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Reviews
Teardrop (2022)
Atmospheric supernatural teacher nightmare
As a former teacher, I watched Teardrop with perhaps a jaded eye. Would any high school teacher take three kids on a field trip to a location that doesn't even show up on a GPS? They'd never get past the permission slips. But that sort of thing aside, the western mystery/horror film had good production values, a surprisingly talented cast, and some genuinely creepy scenes. The actor who plays Chris, the lead teacher, reminds me of Karl Urban in all the best ways. There were some sly nods to horror movie tropes, which I always love -- and burlap-headed scarecrows always creep me out. The bartender/hotel proprietor Denver was laconic and had a depth that was unexpected...like he'd played this scene before, and maybe he had..even with the main character. It's definitely worth watching, and even if you know where some of the scares might come from, it's fun to watch everybody get there.
Hector and the Search for Happiness: Around the World with Simon Pegg (2015)
Made me happy
This pandemic is awful for so many reasons. This movie really lifted my spirits and allowed me to travel vicariously. Plus, it was a great reminder that happiness is a journey, not a destination. That probably sounds trite, and I don't care. It's true.
Carnival Row (2019)
Magical, weaves a spell
I really love this new show...I think the attention to detail in world building is exceptional. Of course, that means that information you need to understand the story is revealed slowly, but that's as it should be. Some absolutely wonderful actors too: Orlando Bloom, Cara Delavinge, Tamzin Merchant, David Gyasi and so many more. Everyone on the show is fantastic. It does have a political overlay, which I really enjoy, because it makes the show not just another fantasy, but a show that reflects current events through a fantasy lens.