Films I Watched In: October

I watched eleven films in October and – continuing my Rocky Education (which began in September but actually feels like a lifetime) – this included both Rocky Balboa (2006) and Creed (2015). I enjoyed both immensely and felt these modern efforts definitely hit the nail on the proverbial head. What’s great about the Rocky franchise (aside from the punches, montage scenes, awesome music and unintentional humour) is undoubtedly the ‘emotional’ aspect. I’m sorry but it is. Rocky is a good, decent guy we all can’t help but love and Sylvester Stallone plays him brilliantly. And so great to see that the character of Adonis Creed (Adonis!) has evolved in the same way. I was impressed. And subsequently very excited for the sequel.

Of course, being Halloween month I did manage a few scary films too –

Creepshow 2 (1987)

Drag Me to Hell (2009)

The Green Inferno (2013)

The Howling (1981)

In the Mouth of Madness (1994)

And actually ON Halloween, we went to see Halloween (2018) which I know isn’t that cool but I found it pretty cool. And I had two scoops of Baskin Robins ice cream (as per) – English Toffee and Chocolate Brownie. In fact, we did go maybe, a tad over-the-top with cinema snacks which also included popcorn, sweets and a fizzy drink in what looked like a bucket.

So, thoughts on Halloween. Not much really. I feel it’s important to note I’m not some ‘huge’ Halloween fan like some people are. When it comes to John Carpenter I’m more In the Mouth of Madness than Halloween. Thinking about it, I’ve never been a huuuuge fan of slashers anyway. I mean, I like them but I’ve always gone for the weirder stuff (basically the more repugnant and twisted the better).

I only mention this because it’s tough to say how I felt about the latest Halloween effort. My boyfriend didn’t like it too much but I thought it was okay. Based on what? Well not a lot. One thing I know is it’s no longer 1978 and perhaps Jamie Lee Curtis should try a more suitable hairstyle, though it did add value to the ‘I’m a little unhinged’ theme. There was also too much humour which wasn’t just irritating because it interfered with the scares, but all felt rather too obvious and put on. The ‘Comedy Dad’ (not that funny) and ‘witty’ dialogue. I appreciate stuff like that in films but this felt too much. I swear there were even a few jokey moments with Michael Myers himself.

Halloween and The Howling are the only two horrors this month I hadn’t seen before. The Howling was pretty disappointing really. I mean some of the effects and over the top nude scenes were great (seriously great) but apart from that I found the plot / dialogue a little vague at times and though I knew what was going on I didn’t really understand why or how or really know what was going on. Quick, show us another transformation sex scene!

Captains Courageous (1937) was another re-watch and I actually featured it in my first ever Films I Watched In (here) from January 2016. A lovely story.

Leaving two Absolute Action Classics (sort of) to end this post with. Escape Plan (2013) – which was really silly (Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger trying to break out of a top security prison together) but pretty fun and though there were a few plot holes, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Plus the whole prison setting is always a winner for me.

And Lethal Weapon (1987) – which is one of my boyfriend’s favourite ever films (he does a brilliant Danny Glover impression) and we finally watched it together this month. Unbelievably I had never seen Lethal Weapon before but obviously reeeeeally enjoyed it. It made me realise just how many buddy cop movies made after had begged, borrowed and stolen from it. But the formula never really gets old, it’s always enjoyable. Danny Glover and Mel Gibson just really, really nailed it. A perfect blend of action, good script and likable characters.