Thomas M. Willett
@thomasmwillett
Author, media enthusiast (The Memory Tourist), and 1x Jeopardy test reject. Protect LGBTQIA+ rights. New novel "Lava Lamp" is now available in paperback and digital from major online retailers. Website:
The Lure. Not only the best mermaid musical since 1989, but arguably the most inventive and enjoyable musical since 2010.
There's the 2015 film Serena. Dropped in the middle of their primes, it was the one Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence drama to not receive any Oscar nominations... for good reason.
Today started with me creating a conversation about RHCP off of somebody's YouTube video. Still going strong, and it's been entertaining to return to throughout the day. Lots of Flea love out there. Guess it'll be a good birthday after all.
Every year on the eve of my next birthday, I attempt to highlight the art that made the past year easier. As I prepare to turn 37, here's 25 works that gave me something to either think about or restore some hope (unranked). All descriptions on my Letterboxd.
My recommendation for July 4 is The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Along with a timely story, it has the message I've associated with the past decade: "You don't get to hate it unless you love it." Times are hard, but only a cynic would ignore the beauty that still continues to blossom.
Got an essay on America 250 going live on Saturday. Spent the afternoon writing it, and you want to know something... it's largely about the importance of architecture. I promise it makes sense.
Found this in my personal archives from September 2006. It's amazing what 20 years will do to a person.
For my money, no adaptation has captured the essence of the book without changing too much of the source material quite like If Beale Street Could Talk. It's amazing how it feels like a perfect companion to Baldwin's prose.
Also, psyched to finally be doing one of my favorite Oscar Bait movies for Failed Oscar Campaigns this month... and in time for Euphoria's finale! Stay tuned.
Today's going to be a good day. About to see I Love Boosters and then come back to watch the latest by the one and only Don Hertzfeldt. Hoping to expand my mind something fierce very soon.
I'm sure some of these will grow on me, but not my favorite week for new music. That, or I was just not in the mood for slow and introspective works. Though how Charley Crockett released two home runs in one month is beyond me.
Probably as thoughtful a review as I'm going to come up with for this one. It's good, not great, but that line makes me laugh on at least two levels.
Also, just been a good time for music listening. The new Last Five Years recording is so infectious.
Looking at the last two people in the Criterion Closet. I see what you guys did there. Is Christina Hendricks next?
My girl finally got the James Bond theme... for the video game. Good for her. Follow your dreams, everybody! There's only 24 hours in a... DAY!!!
"Yo! This movie is my life, for real!" *holds up copy of Malibu's Most Wanted*
Music's been good over here the past few weeks. Biggest revelation? I may actually like Pink Floyd now. "Dark Side" is such a fluid listen. Just don't tell the people I made fun of in high school and called stoners because they were clearly right about *one* thing.
Today turned out to be a pretty good day. Lots of new favorites here.