HarryArchieGus

Holy smokes! What an unbelievable Monday morning gift! Okada v Pac to begin and St Louis is goddamn electric! Rainmaker pose into the bird flip may have been the top highlight among many. That slo-mo of Pac's moonsault is certainly a contender. I especially loved the 'he's our bastard' Pac standing ovation. God I love Pac! That's how you start a marathon of excellence. Eddie/Briscoe/Copeland v The House follows perfectly. There were some incredible matches on this card, like this one, that will no doubt be forgotten amongst the MOTYCs. All 6 were spectacular. Loved the Briscoe step up chair dive. Here's hoping these 6 pair off in singles going forward. Julia v Willow was short and sweet. Willowmania is now running and preparing to go wild shortly. At some point in her run, Willow will be money for this company. Roddy v Kyle O Reilly was every bit as sensational as I hoped it would be. Glad the Kingdom stooges were left in the back other than Wardy's near involvement. Nice clean win. Hook v Jericho was perfectly fine, and nicely laid out. I hope that Jericho both embraces this heat and smashes the shit out of that meaningless title - Poffo/Hennig style. Rosa v Storm exceeded my expectations like most. I loved seeing Toni wrestle a bit more straight up again. And has Rosa ever looked that good? Deonna in her sparkling onesy made quite a mark. Ma-ri-ah! Bryan Danielson v Will Ospreay was pure joy. A goddamn masterpiece. Everything about this from the video package to the post match was a work of great art by two beyond great artists. No surprise that FTR v Bucks find a way to aptly follow that. And ppl complain about TV death spots. I generally hate ladder matches, but certainly there's an exception to be made for these 4 pros. Ladder matches are always marred by the pretend slow climbs, but these guys proved it's not a shitty requirement. I hope others were taking notes. Cash Wheeler wrestled like he was willing to die for his art. The inevitable Jack Perry run-in was fantastic. Loved the reaction and very much looking forward to this next run. Nothing but love for Jack. Samoa Joe v Swerve followed all that and put on a helluva bout. Not that I'm surprised. These 5 hour shows take their toll on these live crowds, and zero heat for the false finishes was a bit disappointing if understandable. That said, they were all ready to come alive for the title switch. Very happy for Swerve Strickland - even if I wanted Joe's reign to keep going. Unreal. I always love AEW on PPV, but this felt even more satisfying than usual. AEDub most definitely earned the Dean call on this one.

Spun is most definitely not in the Criterion Collection. I've never seen it, but I've also never heard a positive thing about it. Maybe I've been misled, are you a fan Curt? 1999 was a great filmgoing year. Ghost Dog, the Limey, the Straight Story, Boys Don't Cry... I wonder how Boys Don't Cry holds up? Other than the Insider, I saw everything I (knew about and) wanted to see in the Cinema that year. Including the (arguably) grossly underrated Psycho remake. There was a '99 retrospective just prior to the pandemic here in Toronto, and I was fortunate enough to see many of the screenings - The Insider, Being John Malkovich, Bringing Out the Dead, Three Kings, Any Given Sunday, Existenz, American Beauty, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Election, Magnolia, All About My Mother and Eyes Wide Shut. I actually just watched Eyes Wide again last night, and I can report that it's still a stone cold masterpiece. Nicole Kidman is unreal. One of the greatest to ever do it.

Or telling said foe 'I'm coming', and let the reply or match graphic later tell us 'it is happening'. In general, AEW could use to improve the timing of their match announcements. The turnaround of match graphics featuring two or more ppl that have immediately before said graphic been in a scrum is a bit ridiculous. Go to Renee for the update.

I totally disagree. Tho, I couldn't care less about Caster's online presence. I think if you look over the oeuvre you'll agree that Assy, Bowens and Caster are very well deserving of their status as 3 cold fish. I'm still amazed at what a rotten lecture they laid on us here in Toronto. No Anthony, not everyone loves the Acclaimed. Hoping that catchphrase catches a proper jeering starting at the PPV. Also, count me in with Mother Sue and Mikey Sydal. I'm loving every moment of this Trent/OC build. I thought the hooded Trent attack on Wednesday was totally on point. I've long loved Trent and am so pleased to see him find at least a momentary purpose. I suspect the OC/Trent series will turn some heads. I also suspect many whom are upset by the Trent turn come around to the fact that they're actually buying the emotion more than they're giving themselves credit for. It's difficult dealing with the loss of such a beautiful friendship.

I like the red shoes but am a lower voter than most. That said, I plan to revisit it soon. I’ve seen a few latter Godard and did not find much enjoyment. I don’t think it’s so sad tho, he did what he wanted to do free of constraints. I find it interesting, speaking more of his prime era, how I’ll watch a film and like it then watch it a second time and kinda hate it and then a third time and love it, or any mix of those three. Truly unique and wholly original presenting countless inspirational ideas. Of the new wave I much prefer Rohmer and Truffaut, but I’ll never stop indulging the Jean-Luc catalog. Maybe more for unique creative stimulation than entertainment.

Yeah, Script of the Bridge is excellent. It's been on rotation since around the time of this post. This album is like if the Killers had a truly great album before going overly commercial. I've read their celebrity vocalist is a fan amongst many, many others. The underrated call on this album and this band's catalog seems to have much to do with their presentation. They seem like a key study in great bands without strong aesthetic choices - they're sorta forgettable looking (that's okay) and have consistently rotten album covers (Script included). Apparently this presentation was a point of pride. One of the band members was responsible for the atrocious sleeve design. Kinda wonder what signing to Factory, with in house Peter Saville cover art, would've done for this group? They also were noted as being signed to a major label which lost them the Indie press they so needed in the UK. I always forget how much I know and dig Speaking in Tongues. It was one of the first vinyl LPs I purchased. A real old beater copy that I've long since replaced. Great album. I feel like I indulge a lot of these songs outside the massive single via (arguably the greatest concert film ever made) Stop Making Sense.

I just recently watched A Matter of Life and Death, and loved it thoroughly. I wanna see everything by Powell-Pressburger. Black Narcissus is calling to me. I've been eyeing The Ghost and Mrs Muir for a long while. Thanks for the 'leaving' reminder and terrific review. Big Gene Tierney 'mark' here.

Fantastic way to spend an early Thursday morning. Mox promo to open was pretty on point. Big Will v Mox, sign me up! Mercedes Mone promo was a huge improvement and easily earns my thumbs up. Copeland/Willow v Brody/Julia was a whole lotta fun. Willow's interactions with Brody were particularly great. Cope's consistency is second to none. Dude brings his working boots every time out. Samoa Joe promo was excellent. Swerve's retort was fair. I have questions whether Strickland's mic work is at the level of a World Champion. Not saying it isn't. The camera work during these promos was a bit ugly, but who's counting. I loved the hijacking of the Bucks/FTR package into the pre-match Bucks/Okada promo. I like seeing them poke at the boss. Bucks/Okada v Garcia/Penta/Pac was wonderful television. Garcia's t-shirt was terrible/great! La-la-loved the Superkicks into the Rainmaker finish. Okada continues to look like a king. The post match beatdown and save added nicely to the quarter hour. I felt a lot softer on the Jericho/Hook/Taz promo. I'm pleased middle of the road/jeered babyface Jericho is going towards his proper heat now. He was good here. Unfortunately, this segment kinda reminded how green Hook still is. Mariah May v Deonna was really good til the kinda lame if passable finish. Deonna's mat work is sensational. I love May's offense. I wish they toned down the Toni switches to black & white. It's great for the entrance and promos, but the switches during the match look so silly. Loved seeing Rosa smash Luther. Then Toni. The whole post match angle was spot on. White/Asses promo was terrific. Jay has come a long way with his mic game. Nice flow. The Assclaimed promo that followed smelt foul. Billy outing himself as an abusive father was an interesting choice. This is a sad, sad act. OC v Shane Taylor was strong in-ring, but this multiple cornermen bullshit is awful. At least Matt Taven wasn't out there mugging for the camera and chewing up the scenery. Spandex Taylor was great here. I loved the post match hooded Trent chair attack. This OC/Trent angle is building some nice heat. I'm All in for what will no doubt be a pretty awesome bout. Or selection of bouts. Ospreay v Claudio was a goddamn dream come true. Nothing but love for this beautiful violent artwork. So many great counters! The post match Callis Family/Ospreay/BCC angle was terrific. Glad to have Mox back in the fold. Look at that incredible line-up for Dynasty. The Joe/Swerve angle to close was one of the better go home angles they've ever done. The Swerve stomp on the Job Squad made for an excellent visual. Superstoked for the PPV. And Collision. And Rampage baby. 'Tickle Him' indeed! AEMFNDub roolin' the world!

Deonna Purrazzo is a natural heel. There is nothing about her that says babyface. That is her issue, and not anything she is doing wrong. Her in ring skill set and especially her mic skills seem pretty apparent. Further, she came in as an awkward babyface to challenge a heel champion who is seen by at least 98% of the audience as a babyface. None of that is on Purrazzo. I do sense from her promos that Deonna will be an official heel shortly, so no sweat. Fair enough you didn’t like the match, but Alvarez’s reaction was unnecessary as per usual. His weekly burial of the Division has become plainly obvious for awhile now. Im not sure I understand agreeing with him but seeing ‘More’ as the solution. I like the efforts of many in the Womens Division, but what or who is lighting the world on fire in need of more segments? This argument has been going on since the beginning. Does hindsight tell us Big Swole and the rest of the original division just needed more time? More time should be advocated for performers killing their segments and making the most of their minutes. If you’re clamouring for more from the Division, try ROH on Honorclub. So too anybody in the first three years wanting more - all your favourites are there - Nyla, Diamanté, Velvet, Kiera, Shida, Hirsch etc. I totally agree they should’ve waited on Mone’s debut. But… it is what it is, and we move on, and Mercedes promo was pretty clearly much improved on the previous weeks. That’s a positive sign no matter what the previous folly. If you, very fairly, have disliked much of Mercedes talking like the rest of us, are you sure you have a want for promo battles with Baker? That'd require as big a carry job as the match, but vice versa. No reason to fret, let's just be patient for the healing, and Hayter v Mone will be as wonderful as we both suspect.

Mercedes Mone’s promo this week was very good. One step at a time. Bryan Alvarez shitting on this and especially his weekly burial of the women’s match, in this case a pretty damn good match, makes one wonder what his deal is?

Nobody is questioning Liger’s sense of humour. He’s a terrific comedy worker when called upon. Also, interesting to see a fan of Starks/Liger and their 6 seconds on screen together. No, like you, and everyone, I didn’t expect a match with the retired legend. Seeing as Liger was a Stampede guy, and they were in Calgary, I was just hoping he’d get a proper intro and fanfare. And a proper disrespect following it. That segment played out so fast they might as well have had somebody dressed in a Liger costume. Further, Starks wins the tournament and rushes off screen rather than selling the win. Just a bit disappointing, but to each their own.

The Starks/Liger confrontation was completely forgettable. And completely awful. I really wish the Owen was handled with a lot more care. It's not special and I fear it never will be.

I rarely watch PPVs live. These Marathon PPVs cause burn out and are not enjoyable to me in one sitting. It's an exhausting overload of (high quality) wrestling that consistently results in big match main events and late show bouts facing burned out crowds. It's a bit disappointing. That said, I get down with the lengthy PPVs in next day Double Header mode, 2 parts, and am pretty grateful for the extended amount of mat action.

Re: Collision Elton John opening! Not something you see every week – always provides a thrill. I really liked the classic style standing by the desk intro from Menard/Schiavone. Daddy Magic was as refreshing as cool crisp soda all night long. Please Tony, just add him to the team with Nige. Awwwesome Jon Moxley/IWGP title win video package. I wish they did this more often – the CMLL matches in particular. Claudio/Danielson promo was terrific. I've always enjoyed Claudio's promos, but he seems to be getting better with the reps. This promo set the table nicely for the match and week ahead. House of Black v Dante/Andretti/Sydal was such a fun opener. I thought this was the best Dante has looked since returning from injury. Seemed to me like an especially big step up from the slightly disappointing FTR tournament match. The same could be said of that whole tournament. The House 3 all looked great here. Malakai really stands outwith his effective looking offense, but Brody and Buddy are pretty special too. Toni/Mariah promo was a show highlight. Toni is getting better and better with this character. Hilarious lines throughout - ‘featured in a fetish periodical’. Nice Swerve Video. Reminders go a long, long way. Some slight amusement for the Taz/Jericho interaction from Dynamite. Moriarty v Shibata felt a bit brief. And nowhere near as good as it should’ve been. Nice Athena/Billie video. Well done. These matter. The Athena promo was terrific. This did a lot to say check out this ROH some time. Garcia v Angelico also felt less than what it could be. I’m not so sure I buy that leglock as a finisher. Why not keep going with the modified sharp shooter? Angelico is a goodhand, but also a bit of a mystery to me. Pac promo was great. Pac not promoing regularly in the first few years was a mistake. Toni v AZM was fun. The character work in particular felt better placed here than usual. I’d love to see more agile performers lined up for Toni to competitively defeat. I wish AEW used officials and other elements to run two corner people to the back – namely Mariah/Anna here – whom did fine battling each other to the back, but in general these feel like a WWE cliché. May returning with Champagne unscathed was an odd choice. Red Velvet promo was terrific. Red should promo more. I long for her to be a true heel. The Mark Briscoe promo was excellent as one would expect. Thunder Rosa promo was very Rosa, rambling a bit long, but it was fine. They'd be smart to adjust the camera angle on the ‘back to the crowd’ promos. They're a bit tight. Deonna promo was excellent, also, as one would expect. Great talker. A slight presentation tweak and she's the top lady in the division. Very much looking forward to May v Purrazzo! Fletcher/Hobbs promo was fine, but they really should’ve replayed the hilarious Callis promo from Rampage. Danielson/Claudio v Hobbs/Fletcher was, to no surprise, an excellent contest. Great to see young Fletch and the Powerhouse work with two old pros. Hobbs v Claudio would be a nice singles. Loved Hobbs going over the railing ‘ass over tea kettle’. I also really dig that repetitive powerslam on the apron. What an absolute delight to watch Bryan Danielson. Re: ...Belts Why not 'a 3 hour Collision live event special: Battle of the Belts', rather than promote a separate show. It’s always so clumsy. A 3 hour special would allow for the actual main event to close the show rather than an AEWTV B show 'Main Event'. This was another odd 'Battle Of'. Hook v Taylor was alright. Maybe a little something missing here. It all seemed a bit like a lead along by big Shane, but not without a couple nice spots. Hook's still working things out. Rocky/Kyle promo was fine. I'm probably alone on this, but I really like happy-go-lucky Kyle O'Reilly. Roddy v Rocky was heavily marred for me by the Kingdom chewing up the scenery around ringside. Way too busy. It’s really awful having 3 heel cornermen allowed at ringside. They spread around the ring like a goddamn lumberjack match. Even when not actually getting involved Matt Taven is jumping up on the canvas at any opportunity. Ugh, the whole thing is just terrible. It may not be as bad as what I hear of house of torture in New Japan, but it feels akin to that lameness. Roddy feels like a comedy wrestler with all this multi-person chicanery, and it kills the momentum his impressive skill set offers. I couldn't get into this, completely distracted by Taven etc. The post match angle with O'Reilly felt far too sudden, a bit flat, and completely hammy from Strong to close it out. I'm very interested in a Roddy v Kyle match, but not one featuring yet another showcase for overt Matt Taven outside chicanery. Serena Deeb promos would be slightly better if she declared her heel status card. She's a really lame sounding babyface. I did like the little copyright comment at the end. Athena v Red was alright. Athena had some nice attacks, and clearly needs to be on TV. Tho, I've come fully around on pushing ROH as having a strong presence of Women's wrestling with a true featured act. It's quietly a great way to distinguish this era of the company. I love seeing Aminata’s star rising. Very excited for her future. The Aminata v Starks match was grossly underrated by those who may have not liked the finish. I loved the finish and the match. And a lot because of the Queen. 'Battle of the Belts' feels like a band playing out their contract, but... would've been mostly fine in the middle of the Collision show. Other than the terribly disappointing Roddy match turning into another Kingdom lumberjack match.

C+ is definitely arguable for the in-ring, but I thought the Rampage show had nice flow with all the video packages and promos. I like this direction they've been moving towards for awhile now. I was maybe a bit more into the actual action, but the real hit from Rampage was the Don Callis Family promo. At one minute in to this Control Center they replay this bit of hilairty... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akw7ZSVeoPc

Julia v Leyla was going pretty well there. I missed the spot, and just thought it was a flat finish. Here's hoping she can at least do a quick squash for Willowmania. OC v Reynolds was a fair opener. It's been long (or sporadic) enough that I was happy to hear Jericho back on the call. Really liked the post match Trent/Chuck/OC angle. I find myself invested in the results. Hoping for a Taylor heel turn. And return of the obnoxious future heel star Chuck Taylor from his early career. I sometimes wonder what Taylor's career had been like if Heyman still had the book of a Northeast Indy in the early aughts. I liked the Anna Jay/AZM promo. Could've benefitted an 'AZM' graphic. Anna should be repping on the mic, she's already pretty alright. The Don Callis family promo was another gift from the great orator of true north strong and free chicanery. Don is absolutely incredible! Loved Don getting all excited about the pulling the eye out thing, and Fletcher having a laugh. Well placed. Also loved Don giving Hobbs a chop to a no sell. This promo was the highlight of the week on any channel. The Callis Family/Danielson video was also very well done. I read some shitslinging towards it, but I thought Zak Knight v Cool Hand was pretty alright. Knight has some raw tools that I've been impressed with each time out. I could see heel Jericho aligning himself with the likes of Knight, his remarkable Sis and the excellence of comedy execution Harley Cameron. Those ladies deserve managerial positions further up the card. There's no reason why Ruby wouldn't make a run-in. Instead more 'cringe', as they too often say, melodrama. Ugh. I really liked the Rocky/Kyle/Roddy promo. Nicely done to set the table of a few weeks of TV. Jay White v Matt Sydal was a nice showcase. Sydal may not have enough credibility to hold the audience's attention, but he's undeniabley a wonderful hand. Tho... It's awfully true. Still, as a showcase for White, arguably a bit long, but mostly enjoyed by me. That said, the finish could've used a bit more sauce on the top rope reverse into the switchblade. Never a fan of he's not even doing an actual top rope maneuver into that reversal. I marvel each time out at the spectacular White/Asses. Terrific entrance music. More good hip hop please. It wouldn't be a bad idea to show a few more highlights and recaps of this show - especially on Collision each week. Some of the promos here were pretty significant. In particular, it's a shame so many will miss this glorious 'Like they used to do in Portland' Don Callis promo. Rampage is mostly been a ton of fun lately, and if you suffer similarily it's great for Saturday Morning Wrestling fever. Viva AEDubbya!

Omega is a goddamn treasure.

I have it on my bingo card.

I'm not sure if it's the early aughts DV consumer grade camera audio or Gabe in a basement blabbing over top, but regardless of any songs I might like, I'd prefer a little cut up video of the entrances with legal music underneath. Then a cut to either before the bell or prior to the introductions. The silent entrances featured on Honorclub are ridiculously bad.

It's interesting that you see his influence in Hughes. Scorsese was a devout follower of Cassavetes. As mentioned that doc called A Constant Forge is a great primer. I can't remember if you've seen A Woman Under the Influence? That's his masterpiece. Shared pretty equally with his wife Gena Rowlands who delivers one of the greatest performances I've ever seen. I have that blu ray, but honestly Love Streams is probably best to tackle after the 60s/70s films. That's the most challenging of the bunch. I'm not yet sure what to make of it. Killing of a Chinese Bookie, Shadows and Faces are all far more accessible if not exactly accessible.

Full disclaimer, Joy is kind of a TV Movie of the Week. The story is somewhat by the numbers. That said, I love what O Russell gets out of this simple set-up. Lawerence is wonderful, but so too many of the performances here. I really like the work Russell gets out of late career Deniro. I find him endlessly funny. Nice review. I read similarily on my initial viewing, but I was deeply fascinated by this film and went back to it many times over. To me it feels like a documentary. I like how completely unafraid it is to examine bad behaviour/toxic masculinity. The Comedy tag is ridiculous, and a disservice to the film. There are a lot of great stories surrounding this production and especially the editing process. The original cut shown to a UK audience was apparently far more entertaining, and more of an actual comedy. Ben Gazzara was said to have really shined in this earlier cut - providing many laughs. Cassavetes hated the response as it wasn't the film he was trying to make. He ended up altering the film drastically to what was ultimately the film we see now. I love the Cassavetes catalog, but in part I love it from diving in deeper with his sort of philosophy - specifically reading 'Cassavetes on Cassavetes'. The films are very unique, and very challenging, and, to me, far more interesting when understanding Cassavetes ambitions and motivations. Not that somebody more intuitive than I couldn't find much of this in the actual celluloid. I recommend 'Cassavetes on Cassavetes' and also the documentary that accompanied the Criterion set called 'A Constant Forge'. The doc sums up pretty well some of what can be learned from the aforementioned book.

The thing I like most about an AEW creative misfire is their ability to bounce back. This sounds like a helluva time next Wednesday.

Much better than a 4.2 show, but Cagematchers are not an easy crowd of complainers to please. Really liked the Swerve/Joe bait and switch angle to begin. A touch too quick to move to the well produced Trent Video. Looking forward to a Trent-Orange series. Copeland v Penta was an excellent contest. I sense even the jellybellyachers are coming around on Cope. Dude's been excellent throughout this elite run. Penta was game here and pulled his part of the deal. Kudos to Abrahantes for being a good friend to his Lucha bro. Very much dug Willow making the big save. And very much into the Mixed tag. The post match promo with Briscoe/Kingston was pretty alright. Cope's having a good time! Lionhook/Shibata promo was good stuff. Very pleased to welcome back the superior (and often enjoyable) Jericho heel act. Finally! Young Bucks/FTR promos/security cam angle was fine. I get the butthurting this caused, but let's at least be clear that the Bucks were, of course, the heels here. The FTR rebuttal was fantastic. I liked the angle and have no ill feelings about attempting to draw some interest with a bit of tabloid television. Even if it didn't quite... hit. FTR/Bucks needed a little heat, and this didn't not get them there. The Will Ospreay promo was excellent as is now fully expected. I like ppl standing up for themselves. These back to the audience promos badly need better framing. Way, way too tight. Hook/Jericho/Shibata v Taylor/Moriarty/Ogogo was going fine til the shitty finish. Great to see Shane embrace the loose shorts again (keep with it big man). I love Taylor's punch, but that was not at all a strong enough attack nor heelish enough to put Shibata's shoulders to the canvas. But a-gain, thrilled to welcome back heel Jericho. Okada squash was a bit disappointing. C'mon feed him Johnny Hungee or somebody worthwhile. Enjoyed the Pac/Bucks/FTR post match angle just fine. Jay White promo was fine too. I forget who he's fighting next tho? Toni/Thunder angle was kinda meh, but that's what I expect from Rosa. Looking forward to Toni moving on to a an opponent I enjoy the work of. May v Jay was pretty alright. Shirakowa run-in would surely have meant more if ppl had a clue who she is. Mercedes promo - I'm starting to respect her decision to be a wooden WWE promo if that's what she likes, and I'm having a laugh for what they say is the wrong reasons, but still - it's funny. Joe v Dustin was a nice contest. Of course Dustin's gonna bleed like a stuck pig. Nice little Swerve run-in to finish out a pretty fun show for anybody not caught up in the Security cam footage not being awesome. I'm still a big fan of thee AEDub.

I watched or skimmed raw this week and I liked the Bucks/ftr segment far better than any of their long winded talk segments. Is it wrong to feel more Ill from seeing Stephanie McMahon with a microphone? Or is it wrong that I felt more enraged by the Acclaimed’s rotten live lecture here in Toronto than this?

Tho I didn’t think it would happen i was fully prepared for an epic fail. The footage certainly was. That said, I kinda liked the angle. Especially the fTr rebuttal. I’m also looking forward to Jack’s return. Further, I thoroughly enjoyed Ospreay standing up for himself against Dripple Heche. I have no issue with punching up against the corporate cult. It’s interesting how sensitive everyone is. I don’t think I need or want the same decorum in my pro wrestling wars. I had an actual serious situation this week. All of this is not serious to me. This show provided a fun little escape as it always does.