There are a couple instances in a person’s life that stand out from all of the rest. For some it may be their graduation, others the day that they obtained their dream job, for many it is the birth of a child. For me, it was the day I invested in a Netflix subscription. Okay, I might be overdramatizing things a bit. But in all seriousness, Netflix is a college student’s best friend. If you have an account, this is not news to you. Need a study break? Netflix. Need to watch a movie for school? Netflix. Need to kill 12 hours of your time? Netflix.
However, perusing around Netflix can be time consuming. Let’s be honest with ourselves, it doesn’t always have the greatest selection. I’m looking at you “Pizza My Heart.” So therefore, I thought I would make things a little easier for you. This Thanksgiving break, should you find some free time in between inhaling copious amounts of pie and reuniting with friends and family, watch some hidden gems I find enjoyable on Netflix.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
In this early 2000’s flick we have a Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet love story that is unlike any other you’ve seen. It tells the tale of two young lovers who erase each other from their memories through procedure that is essentially brain damage. Ah, a tale as old as time. Honestly, the many different and vibrant colors of Clementine’s hair (Kate Winslet) is entertaining enough. Check it out. Other honorable mentions in this film include: the most recent Hulk also known as Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood aka Frodo Baggins, and Spiderman’s first love Kirsten Dunst. Is there some sort of pattern here?
“Tonight You’re Mine”
This movie is a new installment to my watched history on Netflix. It takes the place during a Scottish musical festival called “T in the Park.” As a firm believer in music festivals and everything they have to offer us, I am embarrassed to admit that I did not even know about this particular one. So, naturally, I did some research. It appears as though the Arctic Monkeys are headlining for 2014 should you happen to be in Scotland from July 11th to the 13th. Enough of that tangent though. This indie film shows the trials, tribulations, and hilarity that ensues when two feuding musicians (male and female, obviously) get handcuffed together throughout the entirety of the festival. Not convinced yet? The lead man of the film is a total babe. Also, the lead girl happens to be Natalia Tena, aka Nymphadora Tonks for you Harry Potter fans (the entire population) and also Osha for you Game of Thrones fans. A quote I happen to adore from this flick is, “You cram a hundred thousand people together, no music. What do you get? A riot. You give them music, we all in this together. Music turns a mob into a movement.”
“The Breakfast Club”
Don’t we all wish John Hughes directed our lives? Amidst his great films, my favorite has always been this little number. Everyone Halloween I have a dream to assemble a full on believable cast (dibs on basket case). The plot line is simple, five very different high school students stuck in a 9-hour detention on a Saturday. One of the better things to come out of the 80s. Great movie, even better soundtrack. Also, don’t forget to mimick Judd Nelson’s air punch at the end.
“Miss Representation”
This 2011 documentary explores how mainstream media trivializes and sexualizes women. The film features inspirational voices including Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Jean Kilbourne, Rachel Maddow, Condoleezza Rice, Gloria Steinem, and many others. It invites viewers to see how gender bias in the media negatively affects our society as a whole. Join the movement! Inspire change!
The Entire Series of The Office
Now, this is nine seasons we’re talking here people. Now I know that UIC only gives us two days off of school, but I have faith in you, all of you, every last one. But I must warn you, once you venture into the greatness that is, The Office, there’s no turning back! So yeah, nine seasons, I understand that is a lot. Maybe you’re only looking to dip your toes instead of jumping on in full force. Therefore, I suggest one of my favorites episodes, “Dinner Party” in Season 4.