Where I’ve Been and What I’m Doing

Posted on September 16, 2017 By John Gilpatrick Editorials

My dad asked me a few weeks ago, “So what’s going on with John Likes Movies?”

I didn’t even know how to start answering that question. I hated to say it, especially out loud, but the site that got me into writing and did so much to foster my love of film has been impossibly far from my mind the last few months.

My last post was a review of Wonder Woman back in early June, which happened to be a time of great change for me. I had just quit my full-time communications job to become a full-time freelance writer and consultant. It was an exhilarating change in so many ways, and with it came unforeseen opportunities that have been genuinely wonderful.

For those who don’t know, my background isn’t in writing about film or pop culture, but rather service journalism — specifically in the realm of health, fitness, and wellness. I started my writing career on the digital staff for Men’s Health magazine. Today, my words are on the pages of each monthly issue, which is a thrill, as well as other digital outlets in this space, including Spartan Race, Silver Sneakers, and others.

I’ve also just agreed to take a position as managing editor — my dream job — for a digital fitness start-up. I can’t say much more than that now, but I can’t wait for the world to see what’s happening on that front.

I’ve continued my writing work for PetMD.com and PawCulture.com, two outstanding animal health and wellness outlets, and I’ve been doing digital production work for several platforms, including Bicycling magazine.

So, yeah, it’s been a whirlwind, and that’s not even getting into my podcast endeavors — at It’s the Pictures, The Cinessential, and We Work From Home Now (a new one with my BFF Andrew Daniels) — and my writing work at The Cinessential, where you’ll find most of my film clips from the last year. (Thanks to Aaron Pinkston for all the work he puts in over there.)

That’s all a long way of saying I haven’t slept the summer away, despite what this site’s appearance might have led you to believe. Going into the fall — and my God, I’m so excited for fall movies — I’m going to commit to at least one weekly post on this site. Sometimes it’ll be a proper review. Other times, it’ll be a list or diary of what I’ve been watching lately. Occasionally, I’ll get a little deeper on something that’s on my mind. (This week, I’ll ponder Aronofsky’s mother! because … holy shit, that movie!)

But that’s my promise. I’m not ready to turn the lights off just yet, so I’m going to take things slowly and see what happens.

In the meantime, check me out on Twitter where you’ll find, interspersed between mini political meltdowns, links to written and audio content by yours truly from other outlets. I’ll try to share those here as often as possible.

For those of you who got this far, thanks for indulging. I hope you enjoy what’s coming.

Best wishes,
John