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Another installment in the ongoing saga of my Netflix binge and purge process.

127 Hours - James Franco seems to have developed a reputation for being weird and kinda stoned all the time, but he really deserved ALL THE AWARDS for this role. I mean, when most of the movie is a character, alone, trapped in a narrow rock chasm, you'd need a fairly dynamic actor to hold the audience's attention. Franco's crazy actually suits the role well, as he swings wildly between mania and despair, cracking jokes one minute and contemplating suicide the next. And while it's a remarkable story of survival, the film doesn't attempt to portray Aron Ralston as a hero - this is clearly a situation of his own making, caused by his arrogance and carelessness. As much as it's about his courage, it's also a humbling experience, and we see Ralston reevaluating his life and choices in the face of almost certain death. And yes, the amputation scene is really as graphic as advertised. I think. I only watched the first 30 seconds of it before I had to cover my eyes.

My So-Called Life - Where has this show been all my life? Why did no one TELL ME? I was only ten when it actually aired, so it was a little before my time. Though, to be fair, I'm not sure I would've liked it much as a teenager, either. The heavy dose of nostalgia is possibly crucial to my enjoyment, because a big part of watching it is being able to recognize my own teen angst in Angela and her friends, but with enough distance that I can laugh at how silly and melodramatic it all was. That's the beauty of shows like this, the way it so deftly captures the awkward reality of being a teenager that it's almost like reliving your past, but in a way that feels cathartic rather than traumatic (because who actually wants to relive high school? GAH). Back when Huge was airing, practically every article about it mentioned that it came from the same creator as MSCL, and the resemblance is clear. Both shows have that same quality, and at the same time deal sensitively with some very tough issues. I mean, I am blown away that a show from 1994 could have characters like Rayanne and Rickie. (Then again, this is why I am not at all shocked that it only lasted one season.) I've always been a fan of Claire Danes, but she is FABULOUS in this show. I feel like there's a post or two brewing re: Angela/Jordan (short version: oh, honey, you can do better) and Brian Krakow as a Nice Guy, but that'll have to wait.

North and South - Okay, you guys were right. I gave it another shot, and it did get much better. I still maintain that the first episode is unbearably slow, and I am far less enthused about this than, say, Downton Abbey, but it wasn't bad once the plot actually kicked in. 

Comments

[eilowyn1]

Oh! My So-Called Life! I was eleven when it first aired and I still remember scenes and episodes. I can safely say that fictional characters introduced me to gay people, because I didn't grow up with any around me, so Ricky was an important part of my formative years and understanding homosexuality, because Ricky was one, and he was cool. He and the sex-positive Rayanne were characters ahead of their time.

I remember also that A.J. Langer, who played Rayanne, was a Christian and so the Christian media of the time touted that "A.J.'s no Rayanne" and it was a lesson for me in accepting behavior without condoning it, because here was this actress who was a Christian playing this hard-partying, bad influence character, and she didn't consider herself to be going against her faith by doing so. I now see it as accepting and supporting sex-positive behavior while not being sexually active myself.

If you like My So-Called Life, I also recommend Freaks and Geeks as another accurate portrayal of high school angst. It's brilliant, funny, and poignant writing, and you see many stars when they were young (James Franco! Jason Siegel! Seth Rogan! Busey Phillips, who you'd only know if you watch Cougar Town! And the kid who grew up to be Booth and Bones' therapist!)

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Oooh, yeah, F&G is on my to-watch list, too. SO MANY SHOWS TO WATCH, SO LITTLE TIME.

And haha, I don't watch Cougar Town, but Busy Philipps was also on Dawson's Creek, so I know who she is.

[goldenusagi]

My So Called Life is one of those shows I was also too young for at the time, but I've been thinking about watching it.

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You should! It's only one season, so it's not a huge commitment.

[ever_neutral]

JAMES FRANCO ALL THE AWARDS.

And while it's a remarkable story of survival, the film doesn't attempt to portray Aron Ralston as a hero - this is clearly a situation of his own making, caused by his arrogance and carelessness. As much as it's about his courage, it's also a humbling experience, and we see Ralston reevaluating his life and choices in the face of almost certain death.

THIS is what I loved about it most. It resonated so much more than a simple tale of heroism. That rock had been ~waiting~ for him. Just. slfkjdsfldsdslfds

Weirdly, I was completely unspoiled for the amputation scene, but I didn't find it all that graphic? Huh.

I never caught on to My So Called Life. Perhaps I should rectify this. BUT NO, TOO MANY SHOWS.

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Weirdly, I was completely unspoiled for the amputation scene, but I didn't find it all that graphic?

I'd heard about people passing out and/or vomiting in theaters, lol. And I'm pretty squeamish when it comes to that sort of thing. That bit where he, like, pulls out the tendon or nerve or whatever it is, and slices through it? GAAAAHHH. I was done.

[slaymesoftly]

My So Called Life was an amazing, amazing show. Our whole family watched it - kids were in their teens and they loved it, and hubby and I loved it too.

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Yeah, that's one of the great things about it - it doesn't feel like a "high school" or teen show that wouldn't appeal to grown-ups. The parents are fleshed-out characters, too, and there's a lot to identify with, no matter what age you are.