Wildernestle

And then one day there was nothing left.

The last drop of fossil fuels had been used up.

People had been advocating for a transitional economy for over a frustrated century, but no one had seriously invested in newfound potent mass marketed energy.

International travel, global commerce, the internet, buses, it was back to bona fide genuine local, with ye olde bikes and canoes and kayaks, the immediate area becoming much more fertile.

The wilderness wouldn't have stood a chance if virulent plague hadn't gradually set in, the North remaining largely unaffected as the virus raged then softened then dissipated.

There were lots of things to eat they just didn't taste particularly good, and without sugar and flavourings and candy things seemed bleak at times to many.

But since nature had been left unscathed as the years slowly and gingerly passed, people started to notice an abundance of animals and fish inquisitively inhabiting nearby lands.

They had to learn the old school ways that kept things flourishing thousands of years ago, and since many still knew how to read and write, schooling remained a top priority.

Old school books from older school libraries humbly chronicled ancient methods, for maintaining a healthy water supply and modestly farming without oil or gas.

But just as the movement to farm was liberally growing the conservative hunters scoffed and vilified.

The age old stand off wildly reemerging. 

In temperate chaos and wanton moderation.

*I hope that's not my future dad. I'd hate to be stuck in the same town forever.

**It very well could be son, our leaders aren't that future-oriented.

*I guess I'd get to learn to ride a horse. That might be kind of fun.

**You could even tame wild horses if it ever came indifferently down to that.

*I don't really like eating fish, but I guess there would be a lot of them.

**Tartar sauce may be tough to come by, or batter or oil or lemon.

*I have always really liked camping.

**Chillin' out under millions of stars.

*That never grows old. 

**No doubt.

*Bring on the agrarian armageddon. 

Haranglutton

Disenchantingly, the voracious craze for oil & gas having yet subsided, the forlorn day melancholically came when planet Earth had no more oil.

Level heads had pleaded for centuries to smoothly facilitate a transition plan, but inherent greed and inestimable faith in the status quo were insurmountable.

Cultures had begun to rely on AI to make their decisions for them, and it had not foreseen the inevitable scarcity nor uttered warnings about its hardships.

It was highly relied upon as billions of people asked it relevant questions, and followed its advice with openminded standing throughout the complexities of daily life.

Without oil there was no AI and people had to think once again, the grand overbearing gloomy imposition leading to madness in the most domesticated. 

The well-off had found subjective ways to creatively preserve their way of life, individually cut off from communities at large they made their way far off in the country.

Seeing their chance, the most ambitious of the disenfranchised raised their voices. 

And exclaimed in heartfelt crescendo. 

Their visionary ideas for a sustainable future. 

Time and care is articulated taken to passionately construct the alternative speeches, opposing ideologies steadfastly interwoven within their stately verbose orthodoxies.

The lofty presentation of high-minded ideals makes an impact amongst the faithful, and seems to be winning the derelict day before it's exoterically confronted. 

The here and now, the stresses of the moment the discovery of food for winter impressing, many people in its vigorous plea to indefinitely champion wants and needs.

It is a film I suppose, so what can be done when another group militaristically imposes, its brutal discipline and absolutist fervour throughout the helpless indoctrinated lands.

Unity of ideals and spirit still thriving.

In a mad doomsday Shakespearian scenario. 

With a steady focus on a struggling family.

Loved the bear strolling through the woods in the end.

Through the Trees

Itinerant industry flexibly enabled as resourceful families seek continuity, their newfound country strange and mysterious in haunting possession of otherworldly customs.

The sudden realization that you're actually there and need to learn a new language, simple things like buying groceries much more confusing at the startling outset. 

Finding work also a difficult task as cultural and linguistic barriers demotivate, yet perseverance and determination eventually lead to modest earnings.

Lodgings also tough to come by as rental negotiations require knowledgeability, yet with compassion and understanding rooms are eventually to be found. 

Community contacts are gradually made as the enthusiastic immigrants settle, local networks providing help as they seek to learn more about their neighbourhood. 

Other people in similar circumstances lend a hand and offer friendship.

But hostilities also emerge.

As communities struggle to get along at times.

The difficulties of learning a foreign language while simultaneously finding a job and somewhere to live, aren't lost on the filmmaking team as they showcase several scenes of inherent disillusionment. 

The manifestation of sympathetic people seeking to lend a helping hand also works well, people noting the newcomer's courage and keenly responding with tips and aid.

The focus on how things start to level out as more time passes is skillfully done, the not-so-smooth-at-times integration effectively facilitating highs and lows.

The scenes at work help to diversify the narrative as several different characters tell their tales, immigration stories from all over the world humanistically told with hardboiled eloquence.

Communal celebrations add a festive touch as the years pass with energetic resolve, the coming together of various traditions sewing resilient interactive multiplicities.

The humble transference of their origins and customs fruitfully enhances local cultural narratives.

Adding transfigurating depth. 

While keeping in mind local industry. 

Voyage to the End of the Universe

A multifaceted communal space vessel patiently travels throughout the universe, destined to land on Alpha Centauri with the hopes of encountering alien life.

They harmoniously deal with the consistent boredom and stoically embrace their interminable routine, remaining awake for most of the journey instead of simply sleeping in cryo chambers. 

With 40 crew members the potential for multiple different conversations and interactive alternatives, leaves many contented and active enough to overcome haunting claustrophobic anxieties. 

They exist hundreds of years in the future where free thinking minds have championed peace, and as they smoothly accelerate through different solar systems they meet phenomena unknown yet familiar.

An old spaceship from Earth in fact which was wildly occupied by thrill seeking gamblers, which wasn't ready for the journey to deep space and slowly succumbed to murderous sickness.

An unforeseen deadly dark star adamantly blocks their progress as well.

Its radiation causing the entire crew to slumber.

Adventurers frightened they'll never wake up. 

Not often you see celebrated commie cinema from the vilified Eastern Bloc no less, with its lucid focus on communal life and general commitment to studious exploration. 

It's pioneering sci-fi a cut above what I've seen so far from that distant time (the 1960s), its elaborate sets and reasonable schematics not as antiquated as some older movies.

The introduction of the "capitalist" spacecraft with its reckless gambling and weapons of mass destruction, makes a clever differentiation from the less volatile communists who sought newfound knowledge and peaceful integration (in the movies). 

It would be exciting to head into space on a miraculous ship destined for unknown galaxies, but the small town nature of its restrictive boundaries may have driven me crazy as time went by.

With no nature walks or animal sightings it would be like winter all the time, difficult to generate the same robust enthusiasm when there's little hope of extracurricular excursions. 

But if you could consistently descend to uncharted planets that would totally be motivating, and go for walks through rugged bush never before encountered while searching for food.

Star Trek does make spacelife sound fascinating if don't face destruction every episode. 

It would still be distressingly confined though.

Unlike the metropolitan island. 

The Wild Robot

A helpful and benevolent domestic robot finds itself stranded in the wilderness, on an isolated island abounding with wildlife whom it initially can't comprehend.

It requires tasks, a role to fulfill, calling and purpose, industrious discipline, but the animals refer to it as a monster and tend to avoid making direct contact.

Except for an audacious fox who attempts to help it learn natural ways, after it uses its advanced programming to study the different languages the animals speak.

Unfortunately, one troubling day, while out and about doing this and that within the forest, it takes a tumble and accidentally falls on a nest of birds and kills the mother.

A baby survives however and now has no one to guide and nurture him, the harsh wilderness stepping in to potentially claim a helpless soul.

But the robot sees a task that can be fulfilled with warmth and friendship, the gentle nurturing of the chick through kind instruction and didactic teaching.

The fox hangs around and the oddball trio makes a name for itself in the wood.

The other animals curiously taking note.

Of the non-traditional heartwarming activities. 

If you like North American wildlife and tender stories with a tough edge, working within the tradition of Terminator films without the focus on armageddon, you may come to love The Wild Robot with sincere unabashed expressive levity, it's thoughtful and well-done and has something to offer both adults and children.

The robot's like a much less bellicose humble Terminator who eventually learns the value of life, and how hard work and honest self-sacrifice produce sweetly flowing constructive communities. 

It even builds a winter lodge that the animals stay in to keep warm together, it's like drinking-in-the-Jungle Book's-lagoon times 1,000 in terms of exceptional cool fictional animal gatherings (there's a lynx, an opossum [they cute!]), porcupines, a bear, raccoons, deer, everything, the wildlife coverage is phenomenal!). 

With the elegant message, the eloquent lesson to move beyond limits and calculation, by employing kindness and warmth and empathy to the curation of life wherever it's found.

The variety is multidimensional and it effectively blends technology and nature.

Please train A.I to love animals. 

How could they pose a systemic threat?

*I'll be watching this on a yearly basis for sure. Probably in the winter. Loved it!

People of a Feather

Bustling brainstorm acute observation tantalized tutelage incumbent warmth, quiet excursion restive grassroots familiar faces communal camp.

Narwhal neoclassical beluga blessing bowhead breathtaking robust emergence, resident ricochet tenement tendrils lyrical loonstruck age-old-agility.

Vibrant traditions familial currents resilient routines ecological emphasis, concrete composure lithe Lithuwainfleet oceanic antiques contemporary crucible. 

Walrus vocal bohemian bearings arctic foxtrotters silky-smooth-seals, environment clasp local-candlestick-clutch tough rugged terrain isolated dimension.

Eider duck Danzigzag furnace-like feathers symbiotic cerveza pulmonastery, vivacious pluck convivial quacking ancient catharsis homeward bound.

Insulated foreground vehicular vessels shipshape subterranean flow, ecstatic elastic dainty dynastic islander daring geometric drizzle.

Latent insatiable hypnotic heptagon hippity-hopping painstaking Pluto, Dorothy daguerreotype offshore omittance burrowing plasticine shutterbug shrug.

Coy ventilation humble trajectory thoughtful behaviour patient contemplation, resonant courage capable cavalcade scientific construction brigade tectonics. 

Levitating plume atmospheric intensive elderberry wrinkle-in-tantamount-time, elective elocution democratic droving hydroelectric-heuristic-haste.

Popcornithological implicit seedling germinating hybrid synthetic somandrake, orbital thrush inquisitive oriole ambitious nuthatch formidable Blue Jays!

Solar capacity transmutable light molecular beams reservoir stake, skyrocket cymbal interplanetary musing nondescript neologism crack-of-the-bat!

Those eider ducks are hardcore.

Can't believe they winter in the arctic.

Good fortune for the hearty residents.

Cool relationship.

Coruscate clime. 

Daybreak

Athletic whimsy diligent comport innate reliability vigorous anime, disciplined strata convivial charm tight-knit community innocent resilience.

Balanced routine enveloped induction auspicious outfit improvised quiver, amber osmosis symbiotic strut inquisitive mesmer experimental drive.

Friendly expressions voluminous meaning honest reflection versatile worth, turn of the century meaningful moxy exercised spontaneity literate bloom.

Starbright sensation sudden emergence curious question lighthearted llama, delicate domicile surgical smittens florescent felicity gracious hiboollience.

Dashing indiscretion momentous immersion declarative supposition agile excursion, habitual harmonies melodious mantra affable amorous adorable accolades.

Healthy holistics nutritious dairy salubrious snack dependable sustenance, widespread delivery calculi cornerstone baccarat burnish instructive allay.

Unforeseen angst alternative measures arhythmic acrimony stupefied stanza, expedient regrouping semantic seduction voluptuous vaudeville alluring stake.

Intermittent mosey reluctant dialogue grumpy disposition shoreline smother, amusing persistence compelling candour unexpected orbit volatile gravity. 

Calumnious clash loquacious observatory fluid intensity starstruck ceremony, indifferent cadence complacent temper reticent vibe worrisome waivers.

Supple simplicity aloof largesse uncertain insistence carefree cascade, wondrous levitation modest serenade transisting solace whirlpool waves.

Mendacious explanation unabashed charlatan daring enigma eccentric spool, entwined continuity sincere exaggeration eloquent verbosity conspicuous charm.

Inherent distaste laconic displeasure unconvincing swank cacophonous crescendo, diabolic dénouement shocking altercation audacious talons maligned honour. 

Sufficient duelling incarnate eclipse old fashioned imbroglio dynamic darling, lavish la bamba bellicose bulletin fusillade flack aggrieved diagnosis.

Innovative soul structured sympathy hardworking composure elaborate mandate, constructive compassion tenacious tragedy atypical conflict candlelit character.

Still holds up almost a century later.

Loved the speech to the crowd.

Oil and water, latent misfortune.

Manifest irritation. 

Callous calamity. 

Mirror

Linear lexicon austere diagonal summative symmetry dreamlike dactylling, chatterboxspringboard indolent bygone somnolent vigil indisposed surplus.

Mercantile mosey infinitesimal obsessed meticulous decadent detail, insatiable artistry florid severity feverish function exacting calculi.

Narrative nutshells mutating tangents dashing trajectory cerebral psyche, baroque pastoral quizzical quagmire enticing stammer novel conception.

Delinquent twilight delirious dawn exuberant basking critical fortitude, garrulous botswanchimichungun variety homely holischticks Aragorn antics.

Petulant snide non-descript undulation incrementality boreal wavelength, icy thermometer candycanesugar domicile dojo sandcastle slush.

Opulent obscure byzantine impoverished wild ostentation clandestine swerve, communicado cobrahmbasheering catalyst Centigrade blockading simper.

Vervent dispute vehement orchestrations epochal whimcycle trailblazing bllama, alpacadaisical blithe intermittence Florentine fibrous enflummoxing folio.

Tomeo tantamountain'earinglattitude impacting magna cartisane arcadence, chrysanthemum quadrille incurious nascence beep-beep-beep-beep-beep electrode clavé.

Saffron servility chandelier shimmer kelvintenetic ardent waffling temper, popsicle pyjama primrose piñata bellwether wiggle-me sizzle-chun-chai.

Phonetic dictation Olivander vanguardian vinous cohesion recalcitrant rhythm, Pokemangaga google gastronome Q-Bergson daffadillweed chromosoma. 

La Bamba billowcase cellophane solo regurgitate piping incentive stampede, versatile friendship collective goodwill interconnecting switchboard sonority.

Cerveza sustenance nutritious narcolept secret ingredient tasty admixture, infinite patience modest expenditure tranquil experiment agile invention.

Faulknerian fables rustic romantics acoustic quantum calcified reverb, wandering innocence diligent thrush laidback discretion fluid ambience.

Solemn censorship Kafkaesque grid inherent displacement carousel quip, undaunted tenacity intricate vision puzzling inception theoretical flux.

I like puzzle stories.

Trying to make sense of things.

Better when you have more time.

To go over them again and again. 

The Milagro Beanfield War

Competing interests divergently envision the possible future of a rural town, one striving to see the local populace flourish, the other secretly leaving them behind.

A family man hardworking and fed up decides to irrigate his land with forbidden water, suddenly changing the fortunes of the town as the impoverished people line up behind him.

The water had been reallocated for the lavish construction of a new land development, many residents having already sold out to the vested interests and swiftly left.

So many people don't want to leave though and dig in deep to defend their rights, seeking employment and inclusive strategies which sincerely enable lifelong habitation. 

They're old friends and newfound companions who have already found where they want to live, there's no desire to pick up and go to a different town and then start over.

Why not find steady jobs for them and dynamically include them in strategic plans, finding a place for schools and hospitals the next generation of crafty citizens?

Those kinds of leaders deserve respect the ones who genuinely care for the people of their town, and holistically look far ahead to a future that substantially includes them and their families.

The Milagro Beanfield War offers a crash course in multilateral civil conflict (there's even a sociologist), when the interests of struggling people are smugly dismissed with hard-hearted unconcern.

A former lawyer who became a journalist attempts to lead them even though he's jaded, a determined feisty knowledgeable mechanic consistently encouraging his strict resolve.

Imagine cutting off the water supply from impoverished farmers trying to feed their families, it's a bona fide human rights disaster so often ignored with lofty disgrace.

The well-financed powers-that-be are hoping they'll ignore the distressing changes, and won't exercise their democratic rights to firmly hold onto their courageous town.

Mutual respect for the townspeople and the developers can lead to sustainable economic interests, if people aren't trying to cheat one another and honestly agree to progressively work together.

Too bad so much of everything is inefficiently structured along distrustful lines, conversation, books, the cinema, religious differences, shopping, the news. 

There are times when things are less bitter and collective involvement leads to great change.

Like public schools and universal healthcare.

Democratic governments. 

Universal dynamism. 

Údolí vcel (The Valley of the Bees)

The austere shadow of strict devotion objectively haunts upright ideology, as severe disciples refuse to compromise regarding life or blossoming community.

An adolescent enrages his newlywed father as he scandalously marries a teenage girl, after which he is sent to live in a religious order near the swelling sea so far away.

Life is strict and devout and disciplined but the brothers and knights care for one another, the passage of time accompanied by learning as they forge a nuanced unity of one.

Their vows are absolute however and changes of mind don't factor in, for some the endless praise and self-flagellation depressingly tedious as the years pass.

The boy, now an observant young man, loses faith with the order eventually, notably after a friend tries to escape and is then caught and fed to mad dogs.

Such an occurrence seems sincerely at odds with the Christian calling so he swiftly leaves, and heads back home to his old school castle to freely start life over once again.

But he's strictly chased by a fanatical knight who's gone mad and won't give him up.

No matter how bluntly he's adamantly rejected.

He refuses to ignore the Order's dogma. 

Another more worldly priest less emphatically consumed by absolute pretensions, lives in the world albeit a holy one and attempts to reasonably dissuade him.

His arguments are simple and wholesome temperately generated by communal life, the practical observations of unorthodox realities which still humbly fit with a loving God's teachings.

He reminds the passionate ideologue that the absolute application of religious teachings, will result in collective despondency since so many people simply can't live that way.

Isn't it better to live and attempt to follow the rules as best one can, and not to seek objective justifications to punish the people who've caused no harm?

The knight can't rationally stand the friendly and curious unafraid enclaves, as he meets them in a strange country where they aren't as pious as his native land.

When he hears that his old companion the one he's too blind to see he's in love with, has taken up with his father's widow and seeks to marry her with the priest's consent, he loses his mind in the "offending" foreknowledge that his friend will live an honest just life, likely even surrounded by a loving family strictly forbidden by the Order.

Madness follows, the furious yearning to end his object of desire's fruitful bearings.

The ending as tragic as so much ideology. 

As it imposes absolute calamity 

(There were so many more potential friends in the Order).

(I've mentioned this before but in case there's any confusion, I'm no longer looking to get married).

Criterion keyword: dogma (I was searching for the old school "Dogma Films").

Scrooge

Events traditionally unfold in the 1970 version of Scrooge, known perhaps for its musical flourishes and alternative takes on narrative contentions.

Scrooge remains as thoroughly miserly as one would expect if even vaguely familiar, and greedily refuses to grant the slightest clemency to any of his festive hard-working debtors.

To be expected, he also treats Bob Cratchit with cold and calculated avaricious disdain, and once again denies his humble nephew as he pleasantly invites him to Christmas dinner.

Many of the lines no doubt are almost identical to the 1951 classic, as it proceeds with temperate respect to the ageless wonder miraculously crafted.

It does struggle somewhat at times when the story isn't enriched through upbeat song, the less melodious dramatic scenes lacking convincing qualities effectively managed.

I did rather like the songs however and their exuberant convivial ecstatic fortitude, the fitting emphasis on play and fun mellifluously denoting communal cohesion.

Some of them are quite elaborate as well with dozens of extras performing in unison, the intricate nature of the ebullient dancing considerably impressive in stride and swoon. 

In this version, more attention is paid to Scrooge's apprenticeship with ye olde Fezziwig, and Alice is presented as Fezzi's daughter who Scrooge freely falls for even though he can't dance.

An extended scene romancing in the countryside adds much more romantic and amorous depth, Scrooge's inevitable inestimable turn all the more cruel and dishearteningly tempered. 

I always love the Fezziwig scene and it is rather short in some of the versions, I often think all of that effort for such a short time but at a younger age it did seem much longer.

Another notable difference looks at Scrooge's imagined descent into Hell, where he encounters Jacob Marley again and finds himself enlisted as Satan's clerk. 

The final song the purchase of the toys is rather well done Scrooge's generosity unsurpassed.

Not in keeping with the season to state overzealous!

How could it be!

Merry Christmas, everyone. 🎄🎅🤶🌟⛄𐂂👼

That Christmas

Awkward alternatives bravely manifest upon a far off inventive seaside stage, where newfound bold uncharacteristic reimaginings strut and flutter in this day and age.

The Christmas season immersively configureights as local residents stride and muster, parents and innovative children alike emotively adopting seasonal levity.

But the routine quotidian yet fascinating happenings are soon traditionally cast aside, as a furious blizzard startlingly descends and the village is cut off from the outside world.

Not only that, but a group of parents suddenly finds themselves stuck off the side of the road, with no cellphone access residually roughing it their children forlorn and ever antsy.

Although they don't dwell on their parents' disappearance after Santa provides them with ideal gifts, and they calmly engage in festive shenanigans improvisationally utilizing the awesome presents.

Meanwhile, a lonesome youth whose father has forgotten about the special day, mournfully seeks the maladroit accompaniment of a local school marm since his mom has to work.

They dig in deep and courageously construct fortuitous memories for when she returns, as bucolic mischief and communal courtesy cerebrally celebrate felicitous feeling.

Another reason to fight global heating, to help ye olde England recover its bearings, a snowstorm may be present within the film but it's nothing compared to that received here in Canada.

In fact just last week 5 adamant feet of challenging snow diabolically descended (no exaggeration), and we were once again reminded of the pioneering spirit that legendarily engineered the development of our land.

If we can fight off global heating and turn the terrorizing tempestuous tide, winters will return to normal across the pond, and their films may once again inspire rugged confidence.

Santa nevertheless is indeed filled with such inclinations, as he braves the "storm" to generously give sought after gifts to the anxious young ones.

It's a cool take on St. Nick who uses his omniscience to choose perfect gifts for the children, and brilliantly leaves them something luminous and cherished before once again departing for his next destination.

A thoughtful shout out is gallantly given to freeform turkey kind in That Christmas as well, as the resident birds at a lacklustre barn are valiantly set free to avoid mealtime melees.

A chill hyped-up account of just how different Christmas might be if the alternatives bear fruit.

And even more innate goodness emerges throughout the season. 

Cool Christmas film embracing festive change.

Don't Play Us Cheap

Lo and behold, a classic dinner party festively abounding with rhythmic song, the random celebratory inspired exclamations as unconcerned and versatile as they are contagious!

But the laidback chill and welcoming get-together has found its pernicious carnal adversaries, uptight individuals austerely prone to bombastically break up the tranquil merrymaking.

Imps from Hell in fact who can instantaneously change their shape and form, initially existing as vainglorious bats before diabolically transforming into humanoid revellers.

They strive to impress the Dark Lord by ruining an otherwise felicitous night, seeking reward recompense and favour in abysmal pits ominously inhabited. 

Fortunately, the guests assembled are far too good natured to fall for their traps, and easily find reflexive criticisms carefreely capable of sustaining the fun.

Most of the characters have a song to sing that's full of harmonious hard-working accords, mellifluous tales of united resplendency avidly coaxing freeflowing rebellion. 

Salt-of-the-Earth recitals fluidly enchant with gracious exactitude, Melvin Van Peebles having written the songs while expertly directing the feature as well (originally performed as a live musical).

I loved it so much I found the soundtrack and listened to many of the songs again, impressive soulful collaborative music gossamer gospel Motown motivation.

The music continuously innovates the feverish climax bewitching ensemble, as many of the characters gather together and sing several songs at the same chillaxed time.

It starts out humble and modest and slow then virtuously builds as other artists join in, before suddenly emerging as a bona fide fulcrum of synergistic spectacular stardust.

Why not simultaneously compose mischievous quotidian narrative accompaniments, cheerfully championing hard work and play and teamwork and friendship and family and Christmas (not technically a Christmas movie)?

The food looks so good too and there's so so so much of it freely available.

Fortuitously praising one more Saturday night.

Tantalizing treatise.

Mind-blowing maestros.

Kameradschaft

A giant coal mine smoothly stretches from Northern France into agile Germany, both countries in hearty pursuit of abundant resources with industrious zeal.

But as the mine expands and diversifies far beneath the hospitable surface, disquieting developments awkwardly erupt which necessitate chill respective sagacity.

An extended blaze in this lucid case threatens the French side of the massive mine, which they continuously hold off until it overwhelms their sturdy equipoise. 

On the other side of the border, their German counterparts learn of the hardship, and passionately agree to send a rescue team complete with supplies to aid their brethren. 

There are dissenting voices but humanity vanquishes their lack of grace, and inadequate comprehension of goodwill as emphatically applied to angelic standing.

A bold attempt by G.W. Pabst to inspire collegial international relations, and combat the destructive swell ignominiously spreading throughout postwar Germany.

Imagine such alternative thoughts publicly co-existed with the infernal Nazis, and directly challenged their despicable ideology with warm compassionate multilateral friendship.

Within ye olde Kameradschaft we find initiatives which championed the European Union, with multiple languages and ways of life interdependently prospering ensemble.

Would Russia not be welcome one far off day if it abandoned its mad aggression, and devastating obsession to be as powerful as the democratic United States?

Black and white, Jewish and Arab, native and immigrant, does it make that much difference, is it not politically preferable to compassionately unite for common causes?

Look at the destruction in Palestine look at the savagery of the Oct. 7th attacks, is there not an infinitely more suitable way to conduct their alternative codes of conduct?

Don't you want to raise children with the peaceful knowledge that one day they'll do the same, instead of filling their minds with hatred to fight a war with no end in sight?

The sad thing is that before Oct. 7th things had relaxed a great deal in the region, and peace had thriven for so so long that uptight restrictions were widely placated.

I urge anyone in similar situations not to act aggressively should similar restrictions relax, and rather continue to cultivate peace until one day you have a European Union.

But it shouldn't have to come to such bitter malevolent ends.

If people pursue mutually beneficial camaraderie. 

One day one step at a time. 

Chan is Missing

Please forgive me if this film already has a large following and is widely cherished by many, I had just never heard of it before last week and was pleasantly surprised to see how good it is.

I thought it would make a solid Criterion so I checked to see if it was already in the collection, and even though I didn't find it in my initial search, that doesn't mean it won't make it some day.

Like Donald Sutherland's career, Chan is Missing is chill and flexible, consistently surprising with unexpected scenes, overflowing with creative dialogue regarding enigmatic subjects, Sutherland often added that eccentric touch to a mainstream flick that may have otherwise lacked variability. 

Take the sudden introduction of academic flair as a potential graduate student examines an interaction, between a policeperson of European descent and an aggrieved member of New York's Chinese community.

They're arguing about mundane mechanics and she investigates the dialogue with brilliant cultural awareness, lucidly comprehending both agile traditions with thoughts reminiscent of postmodern detectives. 

It passes quickly in the film it's just a touch of brilliance characteristically blended in, it could have easily been left out but its inclusion functions like an ingenious bay leaf.

I've read the controversy about the bay leaf online, does it actually add anything to the flavour?, while transporting its mythos to the realm of independent film I'd have to say that in this instance it most certainly does.

Chan is Missing is almost like film noir but it lacks some of the more sinister narrative elements, although overlooking compelling works of art such as this film is historically sinister and culturally destructive.

It isn't serious in a strict sense 😝 nor does it get carried away with its eclective lackadaisics, it's more like a remarkably clever production team applied incisive wit to a multilayered vortex (directed by Wayne Wang, written by Wang and Isaac Cronin). 

I'm really surprised by Marc Hayashi I don't recall ever having seen him in anything before, never as the leading man on his own cheeky sitcom, or as a recurring character actor like Earl Boen just showing up everywhere (he's good).

Chan is Missing is a solid Asian-American film that explicitly demonstrates laudable genius, and may have been overlooked because frankly if you're not looking for it, it's rare to ever see anything written and directed independently by Asian-Americans in North America.

I imagine the market's there and it could use more promotion in diversified fields. 

Perhaps it's already found them and unfortunately I'm just not familiar.

Nice that it's lacking swords and mysticism.

*In Canada there was a show called Kim's Convenience that was on for a while so it must have built quite the audience.

**I remember an Asian-American sitcom coming out in the States years ago that was critiqued for overemphasizing stereotypical characteristics.

***I didn't think Chan is Missing was stereotypical. I thought there were just a lot of cool characters being themselves.  

****Love Lucy Liu (Elementary).  

Thor: Love & Thunder

I must admit to reflexively preferring Star Trek's classification of the Gods, in the age old episode of The Original Series where the Enterprise's crew encounters Apollo.

He had to leave Earth long ago and set out to the Heavens in search of worshippers, along with his Greek and Roman brethren, eventually settling on an isolated planet.

Upon encountering the crew of the Enterprise, he seeks to coerce their admiration, but the imaginative space-faring ill-disposed citizens soon find a way to outmanoeuvre him.

Thor is rather chill for a God preferring to sleep in and engage in horseplay, when the people need him he courageously responds but otherwise disdains regal pomp and pageantry. 

Thus, he fits in well with laidback demonstrative interstellar particularities, and is much easier to actively root for than someone demanding obedience and loyalty.

I thought it was cool that Marvel included the less widely known Norse Gods in its narratives, because it was fun to learn more about them while watching the athletically staged theatrics.

But Love & Thunder introduces every God the all and sundry you can possibly imagine (even Q: The Wingéd Serpent), it's out of touch with the creative genius that led to the X-Men and the Avengers.

The abundant Gods no longer seek worship but rather inhabit a far off realm, where they lounge about and entertain as decorum permits with unheralded alacrity. 

Thor fittingly disrupts their balanced order keeping in tune with contemporary shenanigans, functioning in a similar way to Captain Kirk in that Star Trek episode from long ago.

Marvel and D.C's creative brilliance has no doubt been proven time and again, but as their films continue to exponentially multiply has Star Trek's multivariable imagination been overlooked?

Gods no doubt exist within the diverse multilayered Trekkian sagas, but the emphasis is usually on how human ingenuity can resourcefully outwit them.

Star Trek isn't as reliant on superhuman strength or exceptional idiosyncrasy, to find a logical working solution to the crafty predicaments it faces week after week.

Rather it champions science and the ingenious solutions expediently found, by a group of curious travellers who search the universe to expand their minds.

Marvel and D.C etc certainly deserve a place in the forefront. They've dynamically carved multiple scenarios overflowing with daring and remarkable teamwork.

But something's lost if Star Trek's focus on the human factor loses its cinematic edge.

Not just human, alien as well.

Interactively engaged in inclusive environments (where you'd also find Thor). 

Nomadland

An entire town picks up and moves after the mine shuts down after 80 years, the rural location never resourcefully blossoming into a multi-integrated industrious locale.

What do the reliable people who have lived their whole lives there do however, it's a bit of an unsettling preponderancy especially considering the magnetic wilderness.

Fern (Francs McDormand) tenaciously improvises to her new set of challenging economic circumstances, earning enough money to live off at different jobs, while taking deservéd time off in between.

Her husband passed away not long ago and she has no children or viable pension, she has family who are kind and sympathetic, but she's always prided herself on her independence. 

It's cool how the continental United States has so many warm regions during the winter months, and you can literally move from state to state throughout the progression of the solar year.

I suppose you could try to live in your car during a cold and provocative Canadian winter, but you'd have to spend a lot in gas to keep the heater running so much of the time.

Not only does Fern live the nomadic lifestyle she boldly defends it in critical arguments, democratically pointing out the rights of citizens who may not be as well of as those homeward bound.

Even when she's overwhelmed she doesn't hesitate to have her say, and isn't worried about spoiling the evening or what her in-laws may think later on.

A hesitant beau is interested (David Strathairn as Dave) and should have realized she's a heartbreaker.

Who loved that mining town.

And doesn't mind life on the road.

I don't want to recommend the nomadic lifestyle to the millions of people embracing bourgeois domesticity, I've found that what sounds appealing to me at times gets me into trouble when I start to advertise. 

But assuming that you're level-headed peeps who aren't going to drop everything because of an oddball blogger, I have to admit that I loved Nomadland's final moments, when Fern freely drives off into the mountains. 

Some people like the dynamic thrill of constant movement and unpredictable designs, their labyrinthine zigzagging ways non-traditionally motivating alternative economies. 

It often sounds like freedom to just live in your ride and travel the country, picking up work here and there as you go, assuming you don't have any responsibilities. 

You'd get to see so much of the continent as you productively roamed vigilantly throughout, there are thousands of places to visit, and wouldn't it be cool to see NFL and CFL games in every home city?

Fern chooses life on her own and as I watched I thought she was real.

It's tough to think that people her age still have to work.

You'd imagine we'd have cleared that up by now. 

*Geez Louise. This has nothing to do with the war in Palestine. I wrote it last week. There's a lot of rural industry in Canada so it's important for the different towns to integrate multidimensionally so people don't have to move (easier said than done). Honestly, I think Netanyahu's a butcher (as is Hamas), and his appeal to the stone age is making things infinitely worse, historically speaking. 🥲

Sing

I always marvel at how tolerant my parents were regarding my singing when I was younger.

Before I learned to just take it easy and productively chill out when performing, I used to take on elevated subject matter, and my poor father had to listen as I bellowed Life on Mars? on the family piano, yet he still never let loose his irate criticisms, and let things take their natural course.

Sing gathers the harmonically gifted from a modest lively urban centre, and fortuitously unites them in passionate song, the reputed prize worth $100,000.

Unfortunately, the prize was a typo that greatly exaggerated the MC's income, but the lofty sum still motivated many, and a solid crew was melodiously assembled.

It must be the case the far reaching talent obliviously chillin' in so many towns, just waiting for similar opportunities to feverishly break out with elaborate invention.

Obsessions with being the best or not simply as good as a friend or relative, prevent so many from pragmatically proceeding as if there ever was an artistic superlative.

If you don't think you're the greatest singer or you needlessly worry how your words will sound, note that the most consistent songwriter in legendary memory won the Nobel Prize and he couldn't even sing.

American Idol is no doubt well-known for giving a shot to inspired local talent, and creating a vast incredible network of aspiring singers across the land.

But are local garage bands still seeking to frenetically emerge ultra summa cum laude, or just exist in the embryonic ether everlastingly invigorating rhythmic liaison?

Dylan, Bowie, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones seemed to me like they worked like it was their job to write song after song, and didn't just lounge about on the old trust fund seeking performative disruptive accolades. 

You get that rush outside of your comfort zone that effortlessly produces irresistible novelty, and as you constructively/bitterly/imaginatively/proactively/distractedly/vituperatively react there's no all-encompassing parallel for what you come up with.

Liked Sing's city of animals and the collective beasties intuitively enthralling.

Dreams effervescently accruing. 

Multivariable shapeshifting cascades.  

Omoide no Marnie (When Marnie was There)

Troubled times pejorative loneliness habitual cheeky maladjusted disproportion, leads to isolated age old initiatives far away from any urban centre.

The village disseminates flavour characteristically concocting historical narratives, multilaterally nuanced through subjective barter, contradiction generationally resounding.

The family with whom she stays offer peaceful counsel and generous goodwill, a robust hearty unassuming caricature oft employed to generate cohesion.

But she still has trouble socializing as many do at different times, her critical mistrust and acerbic evaluations leading to unamused accusations of severity.

Fortunately, patience abounds, and people are forgiving, sympathetic, and understanding, not to mention at times aloof which gives her ample time to wander.

While exploring far afield in search of nothing in particular in turn, she accidentally encounters a curious youth hoping to make friends with stories to tell.

The two strike up a mutually accommodating freewheelin' compassionate empathetic union, which leads to what's oft referred to as friendship as tides ebb and munificently flow.

But just who is this mysterious girl who disappears as quickly as she energetically arrives?

Is there a syndicating secret synergizing soulful sentiment?

In time honoured traditional supernatural soroarity?

If you happen to have an independent daughter prone to legend and zealous storytelling, who at times confuses the other children and has difficulties understanding why?, Omoide no Marnie (When Marnie was There) may prove materially providential in regards to constructive sociocultural life, a film like none other concerning bonds forged between like-hearted spirits adventurously aligned one fateful summer.

Difficult to fight off the haunting doubts inconsiderately disrupting calm and tranquil trajectories, while consistently engaged with inhospitable alliances generally unconcerned with practical well-being.

It's odd how frequently you hear collegial messages expressing warmth and kindness, and how sporadically they apply while directly engaged with unfavourable distress.

The love of family hopefully can challenge the cynical uptight grim brinkspersonship.

Along with friends books music and film.

Neverending possibilities at the local library.

📚♮📽😎

Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta (Castle in the Sky)

A largely unknown mythical heritage gracefully envelopes young aloof Sheeta, who would rather just be left alone than frenetically chased by an irate military.

Pazu has found work and community when he suddenly finds her one fortuitous day, and helps her feverishly escape when her former captors defiantly threaten.

Pirates also emerge in search of legendary boundless treasure, to which they believe Sheeta holds the key unlocking mad abundant riches.

They search for an ancient legend solemnly floating in the sky, where once a race of international influencers secretly advanced global sociocultural reckoning.

They also hypothetically accumulated mass resourceful mineral commodities, how to infiltrate and escape with such embroidered booty remaining a compelling infinite challenge.

The military naturally thinks the fortress could be used as an invincible weapon, and seeks to somehow control it with no prior knowledge of the structure whatsoever. 

A descendent of the race who once dwelt there seeks the same thing but possesses access codes, and could theoretically wield its power should he acquire Sheeta's magic talisman.

She's much more modern however and adamantly agrees with her mystical forebears.

Isn't it more exciting to live on the surface?

Away from lofty sequestered disparities.

I imagine it's fun to live everywhere perhaps even under the ocean in a secret sea fortress, which could furtively move undetected alongside pods of whales and ebullient dolphins (wrote this before I saw Ponyo). 

The tale still presents a classic narrative style congenially bent on less stratified collectives, wherein which mutual prosperity guides communal initiatives with fluent understanding.

I'm surprised a live action version of this story has yet to be made, it's the best fantasy film I've seen in years and has so many thrilling adventurous elements. 

The magical ties to ancient ways still potentially producing postmodern peculiarities. 

Is this just something people have always assumed?

Still fun to have (harmless) origin myths at times.