01 Jan 2024
I don’t read books quickly. I have a hard time creating large blocks of time for reading, primarily because I have many competing hobbies and media types. The main hack to increase my “reading” has been audio books, as I can fit them alongside a walk or commute. It still means my progress is broken up into ~30 minute increments, so it’s slow going (If you’re looking at a 300+ page 10 hour novel… that’s 20 daily trips to get through, or like 4 weeks). Also there are many times when I can’t focus enough for that (I’ve learned that during my commute home my brain is too crowded to handle an audiobook). But I still make progress.
This year was dominated by one series in particular, because it totally captured me. And that’s the Wayfarer series by Becky Chambers. I cannot recommend it enough. Some musings on that and other books I “read” this year below.
This is what I would love to see more of in science fiction. It’s optimistic, inclusive, character-focused, and more feminine in its perspective. It’s what I would hope a future could look like, rather than the more common dystopian/apocalyptic/technophile envisioning. This story is more character-driven vignettes than a strong central narrative. The multi-species crew of the Wayfarer goes from point A to point B, and along the way there’s the most delightfully natural world building and character building. The stories are also often distinctly science fiction in that they could foundational not exist in our current reality (as opposed to sci-fi being mere window dressing). But also the stories are all distinctly human-relatable. Plus the audiobook performance is incredible; Rachel Dulude has range. I loved this book so so much.
Listened to on Audible
I didn’t know that the second book in the “Wayfarer series” wasn’t at all about the same characters. I was petulant at first. I wanted more of what the previous book had offered! And, well, this is that, but not in the way I expected. This story explores what would happen if an AI raised a human, and also explores what would happen if a human raised an AI. They’re both interesting to explore, and they intersect in interesting ways. By the end I was in love with these characters too and having a great time.
Listened to on Audible
When the third book opened up to a whole new cast of characters I was more prepared and open minded. After two books of multi-species characters, this one focuses on a human-only story. Specifically the humans that left earth in ships and decided to stay on those ships rather than colonize another planet. It’s a story of that society, from many different angles. Of the series this was perhaps the most detailed in how things might work, what family and government and commerce might look like in an constrained but interconnected social environment.
Listened to on Audible
The final book in the series takes a complete turn from the previous one. Now the cast is completely lacking any human characters, and takes place on just one hunk of rock. It’s a bottle episode, with a diverse set of anatomy and culture involved. It might be recency bias, but I think this one is my favorite. It’s funny. It’s poignant. It’s explores things that don’t actually exist in fascinating detail. I loved every moment of it.
Listened to on Audible
I’ve been a big fan of the Greek myths ever since I was a kid. Circe is a well-crafted story that takes an alternate view on familiar events from those myths. I really enjoy this kind of storytelling, focused on giving you new perspective on something you’re already familiar with and fond of. Or at least when it’s done well (I’ve got my eyes on you, trend of soulless prequel cash grabs). Here it’s done well. The story is one of a woman claiming her own path, making the best of a world that was not receptive of her and her craft. Yes, she spends the majority of the time stranded on island. But, that’s the thing. She makes waves despite so much being outside her control.
Listened to on Audible
This was recommended to me as a way to try on Brandon Sanderson but not sign up for a long series. And I enjoyed it enough that I’d go back to that well for another of his books. Part of the sales pitch also included that this author creates interesting unique systems of magic. Warbreaker definitely delivered there. The system of “breath” was thoroughly explored from enough different angles to make it feel fully realized and grounded. Out of its core concepts we get gods and magical objects and an economy and intrigue and none of it works the way it would in another fantasy novel. And yet it all makes more sense, feeling downright scientific. The characters were distinct and memorable. The plot twists unfold in interesting ways. This was a solid read.
Listened to on Audible
I was sold this book as “queer necromancers in space.” And it is that. But… here’s the thing. The actual story could have entirely dropped the “in space” part with almost zero edits. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that this was a last minute re-theme to make the book stand out more. It doesn’t meaningfully factor into the plot (feel free to mentally replace it, it’s not hard). And it’s surprising how much that bothered me… the premise was a lie. The book also made the questionable choice of having its protagonist be silent for a significant portion. She is establishes as a distinct irreverent character (props to the audiobook narrator for delivery of this dialogue)… but then is muzzled. Perhaps most difficult for me was how the book introduces a very large block of characters all at once, each with obscure names and titles, and then overly relies on the reader’s retention of all of that. The author will shorthand “the fifth” as one of two potential people out of about fifteen. Sorry, I have no idea who you’re talking about. For a story that should thematically resonate with me (I did design a game about necromancy, after all) this book really frustrated me. It wasn’t so bad I quit on it, but it also didn’t hold together.
Listened to on Audible
31 Dec 2023
In 2023 apparently all the pent up energy needed to come out and it was time to go to the theater. It looks like I saw ten movies in the theater which is… a lot for me, and certainly coming out of the past few years. Partially I was ready to get out, but also there were just some great movies to go see. I got very tired of that AMC movie quotes intro. Please stop.
Alright, whether in the theater or at home, this is a list of movies that I watched in 2023 that warranted commentary.
Into the Spider-verse set new high standards for animation. It’s sequel somehow meets them. The first 20 minutes, which are all about Gwen Stacy, are perfect. I love the difference in her verse’s visual style (something the movie continues to explore in spades as it moves to other verses). I love the small but poignant story told in this opening section. It left me thinking “what if we just stayed with Gwen for a whole movie?” But Miles is great too, of course. This movie goes so many wild places. It’s so so good.
Watched in the theater, now streaming on Netflix
Hi Barbie! This movie has heart, and pushes buttons. Buttons that need pushing. I saw it in the theater on the same day as Oppenheimer, and being part of the zeitgeist was fun. Everyone should see this movie.
Watched in the theater, now streaming on HBO
This movie is long and we had terrible seats (the cost of deciding last minute to do Barbenheimer). The movie was also so good that these things didn’t bother me. It is incredibly well told story of a time of difficult choices.
Watched in the theater
What an amazing year for animation! I had recently watched Across the Spider-verse which was already a gorgeous accomplishment. Mutant Mayhem then follows it with the most incredible animation style. My eyeballs were so incredibly pleased through the entire runtime. I also like how the story is about flawed teenage characters dealing with appropriate sized conflict; much better than all the overblown over-scaled adventures that have become too commonplace.
Watched in the theater
This movie is dripping with fan service directed right at me. And I am not sad to be catered to in this way. Yes, I did recognize all those little musical nods, thank you for making them. Not just nostalgia, the whole thing does actually hold together as an enjoyable animated romp.
Watched in the theater, now streaming on Netflix
As a player of D&D, I was braced for this movie to be bad. I’m so glad it wasn’t. It had very D&D energy about its stories and characters. Things get silly, stuff happens, don’t overthink it, everyone has a great time. A delightful carefree romp.
Watched in the theater, now streaming on Amazon
Margot Robbie is a treasure. From Harley Quinn to I, Tonya to Amsterdam to Barbie… she clearly has range. Babylon is a film about film-making, specifically the transition from silent films to talkies. It’s wild and colorful and engaging, filled with memorable moments. I found it captivating.
Now streaming on Amazon
I was instructed to know nothing about this movie before seeing it, other than it fit into the horror genre. And that was indeed the best context to see it. I didn’t know where it was going, it delivered real tension, it had moments of shock and violence but they didn’t permeate the experience, and overall I enjoyed it.
Now streaming on HBO
A dishonored knight works with a shapeshifter to overthrow the unethical regime. It’s a stylish animated movie filled with heart and humor. The mashup of medieval knights and technology gives it a distinct setting. I also read the graphic novel, and they certainly diverge but the adaptations are appropriate for making a better (and more complete) story.
Now streaming on Netflix
This movie was recommended to me so many times before I actually acted on it. It’s a story of a musician in a high intensity band (and by “high intensity” we mean verbally and emotionally abusive). It was extremely hard to watch at times. But also excellent. Meticulous. There was actually a scene from the movie that I had seen as a clip before, which I now realize was taken entirely out of context about the role of teachers and pressure. Oh wow does this movie ask you whether the end justifies the means.
Now streaming on Netflix
Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver deliver amazing performances about a couple going through divorce. It gets ugly. It’s emotional. It’s very very good.
Now streaming on Netflix
Thanks to Patrick H Willems for this recommendation (and I recommend his follow-up video about Bollywood. This movie is… over the top. “Man throws a tiger at another man” over the top. It’s also a story of brotherhood and friendship. And there are dance numbers. It has everything. Watching it I realized all the other films I’ve watched have been holding it back. That there is another plane to ascend to. I can’t live there all the time. But it was real nice to visit.
Now streaming on Netflix
And the Rest
Here are some other movies I had thoughts on.
Maybe Yes
- Dunkirk: For a period as well traveled as World War II, I never felt like I had seen this movie before. The mechanism of telling 3 different storylines advancing at different rates (an inevitably combining for the climax) worked really well. Very engaging.
- Three Thousand Years of Longing: dris Elba is a genie in a bottle found by Tilda Swinton. It’s a vibrant movie with Shahrazad vibes of storytelling, magic, and history.
- M3GAN: A horror movie about dolls and technology that’s not terrible explicit on the horror visuals. It worked for me.
- Elemental: I’m not positive the world of elements living together in a city actually makes sense, but that’d be nit picking. It’s a story of immigration and racism, for kids! It’s not going to enter my highest echelon of Pixar movies, but that’s tough company. It was still enjoyable.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: The movie that needed a content warning about animal violence. Which put a dampener on its otherwise traditionally light comedic action vibe. I of course must praise how the movie featured the Zune far more prominently than anyone could have expected. But overall to me the movie didn’t raise to the level of the previous two.
Maybe
- Nope: I’m in for a mystery and monster movie. And this one was fine, but others seemed to have liked it a lot more than me so I’m not sure what I’m missing.
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny: This movie was not the disappointment that Crystal Skull was. The young accomplice was decidedly less annoying. And it’s back to fighting nazis. I didn’t have a bad time with it.
- Hereditary: I needed more of a warning before seeing this movie. I was expecting a spooky horror movie, and instead got real life family trauma. The supernatural happenings that follow can’t compete with that.
- The Marvels: This movie just kind of washed over me as okay and not exceptional in any way. There are funny bits. There are cool bits. But it didn’t have enough of a purpose or point of view to punch through.
- The Little Mermaid (2023): I don’t really want to contribute to these live action remakes continuing to be profitable. But sometimes that’s the movie that’s available when it’s time to watch a movie. And… it was fine. The whole first act where things are underwater is too uncanny valley. Prince Eric gets more of an identity and a reason, so that’s cool. Honestly, I’m too attached to the original to give a fair comparison. It was fine.
- Renfield: Nick Cage chews up all the scenery, and that’s appropriate. It’s campy, there is some comedically gratuitous action violence… but it didn’t really land as all that memorable or interesting.
- Strange World: Some interesting visuals but ultimately forgettable. As in I literally had to watch the trailer to remember what happened. It felt very… well-tread.
Maybe No
- Magic Mike’s Last Dance: The first two Magic Mike movies are excellent. This one is not. It has a completely dissonant romantic relationship and loses all of the positive masculinity of the previous film. There is some good dancing, but not enough to make up for its sins.
- Avatar: The Way of Water: Well that certainly looked expensive. Was the story dumb and lazy? Yep. Were the whales cool? Yep. Did the whole thing overstay its welcome? Yes absolutely.
- Licorice Pizza: This is a movie about nothing. And it knows it’s a movie about nothing. But also I didn’t like the characters. And the vibes didn’t land for me. Can’t recommend.
- Jurassic World Dominion: This movie has no soul. It’s preying on nostalgia, marching beloved characters out to tempt us to watch it. I did, and immediately forgot it.
- Morbius: I expected this movie to be bad. And it was bad. If you needed someone to confirm that for you… I’m here for that.
30 Dec 2023
This is a list of shows that I watched in 2023 that warranted commentary.
This series was so good I watched it twice. If you want some hyperbole, it may be the best Star Wars has ever been. It starts a bit slow, but after 3 episodes it breaks into an unrelenting pace of many different storylines an environments. It’s a heist story, a jailbreak story, a revolution story. It is grounded in a way that has the Star Wars world at its most believable. Also the music is excellent and worth learning more about. In the aftermath of the severely disappointing 2019 film Rise of Skywalker (which is the only main saga film I am content to pretend never happened), Andor was more than a return to form. Andor showed that Star Wars may actually be a environment for good storytelling. I’m eager for more of this, but terrified it won’t be as good as I now know it can be.
Watched on Disney+
I’ve never played The Last of Us video game. I certainly hear it’s good. The show is certainly very good and does not require any familiarity with the game. Where something like The Walking Dead drifts too often into stories of bleak survival, The Last of Us is fundamentally about hope and love and family. Even if (no, especially if) those positives lead to terrible outcomes. I was recommended to listen to the companion podcast, which is not something I would have ever thought to do. It’s a fantastic story of talented creators being incredibly intentional about a loving adaptation, highly recommend.
Watched on HBO
This year our marriage felt solid enough that we had stomach to take on Marriage Story (oof, ain’t that one a gut punch) and Scenes from a Marriage. Both have amazing performances by the actors, and both are excellent (if intense) character stories. The latter explores many facets of a transforming relationship. There’s an odd choice in the production, where each episode starts with a visible transition between the actors on set into the characters in the story. Somehow the performance is so strong that even this intentional breach of the illusion is not enough to reduce its power.
Watched on HBO
I was cynical about this one going in. Amazon Prime is not exactly a bountiful store of quality original content. And a prequel to The Lord of the Rings? After the deeply disappointing The Hobbit film trilogy? Sounds like a soulless cash grab. But I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this show. Telling the story of Sauron’s time, the forming of Mordor, the forging of the rings… yeah, I’m in for that. The younger versions of Galadriel and Durin IV really feel fully realized. There’s plenty of story to tell here, and if the quality keeps up then this is a prequel series I’m in for.
Watched on Amazon Prime
Nathan Felder’s “terrible business ideas” series Nathan for You is something I consider funny. To some… it’s too awkward. The Rehearsal takes that and transcends to another plane of awkwardness. The line between what is real and what is not gets severely blurred. I’d rather not spoil any of it for you. I found it both engaging and hard to watch. Your mileage may vary.
Watched on HBO
This true crime miniseries has many different moods. A romance, a murder mystery, a legal drama… it has a lot of range. I really enjoy a solid limited series (I’m reminded of Sharp Objects and Big Little Lies); something good and complete that doesn’t drag it out. This show confidently tells its story and then ends.
Watched on HBO
And the Rest
Here are some other shows that are worth a little mention.
Maybe Yes
- Hilda: Season 3: This show is a comforting warm bowl of soup. Reliably beautiful, whimsical, and charming. This is the final season apparently (surprise, the last episode is movie-length), and I’ll be sad to see it go but rather it end than trundle on endlessly.
- Succession : Season 4: This show remains a compelling train wreck of extreme nepotism. You still thrash between loathing and rooting for these terribly privileged children. More of the same, but it’s good.
- Crown: Season 6: This show has been very evenly enjoyable. It explores different storylines of the paradox of the British monarchy. Humans raised in an inhuman system, destined to dysfunction but also intertwined with history. The setting is grand but the individual storylines are often incredibly petty, in a way that seems wholly accurate. The last seasons more breached into time that overlaps with my memory, which is an interesting contrast with the generations before. Supposedly this season is the end of the line, even though the real dysfunction marches on, and I’m a bit sad to not have more.
- White Lotus: Season 1 and 2: To me, this show is about people in the hospitality industry dealing with entitled travelers… and then things going terribly wrong. The first season really lands that, and is a wild ride (with a particularly captivating hotel manager). The second season has a bit more sympathetic guests and less interesting hosts, and so doesn’t land quite as well. But I enjoyed both.
- House of the Dragon: Season 1: Given the uneven landing of Game of Thrones’ final season, I had my doubts about this one. But I think it’s good. I like the large multi-generation timeline of it all. Like the Crown… but with dragons.
Maybe
- The Marvelous Ms. Maisel: Season 5: This final season is largely more of the same. Charming, quick-witted, very New York, very Jewish, very period piece. And all of that is a pleasant watch. But it’s time to wrap it up.
- The Witcher: Season 3: Long ago we decided this was a “vibes” show, which is to say don’t think so hard about it and instead focus on the vibe. It’s best when it’s a “monster of the week” serial focusing on Geralt being a gruff monster detective. Sadly the show seems far more focused on big politics that are less interesting than when the show is small.
- The Mandalorian: Season 3: As with the Witcher, this show is best when it focuses on smaller vignettes. Space western bounty hunter, yes please. Big overwrought politics and mythology, no thank you. This third season leans heavily into the larger story, and gets more Star Wars than it should.
- Loki: Season 2: For a show about a god and time travel, this show should be more fun. It’s surprisingly dry. And focuses a lot on the precise rules of time and multiverses that frankly don’t really make sense. The show does have some moments. When Loki finally actually plays around with time travel, it hits. But my least favorite parts of the last season were Kang, and… this season leans heavily on that weak point.
- Ms. Marvel: Season 1: I’ve read the first few books of the Ms. Marvel comics, and was eager to see this live action version. And the first few episodes hit the vibe. Kamala Khan is a kid (and a nerdy fangirl at that), so small stakes work really well here. The second half of the season really muddled things though. Can we please just focus on small human-scale stories?
- Moon Knight: Miniseries: I liked that this didn’t try to fit into a crowded Marvel universe. It was a weird story of multiple personalities and Egyptian mythology. It didn’t really sink in for me; I couldn’t really tell you what it was about. But I appreciated it for trying to be different.
Maybe No
- Hawkeye: Miniseries: I watched this while my family was out of commission sick for a week. And I remember precious little about it. It certainly has very little Hawkeye in it, but maybe that’s okay? I remember it ending with some Scooby-Do quality mooks. Meh. This is not Marvel focusing on doing its best.
- The Wheel of Time: Season 1: I’ve read the first Wheel of Time book, and only that one. It didn’t grip me. The show… yeah kind of the same. I don’t know if I’ve been terrible fair to it; I never gave it a chance to be good. It’s… fine? There’s something about this brand of fantasy that just doesn’t land for me.
- Sex Education: Season 4: The previous seasons of this show have been really amazing; the fourth season… not so much. The characters and setting have turned practically cartoonish. As is, I’d recommend stopping after season 3.