winning isn’t everything, but losing isn’t anything

UPDATE 090426 8:20AMCDT: Blogger's comment system is not working, so I've appended the results to the bottom of the page. I will move them if/when Comments are available.

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More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🥜 Mindplay Friday: Which Peanuts Character Would Be Your Spiritual Guru? 🥜

 

Life is confusing. 

Fortunately, the Peanuts gang has plenty of opinions about happiness, perseverance, friendship, disappointment, and the occasional kite-eating tree. 

Answer these five questions to discover which Peanuts character would be your unlikely spiritual guide.

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1. When life doesn't go according to plan, what is your usual response?

A. Keep trying, even if success seems unlikely
B. Think deeply about what it all means
C. Find something joyful and distracting
D. Trust that things will work out eventually

2. Which quality do you value most?

A. Persistence
B. Wisdom
C. Imagination
D. Kindness

3. What sounds most appealing on a quiet afternoon?

A. Working toward a goal
B. Reading and reflecting
C. Daydreaming or creating something
D. Spending time with people you care about

4. Which quote comes closest to your outlook?

A. "Keep going."
B. "Seek understanding."
C. "Life needs a little wonder."
D. "People matter most."

5. Your ideal teacher would be:

A. Encouraging
B. Insightful
C. Inspiring
D. Compassionate

Results in the comments!

[the title quotation is by Charles M. Schulz, from The Complete Peanuts, 1967-1968]

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Results 🔑 

Mostly A — Charlie Brown Your spiritual guru is Charlie Brown. He may not seem like the obvious choice, but few characters demonstrate perseverance so consistently. Charlie Brown teaches that courage is continuing to show up after disappointment, and that dignity can exist even in defeat. 

Mostly B — Linus van Pelt Your spiritual guru is Linus. Thoughtful, philosophical, and surprisingly wise, Linus approaches life with curiosity and reflection. He reminds us that faith, hope, and reason can coexist—even if you're carrying a security blanket. 

Mostly C — Snoopy Your spiritual guru is Snoopy. He understands the value of imagination, play, and living a rich inner life. Snoopy teaches that reality is important, but so is the ability to dream beyond it. 

Mostly D — Lucy van Pelt Your spiritual guru is Lucy. Yes, really. Beneath the bossiness and bluntness lies a character who rarely leaves anyone wondering where they stand. Lucy teaches self-confidence, resilience, and the occasional lesson about not taking yourself too seriously. 

Mostly Equal Mix — Woodstock Your spiritual guru is Woodstock. Small, adaptable, loyal, and quietly content, Woodstock navigates life's absurdities with remarkable grace. He reminds us that friendship, flexibility, and finding joy in simple things are wisdom enough.

slang possesses an economy, an immediacy that's attractive, all right, but it devalues experience by standardizing and fuzzing it

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🥸 Mindplay Friday: Which Modern Slang Term Are You? 🤟

 

Language changes. New words appear, old words get recycled, 

and somehow everyone else seems to know what they mean before you do. 

Answer these five questions to discover which modern slang term best captures your energy!

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1. How do you react when plans suddenly change?

A. Roll with it and see what happens
B. Make the best of the situation
C. Stay calm and figure out a solution
D. Wonder why nobody consulted you first

2. Which quality do you value most?

A. Authenticity
B. Confidence
C. Reliability
D. Humor

3. Your friends come to you for:

A. Honest opinions
B. Encouragement
C. Practical advice
D. Entertainment

4. Which statement sounds most like you?

A. "Just be yourself."
B. "Own it."
C. "Let's think this through."
D. "This story gets better every time I tell it."

5. Pick a weekend activity:

A. Exploring somewhere new
B. Hosting a gathering
C. Finishing a project
D. Following a random rabbit trail of interests

Results in the comments!

[the title quotation is by Tom Robbins, from Skinny Legs and All]

lucky girl - you picked a handsome guy without knowing he's also smart!

Average rating: 7.75

Greed in the Sun {Cent mille dollars au soleil} (1964) - "A rugged French adventure that blends road movie, western, and character drama into a dusty chase across the North African desert. After a truck loaded with valuable cargo is stolen, rival drivers pursue it through unforgiving terrain where greed, pride, and old loyalties collide. Jean-Paul Belmondo and Lino Ventura anchor the film with charismatic, understated performances that keep the focus on the shifting relationship between the men as much as the pursuit itself. Directed by Henri Verneuil, it offers sweeping desert landscapes, dry humor, and a thoughtful look at what people will risk when fortune is within reach." 

length: 2h, 2m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Henri Verneuil  |  why I watched: I saw it in an ad and thought it might be for me

IMDb: 7.0/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: NA% / 84% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: gritty, textured/earthy

notable quote: "It's not a truck, it's a confessional."

my notes: strange film. It's an adventure, and a sort of buddy movie, and it's humor can catch one off guard. It was confusing to me, and I had a hard time getting a grip on it. I did appreciate the camera work, including some amazing shots of the desert from between Belmondo's legs, and a couple that made Ventura appear absurdly huge and powerful (like that at left). Let's say I found it more visually appealing than engaging or compelling. 

themes: loyalty, moral ambiguity, power, transformation

if this movie were a food it would be:  smelly cheese and sourdough bread

overall: mildly recommended

 

The Real Glory (1939) - "A rousing colonial-era adventure with surprising moral complexity beneath its old-Hollywood swagger. Gary Cooper plays an American doctor sent to the southern Philippines, where bandit attacks, cultural conflict, and military pride collide. Though unmistakably a product of its time—with all the baggage that entails—The Real Glory succeeds best when it focuses on courage, leadership, and the uneasy relationship between idealism and force. Worth watching with both appreciation and a critical eye." 

length: 1h, 36m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Henry Hathaway  |  why I watched: I generally appreciate Gary Cooper's movies, and was curious about an early one

IMDb: 6.5/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 80% / 42% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: gritty, classic Hollywood polish

notable quote: "'Mac, don't tell me you've finally found your island?'

    'Yeah, and as soon as we finish up this job, I'm moving in. That'll be the world of Terence McCool. A darling of an island: a Garden of Eden.'

    'You better start looking for an Eve.'

    'Oh, no—I want peace and quiet.'"

my notes: I liked it. David Niven is the real star, in my book: he's bold, witty, and shows such a range of emotions with barely a word. Cooper is wonderful as always, a little awkward and quite heroic. 

themes: courage, sacrifice, loyalty

if this movie were a food it would be:  Phili cheesesteak - hearty, satisfying, and not for everyday

overall:  recommended

Mechanic—Resurrection (2016) - "Jason Statham returns as elite assassin
Arthur Bishop in a globe-trotting action thriller that cheerfully prioritizes inventive set pieces over plausibility. The romance arrives at warp speed and the body count stretches credibility well past the breaking point, but the film's spectacular locations, imaginative assassinations, and Statham's trademark cool make it an easy movie to enjoy on its own terms. Tommy Lee Jones, having what appears to be tremendous fun, steals every scene he's in. Turn off the part of your brain that counts bullets, and it's an entertaining ride." 

length: 1h, 38m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Dennis Gansel  |  why I watched: I was in the mood for a solid fave (previously reviewed here and here)

IMDb: 5.8/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 29% / 40% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: R

tone & texture: energetic, hyper-glossy action

notable quote: "'Cappuccino, Espresso?' 

    'Espresso - no sugar.'"

my notes: the best action movies are unlikely, humorous and/or romantic, and lively. This one fits the bill. Are there elements that strain credulity? Sure. Does that detract from the plot, or make the characters less compelling? Not at all. 

    I'm deathly afraid of heights, but the pool scenes get me every time. I enjoy this one. 

themes: revenge, isolation, courage

if this movie were a food it would be:  chicken Caesar salad with homemade croutons. Fresh, crunchy, nourishing, savory, and tangy. Hits the spot.

overall:  recommended

It Happened One Night (1934) - "One of the foundational romantic comedies,
this film remains astonishingly fresh nearly a century later. Frank Capra's road movie follows a runaway heiress and a down-on-his-luck reporter who would rather argue than admit they're falling in love. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert create a rhythm of banter, exasperation, generosity, and mutual respect that became the blueprint for countless films to follow. Funny, warm, and surprisingly observant about class, pride, and the ordinary kindness of strangers during the Depression, it isn't just historically important—it still feels alive." 

length: 1h, 45m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Frank Capra  |  why I watched: I've seen it many times but never reviewed it yet. It was mentioned here, in a recap of some memorable films for me

IMDb: 8.1/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 98% / 93% Audience  |  my IMDb: 10/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: playful, classic Hollywood polish

notable quote: "'Have you ever been in love, Peter?' 

    'Me?' 

    'Yes. Haven't you ever thought about it at all? It seems to me you, you could make some girl wonderfully happy.' 

    'Sure, I've thought about it. Who hasn't? If I could ever meet the right sort of girl. Aw, where you gonna find her? Somebody that's real. Somebody that's alive. They don't come that way anymore. Have I ever thought about it? I've even been sucker enough to make plans. You know, I saw an island in the Pacific once. I've never been able to forget it. That's where I'd like to take her. She'd have to be the sort of a girl who'd... well, who'd jump in the surf with me and love it as much as I did. You know, nights when you and the moon and the water all become one. You feel you're part of something big and marvelous. That's the only place to live... where the stars are so close over your head you feel you could reach up and stir them around. Certainly, I've been thinking about it. Boy, if I could ever find a girl who was hungry for those things..."

my notes: my favorite movies involve a progression, some way that the characters are deeply changed from start to finish. This is one of the best of those. Gable's Peter Warne is savvy and ingenious, and develops a different sort of backbone and also a more open mind. Colbert's Ellie Andrews starts out naïve, shallow, and a bit thoughtless—though she's genuinely kind and curious, too. By the end of the film, she is aware of others in ways she could not see before, and also much more honest to and about herself. This is the prototype "friendship goals" movie, prehaps the best there will ever be. 

themes: love   

if this movie were a food it would be:  cinnamon toast. It might seem insubstantial, but it is a staple for me: salty, sweet, a hint of spice, and more depth of flavor than it's given credit for.

Academy Awards: this film won the Big Five. 

overall: most highly recommended

 

[the title quotation is from Greed in the Sun]

what I would like to do for a lovely young fairy such as you is to grant a wish you might have, to make your wish come true. Anything. Anything at all that you wish for—assuming that you do have such a wish

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🎁 Mindplay Friday: What Should You Give Me, for My Birthday? 💝

 

Some people treasure experiences. 

Others cherish beautiful objects, practical gifts, or heartfelt gestures. 

Answer these five questions to discover the birthday gift 

from you 

that would make me happiest!

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1. Which means the most to you?

A. Knowing someone took time to express their feelings
B. Beauty and thoughtfulness
C. Freedom to choose exactly what you want
D. Something tangible to keep and enjoy
E. Time spent together

2. A perfect birthday afternoon would include:

A. Meaningful conversation
B. A stroll through a garden or art gallery
C. Browsing shops or planning a future treat
D. Opening a carefully wrapped package
E. Gathering around a table with people you love

3. Which quality do you value most in a gift?

A. Sincerity
B. Elegance
C. Practicality
D. Lasting value
E. Warmth

4. Years later, what are you most likely to remember?

A. The words someone wrote
B. The way something brightened the day
C. The freedom to choose something perfect
D. The object itself
E. The experience and company

5. Pick a birthday wish:

A. "Tell me what I mean to you."
B. "Make the day feel special."
C. "Help me get something I've been wanting."
D. "Give me something beautiful to treasure."
E. "Let's share a meal together."

    Results in the comments!

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Haruki Murakami, from Birthday Girl]

then we got into a labyrinth, and, when we thought we were at the end, came out again at the beginning, having still to see as much as ever

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🤔 Mindplay Friday: What Type of Puzzle Are You? 🤨

 

Some people thrive on logic. Others love patterns, mysteries, or seeing the big picture come together. Answer these five questions to discover which type of puzzle best matches your personality!

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1. You are given a difficult problem. What's your first instinct?

A. Break it into smaller pieces
B. Look for hidden patterns
C. Gather clues and investigate
D. Try different approaches until something clicks

2. Which activity sounds most appealing?

A. Organizing a large collection
B. Solving a brain teaser
C. Reading a mystery novel
D. Exploring somewhere unfamiliar

3. Friends would describe you as:

A. Patient
B. Analytical
C. Observant
D. Creative

4. Which statement resonates most?

A. Everything fits together eventually.
B. There is always a logical solution.
C. The truth is hidden beneath the surface.
D. The journey is as important as the answer.

5. Pick a setting:

A. A large table covered with pieces waiting to be assembled
B. A quiet room with a pencil and notebook
C. An old library full of secrets
D. A winding path through unknown territory

Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by François Fénelon, from The Adventures of Telemachus (1699)]

she felt like a marshmallow heading into a house fire armed with chocolate and graham crackers

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🍘 Mindplay Friday: What Snack Cracker Are You? 🍘

 

Crispy, crunchy, dependable, or delightfully odd—

snack crackers come in more varieties than you might expect. 

Answer these five questions to discover 

which cracker best matches your personality

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1. Which quality do people appreciate most about you?

A. Reliability
B. Creativity
C. Warmth
D. Intelligence

2. You arrive at a party. What role do you naturally take?

A. The dependable helper
B. The person starting interesting conversations
C. The one making everyone feel welcome
D. The observer who notices everything

3. Pick a preferred afternoon activity:

A. Finishing a project
B. Trying something new
C. Visiting with friends
D. Reading or learning something interesting

4. Which phrase sounds most like you?

A. "If it works, it works."
B. "Why not?"
C. "Come on in."
D. "That's interesting..."

5. Choose a beverage:

A. Coffee
B. Sparkling water with something unusual in it
C. Hot tea
D. Whatever pairs best with the occasion

    Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Benjamin R. Smith, from Atlas]

the arts and sciences, And a thousand appliances; The wind that blows Is all that any body knows

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow.🤨

 

⏲️ Mindplay Friday: Which Kitchen Appliance Are You? 🧑🏼‍🍳

 

Every kitchen has its stars, its workhorses, and its unexpected specialists. 

Answer these five questions to discover 

which kitchen appliance best matches your personality!

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1. How do you usually approach a challenge?

A. Carefully and methodically
B. Quickly and efficiently
C. Creatively and experimentally
D. Dependably and consistently

2. Which quality do you value most?

A. Precision
B. Adaptability
C. Innovation
D. Reliability

3. What role do you often play in a group?

A. The planner
B. The problem-solver
C. The idea generator
D. The steady supporter

4. Your ideal weekend activity is:

A. Finishing a long-term project
B. Tackling a list of errands and crossing things off
C. Trying something you've never done before
D. Spending comfortable time with familiar people

5. Pick a motto:

A. "Details matter."
B. "Work smarter, not harder."
C. "Let's see what happens."
D. "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." 

    Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Henry David Thoreau, from Walden or, Life in the Woods]

he's not a bit like you. / And you're not a bit like you. I mean you aren't what you seem to be.

Average rating: 6.6

Star Trek: Generations [i.e. Star Trek 7] (1994) - "Captain Jean-Luc Picard faces personal loss while confronting a scientist whose obsession with recapturing paradise threatens millions of lives. At the same time, the film passes the torch from the original Star Trek crew to The Next Generation, giving two iconic captains an opportunity to share the screen. More reflective than action-oriented, it explores regret, purpose, and the temptation to escape the pain of ordinary life." 

length: 1h, 58m  |  source: my Blu-ray  |  directed by David Carson  |  why I watched: I've seen it several times, but haven't reviewed

IMDb: 6.6/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 48% / 57% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: PG

tone & texture: reflective, crisp & modern

notable quote: "'I hate this! It is revolting!'

    'More?' 

    'Please!'"

my notes: it's not the best movie ever, or even the best in the franchise, this is the movie version of "jack of all trades, and master of none." If it were just about Data's emotion chip, or saying goodbye to Kirk and Scotty and Chekov, or Picard's tragedy, or Soran's quest—or any of the half dozen other stories being covered—then it would be a nice, tight, entertaining movie. Instead, it's underdeveloped and scattershot, playing like a Best Of television episode rather than a feature film. Still and all, I enjoyed it, and will see it again. These are my guys, after all!

if this movie were a food it would be:  appetizer platter. There's a lot of tasty things to try, but not enough of any of them. 

themes: tradition v. change, found family, identity

overall:  recommended

 

Walking Tall (2004) - "After returning to his hometown, a former Special Forces soldier finds that corruption, drugs, and intimidation have transformed the community he remembers. Refusing to look the other way, he becomes sheriff and wages a blunt, personal campaign to restore order. Lean, fast-moving, and unapologetically old-fashioned, the film updates the classic 'one good man versus a broken town' story with modern action and a surprising amount of heart." 

length: 1h, 26m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Kevin Bray  |  why I watched: it's another film I've seen before but did not review

IMDb: 6.2/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 27% / 59% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: PG-13 (LOL)

tone & texture: gritty, high-color/stylized

notable quote: "Casinos are all the same. Room full of fake boobs and real assholes."

my notes: before I say anything else: Johnny Knoxville is the heart of this movie, and he is wonderful in the role of Ray. He's a really good actor. 

     I went into it hoping for action and heroism, and that's what I got. I didn't go in looking for cinematic brilliance, and so I wasn't disappointed.

if this movie were a food it would be: Pizza Hut buffet. A variety, but all within a small range. Meaty, salty, flavorful, not at all nutritious, and weirdly enthralling.

themes: justice, found family, courage

overall:  recommended

Secret Beyond the Door (1947) - "After a whirlwind romance, a wealthy New York woman marries a mysterious architect and follows him to his sprawling estate, where she discovers that her new husband harbors unsettling secrets behind a series of locked rooms. As suspicion, fear, and fascination become increasingly intertwined, she struggles to determine whether the danger lies within the house, within her husband, or within her own imagination. Fritz Lang blends Gothic mystery with psychological drama, creating an atmosphere of mounting unease in which shadows and silence are often as revealing as dialogue. The result is a stylish, unsettling character study that rewards close attention to mood as much as plot." 

length: 1h, 39m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Fritz Lang  |  why I watched: it was discounted by my favorite purveyor of unexpected movies, and seemed like something I might like

IMDb: 6.6/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 65% / 54% Audience  |  my IMDb: 6/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: unsettling, noir shadows

notable quote: "I'm marrying a stranger, a man I don't know at all."

my notes: the comparisons to Rebecca (1940, reviewed here) are apt, but only as a first step. Secret is smaller and tighter. Beautifully framed and lit, with spectacular shadows and depth. I didn't exactly love the acting, and the music was 50º beyond distracting, but overall I think this is one to watch. 

if this movie were a food it would be:  there is a sandwich at a local deli called Don't Be a Chicken: Chicken breast, smothered in bacon aioli, Swiss cheese and lettuce served on ciabatta roll. Despite the deceptively simple description, it offers intricate and layered flavors. 

themes: identity, isolation

overall:  mildly recommended

The Meg (2018) - "During a deep-sea rescue mission, an experienced diver is called back into service when a scientific expedition encounters a creature thought to have been extinct for millions of years. As the enormous megalodon begins threatening both the research team and the unsuspecting public above, survival depends on a combination of expertise, nerve, and increasingly improbable plans. Mixing creature feature, disaster movie, and action spectacle, The Meg embraces its outlandish premise with a straight face and a healthy appreciation for larger-than-life entertainment." 

length: 1h, 53m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Jon Turteltaub  |  why I watched: I'm on a Statham kick lately

IMDb: 5.7/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 47% / 44% Audience  |  my IMDb: 6/10  |  MPAA: PG-13

tone & texture: straightforward hyper-glossy action

notable quote: "Chew on this, you ugly bastard."

my notes: it's no Jaws, for sure. (That is a required line for every review of this movie.) It is entertaining, legitimately startling, and undeniably fun. The romance bits are unconvincing, and the overlong scene of happy beach-goers stretched too thin. Still and all, I liked the action and the drama. (And this is the kind of movie where "6 1/2" or "a low 7" would be a more accurate numeric rating, to differentiate it from the Statham redemption/revenge films that I so appreciate.)

if this movie were a food it would be: Funyons. Lots of people don't enjoy them, they're kind of an acquired taste, too much is WAY too much, they sometimes leave an aftertaste of onion-like chemicals—and I have always liked them anyway. 

themes: courage, sacrifice, found family

overall:  recommended

 

A Double Life (1947) - "A celebrated stage actor renowned for his immersive performances accepts the role of Shakespeare's Othello, only to find that the emotional intensity of the character begins to seep into his everyday life. As the boundaries between performance and reality grow increasingly blurred, those closest to him struggle to distinguish the man from the role he has created. Mixing psychological drama with noir sensibilities, the film explores the intoxicating power of identity, obsession, and artistic ambition." 

length: 1h, 44m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by George Cukor  |  why I watched: I've liked some of Cukor's other films, and this premise intrigued me.

IMDb: 6.9/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 88% / 66% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: unsettling, noir shadows

notable quote: "'Say, what's so funny?' 

    'It's nothing. It's a private joke between me and me.'"

my notes: this film distressed me more than I'd anticipated it might. The veil between person, actor, and character must have been very thin for Ronald Colman, playing Anthony John. The idea of walking up to the border of this kind of madness would terrify me. I almost had a hard time getting into the story because I was so fixated on how it would feel to be involved. 

    Edmond O'Brien played Bill Friend with quiet dignity and integrity. Shelley Winters, as always, made her role crackle and spit (that's a good thing, trust me). With the caveat that I found it psychologically intense, this is one to watch again some other day. (Maybe during daylight hours.)  

if this movie were a food it would be: espresso on an empty stomach

themes: identity, isolation

Academy Awards: winner x2 (and nominee x2) 

overall:  recommended, albeit with some reserve

 

[the title quotation is from Secret Beyond the Door]

I am a cage, in search of a bird

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow.🤨

 

🦤 Mindplay Friday: Which Summer Bird Are You? 🦜 

 

The trees are green, the feeders are busy, and the morning air is full of song. 

Answer these five questions to discover which familiar Midwestern summer bird 

matches your personality!

---

1. How do you prefer to spend time with other people?

A. In a close-knit group of friends
B. Entertaining everyone with stories and conversation
C. One-on-one or in small gatherings
D. Floating between groups as the mood strikes

2. Which quality do you admire most?

A. Loyalty
B. Creativity
C. Grace
D. Adaptability

3. Your ideal summer afternoon involves:

A. A backyard barbecue
B. Exploring somewhere new
C. A peaceful walk in nature
D. A little bit of everything

4. Which description sounds most like you?

A. Friendly and dependable
B. Expressive and clever
C. Calm and observant
D. Curious and energetic

5. Choose a place to perch:

A. A sturdy fence post
B. A hidden branch where I can watch everything
C. The top of a flowering tree
D. Anywhere with a good view and something interesting happening

    Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Franz Kafka, from The Diaries]

marriage...is a disconcerting mystery

Average rating: 7.5 (6.6 if the outlier is included)

Mustang Country (1976) - "An aging rancher and a young runaway set out to capture a legendary wild mustang, beginning a quiet adventure through the American West that becomes as much about family, responsibility, and growing up as it is about the horse itself. Along the way, both discover that courage is often found in patience, kindness, and respect for the natural world. A gentle, old-fashioned family western that values character over spectacle." 

length: 1h, 19m  |  source: I borrowed the DVD from my parents' collection  |  directed by John C Champion  |  why I watched: I love Joel McCrea, and will take any opportunity to watch his movies

IMDb: 6.2/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: N/A  |  my IMDb: 6/10  |  MPAA: G

tone & texture: warm, textured/earthy

notable quote: "All there is, is good luck and bad. Both of them are part of livin'."

my notes: McCrea is marvelously comfortable in his own skin. This is one of his last films, and it's a wonderful counterpoint to his earlier work. He's calm, and seems more prone to listening than to waiting to speak. His relationships with people and animals are realistic and expressive. It's not the most complex plot ever, but what there is is entertaining and sensible. 

themes: found family, hope, identity

overall: mildly recommended

 

3 Days to Kill (2014) - "Terminally ill CIA operative Ethan Renner sets out to repair the family life he sacrificed for decades of dangerous work, but one final assignment forces him to balance international espionage with the far more daunting challenge of becoming a real father to his teenage daughter. Blending action, comedy, and genuine family drama, the film explores whether a man defined by violence can still learn to be present for the people who matter most before time runs out." 

length: 1h, 57m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by McG  |  why I watched: I've seen it before (previously reviewed here) and was interested in a re-view

IMDb: 6.2/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 27% / NA Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: PG-13

written & co-produced by Luc Besson, of The Professional and La Femme Nikita fame 

tone & texture: gritty, crisp & modern

notable quote: "I'm gonna need a new suit."

my notes: this is an unsettlingly stupid movie that somehow manages to be entertaining and compelling. I f'ing HATE Amber Heard's acting, particularly in this thankless role that Meryl Streep couldn't have made comprehensible. The rest of the cast is really good, though, and manages to seem like they've got it going on. (OK, all except the CIA Director, played through a haze of cheese so thick you could stand a chip in it by Raymond J Barry.) 

    There's a moment toward the end of the film (1:44:19, if you want to look it up) where Costner's Renner is looking down over a balcony, at a party. He's lit from below with a neon green light. His face is creased and weathered, but his eyes are piercing. He's got a couple days' stubble and a more distinct mustache that hasn't been trimmed, so it's probably making his nose itch. He looks smart, capable, and like he needs a week-long nap. And this movie star's comfort in his own skin is why I like this movie. It's not the best action, comedy, or family film ever made, but it's hella entertaining and way more thinky than it seems. 

themes: redemption, love

overall:  recommended

Four Faces West (1948) - "Desperate to save his family's ranch, honorable cowboy Ross McEwen commits the one crime he believes he can still live with, leaving behind an IOU and hoping someday to repay what he has taken. As he flees westward, pursued by Sheriff Pat Garrett and aided by unexpected acts of kindness, McEwen discovers that his greatest challenge isn't outrunning the law but remaining true to himself in a world where trust, decency, and compassion are constantly being tested. More gentle character drama than traditional shoot-'em-up, Four Faces West is a quietly moving Western about conscience, honor, and the surprising generosity of strangers." 

length: 1h, 29m  |  source: I borrowed the DVD from my parents' collection  |  directed by Alfred E Green  |  why I watched: it's my favorite Western (previously reviewed here and here) and I like to watch it every year or so

IMDb: 7.0/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: NA% / 71% Audience  |  my IMDb: 9/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: straightforward, classic Hollywood polish

notable quote: "Everybody gets law-abiding when there's a reward at stake."

my notes: it's a rare movie where there is no "bad guy", people treat others decently, there is zero cursing - and it is still engrossing and fun to watch. Joel McCrea is my vote for the best listener in cinema, and he can do it seamlessly and organically. He seems like a guy I'd like to sit on a porch with, drinking iced tea and not talking at all, just being. His McEwen character is a regular guy (who also happens to be brilliant on a horse).

themes: justice, love, courage

overall: highly recommended

Parker (2013) - "After a double-cross leaves him for dead, professional thief Parker sets out to recover both his share of the money and the principles he refuses to abandon, tracking the crew that betrayed him to an affluent Florida community preparing for a spectacular heist. Forced into an uneasy alliance with a struggling real estate agent who longs for a more exciting life, Parker must balance meticulous planning, brutal efficiency, and his own uncompromising moral code. Equal parts crime thriller, caper, and character study, Parker explores the curious honor that can exist among thieves—and what happens when that honor is broken." 

length: 1h, 58m  |  source: I owned the DVD  |  directed by Taylor Hackford  |  why I watched: Statham, of course

IMDb: 6.2/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 42% / 48% Audience  |  my IMDb: DNF  |  MPAA: R

tone & texture: straightforward, crisp & modern

notable quote: "If you don't tell me what I need to know, I'm gonna press down on this chair until it crushes your trachea. Trust me, it's agonizing. Plus, there's the posthumous humiliation of having been killed with a chair."

my notes: I watched a third of it before giving up. It never made me care at all for the characters or the storyline. Statham is at his best, in my estimation, in films where he's either part of a big ensemble working for a common mission (Lock, Stock, for instance, or The Expendables), or where he's a weary loner with great competence and an exhausting backstory (Redemption, Safe, Wrath of Man...). Movies where he's an incomprehensible hardass or a romantic hero (Death Race, In the Name of the King) are hard to like. 

themes: identity

overall: not  recommended

 

La Ronde {The Circle Dance} (1950) - "Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, a succession of chance meetings, flirtations, affairs, and fleeting romances links people from every level of society into an elegant chain of desire. As each encounter gives way to the next, the boundaries between comedy and melancholy begin to blur, revealing the fragile hopes, vanities, and longings that unite people regardless of class or circumstance. Graceful, witty, and quietly bittersweet, La Ronde is less interested in judging its lovers than in observing the endlessly repeating patterns of human connection." 

length: 1h, 33m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Max Ophüls  |  why I watched: I'm fascinated with the films of Anton Walbrook, who plays the Master of Ceremonies, and also with this director's films

IMDb: 7.4/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 94% / 83% Audience  |  my IMDb: 8/10  |  MPAA: Not rated

tone & texture: playful, classic Hollywood polish

notable quote: "I'm the personification of your desire."

my notes: such a unique premise for a movie! My favorite vignette was 'the Count and the Prostitute', with 'the Young Man and the Married Woman' a close second. Walbrook was adorable, charming and disarming as the Master of Ceremonies. My favorite film aspects were the lighting and the framing (including various shots of female characters through their ornate head- and foot-boards). I was entertained and left to think about it all.

themes: tradition vs. change, love, hope, disillusionment, loyalty

overall: strongly recommended

 

[the title quotation is from La Ronde]

a spark in the bright flare Of the possible

Remember, every lover is a corsair seeking glory, 

An x-marks-the-spot, a longing for invisible treasure, 

 

Every lover is an end-point and a start-point 

In the history of the world, a spark in the bright flare 

 

Of the possible. Our swashbuckling lovers remind us: 

Once we were lazing children, 

 

Housebound and shoreless, 

With no concept of the sea 

 

But now there’s the ocean’s blue spool, 

Fleet-winged gulls, windblown caravels, 

 

Even spouting whales, 

Crow’s nests, and clouds like a white armada— 

 

And so, when we relinquish the body’s treasure map, our lovers 

Discover us the way the sailcloth in the rigging 

 

Fills with the trade winds, from the last of the night’s stars 

Through the lavish tangerine of dawn, our ships 

 

Gliding over sheets of light-glazed silver. 

 

[Cyrus Cassells {1957- } and Brian Turner {1967- } 'Corsair'; originally published in Poem-a-Day on November 29, 2023]

every strike brings me closer to the next home run

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow.🤨

 

☀️ Mindplay Friday: Which Summer Olympic Sport Are You? 🏅 

 

Some people are built for speed. 

Others thrive on precision, endurance, strategy, or teamwork. 

And some of us are happiest cheering from the couch with snacks. 

Answer these five questions to discover your Olympic destiny!

---

1. Which quality best describes you?

A. Determined
B. Precise
C. Adaptable
D. Enthusiastic

2. You are given a difficult challenge. What is your approach?

A. Push through and outlast it
B. Study it carefully before acting
C. Adjust as circumstances change
D. Find the fun in the process

3. Which environment appeals most?

A. Open roads and long distances
B. Quiet concentration
C. Fast-moving action
D. A comfortable chair with a good view

4. Which accomplishment sounds most satisfying?

A. Finishing something extremely difficult
B. Executing something flawlessly
C. Succeeding under pressure
D. Experiencing something memorable

5. Pick a motto:

A. "Keep going."
B. "Aim carefully."
C. "Stay flexible."
D. "Life is meant to be enjoyed."

    Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is attributed to Babe Ruth]

so many hungry years after

Why not a meadow? 

Why not a little clearing and a stream 

to wade in? Why not take our pants off, 

a little respite from our partners 

who couldn’t see us, who’d never see us 

no matter what we did? What we did was wrong, 

the way we did it. It was miraculous, 

it took hold long after 

we trudged back to our spouses. 

So many years harboring a secret. 

Thank you for telling me 

about growing up in Queens, daddy’s 

milk truck skittering about Northern Boulevard 

looking for your favorite ice cream. 

And the darkness: how shades were drawn, 

how your mother would never recover 

from your father. How many of us 

have been stymied by those early dramas 

until we married them? So many years, 

so many hungry years after. 

Thank you for the apricots in the mail, 

thank you more for appearing at my door 

with so little time left: no going back 

to field our regrets. Old 

as we are, you are here and now, 

why not a meadow and a clearing? 

 

[Ira Sadoff {1945- } 'Thank you', originally published in Poem-a-Day on December 1, 2023]