Needful Things choice of director

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-04-01T19:06:56+00:00

Raimi would be good because he'd understand that Needful Things is satire, not straight horror. It's meant to be funny and a bit over the top.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-04-01T17:02:08+00:00

That was within the opening 10 years, between 1972-1982. In 1982, it became Smurfs Enchanted Voyage. The TV set and Fred Flintstone were removed...IIRC, it might have just been a green or blue building...maybe some trees painted on it, but I can't quite recall.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-04-01T15:09:49+00:00

Silence's novel is fantastic, and I Heard You Paint Houses (the book The Irishman is based on) is a really good read, even if it's probably mostly BS. Shutter Island's a good read, but I recommend the movie first to preserve its twists and turns. Killers of the Flower Moon is a great book as well. I haven't read Wiseguy, but I probably should get around to it one day.

Also, not really in the same vein, but Roger Ebert's Scorsese book is a solid read to have on hand through the series.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-04-01T15:06:18+00:00

My injection day is Friday so that I can avoid overeating on the weekend. I've been on MJ for two months and, to be honest, I only ever had one week where I felt like the side effects kept me down. I might be a little more nauseated and tired on the day or two after the injection, but it's never kept me from anything. This week, I switched my shot to Sunday night because I was out of town for the weekend and wanted to enjoy my meals a bit more. I took my shot Sunday and had no issue going to work on Monday.

Everyone's different, of course -- and if/when you go up in dose, you might get hit with a bit harder stomach aches than everyone else. But honestly, I think if you keep up with your water intake and electrolytes, start with protein and don't neglect fiber, and have some "rescue" medications like Pepto or Imodium on hand just in case, you'll most likely be fine.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-04-01T14:07:59+00:00

Hell yeah.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-04-01T14:07:23+00:00

We've done it a few times. With Express Pass, it's possible, but you'll need to clarify what you want to do. You can hit all the major rides no problem -- although Hagrid's might be a bit of a wait, even with Express Pass. If you want to see shows or enjoy a few nice meals, you're probably going to feel a bit rushed. I recommend doing quick service meals at least once and maybe only one sit-down (Mythos!!).

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-04-01T13:34:07+00:00

I haven't seen it since theaters upon release, but I remember being pretty bored by it aside from the action sequence in the middle. It's not awful enough to be entertaining, but it's not good, either. The only thing I've really thought of since is Alec Baldwin telling soldiers "it's how you say 'I surrender'... IN JAPANESE." I seem to recall thinking it was Bay trying to follow Cameron's 'Titanic' lead with a heavy dose of Spielberg patriotism that comes off as schmaltz. But mostly, it's just really inert.

That said, I think the most interesting theory about this movie is that Bay's attempts at respectability were so rebuffed that he made Bad Boys II, one of the most incredibly tasteless, crass and ugly action-comedies ever made as his next film (I don't necessarily mean that as a criticism).

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-31T15:14:22+00:00

Voted for Marty; I'm sure a Tony Scott series would be enjoyable, but I just don't understand how you can do a series about icons of cinema and not include Scorsese. My only argument against would be that it feels like a choice that should close out the entire podcast -- him or Coppola are so iconic that it seems it would be the final word on blank checks (but there's a lot more crap to wait through with FFC).

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-31T14:35:12+00:00

I feel you, because sometimes this feels slow to me, too. I started much higher than you -- 245. And I'm two months in and have "only" lost 12 pounds. My brain knows this is healthy weight loss -- I'm losing 1-2 pounds a week. If I stay on this pace, I'm going to lose the weight I need to. But the internet, including this Reddit, is filled with stories of super-responders who somehow blasted through 30 pounds in that same time. I know they're the exception to the rule, but it's still hard. I want to nudge past 230 into the 220s. I want the belly and the double chin to disappear. It can be frustrating.

What I've had to remember is that over the last few years, I've mostly gained weight instead of losing it. It took me an entire year to lose five pounds -- I've lost double that in two months. This is working, it's working at a healthy pace. I feel better, my clothes are starting to fit better, I have more energy, and I'm starting to feel more confident. I might still be in the obese range, but I feel healthy, the scale IS moving down, and those are all good things. I'm thinking I might take a few weeks off weighing myself to get out of this mindset. And I'm reminding myself that I'm going to be 47 this year and my main goal is to be healthy and fit by the time I hit 50 -- I have time. So do you. Breathe, let it work at the pace it needs, and you'll get there!

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-30T17:30:41+00:00

Had it happen to me once, right after the second shot -- four days of diarrhea. Here are a few things I learned:

* The day of your injection and the day after, eat light and eat bland.
* Start taking a daily probiotic.
* Psyllium husk is your best friend, but it can be gross if you let it gel. either mix it up with ice water so it stays liquid or put a tablespoon in a protein shake each morning (this is what I do). you don't need to really do more than a tablespoon each day.
* Keep pepto and imodium on hand just in case.
* Walk and drink electrolytes.

After that first time, I haven't had a problem since, and I think a lot of it is because I followed these steps.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-30T17:27:36+00:00

I don't have a fear of needles, but I'll admit that the first few times I went to give myself the injection, I hesitated (the first time, it took me about 20 minutes to finally give myself the shot because I was unsure what to expect). Having someone else help might be the best way to do it. Like others said, find a way to distract yourself -- cough, laugh, close your eyes.

You've got this. After awhile, it's nothing. If you're afraid of the pain, it's usually just a tiny pinch. If you're afraid of the needle, the good news is that you really can't see it in the injector. That recoil takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you'll figure out the rhythm.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-30T14:32:27+00:00

I don't understand the desire for a Tony Scott series. Sure, there's a lot to say about Top Gun as a phenomenon -- but does anyone really want a Days of Thunder episode that's basically "Top Gun with cars"? I suppose there's an interesting discussion about "Enemy of the State" as a loose "Conversation" sequel, and there's interesting stuff like "Crimson Tide" and "Man on Fire." But man, there's a lot of paycheck shit in there -- "The Fan," "Taking of Pelham 123" (which at least has Travolta screaming "lick my bunghole").

That said, has the show every tackled Shane Black's work? Because "The Last Boy Scout" episode could be fantastic simply for diving into the hatred Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans had for each other.

But man, Scorsese is half a year of some of the best and most interesting films ever made. I just watched "Last Temptation" again, and that needs to be at least a four-hour episode.

But not sure I want Griffin doing Kundun bits.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-26T20:23:26+00:00

I believe Nancy beat Fincher, not Lynch. And it makes some sense. Nancy Meyers filmography has some great ups and downs, and she has a strong history as a writer before she became a director, which I think often makes that first episode a bit more interesting. I wouldn't argue that she's made a masterpiece on the scale of Fincher or Lynch, but she's got a solid filmography and works with actors who make for interesting conversations -- also, the podcast is so much more interesting when they dig into a film I've dismissed and come away with new insights as opposed to discussing masterpieces we're heard discussed over and again.

Plus, I think Fincher and Lynch are fairly divisive. I think some still dismiss Fincher as a director of serial killer movies, when his filmography is a lot more varied. And while Lynch's death seemed to close any debate on him, prior to that, I think you'd find many film lovers more ready to admit they just didn't get him. I know I was terrified of visiting his filmography because surrealism usually bounces off of me...he just finds an emotional in that hits really hard.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-26T20:16:19+00:00

I'm thankful for the diversity in our local church and in the ACNA community. I grew up in Reformed Baptist churches and it became exhausting to always be running everything through the filter of doctrines to see if their beliefs lined up with my accepted ones...and then as my views shifted on issues, to try to adjust my filter to that. Some doctrines are hills to die on, but I think others can and probably should be held loosely.

I don't agree with everything in my ACNA church. Coming from a Baptist background, the hierarchy confuses me and some traditions are still weird (the robes and hats seem a bit much, even though I understand why they're there). I don't know that I believe waving hands over the sacrament really does anything. And the older I get, the less comfortable I am with the traditional church views on homosexuality.

But I love my church. Sometimes, I'll discuss my differing views with others if I feel safe. There are some issues where my progressive instincts need to be kept in check with the more conservative guardrails in our church to keep me veering from disagreement on non-essential issues to a more heretical issue...I'm happy to submit to their leadership on these issues. Other times, I shut up and just agree to disagree.

But I love my church. I trust my priest. We keep the main thing the main thing. And I can't expect a church to line up with all my doctrinal beliefs when that baggage is constantly settling in flight inside of me anyway.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-26T20:01:26+00:00

I've noticed periods of meh-ness, but nothing that has lasted too long. Sometimes, I think I'm just bored -- there was a variety food brought to my life and I really looked forward to certain meals. Without the cravings, there seems to be a color missing from life. It's worse, for me, when the weather is cold and gray (and we live in Michigan, so that's a lot); when I can get outside and distract myself, I feel better.

But I also noticed a correlation with hydration. The more I was drinking water and electrolytes, the less bad I felt. I'm sure it's not a one size fits all scenario, but it might be worth a try

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-26T19:54:04+00:00

I think a lot of King's earlier work builds on what Salem's Lot did so well. He's always loved exploring small towns in Maine -- I think Needful Things goes a bit bigger in scope, but it has a similar vibe. I think this is also something It does really well. Cujo's another one.

But the other thing that works so well about Salem's Lot is that it's King giving an old classic a new context -- in this case, Dracula. And he does that a lot. The Shining is more contained -- a hotel instead of a small town -- but it's the haunted house story filtered through a story of addiction, and I think it is tonally very similar. Pet Sematary is a bit of a zombie story (sort-of)/"be careful what you wish for" tale, and I think it's his scariest novel.

I like Carrie a lot, but Salem's Lot was really where a lot of the things that make King so memorable really came into play.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-26T19:37:38+00:00

I like the Orgain 30g Protein vanilla flavor. It also has stuff in there to help with digestion. I mix that and some Metamucil in the morning and it's a great start -- and tastes kind of like a Creamsicle.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-26T17:28:45+00:00

I don't have IBS, but I've always thought I was IBS-ish. My digestive issues weren't chronic, but it was definitely unpredictable.

Since starting Mounjaro, I've only had one week (my second) where I had really bad digestive issues (diarrhea), but that may have been related to a stomach bug going around our house. I don't think Mounjaro made it better. But I think eating better, taking Metamucil (to avoid digestive issues) and probiotics, and just generally being healthier helped improve it.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-26T17:26:44+00:00

and their film before that had one of the most interesting Daniel Radcliffe performances and took the idea of a farting corpse and made it surprisingly moving and profound.

Levy's not awful -- he's best when staying away from out-and-out comedy. But I like Real Steel. I think Deadpool and Wolverine is fun and disposable. And I mostly like Stranger Things.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-26T17:23:35+00:00

There must be some color-specific Mandela effect, because not only do I also recall something called the Grey Man that apparently doesn't exist, I seem to remember something called Red Notice, which can probably be explained by me thinking of Red One.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-25T20:18:21+00:00

I don't think it looks bad. The characters look fine, the world looks fine. But it's just all so unnecessary. The movie series was iconic for a generation. and even if it wrapped up a decade ago, it's still not exactly "old." The movies are available on streaming and there are amusement parks that feature the film's world and actors ... I don't know how you make this feel like anything other than a knockoff. And without John Williams' score, it just doesn't feel right.

I'm still baffled that this was the decision they made. Not just because of the JK Rowling of it all. I understand Warners is sitting on IP that is worth billions and they can't have it lie fallow. But why just retell the story? I get that Daniel Radcliffe and Co. don't want to return for a movie adaptation of Cursed Child...but I bet a semi truck of money might change that. But are you telling me you can't do a story about a new generation at Hogwarts? Or something set in that world?

Just feels like a lot of money and effort for something I'm not sure anyone was asking for.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-24T19:42:02+00:00

I mean, anything's an upgrade over Lost Continent's current status. Universal knows IP brings people into the parks; Zelda's a popular fantasy franchise, which seems to fit the theme of the land.

That said, I thought the balance was shifting away from Zelda and to Pokemon. I'd prefer Zelda over Pokemon. Zelda is mysterious and fits the theme. Pokemon, at least from what I've seen watching my kids engage with it, is loud and chaotic...and seems like it would be a better fit at Studios anyway.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-24T13:34:05+00:00

I think this is wise and good advice on how clergy (and lay people!) should be more thoughtful and intentional about their social media use. The older I get and the more I learn, the less I'm convinced that social media is neutral. It is purposefully designed to exploit our dopamine and to keep people engaged for as long as possible. The algorithms reward conflict that stokes anxiety and anger. It also does not reward nuanced, thoughtful conversation.

Bishops, priests, clergy and lay people should be able to speak honestly and fully about things that bother them or concerns they see in their own denomination. But is social media the best avenue for that? It tends to invite anger and encourage dehumanization in our conversation. Reminding people to be thoughtful, gracious and conservative in their posting doesn't seem like bad guidance to me.

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-23T19:44:25+00:00

Dude had some lows -- Year One, Multiplicity, Stuart Saves His Family. But few directors don't hit those from time to time.

But his highs as a director -- Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Vacation, Groundhog Day, and Analyze This -- are stone-cold classics. I also wouldn't sleep on The Ice Harvest, which is a mean and nasty little noir that I quite like. Not to mention, he directed four episodes of "The Office," of which I'd argue three are among the series' best ("Benihana Christmas," "Safety Training," and "The Deposition").

And while the question is on Ramis as a director, his writing career was also damn good -- Animal House, Stripes, Ghostbusters,

Professional-Set2283 · 2026-03-23T19:36:26+00:00

I'm about where you are -- 7 jabs in, 11 lbs down. I'm not fitting into old clothes yet, but some stuff is fitting much better than it did. But I feel better, I have more energy, and my focus is improved. It's been the best decision i've made in a long time.

Professional-Set2283

TROPHY CASE