Kinds of Kindness
Scorecard, fav movies of 2024, the colosseum just got hotter, new pod drop.
We hope all of you had a fun, safe holiday yesterday. Whether you spent time in the sun, legally exploding things mere feet from your neighbor’s property, or inside marathoning movies, we hope it was with people you really, really like. Sort of how we really, really like you. 🥹
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Concession Stand Scorecard: Kinds of Kindness
Temp These Takes: The Crew’s favorite movies of 2024 so far
Watchlist Worthy: These first-look photos have us ready to be ENTERTAINED.
New Pod Drop: What’s new to streaming in July? Tune in to find out!
This week’s movie - “Kinds of Kindness”
Letterboxd Description:
WE MIGHT ALL BE IN DANGER.
A triptych fable following a man without choice who tries to take control of his own life; a policeman who is alarmed that his wife who was missing-at-sea has returned and seems a different person; and a woman determined to find a specific someone with a special ability, who is destined to become a prodigious spiritual leader.
Best Watched With
Anyone who enjoys Yorgos, and doesn't need a straightforward story to appreciate a movie, or Yorgos himself. Definitely don't watch with anyone you'd blush next to watching House of the Dragon sex scenes.
End credit thoughts
Kinds of Kindness deviates from typical Hollywood storytelling as an anthology–a single movie with three separate (very Lanthimos-Filippou-styled) stories, using all of the same actors.
This is a wildly original flick that took a lot of risks. Heavily stylized, with a weird alternative reality tone that is carried out through each story. All of the tools at director Yorgos Linthamos' disposal are finely tuned–inspiring use of color, editing, sound design, cinematography, the unsettling score and soundtrack give this movie an unmistakable vibe.
The entire cast delivers wonderful, bizarre performances, but the spotlight shines brightest on Jesse Plemons who seems almost too natural in Yorgos' strange world. His delivery brought some of the funniest and disturbing moments in the film.
Things might not make sense right away, but it had our attention and our curiosity the entire time. It felt like the moment the lights dimmed down and we started to go somewhere we had never been, our bodies turned into pressure cookers of anxiety. Right when we thought it was too much to take, Plemons delivered a single line that was a much-needed release to laugh out loud alongside the strangers who also committed to this audacious movie.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are briefly shown on screen, and it should be considered before viewing.
Yorgos is an artist operating at the highest level, so we recommend that you see Kinds of Kindness but this movie is definitely not for everybody. We know this because this is the second Yorgos movie we’ve watched in theaters in the past year, and seven people have walked out before the end credits.
Wait to watch in the (dis)comfort of your own home.
Bonus - if you’re looking for something to watch this weekend and Kinds of Kindness doesn’t fit the bill, check out the scorecard on these other awesome movies that are still playing in most theaters:
Our favorite movies of 2024 – so far.
Kelly
Dune: Part Two. Nobody expected this less than me, okay? Going into a movie that you 100% believe will be for taking your daily nap, with zero expectations... and coming out not only conscious but also a fan? That lovely of a surprise deserves the spot as my #1 movie of 2024. Just don’t ask me if I’ve see the first one 😅
Eric
NOW LISTEN UP. I know Longlegs technically releases July 12. I know that TECHNICALLY, I have not seen this movie. But the jury is OUT. 100% on RT? Disturbing trailers? Baby, I’ve been seated for this since the trailer dropped. This WILL be my favorite watch of 2024. And no, I’m not cheating - although not widespread release, people (not I) have seen this movie. It counts.
Josh
I was hoping to be surprised (I still have six months), and the hot and heavy love triangle debacle between Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist in Challengers almost came up with an upset, but Dune: Part Two remains in the number one spot. Performances? Of a lifetime. Austin Butler's accent? Skarsgård. Denis' direction? On point. Greig Fraser's cinematography? ON. POINT. For me, it was a damn near-perfect movie that was stunning from beginning to end, starting with arguably the most captivating opening sequences of the decade. Lead me to Paradise, Lisan al-Gaib.
New Mexico Drew
What a first half of the year for movies. I’ve loved so many, but the two I’ve thought about the most (and saw twice in theaters) is Love Lies Bleeding and Monkey Man. LLB is why I love indie movies. A great story, cast, and the Land of Enchantment set as the backdrop. The 80’s vibes were stronger than Joe Kerry’s hair in Stranger Things. Monkey Man made me enjoy violence way more than any healthy person should. It felt like all the revenge action flicks I grew up loving but made for grown up New Mexico Drew. As a side note, I cosign all the takes from the Crew this week. Just make sure you watch every movie mentioned here today. 🫡
What’s your take? Hit Reply or leave a comment below and let us know!
Gladiator II(2024) directed by Ridley Scott
This movie is going to RIP. Trust us when we say that all genders will be drooling over the beautiful display of humankind in this movie. And if the eye candy isn’t enough, Ridley Scott has promised us “the greatest action sequence ever put on film.”
We understand the concerns of those who hold the first Gladiator close to heart and aren’t excited about this sequel, it was a masterpiece after all. Take a deep breath, stare at the pure star power pictured above, and just imagine Paul and Pedro trying to kill each other, and Denzel delivering one of his monologues with an entire arena as his captive audience. There’s room from everyone on this bandwagon.
Trailer drops July 9th.
Letterboxd Description:
WHAT WE DO IN LIFE ECHOES IN ETERNITY.
The film will follow the continuing story of Lucius, the son of Lucilla
Other movies directed by Ridley Scott:
Gladiator (2000)
Blade Runner (1982)
There’s actually too many to list - just look at them here 😅
New to Streaming July '24! With Eric and Josh #028
🎧 Listen to this podcast at Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🎥 Watch the video of this podcast on Spotify
In this episode, Josh and Eric discuss their caffeine habits and Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, and Netflix, focusing on new releases and what’s leaving soon.
They express their excitement for the upcoming 'The Bear' season on Hulu and delve into their favorite horror directors. They also touch on their respective movie tastes, upcoming movie picks, and Kelly's distrust in Eric's movie selections. The episode wraps up with plans for future segments.
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Dune II getting a double mention?! SHEEEESH