We’re back with the second edition of What I Logged on Letterboxd for the month of May! As a reminder, I try do do this on a weekly basis, but life got crazy in April leading to this new schedule. I should have things back in track in June, with more time and mental capacity to watch some of the latest and greatest summer releases! For now, let’s talk about what I watched in the second half of May.
May 21st: Madagascar (2005): 3/5
Available to stream on: Peacock
This is a random rewatch, I know. However, I have had the urge to watch this film again since late 2021. I think part of the appeal was that it wasn’t available on streaming at the time, so I was just waiting for it to become available somewhere. It was finally added to Peacock in May, leading me to immediately watch it on a Saturday night. Madagascar is a quick, easy watch. It had a few laugh out loud moments for me, and aged pretty well considering it was released in 2005. The scene where three of the animals are casually riding the subway? Hysterical. I do think that the screenplay could have had a bit more heart put into it, but I think it’s a solid animated film.
May 21st: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005): 4/5
Available to stream on: Netflix
I was clearly in a reminiscing mood on the 21st. I remember watching this film as a child and being enamored with it. And honestly, I’m still pretty enamored with it. The songs, one-liners, and cast are incredible. Again, I think this film has aged pretty well. That being said, there are about a dozen unnecessary fatphobic comments and jokes made throughout the entirety of the film. That aside, I had a great time rewatching this as an adult.
May 25th: Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011): 3.5/5
Available to stream on: Netflix or HBO Max
I’ve been wanting to watch this film since it came out in 2011, but never got around to it. I’m glad I finally gave it a shot. This is a decently funny rom com, with a star-studded cast. We love to see the beginning of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling on screen together! I have two complaints with this film. The first is that I think it’s too long. It could be cut by twenty minutes and be just as good. The second is that I could have done without the statutory rape plot line. The way that the script doubled and then TRIPLED done on it was odd to me, even for 2011. (Also, how did I not know that Dan Fogelman, aka the man behind This is Us, wrote this film? Wild.) Overall, I enjoyed this film and could see myself watching it again.
May 27th: The Bob’s Burgers Movie (2022): 5/5
Absolute perfection. I laughed, I cried, I was engrossed in the plot the entire time. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series like I am, or just curious about the Belcher family, go and see this film in theaters. It’s a delight that should be experienced on the big screen.
May 31st: Ethel (2012): 3.5/5
Available to stream on: HBO Max
A fun fact about me is that I grew up in a very politically passionate family. I come from a long line of Democrats, who adored and respected the Kennedy’s. Despite their many flaws, I find the Kennedy family to be fascinating. Earlier this year, I watched an American Dynasties on the family, which reignited my passion for political documentaries. Ethel is directed by Rory Kennedy, the youngest child of Ethel and Bobby Kennedy. It’s a good surface level documentary about the couple and their 11 (!) children. It features interviews with Ethel and many of Rory’s siblings. I honestly didn’t learn too much new information from the documentary, but it’s always interesting to hear about the subject from the subject themselves.
As always, please leave any film suggestions in the comments. If you’re not already, follow me on Letterboxd to be the first to see what I log!
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