The 90-Minute Movie Turns 2!
A toast to all of you and a look back on what's made this thing so great
Today The 90-Minute Movie turns two years old! I know it’s cliché to say it, but I cannot believe it has already been two years of short movies and 1,000 word takeaways. I’m mostly just shocked I’ve been able to stay as consistent as I have. I really love writing about movies; perhaps more than I thought I did when I started this thing. This newsletter has given me an amazing creative outlet and it’s introduced me to every single one of you.
If you’ve read this, commented on this, e-mailed me, DM’d me, shared me, told your mom about me -- I am forever grateful for your support and love. I started this for me, but I stick around for you.
To celebrate, I’m taking a break from our regularly scheduled content to share some highlights from the past two years. If you’re a new subscriber, this is an awesome way for you to get a handle on what the hell has been going on around here for the past 730 days.
This was my first post and LONG before I leaned into two of my distinguishing marks on here: the use of GIFs and leading with the movies’ runtime in the title. I was still trying to stick with typical film critic styles—using the year instead— but it didn’t really suit me. I am however thrilled that I started with one of my favorite movies of all time that is both deeply loved and deeply disregarded by many. These cult movies with strong dissenters and supporters alike have become my bread and butter.
To date, Dazed and Confused is my most popular post. I am sometimes wary of writing about really well-known films because I am not sure what else I could possibly add to the THOUSANDS of words already written about them. But then I remember that a) my viewpoint is different enough simply because it is that, my viewpoint and b) people just really love talking about the movies they love. Movies have the ability to connect us on very deep levels. This is one of those films.
One of my personal favorite posts. This was the first time I wrote about a “classic” film and I was really (weirdly) nervous about it. I think in the back of my mind I could still hear the critical voice of my ex-boyfriend in the back of my head making me believe I didn’t know anything about movies or what makes them great. This post felt like a huge triumph for me. Not only did it push my own limits of what I thought I was capable of, but it was a nice big eff you to someone who made me feel less-than intellectually for many years.
I’ve started a new segment on here about the movies that have changed me. I have always dabbled in personal essays/narrative writing and this is such a great combination of my two interests. These are not criticisms, but explorations of why certain movies mean so much to me. Last week I posted my second in the series, and I will work hard to get more out over the next few months. I would love for you to check them out, and give me your feedback.
While this one was medium-popular on Substack, this write-up inspired my most viewed TikTok to date. And why does this matter? Because some of you made the leap from TikTok to Substack and that is just crazy to me. From short form video content to long form written content? You guys are the real MVPs!
This is one I wish had been more popular - so go give it a read. I will never know why Arachnophobia is more beloved than this masterpiece right here.
And that’s it! Thanks for being here, it means the world to me. And if you have another three minutes to spare, please take the time to write me a note or drop a comment as to why you stick around! It will help me to continue to grow and serve you all better.
All my love,
Amanda
Congratulations Amanda. Thanks for writing these great articles and sharing your thoughts on so many movies that are the perfect length!Dazed and Confused is one I’ve not watched in a while so will need to read your piece and go back and watch it again 👍🏼
Thanks Amanda for the great writing. Also thanks for introducing me to movies I had never heard of or seen before that I got to enjoy because of you. This is one of the few Emails that I actually look forward to receiving.