In-Flight Entertainment
Some stuff that I have watched and enjoyed recently
Hello!
I returned home from a conference earlier this week that was held in the US. It was a ridiculously long way to go for it from Asia, and it’s terrible for the environment1, but after several years of dealing with online equivalents (and often dealing with some organisers having little to zero consideration for time zone differences between Asia and the rest of the world), I couldn’t do another one. So in-person it was!
The purpose of the conference was to provide support with some materials for my new job that is starting this summer. Yet what is often the case with many functions such as this, the networking opportunities can be more useful.
But it wasn’t all work work work. I was able to tag on an extra few days to see family who live on the East Coast of the US. Plus, one of the weird benefits of rarely sleeping on long-haul flights and not subscribing to lots of streaming channels is that I get to binge watch TV box sets, or watch films that I want to see but haven’t.
Here are a few things that I have watched and enjoyed:
— Somebody Somewhere. Set in rural Kansas and follows Sam (Bridget Everett) as she returns to her hometown following the death of one her sisters. The central theme of community stood out for me while watching each episode. It’s incredibly sad in parts, but equally hilarious.
— This Old Ass. This film had me balling on the plane. I don’t want to give anything away about the plot, but both Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza are exceptional.
— Conclave. My mum and dad saw this at the cinema a few months ago and recommended it, but I was a little skeptical… a whole film about choosing a new Pope? And it all felt a bit too real given that Pope Francis is currently sick in hospital. However, I was gripped and the entire cast were excellent.
— The Last Dance. Foolishly, I started this with not enough time to complete it 🙄 so I will see if I can find it online. This is a Hong Kong film and is based on a wedding planner becoming a funeral planner. Sounds crazy, but the early parts that I saw really worked! (I liked Mark Kermode’s take of the film here).
— And finally, A Few Good Men. An oldie but a goodie, or should that be a greatie… Okay, that doesn’t work, but this film does. I like Tom Cruise when he’s an action superstar, but I love Tom Cruise in meaty roles such as this. But it’s Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Colonel Nathan R. Jessup who steals this film, and he’s in just three scenes! Also the themes of the film seem particularly prescient right now.
Am I right? Or am I right?
Sarah
Hi, I’m Sarah! The Best of Intentions is an independent publication about life in Hong Kong, travel, work, culture, health/fitness, photography, along with a sprinkle of psychology. If you like this post, consider liking or sharing it. If you are a regular reader please consider subscribing to receive updates and support my writing.
I do think about this a lot given that I made the choice to live thousands of miles from loved ones… perhaps some more thoughts on this for another time.
On my flight to Hong Kong I watched one episode of Sweetpea. I think I'll watch the second on the flight back.
I was surprised to learn that the Mexican character in Conclave was originally a Filipino in the source material. I wonder why the change? Would our Church officials go up in arms because, you know, we're so narrow?
Making a note of all of these! Thanks, Sarah!