My Favorite Things: September
My Favorite Things is a monthly segment where I share my personal and current favorites in seasonal products, health & beauty, food, decor, movies, TV, and more. I hope you enjoy these personal picks!
Movies
Sometimes They Come Back
High school teacher Jim Norman reluctantly returns to his hometown with his wife to pursue a job. Jim is haunted by the childhood memory of his brother being murdered by a group of teenagers, who were then struck by a train before they could kill him, too. To Jim’s horror, he finds that the teenagers have returned to town as they appeared before they died, and are transferring into his class. When his students start dying off, Jim becomes the prime suspect.
Checking off another Steven King film adaptation off my list! This one is not as intense as some of his other films, but still one that is worth the watch. It definitely feels like a TV movie, but I feel like the special effects still hold up pretty well despite the lower budget. Though cheesy at moments, I think the story has a lot of heart as a tale of healing from grief and the portrayals of sibling bonds. I recommend this film if you enjoy slow-burn horror.
The Cursed
In 19th-century France, a man arrives in a remote country village to investigate an attack by a wild animal. However, he soon discovers a much deeper and sinister force that has the manor and the townspeople in its grip.
If you enjoy period horror films, then I highly recommend this movie currently streaming on Netflix. I wasn’t sure what to expect in this movie, but I was surprised at how much it takes a common horror creature and gives it’s lore a unique twist. It’s a very immersive film that allows the viewer to travel back in time and the connection built between the village and the audience only makes the experience that much more intense. While the story is not original itself, it has many unique twists and turns that made this film so suspenseful. I love a good Gothic horror film and this film from the ambiance to the characters is very entertaining.
The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane
Quiet, withdrawn 13-year-old Rynn Jacobs lives peacefully in her home in a New England beach town. Whenever the prying landlady inquires after Rynn’s father, she politely claims that he’s in the city on business. But when the landlady’s creepy and increasingly persistent son, Frank (Martin Sheen), won’t leave Rynn alone, she teams up with kindly neighbor boy Mario (Scott Jacoby) to maintain the dark family secret that she’s been keeping to herself.
Foster shines in this mystery drama film that moves slowly, but the resulting ending is worth the wait. I do feel certain parts of the film have not aged well, but overall I appreciated the layered plot and complex characters of this film. It caught me off guard at times and the mystery elements had me intrigued throughout the entire film. This movie can best be described as family drama with thriller elements.
YouTube
A 90s History of Halloween
As an Halloween enthusiast who has been preparing for Spooky Season since July, lol, I was so excited to see this nostalgic video. Lex, as usual, does an incredible job of naviatigating hrough 90s Halloween pop culture and history.
“It’s Not That Deep” is Deeper Than You Think
I think in the age of most people being chronically online this video is timely and the conversation is needed. In this video this YouTube creator discusses how the phrase “it’s not that deep” has been misused to undermine media discourse (with a focus on media and anime). It was a very thoughtful video that made me think about how we interact on online with others.
Music
Boomerang by Jamila Woods
I’ve mentioned Woods on my blog before and decided to share another song of hers. It’s a song about that kind of relationship that keeps popping back up throughout your life. It’s a upbeat track with laced with bright 80s synth sounds that make it so catchy to listen to.
Float On by Modest Mouse
Taking it back to the 2000s, I was reminded of how much I replayed this song when it first released in 2004. I love the trippy, artistic music video and the pop-punk sound of the song. Plus the song has a motivational message as an anthem of perseverance and resilience.
Real Groove by Kylie Minogue
I’ve been a listening to a lot of r Kylie Minogue this summer and this is one of my favorite tracks from her fifteenth studio album. The album is a lot of fun, with an overall retro sound and also reminds me a bit of Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia album. This song always gets me to dance.
What are some of your favorite things from September? Share your thoughts in the comment section below
