While I know we might be a little preoccupied with the upcoming holiday in a couple of days, or any end of year celebrations, but since it is also close to the start of a new year, has anybody thought of taking on a little movie challenge? One of the things that I hear some fans doing, which I have done myself, is to make a little checklist of a particular film series, or maybe a bunch from one director, or even a particular sub-genre, and make your way through them during the next year. There’s no time limit (unless you want to set it for yourself) other than trying to get them through within those 12 months.

Maybe you’ve been wanting to revisit the Universal Classic monster films? Or Hammer’s Frankenstein or Count Dracula series? Maybe you’ve been meaning to do a deep dive into Mario Bava’s filmography to knock out ones you haven’t seen? Or, because of the recent success of Godzilla Minus One (2023), go through the entire Godzilla series starting back with the original from 1954. I mean, it will be celebrating its 70th Anniversary next year, so that sounds like a great time to try that.

No matter what you decide on, the key thing is to make that list. Not in your head but write it down somewhere. On your computer, in your planner, on your phone, but make it a permanent record somewhere. Then starting next month, start the journey! Maybe invite some to join you! And even better, as you make your way on this cinematic adventure, write about it! Whether it’s on Facebook or any other social media outlets, do it somewhere that can spark a conversation, or even better, make someone else decide to either take the same journey you are on, or a different one altogether.