Wisdom of the Fool

One fool’s attempt to reconnect with enjoyment.

[thiswisefool]

An Introduction

The name for this blog comes from the term of "wise fool" that is often used when a piece of wisdom comes from a source that is considered to be foolish. This in turn is often not an intellectual explanation, but a base one reflecting what could be considered the core meaning.

This blog is a place for me to reflect on the media I consume. Its purpose is to highlight the positive feelings and experiences I have with various mediums that I interact with, though there are sure to be minor grievances mentioned. All opinions are my own, and if you disagree with me that's fine. This is my first blog where I actively post my own content, and it will be a learning process that is likely to change and evolve as I explore this medium. I am not an academic, nor have I ever done extensive writing like this, but it's more for the experience and the thoughtfulness. I hope that others may find some enjoyment or inspiration along the way too.

I don't know that I am wise, but I am a fool, so I figure there's at least a small chance something could come of this.

[thiswisefool]

Movie: Flow (2024) by Gints Zilbalodis

4✨ The amount of personality that shone through each of the animals was delightful. Several of them steering a boat was baffling. But overall a beautiful viewing experience. Bonus points for getting to watch it with a black cat napping on my lap. Extra bonus points for the golden retriever being the most golden retriever.

[thiswisefool]

What Do You Mean You Haven't Seen...

Jaws (1975) by Steven Spielberg

I frequently mention not having seen a movie that is known as A Classic and it really shocks people, particularly as someone that has worked in the film industry. I'll make a short post before that covers what I know about the film (likely very little), and then repost with more in depth thoughts after I've watched it.

I saw that a local theater was showing Jaws, and having never seen it, I felt this would be a great opportunity to launch this segment!

What I know before watching? There's a big shark. And I think that leads someone to the conclusion that they need a bigger boat?

[thiswisefool]

What do I think after watching? WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT TOOK ME THIS LONG TO WATCH JAWS??? It's absolutely worth the hype! While I don't love the bad reputation it has saddled sharks with over the years, I can absolutely understand why it happened. The one thing I forgot to mention knowing going in was the theme. Just an ICONIC theme, and it matches the film so well. This is all about anticipation, and the way it's done is just marvelous. There's just enough of the shark to keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering when it'll strike next. Beautifully shot, I recognized a couple of the most well known shots and then was blown away by many others. Considering the tight quarters that a majority of the film takes place in it's incredibly well done. Particularly paired with the incredible acting performances! These three characters shoved together by circumstances so outside their normal they can't even comprehend it until they're faced with it, but the way that it makes you feel like you're in there too, as the viewer. The bonding they do, and the understanding of each other that they come to has you feeling like you're included in it. It makes the loss in the end feel all the more impactful. I'm so glad that I was able to go see this for the first time on the big screen in a theater! It really added to the experience. The script had more humor to it than I'd have ever guessed going in, and being surprised into laughter with several other movie-goers is always a part of the theater experience that I will love.

So, so incredibly glad that I finally took the time to watch this film, and grateful that it made for a strong start to this new segment!

What classic film should I check out next? It's entirely likely it'll be new to me!

[thiswisefool]

What Do You Mean You Haven't Seen...

Jaws (1975) by Steven Spielberg

I frequently mention not having seen a movie that is known as A Classic and it really shocks people, particularly as someone that has worked in the film industry. I'll make a short post before that covers what I know about the film (likely very little), and then repost with more in depth thoughts after I've watched it.

I saw that a local theater was showing Jaws, and having never seen it, I felt this would be a great opportunity to launch this segment!

What I know before watching? There's a big shark. And I think that leads someone to the conclusion that they need a bigger boat?

[thiswisefool]

Now on Instagram

Just a housekeeping note: I have found it difficult to write lengthy reviews of all of the media that I've been consuming; plus, this blog is mainly to highlight the things that I am genuinely deeply enjoying.

I've decided to make an Instagram account where I post more regularly about the things I am actively reading, watching, listening to, etc in order to get more into the habit of posting. There will still be long form reviews here, but when I'm in a reading frenzy in particular, I often find myself just jumping from one book to the next too fast to really do a proper write up. I also might try to develop something a little more shorthand for this blog as well, but only time will tell.

So if you're interested in a more regularly updated look at what I am currently enjoying you can find me on Instagram with the username that matches this blogs url (in full, the dot blog is included).

[thiswisefool]

Book

The Glass & Steele Series by CJ Archer

The Watchmaker's Daughter, The Mapmaker's Apprentice, The Apothecary's Poison, The Magician's Diary, The Convent's Secret, The Ink Master's Silence, The Cheater's Game, The Prisoner's Key, The Imposter's Inheritance, The Kidnapper's Accomplice, The Toymaker's Curse, The Spy Master's Scheme, and The Goldsmith's Conspiracy

How did I find it? I actually found this after I started reading the spin off series (The Glass Library series). I had enjoyed those books so much, and loved the characters that the chance to delve more into their history and the world was thrilling.

What is it? Historical fiction fantasy mystery following India Steele and Matthew Glass as they navigate Victorian London society. At the start of the series India is dealing with grief and betrayal, her father has died and her (ex) fiance has stolen her inheritance. She's struggling to find work to keep herself afloat as a single woman when she meets Matthew "Matt" Glass, an American visiting his estranged family in need of an assistant who is familiar with the workings of London. The partnership begins there as they solve various magical mysteries in London with the help of their friends.

Why do I like it? These books are delightful reads! I could finish a book in one day if I wanted and found the mysteries that are covered to not be senseless or predictable, which is where I usually find issues with mystery books. I usually find my mystery's packed in more in the thriller genre, and this was a wonderful deviation from that! A little more low stakes in some ways, and set in a fantastical historic fiction made it interesting. In addition to loving the leads, the ensemble characters in these books have personality that leaps off the page! They are just as faceted and interesting and I was grateful for the length of the series allowing the reader to really get to know them all. By the end I felt like a part of the crew. I was delighted to learn that there is another series coming out following two of the side characters that I deeply enjoyed, whose story I know a little more about from the original spin off series. Overall, these were fun, light reads that really helped me start the year off strong with my reading! I flew through the first 12 books so fast that I had to take a long break (about 5 months) before I was prepared to finish the last book in the series. I'm not a frequent rereader but I have a feeling that these books will make the list of ones I come back to.

[thiswisefool]

Book

A Stage Set For Villains by Shannon J. Spann

How did I find it? I was scrolling through some Reels on Instagram when I stumbled upon this gem by the author about how her mother was buying out all the local stores that had copies of her book in preparation for her visiting home and offering up signed copies to her Facebook friends. I love a supportive mom, and with that kind of passion being shown how could I not check it out?

What is it? A Young Adult dark fantasy standalone novel. It follows Riven, a young woman who was cursed by a god-like Player when she was young, as she infiltrates The Playhouse upon the announcement of a casting call that results in becoming a Player. The deeper she gets into the competition the more complicated it becomes, especially when she's partnered with the Lead Player, Jude.

Why do I like it? This was such a fascinating take on a dystopian novel, with world building taking it's structure from Theater. I listened to this audiobook, but from the way it was performed I had the feeling that when the Players are in the Playhouse the formatting for the dialogue took on the appearance of a script. So I did what any rational person would do and got a hard copy from the library to check it out, and that is in fact what happens! I think that is a super cool detail, and I felt that the audiobook production did a great job of translating it from page to recording. One of the things I found most engaging about this read was that the deeper into the story you got the more complex it became. Following Riven into The Playhouse you are fully in support of her and her quest, but as more and more is revealed it becomes a lot more nuanced than good versus evil. This book lives in the gray area, and has all the twists that make it a fun and compelling read. I wish I could go back and read it fresh again just to experience it for the first time all over again.

[thiswisefool]

Movie

Project Hail Mary (2026) by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (and Crew)

How did I find it? I had been recommended the book (see post about that here) and was very excited to see this movie come to life after reading the book.

What is it? Film adaptation of book of the same name by Andy Weir. The story of an astronaut on a quest to save humanity, but first he needs to recover from amnesia in order to remember that’s why he’s in deep space.

Why do I like it? This is possibly one of the few times that if someone asked me if they should read the book I'd say watch the movie and decide from there. If you read my review of the book - you'll probably understand why I feel this way. Film adaptations can be tricky, whether done for a feature or for a series of any length, but features really constrain the amount of story that you can put on the screen, as well as in this case where you have one primary narrator and you spend most of the book in their head. Lord and Miller really thrived here. spoilers past here

They centered on the relationship between Grace and Rocky - the very part of the book that I loved the most. A lot of the science was dropped, understandable with time constraints, but enough was there to keep audiences up to speed on what science was happening without making it vague. A lot of this is due to utilizing the video log diary for Earth as a lens to tell the story - which is honestly a perfect move for having your main character talk out what they are thinking. One of my favorite aspects of the emotional story this movie tells is the piecing together of Grace's journey onto the ship. The amnesia coming back in chunks and culminating in a climatic way was stunning. I would love to watch the movie again to really pay attention to how they frame Grace throughout the film because I remember seeing some key moments where it felt very purposeful. The most striking to me was upon his realization that he was forced onto this ship, he has Rocky heaping praise onto him for being brave - something he no longer believes to be true about himself, and honestly appeared to doubt even before remembering. But in those immediate scenes after we almost always see Grace framed through Xenonite making us as the audience see him through a different lens, one that frequently is fractured. I loved how this felt like a mirror to his inner turmoil at remembering the past and how it conflicts or justifies what he no doubt spent a lot of time considering while also working to solve the astrophage problem. As a filmmaker I love when a film does things practically and the use of a puppet with CGI enhancements versus a straight CGI alien is a big part of what made this movie. I saw a behind the scenes video where they operated the full size puppet but also a small scale puppet for the animators to follow and it was the thing to do because all of Rocky's movements looked like they were following all the same mechanics. The Patrova Line scene? BREATHTAKING. I went to see this movie a second time in IMAX and that was the primary motivating factor to do so. As a costumer I can not even begin to explain my deep deep love for the way this show was costumed. Ryland Grace being dressed in bold primary colors in a very greyscale world was a beautiful choice, and executed so well. The fact that Grace was dressed in a similar look to that of a lighthouse keeper felt like a nod to how, oftentimes, lighthouses are used as symbols of hope and resilience which is what this Hail Mary was all about. A major shout out to the breakdown artists that showed the time Grace had been living on Erid through costume alone. It's detail in the visual storytelling like that that makes me love what we do so much. Last little thing - adding the "and" before listing the crew. The HOURS of the hundreds of crew spent turning a script into movie magic is often swept under the rug - but it is what makes the movie what it is. The cast is the face of the operation, the directors at the helm, but it's the crew, above and below the line, that bring it all together. That simple addition of "and" is a lovely, small gesture that included all the names most people don't stick around for in the creation of the movie.

Overall, in my opinion, this movie is spectacular. A joy to experience in the theater and a story with a lot of hope and a lot of heart. 10/10 and two big thumbs down (iykyk)

[thiswisefool]

Video Game

Palia by Singularity 6

How did I find it? A friend recommended it to me about a year ago, and I have been hooked ever since.

What is it? Open beta massive online multiplayer game that is part life simulator, part cozy adventure. Cross platform compatibility makes it extremely accessible, as does it's price: FREE (in game purchases are available, but nothing that is necessary to the standard gameplay). You play as a Human, newly rediscovered to the Palia world. As you establish yourself as a part of the community you befriend the local villagers and learn more about their lives as well as the mysterious history around the disappearance of Humans. All in all, this is one for the Cozy Gamers.

Why do I like it? Where to begin? I guess I'll start with how each in-game day lasts one real time hour. For me, this is ideal because Animal Crossing is delightful but the real time gameplay can often feel sluggish as I try to accomplish things; meanwhile you have Stardew Valley passing days in a matter of minutes and it often feels like a speed run to get my chores done. Palia hits a great compromise, with most things resetting every in-game day, but a few things reset every 24 hours. With no need for your character to sleep, you can get a lot done. The quests are fun, there's no shortage of things to work at completing. The main storyline is engaging and interesting, and has a surprisingly deep lore that I find myself pondering on frequently. The side quests are a joy, often giving you a deeper understanding of the nonplayer characters (NPCs) that fill the game. There are friendship quests, and also romantic quests. You choose how much you want to interact with the NPCs, and when it comes to romance, you're not limited to choosing one-if fact, if you want, you can date every dateable NPC at the same time! While there is a limit on declaring your intentions for only two of them, it doesn't stop you from chasing the romantic storylines with every character it is possible date. With it being cross platform it's great for players that have multiple systems, but for someone with a single gaming console it has allowed me the joy of playing with my friends across platforms! This is such a rare treat, and it makes it extra fun to be able to introduce new friends to the game knowing that we can all party up and play together. My only disappointment in this regard is that I play on a Switch and from what I understand that is the most challenging platform to play it on. Outside of some lagging and lower graphics, it's not something I'd quit over; but I do hope that some day the gameplay for the Switch gets a refresh. That said, it's also nice because you don't necessarily need to play with others in order to get ahead. You are just as able to develop your skills in game solo, but the added rewards of playing in a group is also nice. The skills that you develop are vary well varied! There's foraging, mining, gardening, fishing, hunting, bug catching, cooking, furniture making, and ranching. Each skill is overseen by it's own NPC that helps you on your journey learning the craft, and to a certain degree, you are free to participate in them as much or as little as you like. My personal favorite is the gardening, but I also find the fishing to be enjoyable and relaxing. With it still being in beta there are a lot of updates happening, and now is a great time to start, as regular monthly updates have been pretty standard lately. These provide a couple of small independent quests to keep you occupied if you've caught up to where the Main Quest is on hold for development. They're simple, fun, and all of the requirements are things that help you build your in game skills. You also get a housing plot (and can get more) to design and decorate to your heart's content! There's a House Tour feature where you can share your creation, or view what others have posted. The creativity and skill that people have when it comes to making a housing plot there own is awe inspiring. And the developers have been so impressed that they have added in housing that provides even more creative freedom when building on your plot.

Overall, Palia is a nice relaxing cozy life sim that makes it easy to relax as well as adventure and play with friends while making friends with the NPCs. I do highly recommend it if you're looking for a new take on a classic structure of the life simulation style game.

[thiswisefool]

Movie

Send Help (2026) by Sam Raimi

How did I find it? Saw a bunch of film promo interviews with Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien and it piqued my interest.

What is it? Horror comedy following a boss and employee who's roles reverse once they are the sole survivors of a plane crash.

Why do I like it? I'll be honest that this movie is outside my usual fare when it comes to movies. Comedy can be hit or miss for me, and horror is not my usual go to. That said, this film was a fun time. The premise is strong, and the performances that Rachel and Dylan bring to the table really sell the circumstances. There were some real funny moments and just enough jump scares and gore to keep me engaged and not put off. I'll be honest though, my costuming brain was whirring a majority of the movie because to have to plan the stages of breakdown for their time on the island took some serious thought and effort and it was executed SPECTACULARLY! Believable without being gross, and both characters were able to style their looks several ways. This is the type of show that would seem deceptively simple to an unknowing viewer but Anna Cahill and her team knocked it out of the park! I was so impressed. And shoutout to props for all of the added accessories that were gained along the way!

[thiswisefool]

Book

The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon

How did I find it? A friend recommended it to me upon her completion, saying that it was incredibly well written.

What is it? Covers the history of the shipping industry on the Great Lakes before talking about how the ship itself came to be. Leads into her time working on the lakes as well as the stories of those that worked on her. Discusses the buildup to the storm, descriptions from other vessels on the lake that day, and then wraps up with talking about its significance, legacy, and the people left behind.

Why do I like it? I've loved the song Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot for about as long as I can remember, and that is due to my father deciding to tell me the story of the ship as a bed time story after playing the song for me one day. Weird bed time story, sure, but since I was probably seven at the time I pictured more pirate ship than freighter. A few years later we traveled to the Soo Locks on vacation, and trust me when I tell you I don't have words for the absolute SHOCK (and disappointment) I experienced upon seeing the first model of her at the museum. It's still one of my most vivid childhood memories. So that covers the nostalgic connotations I had going into this book. As a kid, I'm not sure that I fully appreciated the museum and all the information it held, but reading this book makes me want to go visit again as an adult. The fact that this book opens with backstory on the industry and the standards that were upheld in the day makes it a great book for someone coming in with no prior knowledge. Taking the time to tell the stories of the ship through the captains and crews that lived and worked on her makes her as clear of a character as she had to have been during her time on the lakes. These stories also bring the wreck, while discussed in a respectful professional manner, to an emotional climax in the book. These stories also give the perfect point to touch on the lives of those that lost their loved ones that day. The journey they went through as the news was delivered, and their action to ensure peace for their loved ones final resting place. There's even some discussion of how the song came to be. I have pushed myself to read more nonfiction in the last year and this is a prime example of what I like to find when I pick one up. Information presented in a way that connects you to the subject matter, and has a way to communicate a story through the presentation of that information.

[thiswisefool]

Book

K2: Life and Death on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain by Ed Viesturs and David Roberts

How did I find it? Recently for an informal book club that I'm in we read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer which reignited a childhood fascination with mountaineering. It lead me to just looking at what audiobooks about climbing were available from the library and I found this one on K2-a peak I hadn't ever looked into.

What is it? Covers some of the most well known expeditions on K2 while highlighting the history of high altitude mountaineering as told by an accomplished mountaineer.

Why do I like it? That childhood interest - in Everest particularly - was due to one of my cousins being a mountain guide. He's climbed many peaks, including Everest (several times) which automatically made him the coolest person I knew as a child. After I read Into Thin Air I called him to chat about some of my questions as well as inform him I thought he was crazy for doing this as hobby and occupation his whole life. After reading this book I immediately texted him to apologize, because I learned just how dangerous it could have been. Viesturs and Roberts did a great job covering the history of expeditions that lead to summiting this terrifying mountain in a way that, while technical, is easy enough for the average person to follow. And the personal experience that Ed Viesturs is able to bring to the table makes it feel deeper and more impactful. By the end of the book I really felt like I had a better understanding of my cousin and his passion for these great peaks. Overall I feel that this is a compelling nonfiction book, and I will definitely be recommending it to friends in the future as well as seeking out the other books that Viesturs has authored.

[thiswisefool]

Music

LUX by ROSALÍA

How did I find it? A friend posted about it in one of my Discord's music channels singing it's praises and begging us all to give it a listen. Based off her quick pitch I knew it was something I needed to check out!

What is it? Studio album by Spanish artist Rosalía. The album features four movements and is sung in 14 different languages inspired by various female saints.

Why do I like it? This album is best listened to with headphones, the sound engineering is just as artist as every other aspect and that's one of the best ways to fully appreciate it. Stunning vocals, with incredible lyrics, that while I understand very little of, upon researching add a depth to the song on additional listen throughs. There are also a lot of fun, interesting, and playful elements throughout that were a delight to experience. I love that the structure of the album is in movements, mimicking how old compositions were done, and each has it's own tone while still being cohesive as a whole. Additionally, each song feels like it's own cinematic masterpiece. Despite having no idea what was being sung on my first listen, each track was clearly telling a story that I found engaging to the very end.

This has quickly turned into one of my favorite albums to have on repeat, and I will continue to recommend it to anyone I can.

[thiswisefool]

Book Goals - 2025 Review

101/52 Books

Personal Highlights (in order read) -The Will of the Many by James Islington -Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz -The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun -Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid -The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi -Platonic by Marisa G. Franco -Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir -Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

Honestly, I would have never anticipated breaking 100 books this year but I'm really proud of myself for it. Looking forward to this year I think I'd really like to focus on books that have been on my TBR for ages. I was proud of the variety of genres that I branched out into this year, but I tend to keep to lighthearted reads. This year I think I'd like to push the mood of my reads a little. I will absolutely keep up my fun reads, the whole point of a hobby is to enjoy it and that is tried and true, but expanding my horizons is equally rewarding!

[thiswisefool]

Movie Goals - 2025 Review

32/26 Movies Watched

Personal Highlights (in order watched): David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived (2023) Kpop Demon Hunters (2025) Earnhardt (2025) A Very Jonas Christmas (2025) Now You See Me Now You Don't (2025)

Lots of newer stuff. I'm going to try to make an effort to watch older media as well as keep up with current releases this year.

[thiswisefool]

Television

Heated Rivalry - Season 1

How did I find it? I had read the books (see post on that here) on recommendation with the intent to also be able to watch the show.

What is it? Show following the lives of fictional hockey players as they come to terms with their queer identities and fall in love.

Why do I like it? This is an impeccable film adaptation of a book. That is the thing that most impressed me as both a fan of the book series as well as someone that has worked in film and television. I have so much respect for Jacob Tierney, the writers and producers, all of the department heads, the crew, and the cast for how they managed to bring this story from page to screen. Is it a direct translation? No. But the changes and adjustments that were made didn't take away from the story as well as helped more effectively translate some of this to the screen. Can I identify any of the changes as I watch? No, but that's because I read all six books in a row and also as a costumer I have to actively not get too locked into a show or I only see it how I watch monitors on set. But I think that it's important in a GOOD adaptation that changes not be too jarring to fans of the book, but also aid those that haven't read it in following the story without the internal monologues we often are privy to on a page. There are so many moving parts to getting a show from an idea to a script to shooting on set through editing and post, and onto our screens, and I really feel like they hit it out of the park with this one! Another thing that I love about this is that while it is a romance book turned into a romance show the sex isn't just for the sake of there being sex on the screen (which is more than you can say for a lot of film and television out there, in my opinion). The intimacy on the screen is a visual cue to where they are in their relationship. Yes, it starts out hot and heavy, their relationship is incredibly physically based at that point. As their feelings grow the sex scenes become more intimate both on camera and how they are also not all for our consumption. As the show goes on we have more fade to black moments. Truly the visual storytelling of this show is top tier. I've seen all the breakdowns all over social media, and not just from the type of people that love to dig into this stuff. This show made the parallels, the lighting, the blocking, and so many other details clear enough in their execution that even casual viewers have picked up on it. It's honestly been so refreshing, as well as faith restoring that media literacy is not quite as dead as we might be lead to believe. I need to shout out to the various departments that did a phenomenal job helping us travel through time. The timeline of this show, particularly in a season following this book in particular, covers a LOT of ground. The fact that the costumes, props, graphics, hair, makeup, and so much else all change and evolve as that time passes accurately and also so subtly that it doesn't jump out even with time jumps is amazing.

I'm a big fan of the books and the show, and I am so excited to see where the next season takes us. (begging for a Zamboni, it's truly my favorite part of hockey after the fighting.)

[thiswisefool]

Book

Every Tool's A Hammer: Life is What You Make It by Adam Savage

How did I find it? One of my supervisors recommended it to me one day when we were swapping book recs. As a kid that grew up on Mythbusters I added that to my reading list immediately.

What is it? Non-fiction book that is part memoir, part advice column, part philosophical ramblings on inspiration and creativity.

Why do I like it? As a creative, this is an easy read but also a valuable one. There is so much advice and wisdom packed in the pages told through engaging storytelling. But even better than that is the constant reminder that while these are things that Savage has found useful to his career and workshops it is not a sure fix for everyone. In fact, he goes out of his way to describe some other examples of workshop set ups that he has seen amongst his friends and coworkers. If there is anything I have learned in my own career and creative exploits it's to work with what you have, adapt as you learn and grow, and what works for you might not work for others. Additionally, I found there to not only be great advice for inspiration and motivation, but also for leadership and teamwork in creative spaces. I greatly appreciated the advice on learning how to delegate as someone that will frequently take on every aspect of a project myself. I found it validating where my professional work is concerned, and inspirational for my creative endeavors as a hobbyist-which makes me feel like it is a great read for professionals and people just starting their creative journeys. I borrowed this one from the library, but it's definitely one I will be purchasing and adding to my trophy shelf and resource library!