This is not a motivational post. This is me writing because I want to write something other than the daunting task of a 100 page long feature length script that I am currently a quarter ways through. Writing is hard.
Breaking Bad is good though, init? Decided to rewatch it after 7(?) years since it finished/I finished it and it’s still just as good, if not even better than I remember.
Alright, fuck it, I can’t be bothered to write anymore. Why did I think writing would be a good break from writting? Nah.
Song recommendation: New House by Rex Orange County. ‘Everybody needs something all the fucking time’, good lyric.
Thank the sweet fuckin’ lord above that Disney+ launched the DAY after the UK was put into lockdown. While I’m very against the idea of feeding more of my money to the house of mouse than necessary, it’s got some good shit on it. I’m going to do a list a bit further down of some real good eats™ on there, but for now let’s talk about The Big Lebowski, as I will always want to do.
I’m currently listening to the soundtrack as I write this, as the other day I turned on the TV to find The Big Lebowski on again, and after watching it again, decided to embrace life as The Dude, and remembered that Dudeism exists. When I used to go to the cinema as a kid, I always remember this advert being on, my first introduction to The Dude. I have revisited this, and am now embracing the Take It Easy Manifesto for the foreseeable lockdown (and thereafter).
Now, if you’ve found yourself equally enticed by the BBBEM (Big Black Big Eared Mouse) into dropping £49.99 on a year’s subscription, or whatever you’ve spent, then here’s some GEMS. Not uncut ones though, that’s on Netflix.
In no particular order…
The Simpsons.
Without a doubt the best thing that Disney+ has to offer. Over 600 episodes of one of the greatest cartoons ever made, all in one easy to stream place. Literally all I’ve been asking for for so many years. This alone was actually enough to make me fork out the money for Disney+. No shame. Itchy & Scratchy Land image because you know, happiest place on earth™ etc etc.
2. The Mighty Ducks.
One of my all time favourite Disney movies. Classic sports underdog movie, with Emilio Esteves as Coach Gordon Bombay trying to turn the District 5 kids into a winning team. If you haven’t seen it, stop reading this shitty list and go watch it. I’m bored and writing this is fun for me, what’s your excuse? There’s also a WILD animated series that I fell asleep watching last night, and I’m not even sure how much of it was real or some crazy fever dream. Crazy and fantastic, go watch.
3. Gravity Falls.
Set in the Pacific Northwest of the US, it follows Dipper and Mabel as they go to stay with their (Gr)Uncle Stan while discovering all the crazy shit that goes down in the forested mountain town of Gravity Falls. It only went for two seasons, but they are two of the most well written seasons of a kids cartoon you’ll ever see. There are a lot of hidden messages and things to look out for during the two season long storyline. If you like Adventure Time, Regular Show, Steven Universe etc, then you’re going to love it. I’m on a rewatch right now and I’m very happy to be.
4. Steamboat Willie.
The oirignal Mickey Mouse cartoon from 1928. Not very long, and it’s a fun watch. Not much more to say.
5. Cars.
Without a doubt the most underrated Pixar movie, Cars has so much heart to it. For a film where all living creatures are some form of vehicle, the natural beauty in this film is astounding, with the Route 66 aesthetic and the red rocks and desert, this film has characters to match and Owen Wilson’s Lightening McQueen’s humbling story is one that is always fun to watch.
Also, you know, memes. Kerchoo.
SPECIAL MENTIONS 1. Duck Tales 2. Gargoyles 3. The Mandalorian 4. Literally all the Star Wars movies 5. Avengers Infinity War was fucking sick wasn’t it? 6. Endgame was pretty decent too. 7. Shitloads of Spider-Man content. 8. Every Pixar film and every Pixar short because they’re all sick, especially BAO. 9. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. 10. Cheaper by the Dozen/Cheaper by the Dozen 2. Because Steve Martin.
Aaaaand I’m gonna leave it there because I started writing this in the sunshine and now I’m in the shade and it’s getting cold, also because that’s a lot of shit to watch. What am I, WatchMojo? Go live your life.
Song recommendation: The Man In Me by Bob Dylan. (Can you guess what film that’s from?).
About a year ago, I did the stereotypical film student thing and started a film blog, posted one post promising more posts, and then didn’t post again. Classic. I’m now sat on a train drinking coffee and eating a cruller, which made me think of that scene in Wayne’s World, hence the title, and of the fact that I did nothing with this film blog I created.
But now, as I look for more excuses to keep writing, and with impending doom everywhere I look, which includes the possibility of having to isolate myself at some point, I’m back.
I created this as a film blog, and I will write about film. However, I will extend it to writing about anything mildly interesting I find. Music will probably feature heavily, some TV too, maybe even the odd book.
And if I then don’t follow up on it? Who cares? No one’s reading this. Fuck you. Fuckyou, reader.
I’ll end every article with a song suggestion, because I can do whatever the fuck I want. So I’ll end this by saying that you should go listen to Don’t Stand So Close To Me by The Police, and maybe take the hint.
Welcome to Hollywood Star Lanes film blog. As someone that has a lot to say about film shit, I figured this is the best way to do it in a longer form that spewing off on twitter. It won’t be that formal, although the first post will be a recent case study I wrote for my MA course, so I guess that one will be formal.
The blog is named after the bowling alley from The Big Lebowski, I will of course be referencing it as much as possible. After all, the Dude abides.
Anything I say on here is just (like) my opinion (man) so feel free to disagree and sound off about it (please, engage with me).
Hollywood Star Lanes - Film Blog 