It’s been a minute since I have written a post. You know how it is, when your passion is essentially a hobby, then life gets in the way and takes over sometimes. In my case, I had to have surgery, and now I’m in recovery. It has been a challenging period, both physically and emotionally, but I’m slowly getting back to my normal routine.
While in convalescence, I watched a few films (and a couple of TV shows). Not many mind you. How sad is that?, I know, when my blog is essentially about just that … films! The process of selecting what to watch became a little therapeutic for me. I revisited some classic favorites that brought back nostalgia and comfort, allowing me to escape into different worlds while I navigated this phase of my recovery.
So, to get myself back into the swing of things, here is my first curated newsletter, where I can share and discuss the films that I have consumed for the month. Each entry will include a brief overview of the film, my thoughts on its themes, performances, and what resonated with me the most during my recovery. I hope this will reignite the connection I have with my writing and, of course, with all of you, the readers who share my passion for cinema. Stay tuned for insights, reflections, and perhaps even a few recommendations that might strike your fancy!
Wonder Man (2026)
A mini series created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest, based on the Marvel Comics character Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man, has captured audiences’ attention with its unique blend of humor and superhero lore. The series follows actors Simon Williams (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and Trevor Slattery (portrayed by Ben Kingsley), both of whom are navigating the complex and often absurd world of Hollywood as they strive to land pivotal roles in a highly anticipated remake of the superhero film Wonderman. As they journey through auditions and encounters with eccentric producers, the duo’s friendship strengthens, providing both comedic relief and heartfelt moments, while also offering a satirical look at the film industry and the pressures faced by actors in the competitive entertainment landscape.
Logan’s Run (1976)
Based on the 1967 novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson, the film presents a chilling vision of a dystopian future posing as a utopian society. At first glance, everything seems perfect, with shiny skyscrapers and vibrant community life, but it soon becomes clear that this bliss conceals a dark reality. The delicate balance of population and resources is upheld by a horrifying practice: citizens willingly volunteer to die before turning 30. The film follows Logan 5, portrayed by Michael York, a “Sandman” tasked with terminating those attempting to escape this fate. However, as Logan embarks on his mission, he learns he, too, is destined for termination, forcing him to question the society that indoctrinated him.
The Thursday Murder Club (2025)
Based on the 2020 novel by Richard Osman, this intriguing story revolves around a group of elderly amateur sleuths who, despite their age, are filled with sharp wit and an undying curiosity. They come together in their quiet retirement village, united by their shared passion for solving mysteries and delving into the complexities of crime. In a surprising twist, they find themselves tackling a real murder case that has shaken their seemingly peaceful community to its core. As they navigate the clues, uncover secrets, and engage in their own unique investigative methods, their bond strengthens, revealing not only the depths of their friendship but also their unyielding tenacity to unveil the truth.
Rematch
My second limited TV series this month is proving to be quite fascinating and engaging. This one is a dramatised version of events concerning the intense match between world chess champion Garry Kasparov and the IBM supercomputer Deep Blue, which took place in 1997. The series delves into the psychological warfare, strategic maneuvers, and groundbreaking technology during this historic showdown. Viewers will gain insights into Kasparov’s thought process as he faces off against a machine designed to learn and adapt at an astonishing pace, raising questions about the future of artificial intelligence and its implications in the world of human intellect and creativity.
The Red Shoes (1948)
Written and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, the film follows aspiring ballerina Victoria Page (Moira Shearer) as she joins the prestigious ballet company of the enigmatic Svengali Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook), a figure known for his rigorous standards and relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. As Victoria navigates the challenges of her new environment, she finds herself torn between her passion for dance and her deepening romance with the talented composer Julian Craster (Marius Goring), whose music resonates with her soul. Lermontov, perceiving the potential in Victoria, challenges her to make a difficult choice between a demanding career in ballet and the allure of love, creating a poignant struggle that reflects the broader themes of sacrifice and ambition. The story draws inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting 1845 fairytale of the same name, weaving a tale that captures the complexities of artistic dedication and personal desire, ultimately questioning what one is willing to give up in pursuit of their dreams.
Jane Eyre (1943)
An early adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel, this film brings to life the love story between Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester. Starring Joan Fontaine as Jane, who navigates social class and moral convictions, and Orson Welles as the enigmatic Edward, the film captures the essence of longing. With its gothic atmosphere, the narrative explores themes of identity, freedom, and the struggle for love against societal expectations, remaining a poignant reminder of Brontë’s enduring story.
Rear Window (1954)
This film is considered to be one of Alfred Hitchcock’s classics, a masterclass in suspense and psychological tension. Photojournalist L.B. “Jeff” Jeffries (James Stewart) is at home incapacitated from a work accident, sitting in a wheelchair in his apartment. He finds solace in looking out of his window onto the courtyard and surrounding apartments, observing the lives of his neighbors. After several days of casual voyeurism, he becomes obsessed with the idea that his neighbor may have done something terrible to his wife. As paranoia creeps in, Jeff’s innocent pastime transforms into a gripping investigation, leading him to question the reality of his observations and his own sanity.
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Directed by John Sturges, this film is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, featuring Yul Brynner as a charismatic leader of seven skilled gunfighters, each with their own unique background and expertise, hired to defend a struggling Mexican village from ruthless bandits led by the cunning Eli Wallach. As tensions rise and danger looms, the diverse group of mercenaries must work together to strategise and protect the villagers, forcing them to confront their own personal demons and forging bonds through shared hardships. The story unfolds against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and intense action sequences, highlighting themes of honor, sacrifice, and the fight for justice in a turbulent world.
V for Vendetta (2005)
The Wachowskis adapted the screenplay from the DC Vertigo Comics series by Alan Moore, David Lloyd, and Tony Weare, depicting a dystopian future UK under a fascist regime that ruthlessly suppresses freedom and individuality. The story intricately explores themes of oppression, resistance, and the fight for justice, focusing on V, a masked vigilante with a mysterious past, and Evey Hammond, a young woman who unwittingly becomes entangled in his revolutionary plans. As V seeks to dismantle the totalitarian government, he not only inspires Evey to confront her own fears and beliefs but also challenges the very fabric of society, igniting a movement that could change the course of their nation’s history forever.
That’s all that I have for this month. For March, I hope to watch more films to share with you. I’ve been delving into various genres lately, and it’s been quite an enlightening experience. Whether it’s a captivating drama that stirs the soul or a thrilling action flick that gets the adrenaline pumping, there’s so much out there to discover.
If you have any film or TV suggestions for me to watch and discuss, I would love to hear from you! Please drop me a comment or send me an email. Your recommendations are invaluable as they not only guide my viewing but also create opportunities for richer discussions in our upcoming posts.
I’m particularly interested in exploring films that may have slipped under the radar or those hidden gems that deserve more attention. Documentaries that open our eyes to new perspectives or international films that showcase diverse storytelling are also on my list.
Let’s build a vibrant conversation around our shared love for film and television—your insights could lead me to my next favorite watch!
See you soon!
Tasha Rhone
Ronin Cinema 