack Vance, "Bad Ronald" offers a window into the troubled mind of its protagonist, Ronald Wilby. The book takes readers on a more intense journey through Ronald's psychological landscape, providing a graphic and unsettling look at his inner turmoil. It's the kind of story that resonates on those quiet autumn evenings when the wind's howl and the deepening shadows stir the imagination.

The performances in "Bad Ronald" are a testament to the film's power. Scott Jacoby's portrayal of Ronald is both vulnerable and disturbing, capturing the essence of a character lost within his own mental labyrinth. Dabney Coleman and Cindy Eilbacher contribute to the film's complexity, enriching the narrative with their nuanced performances.

Today, films like "Bad Ronald" are rare, perhaps due to changing tastes and the evolution of the horror genre. Yet, the film's impact lingers, a reminder of a time when subtlety and suspense were the keystones of cinematic storytelling. For modern audiences and filmmakers alike, "Bad Ronald" remains a masterclass in the art of psychological thrillers, demonstrating the enduring power of a well-crafted atmosphere and the timeless appeal of exploring the human psyche.

As we continue to see the horror genre evolve, "Bad Ronald" serves as a bridge between past and present, inviting a new generation to explore the depths of suspenseful storytelling. Its journey from page to screen is a testament to the enduring allure of psychological exploration in cinema—a journey that continues to fascinate and inspire.

This was movie 71 of the 100 Horror Movies in 92 Days Challenge Bob

Charade: A Classic Thriller with Timeless Charm

Charade (1963)

With an enchanting backdrop of the French Alps, Regina Lampert finds herself captivated by the charismatic Peter Joshua during a skiing holiday. However, her return to Paris shatters her world when she learns of her husband's untimely demise. As she delves deeper into the mystery surrounding her husband's murder, Regina and Peter embark on a thrilling chase, pursued by three World War II cronies seeking a stolen fortune. Yet, amidst the intrigue, one question lingers: why does Peter keep changing his name? "Charade" is a timeless classic that combines romance, suspense, and a touch of humor, leaving audiences spellbound.

Unforgettable Characters:

Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Regina Lampert is nothing short of adorable. Her natural charm and grace bring the character to life, captivating viewers from the moment she appears on screen. As Regina navigates the treacherous path of uncovering the truth, Hepburn's performance showcases her versatility as an actress, effortlessly transitioning from vulnerability to determination.


Cary Grant, known for his suave and debonair roles, surprises audiences with his portrayal of Peter Joshua. Grant's ability to seamlessly switch between charming and mysterious makes him the perfect fit for this enigmatic character. His chemistry with Hepburn adds an extra layer of intrigue to their on-screen relationship, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.

A Plot Full of Twists and Turns:

"Charade" is a masterclass in suspense, expertly weaving together elements of romance, mystery, and action. The film's plot takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. As Regina and Peter race against time to outwit their pursuers, the story unfolds with a perfect balance of tension and lightheartedness.


The Intriguing Mystery:

The central mystery of "Charade" revolves around a stolen fortune hidden by Regina's late husband and his World War II cronies. Tex, Scobie, and Gideon, each with their unique personalities, add depth to the narrative. Their pursuit of a quarter of a million dollars creates an atmosphere of constant suspense, as Regina and Peter must stay one step ahead to survive.

The Enigmatic Peter Joshua:

One of the most intriguing aspects of "Charade" is Peter Joshua's ever-changing identity. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Peter is not who he claims to be. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot, leaving audiences questioning his motives and true allegiance. The revelation of Peter's true identity is a pivotal moment that ties the narrative together, showcasing the brilliance of the film's writing.

A Memorable Score:

The score of "Charade" is a standout element that enhances the overall viewing experience. Composed by the legendary Henry Mancini, the music perfectly complements the film's tone, seamlessly transitioning between suspenseful moments and romantic interludes. Mancini's score adds depth and emotion to the story, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

A Predictable Ending with a Twist:

While "Charade" may have a somewhat predictable ending, it is the journey that truly captivates. The film's climax delivers a surprising twist that challenges viewers' assumptions, ensuring that the story remains engaging until the very last scene. The combination of romance, suspense, and unexpected revelations makes "Charade" a timeless classic that continues to enthrall audiences.

Conclusion:

"Charade" is a cinematic gem that effortlessly blends romance, suspense, and humor. Audrey Hepburn's endearing performance, coupled with Cary Grant's enigmatic portrayal, creates an on-screen chemistry that is simply irresistible. The film's intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, keeps viewers guessing until the final moments. With a memorable score and a surprising twist, "Charade" remains a must-watch for fans of classic cinema.







Week One Of The Zombie Steve 52 Movie Challenge This week's theme is Public Domain.

Ok, I tried to write a review but the blogger has changed so it may take me some time to figure out.

Zombie Steve 52 Movie Film Challenge 2024

Welcome to the Zombie Steve 52 Movie Film Challenge for 2024. I did take some time to change a few categories to keep it fun. We also kept some of our favorites as well. Please post in the comments below with a link to your list so we know how to find you on other platforms. Make sure to check in with my Twitter (@mda4life) on Sundays I will always post a few ideas for you. All are welcome so please pop up some corn grab that cold drink and join us on our journey as we honor Steve for our 2nd annual challenge.

The Back Story:

As most of you know Steve loved watching movies. It was one of the ways we kept in touch all year, always talking about what was coming out, what did you see, and so on. After Steve lost his battle with Muscular Dystrophy on Christmas Eve 2021, I have really pushed myself to watch movies the same way I used to. I'm Always looking for challenges to keep me motivated while looking for things we would have enjoyed together I decided to come up with my own challenge to honor Steve. We kept it simple and outlined some of the topics he would have loved.

The rules:

Simple try and watch a movie that coincides with that week's theme. If you are not a fan of that style of movie for the week feel free to be loose with the rules. If you miss a week that's ok nobody will be upset you can make it up the following week. The idea is simple: try something new, think outside the box, and be open to a new cinema experience. That's what Steve and I did for each other. I definitely would push him to watch non-blockbuster movies as well as older movies and he would challenge me to the summer blockbuster and gangster flick. In the end, just have fun and enjoy good (or Bad) Cinema.

Use #ZombieSteve52 when reviewing and don't forget to check out what everyone else is watching, you can also follow along with us on social media with the same hashtag.

As most of you know Steve loved watching movies. It was one of the ways we kept in touch all year talking about what was coming out, what did you see, and so on. After Steve lost his battle with Muscular Dystrophy on Christmas Eve 2021, I have really pushed myself to watch movies in his honor. Always looking for challenges to keep me motivated, while looking for things we would have enjoyed together I decided to come up with my own challenge to honor Steve. At the same time, he kept it simple by outlining the topics he would have loved.

The rules are simple: watch a movie that coincides with that week's theme. Feel free to be loose with the rules. If you miss a week that's ok nobody will be upset if you make it up the following week. The idea is simple: try something new, and think outside the box. That's what Steve and I did for each other.

Use #ZombieSteve52 when reviewing and don't forget to check out what everyone else is watching.

Week 1 Public Domain
Week 2 Golden Globes (any Movie any year)
Week 3 Winter-Themed Movie
Week 4 Documentary
Week 5 Based on or turned into a TV series
Week 6 A movie about Music
Week 7 Football Movie
Week 8 Disney Classic
Week 9 Independent Cinema
Week 10 Razzies Yep let's watch a bad movie (Any Year)
Week 11 Oscar Nominated movie (any year)
Week 12 80s Action
Week 13 Comedy
Week 14 Staring an Animal(s)
Week 15 Baseball movie
Week 16 Collage Based Movie
Week 17 D&D (Think Wizards, Dragons, and Elves)
Week 18 Space
Week 19 Comic Book Movie Non DC/Marvel
Week 20 Directed by a Woman
Week 21 Action Movie
Week 22 War Movie
Week 23 DC Comics Movie
Week 24 Animation
Week 25 Summer-Themed Movie
Week 26 Your Favorite Actor or Actress
Week 27 Summer BlockBuster any year
Week 28 Gangster/Mobster
Week 29 Kung Fu
Week 30 Camp or Camping-Themed Movie
Week 31 A Movie "Everybody" but you have watched
Week 32 Video Game-Based Movie
Week 33 A Movie Adapted from a book
Week 34 Based on High School
Week 35 A Movie Remake
Week 36 A movie Filmed in your town or state
Week 37 A Sequal
Week 38 A Short Film
Week 39 Inspired by Stephan King
Week 40 Gateway Horror
Week 41 Watch a movie from 1981
Week 42 Black and White Horror
Week 43 Horror Comedy
Week 44 Halloween Theme
Week 45 Noir Film
Week 46 Western
Week 47 Made for TV Movie
Week 48 Family
Week 49 Holiday Special
Week 50 Released in 2024
Week 51 Holiday Theme Movie
Week 52 Marvel Movie

Here is the link to my Letterboxd list ‎Bob Johns’s profile • Letterboxd

Zombie Steve Movie Challenge Update

 Hey gang how is it going? The weather is starting to break free of its bitter cold Baseball is on the tube and the girls are about to go back into full theatre mode as they both will be in the Wizzard of Oz this summer. So exciting things happing here in the cave. Wanted to jump in with a quick update on where I'm at during the celebration of Steve and his (Our) love of cinema.

Week One was Sci-Fi Movies

Alien Trespass

2009 

⭐⭐⭐

In 1957 a fiery object crashes into a mountaintop in the California desert, bringing the threat of disaster to Earth. Out of the flying saucer escapes a murderous creature, the Ghota, bent on destroying all life forms on the planet. A benevolent alien from the spaceship, Urp, inhabits the body of Ted Lewis, an astronomer and with the help of Tammy, a diner waitress, sets out to save mankind.

If poodle skirts and saddle shoes are your things then this Sci-Fi love letter is up your alley. Sold story with plenty of ‘50s fluff matched with rubber aliens and a star-studded cast will be having you giggling in your seat.

Week Two Watch A Golden Globe Nominated Feature (Any Year)

The Disaster Artist 2017

⭐⭐⭐⭐

An aspiring actor in Hollywood meets an enigmatic stranger by the name of Tommy Wiseau, the meeting leads the actor down a path nobody could have predicted; creating the worst movie ever made.

What a wild and fun trip this was, could you imagine meeting someone that helps set off your career? I must admit I will be watching the Room and I hope that Greg does a follow-up book with more details someday. If you are a movie nerd who likes to see the production aspect, you will enjoy The Disaster Artist.

Week Three Watch A Movie from the Year you were born.

C.C. and Company 1970

⭐⭐⭐

LOVING, BRAWLING, AND BUSTIN IT UP!
A motorcycle rebel rescues a woman from his gang and fights an outlaw guru for supremacy. 

With a fabulous, poster-stacked cast, and one weird-as-hell theme song, I settled in for some biker gang goodness. Well sort of.

The opening sequence is by far the best part of the movie. We see our star Joe Namath walking around a grocery store as he prepares himself a sandwich while walking up and down the aisle.

Sadly the comedy runs thin the rest of the ride but the biker story mixed with a love story was well done. The soundtrack was underwhelming at times with its tile track being the only real star here.

I was super excited to see Sid Haig rolling in but what the hell was on his helmet? Was it some kind of weird spoon?

Also, the print used by Amazon Prime had issues including how it would hang up or freeze for a few seconds. And unless I blinked at the wrong time I missed the big Ann Margret nude scene.

Definitely worth the look when it comes to biker exploration movies!


Week Four Winter Weather

Ski School 1991

⭐⭐

THE HOTTEST ACTION EVER TO HIT THE SLOPES.

Rival groups in a skiing school do battle on and off the piste. One gang are rich and serious, the other group are party animals.

Well, the 19-year-old me liked this one better in 1990 as for the old me it was just ok. Back in the 80s and early 90s, movies about the underdog that likes to party were the rage, yet life never really did imitate art. Movies full of naked ladies, drunk dudes, and a simple plot don't exist anymore.

Sadly Ski School does not hold up after 33 years with a rather slow plot and predictable outcome. You still get a few laugh's here and there but you are always reminded that this is Animal House on snow and the formula just does not do it.

If your looking to relive some of your spent youth sure Ski School will give you a nice look back, just beware it is the same old story.

Week Five Comedy

Buy and Cell 1988

⭐⭐

SANDY AND SLY WERE DOING TIME. NOW THEY’RE DOING FINE.

Herbie Altman is framed for Stock fraud by his boss when the SEC starts investigating his company. Sent to prison, he helps a fellow inmate successfully invest his money. Soon all the inmates want his help. To manage all the money, he forms CON INC. and runs it from the prison under the noses of the warden and the guards. But when the IRS and SEC begin to investigate this successful company, it looks like he may be in trouble again

Man the power of Tubi is just a hidden goldmine of low-rent movies and becoming the best way to finish watching Empire Pictures catalog. Buy and Cell is one of those Charles Band movies that was impossible to find. Sure there is a crappy version on YouTube but I could not sit through it.

You have to believe this will be somewhat tolerable with an all-star cast. Malcolm McDowell plays the sleazy warden to a T. And we get the same old Michael Winslow charter we loved in the Police Academy movies. Roddy Piper is a nice little comedic player but Robert Carradine just can not shake the Nerds character,

The plot is a good idea just drawn out and boring. This is listed as a comedy yet I do not remember laughing once. Definitely more of a revenge prison movie. In the end, I'm glad I could finally track this one down but sadly it just does not work.

Week Six Movie About Music (Rockstars, Musicals, Documentaries)

Detroit Rock City 1999

⭐⭐⭐

In 1978, a Kiss concert was an epoch-making event. For the three teen fans in Detroit Rock City getting tickets to the sold-out show becomes the focal point of their existence. They’ll do anything for tickets – compete in a strip club’s amateur-night contest, take on religious protesters, and even rob a convenience store!

This one is a rewatch for me but the more I thought about the more I wanted to watch it. Detroit Rock City was one of the last movies Steve and I watched at camp on one of those super hot days. ✌

Week Seven A Football-Themed Movie

Division 3 Football's Finest 2011

⭐⭐

This ensemble comedy follows the Pullham University Bluecocks, a small liberal arts college with a Division III football program (the lowest division in the NCAA). When the head coach unexpectedly dies, the future of the flailing football program is in jeopardy, as they have not had a winning season in decades. In a desperate attempt to create some media attention for the athletic program and the university, President Georgia Anne Whistler hires known lunatic and felon, Coach Rick Vice, for what could be the football program's final season.

The poster art looked like fun and I had never heard of it before. Going in blind does not always help, I had no clue the main character was Andy Dick otherwise I would have moved on to the next movie. Crazier still is Dick made me laugh a few times, and the story is not that bad. It's the same old same old college party movie but with Andy being a Dick the whole time.

A pleasant surprise with football being the main charter and an over-the-top lead that gives you a few moments of laughter but also some pretty cringe moments.

Steve would have liked this one.

Week Eight Rom Com

Never Been Kissed 1999

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Josie Geller, a baby-faced junior copywriter at the Chicago Sun-Times, must pose as a student at her former high school to research contemporary teenage culture. With the help of her brother, Rob, Josie infiltrates the inner circle of the most popular clique on campus. But she hits a major snag in her investigation – not to mention her own failed love life – when she falls for her dreamy English teacher, Sam Coulson.

I love this movie and it is what I kept coming back to when I was looking for something to watch.

Drew at her best, looking amazing as always makes this story fly by.

Week Nine Baseball

Kill The Umpire 1950

⭐⭐⭐

Ex-baseball player Bill Johnson, failing at many jobs when his ball-playing days are over, reluctantly takes the advice of his father-in-law, Jonah Evans, a retired umpire, and enters an umpire-training school. Assigned to the Texas League, he does fine until the championship play-offs when a riot develops over one of his calls. The involved player is knocked unconscious in the proceedings and cannot verify that Bill made the correct call. Despite lynch mob plans to at least tar-and-feather him, Bill’s family - his daughters Lucy (Gloria Henry and Susan and his wife Betty - help Bill reach the ballpark safely the next day through a series of hair-raising encounters.

I read about his movie last year in my quest to find a new Baseball themed movie to watch. Thanks to YouTube I could finally track this one down just in time for Spring Training.

This was an interesting take on the sport with a fan that did not like Umpires but when he couldn't hold down a job to save his life thanks to Baseball he was given a chance to be on the field.

The first two acts are fun and witty bringing plenty of laughs but as the story tries to change over to seriousness it starts to lose out on the fun.

Ultimately, it was still a fun watch and a breath of fresh air for baseball movies. If you want a baseball story from the eyes behind the plate I definitely recommend Kill The Umpire.

Week Ten Documentary

Pennywise the story of It 2021

⭐⭐⭐
 

Thirty-plus years after its release, the popular two-part miniseries “IT” and its infamous villain Pennywise live on in the minds of horror fans around the world. This documentary captures not only the buzz the “IT” saga generated in 1990 but also the lasting impact it has had on an entire generation and the horror genre at large. Several years in the making, the film features exclusive interviews with many of the cult classic’s key players, from cast members Richard Thomas, Seth Green, and Tim Curry, who portrayed the notorious monster clown Pennywise, to director Tommy Lee Wallace and special effects makeup artist Bart Mixon. The documentary also boasts a wealth of archival material and never-before-seen footage.

This was a well-done Documentary giving us the highs and lows of making the mini-series. Tim Curry was great to see as well as hearing from Tommy Lee Wallace.

Week Eleven A Film Directed by a Woman.

The Final Exit of the Disciples Ascensia 2019

⭐⭐

Pulled this off the Top 250 Women Directed list on Letterboxd. I'm not sure what to say about this one. I get it has a cult following but it is ranked #9 on the list. But for me this one falls short I love the animation style and the story is fine I just could not get into it. 

That should not stop you from checking this out, I just might be wrong, you know.

Week 12 Oscar Nominated Movie (any year)

Marcel The Shell with Shoes On 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Marcel is an adorable one-inch-tall shell who ekes out a colorful existence with his grandmother Connie and their pet lint, Alan. Once part of a sprawling community of shells, they now live alone as the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. But when a documentary filmmaker discovers them amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans, as well as unprecedented dangers and new hope at finding his long-lost family.

Man, I was not ready for the pure joy of a little guy like Marcel and definitely was not ready for the emotions that come with him. ❤️

Ok, that gets us caught up to April if you would still like to join in the information can be found here. Coming up this month:

13 Watch an Independent Movie (not all movies need a big budget)
14 Watch a Movie Based in Florida (or Illinois if you're having trouble)
15 Teen Comedy
16 Crack Open A Sealed movie in your Physical Collection (if you do not have any then watch a movie you have always wanted to see)
17 Wizards, Dragons, or Elves (Think D&D)