Tag Archives: film

Jun7

What To Watch When You’re Bored Of Netflix

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What To Watch When You’re Bored Of Netflix

Finding it tough to find something to watch these days? We’ve all been there. You’ve binged your favorites in two days, and now you’ve got the big black hole of Netflix where you’ve either seen everything or nothing appeals. You can waste a lot of time flicking between menus and never really watching anything!

So what can you do instead? The good news is that there’s a whole wide world out there of film and TV to watch. Who knows, you might even discover some hidden gems! Ready to dive in? It’s time to step away from Netflix and try the following:

Go to the movies:

While not particularly innovative, going to the movies can feel like a rare treat in the post-pandemic world. With most new movies making their way on-demand either instantly or in a matter of weeks, a lot of people take to watching them at home. But while watching movies at home is convenient, there’s still something magical about watching them on the big screen.

Take a look at the most anticipated movies of 2022 and book your tickets to see something at the theater. Dinner and a show, anyone?

Discover TV and movies from overseas:

What’s great about platforms like Netflix is that they help you discover shows you never heard of before. Great TV shows and movies are produced all over the world, and there are a lot of platforms where you can find some incredible new content. If you’re into anime, you can get access to a range of content at https://clearvpn.com/blog/entertainment/best-anime-torrent-sites/, and perhaps fall in love with a whole new genre. Or if you prefer reality shows, you can find the new series of Biggest Liar in Ghana to get your fix. It’s fun to check out what’s popular across different countries and find some new shows that appeal to you.

Rewatch childhood favorites:

If you can’t find something new to watch, then why not discover some old favorites instead? Revisiting some of your top shows and movies from when you were a kid is a great way to reminiscence and even share your nostalgia with others. From classic Disney to the shows you watched on Nickelodeon, it’s time to go back in time and give your old faves another watch.

Explore other on-demand platforms:

There’s a lot more to on-demand than simply watching Netflix. There are a lot of streaming services out there to choose from, including Amazon, Disney, and HBO – all with a lot of content to help you make some new discoveries. Most on-demand services come with free trials, giving you the perfect excuse to try something new!

While Netflix is home to some incredible shows and movies, it’s nice to branch out once in a while to keep your viewing fresh. When it is time to return to Netflix, there are some fantastic hacks to upgrade your evenings that will help you get the most from your chill time. Happy watching!

Featured Image By: Unsplash under Creative Commons

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Feb10

4 Steps For The Perfect Movie Marathon

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4 Steps For The Perfect Movie Marathon

When you’re in lock down, you have to constantly think of new ways to entertain yourself. Many people have taken up new hobbies, such as baking, gardening, or arts and crafts. These are excellent ways to keep your creative juices flowing and take your mind away from the harsh realities of the global situation.

But if none of these activities appeals to you, nothing beats the simple pleasure of watching a good film. An excellent way to keep your household entertained in lock down is to throw a family movie night. A chance to recreate the currently inaccessible cinematic experience in your own home, watching film after film with the lights off and surrounded by endless buckets of popcorn.

Anyone can have a movie marathon; you don’t need a 75-inch TV screen or a home cinema. As long as you have a selection of films and something to watch them on, you’re all set. To get your night off to a good start, here are the four steps of planning the perfect movie marathon.

Figure out your set-up:

The very first thing you need to do is set up the technology required. What will you be using to watch the film? The bigger the screen you use, the better the experience will be, so opt for a TV over a laptop or tablet if possible. If you have the budget for it, you could enlist electrical contractor services to help you install a home entertainment system and surround-sound speakers, but it’s not essential. You can make do with what you have.

Pick the movies:

The crucial decision for your movie marathon is deciding what to watch. Although you can choose anything you like, the best movie marathons follow a theme: a common element linking each one of the movies you pick. This could be watching all the films in a series, such as the Lord Of The Rings movies or the Twilight saga. Alternatively, it could feature films by a single director. If you are watching with the whole family, it’s hard to find something for everyone, so you could keep all viewers happy by getting each person to pick one of the films.

Get some snacks:

It’s not a movie marathon without something to munch on while you watch. Popcorn is a must-have and you’ll need some fizzy drinks too. If you’re planning on going through the night, you might need some caffeinated beverages on standby! Make sure there is something for everyone and you’ve covered all dietary requirements. You should try to refrain from including noisy foods like potato chips, as these will distract from the film.

Make it comfortable:

The final step is to make the room as comfortable and atmospheric as possible. Turn the lights down low, set the heating or air conditioning to a cozy temperature, and turn off phones and other distractions. Make sure there are plenty of blankets and pillows for everyone to find a comfortable position but don’t make it too comfy or you might not stay awake to the end!

You can’t go wrong with a movie night to help shake the boredom blues. Turn your living room into the movie theater and enjoy!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan5

Feel Good Sports Movies To Lift Your Spirits

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Feel Good Sports Movies To Lift Your Spirits

Feel-good sports movies are the ultimate pick me up when you’re feeling a little deflated. Tales of team spirit, fighting back from adversity, and overcoming odds have been a staple of cinema for decades. Here are some of the most uplifting sports movies to seek out on your streaming accounts:

A League Of Their Own (1992):

During World War II, baseball was shut down as men went off to fight in the war. In its place arose the first women’s only league. A League Of Their Own is part comedy, part feminist statement, and all sports movie. Featuring an all star cast with Gina Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna, and Tom Hanks.

Rudy (1993):

One of the sports movie classics. Based on the true story of Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger who dreamed of playing football for Notre Dame even though he did not have the grades, the money, or the physical stature to play. Against the football betting odds, he works tirelessly to turn his dreams into reality.

With a very young Sean Astin in the main role, Rudy will tug at your heartstrings and put you through the emotional wringer from beginning to end, but it is well worth it. This was named as one of the top 25 sports movies of all time.

Dodgeball – A True Underdog Story (2004):

Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge. Dodgeball is an out and out comedy that sees the ragtag team from Average Joe’s Gym compete against Ben Stiller’s super athletes from Globo Gym in order to stop Stiller’s character from bulldozing their beloved gym to the ground. It’s over the top and absolutely hilarious.

Mighty Ducks (1992):

Emilio Estevez plays Gordon Bombay, a lawyer forced to do community service by coaching the local kid’s ice hockey team, The Mighty Ducks. He gets to face some of his childhood demons from when he used to play while trying to whip a bunch of less than talented kids into a team. It’s a great film for the whole family and you probably have fond memories of it from when you were a kid.

Cool Runnings (1993):

John Candy plays the coach of the first Jamaican bobsleigh team as they head to compete in the 1988 winter Olympics. All the odds are against them, but the Jamaican team brings their own brand of happiness and style to the chilly climate. This move is guaranteed to make you smile.

The Blind Side (2009):

Another movie based on a true story, which just goes to show that there’s nothing more interesting than real life. Sandra Bullock bagged an Oscar for Best Actress as Leigh Anne Tuohy, whose family adopts Michael, a homeless African-American student. With their support, he begins to improve his grades and become a world-class football player. Heartwarming stuff.

Field Of Dreams (1989):

When a farmer (Kevin Costner), hears a voice whispering “if you build it, they will come”, he builds a full-size baseball diamond in his cornfield despite the protests of his friends and the locals. From then on, the ghosts of baseball’s greatest players begin to come out and play on the diamond.

Major League (1989):

A ruthless baseball team owner wants to move the Cleveland Indians to Miami, so she puts together the worst team she can find so that they will lose all of their games. Soon though, the players find out what she’s up to and begin to start winning just to derail her plans. Starring Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, Tom Berenger, and Dennis Haysbert, Major League is a classic feel-good sports film with lots of laughs.

This was a tough list to put together, as there are so many great movies out there. The eighties and nineties, in particular, were golden periods for sports films. It’s a movie genre that never loses its popularity and continues to inspire us to this day.

Featured Image By: JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Jun28

Movie Maven: A Lil Red Guide To Film Festival Etiquette

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Movie Maven: A Lil Red Guide To Film Festival Etiquette

Hello everyone and happy Hump Day! Summer brings about a variety of activities that some people spend the whole year looking forward to. Vacations, concerts, baseball games, and film festivals. I am sure that most of you already know that I am an avid movie lover. Of course, my favorite genre is horror by far but I love it all. Psychological thrillers, foreign films, comedies, rom-coms, the occasional Western, action, documentaries – you name it. The world of film is an all inclusive, creative, free for all with something for everyone, which is what makes it so beautiful.

Asking me about my favorite films always results in a five minute babble of my “I could watch this every day and not get bored” flicks. Every movie that you watch has the potential to become your new favorite and that’s what makes going out to the cinema, renting from the RedBox, and attending film festivals so exciting. You are twenty minutes in previews away with entering a new world for an hour or two. And even if the flick was the worst thing ever, you still got to eat popcorn and candy for the duration of the film. It’s a win/win for everyone.

A night at the movies is fun – but could you imagine a day at a film festival? A day devoted entirely to the up and coming films for the year? Talk about heaven! And another cool part about attending a film festival? The traveling! July 19th through the 22nd is the Anthem Film Festival in Las Vegas. And the movies that are seen in Vegas are sure to not stay there for long! Be sure to check out Vegas.com for the best hotel and flight packages for your stay and then let’s talk some film festival pro tips:

Be A Social Butterfly!

You already have one thing in common with literally every single person at the festival – a love for film. This sounds like the perfect icebreaker to me! Chat it up with anyone and everyone after the credits have rolled because you never know who you’re going to meet. From directors and actors to behind the scenes workers and industry professionals, a film festival is the best place to network if you are interested in any aspect of the vast world of cinema. Get your business cards ready and spread your wings, you beautiful and capable butterfly.

Dress To Impress:

You know how I said that you never know who you’re going to meet at a film festival? If not, let me repeat it: YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU’RE GOING TO MEET AT A FILM FESTIVAL!!! Dressing to impress is absolutely crucial for this reason. During the day, you can get away with a comfy cool look – an oversized button down, skinny jeans, and ankle booties are a great start. And don’t forget to bring a cardi for those chilly showing rooms!

The evening is a different story, though. Let your night time look transform you just as if you were walking the red carpet at a major premiere (Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the point!). Wear your best LBD and a killer pair of heels and then top it off with a bold red lip and a bejeweled clutch. And remember, it’s all about confidence and class with a heaping helping of personality when you’re strutting your stuff in your evening attire, honey.

Take Notes:

Having a notepad and a pen on you is a must. Keeping track of the films that you saw during your whirlwind of a day is vastly important when it comes to networking and the post film Q & A sessions. Write down your likes and dislikes, questions that you had throughout the screening, and important themes that you picked up on during the movie. All of your thoughts will make excellent conversation starters at the refreshment stand or while hanging around for the next film to start. Not only that, but surely you will want to remember such an exciting day, anyways, and jotting down notes throughout your experience is a great way to keep your memories fresh.

Tearjerker Tissues:

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Literally no one wants to hear you with the sniffles after ugly crying when the handsome lead bites the dust, Linda. Do us all a favor and bring a travel tissue packet. THANKS!! (This goes for everyone – not just Linda!!)

A Good Attitude:

Are you going to love every film that you see? No. But raving negativity after the film ends is certainly frowned upon in such an esteemed setting. Differing opinions are fine, but voice your love or distaste appropriately. The movie that you hated could be the favorite film of the person sitting beside you. An appreciation for film in general and the time, money, and talent that’s involved in that world goes a long way during your chats in line at the ladies, the refreshment booth, or the post film Q & A. Remember that you’re in a professional environment and showing respect is always going to be a do as you go about your day at the festival.
If you’ve never attended a film festival before, the Anthem Film Festival in Las Vegas is a great place to start! What are your film festival do’s and don’ts? What are a few of your favorite flicks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Featured Image By: JoeyBLS Photography
Aug17

Monday Update: Beat The Heat Edition

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Monday Update: Beat The Heat Edition

Heyy everyone and happy Monday! So last Thursday a very exciting occurrence happened that I can’t wait to share with you guys! The night prior around nine o’clock, I got a Facebook message from an old theatre friend, Zach, who desperately needed a girl to fill in for someone who dropped out of a film he was shooting the following day. I hadn’t heard from this kid in years and I was pretty curious about what he was shooting, so I told him to give me a call. We chatted on the phone for a few minutes about his production called Beat The Heat and after our talk, I was sold. The next day, I showed up at his place for some filming fun with a bunch of very cool new friends. Let’s discuss!

Beat The Heat is a fairly simple plot which revolves around a group of party-goers who are in for an unpleasant surprise when they wake up. According to the morning news, a tiger escaped from the zoo and everyone is recommended to stay inside until the tiger is captured. This is all fine and dandy until everyone realizes that the air conditioning is broken. With the house getting gradually hotter throughout the day tensions rise, relationships are formed, and pancakes are shared. The cast of characters includes:

  • Tucker: The douchebag
  • Stacie: The slutty nerd (my character)
  • Nick: A guy who knows nothing about fixing the air conditioning
  • Glen: Canadian
  • And much more!!

Everyone in the cast was so insanely fun to work with and a lot of the scenes included improv so it was very easy to work off of one another. Because all of us clicked so well, rash and ultimately hilarious decisions were made on things that should be included in the film – like the most ridiculous psuedo-sex scene between Stacie and Tucker. Now rest assured, if this scene were being done for the purpose of passion and lust, I would have never agreed to it. BUT, both Zach and I agreed that a silly sex scene is exactly what the movie needs to spice things up a little bit! Honestly, I’m so glad that I did it because it’s going to be so insanely funny and it was actually pretty liberating!

As soon as the film is done being edited, the final cut will be released in December and best believe it will be posted on here! So if you want to see my clothes removed with the snap of a finger, a Canadian melt into a puddle, and the worst tiger sound effects ever – make sure you keep it posted on http://www.lifewithlilred.com for more on Beat The Heat!

I’m not gonna lie, I was initially going to say no to participating in Beat The Heat. I prefer stage acting to film acting any day and I’ve been on a hiatus from acting for over a year. Needless to say, I was very worried about delivering a stellar performance. Thankfully, the acting bug came back to me as easily as riding a bike and it felt so damn good to be doing a physical manifestation of my creativity. I’m so grateful that my friend, Zach, thought of me to fill in on set because I haven’t been this excited about a project in years and I can’t wait to see the finished result!!

So there you have it, this weeks Monday Update: Beat The Heat Edition! I hope all of you are having a fabulous day so far! What was everyone up to this weekend? Anything fun? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah