Brigette Lundy-Paine

I Saw the TV Glow (2024): A Colorful, Trippy, Unique, Dream-Like Hour and a Half I Would Rather Forget

Posted on by Jack Drees

“I Saw the TV Glow” is written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun (A Self-Induced Hallucination, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair) and stars Justice Smith (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Brigette Lundy-Paine (Atypical, Bill & Ted Face the Music), Helena Howard (The Wilds, Madeline’s Madeline), Lindsey Jordan, Conner O’Malley (Joe Pera Talks with You, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson), Emma Portner, (Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Ian Foreman (Let the Right One In, Exhibiting Forgiveness), Fred Durst (The Longshots, The Fanatic), and Danielle Deadwyler (Till, The Harder They Fall). This film is about two teenagers who bond over a supernatural television shows that eventually winds up mysteriously canceled.

A24 is one of those names in the film industry that is synonymous with prestige. At least if we are talking the last decade or so in cinema. Even if the film is not the highest in budget, you expect a certain level of quality and artistic merit from each title they distribute. In addition to already having a number of bangers on their hands, their 2022 slate was one of the best I have seen from a distributor. From “X” to “Everything Everywhere All at Once” to “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” to “Pearl,” A24 is one of those companies that is capable of delivering all different kinds of movies with an admirable touch to them in such a short span of time. Now, a couple years later, we are continuing this path of diverse, but nevertheless artistically sound titles. In March, we had “Civil War,” the company’s most expensive film to date. While I was not able to appreciate everything the movie had to offer, I liked the film’s scale and ability to immerse me into just about every scene. I have not seen all of A24’s films this year. I want to check out “Problemista” at some point, but I missed it when it came out, so I will wait on that one. Until then, let’s talk about one I did see, “I Saw the TV Glow.”

The best thing I can say about “I Saw the TV Glow” is that much of the film delivers a colorfully intriguing aesthetic. The best word I can use to describe this film is moody. I found myself transfixed with each frame just wanting to jump inside. The entire film delivers on vibes. It comes off as this fantasy you can somehow place in our own world. I guess you can say the film plays out like a dream. Sure, a lot of it feels like something that could happen in real life. But as I have noticed myself in dreams, there are certain aspects that are much like the reality in which I find myself each and everyday, but there may be some minor change that separates my dream state from that of which I experience in the real world. If you were to tell me that Jane Schoenbrun kept a dream journal and based some of this film off of that, I would buy your claim.

But much like some dreams, the film is kind of forgettable. And you know that saying that horror movies can give you bad dreams? I cannot say this movie has ruined my sleep patterns, but it does not change the fact that “I Saw the TV Glow” does occasionally come off as nightmare fuel. Not in the way I would have hoped…

This is especially noticeable by the end. I am not going to go too deep into the ending because I want to keep spoilers to a minimum, but by the end of this movie, I felt similar, in A24 speak, to how I felt watching “Midsommar.” The film had a clear goal to haunt me, and I just ended up more annoyed with what was happening than anything else. Was this film’s climax perhaps more eerie than the one in “Midsommar?” Perhaps. But much like “Midsommar,” “I Saw the TV Glow” ended in such a way that was less than satisfying. I left the film either wanting more or something different than what I got.

In fact, by the end, the film basically takes one noticeable downward spiral for me. I start the movie intrigued with the plot, intrigued with the characters, and of the course, the aesthetic. That last aspect is the one constant saving this movie for me. “I Saw the TV Glow” feels like two different movies. In one hand, it is a story about a man growing and his bonds with other people all the while finding himself fascinated with a TV series. On the other hand, it is a boring horror show that offers few chills. And of the chills that are offered, they do not have much of a kick to them.

If there are any other notable positives about this movie, it is that it does somewhat remind me about our connection to our favorite media. In this case, we see our main characters bonding over a late-night TV series aimed at somewhat younger audiences, perhaps young adults or teenagers. It also shows how when we grow older, our opinions of that media can evolve as our tastes mature.

This happened to me with “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.” When I watched it in my youth, I liked the action. I liked the adventure. I liked the effects. I liked the sound. I liked a lot of what it had to offer. But as I grew older, the film fell apart for me when I judged it as a story. When I was younger, I was not able to see certain things I watched in a negative light like I do today. When I first watched “Attack of the Clones,” I was not able to determine what a “good” or “bad” movie was. It was something to kill time, and I thought it was a solid time-killer. Then I grew up.

The film shows how sometimes people be blinded by nostalgia, or as it also may suggest, friendship. Maybe we have something we grew up with and have fond memories over that we like for reasons having to do more than that thing’s existence by itself. We see this movie’s established TV show, “The Pink Opaque” as something that connects our characters to a certain degree. At the beginning of the film, we someone reading a guide about “The Pink Opaque.” After our main character talks with the person with said guide, the movie leads itself down a path where they become companions and that show is a commonality between them.

Does Justice Smith do a good job in the lead role? Yes. Does Jane Schoenbrun direct the heck out of this movie? I would say so. In fact, one of the biggest positives is that this movie, at times, comes off as something only she can do. Does this movie take big risks? Of course it does. But unfortunately, unlike some big risks, the ones on display here do not pay off in big rewards. Part of me is glad, per se, that I checked out this movie. But it does not indicate that I had a good time with it. Maybe I just have a slight fascination with torturing myself.

In the end, “I Saw the TV Glow” is like a lot of A24 movies. Unfortunately, unlike a number of them, this one is not that great. But much like just about every one I have seen, it was able to bring out such an enormous reaction out of me. Even though I was not satisfied by the climax, I can say I lowered my jaw a bit as it was happening. The movie reminded me a bit of my obsession with some movies or TV shows I have watched over the years and how in some ways they became a large part of my life. And I have to say of the movies I have seen this year, “I Saw the TV Glow” may have delivered my favorite color palette of them all. That said, in a thumbs up, thumbs down world, this is a thumbs down. I am going to give “I Saw the TV Glow” a 5/10.

“I Saw the TV Glow” is now playing in theaters and is also available to rent or buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Back to Black,” the brand new movie starring Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse. Also coming soon, I will have reviews for “Summer Camp,” “Young Woman and the Sea,” “Inside Out 2,” “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” and “Thelma.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you watch “I Saw the TV Glow?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a TV show that at one point in your life, or even right now, that you consider to be a personal obsession? For me, my biggest TV show obsession is, and probably always will be, the TBS reality competition “King of the Nerds.” Not only was it a killer hour of cool concepts, likable contestants, and a celebration of geek culture, but it helped my find some of my best friends. Let me know your obsessions down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020): The Most Triumphant Review to Unite the World

Posted on by Jack Drees

The year is 2020, COVID-19 is the talk of the town. Political talk never ever ends. Toilet paper is a precious commodity. Hand sanitizer is the trendiest item for the past few months. The Internet is a war zone. Not with weapons, but with words, name-calling, and reminders that masks go over the nose. One man must unite the world, and that man is…

The Movie Reviewing Moron.

“Bill & Ted Face the Music” is directed by Dean Parisot (RED 2, Galaxy Quest) and stars Alex Winter (Grand Piano, Freaked), Keanu Reeves (John Wick, The Matrix), Kristen Schaal (Bob’s Burgers, My Spy), Samara Weaving (Ready or Not, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Brigette Lundy-Paine (Atypical, The Glass Castle), Anthony Carrigan (Gotham, Barry), Erinn Hayes (Kevin Can Wait, Childrens Hospital), Jayma Mays (Paul Blart: Mall Cop, American Made), Holland Taylor (The Practice, Two and a Half Men), Kid Cudi (How to Make It in America, Need for Speed), William Sadler (Iron Man 3, The Shawshank Redemption), and Jillian Bell (Bless the Harts, Workaholics).

This film is the third installment to the “Bill & Ted” franchise, and the first one that has come out in almost thirty years. Years after their excellent adventure and bogus journey, Bill & Ted are happily married to their princess wives. They are also loving fathers to their daughters. Suddenly, the duo is alerted of a world-ending event in the future, and they must write a song that will unite everyone, as they were destined to.

“Bill & Ted Face the Music” is one of those films that I became more excited to watch as the year went on. Part of it is because the 2020 calendar happens to be losing more films by the day. Films like “Black Widow,” “No Time to Die,” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Dune,” and so on. But “Bill & Ted Face the Music” was one of the early films to release when studios and exhibtors were collaborating to get moviegoing back on track this summer. Having a duel release in theaters and on demand, the film received mostly positive reviews.

But I didn’t watch it at first.

There are a few reasons why. Movies like “Unhinged,” “The New Mutants,” and “Tenet” were more important for me to tackle at the time. And more importantly, I still haven’t seen the first two “Bill & Ted” installments. Thankfully, now that I have, I can declare that both are wonderfully quirky, hilarious, and both times I ended up wanting Bill & Ted to be my best bros. Yeah, they are idiots, they do not really have brains, but they have enough charisma to make them some of the most lovable idiots on the face of the earth. I also have to say, I wish more people talked like the main duo did in real life. I would like to just have the occasional moment where I say something and do an air guitar solo, even if the moment does not call for it.

At the same time though, this is a sequel that is many years in the making. It has been a long while since Bill & Ted had their time, and it was hard for me to wonder if seeing these two grown men acting like their younger selves would work. This is especially true when I look at an actor like Keanu Reeves, who has evolved quite a bit since his portrayals of Ted. He has gone from playing hyperactive, maybe somewhat quirk-filled characters like Ted and Johnny Utah to the true badass grit that I managed to get out of John Wick.

If you want to know the truth, “Bill & Ted Face the Music” is one of the most triumphant film experiences of the year. When it comes to pure fun, “Bill & Ted” has consistently been top notch. “Bill & Ted” is a franchise that has a universe that I quite honestly cannot take all that seriously. But makes the movies all the more enjoyable.

I know it is 2020, and partying is not allowed. But each time Bill & Ted happened to be on screen, it made me want to… PARTY ON DUDES! There is a sense of infectious joy to be had every time they do something. Bill & Ted could do something as simple as take a piss at a urinal while standing next to each other, and I would still be having fun with them. They could sit on a couch eating chips flipping channels on a television trying find something to watch, and I would still be having fun with them. They could wait in line at the DMV, sitting right next to some jackoff talking too loud on the phone, and I would still be having fun with them. Literally the best part of Bill & Ted as characters is the fact that they even exist to begin with. Now watch, they make a “Bill & Ted 4,” ruin everything about these two and perhaps I suddenly change my mind. But for now, everything is fine. I rest my case.

One of the biggest concerns I had for “Bill & Ted Face the Music” is whether Alex Winter’s and Keanu Reeves’s previous schtick would hold up even those the duo has aged. As somewhat suggested already, Bill & Ted’s schtick may be the absolute best part of this movie. Unless they are doing a full on remake where they erase everything about this current trilogy, I hope they never recast Winter and Reeves. They are the perfect fit for their characters, even if they are middle aged men acting like teenagers.

I also really like the daughters, played wonderfully by Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine. But before I continue with the positives I do have to mention one problem. As it has been taught throughout our history, it takes two to reproduce. A man and a woman. Evidence suggests that these two daughters have a mother that is still alive. Now, for all I know the mothers are not role models or incredibly abusive off-screen. But it is a little hard to believe that the daughters do not really take after their mothers, even in a minimal sense. They’re basically copies of Bill & Ted except that they’re women. They call each other dude, act cartoony, and obsess over music. Again, “Bill & Ted” is a universe that I do not take seriously 100% of the time, but this almost leans into a territory where it breaks the suspense of disbelief bar. Despite that, I will say their characters are well cast, funny, and their story in the film was fun to watch. I would not mind seeing their own movie if possible. Maybe they could do a “Bill & Ted” adult animated TV show where these two have a new adventure every day. It could be like “Rick & Morty” but with greater use of the word “whoa.”

I will also bring up one more thing about the movie that kind of surprised me. Remember “Transformers: Dark of the Moon?” Remember “Kingsman: The Secret Service?” When those movies end, they basically conclude the big climactic event that defines all that came before it, but they don’t really do anything else from there. “Bill & Ted Face the Music” does something similar. This movie has a big climax, but they just have something completely abrupt happen, and the movie just ends. It did not make me angry, but it made the end feel so sudden, it’s like celebrating your birthday, having your cake, then 25 other people cut all the slices for themselves before you can get one piece of it and eat it.

I want to talk about death. Death sucks. Life is definitely better. Stick to life.

With that being said, I want to talk about Death. He’s spectacular! If there were any moment in “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” that happened to be a highlight, it would have to be when the duo interacts with Death. Most notably, when they play Battleship. It takes an ordinary scenario, but makes it the most hilarious thing on earth. I’m glad they got William Sadler to come back, because he embraces the character and once again, allows him to shine. I will say that I will remember his material in “Bogus Journey” more than “Face the Music,” but it was a pleasure watching Death in his return to the franchise. His story was fascinating and Sadler gives the role his all. There’s not much more to say.

In the end, “Bill & Ted Face the Music” is a spark of fun in a dumpster fire of a year. I wanted to see this movie when it came out, and I unfortunately avoided doing so at every opportunity. I can definitely say that “Bill & Ted Face the Music” is worth the wait. Not only is it worth my wait of avoiding it in theaters, avoiding it on PVOD, and holding out for physical media, but I can declare that for those who want a solid “Bill & Ted” sequel all these years later, you will most likely be pleased. I am going to give “Bill & Ted Face the Music” an 8/10.

“Bill & Ted Face the Music” is now available on DVD and Blu-ray. You can also find it on premium streaming services such as Google Play, VUDU, and Prime Video for a rental fee or a purchase price.

Thanks for reading this review! We are slowly approaching Thanksgiving weekend, and I have a few movie reviews lined up including “The Croods: A New Age,” which hits theaters this week. “Superintelligence,” which hits HBO Max this week. And if I have time, I’ll be sure to talk about the 2020 edition of Disney’s “Mulan,” which I just bought on 4K Blu-ray. I did not watch it when it first came out partially because I did not have Disney+ and I was much more focused on “Tenet.” I just watched the original Disney animation, so I am eager to see how the live-action version compares to its counterpart. Be sure to follow Scene Before either with an email or WordPress account so you can stay tuned for more great content! Also, check out my Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Bill & Ted Face the Music?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite “Bill & Ted” movie? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!