Films I watched this past month
and loved!
Madelynn here, reporting from the end of The Art of Slowing Down’s Digital Dopamine Detox. For the past 30 days I’ve had plenty of new-found time to be in nature, work out, work at ceramics, have guilt-free no phone time, indulge in new movies, etc! Here are some films I watched (and loved) this past month during this magical time of slowing down digitally!
✴There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954) ✴
I watched this not knowing what to expect, other than the fact that Marilyn was in it. I ended up falling in love with Mitzi Gaynor, and one scene in particular - Marilyn’s Tropical Heatwave number! The set and costume design remind me of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland, which debuted in 1963, full of singing animatronic tropical birds. So. Much. Fun!
✴ The Princess and the Frog (2009) ✴
I can’t believe this film came out in 2009, and I can’t believe I’d never seen it before! I really enjoyed watching a newer Disney film that was 2D animated - what a breath of fresh air! Apparently this is the last hand-drawn animation Disney has done. It’s incredibly charming, set in New Orleans with tons of dancing and singing animals, lots of spooky voodoo scenes, tarot cards, LOVE, the whole shebang! A whole lot of fun and super wholesome. Highly recommend if you’re craving a sweet animation!
✴ Red Rocket (2021) ✴
Red Rocket follows a sleazy ex-porn star who crawls his way back to his hometown in Texas, forcing his way back into his ex’s life and home (technically still married), ultimately falling for a way younger girl working at a donut shop. Simon Rex’s character is absolutely absurd and hilarious, and yes, he plays an excellent sleaze-bag which is really fun to watch! The only other film I’d seen of Sean Baker’s up until this point was Tangerine, which I enjoyed and loved the fact that it was shot on an iPhone 5. I love becoming familiar with a filmmaker’s work because you start to see the through lines that connect all of the films. This was also my first introduction to Suzanna Son, who is adorable!! I think you’ll enjoy this film if you love Fish Tank or just want something ridiculously funny to watch.
Madelynn’s Film Review Corner debuted two years ago in my first Monthly Digest video. You can also read more here in my first ever Substack! Feel free to follow me on Letterboxd where you can see reviews/ratings of these films and MORE! :-)
Until next time!!!
im so obsessed with madelynn's film review corner!
My very favorite movie is Columbus. I’d say Tangerine may fall into a similar category. I hope that you will post more of these.