I know writers are generally encouraged to read but I’m the sort of writer who needs to watch tv and movies for writing inspiration.

As such, since publishing The Pursual, I’ve created time to see a couple flicks.

LIFE:

I recently saw Life featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson & Ryan Reynolds. It also includes actor Hiroyuki Sanada who was on the tv show Helix (Syfy). I had to control myself to keep from screaming at the screen. It was so scary but good! It’s about the discovery of extraterrestrial life on Mars …. then it all goes bat-$#!& crazy! No spoilers here, but if you like a spooky science fiction movie and are curious about how first contact could go down, try this movie. Oh, and the ending … what a brilliant ending (that I knew was coming but only because I’m always thinking of ways to surprise my readers).

A CURE FOR WELLNESS:

Gothic and creeptastic. It was a real what in blazes did I just watch kind of movie. So much of the film was subtle and it was within that subtlety that the sense of fear was created for me as a viewer. A hot shot Wall Street guy is sent to find a member of the firm at a fancy spa retreat in Switzerland. You’ve got to pay attention to everything in this movie. From facial expressions, or the lack thereof, to the way light, darkness and music are used to amp up scenes. Yeah, I recommend it but if you walk away thinking WTH?, just remember, I told you so.

GET OUT:

Oh boy. I’d heard about this movie. In fact, I was overwhelmed by this movie before I saw it. Twitter. Facebook. Forums. Everyone was talking about this movie and arguing about what it really meant. All I know is that having finally seen it, I wouldn’t wish the sunken place on anyone. It’s a great discussion on race and the discomfort created around it in certain public spaces. But that’s only a slice of what the movie is about. There’s an additional element that becomes obvious toward the end and I won’t mention it so as not to spoil it for you. Do yourself a favor and watch it. If it makes you uncomfortable at times, that’s good. Think about why. If it makes you belly laugh at other points, grab onto the hilarity. Whatever you do, just watch it!

Fast & Furious 8:

Yeah, I watched this one too and uh, it delivers what it promises – fast cars, explosions, adventure, deceit and more. Hmm, I don’t have much to say about this one but if you have a nephew, hubby, boyfriend, son or someone in your life who enjoys those sorts of movies, it’s one to take them to. Or you can just wait till it comes out on HBO/DVD/Netflix etc. (Confession: I have watched every single movie in the franchise. =D)

I’ve watched a few more movies that I’ll be writing about next week. Wonder Woman, anyone? And that movie actually gave me a few #writinglessons that I hope to apply in the future.