What I Watched, What You Watched #58

Another week, another laid-back time for movie watching. While I only saw a couple of films during this period, I did manage to get one review up: Proud Mary. It was…well, it tried. Usually. Not enough, though. I also saw the Oscar nominated The Insult, which I enjoyed a good deal and am currently debating over reviewing. If I do, it will be fairly positive.

Meanwhile, I also took a trip to the local theater to see one of my favorite films on the big screen. That would be Christopher Guest’s Waiting For Guffman, which is such an incredibly smart, funny, detailed work of satire I can’t contain my joy when it’s mentioned. Every performance, line, and visual is perfection, and seeing it on the big screen with an audience was even better. I suggest you all see it if you get the chance. And in honor of the 75^th anniversary, I also watched Casablanca for the umpteenth time. And guess what: it’s still one of the greatest films ever made. It’s truly shocking how great that film is.

At home, I kind of played things quiet. I watched the Super Bowl and cheered on the Eagles to their first victory (even if the ads were average and Timberlake delivered what was ultimately a mediocre halftime show. Still love the guy, though). I also watched This Is Us immediately afterwards, for the very first time, just to watch Jack die. It was…well, it wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad, either. I can understand why people like it – the acting was stellar. But that’s really about it. Most of my joy on television came from my Tuesday night staples, The Middle and black-ish. There’s also Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which has finally managed to catch its footing after last year with another phenomenal episode (also, Trent!). Oh, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace is finally figuring out what it wants to say, which excites me, because I so desperately want that show to be good. Other than that, for some inexplicable reason, I’ve been spending my time watching reruns of The Office. You know, it may have lost track near the end (although the finale is stellar), and it’s become a bit of a punchline in some circles, but it’s really quite shocking how excellent that show was when it found its groove. Those characters are all so memorable, and the writing is so good, it feels unnatural.

And finally, I am writing this after getting back from a performance of Seth Rudetsky’s Disaster! The Musical, which a few of my friends performed in regionally. I love that musical a great deal, and if you ever get the chance, you should check it out. But what about you guys? Did you see anything good in theaters? How about on stage? Do you have any thoughts on the Super Bowl? Let me know in the comments!