What’s going on in here?
Welcome back to Leave Me Alone! I’m in Here!
Every other week, I invite you into my room, where I’m watching, reading, listening, and dreaming. The door only stays open for a little while, so get comfy while you can…
What am I watching?
The Oscars happened, mostly as expected. I won my office’s Oscar predictions contest, and now I have a fun little trophy to keep on my desk until next year. Now that we’ve moved on from Hollywood’s biggest night, I’ve been watching other stuff!
Here’s what I’m into right now:
Dogma. I hadn’t seen this movie in probably 20 years, thanks to its longstanding unavailability. I recently found my DVD, and I had a blast revisiting Kevin Smith’s most high concept work. It’s still funny, Linda Fiorentino is still extremely sexy, and the line “No pleasure, no rapture, no exquisite sin greater than central air” is still something I say to myself every summer.
Nashville. No, no the Robert Altman classic, the Callie Khouri one. I accidentally started a rewatch last night when I was scrolling Roku’s streaming service, Howdy (I know right?) and my thumb clicked the play button entirely of its own volition. This show was ridiculous, soapy, and overwrought. It’s a great time, and it had some fantastic music, thanks to music supervisors T Bone Burnett and later, Buddy Miller. I also just love Nashville, unitalicized. One of my dearest, closest friends lives there, I just got to visit in December for the first time in over a decade, and this rewatch is giving me a lot of opportunities to point at places I know.
The Comeback. After nearly eleven years, The Comeback is returning for one more season, which started last night. I am writing this before the premiere, but I’ve been revisiting the first two seasons in anticipation. It’s one of the best, most underrated comedies of the 21st century, and I can’t wait to see how it wraps things up for Valerie Cherish.
I watch a movie every day, and this year I’m really hoping to see more international films, more classic films, and more queer films. Follow me on Letterboxd to see what I’m logging every day!
What am I listening to?
I have a job that involves a lot of tasks that I get to sit and do by myself mostly without interruption. Currently, these songs are on repeat while I do my little tasks:
Get In or Get Out by Hot Hot Heat
Born to Die by Lana Del Rey
Sinner by the Last Dinner Party
Do the Panic by Phantom Planet
What am I crying about?
My late thirties have become a time to cry, and I’m embracing it. Here’s what’s getting me this week:
The SNL sketch where Harry Styles plays Aidy Bryant’s dog/boyfriend, Doug. I just liked how much she loved her dog.
The detritus of someone’s entire life being picked over at an estate sale (usually by me.)
That’s it! Pretty light on tears this week.
What am I thinking about?
This week, other things I feel like talking about include:
I went to a MovieJawn gathering last week and I had a wonderful time. I knew I would, but I felt so inspired and invigorated after getting together with so many great people. So much of my journey with MovieJawn has been about, not to be cliche, putting myself out there. I was terrified to apply, terrified to be accepted, terrified to submit my first review. This summer, it’ll be two years since I’ve joined MovieJawn, and sometimes I’m still terrified, but I am amazed at how many good things can come from just showing up.
A new tattoo! I haven’t gotten tattooed in years, and I’ve had the itch for a while. Now that I’ve done it, we are so back. I want a thousand more. Stupid ones, beautiful ones, meaningful ones, fun ones. I love my little devil gal from Em at DeKaying Tattoos!
What am I working on?
The spring issue of MovieJawn is out in the world! This is a beautiful issue with amazing pieces from our MJ team. Plus, you get a merit badge and a beautiful prayer card with your order! Check it out if you’d like MovieJawn in your mailbox.
My review of Tow is live now on MovieJawn.com. My column, Viewers Like Us, has a new edition running later this week.
VideoJawn goes live on March 24! Join me and my MJ colleague, Genevieve Radosti, for our monthly Instagram Live show where we celebrate all things physical media. We’ll be live on MovieJawn’s Instagram at 8pm EST.
It’s not hot yet, but it’s coming. I got to thinking about Southern gothic films; sweaty and steamy and a little bit dangerous. Check out my list, and let me know if you watch any of my recommendations!
Now get out of my room!
That’s it for this edition of Leave Me Alone! I’m in Here!
If you’ve read any part of this, I am so grateful! I hope to see you back here again soon.