Movie-rama

This week, I walked un-casted and un-booted for the first time in 2+ months and it was thrilling and terrifying. I have never stared so intently at sidewalks. I'll start physical therapy soon and by the time this whole episode is over, it will likely have taken up the entire second half of 2024. I am definitely setting those platform clogs on fire. Who wants to watch?

This week is an all-movie edition, and it's got a doozy!

Saturday Night (in theaters)
I'm a huge Saturday Night Live fan, to the point that I even remember the infamously unfunny Robert Downey Jr/Anthony Michael Hall season. But you don't need to be a fanatic to enjoy this recreation of the 90 minutes leading up to the debut episode in 1975. The entire cast nails their parts but Matthew Rhys as George Carlin and Nicholas Braun as Jim Henson and Andy Kaufman are particular standouts. I enjoyed every minute.

Will & Harper (Netflix)
I was skeptical of this, to be honest, expecting a stereotypical tale of Benevolent Celebrity Shows How Open-Minded He Is. I couldn't have been more wrong. Will Ferrell is humble and generous and starkly heartfelt as he goes on a road trip with his newly trans best friend. It's a master class in how to be an open, mindful human amongst other humans.

The Substance (in theaters)
The first thing you should know is that I spent a good 30% of this movie covering my eyes—and I am not squeamish. The second thing you should know is that it's the most brilliant, astute, searing statement on female body image and societal expectations you will ever watch. (The fact that both those sentiments are connected is part of the director's intention, I think.) It's the story of an aging actress (Demi Moore in the role of her lifetime) who injects herself with a substance that creates a younger version of herself (played fantastically by Margaret Qualley). You can imagine that no complications arise from that and everyone lives happily forever. Frequently hilarious and mind-numbingly gory, this better win ALL the damn Oscars.

Enjoy your week, my friends.

xoxo,
Carla