Still playing catch up. I’m basically using my YouTube feed to help move me quicker to a realm in which I actually remember the audio description for a movie.
Nosferatu- Originally, universal gave me this without audio description. Since this movie drops on peacock on Thursday, I do fully intend on coming back around to that when i can catch up. For now, consider this a review pending, but I loved this movie enough even without audio description to say… this film is my favorite score of 2024.
Nosferatu (1922)- the original. The OG. The classic film I should have seen before is in the public domain, and just is on YouTube with audio description for anyone to watch. Since it is a silent film, the narrator has plenty of time to bring us in. The original isn’t even very long, so of course I would recommend it. It is one of those undeniable film classics that is a touchstone moment. it doesn’t need to be your favorite, but I’m pretty sure no one was around for the initial theatrical run, because it was release 103 years ago. Even if you were 103, babies don’t retain that memory. You’d likely have to be at least 108 or 109 to remember being haunted by this as a little kid. So, it is OK if you are playing catch up, and don’t allow yourself to be shamed for doing so. literally every film critic played catch up with this.
fresh: Final Grade: A, Audio Description: A
The Mouse Trap- good lord. This didn’t have audio description, but this is one of the dumbest films I saw last year. Only Steamboat Willie is in Public Domain, so the version of Mickey is oddly specific. These weird horror movies are rush jobs where they just want to be first, not the best. It takes a while before we get a cool idea like Wicked or Hook. But, people will remember the film that properly took the character and put the best spin on it, instead of the one that just wanted to shock you with gore as the first. there’s no audio description, but there’s no audio description that could save this film full of bad actors and make me like it. It would just provide context.
Winnie The Pooh: Blood And honey 2- I could say the exact same thing here. In fact, I marathoned it because peacock put one title after another, assuming I was in the mood for a shitty day. The sequel had a higher budget, but unlike the first, seemingly has no audio description. I now care less about a franchise I already didn’t care for.
The Porcelain War- this Oscar doc has no known audio description and is not in English. Did I do my due diligence in sitting through my screener? yes. Would I watch it again if it had audio description? Yes. The plight of the Ukrainian people is important, and grows so more by the day as our feckless leaders align with communist dictators instead of democratic nations.
Troy: 20th Anniversary- Last year was the 20th Anniversary for Troy, directed by Wolfgang Peterson, who I revisited another film of his we’ll get to later. this is a film I actually enjoy. i don’t love it, but some people really didn’t get this long Greek epic. I liked it more than Kingdom Of Heaven. Maybe it is the Brian Cox effect, where my favorite person appears in the film, so I like it more. I fully acknowledge that, and I mention it to always be open about my biases. Brian Cox was an honorable mention on my Supporting Actor list this year for Little Wing. I’ve seen the OTHER Red he made more times than he likely did. But, this sword and sandals action flick is something I own on DVD, and enjoyed rewatching probably for the 4th or 5th time, but first time on audio description. I wish I could remember the track better, but it was two months ago. Still, I recommend Troy. I might be one of the few.
Fresh: Final Grade: B+