Recent viewing

Are there combinations of foods that remind of you of specific times in your life? There must be. Lemon squash and cheese'n'onion crisps makes me think of pub trivia nights when I was a young teetotaller (we did well!). Hot chips with vinegar, washed down with ginger beer, takes me back to rainy days at my uncle's betting shop (he also did well). A can of Coke plus a Mars bar - ideally purchased from vending machines - reminds me of working late in my early years in magazines (ultimately thankless, not to mention unpaid overtime). Is it only junk that evokes these strong memories?

* "Dark Harvest" (2023) [Prime]: Exceptional high-concept teens-versus-monster slasher.

* "John Wick 4" (2023) [Prime]: Nearly three hours of GLORIOUS setpieces, gunkata. BUT: I should also praise the dazzling camerawork.

* "Notre Dame On Fire" (2022) [Kanopy]: Docudrama's incredible scale/detail/plotting convince utterly. AND: Heroic firefighters celebrated in true cinematic achievement.

* "One Piece - Episode Of Alabasta -- The Desert Princess And The Pirates" (2007) [Netflix]: Wonderful characters, battles, settings. Just wonderful creativity.

* "Quiz Lady" (2023) [Disney+]: Delightfully wacky sister comedy earns its schmaltz.

* "The Found Footage Phenomenon" (2021) [Shudder]: Comprehensive overview. Clips galore. Impressive interviewee list!

* "The Killer" (2023) [Netflix]: Masterclass in suspense and paranoia. Kooky references.

* "The Middle" (2022) [Kanopy]: Earnest U F O documentary fails to convince, sorry.

* "TMNT - Mutant Mayhem" (2023) [Apple Store rental]: Freshest, funkiest, funnest take since original comics.

### Pick of the list is "Notre Dame". ###