This weekend: Beavers and Teachers

Two movies worth seeking out if you get the chance.

So, here’s a bit of a confession: it’s been a week. 

Most weeks are pretty busy when you have a full-time job and a family, and yet most weeks I’m able to summon up the energy to watch and write in the evening without missing too much of a beat. But this week’s been a bit much. I was sick and down for the count one day this week; my kids were sick two days. I had to spend an evening at a sleep study with my eldest one day this week. So, there hasn’t been much time to sit, watch and write – even when I was sick, I was barely able to muster the enthusiasm to concentrate on much. 

So, this is going to be a short and to the point email that largely directs you to some other writing I’ve done. I don’t do this often, but this week calls for it. 

But there are two pieces of good news! 

Good News #1: Next week, I have a few more things in the pipeline than normal, including a revisit of one of 1999’s cult comedies and a look at a new documentary that I think will be a better fit to write about here than at Michigan Sports and Entertainment, for reasons you’ll understand when you read it. I’m hoping for maybe one more movie to write about as well, but we’ll see if the time allows this weekend. 

Good News #2: I still was writing this week, just over at Michigan Sports and Entertainment! And it was about two movies that you should absolutely go see if and when you have the chance. Which, I admit, might be difficult, especially with one of them. But keep them on your radar for when they’re inevitably available at home. 

The first film is one you might have the best shot of catching, particularly if your town has a good art house scene (we’re getting it, although sadly our arthouse scene took a major hit this week). The Teachers’ Lounge is one of this year’s nominees for Best International Feature at the Oscars, and it’s absolutely worth a look. This German film is a tense, darkly funny look at a teacher’s best intentions gone completely awry, and I had a great time with it. Read my review at Michigan Sports and Entertainment. 

The second film is a bit harder to find. The no-budget indie Hundreds of Beavers is rolling out on tour and in festivals throughout the year. I believe it will get a physical and perhaps digital release later in 2024, but if you get the chance to see Mike Cheslik’s comedy on the big screen, take it. This black-and-white, DIY bit of slapstick is one of the most inventive and hilarious movies I’ve seen in a long time, and it’s a wonderful heir to the Looney Tunes style and spirit. I know Cheslik’s previous film, Lake Michigan Monster, has a nice little cult following, and I’ve added it to my list. I can’t wait to see what else this director has up his sleeve. Read my review at Michigan Sports and Entertainment. 

That’s it for this week; thanks for bearing with me, and we’ll be back to full speed next weekend!