An Important Update (and some mini reviews)

My face upon realizing how ridiculously long I have been gone.

Hi, guys. So, first of all, I would like to apologize profusely for disappearing for…let’s see…yikes–nearly three months. It was pretty uncool of me to drop off for so long without any warning. That said…I’m probably about to disappear again. And this time, it could be longer.

In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been struggling hardcore to make time for WordPress. Well, if I’m being honest, not only to make time, but to drum up enough enthusiasm and energy for it. When I started this blog, I was working a part-time job and living with my parents. Now I work full-time and have my own place to take care of, not to mention an active social life and a recently-acquired, regular freelance gig. I stay busy, and when it’s all said and done, I like to have some time to unwind at the end of the day. This blog was kind of stealing that time away from me. I always told myself that as long as Silver Screen Serenade was more love than labor, I would keep it going. Well, unfortunately, the labor began to outweigh the love, so I just kind of let things slide for a while and told myself I would come back full force after a nice break. But I just don’t see “full force” being a thing any time soon–if ever.

However, I do still want to keep the blog going if I can. It certainly won’t be regular posts like before, but if I can pop up every month or so with a little something, I’ll consider it a win. Because even if it’s more labor than love right now, I do still have a deep love for this place–for both the outlet of blogging itself and for the many new bloggy friends I’ve made along the way. But before I drop off, I would like to pause and do some little lightning reviews for all the movies I’ve seen in the time that I’ve been gone. So let’s do this!

#1: Sisters

In a Flash: Wow! I really hadn’t gotten around to this? This was forever ago! Really, you can never go wrong with a Fey-Poehler pairing, and it’s nice to see them switching up from Baby Mama and letting Fey be the wild child. Also, though Bobby Moynihan is annoying as hell in the beginning of the movie, just wait. You will come to love him.

My Grade: B+

#2: The Hateful Eight

In a Flash: Well it’s a Tarantino movie, so expect lots of blood and expletives. The western vibe is kind of cool and different, and the movie as a whole is pretty good, though it’s also one that I’d say I’d be fine never seeing again. I will say that it’s all worth it for one brutal, twisted monologue from Samuel L. Jackson. How that man did not get a nomination for this movie is beyond me.

My Grade: B

#3: The Forest

In a Flash: Just…just don’t with this one, you guys. Just don’t. I wanted to like it for Natalie Dormer and for the idea of the forest itself, but nope. It’s pretty bad. Like, the scares aren’t scary, it’s predictable, the effects are pretty awful, the story is weak…I could go on, but instead I’ll simply reiterate: don’t.

My Grade: D

#4: Deadpool

In a Flash: In case you haven’t already heard, this movie is everything we all hoped it would be and more. Reynolds is hilarious as the titular obnoxious, fourth-wall-bending anti-hero. The script is on point. There’s plenty of action. Guys, it’s just really, really good. And, for better or worse, you will never look at a stuffed unicorn the same way again. If you’re looking for some intense laughs, just do yourself a favor and see it.

My Grade: A

#5: 10 Cloverfield Lane

In a Flash: This one was kind of a mystery to me, but it was getting so much positive feedback that I had to check it out. It was definitely worth it. Honestly, it’s more of a tense, well-paced thriller than a sci-fi flick, though there are still enough sci-fi elements (particularly toward the end) that I think any fan of the genre would be satisfied. I found the ending a bit rushed and kind of bizarre, but as a whole I really enjoyed it. And John Goodman is creepy as all get-out. Warning though: if you’re looking for a sequel to Cloverfield, this really isn’t it. I’m wondering if they’re setting up the Cloverfield name as more of an anthology type thing…but I guess we’ll see.

My Grade: B+

#6: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

In a Flash: You know, for as skeptical as I was about this one…it wasn’t bad. I mean, it could’ve been better, but there were actually some really clever elements to the film. Granted, there were some downsides, too–mostly some confusing, poorly explained scenes and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor–but as a whole I liked this one much more than not. Affleck works for me as an older, grumpier Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Gadot totally owns Wonder Woman, which made me very excited for her solo film. DC still has some work to do before they’re up to Marvel’s level, but this gave me hope that they might get there.

My Grade: B-

#7: The Jungle Book

In a Flash: Honestly, I think this is my favorite live-action Disney remake yet. Which is funny because I’ve never had much interest in the animated film. But this film did a lot of things right. The setting is beautiful, the animals are impressive and voiced pretty perfectly for the most part (hearing Bill Murray sing “The Bare Necessities” is definitely a highlight), and Neel Sethi as Mowgli is pretty precious. Two qualms: 1) I love ScarJo, but she seems an odd fit for villainous snake Kaa. 2) I like Christopher Walken as King Louie, but there are moments when he is downright terrifying. Like, to the degree that I was like, “Wait, what is this rated?!” Still, overall a great film.

My Grade: A-

#8: Keanu

In a Flash: If you’re a fan of the glorious comedic duo Key & Peele, there’s no question that you will enjoy this movie. Hell, if you’re a fan a cute cats you will probably enjoy this movie. Plenty of laughs to be had throughout, mostly due to the absolutely ridiculous situations that the aforementioned duo are thrust into. Also because of George Michaels. Yes, George Michaels. Confused? Curious? You should probably just go see it.

My Grade: B+

#9: Captain America: Civil War

In a Flash: Along with Deadpool, this one has my top spot for 2016 thus far. Feeling more like an Avengers movie than a Captain America one, Civil War has a solid story that causes a rift in a way that completely makes sense and smoothly introduces pivotal new characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Those new characters are, for those of you who didn’t already know, Black Panther and Spider-Man, and you will like them a lot. Particularly Spider-Man, who is being played by an actual teenage actor for the first time, and he is adorable. Though it kind of hurts to watch your favorite characters fighting, Civil War is a great addition to Marvel’s ever-growing movie world. Can’t wait to see what Doctor Strange brings come November!

My Grade: A

Phew! Okay, not my greatest reviews by a long shot, but I’m glad I got those out of my system. They’ve been building up for a while. Haha.

So, like I said, I’ll be disappearing, and I’m not sure for exactly how long, but in the meantime, please remember that you can always reach me via email (caragale123@gmail.com) or Twitter (@caragale123). In fact, I strongly encourage you to send a message my way because otherwise I will miss you guys too much!

Any ol’ who, I’m signing off for now. I’ll just keep doing what I and probably many of fellow bloggers have been doing for a while now: crossing my fingers that I win the lottery and can become a full-time blogger. While I’m at it, I’ll cross my fingers for all of you, too! 😉

❤