What I Was Watching in October 2021
Much of October was spent finally making my way through The Wire, so I really just snuck in some movies where I could. It’s been a really fun month for new releases, so I actually got to venture to the movie theater a bit more. It’s starting to feel a bit more “normal,” even if I am still diligently selecting seats in each showtime far away from anyone else in the the theater. But when it came to films at home, I took advantage of a few Bond movies showing up for free on prime for a couple days and tried to indulge in some Halloween flicks.
Double, Double, Toil & Trouble
Hulu
Despite having a great time watching this movie with a friend to kick off Spooky Season, it is not a great film. But that’s what we need when it comes to nostalgic holiday movies, especially when it features some absolutely adorable early Olsen twin performances. It’s silly, it’s cheesy and Will from Will & Grace is there looking every inch the traditional ‘90s parent. What more could you ask for?
The Verdict: 2.75/5
Clerks
HBO Max
It’s fascinating to me how some movies age terribly and end up cringe-worthy, and others become more of a time capsule filled with nostalgia. Thankfully, Clerks is the latter. I didn’t love it, but seeing the deadbeat teens/early twenty-somethings working retail jobs - including at a video rental store - absolutely brought me back. The dated language and aesthetics somehow work for it rather than against it.
The Verdict: 3/5
Casino Royale
Prime
I’ve never been a huge James Bond fan, but when I saw Prime was offering the two Daniel Craig installments I hadn’t seen, I jumped at the chance. This movie was irrationally fun. It was a spy story in every sense of the world and immediately went towards the top of my Best Bond Films list. It almost worked against Craig’s version of Bond since his debut in the role was possibly the best one from the entire run.
The Verdict: 3.75/5
Quantum of Solace
Prime
Then there is Quantum of Solace. I was shocked to see how short it was (a solid 45 minutes less than Casino Royale), but by the end I was relieved. I just didn’t care about this story and its outcome. It’s only been a couple weeks since I watched it and I’m actually struggling to even remember the plot. Craig is as charming as ever, but that is true in everything I’ve seen him in, so it doesn’t make this stand out in any way.
The Verdict: 2.75/5
Young Frankenstein
Prime
Somehow, despite being so Mel Brooks, it feels timeless. It’s absurd, absolutely ridiculous and exceedingly silly. And it was a perfect movie to watch after a rough day at work. While it was a picture perfect option for a Halloween movie night, I can see myself going back to it anytime I need a low-stakes laugh. It’s even better if you imagine it as the sequel to Willy Wonka in the Gene Wilder Cinematic Universe.
The Verdict: 4/5
The Fugitive
HBO Max
In Lindy West’s book, Shit, Actually, she compared every movie she writes about to The Fugitive, which she calls film perfection, so when I saw this was leaving HBO this month, I had to fill this gap in my pop culture knowledge. While I wouldn’t call it perfect, I will say that I’m glad I finally watched it. It’s hard to go wrong when Harrison Ford is involved, if you ask me.
The Verdict: 3.5/5
Chaplin
Hulu
I knew nothing about Charlie Chaplin before watching this 1992 film and found the story fascinating. It doesn’t shy away from the sketchier parts of his life (like his tendency to marry women who were borderline-illegally young) but also highlights the significant effect he had on Hollywood. It was also good to be reminded that Robert Downey, Jr., is something more than Iron Man.
The Verdict: 3.5/5
I’m moving from spooky territory into cozy territory. If you have any go-to movies that are perfect to watch while snuggled up under a blanket with some tea and a pet nearby, share them in the comments below!