#100filmchallenge

You know who's motivated? Mr. Kim. He makes sure our house gets ample music, sports, and John Wayne movies. Last month he spotted Sight & Sounds Top 100 Films of All Time issue and as we read through the list we realized that we were not the movie nerds we thought we were. Mainly I was the one filled with a deep, piercing shame- I have a Masters in Film, TV, and Media Studies AND went to film school, yet I had only seen a fraction of the films on the list.

Rather than hide under the figurative covers of despair, we decided to man up and watch ALL 100 films. Here were the terms:

• If we both had watched the film, but separately, then we didn't necessarily have to watch it again.
• If one of us had seen it, but not the other, then we both had to watch it again.

Let me tell you something: The internet has completely destroyed my ability to concentrate on anything without colour and requiring subtitles. It has turned my brain into oatmeal.

The first 6-8 films were harder than Chinese algebra. Did I fall asleep? Many times. Did Mr. Kim give me the evils and poke me accordingly? Constantly. Have I watched some downright terrific, life affirming movies? Yes, and I'm going to tell you my Top 3 of the '26 Films We've Gotten Through in the Top 100 Film Challenge.'

1. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

This film is black and white, silent, and doesn't do itself many favors with the soundtrack. However, I completely adored every frame- I've never seen acting which successfully conveys real love onscreen. The kind of love which is playful, slapstick, and so utterly entertaining you can't keep your eyes off it. The still is of a drunken piglet. Yes, this film has it all: scandal, unease with urbanization, love, and drunk farm animals.

2. Some Like it Hot

Have you seen Jack Lemmon in his prime? Egads, I found him about 86 times more riveting than Marilyn Monroe- and she wears some pretty skimpy outfits! Anyways. Lemmon. He's a marvel, within a few minutes of the opening I was endeared to him for all time. This film was a romp, tickle, and proper goosing.

3. In the Mood for Love

Do you like colour? Seriously, do you notice its existence on a daily basis? If so, you're in for a right treat. Every shot is a delight in this film, I loved the story, the characters, the sets, the props, the clothes, the noodle takeaway containers, everything. The blocking told a huge part of the story, the acting was dreamy. I can't even begin to properly gush about the editing. And the shot composition! It makes you feel as if everything serves a purpose and has been carefully constructed to present the best mis-en-scene possible.

The Fetch

Hello Ducklings, I'll save both of us from the awkward "So, it's been a while..." monologue and jump right into it. Yes- I am back on a regular basis.

What have I been up to? The usual. Popping on planes, jumping trains, eating good food and making new pals, like this wee fella:

Yes, that dog exists! In Brooklyn! His owner was one deceptively scary lookin' dude, but I was adamant about getting photographic evidence.

One of my other new pals, the two legged kind, is digital super woman herself, Kate Kendall. I'd been a fan of hers from afar for over a year before thinking that I might give her a holler on the E-mail. When I say fan, I mean that I read her interviews and felt excited that someone else also believed that communities drive business and the two are intrinsically intertwined. Also, she seemed nice.

Kate does a lot of cool stuff, including but not limited to- speaking at digitally themed events, founding the Fetch, bringing the Fetch to 10 different cities, and working non-stop to bring her start up into the world. Her interviews give a portrait of a well adjusted, incredibly clever and non-egotistical human being with heart, knowledge, and big goals.

Anyhoo. Mr. Kim and I went to New York for a while and after the long flight home our luggage hit the floor in Auckland I said "That's IT. Auckland is getting a Fetch of its own." I shot Kate an email and we started chatting about how New Zealand has been in sore need of a service like the Fetch for years. There are so many professional events and happenings going on in New Zealand, but they're wildly disparate and it's incredibly difficult to be aware of everything going on in your community.

So- what is the Fetch and what can it do for you?

The Fetch is a what's on guide to Auckland's professional community. We cover all things business, entrepreneurship, tech, digital, creative, culture and design in one easy-to-digest fortnightly email. It includes the best events, news, must-reads, jobs, profiles and more.

If you're keen to learn more, follow us on twitter: @thefetchauck or sign up here: The Fetch