Dave calls bullshit, and I gobble said bullshit up. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I really don’t know how to feel about this film. On the one hand, there were some quite moving moments: watching the narrator’s story unfold in pieces onstage, seeing audience members feel validated and recognized during some of the interaction segments. But the consciously stylized narration and stage direction, the off-puttingly intimate way the narrator interacts with the audience members, and the polished sleight-of-hand tricks and suit all distract. In some moments, it felt like a really weird self-help seminar and/or introductory cult meeting. At any second you might be asked to shell out money for the executive-level membership, or implored to bring a new member with you to the next meeting. I’m sure part of the strangeness is the awkward translation from the stage show to the film, but the most interesting parts of the film were the glimpses of the illustrations and writing (supposedly) done by the audience, as well as the animated scenes based on (supposed) audience input. At any rate, in the end, the “moral” of the story, about our multitude of inner and outer selves, fell flat, partly because you know the entire story turns on a series of tricks: counting cards, sleight-of-hand, an elaborately rigged performance space. Like the princess, I couldn’t quite get comfortable - that pea was down there somewhere, and I knew it. And anyway - why did we need all the build-up to end with a rather bland truism about modern human people, and not delve any further into wider implications or bigger ideas? (⭐️⭐️)
This popcorn was a pain. There was melting marshmallow creme with other ingredients, mixing it with popcorn, coconut, and almonds, letting that set, then melting and drizzling chocolate over that, letting *that* set, and breaking everything into pieces. I’m glad I reviewed the recipe ahead of time, so that I could get a head start on making it over my work-from-home lunch break and it would have time to set before we sat down to eat. Much like the film, the popcorn payoff was aggressively mediocre - gooey, coconutty, and chocolatey - and not worth all the hassle one has to go through to make it, unless one is intent on cavities or blood sugar problems in the near future. I’d much rather just throw an Almond Joy in my cart the next time I’m killing time at the grocery store. Which, at this rate, might be summer 2025. (⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Joe: Years ago, one of the experimental theaters in Pittsburgh put on a production called Strata, which was an "immersive" theater production. To date, it was one of the most rattling experiences I've had - it felt almost tailored to me, as if anticipating what I wanted and needed in the moment. In and Of Itself is very similar. For the life of me, I cannot remember who recommended this film, but I was urged to go into it knowing nothing. I will recommend the same. Although there are fleeting moments of contrivance, this is a powerful, surprising, and deeply, curiously moving experience. Plenty of food for thought. (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Anyone who knows anything about me know that I love almonds in all forms: marzipan, salted whole almonds, hickory smoked almonds, amaretto, almond extract. There's only one almond thing I've met that I haven't liked, but that's another story for another time (and trust me, the experience was shocking and borderline traumatic because I didn't think the possibility existed). Anyone who knows anything about me also knows that I love coconut in all form: toasted, raw, milk, rum, shredded, sweetened. Unlike almond, I've never had a poor coconut experience. Almonds and coconut are going to be a winning combination because I, predictably, love Almond Joy candy bars. Combined with popcorn and marshmallow créme - it's a surefire hit. Way to go, "Kirk." (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2)
Popcorn recipe from: 100 Popcorn Recipes by "Kirk Castle" (Fun fact: we decided to visit Mr. Castle's Amazon page tonight, and learned he's from Trinidad & Tobago!)
In & Of Itself on IMDB.
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