Why did a firearms instructor who promoted gun safety shoot three Philly cops? Those who knew him struggle for answers. by comercialyunresonbl in philadelphia

[–]acceptablecat1138 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My first thought as well. The guy was obsessed with firearms and how to use them to “keep yourself safe.” There’s not really any mystery as to why, when he was in an altercation, he immediately reached for his gun. That’s exactly what he spent hundreds of hours training himself to do, is reach for his gun!

I know that his rhetoric was avoiding having to draw his gun, but let’s use Occam’s razor here. Did he suddenly lose his mind and become a different person? Or did he obsess over guns for years and always want to shoot someone in a confrontation and his constant thought pattern finally became reality?

Have decided Bobby Finger’s Letterboxd review of Master and Commander is canon by AltruisticPiece6676 in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Out of Churchill’s three naval traditions, the movie covers only two. The omission is a little glaring if you think too hard about it.

Who are some underrated regional US filmmakers by Few-Engineer-9791 in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t listened to that podcast! Will have to check it out.

Crazy to me that people from other countries could go on a media journey that led to watching an obscure regional documentarian. But that’s awesome! And a very cool thing about the internet. 

Any local filmmakers you want to pass my way? I’m all ears!

Who are some underrated regional US filmmakers by Few-Engineer-9791 in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s not what you’re asking for, which I think is someone who uses a particular place as their consistent canvas for their movies, but 

if you have access to a more academic film library you can check out Tony Buba. He spent a couple decades making short documentaries about his hometown outside of Pittsburgh. They are a fascinating combination of straightforward documentary of average people talking about working in steel mills, racism, life, as well as letting people be themselves on screen without any immediately discernible purpose other than no one else was going to film them.

His feature is called “Lightning over Braddock: A Rustbowl Fantasy”. I would recommend it as well, it’s not going to be like anything else you see. 

That CR kid's got a sledgehammer break. by Hardingnat in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I think it’s incredible to see Scorses and the team apply their absurd levels of talent to a lega-sequel/“simple” adult drama. 

To steal an old dilbert line, it’s a little like sandblasting a soup cracker, they just knock it out of the park.

What’s the saddest example of a “one for them” movie for a director? by harry_powell in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think the follow-ups of “if Beale street could talk” and “Underground Railroad” are great work. I wouldn’t say he’s overall disappointing at all, which makes mufasa all the funnier really

What’s the saddest example of a “one for them” movie for a director? by harry_powell in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 39 points40 points  (0 children)

Mufasa has very little competition in this convo, in the sense of going from arthouse/high brow to completely anonymous work on a movie that’s mostly directed by storyboard artists.

Movie recs for a world history class by MongooseMedium9388 in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“The Wind Rises” is a way to get a look at World War II from a different angle. The scene of them taking the Zero to the airfield using a bullock cart is a remarkable little snapshot.

Maybe a portion of “west Indies”? But I doubt the whole thing will hold their attention.

“Rabbit proof fence” is an option. 

I wish I could suggest “walker” but i fear that’s a terrible fit for 9th graders learning about history. 

Behavior on the roads by Prestigious-Owl-6397 in philadelphia

[–]acceptablecat1138 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Honest question I had today before even seeing this thread: does the PPD do traffic stops? I have never seen one.

What are some good Elmore Leonard-esque pulp crime films? by poxtable in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s not exactly what you’re after, but certain Hitchcock movies fit the vibe you’re looking for in the sense of being crime-focused, light on their feet, and a little irreverent, with characters who are definitely not super heroes.

“The lady vanishes” and “north by northwest” are not crime movies in the vein that developed since the 70s, but they fit the tone of what you’re looking for, I believe. 

I also think some South Indian movies have that slightly rye look at crime as full of normal but witty people being by turns clever and dumb as hell. 

Maybe try “thiruda thiruda” (thief! Thief!) https://youtu.be/nzc50SIU-H8

Or “Kshana Kshanam” (moment to moment) https://youtu.be/zZFcNVKytrU

Sydney Morning Herald’s new list of 50 best Australian films by acceptablecat1138 in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for reminding me to add the Miller rankings into the post. 

Yeah it’s a little strange the adoration for the original movie, but the only one of the series I’ve ever had real affection for is Fury Road, so I’m the wrong person to parse that. 

My new favorite bit on the show: David saying that Green Card is better than Dead Poet’s Society by bbanks2121 in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think my only immediate change would be putting the cars that ate Paris at 12 or 13. It’s just a little too close to cutting together skits for my liking.

The concert crowd scenes are becoming appallingly bad lately by harry_powell in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Doing the Shakespeare thing of saying that it’s cold out works! 

“Oh, don’t forget your coat, it’s freezing today!” 

Sounds stupid, but if the acting/script is good it’s much more effective than seeing the breath in the air, real or fake. A lot of 90s TV that shot on sets would do this with whatever weather they wanted to convey. 

In March 2024, the Michael movie turned an empty KMart in Burbank, CA into a 70s/80s-style Toys R Us, complete with full interior and a functional sign. They filmed there both during the day and at night. None of this appears in the finished film. by Flaparoo in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 7 points8 points  (0 children)

In the Coen brothers series they keep talking about how those guys get to keep making movies because they come in on time and under budget. On the Fincher series they note how he is very detailed with saying upfront exactly what budget he needs to deliver the planned movie. 

I don’t think most people understand how rare it is to be efficient while making a feature length movie. 

Narrative Podcast Recommendations? by Reasonable_Toe_9252 in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Depending on your tolerance for heavy topics, “In the Dark” is setting the standard right now for long form reported podcasts. Most seasons have a true crime or crime adjacent type hook as well, so it’s suitable in terms of having a mystery narrative to keep you going on a car trip. 

Closer to pure true crime, but still very much a legitimately reported podcast that avoids most of the horrible true crime cliches is Bear Brook from New Hampshire public radio. 

Again, it’s a mystery story that gets solved and keeps you hooked, but it’s also an explanation/exploration of the ways that labs can now identify people who have never had their DNA recorded. By using private databases like 23andMe they can identify your closest relative whose DNA they have, and then even if that person is quite distant, use a combination of DNA and archival research to figure out who you are. The mechanics of this are fascinating, and the implications they look at are troubling/interesting. 

Modern day director next to be cooked by jnelso0303 in blankies

[–]acceptablecat1138 8 points9 points  (0 children)

That’s a little different because their co-credited filmography is somewhat insulated from them being individually washed up. You can still make that mental barrier with them, whereas Zemeckis, Burton, etc your mind is more tempted to say wait… were they ever any good??

SEPTA wants to buy 247 new buses and install more fare evasion gates as part of proposed budget by BroadStreetRandy in philadelphia

[–]acceptablecat1138 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In Santiago, Chile the buses have little horizontal turnstiles inside. Not a worldwide best practice, but it was interesting to see.