rothenbergerdale Reviews

Leave the World Behind (2023)

"Leave the Script Behind"

[3/10 · 23 December 2023]

Spoiler alert. I was a little unsettled by this movie. The film revolves around a family of 4 who rent a big beautiful Hamptons style house for a little vacation. On their way to the house a few odd things happened. Basically everyone's devices shut down. No wifi, no internet, no cell service. They get to the house, but on their first night two people show up at the door; the owner of the house (or we are led to believe he is; and his teenage daughter). They need to stay; so the rental family lets them sleep in their own basement. Next day; weird things start happening; at the beach; at the house; in the town. It becomes apparent that society is breaking down. The families (both) quickly realize that they are not prepared for this. A few unrelated things happen; animals start acting strangely; drones fly over dropping leaflets, a huge ship just beaches itself. The families start working together; trying to setup some plan of how to survive.

Then the movie basically ends. Shuts down 9 minutes early; and you start to wonder. Is society actually breaking down in real life? Who is running the movie studios? Is the whole world already on autopilot and we just haven't realized it yet?

Don't bother investing too much time in this movie; because the payoff is ridiculously small. Or maybe nonexistent.

They should have left the script behind.

The Royal (2003–2011)

Great British Telly, and my favorite drinking game.

[8/10 · 28 March 2020]

This show exemplifies the quality of British television. The writing, dialogue and character development is on point. The music, location scenes, casting and attention to period realism is also top notch. This show can make you laugh and cry all in the same hour. It's a little bit medical drama, and a little bit soap opera but only in the best ways. It also is the basis of a drinking game for me and my family. If someone questions the competence of the "Woman" doctor Jill Weatherall, you have to take a shot. If it's her husband doing it you take two shots. If you see a doctor smoking, you take a shot. If Dr. Rose tells someone their (whatever) days are over, you take a shot. If he's smoking his pipe while he says it, you take two shots. Example "I'm sorry good sir, I'm afraid your horse riding days are over", or I'm sorry ma'am, I'm afraid your childbearing days are over". Follow these rules and you'll be drunk before a half hour.