Abel Brainz Digest, Vol. 82 - October 2025
Hello!
I thiiiiiink Fall is here. I think. Before it changes its mind, let's get to it.
cool improv stuff
Your Favorite Improv Class is in full (new jack) swing. I'm working on squeezing in some jams before the holidays so stay tuned for updates.
I had a blast being a part of the birthday celebration for Shrink. A wonderful format that really allows for patient scenes (no pun intended)
cool movie stuff
I gave Made a re-watch, The unofficial sequel to Swingers still holds up, IMO. Like any early '00's comedy, there are a couple of problematic moments and overall, it's a solid directorial debut from the godfather of Marvel.
Presence was a cool surprise and a fun take on paranormal movies. Shout out to Steve Soderbergh who keeps making cool shit. If you haven't already, please check out his essay on Steven Spielberg's framing where he takes Raiders of The Lost Ark, puts it in B&W and takes out the dialogue.
I'm not crying, you're crying... jk, I was crying watching I Like Me, the John Candy documentary. It really hit home with the themes of being a performer and finding your place.
I'm also very excited to see One Battle After Another, so no spoilers please :)
cool reading stuff
Re-reading World War Z (for the third or fourth time)
IMO, it would've made an amazing series versus a feature.
Also taking a stab at Days of Rage. It's hefty and I'm in my-abandoning-books-if-I'm-not-feeling-them era so we'll see if I make it through.
cool spooky stuff
Definitely hyped to watch and rewatch some horror classics this season. I think I've mentioned it before but Attack the Block is a new seasonal classic, IMO.
Here are a few other October re-watches, in no particular order:
Silence of the Lambs
Ghostbusters
The Conjuring
Seven
Beetlejuice
Halloween
And if you need some spooky-ish tunes in your life, this playlist has some obvious and not-so obvious choices.
Send me your Halloween movies and spooky book recommendations!
farewells
RIP Rober Redford, Sneakers is probably the most underrated movie of all time, as is the score.
RIP D'Angelo - so many classics. His Prince tribute on Jimmy Fallon was exceptional
RIP Diane Keaton - her honesty and ease in roles is top notch.
RIP Drew Struzan - couldn't have had a more fitting first name. He painted everyone's favorite movie posters.
Whew.
That about does it for me.
Thoughts? Questions? Hit me up!
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Much love,
Abel