Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Learning Gap

I have several gaps in my education, movies being one. I've been to an theater to see a movie very few times in my life. We never made it a practice to rent movies. I subscribed to Netflix a number of times but Bob expressed no interest and I never sat down long enough to watch a movie so I always canceled the subscription.

I'm now at a different time in my life. I'm amazed how many people watch movies, as in a lot of movies. I now have the time to watch movies and suspect it would be something I would enjoy as I age.

The problem for me is it's a massive field. Where do I start? I don't know one actor/actress from another. I'm not one to just jump in the middle and start watching. I need a plan.

What's the best way to educate myself?
1) by decade
2) by genre
3) by actor/actress
4) by subject
5) does screen size matter?
6) iPad vs TV?

I have much to learn. How about giving me some guidance? What guides you in selecting movies?

23 comments:

  1. I think genre is the most important place to start but I like 3-4 genres, as most people do. I'd also start by finding a list of the Oscar Winners at places like: http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-academy-award-winners-for-best-picture and then I'd read the tagline/reviews of those films listed and decide if they sound interesting. If a tagline doesn't peak your interest then the movie probably won't either. I will watch anything with certain stars because I trust their instincts for picking great roles with good stories I'll like. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, Helen Mirren, Matthew McConaughey for example have never disappointed me. I've never watch a movie on an iPad and I can't image it being that great. I love films on the big screens in theater but they are good on TV, too.

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    1. I checked out the web site you listed and will be going back to take another look at it. Thanks.

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  2. If I had the choice I'd go to a theater. There just aren't any here within a 2 hour drive one way. The screen size plus the popcorn add to the atmosphere in a theater. Of course I haven't been since smart phones have taken over and people text during the show. My criteria now days when renting is to seek out PG ratings. I don't mind nudity or some violence but I just get bored with how many ways the F bomb can be used in a sentence in the R rated movies. Tom Hanks is usually a safe bet. Have fun.

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    1. I think Tom Hanks maybe plays in the new movie Sully. Will try to see that one when it's available on TV. Bob and I both read the book, & that's something Bob never does. He grew up in Sherman/Denison, Texas on Propert next to Perrin AFB where Bob was stationed for 10 years.

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  3. I'd be a poor one to give you guidance: I see a movie about once every fifteen years.

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    1. I'm looking for something to replace politics in my life.

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  4. I prefer drama and mysteries. I also look at who is starring. If they have won awards, or if the movie has won an award, I figure that I'm less likely to be disappointed. Violent movies are the one thing I can not bear to watch. Good luck, and happy viewing!

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    1. Nope, violent is not for me.probably be best for me to start with some older movies.

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  5. Dang. I don't know where you start if you don't have a base. I'm going to read what everyone else says and then venture an opinion. LOL.

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    1. I'm determined to find something to replace politics in my life. I figure this is a subject big enough to keep me busy for a long time.

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  6. We go to movies infrequently, and mostly to see Academy Award nominated movies. We had Comcast On demand and occasionally look for a movie to rent there. We read the list of actors and the synopsis of the movie. We are very picky and will not watch junk. We do like romantic comedies as light entertainment, but they have to have decent ratings and quality actors. Rotten Tomatoes is a good source for ratings.

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    1. I'm hoping to find a subject less stressful than politics to occupy my time. Not going to be easy but seems like something that I might learn to enjoy as I age and have more time on my hands.

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    1. Not sure about this undertaking but figure I might cultivate an interest that might serve me well as I age.

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  8. I rarely watch films, but when I do, it's often on DVD, since I tend toward small-release or indy films that don't make the theaters. I follow a few people who provide good reviews of what's outside of the mainstream. One of the best is Arti, at Ripple Effects. The page I linked is a good place to start. There are links to the films she's reviewed.

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    1. Thanks for the link. I shall check it out. Don't have any way to play a DVD. Not even sure I want to watch movies on TV. I do everything I do on my iPhone and mini iPad. May stick to those for watching movies as well.

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    2. Doesn't your computer have a DVD slot? Since I don't have a television, I watch on the computer if not in a theater.

      I spent some time at work today thinking of films I've enjoyed that you might, too. Here they are, without proper punctuation. :-)

      Up in the Air; The King's Speech; Skyfall (yes, it's james bond, but it's also Judi Dench, and a really good film); The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel; The Hundred Foot Journey; August-Osage County (black comedy which I found hilarious.)

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  9. My sister watches a movie every night on her Netflix subscription. I find it hard to make that time commitment -- even though I have all the time in the world! I like to go to the theater on occasion, but it has gotten very expensive. I am sure that, as with all the books I will someday read, there are lists of the "musts" online.

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    1. I'm thinking ahead to the possibility of living alone. Thought it might be something I could occupy some time with.

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  10. What kind of books have you liked in the past? That will give you one-two genres to start with. Then, heck, google for 'best romance films.'

    Or, just go for 'top 100 films of all time', and work on that list. Google each one first, to get a synopsis, to determine if it's something that would float your boat.

    Most of all, have fun! Even bad films can be entertaining, but use my 20 minute rule. If it hasn't interested you within 20 minutes, just turn it off. It's ok. :)

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    1. I like your 20 minute rule on watching movies. That's the great thing about seeing movies at home vs. theater.

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  11. I love movies. My mood usually chooses the genre for me: suspense, drama, message movie, comedy, etc. Looking up some of the award-winning shows will give you an idea of where to start. You can also find trailers for some of the movies you find interesting. Dive in and enjoy!

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  12. I love a good movie! Yesterday we watched Anthony Hopkins in Hearts in Atlantis....
    We will watch any movie with him in it or Tom Hanks. So many movies! So little time! It's a very real way to 'escape' and visit a different kind of life in a different place or time!
    We don't have Net Flicks but nearly everyone else I know does and they love it!
    It will be fun to find out what movies you enjoy! Be sure and tell us! Ruth Ann and I keep to the PG 13 rating as I do not like vulgar language!
    It's kind of exciting to think about you watching a movie for the very first time! I'd start with classics and Academy Award winners!

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