So, I'm a big JPRG fan and just playing through Mother 3. I love Mother 2 (aka Earthbound) as well. I love the music, quirkiness, style, pacing, simple yet rewarding tactics in boss battles.

So, I would appreciate any game recommendations you have for a similar game or game series.

If it helps, my other favorite JRPGs are: Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 6, 9, and 10.

For me, I think I've only watched one new one.

Bombshell (1933) I really wanted to see a "scandalous" pre-code and this was recommended. I can imagine that it was a bit shocking 90+ years ago but no longer. I thought actually the story was interesting and found it rather modern in the ways we view and treat celebrities today. Worth a watch.

Something a bit different, but can you list both your favorite "Best Picture" winner and least favorite.

I struggled with this but came up with the following:

Favorite: The Apartment (1960)

Least Favorite: Gigi (1958)

I watched one, but it was a doozy.

Woman in the Dunes (1964)

Wow, amazing, strange, compelling, thrilling. I won't give any spoilers, just watch it.

I watched one new one:

Come Drink with Me (1966)

Holy cow, this was such an amazing film. I have watched A LOT of Shaw Brothers movies but from the 70s/80s. This film however was not only a classic but also felt refreshing and ahead of its time. Highly recommended!

Sorry, I was away for awhile but I'm back.

I watched a movie that made me mad:

Woman of the Year (1942)

I love director George Stevens and the film is decent enough, though a bit boring. My problem is the ending, a true "sign of the times" but certainly is extremely outdated which kinda ruined the whole movie for me.

As per usual, I watched at least one new classic:

The Thief of Baghdad (1940)

Technically and visually stellar for the time (and still somewhat so in 2024). Acting and subtle racism not so good...

I'm a day late, but here we are.

This week, I watched two innovative musicals:

Love Me Tonight (1932)

Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald star in this whimsical musical. I LOVED the style and innovation in this one, gotta watch it! Highly recommended film.

The Merry Widow (1934)

Same pair as above, and similar in style but I didn't like it as much. You can see it's more of an Astaire-Rogers affair, which is fine but not as innovative as Love Me Tonight.

For me, I watched two great ones:

Out of the Past (1947)

• Uber-classic film noir, well-acted and intriguing.

The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)

• The first in many follow-up films, very amazing. I liken it to 1982's Conan the Barbarian in that it's more about showing rather than telling which I prefer. I'm looking forward to watching subsequent films in the long series.

The Lady Eve (1941) Barbara Stanwyck is a con-artist used to getting her way (with men especially). Henry Fonda's character is naive, sure but will he get tricked like the others have? It's pretty good, worth a watch.

Double Indemnity (1944) Somehow I've never watched this classic film-noir. Stanwyck is great in it, as usual. I didn't quite buy Fred MacMurray's falling for her so easily, but still a great film noir for the ages. Very "Hitchcockian".

I watched two Barbara Stanwyck films this week, both very good:

Remember the Night (1940)

I LOVE the pacing in this one, perfect example of a classic film letting the scenes simmer. I love anything that feels natural, and this film certainly meets that criteria. It's a redemption story that takes place around Christmas

Ball of Fire (1942)

Here we have Stanwyck paired up with Gary Cooper and his nerdy friends who help him as best as they possibly can. I loved the mix of genres, it is all over the place. The finale is also quite riveting.

The Trouble with Angels is just a fun movie that has a heart. I thought I'd recommend it for those seeking some classic 60s stuff for the upcoming holidays.

Funny thing is, I'm an atheist so you'd think I'd be squarely against anything religious but it doesn't bother me. Rosalind Russell is one of the stars and it was the first film I saw here in. There is also a super-campy sequel that is....not as good but it has its moments.