Did you ever watch a film or a TV show that you knew nothing about, wasn’t expecting to see, and ended up really liking? Or, were you ever disappointed in something you were expecting to love? I know I have.
Now’s your chance to tell the blogging world about it! Your picks can be from any era and of any genre. In fact, it can be about a whole genre of films or TV that you just happened upon. Maybe you discovered silent film, or got addicted to a kitschy classic show such as CHiPs or I Dream of Jeannie. Or maybe there’s a star or group of stars (like the Rat Pack, maybe?) that you just happened upon. Directors work, too. Or maybe you have strong opinions about the new Star Wars films. As long as you had expectations that were met, or not, it works.
Here are the rules, and they’re pretty simple:
- The Unexpected Blogathon will take place December 7-9, 2018, and posts can be sent to me anytime on or around these days. Entries are limited to three, and to new material only.
- Posts can be in list form or straight reviews. Again, any era or genre, star or stars, or directors. Whatever. Just work in what made your subject unexpected or surprising for you and why.
- You can also pick a new film or show you’ve been wanting to see and tell how it disappointed you or met your expectations.
- Since this topic is so subjective, duplicates won’t be verboten. If certain works turn out to be popular, it’s fine–everyone will have a different point of view, anyway.
- Entries can be sent via my Contact page, to my comment section, via Twitter (@TakingUpRoom), or to rebeccadeniston@gmail.com.
- Grab a banner and advertise the blogathon!
The Roster
Taking Up Room: The Illusionist (2006)
Realweegiemidget Reviews: The Greatest Showman (2017)
In the Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood: Audrey Hepburn
The Wonderful World of Cinema: Adam Had Four Sons (1941)
dbmoviesblog: The Shining (1980)
The Midnite Drive In: Ray Dennis Steckler
Thoughtsallsorts: My Unexpected Favorites
Champagne For Lunch: The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin and Point Blank (both 1967)
Pure Entertainment Preservation Society: Pocketful of Miracles (1961)
Pop Culture Reverie: Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
Silver Screenings: Gentleman Prefer Blondes (1953)
Movierob: A Night At the Opera (1935), Meet Me In St. Louis (1944), and The Day of the Locust (1975)
Silver Screen Classics: Singin’ In the Rain (1952)
Critica Retro: The Public Enemy (1931)
The Story Enthusiast: Nurse On Wheels (1963)
Pale Writer: Sextette (1978) and Random Hearts (1999)
top10filmlists.com: The German silent films of Ernst Lubitsch
The Banners
Hi there Rebecca, Can I review Pain and Gain (2013), a film I saw this week and I unexpectedly liked… thanks Gill from Realweegiemidget Reviews
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Hi, Gill, and absolutely! I’ve never heard of that film before, so it’ll be neat to see what you thought about it. And yay, you’re the first person to sign up! LOL.
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It’s a fabulous idea for a blogathon and I love your banners! Brill time to hold it too as the Christmas telly will have started then.
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Thanks, Gill! Yeah, I think we’ll have fun. 🙂
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Was great fun last time, so I’m sure this will be too!!
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Hey Rebecca. Great idea for a blogathon. I would like to join in, but I have to really think about what topic I want to do.
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Thanks, Crystal! And that’s cool–I’ll just put you down as TBD, if that’s OK. 🙂
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That photo from Singin’ in the Rain is just perfect! Count me in. I’ll let you know my subject asap!
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Thanks, Virginie! That would be fine. 🙂
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Oh Rebecca! I know exactly which one I’m gonna pick! Very recently, I watched Adam Had Four Sons and I really didn’t expect much, but I loved it! However, since it’s an Ingrid Bergman film, I will publish my entry on my other blog Three Enchanting Ladies (which is a tribute blog to Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman- who stars in Adam). Here is the link! https://threeenchantingladies.wordpress.com/
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Great, thanks, Virginie–that sounds cool!
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Hi Rebecca. Can I write about Marilyn Monroe? If you want me to narrow it down to a particular movie, that’s fine.
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Hi, Crystal! Yeah, actually, that would be great. In fact, I think I’m going to amend th rules to include unexpected stars. Even a group like the Rat Pack would be OK. Very good idea–thanks for joining!
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I wasn’t sure. I couldn’t think of a movie that I unexpectedly watched and loved, as I generally don’t watch films that I don’t think I will like, but there are certain stars that I have, and Marilyn is one of them.
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Yeah, it’s a great point–I totally get that. Mine would be Audrey Hepburn. All of a sudden, I got hooked and had to see all her movies. 🙂
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Coincidentally, Audrey Hepburn is another one that I was hesitant about. For some reason she just didn’t appeal to me. Now, I love her, but I just can’t bring myself around to watch “My Fair Lady” despite my grandmother telling me that it’s a great film.
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Actually, put me down for Audrey Hepburn instead. It took me longer to actually see one of her movies, and I feel that I can better serve her.
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OK, that’s cool. Either one’s good. 🙂
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Thanks. By the way I’m co-hosting a
blogathon that you might be interested in joining. Here is the link.
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Ooh, yes, please! May I have “Send Me No Flowers” if it’s not taken? It looks fun.
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Send Me No Flowers is all yours. I was hoping someone would claim that. I love that film. Thanks for joining.
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You’re welcome, Crystal, and thanks for inviting me! I’ve never seen this movie, so this will be cool. 🙂
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I definitely want to participate, but I will need more time to choose my film. Btw, just out of curiosity, did you unexpectedly like The Illusionist (2006) or hated it?
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That’s all right–let me know what you decide. I can put you down as TBD if you want. It’s all good. As for the other thing, I can’t confirm or deny liking “The Illusionist” at this point, if you get my drift. 😉
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Ok, I think I have decided on my choice. Can I please review “The Shining” (1980)? Thanks.
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Yes, that would be great! Thanks for joining. 🙂
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It’s hard to get a handle on the concept of this blogathon. For one thing, most every movie I ever watched I knew nothing about before watching it. (I watch a heck of a lot of low-budget drive-in movies, although I have been slow to write about them on my blog; despite the fact that I named the blog “The Midnite Drive-In”…) The thing is I never expect to entirely DISLIKE any of these trashy flicks, because my tastes are pretty lowbrow. After all, I love Ed Wood, Jr….
Which brings me to a point. I recently acquired a four DVD set of movies by Ray Dennis Steckler, who may or may not be the second worst director of all time (assuming you count Ed Wood as the worst) Two movies so far are worth a blog entry. “The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed Up Zombies” and ” (Rat Phink a Boo-Boo.” (and that’s not a typo. That was the actual screen name).
This will be a loving tribute to a bad director whose movies I actually get a kick out of (much like those of the aforementioned Wood.) Feel free to list my entry as just Ray Dennis Steckler, although I must admit I’d get a subversive kick out of thinking how people would react if you listed the movies themselves…
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Derp, I don’t know why WordPress doesn’t accept your comments right away. Argh. Anyway, don’t worry–you got the concept of this just right! So I can put you down for Ray Dennis Steckler if you want, or if you want to do something different, let me know. Thanks for joining, Quiggy! 🙂
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Definitely going to stick with my choice. Just the thought of people going googie eyed over those titles makes it worth the price of entry. Anything to further enhance people’s perception I must be some kind of nut. Of course I am, but some people just aren’t aware of it yet…
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Yeah, I’m liking the titles myself, LOL. It reminds me of Double Dare, when they would give the kids crazy movie titles and ask them to pick the legit one. So it’s all good. It’ll be fun. 🙂
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I’m in! I’m in. Just need to decide what I’m writing about…will confirm asap
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Nice, thanks for joining, Catherine! I’ll be waiting. 🙂
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Decisions, decisions… 😉
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I know you are still waiting…and I’m definitely still in…but can’t make up my mind. Tempted to go for a “My unexpected favourites”…or something like that. Or would you prefer a single movie?
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Sure, a list would work–I know it’s hard to pick just one sometimes. I can put you down for that title if you want, too.
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Perfect
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Hello! This is a great idea for a blogathon. I actually have a couple of films in mind, but please put me down for The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin and Point Blank, both 1967. 🙂
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Hi, Simoa, and thank you! And great–I will put you down for those. Thanks for joining. 🙂
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Hi Rebecca, I’m just going to write about Bulwhip Griffin, if that’s all right.
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Hi Simoa, and sure, that would be great! Thanks for joining. 🙂
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Hi, it’s me again…some stuff came up and I won’t be able to submit my entry in time. Could I post it tomorrow instead?
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Sure, that would be fine. Simoa! Looking forward to it. 🙂
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Rebecca, you’re probably tired of all these comments from me by now! i really was looking forward to the blogathon, and thought I could get my post up today, but it’s just not to be. 😦 I’m sorry about that.
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It’s OK, Simoa–no problem! There are a few more people who are going to post late entries, so you’re in good company. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
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Dear Rebecca,
This is a really interesting and unusual choice for a blogathon. Congratulations! I would love to participate. I plan to write about my first experience watching a Frank Capra film from the Shurlock Era, “Pocketful of Miracles.” I will describe my surprise at seeing ways in which Mr. Capra was changing with the times. I’m looking forward to it!
By the way, I would like to invite you to join “The Second Annual Great Breening Blogathon.” This blogathon, which will be taking place on October 12-17, is a celebration of the Code, its Era, and its enforcer, Joseph I. Breen. We are using this blogathon to honor Joseph Breen on his 130th birthday, which would have been on October 14. However, we are extending the blogathon to October 17 to celebrate the second anniversary of PEPS, which was founded on October 17, 2016. You can participate by breening a film that is not from the Breen Era (1934-1954) or by analyzing a Code films. You can also discuss an aspect of the Code, its influence on Hollywood, or Mr. Breen itself. You can find out more and join here: https://pureentertainmentpreservationsociety.wordpress.com/2018/09/27/announcing-the-second-annual-great-breening-blogathon/.
I hope that you’ll be able to join! We could really use your talents.
Yours Hopefully,
Tiffany Brannan
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Hi, Tiffany,
Thanks very much–I’m glad you like it. Great topic, too. I will definitely put you down for that! Thanks for joining.
And thanks for telling me about your blogathon. I’m so glad you brought it back. I was thinking I could write about “Greenwich Village,” if that’s OK. Thanks for thinking of me, and have a great day! 🙂
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I’d like to do Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I’m a teen film researcher. I’ve taught courses in teen films. I’m supposed to like this movie. I really, really don’t.
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You and me both–I’ll be waiting to read your thoughts. Thanks for joining, Robin. 🙂
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wow! great topic, just need to think abt what 3 films I’ll do…
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Thanks, Rob! I’ll just put you down as TBD until then–how’s that?
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perfect
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This looks really interesting and I would love to take part. Recently travelling back from Europe and ended up watching Singin In The Rain, which I had avoided as I am not a fan of musicals. I’ll save what I thought for the blogathon! Hope that’s ok! Best regards, Paul
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Cool, that’s great! Thanks for joining, Paul. All the best to you, too. 🙂
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The best discovery in my film-watching life has been The Public Enemy (1931). It’s time to tell this story to the world!
Great idea for a blogathon!
Kisses!
Le from Critica Retro
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Thanks, Le! And oooh, cool–the grapefruit movie. I will put you down for it. Thanks for joining. Kisses! 🙂
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I would like to write about Nurse on Wheels starring Juliet Mills.
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Ooh, nice! I will put you down for it. Thanks for joining! 🙂
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Okay, I’ve got my post up and ready.
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Thanks, that’s great! I’ll add it as soon as I can.
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Hi! I’m so sorry I’m a bit slow on the uptake, and this is such a lovely idea! May I please partake and write about Sextette and Random Hearts?
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Thank you, and sure, that would be great! I’ll put you down for those. Thanks for joining. 🙂
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Thank you!
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I’m getting in a bit late, but I would like to create an installment of my series “Sports Analogies Hidden In Classic Movies” for your event dedicated to the “Weird” Al Yankovic comedy “UHF.”
Also, I’m hosting my very first blog-a-thon in February and would love it if you would consider participating!
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Ah, cool–I’ll put you down for it! And your blogathon sounds great. I was wondering if I could review Ed O’Neill in “Prefontaine”?
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Great pick! You’ve got it!
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Awesome–thanks! 🙂
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Is it possible to join the blogathon at this late date? I”d like to write about a selection of Ernst Lubitsch’s German silent films that i’ve recently watched & enjoyed! my blog is top10filmlists.com
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Sure, definitely! I will put you down for them. Thanks for joining. 🙂
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Hi Rebecca! I posted early because I was too excited to wait:
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Hi, Ruth! Aha, cool, and thanks–you get the top spot. Looking forward to reading this! 🙂
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Hi Rebecca, sorry to be a pain but really cant watch the Black Hole again.. cant get into it so can I be a pest and change my post to The Greatest Showman, finally seen it and loved it. Thanks, Gill at Realweegiemidget Reviews
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Hi, Gill! No problem–I totally hear ya! I’ll make the change. 🙂
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Sorry for asking you twice – my comments sometimes seem to disappear on WordPress which is superfrustrating!
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That’s OK! I don’t know why it happens. At least you don’t get stuck in the spam folder like Quiggy does, though. 🙂
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Just often wonder with the amount of Spam collected – which is higher than my actual comments just how many are valid comments!
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Yeah, that’s a good question! My spam’s 99% fake–they’re mostly gibberish.
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Sounds like its lots of crap then, hate to think I missed a post from Leonardo DiCaprio saying how much he loved my Gatsby review….
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True–I know the feeling! And it’s kinda fun to see what weirdness ends up there sometimes. 😜
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Hi Rebecca. Would I be able to change my topic and write about a film instead? Also, I would like to do two entries, because I’ve now submitted all my assignments for my studies and because I haven’t been able to update my blog, so I want to make up for it, though my last entry will likely be late. Will it be okay to write two entries? I just have to decide on the films I’m going to choose.
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Sure, that’s fine–it’s all good, Crystal. I’ll probably do a wrap-up post, so I can add yours whenever you’re ready. 🙂
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Hi Rebecca. For my first topic I will write about “Father Was A Fullback” ( 1949 ). I haven’t decided on my second topic yet, but I will let you know asap.
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Hi, Crystal, and OK, that’s cool. I’ll put you down for it. And the others, when you’re ready. 🙂
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Hey Rebecca. I just thought I would let you know that I’m still working on my entry for the blogathon. I’m late again as usual.
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Hi, Crystal–no problem. Whenever you’re ready is good. 🙂
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I decided to focus on just one of the two movies I originally planned, as well as some interesting stuff on Steckler himself.
https://midnitedrive-in.blogspot.com/2018/12/a-tribute-to-ray-dennis-steckler.html
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Great! Thanks, Quiggy–I’ll look forward to reading it. 🙂
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Here is my post on Lubitsch’s silents films: http://www.top10filmlists.com/the-lubitsch-german-silents.html
thanks for hosting! I’m enjoying what’s been posted so far
Kevin
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Hello and so sorry this is late! I hope you will still add it to the roster – I really enjoyed writing it and I’m looking forward to reading the other entries over the next couple of days. Please accept my apologies! Regards, Paul
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Hi, Paul, and no apology necessary–I will definitely add it today. I’m looking forward to reading it, too. Thanks for participating! 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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Is this making a comeback again this year…?
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I’m not sure yet. It didn’t get that much of a buzz the first time, so I don’t know if it would be worth it..
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