The film I set out to make definitely falls within the "horror" genre, but I wanted to make something more than just a ghost story.  I was interested in exploring broken people, who were dealing with loss and the inability to move forward. People who weren't in a perfect relationship...

This would be a tragic love story set against the backdrop of a haunted house. 

So, in a sense, I wanted to play in a sandbox with some horror genre tropes -- but then put a twist on it by actually emphasizing a character driven story. I wasn't as concerned with the how and why of the haunting as I was about how the people dealt with it --- and each other. 

So this stack of films (pictured above) is what I watched as I co-wrote the script with my brother (Mike King) and as we were filming it in Maine.  They all represent various stories about survival, whether it be against some type of external force (nature/creature) -- or even more interestingly -- with other people. 

While filming the ending of the movie -- and even more so while editing the last sequence with Jamie Cobb -- 3 film endings came to mind.

The first 2 were David Cronenberg's THE FLY (1986) and LET'S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH (1971). There's something absolutely lovely about how bold these movies are on how to close a film. In them, when the story ends, it ends. There's no fluff. No tacked on epilogue. After trying few endings, the one we used just felt natural. Everything else felt a bit forced. It was really liberating to have these films guide me and give the confidence to just do what we did. (Note: we actually filmed an alternate ending. It's included in the DVD and Blu-ray bonus features)

THE ENTITY (1982) was also a huge influence on how to close AMONG US. I won't spoil their ending, but there are some title cards that close the film that still brings chills every time I think of them. They leave you with more questions than answers -- and I love that. Not knowing why can be way more frightening than knowing.

So hopefully, people will feel the same about the ending of AMONG US, in that it will generate discussion. Those are the kinds of films that stay with me. I can only hope that AMONG US does the same for audiences.

See the film // iTunes // Blu-ray // DVD

Available on Cable VOD August 8th

This one is all about the ending of a film. ***SPOILERS AHEAD!!***

THE FLY (Dir. David Cronenberg) - this film came out when I was in junior high -- and girl crazy. So when I saw this, I was all caught up in the romance and destroyed by its heartbreaking ending. What's funny is I really didn't care for Jeff Goldblum's character (Seth Brundle) -- until the very last minutes of the film, when he puts the shotgun to his head. So fucking tragic. I didn't want him to die. I wanted them to live happily ever after. And after it happens, there's no extra 5-10 minutes of unnecessary epilogue bookend shit. It just fades to black. The story is done. What an epic way to end this masterpiece.

LOST IN TRANSLATION (dir. Sofia Coppola) - Just when you think you're going to see another romance film, comes along this amazing gem. We want our leads to connect, and be together; and yet know it can't happen. So how do you end the film? The way Coppola does it (and according to some reports with the aid of Bill Murray's improv), it doesn't get any better. It's understated. Not so tragic. And in fact, it's hopeful.

THE THING (dir. John Carpenter) - It would be remiss for me to do an entry like this and not mention a Carpenter ending. His downbeat (yet hopeful) endings totally blew my mind as a kid. There was never anyone really riding off into the sunset -- and at an early age, I really dug his bleak storytelling style. It rang true. I could pick a ton of endings from his films (PRINCE OF DARKNESS, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13)...and, of course, this one. So simple. So powerful. So open ended. Love it. 

The best part of a Carpenter ending is when it CUTS TO BLACK. Sadly, I couldn't find any video to let you experience that exact moment. Here's the closest I could find.

BLOW OUT (dir. Brian De Palma) - Okay so I'm cheating this time by sharing more than 3 films, because I can't mention a John Carpenter ending affecting me tremendously without mentioning how a 'De Palma CUT TO BLACK ending' is just as chilling and influential on my life. And none more powerful than this one. It wasn't happy. We are left devastated. Then the last scene happens which just crushes you. And then it ends.

For me, seeing BLOW OUT began a life long obsession with De Palma and how his CUT TO BLACK ending just fucking smacks you in the face (in the best of ways). It's very rare for me to experience such a visceral reaction to and ending as much as a De Palma film....save for Peter Weir.

Ok, cheating some more with 2 more films, since we're talking about Peter Weir now.

Peter Weir endings are fascinating. They can be both up or down, but again, his films end with some visceral, deeper punch to the gut. His movies really grab you by the collar and make you experience them. Both of these profoundly wrecked me: one with inspiration (DEAD POETS SOCIETY)...the other with hopelessness (GALLIPOLI).

DEAD POETS SOCIETY (dir. Peter Weir)

GALLIPOLI (dir. Peter Weir)

But let's recall that she was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her turn in PAPER MOON (1973) -- one of my all-time favorite films. In the following scene, you can see such heartache and loneliness underneath everything.  She performs her monologue so effortlessly that it's so damn charming, in spite of who she is and what she wants. It's all beyond brilliant. 

What an underrated actress. I wish she were still around today. I would've cast her in everything.

2015
2014
2013
2012
2011

My Top Films list compromises of any film (from any year) that I've seen for the first time in 2016. As always, I sadly wasn't able to catch all the awards contenders as I'd hoped (and yes, MOONLIGHT, HELL OR HIGH WATER, 20TH CENTURY WOMEN, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC and MANCHESTER BY THE SEA were a few I missed. Hope to get to them soon).

So this is more about discovering and enjoying movies I was able to catch in 2016. These stood out to me, all for reasons of their own. 

16. THE INTERN (2015) -  written & directed by Nancy Meyers
Felt like something the studios would've made in the 50s. But of course, it takes place modern day and is given the Hollywood polish. There aren't many studio comedies coming out lately that feel fresh, and this one did. Sometimes you want fluff. But smart fluff. And this is smart fluff. Plus, I'm a sucker for "workplace underdog" films like WORKING GIRL (one of the smartest comedies ever made) and THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. I'd put this one just under those, but still entertaining nonetheless. 

  15. GLEASON (2016) -  written & directed by Clay Tweel
An incredible story about NFL player Steve Gleason and his battle with ALS. You don't have to know anything about football or sports to relate to his struggle and the power of the human spirit. Also, there's a touching father-son relationship thread explored that made me think of my Dad. So I was a blubbering mess. But don't worry, it's a positive film. Just get your kleenex ready.

14. SOMEONE ELSE (2015) -  written & directed by Nelson Kim
A mind-fuck of a movie. Definitely influenced by Bergman's PERSONA and Brian De Palma (which happen to be 2 of my favorite filmmakers). Plus, it's a film from an Asian-American, so it's great to see another voice out there. This is another film where I enjoy it for showing Asians in a different light. They're not just a supporting character, tech guy, nerd who can't speak English. These are fully realized characters. With doubts. With drive. With sexuality. Though not a perfect film, this definitely stuck with me.

13. A TALE OF WINTER (1992) -  written & directed by Eric Rohmer
I find it funny that, like his films, Rohmer has slowly and quietly become one of my favorite filmmakers of the past few years. Just look at my list from last year and you'll see his movies there as well. This time, this tale explores longing and the "what might have been", in only the way Rohmer can do. There are some marvelous, understated performances going on...and I'm always fascinated on how he makes normal life in cinema so utterly engrossing (a perfect example of this is the last shot of the film). Also, in some strange way, I find Rohmer's tales now trickling into influencing my more personal scripts. I'm interested to see how this manifests itself when I make my next movie.

12. MEDECIN DE CAMPAGNE (2016) -  directed by Thomas Lilti | written by Thomas Lilti & Baya Kasmi
Okay, you might think I'm morbid, but for some odd reason....since the death of my father last year, films that deal with death and the quality of life you lead really hit me in a certain way now. So much so that I know this French film might be on the lighter side in terms of story. But the characters (and their predicaments) are so rich. And for me, I always love watching Francois Cluzet. He's always so endlessly interesting to me.  And he makes everything look so effortless. Marianne Denic

11. MODERN ROMANCE (1981) -  directed by Albert Brooks | written by Albert Brooks, Monica Mcgowan Johnson
Albert Brooks was in top form with his writing/directing game during the 80s (well honestly, all his films are pretty damn good). This one has a lot of industry jokes which I found very amusing. Kathyrn Harrold is utterly charming. It's fun to see the underrated Bruno Kirby (man, he' soooo good) in this too. Brooks' neurosis is pretty much unmatched in cinema (only Woody Allen is a close comparison), so be prepared. This is the rom-com that I love. And it's true, they don't make 'em like they used to anymore.

10. THAT MAN FROM RIO (1964) -  directed by Philippe de Broca | written by Jean-Paul Rappeneau, Ariane Mnouchkine, Daniel Boulanger, Philippe de Broca
Look no further for an amusing cinematic adventure, where you'll find influences to Spielberg's RAIDERS all over it. I don't think I had a more enjoyable time in this crime caper led by the ever so charming Belmondo. 

9. MISTRESS AMERICA (2015) -  directed by Noah Baumbach | written by Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig
Watching a film with unlikeable characters is a fine balance. Some filmmakers do it very well,  some don't. Baumbach films are hit or miss with me...and it always has to do with if his lead character is someone I can stand being around for a few hours. And this film was one where I just somehow enjoyed being in the company of Brooke (deliciously played by Gerwig). It's the performances that make this film.

8. NUESTROS AMANTES (2016) -  written & directed by Miguel Angel Lamata
This is clearly influenced by Linklater's BEFORE trilogy. However, there's enough of a fresh spin on it that kept me engaged. It could also have to do wth the fact that I find Mihcelle Jenner so very charming (please see EXTRATERRESTRIAL if you haven't). This actually might be like  "Rohmer-light", which you can tell is the type of films really exciting me nowadays. 

7. CHLOE IN THE AFTERNOON (1972) -  written & directed by Eric Rohmer
Haha yes. Another Rohmer film. This is the last installment of his "6 Moral Tales" and it's really engaging. Dealing with marriage and fidelity. Again, it's a sort of meandering, but totally engrossing, snapshot of "ordinary" life and relationships. But it's done so, so well. You want it to last forever. 

6. FEMALE AGENTS (2008) -  directed by Jean-Paul Salome | written by Jean-Paul Salome, Laurent Vachaud
The kind of period-adventure film I'd love to direct. A great throwback adventure with some very engaging female leads. I was riveted the whole time. Sophie Marceau is a particular standout, but all the ensemble performances are great. Moritz Bliebtreu (for me, most memorable from RUN LOLA RUN) steals the show.

5. PAULINE AT THE BEACH (1983) -  written & directed by Eric Rohmer
At this point, you might be able to guess that I'm going through Rohmer's filmography. And you'd be right. This was my favorite of his that I saw in 2016. This is a delicate story taking place during a holiday getaway. We see their lives and revelations unfold without melodrama. It's all about little moments. And how significant they are. (Sorry, I couldn't find a trailer with English subtitles).  

4. THE HANDMAIDEN (2016) -  directed by Chan-wook Park | written by Seo-kyeong Jeong & Chan-wook Park
No other filmmaker took me on such an incredibly wacked-out journey this year. There is such vision to this tale that I don't know where to begin. Other than, it pretty much went in directions I never could predict. All the performances were stellar. And visually, it's probably the most beautiful I saw in 2016. 

3. LA LA LAND (2016) -  written & directed by Damien Chazelle
I love musicals, so I was biased already going in to this. And it delivered. So many great things about this film. The love for jazz. The struggles of artists. The songs. This is one I look forward to revisiting like an old friend. 

2. ARRIVAL (2016) -  directed by Denis Villeneuve | written by Eric Heisserer
I walked out of this feeling hope. And with the current state of the world, that was really important. So, it could be just great timing that this film came along when it did. It's life affirming. Full of love. The science fiction is smart. And I really appreciated most of the characters for being fully realized. The editing in this one is also very inspiring. Not sure if Amy Adams gives an Oscar-worthy performance, but she's solid as always and, yet again, makes me hope to work with her soon.

1. SING STREET (2016) -  written & directed by John Carney
Nothing brought a smile to my face more than this. Smart. Charming. Hopeful. And great songs. It's a nice blend of a John Hughes film with Carney's ONCE. And it handles expertly the evolution of a person learning about music, while also learning about themselves. Loved it. Another one I'll be watching again and again. 

My favorite tv shows I saw in 2016:

INSECURE
STRANGER THINGS
THIS IS US
THE PEOPLE v. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY

here's most everything I saw in 2016 (when I remembered to jot it down)

1/1 - The Song; Songs for Amy; Meet The Patels
1/2 - Big Significant Things; Rock Star (rewatch); Making a Murderer (2)
1/3 - Making a Murderer (2)
1/4 - Making a Murderer (3)
1/5 - Making a Murderer (3)
1/6 - Shark Tank; Absence of Malice; Kitten With A Whip;
1/7 - Man Seeking Woman;
1/8 - Room
1/9 - Shark Tank
1/10 - Adult World; The Aviator’s Wife
1/11 - Junior Masterchef; Bowie Doc; A Tale of Springtime
1/12 - Beyond Shark Tank; A Tale of Winter
1/13 - American Idol
1/14 - American Idol
1/15 - American Idol
1/16 - Galaxy Quest (rewatch); Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (rewatch)
1/17 - Junior Masterchefs
1/18 - Beyond the Shark Tank
1/19 - Chloe in the Afternoon; Spotlight
1/20 - The Apartment (rewatch); Ray Donovan (2)
1/21 - American Idol
1/22 - Go (rewatch); Switched At Birth
1/23 - The Last Detail (rewatch); Switched At Birth (2)
1/24 - Only You (rewatch); Switched At Birth; When Harry Met Sally (rewatch)
1/26 - Switched At Birth (2)
1/27 - Switched At Birth (3); Notting Hill (rewatch)
1/28 - About A Boy (rewatch); Last Shift
1/29 - American Idol; Beyond Shark Tank
1/30 - Shark Tank
1/31 - Grease: Live
2/1  - Frozen Time (rewatch)
2/4 - Jem and the Holograms; All Things Must Pass; Joe Vs. The Volcano (rewatch)
2/5 - The Great Beauty;
2/9 - American Idol (2)
2/10 - The Intern
2/12 - American Idol (2)
2/14 - Vinyl, Fresh Off The Boat
2/15 - Burnt
2/20 - Scott Pilgram Vs. The World; Steve Jobs; Infinitely Polar Bear;
2/23 - Unnerved; Broadcast News (rewatch); Tumbledown
2/24 - Tootsie (rewatch); Fresh Off The Boat; Becoming Mike Nichols
2/25 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2)
2/27 - The Librarians; American Idol (2), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2)
2/28 - The Librarians (4); Oscars
3/1 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
3/2 - The X-Files
3/3 - Pauline At The Beach; Secret Admirer (rewatch)
3/4 - American Idol; Barista
3/5 - Creed; Man Up
3/6 - Music and Lyrics (rewatch); Becoming Bulletproof; Take The Lead;
3/7 - Vinyl; Step Up (rewatch)
3/8 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; Five Easy Pieces (rewatch)
3/9 - Matchstick Men (rewatch);
3/10 - Breaking Through; Fresh Off The Boat; The X-Files,
3/11 - American Idol; Love (2)
3/12 - Shark Tank; Love (6)
3/15 - Love
3/16 - The Voice
3/17 - Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened; Fresh Off The Boat
3/18 - American Idol
3/19 - The Big Short
3/20 - Shark Tank; Togetherness (2)
3/21 - His Way; Everything Is Copy
3/22 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; Duets (rewatch)
3/24 - Fresh Off The Boat
3/25 - American Idol;
3/26 - Maze Runner: Scorch Trials
3/27 - Lachey’s Bar; Togetherness
3/28 - Ocean’s 11 (rewatch); How To Dance In Ohio
3/29 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; Lachey’s Bar (3)
3/30 - Fresh Off The Boat; Lachey’s Bar (2)
3/31 - The Cutting Edge (rewatch); St Elmo’s Fire (rewatch)
4/1 - American Idol; Lost and Found Music Studios
4/2 - Sucker;
4/3 - Trainwreck; Togetherness
4/4 - Billion Dollar Buyer (2)
4/5 - Restaurant Startup (2)
4/6 - Fabulous Baker Boys (rewatch); Billion Dollar Buyer; American Idol
4/7 - American Idol
4/8 - One More Time; Billion Dollar Buyer; Restaurant Startup (3)
4/9 - Shark Tank; Pauly Shore Stands Alone
4/10 - American Crime Story: The People V. OJ Simpson (2)
4/11 - The People V. OJ Simpson (2)
4/12 -  The People V. OJ Simpson (2)
4/13 -  The People V. OJ Simpson (2)
4/14 -  The People V. OJ Simpson; Fresh Off The Boat
4/15 -  The People V. OJ Simpson
4/16 - That Man From Rio; Heartbreaker (rewatch)
4/17 - Shark Tank
4/18 - One Day Since Yesterday: Peter Bogdanovich & the Lost American Film
4/19 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
4/20 - Billion Dollar Buyer; Mr. Holland’s Opus (rewatch)
4/21 - Leave The World Behind;
4/22 - Patton Oswald
4/23 - Shark Tank
4/24 - We Are Twisted Fucking Sister; Life According to Sam;
4/25 - The Duff (rewatch); Fan Girl
4/26 - Born This Way (3);
4/27 - Born This Way (2)
4/28 - Born This Way
4/29 - Billion Dollar Buyer;
4/30 - Shark Tank; Fresh Off The Boat
5/1 - Beyond the Shark Tank; Silicon Valley; Petty
5/2 - Petty doc
5/3 - Petty doc
5/4 - Petty doc; Coda
5/5 - Petty doc
5/8 - Shark Tank
5/10 - Fresh Off The Boat
5/11 - Almost Famous (rewatch)
5/12 - The 60s (1)
5/13 - Road To Your Heart
5/14 - Hunger Games: Mockingly Part 2; Mistress America;
5/15 - The Sixties
5/16 - The Sixties (1); Silicon Valley (1)
5/17 - The Seventies, Fresh Off The Boat
5/18 - The Seventies
5/20 - Beyond Shark Tank
5/21 - Shark Tank; Chasing Fortune; Goosebumps
5/22 - Beyond the Shark Tank (2)
5/23 - Silicon Valley; DramaWorld (4)
5/24 - 72 Cutest Animals
6/9 - The Martian
6/10 - Zootopia
6/11 - 72 Cutest Animals
6/12 - Catch Me If You Can (rewatch); Silicon Valley
6/14 - Hello My Name Is Doris
6/16 - Jaco; Tokyo Fiancee
6/17 - Hail Ceasar
6/18 - The Conjuring 2
6/19 - The Nice Guys
6/22 - Silicon Valley
6/23 - Roadies
6/24 - Birdy (concert)
6/25 - Mudcrutch (concert)
6/26 - The Fundamentals of Caring
6/27 - Silicon Valley
6/28 - Game of Thrones (2);
6/29 - Game of Thrones;
6/30 - Deadpool
7/1 - The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
7/2 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Game of Thrones
7/3 - Hamilton Listening Party
7/4 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
7/5 - Where Eagles Dare (rewatch); The Muse, The Italian Job (rewatch)
7/6 - Almost Famous (rewatch); Modern Romance
7/7 - 10 Cloverfield Lane
7/8 - Suffragette; Lost In America (rewatch)
7/9 - The Thing Called Love; Mother
7/10 - Defending Your Life (rewatch)
7/11 - Mono
7/12 - Game of Thrones
7/13 - Everybody Wants Some
7/14  Dan In Real Life (rewatch)
7/15 - Stranger Things (3); Ghostheads; Road House (rewatch)
7/16 - Blood Sand; Miles To Go Before I Sleep; Stranger Things (4); Someone Else
7/17 - Stranger Things; Ballers; Green Room; The Mermaid
7/18 - Family Feud; The Match Game
7/19 - Crazy, Stupid, Love (rewatch);
7/20- Ant Man;
7/21 - 13 Going on 30 (rewatch)
7/25 - Ballers
7/27 -  Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days
7/28 - Divergent Series: Allegiant
7/30 - Sing Street
8/1 - Ballers; Miles Ahead;
8/2 - Midnight Special
8/3 - Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru
8/4 - What Women Want (rewatch)
8/5 - Loveless Zoritsa
8/7 - Mannequin (rewatch); I Know That Voice;
8/8 - Little Black Book
8/9 - The Little Prince
8/10 - I'll Do Anything
8/12 - Almost Famous: The Bootleg Cut
8/13 - Bedazzled (1967)
8/14 - Alabama Shakes (concert)
8/15 - Ballers; Working Girl (rewatch)
8/23 - Ballers
8/24 - Clue (rewatch)
8/25 - Freaks and Geeks (2) - rewatch
8/26 - Freaks and Geeks (2) - rewatch
8/27 - Point Break (1991) - rewatch
8/28 - Ballers
8/29 - Brooklyn
8/30 - Freaks and Geeks - rewatch
8/31 - Freaks and Geeks (2) - rewatch
9/1 - Freaks and Geeks - rewatch
9/2 - Freaks and Geeks (3) - rewatch
9/3 - Freaks and Geeks (2) - rewatch
9/6 - Freaks and Geeks - rewatch
9/7 - Freaks and Geeks (2) - rewatch
9/8 - Freaks and Geeks (2) - rewatch
9/9 - One Mississippi (1), De Palma
9/10 - The Iron Giant (rewatch)
9/11 - One Mississippi (1)
9/12 - One Mississippi (1), Savage
9/13 - One Mississippi (1); Terminator: Genisys
9/14 - Pureplant Nation
9/16 - the walking dead
9/17 - Blazing Saddles (rewatch); Young Frankenstein (rewatch)
9/20 - Hall and Oates (concert)
9/22 - Nathaneil Rateliff (concert)
9/23 - The Secret of My Success (rewatch)
9/24 - 9 To 5 (rewatch)
9/28 - Eddie the Eagle; Me Before You; Joy
9/29 - Operator
9/30 - Body
10/1 - How To Plan an Orgy In A Small Town
10/2- The Jungle Book; Murder by Numbers; Marley & Me (rewatch)
10/3 - Westworld; Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made
10/4 - The Secrets of Emily Blair; Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead 2; Time Lapse
10/5 - Central Intelligence
10/6 - Night of the Living Deb
10/7 - Westworld; Crisis in Six Scenes (1); Particle Fever (rewatch);
10/8 - Predestination
10/9 - Hardcore (rewatch); Act of War
 10/10 - Crisis in Six Scenes (1); Echo
10/11 - Crisis in Six Scenes (1)
10/12 - Crisis in Six Scenes (1)
10/13 - Crisis in Six Scenes (1)
10/14 - I'll Sleep When I'm Dead;
10/16 - Fresh Off The Boat;
10/17 - Big Trouble in Little China (rewatch); Westworld (1)
10/18 - Man Bait; Night of the Comet
10/20 - Being George Clooney
10/21 - Crisis in Six Scenes (1); Hamilton's America; Unutra
10/22 - Mabel At The Wheel; Tillie's Punctured Romance;
10/23 - The Handmaiden; Front Cover
10/24 - Life, Animated; Fresh Off The Boat
10/25 - The Blacklist (1); Westworld (1)
10/26 - The Get Down (1); Other People
10/27 - No Tears For The Dead
10/29 - New Nightmare; The Frighteners (rewatch)
10/31 - Hush; Black Mirror (1), Fresh Off The Boat
11/1 - Black Mirror
11/2 - Black Mirror
11/4 - Love Arcadia, Star Trek: Beyond; Blindspot (2); Captain America: Civil War; Born To Be Blue
11/14 - Ghostbusters (2016); Now You See Me 2; Nuestros Amantes; Medecin de Campagne
11/18 - Cleopatra Jones
11/19 - West Side Story (rewatch); I Am Your Father
11/20 - Female Agents; Born This Way (4); This Is Us (3)
l1/21 - Dirk Gently (2); Cleopatra Jones and The Casino of Gold; As I Am: the Life and Times of DJ AM;
11/22 - Fresh Off The Boat; Born this Way
11/23 - Timeless (2)
11/24 - Billion Dollar Buyer; Timeless (1)
11/25 - Timeless (3)
11/26 - This Is Us
11/27 - Born This Way (2)
11/28 - Insecure;
11/29 - Black Mirror
11/30 - Black Mirror
12/2 - This Is Us; Timeless; Billion Dollar Buyer
12./3 - Shark Tank (3); Fresh Off The Boat
12/4 - Born This Way
12/5 - The Wailing
12/6 - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
12/7 - Arrival
12/8 - Lion
12/10 - Dick Tracy; Nightmare Before Christmas (rewatch)
12/11 - Billion Dollar Buyer; This Is Us
12/12 - Million Dollar Listing
12/13 - Million Dollar Listing (2);
12/15 - Million Dollar Listing (2)
12/16 - Secret Lives of Pets
12/18 - La La Land; Blue Jay; The Wailing; The Lobster
12/19 - Insecure (4);
12/20 - The Boatman
12/21 - Insecure (2); For The Love of Spock;
12/22 - The Zen of Bennett (rewatch)
12/23 - Cafe Society; Final Destination 3 (rewatch)
12/24 - Travelers (2); BTS Force Awakens
12/25 - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (rewatch); In Bruges (rewatch)
12/26 - About Time (rewatch)
12/27 - Wishful Drinking; Cas and Dylan; Fresh Off The Boat (2)
12/28 - Postcards from the Edge
12/29 - Neon Demon; The Big Picture (rewatch); Glitter; Searching for Sugarman
12/30 - Young At Heart; L.A. Apocalypse
12/31 - Gleason; Banshee (2)

You can check out the film at WatchJSS.com and on VIMEO ON DEMAND

Click pics to enlarge

My Top Films list compromises of any film (from any year) that I've seen for the first time in 2015. Due to my own projects, I sadly wasn't able to catch all the awards contenders as I'd hoped (and yes I've missed a ton).

So this is more about the movies that I watched and left a lasting impression. These were just really damn entertaining. Or inspiring. Sometimes both.

18. COOTIES (2014) - directed by Jonathan Milott & Cary Murnion | written by Leigh Whannell & Ian Brennan
Just had a blast with this one. The comedy is actually a bit hit or miss depending on your tastes...but it's been a while since a horror/comedy felt like it was really having fun while also being smart about it. Plus I'll see anything with Alison Pill in it. And of course....dual rear wheel.

17. DOPE (2015) - written & directed by Rick Famuyiwa
The first half of the film bursts out of the box like lightning. So much so, that the 2nd half of the film can't hold up to its promise. But it's still a load of fun. And Kiersey Clemons is just wonderful.

16. THE DUFF (2015) - directed by Ari Sandel | written by Josh A. Cagan
The teen comedy is alive and well. This was surprisingly smart, funny and romantic; featuring a knockout performance by Mae Whitman. It felt like a modern-day John Hughes type film.

15. THE HATEFUL EIGHT (2015) - written & directed by Quentin Tarantino
No one does it like Tarantino. Some love his stuff. Others avoid him like the plague. Although this film sits in the middle of his filmography for me, I really admire his boldness and "don't give a shit" attitude towards screenwriting and cinema conventions. Only he can get away with certain things that others would be crucified for. I really dug the atmosphere of the movie, while not entirely loving the story. I dug the performances while not entirely loving any of the characters. I was repulsed at times, but couldn't look away. And I'm a sucker for anything old school in terms of the movie going experience, so I really loved the Overture and Intermission experience.

14. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2014)  - directed by Matt Reeves | written by Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver
They said it was better than its predecessor (2011's RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES). I didn't believe them. They were right.  

13. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION (2015)
written & directed by Christopher McQuarrie
This was a thrilling, action packed film that was just so entertaining on so many levels. A pure Popcorn Movie through and through. I found myself saying to my wife "this is fun" a lot. Now I realize it may not hold up over the years, however just as so far as enjoying myself with the spectacle of blockbuster cinema, there was no better for me. And that had a lot do with Rebecca Ferguson's electric performance. I enjoyed her so much I'd love a spinoff film with just her character.  

12. EX MACHINA (2015) - written & directed by Alex Garland
The atmosphere in this just oozes with originality and beauty. And as I watched, something felt off and it unnerved me (in a good way). Not sure I dug where the film went in the 3rd act as opposed to what it set up, but it still left me captivated and with some thought provoking questions that I thought about for days after. Not too many films do that nowadays.

11. ME AND EARLY AND THE DYING GIRL (2015) - directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon | written by Jesse Andrews
This one definitely felt like a 'Sundance formula' film. But Olivia Cooke is going to be a superstar and it shows in this film. The story is witty. Performances are strong around (Thomas Mann and RJ Cyler have great chemistry). And that ending. I saw this film about a month after my dad passed away, so it probably has something to do with why the film hit me like it did.

10. KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON (2014) - directed by Alan Hicks | written by Davis Coombe & Alan Hicks
This doc about an aspiring artist and his struggles for success, all the while being mentored by the late jazz great Clark Terry was heartbreaking and inspiring. As an artist, I related so much to his plight...the highs and lows. The wonderful bond that is forged between two souls is so poignant and beautiful. And I love jazz, so the soundtrack is a joy. This is also another one I saw after losing my dad, which made the film personally resonate with me in a profound way.

9. BANGKOK HILTON (1989) - directed by Ken Cameron | written by Ken Cameron, Terry Hayes & Tony Morphett
I'm a huge Nicole Kidman fan. And this little seen (around the world) mini-series from her homeland was one of her first breakout roles. For some reason, seeing Denholm Elliot play such a drastically different kind of character was just so compelling. He's just great in it. And Kidman's raw performance had me glued to the edge of my seat. I binge watched this one (approx. 4 hours) in 2 days. PS - look for a young Hugo Weaving in this too.

8. TENDER MERCIES (1983) - directed by Bruce Beresford | written by Horton Foote
Robert Duvall is a national treasure. I think that of all of his most memorable roles, most don't bring up this quiet Oscar-winning performance as their favorite. But for me, watching this broken man's quiet hopefulness slowly slipping away -- and how Duvall just owns it -- left my heart silently aching along with him.

7. IKIRU (1952) - directed by Akira Kurosawa | written by Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto & Hideo Oguni
I stayed away from this film for a while as the topic never really interested me. But as I'm getting along in my years, I finally visited it. And it blew my mind on how it directly deals with mortality and questioning yourself upon leaving some type of mark -- somewhere, anywhere -- before you go. Hoping you will be remembered somehow. By someone. Anyone. I was both uplifted and saddened. It had a deep effect on me and what I hope to achieve as some kind of legacy as a filmmaker...which I realize could ultimately be just tears in rain.

6. CHARLEY VARRICK (1973) - directed by Don Siegel | written by Howard Rodman & Dean Riesner
I'm a sucker for crime/gangster films. Not mafia ones, but more like "regular joe" capers. Con men. Losers. People that aren't perfect. Those are my jam. And when you throw in Walter Matthau chewing up the scenery (that actually sees him be romantic) it's just a blast. Then you add in Joe Don Baker and John Vernon...forget about it!

5. STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (2015) - directed byJ.J. Abrams | written by Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams & Michael Arndt
I feel sorry for all the people who rip this film apart for its plot and characters. Because no other movie in a long long time has made me feel like a kid again. I definitely could critique some things, but where's the fun in that? It entertained me. I had a smile on my face pretty much the whole time.

Just saw STAR WARS. I laughed. I cried. I was a kid again.

— Gary King (@grking) December 20, 2015

4. IL SORPASSO (1962) - directed by Dino Risi | written by Dino Risi, Ettore Scola & Ruggero Maccari
Quite possibly my favorite road trip film. Many have been done before and after this one. But I just loved how this movie was able to capture the carefree nature of traveling the open road. It wanders naturally. Most modern road trip films feel too constructed, whereas this one just felt like....life. I really enjoyed seeing the evolution of the characters and friendship. And without the surprising ending (and its gravitas), I don't think the experience would've been the same.

 4. CLAIRE'S KNEE (1970) and A SUMMER'S TALE (1996)
written & directed by Eric Rohmer
Nothing like a Rohmer film. The pacing. The wandering story. The conversations. And the unrequited desires. Some hate his movies. Others sing his praises. These 2 films were perfect in capturing moments in time where I was vicariously experiencing them with such fucking delight. I felt like I was on vacation, exploring life and love. I also watched several other Rohmer films this year that left me cold and bored....but these two I want to revisit and live again and again.

3. PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE (1974) - written & directed by Brian De Palma
I'm a sucker for musicals. And even a bigger sucker of De Palma films. This one had alluded me for quite some time, even though I've flirted with seeing it many times. I've actually seen snippets of it over the years, but finally it was time to catch this from beginning to end. And oh what an ending. Just loved its bold vision. And the songs. Man, those songs. So haunting and beautiful. So tragic and yet so bitingly funny. I'd love to make something like this.

2. STILL WALKING (2008) - written & directed by Hirokazu Koreeda
Man I love this movie from Hirokazu Koreeda. I watched it a few months after my father had passed away, and even though the father character in this film is nothing like mine, it still was heartbreaking. Partly due to seeing this family interact on-screen and knowing I'll never have that again in my life. And also just seeing how this simple story had so much to say in its simpllicty. This one definitely made me think of my parents and how I love them. And I'll never be able to hold on to what I once had.

1. FORCE MAJEURE (2014) - written & directed by Ruben Östlund
This is by far my actual favorite film I saw in 2015. The dark, dark, DARK humor was just so delicious. And the unpredictable story was just so refreshing. The entire time I was riveted, on the edge of my seat...and it's a drama? Or dark comedy? Or it's a hybrid of everything because I firmly believe that's what life is really like. Life doesn't fit into one genre.  And when the story ends in the movie (like a boss), it feels like it's just the beginning. And it's marvelous.

Other films I really enjoyed for their creep factor were THE GUEST, SPRING and STARRY EYES. The docs ALIVE INSIDE and GLEN CAMPBELL: I'LL BE ME were heartbreaking. And both original series TOGETHERNESS and MASTER OF NONE were stellar.

EVERYTHING I WATCHED IN 2015

1/1 - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes; Chinese Puzzle
1/2 - Divergent
1/3 - The Maze Runner; Housebound
1/17 - In The Blood
1/30 - Open Windows; Whiplash
1/31 - Mean Girls (rewatch); Little Shop of Horrors (rewatch); Top Chef
2/1 - Luther (3); Orphan Black
2/2 - Sexy Baby;
2/3 - Luther
2/4 - Top Chef
2/5 - Orphan Black (3); Before I Go To Sleep
2/6 - Switched At Birth (2); Orphan Black (2); Gone Girl
2/7 - Orphan Black (2)
2/9 - Fresh Off The Boat (2)
2/10 - Top Chef
2/12 - Top Chef
2/13 - Knock; Disengaged; Slut; A Case of Pyrophillia; The Only Man; Innocent; Grave Shivers
2/14 - Luther (3); Blood Ties
2/15 - Nightcrawler
2/16 - Luther (2); Honeymoon; Windrider
2/17 - Fresh Off The Boat (2); Fur; Luther
2/20 - Life Itself; Blood and Black Lace
2/21 - Togetherness (2)
2/22 - Oscars
2/23 - Togetherness (4 ); Fresh Off The Boat
2/24 - Two Night Stand; Dear White People
2/25 - The Walking Dead; A Life in Dirty Movies
2/26 - Cloudrise; The Spoils of Babylon
2/27 - The Tenant; House of Cards (3)
2/28 - To Be Takei; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; Wrinkles; The Frame; House of Cards (3)
3/1 - House of Cards (2); Lucy
3/3 - The Walking Dead
3/4 - Switched At Birth
3/5 - Ouija;
3/6 - Love, Rosie
3/7 - Fresh Off The Boat; Togetherness; Men, Women and Children; Trek Nation; Star Trek: Generations; Secretary
3/8 - House of Cards (5);
3/9 - Walking Dead; Talking Dead
3/10 - Fresh Off The Boat
3/11 - Foxcatcher; Sawdust and Tinsel; Starry Eyes; Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (3)
3/12 - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; Big Hero 6
3/13 - Back Issues: The Hustler Magazine Story
3/14 - Les Mis on stage (Arizona Broadway Theater)
3/16 - Kingsman: The Secret Service
3/18 - Walking Dead; Talking Dead; Love and Death (rewatch)
3/19 - Phoenix Film Fest shorts; And So It Goes; Switched At Birth
3/20 - The Search for General Tso’s Chicken; Barbecue; Animal
3/21 - Star Trek: TOS; Glee, Everything Or Nothing
3/22 - Spring
3/23 - Force Majeure; I Origins; Switched At Birth
3/28 - A Million Ways To Die in the West
4/1 - Hollywood’s Best Film Directors (Ivan Reitman)
4/2 - The Tale of the Princess Kaguya; Walking Dead (2)
4/3 - Ask Me Anything; Going Clear;
4/4 - Furious 7; Fresh Off the Boat;
4/5 - Whisper of the Heart; Interstellar; Coherence
4/6 - Mad Men; eXistenZ; Twilight Zone (2)
4/7 - Twilight Zone
4/8 - Fresh Off The Boat; Poltergeist (rewatch); Rebid
4/9 - Premature; Twilight Zone (2)
4/10 - Sharky’s Machine; Switched At Birth; The Devil Came From Akasava
4/11 - masterchef; masterchef jr
4/14 - Mad Men; Fresh Off the Boat
4/15 - Big Eyes; Exposed
4/16 - Armour of God
4/17 - Wolfcop, She’s All That (rewatch)
4/18 - Corruption; 10 Things I Hate About You (rewatch)
4/21 - The Babadook; The West Wing
4/22 - The West Wing
4/23 - The West Wing
4/24 - Une Liberation; Boost
4/26 - Luther; The Twilight Zone; Silicon Valley
4/27 - Luther; Mad Men; Girly
5/6 - mad men
5/7 - Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice
5/8 - The Great Gatsby; Monster; House on Sorority Row; The Peacemaker (rewatch)
5/9 - West Wing
5/10 - West Wing;  Mission Impossible 4 (rewatch);
5/11 - Australian exploitation film
5/12 - Make Way For Tomorrow
5/13 - West Wing, Switched at Birth
5/14 - West Wing; The Train; Next Food Network Star
5/15 - Underworld (rewatch)
5/17 - Still Alice
5/18 - Silicon Valley; Mad Men; Next Food Network Star
5/19 - Mischief (rewatch); Secret Admirer (rewatch); Next Food Network Star
5/20 - Run; Next Food Network Star
5/21 - Next Food Network Star
5/22 - Next Food Network Star
5/23 - Charley Varrick; West Wing
5/24 - The Rocketeer (rewatch); Zombeavers; The Den
5/25 - West Wing;  Parts Unknown
5/26 - West Wing; Small Time Crooks (rewatch); Parts Unknown; Bangkok Hilton
5/27 - Creature; The Duff; It! The Terror From Beyond Space; Bangkok Hilton (2)
5/28 - Bangkok Hilton (2); The Black Marble;
5/29 - The Thing (rewatch)
6/8 - Silicon Valley; Disturbia (rewatch); The Wraith (rewatch)
6/9 - The Pyramid; The Conversation (rewatch); McFarland USA, The Inbetweeners 2;
6/10 - Capricorn One (rewatch); Nashville Girl
6/11 - Experiment in Terror;
6/21 - Coal Miner’s Daughter
6/27 - History of the Eagles (Part One & Part Two)
6/28 - What Happened, Miss Simone?; Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You’re Made Of
6/29 - The Other One:…Bob Weir; Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage
6/30 - Paddington
7/1 - The Fleetwood Mac Story
7/4 - Almost Famous (rewatch); SuperMensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon; Who Is Harry Nilsson?
7/5 - Fame High; Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me; Austin to Boston
7/13 - Ballers (3 eps)
7/14 - Ballers; The Sure Thing (rewatch)
7/15 - Fabulous Baker Boys (rewatch); Roller Boogie
7/16 - Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton; Switched At Birth; B.B. King: The Life of Riley
7/17 - The World of Henry Orient; Love Exposure; Savage Streets; Laggies
7/18 - Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police;
7/19 - Harry in Your Pocket; Little Miss Sunshine (rewatch)
7/20 - Switched At Birth; Ballers;
7/22 - The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel;
7/23 - Masterchef; Home Free
7/24 - Dead Bullet (rough cut)
7/25 - Dead Again (rewatch); Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (rewatch)
7/26 - Ballers; Let’s Get Lost;
7/27 - Il Sorpasso; The Guest
7/28 - Ikiru; Switched at Birth; Goodbye To All That
7/29 - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
7/30 - Troubadours;
8/1 - A Star Is Born (1976); Focus;
8/2 - I, Madman; Phantom of the Paradise (rewatch)
8/3 - Katy Perry: Part of Me; Ballers
8/6 - Master Chef, Home Free
8/7 - Beyond the Lights
8/8 - Insurgent; Far From The Madding Crowd
8/9 - Barely Lethal; Ballers
8/10 - Tender Mercies; Crazy Heart (rewatch); Casting By
8/11 - It Follows
8/13 - A Summer’s Tale; The Sign of Leo; Masterchef; Sex and Drugs and Rock n’ Roll
8/22 - Burying the Ex
8/23 - masterchef; homefree; Eagle Eye (rewatch)
8/24 - ballers; F/X (rewatch)
8/25 - Tell No One; The Fugitive (rewatch); While We’re Young
8/26 - The Interpreter; The China Syndrome; Wet Hot American Summer; Chained Heat
8/27 - The Game (rewatch); Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (rewatch); The Sugarland Express; Hackers (rewatch)
8/28 - Wet Hot American Summer
8/29 - Masterchef
8/30 - Michael Clayton (rewatch); Blackhat; Home Free
8/31 - Wet Hot American Summer
9/1 - Still of the Night; The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo; Project Greenlight
9/2 - Thelma and Louise; Project Greenlight
9/3 - Project Greenlight
9/4 - Project Greenlight
9/5 - Home Free; Project Greenlight
9/6 - The Incredibles (rewatch); Miracle Mile; I’ll Be Me;
9/7 - Project Greenlight
9/8 - Senior Project
9/9 - I’ll Be Me
9/11- Switched At Birth
9/12 - Road Hard
9/13 - Master Chef; Home Free; Project Greenlight
9/14 - Late Spring; Still Walking; Switched At Birth
9/15 - Switched At Birth; Sunrise; Atlantic City; Road to Nothing; Zathura (rewatch); Janie Jones
9/16 - Tig
9/17 - Switched At Birth; Keep On Keepin’ On; Master Chef; Grace Unplugged;
9/18 - Never Tear Us Apart: The Story of INXS
9/19 - Cherry 2000; Firewalker; Mary Mary Bloody Mary
9/21 - Quiet Riot: Well Now You’re Here, There’s No Way Back; Greetings From Tim Buckley; Who The F*#K Is Arthur Fogle; Tig: Boy Girl Interrupted; One Direction: This Is Us
9/22 - Paul Williams Still Alive; Knock Knock It’s Tig Nitaro; Love and Mercy; Charles Bradley: Soul of America;
9/23 -  Switched At Birth; The Man With The Golden Gun (rewatch); Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train A Comin’; Meat Loaf: In and Out of Hell; Richard Linklater: 21 Years
10/4 - Project Greenlight
10/5 - The Swell Season; Richard Pryor Doc; Remembering Robin Williams
10/7 - Batkid Begins; I Need That Record
10/8 - Fresh Off The Boat; Harold Mayor Of The Sunset Strip
10/11 - Bruce Springsteen: Blood Brothers; Entourage the movie
10/12 - Project Greenlight; Magic Mike XXL
10/13 - Coyote Ugly (rewatch); Bachelor Night
10/14 - Open Road;
10/15 - Chops; Hit So Hard; Fresh Off The Boat; Final Girls
10/16 - San Andreas;
10/20 - High Fidelity (rewatch)
10/21 - Back In Time
10/22 - The Wolkfpack; Jurassic World
10/23 - Unfriended; Man Up
10/24 - The Blob (1988; rewatch): Fright Night (1985; rewatch)
10/25 - Spinning Plates; Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed;
10/26 - Project Greenlight; It Might Get Loud
10/28 - Shark Tank
10/29 - Shark Tank
10/30 - Project Greenlight
11/3 - Alan Zweig’s VINYL; The Leisure Class
11/4 - Do I Sound Gay?
11/6 - Inside/Out, Shark Tank
11/8 - Saturday Night Fever; Master of None
11/9 - The Collector; Master of None;
11/10 - Tu Y Yo, Lost In Translation (rewatch); Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara;
11/15 - Tomorrowland; The Gift
11/16 - Shark Tank
11/17 - Ned Rifle;
11/18 - Safelight; Fresh Off The Boat; Aziz Live at Madison Square Garden
11/19 -  Dope
11/20 - Unnerved spot check
11/21 - The Runaways
11/22 - Walking Dead
11/24 - Claire’s Knee
12/1 - Electric Boogalo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films
12/2 - Chaos on the Bridge; Fresh off the boat
12/3 - 3 Nights in the Desert;
12/4 - A Very Murray Christmas; Bait; Cop Car
12/5 - Shark Tank; Junior Masterchef
12/6 - Junior Masterchef
12/7 - Junior Masterchef
12/8 - Amy
12/9 - Shack Out on 101;
12/10 - Spectre;
12/11 - Cooties
12/12 - Shark Tank
12/15 - Torn Curtain; Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
12/16 - Jane The Virgin
12/18 - People, Places, Things;
12/19 - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
12/23 - Silver Linings Playbook (rewatch); Short Term 12 (rewatch); We Are Your Friends; Ex Machina
12/24 - The Hateful Eight
12/25 - Mad Max: Fury Road
12/26 - Love Actually (rewatch)
12/27 - It Happened One Night (rewatch); John Wick; Goodnight Mommy

In researching my current script, I recently revisited Sofia Coppola's LOST IN TRANSLATION (2003). There are so many amazing moments in the film it's hard to choose just one.

This was probably my 5th or 6th time seeing the film. And I was watching it particularly for the karaoke scene this time. There's just so much going on in this sequence, which finds itself smack dab in the middle of the running time.

It's a major turning point for the characters. And it's all done without saying a word.

Rather, they're singing karaoke. Simply looking at each other.

And it says so much.

There are 2 particular moments where I find brilliant.

1) (00:35 click to view) Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) singing The Predenders 'Brass in Pocket (I'm Special)' -- first off it's the perfect song choice as it allows Bob (Bill Murray) to perform the chorus, echoing "special..." as he looks at her. And look how he does it. It's hilarious and honest.

2) (01:34 click to view)  The look that Charlotte gives Bob, his glance catching her do it...then their emotional exchange all through the eyes. Looking and not looking. We've all been there and the actors perform it so perfectly. (It also doesn't hurt that the song is the gorgeous 'More Than This' by Roxy Music as pwoned by Bill Murray)

It's a perfect moment in a perfect film.

Rather than watch my specific moments I've linked, I hope you watch the entire clip embedded above. Even better, see the entire film (again).

"They haven't invented a word for that loneliness that everybody goes through on the road. The world is tearing by you, real fast, and all these people are looking at you. ... People see me in my 'girl-singer' suit."   -- Linda Ronstadt

One of the biggest influences he had on my life was introducing me to the films that he and my mom loved. When they were dating in Taiwan, they went to the movies a lot. And they saw a ton of American films.

I somehow think their love of going to the movies rubbed off on me and my love for cinema.

I want to share with you now the films my parents showed me -- and how I love them so much. Both my parents and the films.

REAR WINDOW (1954) - quite possibly THE FIRST Hitchcock film I ever saw. Still one of my all-time favorites to this day. As a kid, I experienced so much genuine terror and delight with its unique storyline and visual style. Watching it now, it still holds up and is an example of a master at work. It's a perfect film.

SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959) - As a kid, I never realized how "adult" the humor was in the film. I just enjoyed the slapstick and screwball antics. It was only until later did I come to appreciate its daring, bawdy, sexy side. The performances and directing are a true delight. The dialogue is a dream. This one gets better with every viewing.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959) - Action. Suspense. Romance. Great score. Cary Grant. What else could you ask for?

THE MUSIC MAN (1962) - I love the songs. They're ingrained in my head. I probably saw this film at least once a week. I had a mad crush on Shirley Jones. "Marian the Librarian" is simply one of my favorite numbers I've ever seen (I couldn't find an online clip of the entire number or else I would've posted it). But this is also a great clip showing how much complexity there actually is to the songs.

THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963) - an epic adventure with an all-star cast. This was another film I probably watched at least once a month. Every time a favorite character of mine had an upcoming death scene, I secretly wished that for once -- just this time -- that they'd get away. And this was the film that introduced me to Steve McQueen. Enough said.

MY FAIR LADY (1964)  - another musical where I still think of the songs to this day. My dad used to hum the tunes all the time. That's probably one of my best memories. And I definitely had a crush on Eliza Doolittle.

WAIT UNTIL DARK (1967) - this is the film (along with REAR WINDOW) that made me love the "single location thriller". I realized a good story didn't need tons of locations. And it's another film starring Audrey Hepburn. I think my parents must've loved her (who didn't?).

Spoilers in the clip below.

He was pretty quiet and private though. A typical phone conversation on his birthday would be:

Me: Happy birthday Dad. I love you.
Dad: Okay thank you. You wanna talk to mom now?

I loved those talks. I looked forward to them.

I will miss him terribly. I loved him so much. This post doesn't seem to do much justice. However, in some small way by sharing this with all of you, it helps to keep his memory alive. By reading this, you now know about him. And that makes me smile.

Preface: If you haven't heard of ARROW FILMS, think of them as the English counterpart to North America's Criterion Collection mixed with Shout Factory. Most of Arrow's catalogue is Region B, which means if you're in the US, your standard Blu-ray player won't play them. You'll need a region-free player, which can be found for under $200. It's worth it. I've expanded my collection and viewing opportunities by being able to get any film on Blu from around the world.

John Frankenheimer's THE TRAIN starring Burt Lancaster hits Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Films (Note: it's a Region B disc).

THE FILM

Here's Arrow's official synopsis:

Synopsis: ONE MAN’S IMPOSSIBLE MISSION – TO SAVE HIS COUNTRY’S PRICELESS TREASURES

Directed by John Frankenheimer at the peak of his powers, The Train was made during a tremendous run of top-class pictures that also included Birdman of Alcatraz, Seven Days in May and The Manchurian Candidate, with Seconds soon to follow.

France, 1944. Art lover and fanatical Nazi Colonel Von Waldheim has plundered a Paris museum for its masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Cezanne. His intention is to have them transported by rail to Berlin, but one man stands in his way. Aware that the Allied forces are fast approaching the French capital, Resistance fighter Labiche need only stall the train for a few more days, but he’ll have to use all of his wits and skills to do so.

Featuring two Oscar-winners in its lead roles – Burt Lancaster as Labiche and Paul Scofield as Von Waldheim – and Jeanne Moreau and Michel Simon in support, The Train combines star power with spectacular action sequences to produce a classic war movie.

Instead of a more traditional review I thought it'd be fun to do a running commentary for this. I jotted down my thoughts as the film played. It was my first time viewing so for the most part I paid attention unless I really needed to get a thought down.

There will be minor spoilers:

-----------------------------------------------

Silence in the opening  minutes. Draws me into the German soldier.

An action/thriller film starting with people talking about art? Only in the classic days. Love it.

Love the font of the opening credits. Can't wait to see Burt. Haven't seen him in a film for a few months. Jeane Morreau is in this?? Yes!

Frankenheimer's deep-focus composition and camera movement are hypnotic.

The plot is about protecting art. France's National pride.  Man, I love this.

Love how they have set up that Lancaster's character (Labiche) values his men's lives over art. Setting up his belief system.

"I'm too old to be careful" - great line by the engineer character (Papa Boule)

The composition is masterful when we see the shot--reverse shot of the engineer being lined up for execution.

Humor always breaks the tension. Such an effective tool to make me like a character. Labiche "you gonna tuck me in as well?" (when being closely watched by the Germans)

Awesome cut of the door closing to the station agent being struck in the face.

Love how Jeanne is being sucked into the story now as an unwilling participant at first. Now she's warming up to Burt. Interesting....of course, they're interrupted just as they're starting to connect. Great storytelling

Ok the train whistle is starting to get on my nerves.

That old lady who closed the gate and stepped aside for the train was dangerously close. Didn't seem like a stunt woman. Wow.

Authentic train derailing. Frankenheimer and collisions pre-CGI world. Love it

Burt did his own stunts. Falling on that bridge looked badass.

Damn stakes are high. All the French Resistance people are being killed.

Love this dialogue exchange:                                                                                       "No one will be hurt.."                                                                                                   "No one's ever hurt. Just dead."

Lancaster's performance is on fire when he's told England simply wants to paint the train to mark it. Damn he was good.

Such a physically demanding role for Lancaster. When he lays the explosives on the tracks and runs. He sells it. When he slides down that rocky hillside -- jesus!

Paul Scofield as Colonel Von Waldheim is electric. His obsession. His defeat. Can't take my eyes off him.

Here it comes. Mano a mano. The final face off.  Great fucking shot of Lancaster's feet walking alongside the train. HIs determination. Its no different than the Colonel's.

Incredible final shot. That's how you end movies. No epilogue or tagged on ending needed. The story's done. And scene.

VIDEO/AUDIO
Region: B
Rating: PG
Cat No: FCD1103
Duration: 133 mins
Language: English
Subtitles: English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Audio: 1.0 Mono
Discs: 1
Black & White

The picture quality is simply gorgeous. Seems like natural grain throughout. Image is crisp. The film looks brand new. Sound had no issues on my 5.1 system.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the film
• Uncompressed 1.0 mono PCM audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Audio commentary by director John Frankenheimer
• Optional isolated score by Maurice Jarre
• Burt Lancaster in the Sixties – a newly-filmed interview with Lancaster’s biographer Kate Buford, tracing the actor’s career throughout the decade - I love Lancaster so this is a total treat and the star of the bonus features. It's over 30 mins long and you learn a ton about his career aspirations and his power in Hollywood.
• French television news report on the making of The Train, containing interviews with the locals of Acquigny
• Archive interview with Michel Simon
• Footage of The Train’s gala screening in Marseilles
• Theatrical Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Vladimir Zimakov
• Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Sheldon Hall, illustrated with original stills and artwork

BOTTOM LINE

I'd never gotten around to seeing THE TRAIN even though Lancaster is one of my favorite actors and I highly respect John Frankenheimer's work.

This film was amazing. It totally feels that it's the grandfather to the story formula of many action films that followed. It's tense. Its performances and stunts are phenomenal. I'd definitely add this one to your shelf!

Viva physical media.

MAKE WAY FOR TOMORROW (directed by Leo McCarey) is the latest release from Criterion (#505). After viewing this film I could only think of one word over and over that describes it best.

Devastating.

I couldn't believe that a film from 1937 is still current and so relatable.

THE FILM

Here's Criterion's official synopsis:

Make Way for Tomorrow, by Leo McCarey, is one of the great unsung Hollywood masterpieces, an enormously moving Depression-era depiction of the frustrations of family, aging, and the generation gap. Beulah Bondi and Victor Moore headline a cast of incomparable character actors, starring as an elderly couple who must move in with their grown children after the bank takes their home, yet end up separated and subject to their offspring’s selfish whims. An inspiration for Yasujiro Ozu’s Tokyo Story, this is among American cinema’s purest tearjerkers, all the way to its unflinching ending, which McCarey refused to change despite studio pressure.

Thankfully my folks aren't at the age where I may have to deal with something similar. However, I'm even getting older now where these thoughts do cross my mind.

McCarey achieves some very masterful sequences. Particular of note is a sequence featuring a "private" phone conversation that is overheard by party guests. It first starts out as what seems to be a comedic scene, however by the end there is a emotional resonance to it that is totally unexpected. And this is what happens throughout the film.

Upon watching the Criterion special features, I discovered the two leads playing the elderly parents (Beulah Bondi and Victor Moore) played about 20 years older than they really were. I was fooled. 

Performances all around are strong (though some can be a bit dated by the time). Again, it may very well be that the subject matter is close to me now so I really felt everyone's pathos. Some characters are selfish, others are not. And they're all behaviors I could relate to.

The ending of the film (don't worry I won't spoil it) was not a total tearjerker as described. I wasn't bawling. However I did sit there in silence for a good five minutes. Contemplating life...and death.

This is a mark of a good movie. Leaving you sitting there after the credits.

Thinking.

VIDEO/AUDIO

• United States
• 1937
• 92 minutes
• Black and White
• 1.33:1
• English

I'm sure Criterion took the utmost care in its HD restoration. However the image looks a bit grainy to me. It was distracting, but they definitely were noticeable. Sound was perfect.

BONUS FEATURES

• High-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• Tomorrow, Yesterday, and Today, a 2009 interview with filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich about the career of director Leo McCarey and Make Way for Tomorrow - this was a great, insightful treat on the filmmaker's career
• Interview from 2009 with critic Gary Giddins about McCarey’s artistry and the political and social context of the film - another wonderful interview recalling McCarey's career. Well worth a watch
• PLUS: A booklet feauring essays by critic Tag Gallagher and filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier, as well as an excerpt from film scholar Robin Wood’s 1998 piece “Leo McCarey and ‘Family Values’

BOTTOM LINE

I'd never heard of this film prior to Criterion's release. And I didn't even know Leo McCarey directed some of the more well-known classics (AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, THE AWFUL TRUTH, THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S) that I'd grown up with. So this film was definitely a pleasant surprise for not only its relevant subject matter, but also for its brave ending that was definitely unorthodox for its time.

If you enjoy classics centered around family relationships, then add this one to your shelf!

Viva physical media.

SULLIVAN TRAVELS (written and directed by Preston Sturges) is the latest release from Criterion (#118). It was great to revisit this 1941 comedy/drama...maybe it's even one of the first American dramedies?

I haven't seen it since Criterion first released the film on DVD in 2001. I picked up the film to watch one of my screen crushes, Veronica Lake. It was not the screwball comedy that I was expecting.

I'd never seen anything like it before and wasn't sure how I felt about it. If anything I found SULLIVAN’s TRAVELS rather odd. Revisiting it 14 years later, the film is much more profound than I remembered.

THE FILM

Here's Criterion's official synopsis:

Tired of churning out lightweight comedies, Hollywood director John L. Sullivan (Joel McCrea) decides to make O Brother, Where Art Thou?—a serious, socially responsible film about human suffering. After his producers point out that he knows nothing of hardship, Sullivan hits the road disguised as a hobo. En route to enlightenment, he encounters a lovely but no-nonsense young woman (Veronica Lake)—and more trouble than he ever dreamed of. This comic masterpiece by Preston Sturges is among the finest Hollywood satires and a high-water mark in the career of one of the industry’s most revered funnymen.

This is one smart script, full of witty, snappy dialogue. It's full of memorable moments. I really love a hilarious car chase scene where Sullivan tries to outrun a press entourage by taking a ride in a sports car.

Driven by a 13-yr old.

It's as silly as it sounds.

Another brilliant moment sees Sullivan taken in by a love-starved Good Samaritan. The scene would be deleted if the film were remade today because it's quite a detour from the main story. But it stands out in a good way.

On a technical note....it was intriguing to watch the way Sturges and his DP (John F. Seitz) deal with the fact that Veronica Lake was pregnant during the filming. They do some ingenious framing and blocking to avoid showing her baby bump.

Also, the decision to shoot much of the film on location vs. a sound stage really helps lend a whole sense of realism to the movie (good call gents!).

And be sure to look out for their 4-minute oner. It's a joy to watch, knowing the filmmakers did it on a bet (allegedly) as well as to make it harder for studios to make cuts to the film.

The tone of the film is a bit uneven and unexpected for a film from this era. I was taken aback, particularly by its darker second half which seems to come out of nowhere. Revisiting it now the first half of the film is actually a bit clunkier to me, particularly its slapstick gags. McCrea is no Cary Grant.

I think the sudden shift from the comedic to dramatic tone is now actually what I love most about SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS. It's unpredictability in story and theme is a welcome surprise.

As I viewed it, I couldn't help but wonder how SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS would be updated for a modern audience. Not that I'd want to remake the film, but it's an interesting exercise to think about how the story would unfold with its lead characters in today's world.

Movies at that time couldn’t be overtly sexual. Watch Veronica Lake get around the censors by playing with her hairbrush during the swimming pool scene. Or is that just me?

Nowadays, would there be more sexual tension and gratification with their relationship treated out in the open? Would they actually kiss? And how brutal and authentic would the homeless sequences play out in the darker half of the movie?

The more I think about it, Sturges was a clever filmmaker to get away with what he does for 1941. Bravo Mr. Sturges. Bravo.

VIDEO/AUDIO

• Black and White
• 1.37:1
• English
• New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray

It looks and sounds beautiful on Blu-ray. Criterion always does it right.

BONUS FEATURES

• Audio commentary from 2001 by filmmakers Noah Baumbach, Kenneth Bowser, Christopher Guest, and Michael McKean - This was pretty insightful in how each person explores the themes of the film and anecdotes surround the production. It was also interesting to see how the film relates to them. Thankfully, no one spends much time simply narrating what's happening on screen.

• Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer (1990), a seventy-five-minute documentary made by Bowser for PBS’s American Masters series - A thoroughly and fascinating exploration about Sturges' rocky career. It sounded like a dream to me until I learned what ultimately happened to him.

• New video essay by film critic David Cairns, featuring filmmaker Bill Forsyth - This one was fairly interesting. It used too many straight clips without any VO/narration over it so it felt like bit overlong.

• Interview with Sandy Sturges, the director’s widow, from 2001 - A quick interview. Pretty candid. More sad than anything knowing she's passed away.

• Interview with Sturges by gossip columnist Hedda Hopper from 1951 - a fun 4-minute interview (I believe in front of a live-audience). Sounds a bit staged, but cool to hear him talk.

• Archival audio recordings of Sturges - Nothing earth shattering. Probably of interest to die-hard Sturges fans (which I'm not).

• PLUS: An essay by critic Stuart Klawans

BOTTOM LINE

A classic film that explores more serious subject matter than expected. Veronica Lake is lovely. The Criterion treatment helped educate me more about this production which I value.

Add this one to your shelf!

Viva physical media.

I found these as I was organizing some files and thought it'd be pretty fun to share versions that never saw the light of day.

Here are some versions that I designed.

Here's the teaser poster that we did prior to filming. A talented photographer friend Nicole Marie Polec went out with the lead actress Jenn Dees and me and shot around the Lower East Side. It's still one of my favorite posters for any of my films.

Here's the theatrical poster.

As an adult, I've discovered some of his films have made a huge impact on me in terms of character (usually led by strong female protagonists), theme and gravitas, not to mention some very visually stunning work. In fact, CRIES AND WHISPERS might be one of the most terrifying films I've seen in the past 10 years.

Not that anyone would notice, but he has definitely influenced me in my filmmaking, especially for WHAT'S UP LOVELY and an upcoming film in the works.

Here's an amazing video essay showing the influence of PERSONA on a myriad of other filmmakers' works.

Here's an interview with him during his press junket for THE UNTOUCHABLES. He drops the fact that both Harrison Ford and Mel Gibson were also in the running for the role of 'Elliot Ness', ultimately played by Kevin Costner.

Here's a shot by shot analysis of the famous train step sequence from THE UNTOUCHABLES.

Vashi Visuals (@vashikoo) explains the split diopter shot and shows us how they're used so effectively in BLOW OUT.

A great montage on how he loves to use the overhead shot.

My Favorites: SISTERS; BLOW OUT; DRESSED TO KILL; CARLITO'S WAY; THE UNTOUCHABLES; MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE

Guilty pleasures : BODY DOUBLE; SNAKE EYES; FEMME FATALE; SCARFACE

The best thing I love about his films is that they are spectacularly amazing -- or spectacularly awful. But he doesn't stop. Success or fail, he keeps going.

Hadn't experienced @unnervedfilm from start to end in quite some time. Fixed that today. Wowza! Finish line is near. pic.twitter.com/ehXgWgZlaX

I love seeing this photo. Our UNNERVED editor Jamie Cobb has been working her ass off shaping this film to where it is now. To see her be able to sit back and take it all in makes me smile. She's doing some amazing things with this cut that I would've never done myself, which is a great thing. Certain scenes I shot have been cut in ways I didn't expect, and that's exciting. That's an editor. I wonder if she'll start letting me call her my Thelma.

This movie inspired me when I saw it as a young teen. Its imagination, whimsy, romance, humor and action set-pieces all seamlessly blend together to make it one of the most enjoyable stories I've ever experienced. So much so that it loosely inspired a script that I've been developing (and shelving) for many years.

Here's an uber fan's video essay analysis of the movie. I love his enthusiasm and love for this film. It's almost an hour long and may get too in depth for some...but it's pretty spot on in dissecting what's so brilliant in Miyazaki's storytelling techniques.

Here's one of my favorite posters in my collection.

10. No Way Out (1950) - dir. Joseph L. Mankiewicz

9. It Felt Like Love (2013) - dir. Eliza Hittman

8.  Top Five (2014) - dir. Chris Rock

7. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) - dir. Hayao Miyazaki

6. Night of the Hunter (1955) - dir. Charles Laughton

5. Edge of Tomorrow (2014) - dir. Doug Liman

4. Blue Ruin (2013) - dir. Jeremy Saulnier

3. Memories of Murder (2003) - dir. Joon-ho Bong

2. The Apartment (1960) - dir. Billy Wilder

1.  Under The Skin (2013) - dir. Jonathan Glazer

Everything I saw in 2014
1/1 - The Goodbye Girl  - rewatch
1/2 - Talk to Her - rewatch
1/3 - The Apartment
1/3 - Woman of the Year
1/6 - Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
1/6 - Submarine
1/7 - The Host
1/7 - Man of Steel
1/7 - Seconds
1/8 - Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger
1/8 - I Saw The Devil
1/9 - Failan
1/11 - Prisoners
1/15 - The Last Stand
1/15 - 20 Feet From Stardom
1/15 - Devil's Pass
1/16 - Lovelace
1/17 - World War Z
1/18 - Thanks For Sharing
1/20 - Play It Again Sam
1/20 - Touchy Feely
1/21 - I'm So Excited
1/22 - Premium Rush
1/23 - Jobs
1/23 - Rewind This
1/27 - Monsters University
1/28 - You're Next
1/29 - Lonely Boy
1/30 - R.I.P.D.
1/30 - The American President - rewatch
2/1 - 52 Pick Up
2/3 - The Spectacular Now
2/4 - Cape Fear (2011) - rewatch
2/10 - True Detective, Girls (2 episodes)
2/11 - True Detective, Girls (2 episodes)
2/12 - True Detective, Girls (2 episodes
2/12 - The Presence
2/13 - True Detective, Girls (2 episodes)
2/14 - Down and Dangerous, Girls (2 episodes)
2/16 - True Detective, Girls (3 episodes)
2/16 - Somewhere Between
2/16  - Leap of Faith
2/16 - Popatopolis
2/17 - Girls (3 episodes)
2/18 - Seduced and Abandoned; Girls (3 episodes)
2/19 - Girls (4 episodes)
2/20 - Girls (4 episodes), Thief, The Apparition
2/23 - Girls
2/24 - No Way Out (1950), Breaking Bad (2 episodes)
2/25 - Free Samples, Breaking Bad (6 episodes)
2/26 - Orange Is The New Black (4 episodes), Smile
2/27 - Orange Is The New Black (2 episodes), Töte mich (Kill Me)
2/28 - Orange Is The New Black
3/1 - L'Avventura, Orange Is The New Black (2 episodes), American Gigalo
3/2 - Oscars
3/3 - Classic Alice
3/4 - Orange Is the New Black (4 episodes), The Hard Way (rewatch)
3/5 - True Detective
3/6 - Spring (work-in-progress), Protestors (short), True Detective, In A World, The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
3/7 - Blindsided, Haunter, Klute, The French Connection, The Trouble With Harry, The Newsroom (3 episodes)
3/8 - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
3/9 - Sweetwater, Girls, The Newsroom, Linsanity, True Detective
3/10 - Higher Ed (stage table read), The Newsroom (2 episodes)
3/11 - The Newsroom (2 episodes)
3/12 - Memoirs of Murder, The Newsroom (2 episodes), North By Northwest
3/13 - Chaser, The Newsroom (2 episodes), Frenzy
3/15 - The Man From Nowhere
3/16 - Spring (work-in-progress), The Newsroom
3/18 - Girls, The Newsroom
3/19 - Contracted, The Newsroom, The Best Man Holiday,
3/20 - Top of the Lake (2 episodes), Laura, Biography: Gene Tierney
3/22 - Don John
3/24 - Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show clips
3/25 - We Are What We Are, Shark Tank (2 episodes)
3/27 - GI Joe: Retaliation
3/30 - Mad Men (2 episodes), Liberal Arts
3/31 - Mad Men (5 episodes)
4/1 - Mad Men (3 episodes)
4/3 - Locke
4/4 - King of Herrings, Misfire: The Rise and Fall of the Shooting Gallery
4/5 - Missing Piece (short), This Is Normal (short), The Best Friend (short), The Architect (short), The Next Life (short), The Sidekick (short), 45 RPM, The Sacrament
4/6 - The House That Jack Built, Teddy Bears, Captain America
4/8 - Shark Tank, Sweet Smell of Success, Ain't Them Bodies Saints,
4/9 - Hello Ladies (2 episodes), Bad Milo
4/10 - Riddick, Hello Ladies (5 episodes)
4/11 - Hello Ladies, Shark Tank
4/12 - Shark Tank, Confessions of a Super Hero
4/13 - Oculus, With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story
4/14 - My Cat From Hell
4/15 - Milius
4/16 - Beneath, Lola Versus, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
4/17 - Harper, Parts Unknown (2 episodes), Nurse
4/18 - Rio Bravo (rewatch), Frozen
4/21 - Mad Men (season 6), Evil Dead (2013)
4/22 - Mad Men, Prince of Darkness (filmmaker commentary)
4/23 - Afternoon Delight, Silicon Valley (2 episodes)
4/24 - The Lifeguard, Knights of Badassdom
4/25 - Black Rock, Lifeboat (rewatch)
4/26 - Shark Tank, Favor
4/27 -  Dallas Buyers Club, Silicon Valley,
4/28 - Mad Men, Parts Unknown
4/29 - Breaking the Waves, Mortified Nation, Ordinary People (rewatch)
5/1 - Parts Unknown
5/2 - Bates Motel (2 episodes)
5/3 - Shark Tank, Bates Motel
5/4 - Unhung Hero, Broadway Idiot, Grave Encounters 1, Grave Encounters 2, Tootsie Behind the scenes doc,
5/5 - Bates Motel (2 episodes), Mad Men
5/6 - Bates Motel (2 episodes)
5/7 - Une Liberation
5/8 - Chef
5/10 - Shark Tank, Bates Motel (2 episodes)
5/11 - The Devil Wears Prada (rewatch), Escape From Tomorrow, Beautiful Creatures, Bates Motel, Back in the Day
5/12 - Neighbors, Mad Men, Silicon Valley, Best Night Ever
5/14 - That Awkward Moment, Suits (season 3)
5/15 - Starting from Scratch, Suits (2 episodes)
5/16 - Brewster McCloud, Hard Times, Swingers (rewatch), Suits (2 episodes)
5/17 - Eyes Without A Face, Suits (2 episodes), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
5/19 - Silicon Valley, Mad Men
5/20 - Sneakers (rewatch), Suits (4 episodes)
5/21 - Suits
5/22 - The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, Suits (3 episodes)
5/23 - Suits (2 episodes)
5/24 - Craigslist Joe, Blind Date (rewatch)
5/26 - Mad Men, Gremlins (rewatch), The Goonies (rewatch)
5/28 - Phenomena, Triangle (rewatch)
5/29 - Vampire Academy, House of Cards (2 episodes)
6/1 - Silicon Valley, House of Cards (2 episodes)
6/2 - House of Cards (4 episodes)
6/3 - House of Cards
6/5 - Castle (2 episodes)
6/6 - House of Cards (4 episodes)
6/7 - House of Cards (2 episodes), Odd Brodsky, Love in the Time of Monsters
6/8 - House of Cards (5 episodes)
6/9 - House of Cards (5 episodes)
6/10 - Liars Fires and Bears
6/12 - Orange is the New Black (2 episodes)
6/15 - Orange is the New Black (3 episodes)
6/16 - A Bittersweet Life, Erin Brockovich (rewatch), Orange is the New Black, Hannibal
6/17 - L.A. Confidential (rewatch), Orange is the New Black (2 episodes), Hannibal, Doctor Who
6/18 - Chinatown (rewatch)
6/19 - Orange is the New Black (4 episodes), Fargo (film, rewatch)
6/21 - Doctor Who (6 episodes), About Last Night (2014)
6/22 - Star Wars (kitbashed version), The Last American Virgin (rewatch)
6/23 - Aliens (rewatch)
6/24 - BTS Aliens
6/25 - BTS Aliens, BTS Alien 3
6/26 - American Virgins, Invasion for Flesh and Blood, Flesh Eaters from Outer Space
6/28 - Top Secret (rewatch), Scarlet Moon
6/29 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
6/30 - Doctor Who
7/7 - Detour
7/11 - Entourage (Season 1 - 6 episodes) - rewatch
7/13 - Entourage (5 episodes) - rewatch
7/14 - Entourage (4 episodes) - rewatch
7/15 - Entourage (2 episodes) - rewatch
7/16 - The Naked Prey
7/17 - Doctor Who, Frisky Business (2 episodes)
7/18 - Lucid, Entourage (3 episodes) - rewatch
7/19 - Better Off Dead (rewatch)
7/20 - Entourage (2 episodes) - rewatch
7/22 - The Writers Room (Breaking Bad)
7/25 - Normal Life; Under The Skin
7/26 - Magic in the Moonlight;
7/27 - The Wrong Man
7/28 - The Lego Movie
7/30 - Terms of Endearment (rewatch); It Felt Like Love
8/1 - Entourage (2 episodes) - rewatch
8/2 - Entourage (3 episodes) - rewatch
8/3 - Entourage (7 episodes) - rewatch
8/4 - Doctor Who (2 episodes)
8/5 - Entourage (2 episodes) - rewatch
8/6 - Entourage (2 episodes) - rewatch
8/7 - Entourage (6 episodes) - rewatch
8/8 - Entourage (2 episodes) rewatch
8/10 - Entourage (2 episodes) rewatch; Alien Abduction; Stage Fright
8/12 -Doctor Who (2 episodes)
8/13 - Entourage (3 episodes) - rewatch
8/14 - Ender’s Game
8/21 - Sahara Drifters; Entourage (3 episodes) - rewatch
8/23 - Black Water Vampire; Student Exchange (rewatch), Doctor Who (1 episode)
8/25 - Entourage (3 episodes) - rewatch
8/26 - Entourage (8 episodes) - rewatch
8/27 - Entourage (3 episodes) - rewatch
8/28 - Entourage (3 episodes) - rewatch
8/30 - Entourage (2 episodes) - rewatch
8/31 - Entourage (8 episodes) - rewatch
9/1 - Entourage (3 episodes) - rewatch; Californication (6 episodes); House of Lies (1 episode)
9/5 - They Came Together;
9/6 - Californication (3 episodes)
9/7 - Californication (6 episodes)
9/8 - Californication (3 episodes)
9/9 - Californication (3 episodes)
9/15 - Californication (1 episode)
9/16 - Californication (3 episodes)
9/20 - Secret Lives of Dorks, Switched At Birth
9/21 - Switched At Birth (6 episodes)
9/22 - Switched At Birth (1 episode)
9/23 -  Switched At Birth (1 episode)
9/24 -  Switched At Birth (1 episode)
9/25 -   Switched At Birth (1 episode)
9/26 -  Switched At Birth (1 episode)
11/2 - Cuban Fury, Walking Dead
11/3 - Walking Dead
11/4 - The Glass House,
11/5 - The Fault In Our Stars, Begin Again, Walking Dead
11/6 - Stretch, Altman, The King of Comedy (rewatch), Far and Away (rewatch), Walking Dead
11/7 - Walking Dead
11/9 - Edge of Tomorrow, Winter’s Tale, Think Like A Man Too
11/10 - Switched at Birth
11/11 - Top Chef
11/12 - Walking Dead, Leave Her To Heaven, The Newsroom
11/13 - Might Aphrodite (rewatch); Vicky Cristina Barcelona (rewatch);Top Chef; The Walking Dead
11/15 - Three Amigos (rewatch); Young Guns
11/16 - Dreamscape (rewatch); Ping Pong Summer;
11/17 - 3 Days To Kill; Switched At Birth; Looker (rewatch); Time After Time (rewatch)
11/18 - National Treasure (rewatch); National Treasure 2 (rewatch); Switched At Birth; Blue Ruin; Hateship Loveship;
11/21 - 22 Jump Street; Snowpiercer
11/22 - Hunger Games: Mockingjay
11/23 - Top Chef;
11/24 - Hello Ladies; Unnerved (Cut 2)
11/25 - The Great Race (rewatch); Grand Prix; Wish You Were Here
11/26 - The Walking Dead; MacBeth
11/27 - The Walking Dead;
12/4 - The Walking Dead
12/5 - The Walking Dead
12/6 - The Walking Dead
12/7 - Pretty Maids All in a Row; Selfie; The Newsroom
12/8 - Sweet Hostage; Tron: Legacy
12/9 - Match Point (rewatch); Top Chef; The Walking Dead
12/10 - Inland Empire
12/11 - Night of the Hunter; Selfie, The Walking Dead
12/12 - Spirited Away (rewatch); Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind; The Walking Dead
12/13 - Castle in the Sky; The Walking Dead; Kiki’s Delivery Service (rewatch)
12/15 - Paprika
12/16  - The Swimmer (rewatch); Selfie; No Borders
12/20 - Birdman; Guardians of the Galaxy; Made in Paris
12/24 - Woman of the Year (rewatch); The Reluctant Debutante; Love Actually (rewatch)
12/26 - The Mating Game
12/27 - Black Mirror; Top Five;
12/28 - Sunday in New York; American Sniper
12/29 - Black Mirror
12/30 - Selfie; The One I Love, Black Mirror
12/31 - Sherlock; 100 Foot Journey