Weekly Roundup #4.
Weekly Roundup #4.
What has Toni been digging as of late?
From an actual Friday the 13th baby, Happy Halloween to everyone celebrating, and welcome to the latest roundup (the spooky edition)! I'm sure we're all thinking the same thing: life has most definitely been tough as of late, a confusing and continued mesh of extreme peaks and valleys. I've been buckling to whatever fate each day decides for me, and today, I'm feeling generous! In an attempt to bring me some joy, I would like to take an opportunity to share something that'll possibly lift spirits and crack smiles: another collection of media takeaways curated by Moi. While I would love to be strict with myself and narrow this down to a recap of this past week, which this series is supposed to be, I've gotten into so many new things this month, and I love the sound of a quick October recap. Yes, I know I also lacked restraint with my previous roundup, and I'm not saying this will become a pattern, butttt then again, let's just move forward with a rule of thumb that I'll always jump at the chance to provide as many recommendations as possible. It's what I do!
As we settle into the last quarter of the year, I'm amazed by how many phenomenal projects have come out thus far. I'm still playing catch-up with this year's releases, but taking my time has been worth it. Aside from my fall listens, ceremonial contrafact, the fairly new deluxe version of Willow Smith's empathogen album has been on repeat.
As I came into contact with ceremonial contrafact, this was the first time I listened to the entire album, so all 15 songs were a shock in the most complimentary sense. WILLOW is a forever gem, and lately I feel EVERYTHING also had me in my pop-punk bag, so I obviously expected something good; however, it's safe to say she went beyond the standard she set, and there's nothing more satisfying than seeing the growth of an artist in real-time. ceremonial contrafact creates a therapeutic bubble of crisp jazz fusion accompanied by a balance of balmy vocals and zealous roars. I can feel myself healing when an album makes me want to scream at the top of my lungs and rejoice, two sides of the same coin with a liberating potency.
Since we're on the topic of growth, I'm always down to bring up the persistent success of Leon Thomas III, and in that same breath, I still think he's highly underrated. I haven't genuinely enjoyed a modern R&B male artist in a long while, and I'm more than happy to give Leon his flowers. This is the man who gave us "Beg" with Elle Varner. If you don't know, it's time for some homework! We can start backward with his latest release, MUTT.
With R&B reminiscent of classics while oozing a slick and fresh personal style, MUTT simply expands on the skills he's already possessed as a singer-songwriter and producer. I love messy breakup music that sometimes ends sweet without letting you forget the sour, and it doesn't get more solid than that. Be sure to prepare for that title track earworm; it's promised, and I don't even want to rid myself of it.
One thing about Tyler, he's going to tell you a story. Whether you end up howling excitedly, squirming, laughing, or tearfully reflecting on a moment he found a way to tap into, it's quite the adventure.
His return with CHROMAKOPIA features guidance from the voice of his mother as he enters a new phase of life, a new level of adulthood that winds him as he now sees things from a different perspective. He meditates on the downsides of fame and materialism, dissecting monogamy and his desires and the consequences of coming from a broken family and how continuing those cycles births a sharp fear of what's coming next in his life. Another thing about Tyler, he will deliver a message about his relentless belief in his abilities, an infectious wave of confidence that pushes you to advocate for yourself, too.
In a project focused on celebrating transgender identity, Red Hot Org's TRANSA features Sade's return, her first song in over 6 years.
"Young Lion" serves as a letter to her trans son. In a heartfelt apology that addresses his lone battle and affirms the importance of his existence just as he is, an invaluable substance lives and breathes on the track. With 46 tracks from various artists, the benefit album will be released on November 22nd. Check out TRANSA when it drops!
For months, I've been binging Desperate Housewives, which turned out to be a fun surprise! I went into the show blind, not knowing much other than that it has a great cast and reached iconic status.
I expected a plain old comedy-drama and a jarring mystery element is introduced at the very beginning of the show. Each season, at least one character dies, leaving a new neighbor to arrive and wreak havoc in the suburb again. Whenever I believe I have an idea of what will happen, somehow I'm wrong, and that's exactly what I need in a television show: unpredictability. The ultimate theme is trouble in paradise, with a creative setup every time. Although I didn't start the show during the fall, it welcomed the season perfectly and made for an entertaining October watch full of suspense and thrills.
16 movies in October, not too shabby! Desperate Housewives has been on consistently, and I fear I've been neglecting cinema just a tad. I'm getting myself into the habit of returning to movies, and this month went pretty well! Here's some quick reviews:
Starting with a heavy hitter, The Shining is one of the greats for a reason: rich in color with knockout performances and many scenes to reference. I must add, surprise racism is my least favorite add-on to a movie, and it still feels very out of place here and unnecessary despite everything else remaining pristine. That was a choice and not a good one, but nonetheless, it's an unforgettable watch whether it's for that reason or not.
Ready or Not is a season favorite for me! The final girl has a shrilling scream that echoes throughout the film's chaos, and there's a pleasing ending that's both equally funny and gross. Definitely in the fun category!
I'm still coming down from the experience of seeing Death Becomes Her for the first time. With such a stacked cast, I can proudly state there's no underuse of anyone. The comedy has aged well for the most part, and the editing elevates it, abrupt changes inciting humorous shock. For its time, the VFX is still really impressive, with devilishly imaginative body horror that steals the show. Another one for the fun category, and I can see myself rewatching this plenty moving forward.
For good reason, Netflix movies have a bad rep, so I went into It's What's Inside not expecting much, but I will say it has a cool concept. With tighter writing, it could've been stronger; however, the product is good for what it is and, without a doubt, amusing and engaging. It's What's Inside is a new addition to the fun category and a contender to join the worst boyfriend in a film collection.
I didn't care for The Evil Dead at all. No plot, just vibes. Cringy performances, excessive and pointless noise, and an infamous overly violent scene that added nothing to the already stale narrative. Yeah, I only have smoke for this one. Gore lovers, enjoy. I'm good!
As Above, So Below is hilarious! I have no notes; it's absolutely terrible and perfect. Not much there in the scary department besides jumpscares, and if you are claustrophobic, there are tense scenes that could be distressing. Overall, very unserious and fun.
I have mixed feelings about Suspiria: I think it's fabulous eye candy with an interesting plot, yet I couldn't help but feel bored with most of it. I doubt I will watch it again, but I may, just to keep an open mind and see if my feelings change. This is a choice for the artsy-fartsy, no shade.
Despite its popularity, I never watched The Call. I've only seen random bits on social media and memes with Halle Berry over the years. Now, this movie isn't that good; it has a nice first act that builds the tension and holds it. The second act tries to maintain this excitement but ultimately fails, and it takes a dark turn that isn't enjoyable to watch, along with a very underwhelming ending. Occasional jumpscares might be effective for some, but the best part might just be Michael Imperioli's appearance. Maybe I'm biased.
Midway, my peoples, midway.
Caddo Lake is one of those movies where it's confusing and then you find out what the meaning is, and it's fair, but the experience of not knowing is much more gripping. Everyone's acting is solid, and it gets quite emotional as the topic inches toward grief. This is introduced early on but broadens in an unforeseen manner. I think it successfully creates an atmosphere where you have to pay attention, but the payoff varies.
Happy Death Day is silly. Suspend your disbelief to achieve peace with it.
Happy Death Day 2U is even better! My main problem with the first film is that it didn't expand on how the lead kept repeating her day, and while I know it's a movie, I want to understand how things work in the universe it takes place in. As you can see, I didn't take my own advice and suspend my disbelief, and I still enjoyed it, but the sequel is a sci-fi horror that gives more context and redeems the franchise for those who may have the same issue.
An act I really love is watching other people see Us for the first time. I could talk about this film foreverrrrr. It's a favorite of mine, wildly original, and legitimately scary, not only because of the horrors of the scenario but because of Lupita's commitment. I feel a deep fear every time, and that's why it's in my hall of fame. Most movies don't scare me, so it's an accomplishment. It's not about gore or jumpscares, but the ability to have me on the edge of my seat glued to the screen while also recoiling from not knowing where it's going.
I took my partner to see Little Shop of Horrors in a theater, and I'll never forget it. This movie is REAL camp, unadulterated goofiness with amazing practical effects. A top 5 musical, too. It was the best feeling to laugh at its ridiculousness with audience members and feel chills from cinema sound emphasizing flawless notes. My partner, who knew nothing about Little Shop of Horrors prior to this, now refers to it as a "comfort movie." Are we not perfect for each other?
Trap is a mess. I'll never shame a girl dad for putting his daughter on, but Josh Hartnett saved the movie with a perfectly unsettling performance. Themes that were hinted at but looked over in the grand scheme of things could've added consistency. Pretty funny, although it still needed more development and a smidge more Kid Cudi.
Coraline is a classic that raised me. That's it, that's all, and she will be rewatched every year.
Is the Paranormal Activity franchise usually unpromising? Without a doubt, BUT the 5th one's a charm! Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones has a clear plot, a cast with chemistry, and decent scares. It's really not bad when you don't have someone in your ear telling you otherwise. It's a fun category pick, for sure!
So, there was nothing quick about this, but I hope that with all of this content, you've found something to get into to end your Halloween with a bang and start November in high spirits. See you next month!