It looks like you are in the same place I left you. At home, you’re probably lying on the couch or your bed, still social distancing because, well, everything is closed. Since it looks like we’re in this position for the long haul, you’re probably looking for something to watch other than “Tiger King” (I haven’t seen it and probably won’t for a while, so don’t expect it here). So, before this semester ends, I leave you with some movies and television shows to stream for the summer, or whenever Miss Rona decides to leave. Whichever comes first.
- “Encore!”
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If you’re lucky enough to have a Disney+ subscription during this time, it can be very tempting just to stream all the wonderful titles from your childhood. But, I ask you to take a look at some of the streaming platform’s original titles, including this gem. “Encore!” is a twelve-episode reality show focused on bringing together former high school classmates to perform their high school musicals. The results vary from each episode, but what doesn’t change is the pure joy from seeing people re-enter the spotlight. Key episodes worth your watch include “Grease,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Godspell.” While the format and emotional pulls don’t change from each episode, it’s still a joyous show to watch during these tough times.
Rating: B-
- “You”
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I really don’t like to play into fads (which is why I haven’t dared to watch “Tiger King”). I tend to wait until the fanfare dies down, so I can make an accurate decision on whether I really like the show or not. “You” has been one show I’ve swerved away from for this exact reason. All the hype has died down since the premiere of season two, and I felt comfortable enough to watch it. And man, am I glad I waited! “You” follows Joe (“Gossip Girl”’s Penn Badgley), an NYC bookstore employee, who falls madly in love with graduate student Beck (Elizabeth Lail). And when I say, madly, I really mean madly! Joe is determined to do whatever it takes to make Beck his entirely. “You” is one of the best thriller/dramas I’ve seen in a long time. The show perfectly balances love, drama, crime and humor, and every ensemble member is a gem. But what holds the show together is Badgley. Badgley and the writers have created a character so likable, yet so deceitful and questionable that the viewers not only question him but also roots for him. To put it simply, “You” lives up to the hype, and I am anxiously awaiting season three.
Rating: A+
- “High Fidelity”
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In my last column, I mentioned how underrated the Hulu originals are, so here is yet another show that deserves some hype. “High Fidelity” is based on the 2000 romcom starring John Cusack. Thanks to gender-bending and a location change, the show has breathed new life into this rom-com. The beautiful Zoe Kravitz plays Rob, a Brooklyn record shop owner who has just lost the love of her life. She concludes that there must be something wrong with her and sets off on a journey to explore her other big heartaches to figure out why. “High Fidelity” is filled with great music, pop culture references, and characters. The show also has lots of realism into its love plot and features a likable main character who is imperfect but is working to better herself. “High Fidelity” is a quick watch filled with a lot of snappy humor, great characters, and even greater music.
Rating: B+
- “Onward”
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Thanks to Miss Rona, movie theatres are closed, and their quick shuttering have stopped all-new movie releases and affected the ones that were in theatres. Luckily, the production companies are on our side and have released these films for rentals and streaming services. “Onward” is one of them. This Disney/Pixar animated fantasy film follows two brothers (voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) on a journey to bring back their dead father via magic. “Onward” is good fun. The film is filled with bright colors, a creative, emotional story, and a star-filled cast. But, in terms of other Pixar films, it’s just alright. Still, it’s a good family film that’s worth the watch.
Rating: B+
- “GoodFellas”
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During this period of self-isolation, I’ve also been taking the time to see some “classic” films I’ve never had the opportunity to see. This classic 90s Martin Scorcese film is a modern classic everyone should see at least once. Based on a true story, “Goodfellas” is the story of Henry Hill’s rise to wealth via the mob, but also his fall from grace. Often called the best film of its genre, I can now testify that this is a true statement. Like other Scorcese films, “Goodfellas” has all the ingredients for a great story, outlandish characters, star performances, gritty scenes, and thrilling action. Of course, the film itself is a little long-winded, but it’s executed in a fashion that keeps the story moving. Watch “Goodfellas” for the culture!
Rating: A+
- “Say Anything”
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Back to those “classics,” “Say Anything” is another movie that is highly regarded in its genre, especially that iconic boombox scene. The film centers around first love and follows charismatic Llyod (John Cusack), who is motivated to win the heart of the beautiful, straight-A student, Diane. While the film plays into the overdramatic themes of the 80s, what makes the film memorable is Cusack’s Lloyd. Lloyd doesn’t have much to offer the rich Diane, except his love, and his charms work both with Diane and the audience. Cusack’s Lloyd is the pursuant lover that every girl dreams of, and he fights for Diane with honor with no questionable behavior whatsoever. “Say Anything” is a classic 80s film that is enjoyable for many reasons.
Rating: B