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7/10
Listen to your grandmother. She knows things.
5 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
My dear grandmama Pesada, who came from Uqbar, was well acquainted with Tlzédeczkanü. They became friends in youth and escaped the Iron Triangle tenements together, using knotted bloomers and a well-situated lightning rod. They worked back-to-back in the same sponge factory, using metal straws to blow holes into soft blobs of melted latex and cellulose. My grandmother's lips were leathery and scarred by the hot metal straws even into her old age. So I can attest to the utter veracity of this story, for Tlzédeczkanü (whom Nonny called Tlz) was the wisest woman she'd ever met, which is of debatable merit considering Nonny dated Dali and ate all of his ants before he could get her portrait finished.

Although it is a bit overlong and might have benefited from some footage - particularly if one could get a motion picture camera into hell without all of the pixels flying out of it - this was an enjoyable foray into surrealism.
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The Less Said (2014)
8/10
An elderly farmer takes a journey to resolve old relationship issues
5 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is a simple, heartfelt short film. The lead actor is especially affecting. The landscape reflects a bleak autumnal feel and the long drive is made interesting by dialog that may or may not all be in his head. There are revelations and conclusions, a near-miss, and a wavering between hope and resignation. I think everyone who's ever driven with a memento mori in their car will find this a relateable and satisfying journey.
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Jump Cut (2013)
6/10
An artisan and his customer discuss purchase terms of a mysterious and deceptively powerful product
5 December 2017
I like the premise, and the subtle nod to movies like "Bullitt" that have action moving seemingly without logic from one area to another in a known landscape, flying defiantly in the face of known geography. Given a bigger budget, it would have been fun to have had a couple of cars chasing down a street, but I understand the economic constraints.

In terms of the film's quality, establishing shots were a little long, acting was a little stilted at times. I think I might have enjoyed it better with a few closeups, giving us a closer glimpse into the characters. But it's a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of loving a place.
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Square Pegs (1982–1983)
2/10
Even worse than real high school.
21 April 2010
I thought Freaks and Geeks was a much more accurate portrayal of the kids I knew in high school - Lindsey is the ONLY character I've ever actually felt any kinship toward in any TV show I've ever watched.

I graduated high school in 1979 so was just a few years ahead of the kids in Square Pegs. I didn't watch it when it came out, but I rented it recently thinking it was harmless entertainment for a teen or tween. My daughter had already watched a few episodes when I passed by and realized in horror that almost every other laugh-track explosion was approbation to all the "fat" jokes about a pretty little teen built like a padded toothpick. How many girls watched this show and judged their bodies based on Sarah Jessica Parker and Tracy Nelson? Really. It's sickening to think anyone ever thought that kind of mean-spirited humor was funny or appropriate. That's not quirky - and if you think it's funny, maybe you're not as witty as you imagine yourself to be.

Basically well-acted, but the script is trite and the laugh track makes me want to drill my eardrums out with a skewer - if only I could do that BEFORE the theme song starts up. If I had to choose between a slow agonizing death and watching Square Pegs again, I'd take Square Pegs if they threw in some earplugs. But... I'd have to think it over.
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