greetings!

This is my final weekend of QUIET… the calm before the storm if you will.

Over the next few weeks I will embark on a variety of cinematic adventures all across the land, starting with 35mm Film Festival at Ambler Theater. Following this, I will make my way north to Witch City for the annual Salem Horror Fest with my movie pal, Kate Beach. Along the way there will be Mahoning Drive-in trips sprinkled in, Powell & Pressburger screenings at Philly Film Society, and a special presentation of Johnny Guitar at Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Free Library with guest, Joan Crawford’s grandson, Casey LaLonde. I am so excited to take a stab at hosting another Q&A and hope to see you in the audience! Snag your FREE ticket here

The icing on the cake is that these are just the start of many exciting escapades. At the end of May, I will venture to Paris with Benjamin and our niece Kylie! Upon my return I head to Rochester for the Nitrate Picture Show where I will serve as the Social Media Correspondent! It is going to be an incredible summer, I can feel it.

The gray clouds are rolling away and the future is bright. I have also finally come to terms that it is OK to feel a bit lost along the way. There is no “guide to life” and I am venturing to places that are unknown. There is no path to where I am traveling, as I am creating it as I go. I could not be more thrilled about all the excitement that awaits my future. Life is speeding by, and it is not always great, but there are pockets of diamonds in the rough and I am going to hold onto these luminous moments.

what’s the latest scoop?

Catchin’ Up with Tommy Udo

My cinematic pal, Tommy Udo has really come out of his shell as of late. Dare I say… he is a doll about town?

Tommy’s calendar is filling up and, quite frankly, is almost getting more hectic than mine. Don’t fret, we always take the necessary precautions: he wears his seatbelt and sits in the backseat away from the harm of airbags. I do really need to find him a set of wheels (i.e. stroller) as he often gets a bit cranky when there is a lot of walking involved.

In the past couple weeks he has attended a Bingo (his new obsession) and taken various trips to the movie theater. Let it be known! he is the perfect cinematic companion as he never makes a peep and will hold your seat without fail.

Most recently he joined me at the annual Sci-Phi Film Festival at Hi-way Theater where he served as MovieJawn correspondent. Check out a sample of our work below…

He was an absolute dream and guests could not help but be drawn to his alluring aura. It did not take long for a delightful frenzy to occur and suddenly Tommy was shaking hands, kissing babies, and giving out hugs like they were candy. There is something quite mysterious about Tommy Udo… frankly, it may be sorcery at work. Regardless, I envision a future in which one day every household will have a Tommy doll and well, I am the perfect huckster to make that dream a reality.

this week i am proud of…

my new Television set

Aren’t they a beaut?

Is it ridiculous to be proud of a television set? Possibly. However, for me (and Marty McFly’s grandparents), this a moment of celebration. I wanted one of these damn mouse televisions for quite some time and during a recent trip to Booth’s Corner with my movie pal, Kate Beach, I was able to scoop one up from Uncle John’s Attic. It brings me so much joy to have this in my laboratory (praise be to Uncle John!). To hear the beautiful sound of my VHS tapes coming out of a pair of mouse ears… the feeling is indescribable.

When you raise or lower the volume… Donald appears, there are mouse shaped buttons… there’s nothing like it folks! They honestly don’t make ‘em like they used to. Shout out to my partner in crime, Ben! for pushing me to make an offer to Uncle John and assisting me with getting it all set up. I love this dude so damn much.

This new acquisition has decided something for me that is long over due: a tour of my laboratory. I am sure many of my readers would be interested, and now that I have gotten over my fear of being in front of the camera I think it is high time I show the place. Tune in next matinee, I am going to make this happen and you will witness the many sights and wonders of my laboratory!

this week i recommend…

Taking a trip to Westworld

In March I viewed 57 motion pictures. Here’s some of my favorite watches.

From this list I recommend that you check out Westworld (1973). This is a tale about a “futuristic” theme park in which the robots begin to take control of the resort, resulting in mayhem for the guests.

I put a quote around futuristic as, frankly my dears, I think this fantasy may soon be our reality. The flick stars Richard Benjamin, James Brolin, and an exceptional performance from Yul Brynner as Gunslinger. Written and directed by Michael Crichton, Westworld ended up being one of my most admired watches from this year’s Sci-Phi Film Festival at Hiway. I purchased it on 4K from Arrow immediately following the screening. With my fascination of amusement parks, I could not help being enamored with this one. With a pending trip to Disneyland Paris on the horizon, I have to admit the idea of being immersed in a particular place is such a thrill… one can leave all their worries behind and succumb to the world of imagination. However, one big takeaway from Westworld though is that if you see the Gunslinger headed in your direction… RUN.

Andddd to answer the burning question on all of your minds:

Yes. I would go to this amusement park. Out of the three selections of Western World, Medieval World, and Roman World, I’d pick Medieval 🏰 World. However! I would prefer to go to a 1920s World. Speakeasies! Dressing like a flapper! Silent movies. All of this would be way more up my alley. How about you? Drop me a comment below old sport.

Find my January favorite watches here, find my February favorite watches here

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy you are here. xx.
goodbye.