The Athenaeum

Tag: movies

  • Why Inappropriate Content Shouldn’t Be Our Parents’ Biggest Fear with Social Media

    Why Inappropriate Content Shouldn’t Be Our Parents’ Biggest Fear with Social Media

    If you haven’t already seen the 2020 film The Social Dilemma, stop reading this article, go watch it (yes, it’s on Netflix), and then come back.

    For those of you that don’t want to watch it, or just need a recap, the documentary outlines the thought processes behind creating most social media platforms, the techniques the creators use to keep users interested, and the effects those sites have on users (let me stop myself right here… As the movie points out, social media platforms and drug dealers are the only two industries that call their clients users. What does that say about social media? For the rest of this article, I’ll call them social media interactors, rather than users). When I first watched The Social Dilemma, I was horrified, but not surprised by the things it was telling me. I deleted my Facebook account and several other social media apps, encouraging all of my friends to do the same. Admittingly, I had Instagram and TikTok back on my phone within the week, but a break felt good all the same.

    The main reason I wasn’t surprised by what the documentary had to say was because I’d already seen social media affecting my friends’ and my own mental wellbeing in more ways than one. Having any information you want at your fingertips is a huge benefit of social media. And don’t get me wrong – I don’t think that social media platforms are inherently bad. But the documentary got me thinking… how beneficial or detrimental is the nonstop influx of photos and messages that we receive?

    One of the first issues with social media that I’ve noticed affecting my own life is unrealistic body and beauty standards. These impractical ideas are constantly pumped into people’s phones with the help of the right camera angles, editing tools, and the fact that people tend to only post the photos they look best in. I’m guilty of these habits just as much as the next person, but it causes the bar for beauty standards to be set higher than ever. This quickly leads to unrealistic expectations. Not only that, but when people have access to pictures of nearly anyone in the world so easily, subconscious comparisons become much more common.

    Comparison isn’t only an issue with beauty standards. Social media also makes interactors feel like they always need to be doing something. So often, we only see pictures and posts form people who are travelling, spending time with friends, learning new hobbies, spending money, going to the gym, go, go, go. This can lead social media interactors to feel guilty for taking a day to do nothing. Understandably, people have forgotten how to be still in the midst of such a busy, rapidly changing world. But when FOMO leads to being unable to slow down, higher stress and anxiety levels are provoked.

    I’m not going to be the person who tells you to get rid of your social media accounts. That would be extremely hypocritical of me. But I hope that you take something away from this. Whether that’s being more deliberate in spending down-time with yourself, researching different ways social media affects our brains, or choosing to spend less time on social media, I encourage you all to take a step back and think about how your social media interactions are affecting your mental wellbeing.

  • 50 Shades of Disappointment

    Fifty Shades of Grey is a frustrating film franchise for me, personally, because in my mind it’s emblematic of a much larger issue. For a moment, put aside the controversies that come along with Fifty Shades of Grey, issues that I’m sure you’re familiar with if you know anything about the franchise. From rampant sexism to domestic abuse, the novel and the film franchise have generated millions of dollars on the backs of young adults, piggy-backing off the Twilight fandom that is entering sexual maturity whose whole sexual experience is watching that car scene from Titanic and the middle-aged moms who forget what an orgasm feels like. Every time one of those movies comes out, every time I see a “new twist” on the romance genre, a new “take” on the traditional romance. I think to myself, how many good stories got passed on so that you could masturbate in a movie theatre with a cucumber? So many deserving and eloquent novelists with passion and heart got passed on for this nonsense.

    Fifty Shades of Grey made a huge mockery of literature, which is already a struggling medium. It was written by a woman named E.L. James who couldn’t have cared less what kind of quality she was putting out. She got lucky when a literary agent without a heart and eyes made of dollar signs picked it up and figured they’d make some easy money. For those who don’t know, Fifty Shades was originally Twilight fan-fiction. It wasn’t even an original idea. It was built off an empire that she didn’t even make. You can say that E.L. James never meant for her novel to get published, but she was certainly perfectly happy to buckle down and make money off of it. She was happy to put something out there that was problematic, abusive, sexist, and harmful. So long as she was profiting off it. E.L. James may have a published a book, but she is not an author. She took an idea that wasn’t her own, changed it a little, and sold it as something else. If you don’t see the difference you can respectfully check yourself because I can go ahead and dye my t shirt a different colour, cut the sleeves off, and sell it for twenty dollars, but I wouldn’t dare call myself a tailor.

    What genuinely hurts my heart is all the authors who tried so hard to give people like me a good quality product, something that they were proud of and that they believed in with hearts and minds, to go to when they didn’t feel safe, or wanted to escape, or wanted to feel something and they got overlooked so a woman who wrote her nonsense fanfiction on her blackberry could have her fifteen minutes. This woman has the audacity to call herself an accomplished novelist, despite of the neglect for her readers and her content. If a consumer put out a product of bad quality and cheap production you would be justifiably angry if for some reason, people were lining up to pay for that, instead of the better and more superior product that gets discontinued. Of course, it’s not an anomaly. It’s emblematic of a much larger issue. The issue of quality being surpassed for marketability. You should be mad about this, even if you aren’t apart of a group that is constantly fighting for an on-screen voice. Why not ask for a better romance movie, a better female comedy, a better film? Why should you pick up the scraps that they throw at you from the bottom of the creative barrel when those people who throw money at things like Fifty Shades of Grey answer to you?

    They predicted you would be stupid enough to show up and you were, congratulations. I honestly want to know – was Fifty Shades of Grey worth it? Because the thing is, as much as I would like to, I can’t blame E.L. James entirely for Fifty Shades of Grey. Nobody blames the toddler for crashing the car, they blame the adult who put them behind the wheel. I also can’t really blame the agents and the producers who put it together. The market was there, and it makes sense. They correctly estimated exactly how many of you know don’t know how to load a porn tab, because let’s be honest, it’s not like you saw this film for the quality dialogue. The people I can blame for the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon are the people who showed up in droves to support it. This is where, unfortunately, that issue we put aside at the beginning comes back in play. Because if you went and paid for that film, sat there, and supported it enough to spill out three sequels, you also supported this:  

    “Why I Don’t Want My Daughters to See ‘Fifty Shades'”-an interview with the star of the Franchise Jamie Dornan (CNN)

    “Mohammad Hossain arrested after he beat, whipped and sexually assaulted woman, inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey” (Washington Post)

    “Fifty Shades Darker Isn’t Empowering, It’s Abuse” (The Huffington Post)

    “Oxford student who threatened to rape teenager claimed it was Fifty Shades of Grey-inspired ‘joke’ (The Telegraph)

    “Fifty Shades of Grey readers show higher levels of sexism, study finds” (The Guaridan)

    “Fifty Shades of Grey-Inspired Master Jeweller Steven Whipped me like a dog: But love is cleared of assault in bondage session.”  (Daily Mail)

    “Portland Tech CEO faces sexual assault investigation…likened relationship to couple from Fifty Shades of Grey.” (Daily Mail UK)

    “Unnamed Woman Arrested For Masturbating During Fifty Shades of Grey” (The Huffington Post)

    “Three Women Arrested After Man is Attacked During Fifty Shades of Grey Screening” (BBC News Scotland)

    “Lines from Fifty Shades of Grey Depict Rape By Legal Definition.” (Alabama Local)

    “Kentucky Governor Likens Trumps Sexual Assault Boasts to Fifty Shades of Grey” (The Huffington Post)

    “How Fifty Shades Darker Ads Triggered Memories of My Sexual Assault” (Verily Lifestyle)

    “Ex-Detectives sadomasochistic attack of terrified Mum He Met On Dating App Inspired By Fifty Shades of Grey Sources Say” (Daily Mail UK)

    “Sixteen Year Old Declan Goodby Attempted to Rape Teen Girl, Inspired By Fifty Shades Film” (York Press UK)

    “50 Shades of Grey: Not Sage, Sane, or Consensual” (Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault)

    “Why is “Fifty Shades Freed” Glamorizing Sexual Violence” (Express UK)

    “Fifty Shades of Grey Is Abuse”- National Centre on Sexual Exploitation (National Centre on Sexua Exploitation)

    “Erotic Novel 50 Shades of Grey Used as Defence in Taranaki Rape Trial” (Stuff Network National News)

    I hope it was worth it.

  • LGBTQ+ Film and TV: Gems You May Have Missed Out On

    LGBTQ+ Film and TV: Gems You May Have Missed Out On

    Pariah (2011)

    Art and drama meet in this film written and directed by Dee Rees, open lesbian and certified bad-ass. Claiming the film to be semi-autobiographical, Pariah follows Alike through her slow but tremendous process of coming to terms with her queerness. We see first love, first realization, and first moments of vulnerability come to life on screen as Alike falls for Bina. But of course, what is a coming-out story without a little familial tension? Throughout Alike’s process of coming to terms with her lesbian identity and masculine appearance, her family struggles with the transformation of their loved one. If we’re being honest, the tumultuous family responses are a little hard to watch. But the acceptance that Alike has for herself in the end makes up for it. This film reflects how badly we all just want to be free.

    4th Man Out (2016)

    Not all coming-out stories are tragic, as much as Hollywood would love to have you believe that. This movie is a story about a bro coming out to his bros, and his bros worrying whether everyone can or will remain bros. Shocker: they do, but not without some struggles. The story highlights the ignorance and casual homophobia of Adam’s three (presumably straight) best friends, and how the dynamics of their group friendship suddenly shift after Adam’s hilarious and awkward coming out. In short, it isn’t so much about Adam’s gayness as much as it is about friendships and how his friends are willing to learn and grow as people along side him. It is a lighthearted, a bit cheesy, but overall a decent alternative to the all too common depressed, tormented, outcasted gay man trope.

    3 Generations (2015)

    In this film, “Ramona” reveals to his family, which consists of his mother, his openly lesbian grandmother, and his grandmother’s partner, that he is ready to begin transitioning into Ray. The four live together, and not everyone sees Ray’s transition positively. This is an important aspect to the film, as the family member who is most against Ray’s transition is his grandmother, illustrating that in the LGBTQ+ community there is internal prejudice. However, Ray’s mother supports him (to an extent). The issue is that Ray is only 16 and needs both parents to sign over their permission to his transition. So, the search for Ray’s father begins and Ray learns more about himself and his family than ever before. This film is equal parts humorous and tense; a comedy trapped inside a melodrama that will leave feeling angry, happy, and most confused. Ah, such is life.

    Princess Cyd (2017)

    To take a break from her not so great father, Cyd decides to visit her Aunt for the summer and soon finds herself infatuated with barista Katie. Although there is a queer sublot to the film, the focus is mainly on Cyd and her Aunt as they learn from each other through differences of opinion, religion, hobbies, and sexuality. What makes this film so great is how normalized Cyd’s sexuality is. There is no dramatic awakening, no traumatic coming-out process, and absolutely no shame. When Cyd casually mentions her crush to her Aunt, the brief conversation we get is a breath of fresh air. The nonchalant attitude that the characters have towards sexuality and gender is something more films should emulate.

    The L Word (TV series)

    Classic. The L Word is classic. Following the lives, loves, lusts, and lies of a group of queer folks in L.A. (mostly lesbian identified), this show gives you all the drama of any other show…minus the straight white people. Diversity is key to The L Word. There are Latinas, African-Americans, bisexuals, lesbians, transgender people, and the list goes on and on. At one point there is even a man who identifies as a man…and a lesbian. This show has it all, and it is set in a world where everyone is gay until proven straight. There’s something to love about each character (everyone except Jenny, that is) so your heart strings are constantly being pulled. There are 6 season worth of extensive sex scenes. You’re welcome.

    Queer Eye (Netflix series)

    Binge-watchable. Many readers will be familiar with the show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy which aired in the early 2000’s. Although this Netflix series is based off said show, it is not nearly as irritating, stereotypical, or cringy. There is also a focus on much larger issues than fashion. Netflix’s Queer Eye is about self-image, self-esteem, and self-respect. Viewers may be shocked to find that the show deals with a lot of social issues as well such as racism, sexism, and of course homophobia. There is a lesson to be learned in each episode that will have you rooting for The Fab 5 and the people they transform. Most of all, the show is fun. The Fab 5 are unapologetically themselves, and unashamed in their queerness. This series is a great one to pass the time, but be warned: things do get a little emotional.

     

     

     

  • The Room: The Best Worst Movie Ever Made

    Directed, produced, written by, and starring the legendary Tommy Wiseau, The Room has garnered cult film status with a loyal following that both hates and loves Wiseau’s work. I was first introduced to this odd creation in 2014 when a close friend suggested we play The Room drinking game. When I asked what that meant, her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. I could see the excitement on her face as she replied “I’ve never showed you The Room? It’s been such a huge part of my life, I can’t believe we haven’t watched it together”. For the next hour and forty minutes, I was extremely uncomfortable watching what happened on the screen…albeit, extremely entertained. This movie is an absolute mess. So, why do people love it so much?

    Little is known about Wiseau’s background. Many reports have gone unconfirmed, and many questions he refuses to answer. All that is known for certain is the background of the film, which is just as weird as the film itself. First written as a play in 2001 and then adapted as a novel that was never published, Wiseau took matters into his own hands and made the attempt to adapt his work into film. By being the director, producer, star, and the financier of the film (side note: he has been very tight lipped about where he found the $6 million to make this film, but he insists that he funded it in part by importing Korean jackets to the United States), Wiseau maintained total control throughout the making of The Room. The film is an extension of himself. So, when Tom Bissell, co-author of The Disaster Artist (the book. Not the Franco movie), says “It is like a movie made by an alien who has never seen a movie, but has had movies thoroughly explained to him”, Tommy Wiseau is that alien. Indeed, after learning more about Wiseau and his mannerisms, and after seeing The Room a dozen times, alien-like is exactly how I would both describe the film and the film’s creator. The official synopsis of the film would be as follows: set in San Francisco, The Room draws its influence from specific incidents of Wiseau’s own life. Johnny, played by Wiseau, is a successful banker who lives with his fiancée, Lisa. Lisa has become unfulfilled in her relationship to Johnny and begins an affair with his best friend, Mark. Drama ensues. That’s the entire premise of The Room which, by the way, is filmed in more than just one room.

    Here is my unofficial synopsis of the film: a lot of random things happen for no clear reason, with no clear purpose, and at the most inappropriate times. The dialogue doesn’t make any sense, and the characters behave incoherently. The plot itself has no linear direction. The only real consistency is that Lisa complains repeatedly that she isn’t happy with Johnny, and the people she complains to reply by praising him. Otherwise, the rest of the film consists of excruciatingly long sex scenes involving roses and drapery, 30 second subplots that are never referred to again, repeated San Fran imagery, and some intensely awkward dialogue. The entire viewing experience is uncomfortable, but it is so worth it.

    After estimating that he has seen The Room “at least 3 times a year since 2010”, self-proclaimed cult movie fan Brian Kilner recently sat down with me and explained why Wiseau’s disaster of a movie has people absolutely obsessed with it.

    “There is a difference between something that is bad and something that is so bad that it is entertaining. So, just off the top of my head, the song Barbie Girl or Rebecca Black’s Friday. These are probably two of the worst songs I can think of, and yet people still sing them. People will still dance when it comes on. More in line with what we are talking about here, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is, objectively speaking, just a really bad film. But people absolutely love it. Every year on Halloween thousands of people will dress up as their favourite characters of that shit-show of a musical and view midnight screenings of it. We even do that here in Wolfville. It’s the same thing for The Room. It’s so bad that it’s awesome and, like Rocky Horror, there is a cult following. We know it’s a piece of garbage, don’t get me wrong. But it’s such a mess that you have to laugh at it. It’s one of a kind.”

    With James Franco’s recent film The Disaster Artist hitting the big screen, based on a book by the same name which gives us a behind the scenes look at the making of The Room, Wiseau’s masterpiece has been generating more buzz than ever. Do me, yourself, and Tommy Wiseau a favour and watch The Room before even thinking about seeing The Disaster Artist. It will be the best worst cinematic decision you will ever make.

  • The Best of 2017: Movies and TV

    2017 was a weird year for pop culture and entertainment. There was some terrible content given to us, and we made the best of it. However, there were also some real gems among the garbage. Being the procrastinating aficionado that I am, I took it upon myself to compile my 3 favourite movies and 3 favourite TV series of 2017. What this means is that I spent an embarrassing amount of time reviewing these 6 things instead of studying for my finals.  

    Movies 

    Get Out

    A horror movie with a little something extra, ‘Get Out’ was Jordan Peele’s director debut. Richard Roeper, esteemed film critic, gave the film 3½ stars, saying, “the real star of the film is writer-director Jordan Peele, who has created a work that addresses the myriad levels of racism, pays homage to some great horror films, carves out its own creative path, has a distinctive visual style—and is flat-out funny as well”. Roeper and I just happen to agree. While the official genre of ‘Get Out’ is horror, there is a wonderfully placed satirical wit present that speaks volumes about the treatment of the POC body. What sets ‘Get Out’ apart from other horror films, besides the much-needed original concept itself, is how relevant it is regarding the current state of racism in North America.  

    Lady Bird 

    Finally, a coming of age film that doesn’t make me cringe. This movie has all the drama, angst, and eye-rolling moments that one can expect from a movie about a teenage girl who is trying to find herself and, yes, there is a romantic plot line. What I love about ‘Lady Bird’, however, is that much of the focus is on the character development of the leading female role herself rather than paying a ridiculous amount of time focussing on her love interests. What is also refreshing about this movie is how the dynamic of the mother-daughter relationship is presented. The relationships are raw, the dialogue is witty and, most importantly, the events are realistic. Almost too realistic at some points, which forces the viewer to self-reflect on habits and relationships in their own lives.  

    Dunkirk

    I am a sucker for historical movies, and this may be one of the most well-done ones I have seen. Set during the Dunkirk evacuation of World War II, this film gives the viewer three different perspectives from land, sea, and air. What makes ‘Dunkirk’ unique is that there is very little dialogue, forcing the cinematography and soundtrack to create the chaotic feel of a war movie. This movie is not just entertaining, it is art. Like any artistic endeavour, ‘Dunkirk’ proves to be just as thought provoking as it is beautiful. 

     Television Series 

    She’s Gotta Have It 

    Based on the Spike Lee movie by the same name (1986), Netflix has recently released the forward-thinking remake. Following the life and love of Nola Darling, a sex-positive, uncompromising, unapologetically black artist living in Brooklyn, this hard-hitting comedy both entertains and teaches. The wonderful world of Nola extends the message that ownership is not love, sexual freedom is not shameful, and sheds light on some concerning aspects of society as it exists in 2017, such as slut shaming, racism, and sexual violence. This is a must-watch.  

    Big Mouth 

    A friend recommended this to me and described it as a “Netflix original cartoon about puberty, but it’s for adults. There’s a puberty monster. It’s hilarious”. I was not sold. Then I was forced to sit down and watch it. I was obsessed. This Netflix original is hilarious, relatable, and often cringy…. but in the best way possible. It respects the changes that teenagers go through, while at the same time humiliating them. Which, if we are all being honest, is probably one of the best comedic situations to watch because we have all been there. It’s funny because it’s true, and we all know it to be true. If you’re looking for a light hearted, mind numbing, but very entertaining new cartoon to watch, give ‘Big Mouth’ a watch. 

    The Handmaid’s Tale 

    Finally, the dystopian genius of Margaret Atwood is bestowed upon us. The series is just as haunting and vivid as the novel, which is something I was incredibly impressed by. I don’t want to be that girl who says “well, the book was better” often, and I am so glad that, this time around, this isn’t the case. The series has Atwood herself as consulting producer, which may be the very reason that they haven’t completely disgraced the novel (yet). Even for those who have read the novel, there is something raw about seeing Atwood’s story acted out on screen. We, of course, imagine the horrors while we read them, but it is completely different seeing them come to life. And, like all successful dystopian stories, what you see makes you both thankful for what you have, but fearful of the possibilities. Ah, anxiety. Such a great entertainment tool.  

     

  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Review

    I know that not proclaiming love—nay—adoration for Star Wars will upset people reading this review. People are alarmingly reverential about Star Wars, and critiquing it will net you surprising levels of hostility. Glancing at the front-page user review that greeted me on IMDb:

    “I feel like the void left in my heart by episode VII has been filled now. 14 December 2016 | by dorteel (Aalborg)”

    Wow—“void left my heart.” I wouldn’t say that I have a “void” so much as I feel something missing. I fill it with work, relationships, people, and reading, but this guy chooses Star Wars. So, is Star Wars really that good?

    No, no, no. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a muddled and lengthy special effects show filled with a thin plot and even thinner attempts at characterization. Riz Ahmed’s character wears a pair of goggles strapped to his forehead for the entirety of the movie (even after he leaves the desert where he’s first introduced). He’s a character with no personality, so they try to conceal this by giving him a costume. It’s like that goateed, fedora-wearing guy you sometimes see at comic book shops. He thinks wearing something weird on his head somehow gives him personality. He thinks he should be a “character,” not a person. He also wonders why, deep down, things from childhood don’t really make him happy now like they used to.

    The whole production is lifeless, bland, boring, and borrowed. There are multiple pull-away shots of busy hangers featuring people reloading ships and the like. I’ve seen sequences like these done much better in Pacific Rim (a movie I recommend over this one) There are also multiple scenes of the players walking through crowded market streets, but all I see during these moments are actors in masks and baggy costumes. The “troll market” scene from Hellboy 2 did this better as well.

    I keep scratching my head, wondering about Star Wars’ appeal, and the answer is depressing. This generation has been infantilized. George Lucas, creator of Star Wars himself, has stated that Star Wars is for children: he’s very right. What’s scary is that media created for children—like superheroes and Star Wars—is enjoyed mostly by grown men. Go on, ask a Star Wars fan anything about the SW universe and they’ll surprise you with names, dates, locations, and enough information to flesh out an entire wiki. Then ask them why Ahab can be considered a hero, how Hamlet can be considered a villain, the capitals of different countries, the root of the Ukraine Crisis, or how a telephone works, and they’ll fall completely silent. What’s even scarier is that both Star Wars and Marvel are owned by a single corporation. Disney. Is a slave a slave if he doesn’t know he’s a slave?

  • Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle The Stoner-est Movie?

     

    Stoner movies are usually seen as the lowest echelon of comedies, blatantly and shamelessly pandering to mentally stunted adults that are still trying to hold on to their fading adolescence. Well, by the general public at least. And although it holds true that a majority of these movies are stuck in a perpetual cycle of arrested development, packed to the brim with stale humor, and little to no character development (i.e the likes of Mac and Devin Go To High School, or Bong Water, or Dude Where’s My Car)

    I believe that Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle breaks this mold, you can hold it to the same cinematic standards you would to critically acclaimed comedies like Superbad, or Hot Fuzz, or Step Brothers, etc… The movie follows the trials and tribulations of two lifelong friends Kumar Patel (Kal Penn), and Harold Lee (John Cho) as they smoke marijuana and embark on a journey that may change their life. A journey to get the best darn burgers on this side of the planet: White Castle Sliders. What I find interesting about this movie is that it has a lot of incisive points to make about racism in modern America. Harold Lee is a meek employee of a nameless business conglomerate, his co-workers consistently pawn off their work on him because they believe that “Chinese people live to work”. Kumar is stuck in the shadow of his overbearing father, who pesters him ad nauseam to be a doctor. Although this wouldn’t jump to mind when people think of a fair representation of Asian-Americans in Hollywood, it is refreshing to see Asian-Americans be represented as real people, as having the same vulnerabilities as other people. As being able to be represented as intelligent ‘stoners’, that have a point to make about racism (even within the confines of a ‘stoner’ movie). We’re not all convenience store owners, or Taxi drivers, or Doctors. Hey, we like getting stoned and listening to Steely Dan too. If this isn’t enough to bowl you over, Neil Patrick Harris makes an extended cameo in this movie. Portraying a womanizing, drug addled, alcoholic (the man has impressive range) that runs into Harold and Kumar through pure happenstance.

    So, you know, watch this movie. Not only is it a refreshing portrayal of Asian-Americans, it’s a salivating documentary on burgers, complete with a very fish out of water cameo by Neil Patrick Harris. This movie may be one of the most wholesome stoner comedies ever made, and can hold a candle in every regard to more ‘serious’ critically acclaimed comedies.

  • Feeding Your Horrible Procrastination Habits: The Best of Netflix TV Shows

    By Netflix - Netflix Media Center, Public Domain
    By Netflix – Netflix Media Center, Public Domain

    If you lack self-control when it comes to being able to shut your computer screen at the end of a long day because you can’t get enough of your new favourite show, I encourage you to stop reading this article right now. I realize that a University education can be very demanding of a person’s time and I would hate to see you struggle to find the time to go to class, or finish an assignment. Therefore, if you really need get on that assignment that you’ve been “going to start tomorrow” for the past two weeks, stop reading and get to work.

     

    If, however, you are on top of your work (or simply don’t care about the warning above) you’ve come to the right place. As I sat in bed last night trying to think of a topic for this article, I couldn’t find much current news that inspired me. So, being your typical University student, I flung open my laptop and proceeded to spend the next 45 minutes diving into my latest Netflix addiction How to Get Away with Murder (on recommendation by one of my roommates). It dawned on me, as one of the main characters was having her typical high-stress meltdown, what I would do if I were so stressed with school or work that I had a meltdown; watch Netflix! Alas, I got up off the bed and came up with my all-time favourite TV shows on Netflix to share with my fellow struggling students.

     

    1. How to Get Away with Murder:

    As mentioned in the introduction, my latest craze arises from my love of law. Main character Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) is a defense attorney that quickly finds herself in a sticky situation (the first episode foreshadows what is going to happen throughout the first season). The drama/thriller is perfect for a weekend night, and dives into the action 3 minutes into the Pilot episode. I’m still only on the first season, but as Season 3 is currently airing on CTV, I am desperately trying to catch up. A gruesome and bloody series, each episode has Annalise tackle a new criminal case.

    Episode length: 45 minutes

     

    1. The Walking Dead:

    If you haven’t heard of The Walking Dead, there’s really no point in you reading this article because you clearly don’t have an interest in television. The Walking dDead is far and away the most popular series in television right now, and for good reason. Currently on its 7th season, it’s hard to keep track of all of the characters that have come and gone throughout the years. Don’t get too attached, because they’ll probably die at some point. The show follows the trials of an ever-changing group of people trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. Based on the popular comic book series, the costumes and make up is incredible and as realistic as zombies can look. I suggest starting now so you can catch up by the start of the 8th season!

    Episode Length: 50-55 minutes

     

     

     

     

    1. Prison Break

    Another one that you should definitely know, Prison Break ended in 2009 after 4 terrific seasons. Ok, maybe 2 ½ terrific seasons with a mediocre (at best) third season, but the others are so good they make up for the disappointment. True to its title, Prison Break follows the story of death row inmate Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) and his genius brother Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) as they plot to break out of Fox River Penitentary. Add a little assistance from the prison doctor Sara Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Collins) and they might just me able to pull it off. The people they include in the plan, however, might have a different idea.

    Episode length: 45 minutes

     

    1. Friday Night Lights

    The first ever show I binge-watched has a soft spot in my heart. Set in Dillon, Texas, the show follows the Dillon Panthers High School Football Team and its diverse set of players. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) takes his team to new heights after losing star quarterback, Jason Street. The stories of small-town Texas football and the lives of its players is something that everyone can get on board with. It’s half sport, half drama. If the female audience needs any more convincing, the fact that Taylor Kitsch plays star full back should do the trick.

    Episode Length: 45 minutes

     

    1. Narcos

    Another one of my latest discoveries (once again thanks to said roommate) is one that I would never have thought to try on my own, but I am so glad that I was encouraged to do so. The show follos infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar (played by Wagner Moura), drug enforcement officers Javier Pena (Pedro Pascal) and Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) who always seem to be one step behind the cocaine trafficker. This is one show you can watch an episode of and put down for a couple of days, as most of the episodes are separated from one another, making it a great option for casual viewing. Don’t pass this one up next time you see it!

    Episode length: 45 minutes

     

    1. Stranger Things

    Far and away the most popular new show, Stranger Things just has something about it that makes you want to keep watching non-stop despite increasing your blood pressure exponentially. I still don’t know if I have the entire show figured out or know absolutely nothing about it, but that’s what makes me want to come back for more. Although somewhat out there and strange, the show ties in a realistic approach. Would you judge me if I told you I watched the entire first season (8 episodes x 50 minutes each) in a 24-hour span?

    Episode Length: 50 minutes

     

    1. Dexter

    Dexter is probably the closest thing there is to a killer’s perspective of Criminal Minds- Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) works as a blood-spatter analyst with the Miami Metro Police Department. Unbeknownst to his colleagues, he spends his nights ridding the world of killers. Seeking only to kill people that have killed others (making him the Robin Hood of killers per se) Seems a little twisted, doesn’t it? Dexter’ psychopathic tendencies sure are fun to watch unravel throughout the 8 seasons.

    Episode Length: 50-55 minutes

     

    1. Friends

    Hands-down my favourite show of all time, Friends is set in late 90’s/early 2000’s New York. This is probably the most easy-to-watch show ever, due to its short episode length, witty humor, and broad appeal. Friends is the perfect show to watch one episode of before bed, and allows you to skip through to your favourite parts (although I don’t recommend it). The most common rebuttal I hear when advertising this show to others is that they’ve “seen too many episodes here and there”. The greatest thing about Friends is that you can watch it from start to end (all 10 seasons made up of 20-25 episodes each) a million times and it never gets old. On top of that, the underlying storyline that runs throughout the show is awesome to follow from the start right until the very end. I am currently on the 9th season of watching the entire series for the 5th time- it really is that good!

     

  • All Art Made Equal: Television Can Be Good Too

    All Art Made Equal: Television Can Be Good Too

    Is all art equal?

    Consider the proposition: certain forms of art are superior to other forms of art. Consider Shakespeare, or Dickens, or James Joyce, whose crafts have all been well-proven against the tests of time. Then consider the current glamorized reality shows such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Can we objectively state that one is better than the other? The truth of this argument is not obvious. Most people would say that one is clearly better than the other, and certainly worth more. The argument is then generalised: “read a book instead, all television rots your brain,” or “art ain’t like it used to be.” They will apply this same logic to music or painting.

    It’s a bothersome argument. I’ll admit that as a science major, the technical domain of art is a bit mysterious to me, but it is still possible to appreciate the emotion and effort that the artist pours into their work. And if one type of art really is to be called inferior, then let us first establish a criterion for determining what art is. For now, we will go with the simple definition: art is a craft requiring human imagination and creativity. We can refine this to be a craft with the purpose of conveying a specific emotional, intellectual or ideological stimulation. It doesn’t need to be, though. The meaning can be interpreted by the audience. If we follow this definition, then inferior art is one that fails to meet this criteria, lacking in imagination and creativity.

    How can we measure this? The common argument made is that television is a “lesser” art medium than literature and reading a book is a more noble pursuit of artistic inspiration than watching TV. I’ll admit that reading a book is a more engaging activity for your brain than watching television. Of that there is no doubt. But when did the purpose of art become solely engaging your brain? There are television shows with more depth, soul and thought put into them than some novels I’ve read. Is watching an artistic masterpiece or a potently realistic political-social commentary on TV less engaging than reading Fifty Shades of Grey? These questions are left for the reader to answer. This editor will only give his opinion: hold no judgement towards art based solely on its medium of delivery. Receive it with an open mind, in any form it comes to you. Only then can you truly appreciate the message it brings.

    Here are some of my favourite television shows, in no strict order:

    1. Deadwood: A master class in drama and language. It’s like Shakespeare set in the Wild West. The characters are so incredibly vibrant that you wish you sort of led a life like they do. You won’t really understand it until you watch it twice, but you will quickly realise that the characters you root for are more or less all terrible people. It’s HBO too, so that gives it some brownie points.

    2. The Wire: A lot of TV aficionados will cite this as the greatest show ever. It’s hard to disagree. It is often touted for its stark realism, however, it tends to escape this later in the series. However, the characters themselves maintain this quality until the very end, making them and their struggles very relatable. So relatable, in fact, that for a few months after finishing the show you will constantly find yourself comparing you situation to a similar one undertaken by character X in season Y.

    3. Hannibal: Recently ended. And it ended perfectly. I’m often not a fan of shows that act as prequels or sequels to major blockbuster films. Smallville, Gotham, and all that glitter never appealed to me. But Hannibal is more than that. It’s a moving canvas. It really does go for that “every frame a painting” label. The show plays on jokes and references from the movie in a smart way, albeit with grace and subtlety. And Mads Mikkelson’s performance as the cannibalistic psychiatrist will forever change how you think about cannibalistic psychiatrists.

    4. Fargo: You’re lucky, because this one is still on TV, airing on FX. It’s hard for me to express exactly what makes this show so special. Like Hannibal, it also acts as a direct continuation of the Coen Brothers’ iconic movie. One thing that makes this show so special is its perfect balance between dark, twisted humour; dark, twisted violence and dark, twisted nihilism. I think it secretly acts as a philosophy course in the guise of a Minnesotan crime thriller.

    5. Rick and Morty: This is an animated one, and recent too. Coming from Adult Swim, you know that the show’s humour takes many forms. In some ways, it is similar to shows like Family Guy, where immature humour hides the deep, subtle humour underneath. It also has the humour that is so powerful that after laughing you have to step back and seriously evaluate some things about your life.

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