Brian Kenna
@drbrianish.bsky.social
Ph.D., WWI/modernist Brit lit and modern fantasy lit. I also really like board games and baseball, so expect to see a lot about them. He/him.
Shit, Psycho became a franchise. Well Hitchcock wasn't involved so I'm not counting it.
December 8, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Shit, Psycho became a franchise. Well Hitchcock wasn't involved so I'm not counting it.
Anyway, there are shitloads of good movies; that meme shouldn't be any kind of challenge at all. Go watch something besides franchises!
This is doubling as a list of things to show my nephew.
This is doubling as a list of things to show my nephew.
December 8, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Anyway, there are shitloads of good movies; that meme shouldn't be any kind of challenge at all. Go watch something besides franchises!
This is doubling as a list of things to show my nephew.
This is doubling as a list of things to show my nephew.
Psycho (1960)
I'd forgotten Hitchcock, but this is obviously his best known, so I'm ending(?) on a high note. I'll probably remember more while I'm at work.
I'd forgotten Hitchcock, but this is obviously his best known, so I'm ending(?) on a high note. I'll probably remember more while I'm at work.
a black and white photo of a man wearing a sweater and smiling
Alt: Why, mother wouldn't hurt a fly.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Psycho (1960)
I'd forgotten Hitchcock, but this is obviously his best known, so I'm ending(?) on a high note. I'll probably remember more while I'm at work.
I'd forgotten Hitchcock, but this is obviously his best known, so I'm ending(?) on a high note. I'll probably remember more while I'm at work.
Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Joe Cotton as a bone-chilling serial killer. Hitchcock's favorite of his movies, and one of the least-viewed. Couldn't find a gif, went with Hitchcock generic.
Joe Cotton as a bone-chilling serial killer. Hitchcock's favorite of his movies, and one of the least-viewed. Couldn't find a gif, went with Hitchcock generic.
a silhouette of a man standing in front of a wall with the words `` sus ... pense ... '' written below him .
Alt: Hitchcock presents: Al himself enters the frame.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Joe Cotton as a bone-chilling serial killer. Hitchcock's favorite of his movies, and one of the least-viewed. Couldn't find a gif, went with Hitchcock generic.
Joe Cotton as a bone-chilling serial killer. Hitchcock's favorite of his movies, and one of the least-viewed. Couldn't find a gif, went with Hitchcock generic.
Colossal (2016)
I've seen this four times at the absolute least, and watched the final ten minutes so many times that I'm counting it. Plus I just want to talk about it. Underappreciated; that final scene alone should have won it best editing. Only gif I could find was a spoiler.
I've seen this four times at the absolute least, and watched the final ten minutes so many times that I'm counting it. Plus I just want to talk about it. Underappreciated; that final scene alone should have won it best editing. Only gif I could find was a spoiler.
December 8, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Colossal (2016)
I've seen this four times at the absolute least, and watched the final ten minutes so many times that I'm counting it. Plus I just want to talk about it. Underappreciated; that final scene alone should have won it best editing. Only gif I could find was a spoiler.
I've seen this four times at the absolute least, and watched the final ten minutes so many times that I'm counting it. Plus I just want to talk about it. Underappreciated; that final scene alone should have won it best editing. Only gif I could find was a spoiler.
Zodiac (2007)
These last few are all movies that I *think* I've seen six times but couldn't swear to. Zodiac depends on how many times I saw it on TNT and left it running. But it's gorgeous in 4k.
These last few are all movies that I *think* I've seen six times but couldn't swear to. Zodiac depends on how many times I saw it on TNT and left it running. But it's gorgeous in 4k.
a man in a plaid shirt and denim jacket says i 'm not the zodiac
Alt: Arthur Lee Allen assures you he's not the Zodiac.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Zodiac (2007)
These last few are all movies that I *think* I've seen six times but couldn't swear to. Zodiac depends on how many times I saw it on TNT and left it running. But it's gorgeous in 4k.
These last few are all movies that I *think* I've seen six times but couldn't swear to. Zodiac depends on how many times I saw it on TNT and left it running. But it's gorgeous in 4k.
Wait, shit. There's a sequel. That's a franchise now. Well, whatever.
December 8, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Wait, shit. There's a sequel. That's a franchise now. Well, whatever.
Pacific Rim (2013)
Not Del Toro's best, but maybe his most fun? My biggest problem is the visuals never quite convey the scale in the way you hope, but it's a good one to throw on in the background.
Not Del Toro's best, but maybe his most fun? My biggest problem is the visuals never quite convey the scale in the way you hope, but it's a good one to throw on in the background.
a robot is standing in the rain with a red light on its head
Alt: Gipsy Danger strides into the storm.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Pacific Rim (2013)
Not Del Toro's best, but maybe his most fun? My biggest problem is the visuals never quite convey the scale in the way you hope, but it's a good one to throw on in the background.
Not Del Toro's best, but maybe his most fun? My biggest problem is the visuals never quite convey the scale in the way you hope, but it's a good one to throw on in the background.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Who *hasn't* seen this one six times, am I right? Still though, it's worth it.
Who *hasn't* seen this one six times, am I right? Still though, it's worth it.
two men sitting next to each other with the words " get busy living " on the screen
Alt: Get busy living, or get busy dying, says Andy. Good advice.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:14 PM
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Who *hasn't* seen this one six times, am I right? Still though, it's worth it.
Who *hasn't* seen this one six times, am I right? Still though, it's worth it.
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Again, *pretty* sure I've seen this one six times. I've bought it twice, in any event. Still top-tier Del Toro.
Again, *pretty* sure I've seen this one six times. I've bought it twice, in any event. Still top-tier Del Toro.
a woman in a dress is standing in a dark cave
Alt: Ofelia enters the labyrinth.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Again, *pretty* sure I've seen this one six times. I've bought it twice, in any event. Still top-tier Del Toro.
Again, *pretty* sure I've seen this one six times. I've bought it twice, in any event. Still top-tier Del Toro.
A Few Good Men (1992)
Nicholson is great obviously, but Kevin Pollack is criminally under-mentioned in this movie. I can't even find a gif of him.
Nicholson is great obviously, but Kevin Pollack is criminally under-mentioned in this movie. I can't even find a gif of him.
a man with his mouth open and the words you can 't handle the truth
Alt: You can't handle the truth, says Jessup.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:12 PM
A Few Good Men (1992)
Nicholson is great obviously, but Kevin Pollack is criminally under-mentioned in this movie. I can't even find a gif of him.
Nicholson is great obviously, but Kevin Pollack is criminally under-mentioned in this movie. I can't even find a gif of him.
I was about to put Happy Gilmore (1996) but then I remembered it's a franchise now.
Exhausted sigh.
Exhausted sigh.
December 8, 2025 at 4:10 PM
I was about to put Happy Gilmore (1996) but then I remembered it's a franchise now.
Exhausted sigh.
Exhausted sigh.
Billy Madison (1995)
Sandler's big starring debut is still his best movie imo. I have a prevailing memory of shocking my friend by explaining to him that no, Billy Madison is not mentally disabled: the premise is that he's a lazy rich asshole. I wonder if he's seen it yet.
Sandler's big starring debut is still his best movie imo. I have a prevailing memory of shocking my friend by explaining to him that no, Billy Madison is not mentally disabled: the premise is that he's a lazy rich asshole. I wonder if he's seen it yet.
a man in a suit and tie says " what you just said "
Alt: I award you no points, and my god have mercy on your soul.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Billy Madison (1995)
Sandler's big starring debut is still his best movie imo. I have a prevailing memory of shocking my friend by explaining to him that no, Billy Madison is not mentally disabled: the premise is that he's a lazy rich asshole. I wonder if he's seen it yet.
Sandler's big starring debut is still his best movie imo. I have a prevailing memory of shocking my friend by explaining to him that no, Billy Madison is not mentally disabled: the premise is that he's a lazy rich asshole. I wonder if he's seen it yet.
The Kid Detective (2020)
My movie of 2020 that *nobody* has heard of. (Okay but why are there so many fucking gifs then? Is one person just obsessed with it?) Anyway it's Encyclopedia Brown as a depressed adult loser, then it gets real. Go watch it.
My movie of 2020 that *nobody* has heard of. (Okay but why are there so many fucking gifs then? Is one person just obsessed with it?) Anyway it's Encyclopedia Brown as a depressed adult loser, then it gets real. Go watch it.
a man in a suit says he 's lying in front of his face
Alt: Abe Applebaum tells it like it is: "He's lying."
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The Kid Detective (2020)
My movie of 2020 that *nobody* has heard of. (Okay but why are there so many fucking gifs then? Is one person just obsessed with it?) Anyway it's Encyclopedia Brown as a depressed adult loser, then it gets real. Go watch it.
My movie of 2020 that *nobody* has heard of. (Okay but why are there so many fucking gifs then? Is one person just obsessed with it?) Anyway it's Encyclopedia Brown as a depressed adult loser, then it gets real. Go watch it.
Gangs of New York (2002)
Is this my favorite Scorsese flick? It might be, as heretical as that is. Day-Lewis is riveting in his monstrousness *and* magnetism, and the first and last scenes have stuck with me for decades.
Is this my favorite Scorsese flick? It might be, as heretical as that is. Day-Lewis is riveting in his monstrousness *and* magnetism, and the first and last scenes have stuck with me for decades.
a man with a mustache wearing a top hat stands in a crowd of men
Alt: Bill the Butcher is disrobed for combat.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Gangs of New York (2002)
Is this my favorite Scorsese flick? It might be, as heretical as that is. Day-Lewis is riveting in his monstrousness *and* magnetism, and the first and last scenes have stuck with me for decades.
Is this my favorite Scorsese flick? It might be, as heretical as that is. Day-Lewis is riveting in his monstrousness *and* magnetism, and the first and last scenes have stuck with me for decades.
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
One of my very favorite modern westerns. The music in particular hits just the right note. Regret I never shared this one with my dad.
One of my very favorite modern westerns. The music in particular hits just the right note. Regret I never shared this one with my dad.
a man wearing a hat says i 'd be disappointed if you didn 't
Alt: Ben Wade would be disappointed if you didn't.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
One of my very favorite modern westerns. The music in particular hits just the right note. Regret I never shared this one with my dad.
One of my very favorite modern westerns. The music in particular hits just the right note. Regret I never shared this one with my dad.
The Truman Show (1998)
Revisited this one recently and I do love it, but I've never been able to 100% get over some of the warts. They let Carey go just a little too nuts at times, and the pacing is a bit weird. Still, I dare you not to get misty at the end.
Revisited this one recently and I do love it, but I've never been able to 100% get over some of the warts. They let Carey go just a little too nuts at times, and the pacing is a bit weird. Still, I dare you not to get misty at the end.
a man with his arms outstretched stands in front of a blue wall
Alt: Truman bows before he exits the world.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The Truman Show (1998)
Revisited this one recently and I do love it, but I've never been able to 100% get over some of the warts. They let Carey go just a little too nuts at times, and the pacing is a bit weird. Still, I dare you not to get misty at the end.
Revisited this one recently and I do love it, but I've never been able to 100% get over some of the warts. They let Carey go just a little too nuts at times, and the pacing is a bit weird. Still, I dare you not to get misty at the end.
Michael Collins (1996)
Another one that I've taught several times. Julia Roberts is incredibly out of place, but this is otherwise an unstoppable historical drama that was incredibly bold in its cultural moment. (Seriously, touting Michael Collins's heroism had high stakes in the mid-90s).
Another one that I've taught several times. Julia Roberts is incredibly out of place, but this is otherwise an unstoppable historical drama that was incredibly bold in its cultural moment. (Seriously, touting Michael Collins's heroism had high stakes in the mid-90s).
a man in a suit and hat stands in front of a red car
Alt: Ned Broy takes notes, listening to Collins speak.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Michael Collins (1996)
Another one that I've taught several times. Julia Roberts is incredibly out of place, but this is otherwise an unstoppable historical drama that was incredibly bold in its cultural moment. (Seriously, touting Michael Collins's heroism had high stakes in the mid-90s).
Another one that I've taught several times. Julia Roberts is incredibly out of place, but this is otherwise an unstoppable historical drama that was incredibly bold in its cultural moment. (Seriously, touting Michael Collins's heroism had high stakes in the mid-90s).
Clue (1985)
Does it count as a franchise if it's based on a board game? I'm not sure. But it sure is fun!
Does it count as a franchise if it's based on a board game? I'm not sure. But it sure is fun!
a woman in a black dress says it-it-the-f-it-flam-flames
Alt: Flames. Flames, on the side of my face...
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Clue (1985)
Does it count as a franchise if it's based on a board game? I'm not sure. But it sure is fun!
Does it count as a franchise if it's based on a board game? I'm not sure. But it sure is fun!
Mulholland Drive (2001)
This is one I'm *pretty* sure I've seen six times in aggregate. It used to play on my campus stations in college and I would catch it in bits and pieces. The diner scene has stuck with me for ages. I recently bought it and it's as fun as I remember.
This is one I'm *pretty* sure I've seen six times in aggregate. It used to play on my campus stations in college and I would catch it in bits and pieces. The diner scene has stuck with me for ages. I recently bought it and it's as fun as I remember.
two men in suits and ties are standing next to each other in a garden .
Alt: The monster is there: he collapses into his friends arms.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Mulholland Drive (2001)
This is one I'm *pretty* sure I've seen six times in aggregate. It used to play on my campus stations in college and I would catch it in bits and pieces. The diner scene has stuck with me for ages. I recently bought it and it's as fun as I remember.
This is one I'm *pretty* sure I've seen six times in aggregate. It used to play on my campus stations in college and I would catch it in bits and pieces. The diner scene has stuck with me for ages. I recently bought it and it's as fun as I remember.
Doctor Strangelove (1964)
Another one it's been ages since I've sat down with. I should rectify that soon.
Another one it's been ages since I've sat down with. I should rectify that soon.
a man in a suit is talking on a phone
Alt: General Turgidson chews his gum, concerned.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Doctor Strangelove (1964)
Another one it's been ages since I've sat down with. I should rectify that soon.
Another one it's been ages since I've sat down with. I should rectify that soon.
Seven Samurai (1954)
Full disclosure, I'm not *sure* I've seen this six times, but it's at least five, and I love it enough to give it the benefit of the doubt. Kikuchiyo might be my favorite character ever, Toshiro Mifune might be my favorite actor ever, and I've never understood a word they said.
Full disclosure, I'm not *sure* I've seen this six times, but it's at least five, and I love it enough to give it the benefit of the doubt. Kikuchiyo might be my favorite character ever, Toshiro Mifune might be my favorite actor ever, and I've never understood a word they said.
Kikuchiyo Seven Samurai GIF
Alt: Kikuchiyo is laughing at you.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Seven Samurai (1954)
Full disclosure, I'm not *sure* I've seen this six times, but it's at least five, and I love it enough to give it the benefit of the doubt. Kikuchiyo might be my favorite character ever, Toshiro Mifune might be my favorite actor ever, and I've never understood a word they said.
Full disclosure, I'm not *sure* I've seen this six times, but it's at least five, and I love it enough to give it the benefit of the doubt. Kikuchiyo might be my favorite character ever, Toshiro Mifune might be my favorite actor ever, and I've never understood a word they said.
Rashomon (1950)
My introduction to Kurosawa, and it remained my only Kurosawa for a long time, even though I loved it. Any movie that invents a trope deserves your attention. Speaking of which...
My introduction to Kurosawa, and it remained my only Kurosawa for a long time, even though I loved it. Any movie that invents a trope deserves your attention. Speaking of which...
a black and white photo of a man with a beard wearing a hat and a tank top .
Alt: Tajomaru smacks a mosquito on his neck, as he watches.
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Rashomon (1950)
My introduction to Kurosawa, and it remained my only Kurosawa for a long time, even though I loved it. Any movie that invents a trope deserves your attention. Speaking of which...
My introduction to Kurosawa, and it remained my only Kurosawa for a long time, even though I loved it. Any movie that invents a trope deserves your attention. Speaking of which...
Blazing Saddles (1974)
First of all, it's rude that this came out the same year as Young Frankenstein. Brooks needs to leave some funny for other people. The first person who says "They couldn't make it these days!" gets smacked. Cleavon Little outperforms Wilder don't @ me.
First of all, it's rude that this came out the same year as Young Frankenstein. Brooks needs to leave some funny for other people. The first person who says "They couldn't make it these days!" gets smacked. Cleavon Little outperforms Wilder don't @ me.
a man in a cowboy hat is talking to another man with the words hey where the white women at
Alt: "Hey boys, look what I found!"
"Hey where the white women at?"
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Blazing Saddles (1974)
First of all, it's rude that this came out the same year as Young Frankenstein. Brooks needs to leave some funny for other people. The first person who says "They couldn't make it these days!" gets smacked. Cleavon Little outperforms Wilder don't @ me.
First of all, it's rude that this came out the same year as Young Frankenstein. Brooks needs to leave some funny for other people. The first person who says "They couldn't make it these days!" gets smacked. Cleavon Little outperforms Wilder don't @ me.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
I am apparently going the distance here, or I would have given up by now. Top-tier Gene Wilder work, from the big scenes to the small scenes. Famously, he held Brooks back a little bit on this one with a conviction that they needed to play it mostly straight. He was right.
I am apparently going the distance here, or I would have given up by now. Top-tier Gene Wilder work, from the big scenes to the small scenes. Famously, he held Brooks back a little bit on this one with a conviction that they needed to play it mostly straight. He was right.
a black and white photo of a man wearing a pair of goggles .
Alt: It's alive! It's alllliiiiiive!
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Young Frankenstein (1974)
I am apparently going the distance here, or I would have given up by now. Top-tier Gene Wilder work, from the big scenes to the small scenes. Famously, he held Brooks back a little bit on this one with a conviction that they needed to play it mostly straight. He was right.
I am apparently going the distance here, or I would have given up by now. Top-tier Gene Wilder work, from the big scenes to the small scenes. Famously, he held Brooks back a little bit on this one with a conviction that they needed to play it mostly straight. He was right.