Movies, movies, movies: for the Dog Days of August

Yes, it’s that time of year and I’ve got a suggestion: Movies, movies, movies for the Dog Days of August.

Lately I’ve been chillin’ on my couch because it’s so damn hot outside (even in the woods.) There was a fourteen day stretch where I never left my apartment, not for a moment. Granted, I was in some pain, having tweaked my sciatic nerve in a bad way–packing and moving boxes down to the garage. I had been sweating like a dog, too. And so I was ready for a break.

The Dog Days of August is an old baseball expression. Because in August it is so damn hot. Moreover, the pennant races slow down before the September home stretch. The players are tired, beat up, and need a break. Just like me.

I’m Moving

at the end of the month. It’s time for me to really retire and let the chips fall where they may. Subsequently, I’ve not been reading, writing, thinking, and drinking as much. Drinking Writer Man is unlearning some things, and learning new ways. One of which is watching more movies instead of news and talking heads talking about  shit. Additionally, I’m watching less sports, too.

Because the Yankees suck; and Caitlin Clark is injured. It is indeed The Dog Days. So I’ve made a list to share with you of movies for the Dog Days of August.

Let’s go!

The List

is made up of lesser known flicks. None of which I’d ever heard of; but all are pretty damn good. I’ve ordered them by pub date. In addition, I’ve listed Google’s take on what category they fall in. The category regarding their tone.

1. Voyage of the damned (1976) A true story about Jewish refugees from Germany in 1939. Dark, harrowing, and serious.
2. The boys from Brazil (1978) A fictional story about Nazi eugenics. Malicious, dark, serious.
3. Stormy Monday (1988) Harrowing, sultry, brooding.
4. Blood and wine (1996) Bleak, gritty, suspenseful.
5. Primary colors (1998) Political satire about Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992. Chilling (My word.)
6. City of ghosts (2002) Gritty, suspenseful, mysterious.
7. The slaughter rules (2002) Thoughtful, touching, brooding.
8. Archangel (2005) Dangerous, biting, suspenseful.
9. The last lullaby (2008) Intense, thrilling, romantic
10. Fear and loathing in Aspen (2021) Wry, brash, unrestrained.

You are what you watch

Uh-oh. If I’m right about you are what you watch? i’m getting out of this shit storm in the knick of time. The above listed movies all are free on YouTube, or on Amazon Prime. It takes me quite a bit of scrolling to find a movie that peaks my interest. I’m rather picky. However, taking that list as a whole – I’d say I have a pretty glum opinion of people.

These are not uplifting stories. They are mostly dark and the characters mostly unlikeable. So why do such stories appeal to me? That might be a topic for a session with Psych-girl.

In Conclusion

Watch at your own risk. These are good movies; but not with happy endings. For the most part.

My list of Movies for The Dog Days of August can be foreboding of the times we are living in. In other words–times with no certainty of a happy ending. Maybe that’s what drives me to them – they’re realistic. As opposed to idealistic.

Have you watched any of them? Do you have a favorite type of movie?