Dancing With Myself

These past couple of months have been insane. If you had told me at the beginning of the year that our everyday lives would be put to a screeching halt by a global pandemic, I wouldn't have believed you. Yet here we are. Amidst the uncertainty, UFO sightings, and murder hornets a lot of us are struggling to find some sort of new normal.

The Never-Ending Photo Project

For me personally, this time away from both work and the theatre has been eye-opening. At first I was treating the situation like any rational adult would do. I was angry. I was scared. I was drinking too much. I tried to stay active walking 2 miles every other day. I tried to keep my mind off the rapidly spreading virus with projects around the house. My body had other plans.

Around mid-April I started experiencing massive heartburn. It was completely debilitating. I had to cut my walks short and eventually stopped walking entirely. The home project at the time was cleaning out the garage. I helped as much as I could but felt wiped out after merely an hour's work. I kept a close eye on what I was eating. I cut out all alcohol. I even started meditating twice a day. No matter what I did, I couldn't shake the pain or feeling of existential dread.  

After talking to my doctor (lawd, this feels like an infomercial) and explaining my symptoms, she prescribed me both stronger-than-OTC heartburn and anxiety medication. Welcome to adulthood, Joseph! What I think happened is this. My life has always been GO GO GO! With this sudden stop in any activity whatsoever, my body stepped up and said ENOUGH! Now after lots of rest and 10 days on the new medication, I am feeling better. I'm not quite 100% yet, and maybe I never will be, but it's definitely a start.

First walk in a month!

Now it's time to brag a little bit. Today is a notable benchmark for me. Except for one celebratory mimosa, I have not had any alcohol for a month. One whole month! For anyone who knows me, this is definitely an accomplishment. At first I was upset. What better time to drink than at home during a crisis! Then I realized I had guzzled enough beer to keep a bar up and running. It was time to focus on my physical health. I'm not saying I'm going completely teetotal. However now that a month has gone by I'm in a better place both physically and mentally, and I want to keep that going.

To make a long story short (too late), what I'm saying is it's okay. It's okay to be angry. It's okay to be scared. It's okay to drink but don't get crazy. Stay in touch with loved ones. If you're feeling down, reach out and say something. That's what they're there for. Keep in check with your body physically, mentally, and spiritually too! Do what you have to do to stay sane during these scary times. It's taken me a couple of months to fully realize this much, and we're only at the beginning. As we fight for a new normal please remember to stay safe and stay healthy. I'll see everybody on the other side!

Top 10 of 2019

I know I always say this, but where has the time gone?

I'll keep this short. Tonight is all about the Golden Globes. I have seen maybe 1/3 of the films nominated. So here it is for your viewing pleasure...

JOE MOORE'S TOP 10 of 2019

10) Fighting With My Family

Remember that WWE film that came out early this past spring? No? That's okay. Lots of people don't. But it's seriously like REALLY good. The cast of course is aces, and it's the first of THREE brilliant Florence Pugh performances this year alone.

9) Us

Jordan Peele's sophomore effort, while not as awesome as his debut, is still a marvelous exercise in suspense. No other 2019 flick kept me on my seat, and that is saying something. Also... Lupita Nyong'o can do no wrong.

8) How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

If anyone asks for a great non-Disney franchise, I always point them in this direction. I love the HTTYD series, and this trilogy capper is no exception. The action is rousing, the humor is solid, and the last block will make you cry. 

7) Toy Story 4

While this 4th film in the franchise isn't as heartbreaking as part 3, there's still some tears to be had. Some of your favorite toys (Buzz, Jessie) are brushed to the side, some old and new toys (Bo Peep, Forky, Duke Kaboom) get the spotlight, and the film is better off for it. I'M TRASH!

6) Ready Or Not

This nifty horror/comedy was probably one of my must-sees, and it did not disappoint! Very much in vein with one of my other faves, You're Next, this middle finger to high society is such a riot to witness. So let the blood splatter and the laughs keep coming!

5) Knives Out 

An A-list crime caper led by modern mastermind Rian Johnson?! What's not to like? The cast is gold, the laughs are aplenty, and the twists are neverending. If you passed on this just because you're a Last Jedi hater, figure out your life and see this one pronto.

4) The Farewell

Lulu Wang's Sundance breakout is definitely one of the best of the year. The film, while set in China, is all about family and couldn't be more relateable. Comedienne Awkwafina is astounding in the lead role. I wouldn't be surprised to see her among the 5 Oscar nominees this year.

3) Little Women

Thank you, Greta Gerwig, for making your Alcott adaptation timeless yet somehow thoroughly modern. Some have nitpicked the film for altering the timeline. I think it gives the story a fresh spin. The soundtrack is amazing, and Florence Pugh (yes, her again) is a revelation as Amy.

2) Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood

Tarantino's penultimate film is a wonderful fairy tale homage to the golden age of Hollywood. DiCaprio and Pitt are terrific together, and Robbie has fun with her ethereal role. Just wait for that last half hour. What a ride!

1) Booksmart

Of course a coming of age story caps off this list! Olivia Wilde's beautiful debut is so incredibly fun and moving. I can't believe it isn't on more Top 10 lists this year. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever work wonders as the leads, but it's Billie Lourd who steals the show. An absolute must see! 

Top 10 of 2018

Wow. My presence on this blog has indeed been lacking. For that I profusely apologize. To be honest, not much has changed. It is a new year though. 2019. WHAAAT?! To celebrate let's start the year looking back at...

JOE MOORE'S TOP 10 OF 2018

10) Crazy Rich Asians

I am not a rom-com fan. The last one I truly enjoyed was How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. So it's been a minute. This flick, however, is how to take the formula and make it WORK. Everything about the movie is great from its exotic locales to its fun soundtrack to its over-the-top supporting characters. I'm also a huge Constance Wu fan so it's great to see her strut her stuff in a mainstream lead role. Get it!

9) Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Since M:I-3 (which is vastly underrated) the Mission: Impossible flicks have gotten better and better. This outing is no exception. The first in the franchise to act as an actual sequel to its predecessor, the film finds time to bring in characters from previous entries, gives everyone adequate screen time, and never lets up on breathtaking action sequences. I'm really upset I missed this one on IMAX. It's a doozy.

8) A Star Is Born

I caught this flick right at the last minute and I'm so glad I did. Some say the film is overrated. I don't know what they're talking about. Sure the story is "been there/done that" but so are most stories these days. The trick is to take a cliche and keep it fresh. That's exactly what Cooper and co. do with this retelling of a classic. If GaGa, Cooper, and Sam Elliot don't get acting nods for their work here, then what is happening to the world?

7) Hereditary

Hands down one of the best horror films to come out in a long time. A Quiet Place has the rewatchability factor that this definitely doesn't. But wow. Once you watch this flick it sticks with you. There are so many standout scenes featuring standout performances. I feel like Toni Collette has been forgotten now that it's awards season. Shall we go back and watch that dinner table scene again? Bam. Oscar nod.

6) Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

It still absolutely blows my mind that this amazing film worked as well as it did. There is so much going on here. It could have been a jumbled mess. Yet somehow the filmmakers (one of whom is Phil Lord of The Lego Movie fame) take so many plot threads from so many multiverses and make an exceptional superhero flick! They also take the time for us to get to know Miles Morales, our main protagonist, and give him his own backstory. That is impressive!

5) Eighth Grade

What's a Joe Moore Top 10 list without a coming-of-age flick? It doesn't exist. Apologies to Love, Simon (which is super cute) but this is the best coming-of-age flick this year. Writer/director Bo Burnham takes the trappings of adolescence, modernizes it for the teenage generation, and somehow keeps it timeless. Probably because two things that will never go away are 1) the fear of fitting in and 2) being comfortable with who you are. Bravo!

4) Black Panther

I really can't say anything about this outstanding superhero flick that hasn't already been said. The film deserves every bit of praise it's received since its release back in February. The power of the action scenes, the sneaky strength of its politics, and the ambiguity of its characters all prove it will stand the test of time. Wakanda Forever! 

3) The Favourite 

The Lobster was ya know... something. This film was much more accessible, with enough idiosyncrasies to make it that much more lovable. I loved the Mean Girls vibe among Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone. Without those three this film never would've worked. Let's not forget loving to hate Nicholas Hoult as that obnoxious wannabe Congressman. Such a fun film!

2) Paddington 2

As much as I loved both Christopher Robin and Mary Poppins Returns, only one live-action kids' film remains #1 in my book... and that's Paddington 2. It's perfectly winning and wholesome without being too cloying. It also surpasses its predecessor in terms of story, character, and... Hugh Grant as a vain, former actor of a villain?! Absolutely yes. Best kids' film of the year!

1) Annihilation

That's right. I'm crowning Alex Garland's little-seen, genius of a mind-bending sci-fi flick my favourite picture of the year. Fight me. The story, the characters, that music! So many haunting themes going on in this film. Also that ending! Those last few minutes were quite the trip. Possibly the best sci-fi flick since 2001: A Space Odyssey. That's right. I said it.

Before I leave I want to recognize the one movie/TV show/mini-series that has truly blown me away this year. That is Netflix's "The Haunting of Hill House". Writer/director Mike Flanagan truly outdid himself adapting a classic haunted house story and twisted it to make it his own familial ghost saga. I have many, many thoughts but that's best reserved for another post. Until then let's all be excellent to each other.

Where Do I Go From Here

I want to preface by saying I cannot believe it is 2018. Am I the only one who is absolutely bamboozled? No? Great.

It has almost been 2 years since I moved back home after spending 9 incredible years down in Orlando. When I first moved back my intent was to break into the film industry. Being the expert procrastinator I am that still has yet to happen. In the meantime, I have rediscovered an older passion: community theatre.

Let me explain. I've always thoroughly enjoyed performing. I didn't dance through my adolescence and Goof around during my 20s for nothing. I've always thought of myself as more of a behind-the-scenes guy. Whether it be as a writer, a choreographer, or an editor, I never considered myself much of an actor. These past couple of years things have changed. 

It's been an honor to be an active part of Newnan Theatre Company. I've dabbled a bit being a stage manager and choreographer for a few shows, but that's backstage. Onstage I found my inner Caveman in The Addams Family, portrayed a vagabond ex in One Slight Hitch, had the time of my bloody life playing an asshole in Evil Dead, and OPENING TONIGHT (!!!) I'm part of the ensemble cast (and everyone's favorite first mate, Smee) in Peter and the Starcatcher.

Where is my life going? I have absolutely no idea. Two years ago I decided to put my time at Disney at an end. Last year I kept saying "This is my last show". Here we are in 2018. Possibilities are endless. Typing that causes me great anxiety. Do I want to persue my dream to get into film? Do I study dance/continue choreograping? Do I continue to grow as an actor? Why not D) all of the above? Exactly how that is going to happen I'm not sure. Whatever it is, I'll keep you posted.

*Please come see Peter and the Starcatcher. It's one of the funniest, most heartwarming shows I've ever done. For tickets/more information, visit http://www.newnantheatre.org/

**You're welcome for the shameless plug.

Top 10 of 2017

This past year was a lackluster year for movies. It started out with a bang, the summer was a bust, and a lot of independent flicks didn't get to my part of town. Do not fret! I still have my own personal favorites which you will soon see below. First here are the runners-up:

In alphabetical order: Blade Runner 2049, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, Thor: Ragnarok

Now some Honorable Mentions!

Colossal - I love wacky independent flicks. This film is the definition of "wacky". Anne Hathaway is perfect as the 30s party girl who discovers she has an odd connection with a Kaiju destroying Seoul. Like I said it's wacky. And I loved every second of it!

Wonder Woman - Please don't hate for me not including this in my Top 10. I love everything about it. Director Patty Jenkins defied all nay-sayers and made an almost perfect superhero film. I just can't let go of that last block, which falls right back into superhero CGI awfulness. Everything else is, excuse the pun, wonderful.

Finally: 

JOE MOORE'S TOP 10 FILMS of 2017

10) War for the Planet of the Apes 

The latest Apes trilogy blew everybody away by how great it is. This entry is a terrific prisoner of war film with absolutely mind-blowing special effects. As usual Andy Serkis's motion-capture performance is sensational. I wish the Academy would finally give him the respect he deserves.

9) The Disaster Artist

I love trashy cinema so when I heard James Franco was filming a behind-the-scenes film about the making of The Room, I was hooked! You don't have to see one of the worst films of all time to be in on the joke, but it does help. It'd be great to see Franco and the screenwriters get Oscar nods for their work here. Hilarious!

8) Logan

James Mangold and Hugh Jackman get it RIGHT! Jackman, Stewart, and neewcomer Keen are all fantastic here. It's a superhero movie that keeps the powers to a minimum and the characters and their interactions at the forefront. Powerful stuff!

7) Get Out

What can I say about this astounding piece of work that hasn't already been said? Writer/director Jordan Peele has created a terrific genre mashup. Yes its roots are in horror, but the film has so much more to say. Hopefully the Academy will recognize one of the best films of the year.

6) Dunkirk 

War films are not my favorite, but there's no denying Christopher Nolan has created an exceptional piece of work here. Telling three different stories and giving each time to breathe in less than two hours is nothing short of amazing.

5) The Big Sick

Writers Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon take the true story of how they met and turn it into one of the most heart-warming films of the year. All the work here is exceptional, but Holly Hunter gives one of her best performances ever as Emily's spitball mother.

4) Baby Driver

Edgar Wright's latest (and greatest? I'm biased) had to make my Top 10. Every heart-pounding moment is terrific. The performances are great, the action is non-stop, and that soundtrack is everything! The editing here is also top-notch. I would scream if it got an Oscar nod. 

3) Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri

Martin McDonagh (writer/director of In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths) has created a darkly comic look at the tale of a heartbroken mother who turns a midcountry town upside-down and found its broken-down soul. The writing is nothing short of extraordinary, as are the three central performances by McDormand, Harrelson, and especially Rockwell. Bravo!

2) Lady Bird

Of course the best coming-of-age story in years has found its way on my Top 10 list. Of course it's written and directed by Greta Gerwig, one of Hollywood's brightest and most off-kilter stars. Of course it has top-notch performances from its cast but especially Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, who take the central mother-daughter relationship and give the film its beating heart. 

1) The Shape of Water

I love Guillermo del Toro. I even enjoyed his recent lesser works (Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak) more than the average movie-goer. But THIS is del Toro at his finest. Another eccentric fable a la Pan's Labyrinth, del Toro sucks you into this beautiful film and never lets go. It's thrilling, heart-warming, and absoutely perfect. It may not be for everybody, but if you have the least bit of a soul, please go see this amazing film. 


Well there you have it! As I said before, there were a few films that I still have yet to see. I'm sure if I had checked out Call Me By Your Name and I, Tonya they would've made this list too. But alas what can you do?

I hope everybody out there had a amazing holiday season. Here's to 2018 and making it bigger and better than ever! Let's do this.