Welcome to I Have to Return Some Videotapes! Each month, film buffs Rhianna Mehta and Kevin Maguire will take you through their cinematic journeys with all of their usual insight and humour, as they take advantage of covid-induced indoor time to catch up on their favourite films and explore new ones.

This month we passed an anniversary that neither of us wanted to celebrate: one year into the pandemic. In that time, we watched roughly 350 movies, and yet we still are as excited as ever when finding new films to watch. To be perfectly honest, watching so many movies has been the only thing really getting us through the pandemic. It’s comforting to know that after a long week of all work and no play, we can sit down and get lost in a fantasy world, laugh with (or sometimes at) the characters on screen, and gain new perspectives on the state of our current world. We hope you enjoy this month’s recommendations on what to watch, what to skip, and what you may want to give a shot.

If you would like to connect with us further on Letterboxd, please find us at rhirhi19 and Kevin_Maguire. If you want to get a sense of our taste, some of our favourites in each genre, and the way we approach film overall, be sure to check out our appearance on The Generalists.

Monthly Favourites:

Rhianna: Marty (Delbert Mann, 1955) I absolutely adored this film. It was so funny, so sweet and surprisingly honest. Marty, a butcher living in the Bronx who is unmarried at 34, tries to navigate the social pressures of dating and marriage. This is definitely a film for those who love good writing, as the film’s 90 minute run-time is primarily dialogue. The astounding writing is complemented by the heartfelt performance of Ernest Borgnine, who plays Marty. One of the most fascinating aspects about this film is its portrayal of dating and relationships in 1955. This film really captures something that I think would resonate with modern audiences: trying to make a good first impression. Without a positive first impression (whether in person, or digitally through apps like Tinder or Bumble), it’s difficult to form an enduring relationship or bond with someone. Nowadays, rejection can be as simple as a swipe to the left, but it’s humbling to watch Marty go through awkward conversations of being rebuffed over the phone, and watching what this does to him as a person. This is one of the few films to win both the Academy Award for Best Picture and the Cannes Palme d’Or – and I can see why.

Runner-up: The Father (Florian Zeller, 2020) As someone who has lost a loved one to dementia, this movie really impacted me. It went above my expectations of how film could portray this illness, and featured incredible performances by both Olivia Colman and Anthony Hopkins. Of the films I’ve seen thus far that are nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture this year, this is my favourite.

Kevin: The Father (Florian Zeller, 2020) This movie is as real as it gets. It follows the final days of an aging Anthony, played brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins. You sympathetically watch from his perspective as he begins to lose touch with reality. The movie depicts the all too real struggles families face as a loved one goes through the final stages of life. Olivia Colman, Imogen Poots and the rest of the cast give stellar performances in this must-see film.

Runner-up: Marty (Delbert Mann, 1955), I May Destroy You (Sam Miller & Michaela Coel, 2020)

Least Favorite:

Rhianna: American History X (Tony Kaye, 1998) I think my impression of this movie would have been different if I’d seen it 10 years ago, or maybe even just 5 years ago. I think that is because as a society, the dialogue around race and how it is represented in the media has come a long way since this film was released. For those who may not be familiar with the plot, it centers around Derek (Ed Norton), a former neo-nazi, who is determined to prevent his younger brother, Danny, from falling into his former lifestyle. From my perspective, this movie is not delicate or nuanced enough to deal with the heavy subject matter that is central to the plot. Even if I could look past the oversimplification of racism and white supremacy in America (which I cannot), the final act of the movie undoes everything that was developed in the previous two hours of the film. Overall, this really left a bad taste in my mouth – I would not recommend this film to anyone.

Runner-up: Sling Blade (Billy Bob Thornton, 1996)

Kevin: Sling Blade (Billy Bob Thornton, 1996) This movie attempts to tackle the serious issue of how citizens with disabilities are treated by society, but misses the mark by a wide margin. You follow Karl Childers, played by Billy Bob Thornton, as he is released from a mental institution after 25 years for the murder of his mother and her lover. He tries to reintegrate himself into the small town community he was raised in, while befriending a young boy and his family. It is clear that the protagonist is based on broader society’s perception of mental disabilities, rather than created by thoroughly researching the community and its members. As for the movie itself, I could not hear a single word spoken by any character. It felt like the movie did not budget for any additional microphones, and solely relied on whatever the camera was equipped with. The only thing I got from this movie was a craving for those “french fried pertaters”.

Runner-up: American History X (Tony Kaye, 1998), American Pie (Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz, 1999)

Biggest Surprise:

Rhianna: Over the Garden Wall (Nate Cash, 2014) Okay, so I know this isn’t actually a movie (it’s a limited series), but going into it I thought it was a movie, so it technically counts. It’s total run-time is only 109 minutes consisting of 10 episodes, each approximately 11 minutes in length. In this series, brothers Wirt and Greg try to make their way home after being lost in the Unknown – a strange, enchanted forest. This story is so rich, and manages to flesh out complex backstories for its characters in its short run time. I found myself being reminded of my adolescence, the uncertainties of life and the way each individual may approach the unfamiliar. Characters and story aside, the animation and colour palette are so whimsical, it really whisks you into the world of the Unknown. It is well worth sitting down and bingeing the entire series in one sitting.

Runner-up: Election (Alexander Payne, 1999) A high-school election is at the forefront of this 90’s film. If you think you’re in store for another teen movie – think again. Along with the expected teenage drama and hilarity, this film satirizes the dynamics of American politics. Director Alexander Payne has even stated that this is Obama’s favourite political movie!

Kevin: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (Robert Aldrich, 1961) I was apprehensive to give What Ever Happened to Baby Jane a chance. Having heard so much about Bette Davis’ and Joan Crawford’s feud, I did not think they would have any chemistry on screen. Then I hit play. Wow! Watch the drama unfold as you follow two sisters who are in the twilight of their acting careers and absolutely despise one another’s success. These two give such wonderful performances and the movie itself is so well written. This movie should be mandatory viewing for anyone thinking of writing a Joker script. Bette Davis gives a masterclass in the unhinged.

Runner-up: Over the Garden Wall (Nate Cash, 2014), Harvey (Henry Koster, 1950)

Coming Attractions

What’s coming up in April? Well, we are eagerly anticipating the streaming release of Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland, which won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Motion Picture. As well, our watchlist is now filled with quite a few “so bad it’s good” movies after delving into a couple of Nick Cage classics this month (Con-Air and Leaving Las Vegas are cinematic masterpieces, don’t @ us). We are looking forward to sharing our April recommendations next month!