What We’ve Been Watching January/February 2018

If I had to define our year of watching habits so far this year, it would be as the Year of the Rewatch. 2017 was a pretty crappy year for movies except for the core blockbusters and the movies which are now coming onto our movie collection have been D list movies. Most of the films we’ve seen so far this year have been a rewatch from a previous year. That being said we’ve rediscovered some old favourites and seen a few standout films for the first time too.

We’re a good chunk of the way through our movie challenge already this year, we’ve spent a lot of time at home and the weather has been particularly shit which has meant we’ve spent a lot of time indoors. So let’s kick it off as there’s quite a few to get through.

Television (full completed series)

Line of Duty (Series 1-3)
This is a series which was recommended us to a lot whilst series 4 was showing last year. They currently only have series 1-3 on Netflix so we’re not fully caught up for series 5 starting, so I hope that will be soon. It’s a BBC series that follows the story of a Police anti-corruption unit – each series starts with them focusing on a new story whilst you work out who, and how dodgy every one is. I watched the entire first season in one day whilst I was off ill, and when Ben got home I was like – we gotta start watching this and we started again that evening. Really good – 6 episodes a series so isn’t too daunting to catch up on.

Happy Valley (Series 1-3)
This is another BBC series – we visited the area that this was filmed in last year for a family wedding. There we met a couple in the hotel who had flown over from Australia to visit the sites, so I thought it must be good. Set in Yorkshire it follows a police officer but more on the sides of her personal woes and troubles, particularly following around the estranged father of her grandson. Really good and worth a watch. I watched this alone over the past few months.

The Good Place
We discovered this at the tail end of last year on Netflix and boy is this good. We’re now all up to date with the series, the story focuses around Eleanor who dies after a rather comical and miserable death, she is sent The Good Place – where she is paired of with her true soulmate to live in harmony. An incredible comedy with a really good cast. I can’t wait for the next series to start.

The Tunnel : Vengence
The finale in a series trio which features around the French and English police. The third series was an improvement from the second which was a little boring, but not as good as the first. The series is a collaborative effort between France and English which means that the series is pretty split in it’s language. This was a bit of an up and down series for me, some episodes gripped me whilst others it felt like a repeat of the last, it does come to a pretty final ending though and came to an end at the right time.

End of the F***ing World
A very interesting series which we saw pop up on Netflix, it was recommended to me by someone at work as something a bit quirky and quirky it was. A one off series that focuses around two teens who decided to run away from home, stumbling into lots of trouble along the way. It’s a dark comedy, different but worth a watch.

Hunted
This is a reality show where contestants try to win money for running from “the stat”e. They’re essentially dropped off somewhere random and have to make their escape by camping, hitch-hiking and walking without getting caught whilst not being caught at ATMs, being reported by strangers or hey, sometimes even going home because the get cocky. They have to be on the run for 6 weeks and two days before who is left in the game is told an escape point where they have to get to, whoever makes it to the boat/plane/helicopter etc gets a share of £100,000. Each series is getting a little bit more swayed in the favour of the Hunters rather than the escapees that it’s becoming really hard to win – but we really like it, even for just how personally the Hunter in charge seems to take things, we keep joking that at some point he’s going to bomb the country in order to catch someone he gets that worked up.


Movies

Hunger Games Parts 1-4 (Rewatch)
I won’t talk about these too much as most people have seen these. Probably my favourite book series (yes, even above Harry Potter). It’s been a good few years since I watched these and we watched these all within the first few weeks of January. It’s hard for me to pick a favourite out of the three as I like all of them for different reasons. Watch if you haven’t, that’s an order.

Boss Baby (New)
Ehhhh. This felt like it should have been a TV show or something, it felt so long for what it was. It’s not very often I’m wishing a movie to be finished. Honestly I struggle to describe this film, an animated baby that’s not a baby and is some kind of spy business woman. Honestly, just don’t.

Collateral Beauty (New)
When I watched the trailer for this I really wasn’t bothered and kind of ended up begrudgingly watching it. Will Smith is visited by different states after he writes a letter to them after his daughters death, love, death and time. Surprisingly actually quite good.

The Hangover 2 (Rewatch)
We watched the first in the trilogy whilst we were away in September last year and have been meaning to continue the series. Like I said last year when we watched the first, I kinda forgot how funny these are and how much I like them. Our third edition has disappeared, so we can’t finish it off!

Bridesmaids (Rewatch)
Another classic favourite of mine, I’m sure I must have watched this alone since we’ve been doing this challenge, but having rechecked our list I haven’t watched it with Ben. Another classic comedy that’s a must see, dubbed the female Hangover it’s as ridiculous and they should definitely make a sequel.

Table 19 (New)
This was a film that I started watching on the plane on the way home and ended up switching off as I needed to try and sleep. This stars Anna Kendrick as the ex-best friend and ex-girlfriend of the bride’s brother at a wedding. She was due to be a bridesmaid when they split up, went a bit cray but turns up to the wedding when no-one expected her to. She is seated at Table 19, which is the Z-list of guests who all “should have said no” and it follows them through the day.

The Greatest Showman (New)
It’s an early point in the year to already be declaring favourites, but it’s going to take some stiff competition for anything to beat this to the top. Holy crap I can not tell you how much I adored this movie, it was incredibly motivating, uplifting and I loved it’s message about diversity. I absolutely love the soundtrack and I cried for the last 20 minutes of the movie solidly. I wasn’t expecting to love it to the level I did and it’s now most certainly in my top 10. I can not wait for this to come out so I can watch it at home every day… I’m not even joking I bet I will for a good week at least. BTW, Ben also loves it. Also Zac Efron lookin’ hot.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 (Rewatch)
When we went to the cinema to see this I had a distinct feeling of disappointment, it’s not as good as the first movie and I had such high expectations of what it would be I just didn’t like it. A second rewatch – with much lower expectations – did much better for the soul.

Meet the Robinson’s (Rewatch)
The most under-rated Disney Movie ever. This is such a great movie, it’s another one we haven’t watched in a couple of years and both Ben and I absolutely loved it. We have a lot of inside jokes from this movie, but it’s such a great animated movie, if you love Disney and you haven’t seen it, or have kids get this to watch. It’s sciencey, it’s clever, it’s about family – everything you want your kids to watch (or atleast me, as a non-parent would imagine!)

Gone Girl (Rewatch)
This was one of my favourite books I read a few years ago and I watched the film immediately after watching it. Whilst there are some differences from the book (obviously so for me), but it’s a really good adaptation of the movie. Ben never knows whose side he’s meant to be on in this – to be it’s obvious, so I’m intrigued if you’ve watched/read whose you were on!

Rock of Ages (Rewatch)
This hasn’t aged well in 5 years. I feel like I should leave it at that.

Love & Basketball (Rewatch)
This was one of my favourite films as a teenager and I haven’t watched it in YEARS. My guess the last time I watched this would have been in Uni, so it’s a good 12 years. It’s great early 2000’s rom-cheese, featuring two neighbours who have a mutual love and basketball and it follows them in the ‘quarters’ of their lives through the stages of their relationships. It was as good as I remembered and gave me loads of warm fuzzy memories of being 14 and being obsessed with it.

Spiderman : Homecoming (Rewatch)
This narrowly missed being in my top spots last year, this was one of the most refreshing Marvel films in a long time IMO, I love the innocence of this reincarnation of Spiderman and it has a stellar twist when you watch it for the first time.

Baywatch (New)
I had pretty low expectations of this and it was a – ah well, let’s give this a go we need something passive to watch. But it was actually surprisingly not bad, it sticks with the format of the 90s TV show, and kind of keeps that ridiculous story-line, but it fits in with the series, if it had strayed too far from that. Also Zac Efron topless.

When We First Met (New)
This is a new movie on netflix that we both really enjoyed – Starring Andy from Modern family (can’t be arsed to look up his name!) as a guy who falls in love with a girl (girl from Percy Jackson/new Baywatch) who he meets on a night out, 5 years later he’s standing at her engagement party working out how to make her fall in love. Cue a time-travelling photo booth and multiple attempts to win the girl. Really nice little comedy, more of this netflix please.

Killing Hasslehoff (New)
Okay, you’re about to find out a secret about me. I love David Hasslehoff. at one point I almost met him and I missed him by 30 seconds, but in my teens the obsession was strong. This is a comedy with Mr Chow from the Hangover (laziness striking again) is in money trouble and has an investment plan with ex-stuntman friends that they’ve all picked a celebrity who when they die, will win a huge lump some of money. Cue Mr Chow trying to kill David Hasslehoff.
Honestly hadn’t heard of this movie, but it came up on our movies package and we watched it almost immediately because – well David Hasslehoff. Verdict? Should have been worse, did quite enjoy it.

Central Intelligence (New)
I was certain that I’d seen this – I’m wondering whether it’s something at some point that I’ve seen bits on in the background as some points of it were entirely – “Yep I’ve seen this” and other points I had no idea what was going on. Starring Dwayne Johnson as previous school loser and Kevin Hart as previous school

Hidden Figures (New)
This was such a good movie, it told the story of three key women who played a huge part in the space race going from being undervalued members of the team to people who were star players. A beautiful, important movie about feminism, race and the space race.

Tangled (Rewatch)
I think I’ve only ever seen this film once before – which is a surprise really. I remember not being that keen on it the first time we watched it and I liked it a lot more this time round though. Parts of it feel very frozen-esque, or I suppose really that Frozen is actually quite Tangled-esque.


Lastly – sorry there’s not much beauty this week, I wasn’t well prepared and didn’t have posts ready to go after a weekend of working meant I lost my usual preparation time.

What have you been watching the past few months?

rachael-signature

FacebookInstagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr

Helpless Whilst Drying

Email: helplesswhilstdrying@gmail.com

Follow:
Share:

28 Comments

  1. March 1, 2018 / 9:21 am

    That’s a hell of a lot of films and TV to watch in 2 months!! Defo some on here i need to watch! Xxx

  2. March 1, 2018 / 9:49 am

    I’ve really enjoyed the first 2 seasons of Happy Valley – don’t think the third has aired here yet. I’ve seen Bridesmaids once and didn’t find it laugh out loud funny but maybe I need to rewatch it! Gone Girl is such a good film – I’m on Ben Affleck’s character’s side (can’t remember his name) and think he’s kind of crazy for staying with the pregnant wife at the end but I guess he wants to support his child and he’ll just be blackmailed if he leaves. If you haven’t seen it yet I recommend ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ – it’s cute and a decent animated film that’s not just suitable for kids.

    • March 1, 2018 / 12:11 pm

      I do have secret life of pets, I haven’t watched it in ages I felt like all the good bits were in the trailer but I need to give it another go – it’s another one where I probably had too high expectations!
      Yes Ben Affleck (nick!) is whose side I’m on, couldn’t believe Ben was even contemplating being on her side! I like to think he found a way to get revenge or they eventually broke up!

      • March 1, 2018 / 7:02 pm

        Did the the author write a follow up book to Gone Girl? I feel like even if she hasn’t I read something a little while ago and there may be a second film.

  3. Nadine
    March 1, 2018 / 1:51 pm

    There are some wonderful watches on your list! I think I am going to keep a lookout for Line of Duty. It sounds excellent!
    I am currently rewatching Criminal Minds but once that’s behind me then it sounds like Line of Duty will be a great alternative.
    I LOVE Bridesmaids! It’s the perfect film for a relaxed evening where you need a good laugh. 🙂
    And I am definitely going to need to watch The Greatest Showman.

  4. March 1, 2018 / 5:58 pm

    when we first met was so cute! that guy is hilarious & I loved the message behind it 🙂

  5. March 1, 2018 / 6:26 pm

    I didn’t really understand Table 19 – like I get the plot but it just seemed like a movie about nothing?

    Hidden Figures is SUCH a good movie. I loved the three leading ladies.

    Tangled is probably one of my favourite Disney movies (not Frozen though) – the part where they release the lanterns gets me every time.

    Zac Efron just has to have his shirt off in every movie he’s in. Like…it’s just wrong not to.

    We recently went to watch Black Panther, and as someone who typically does not like superhero movies, I really enjoyed it!

    • March 1, 2018 / 6:31 pm

      We wanted to go see Black Panther at the weekend and didn’t get the chance – i was hoping we’d get to go this weekend but there’s a snow situation going on in the UK at the moment and I don’t think I dare venture that far from home!

      Haha – yes you’re right about Zac Efron, not complaining though – he’s a guilty pleasure

  6. March 1, 2018 / 7:07 pm

    I need to see Spiderman Homecoming again. I love it last summer but just haven’t gotten around to watching on video.

    I want to see The Greatest Showman. This was Hugh Jackman’s pet project. He’d been wanting to do a movie about PT Barnum for years. It looks like it has a kind of Moulin Rouge vibe (and I adore that movie so much).

    And I’m giggling over your love for The Hoff. That’s just too funny. I remember he was HUGELY popular in Germany for many years. Wonder if he still is?

    • March 1, 2018 / 7:23 pm

      They reference germany quite a lot in that movie – so maybe!

      Yes it was, I love hearing him talk about it on interviews – it was clearly such a labour of love that he’s really proud of, deservedly so!

      Yes we were the same we hadn’t watched it since it was on at the cinema!

      • March 1, 2018 / 7:50 pm

        Was just going to wait for it to come to HBO or something but I’m impatient. Gonna see if it’s still at Redbox next week.

  7. March 1, 2018 / 7:52 pm

    LOVED Line of Duty!!! Did you like it? If so check out Marcella with Anna Friel, we are knee deep in that now and loving it! xx

    • March 1, 2018 / 7:59 pm

      I tried it last year when it was series one, but couldn’t get into it – I’ve put it on my Netflix list to try again at some point!

      • March 14, 2018 / 9:42 pm

        It has not been around that long has it?!?! Lordy I’m always behind hahaha! We are now on the 2nd series and enjoying it! Have you seen Billions? We cant wait to get back into that! xx

  8. March 1, 2018 / 8:27 pm

    Rachael how do you find time for everything?? With your work, blog and having a life how do you fit in movies and whole shows! Haha I understand how Ben can be split on who to like in Gone Girl. Both characters are awful but obvs she is a nutcase! X

    • March 1, 2018 / 8:42 pm

      I have become the master of multitasking! I edit pictures whilst we watch stuff! She’s totally nuts, I don’t blame him for cheating!

  9. March 1, 2018 / 8:43 pm

    You’re great! She is nuts. I think I just hate Affleck. Cheater in the film and real life😂 x

  10. March 2, 2018 / 4:08 am

    Yes, Meet the Robinsons is one of my favorite Disney films! Same with Tangled, actually, neither of those movies get the attention that they deserve.

    I haven’t been watching much recently. The only thing I have finished is Time: The Kalief Browder Story. It’s only 6 episodes but took me months to watch because it is so heartbreaking and disturbing.

    • March 2, 2018 / 9:40 am

      I’ve got that on my netflix list to watch – I’ve watched the trailer and was like, that looks good but really heavy!

  11. March 2, 2018 / 11:10 pm

    Really love the layout of this post. Reviews of films and tv shows is something that has been a big part of my blog for a while but I’ve been struggling to find a way to fit it into blog this year as I have really changed this up. This was refreshing and inspiring. x

  12. April 2, 2018 / 3:04 pm

    Hey I’m really enjoying the post you put up ! I’ve just started a blog myself and was wondering weather you had some time for things like layouts.

Leave a Reply and Let's Have a Chat