Mel Rygus

Oh hell yeah! Almodóvar was firing on all freak cylinders with this one! I need someone to discuss the final moments with me because I love how Marina’s expression can be interpreted multiple ways as she drives off into the sunset. Happily ever after?  *Watched as part of the Criterion Challenge - #41. Spine #701-750*

How interesting that after years of watching instant classic Jimmy Stewart performances, I finally encountered a deeply unlikeable one. Stewart plays the domineering yet clueless doctor caught up in an assassination plot in a curious buffoonish fashion. His accent was… interesting and I would not have been shocked had there been a final act reveal that he was actually a British spy undercover and doing their best approximation of a midwestern doctor.  The mystery itself loses its way as the story progresses, with characters at times responding in a rather confounding fashion to circumstances that *should* feel much higher stakes. There are still some incredible moments here - Jimmy Stewart’s physical comedy at the Marrakech restaurant trying to align his gangly limbs into a passably comfortable position while he sits on the low cushioned seating and the tussle at the taxidermist (say that 5 times fast) were wonderful. The sheer scale of the Royal Albert Hall sequence was undeniable, but I found some of the climactic moments wanting compared to the grandiose setting. I also wish Doris Day was given more to do, but she does her best as the sidelined Hitchcock blonde.  I’ll certainly watch the original ‘34 version one day, but the story isn’t one I’m eager to revisit anytime soon. *Watched as part of the Criterion Challenge - 17. Prequel/Sequel/Remake/Reimagining.*

Still catching my breath. When will we ever fucking **LEARN**?!! *Watched as part of the Criterion Challenge 2026 - 33. War*

Essentially a feature length ad for Susan Alexander - but also it kind of worked on me because I have never wanted a chunky charm bracelet more. Straddles an interesting line between wearing its influences proudly on its sleeve and tongue being placed firmly in cheek. A bit exhausting and didactic at times, but also I might be a tad too millennial for some of this Gen Z, “I’m just a girl”, fast fashion, Pinterest core riff on *The Craft.*