“What is drama, but life, with the dull bits cut out” -Hitchcock
Flickster Chick Picks: The Intense Drama
Sometimes you just want a story you can fully absorb yourself in. A great drama film has the ability to capture your full attention right from beginning to end, allows you to relate to either the characters or the themes, involves heavy conflict, and can often hit close to home. To be enthralled in a realistic yet highly dramatic film is like being transported from your own life to another world.
We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) TRAILER
This film takes domestic conflict to a whole new level. Based on Lionel Shriver’s controversial novel, this is a story about maternity, from the perspective of a woman who suspects something is ultimately wrong with her son, whose exhibitions of hate continue from birth through to teenagehood. Experience the horror of child-rearing with this film’s dramatic climax, featuring bows and arrows, and the destruction of a family.
Changeling (2008) TRAILER
This is one disturbing period drama, featuring fantastic performances from Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich. When a single mother’s son goes missing, the corruption of the LAPD is revealed as they attempt to cover their mistakes when unable track him down. The story that follows is one of both courage and despair, as the mother (Jolie) must overcome accusations of insanity, and being wrongly institutionalized, in order to uncover the fate of her son.
Blue Valentine (2010) TRAILER
Move over, The Notebook – now relationship dramas are all about super-realism. The near-documentary style of this film tracks the beginning and ending of a love story, with all the intimate, affectionate moments and emotional fights caught on film. The authenticity that Gosling and Williams are able to bring to their performances makes this a beautifumovie captivating from beginning to end. A beautifully told story that will have your attention from beginning to end.
The Prestige (2006) TRAILER
A brilliant, enthralling drama from Christopher Nolan, about a couple of magicians whose friendship transforms into bitter rivalry. Try to figure out what is an illusion and what is real in this cryptic, drama-thriller. Stellar performances from Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine and David Bowie. Want to know more? Check out this well written and in-depth review @ A Bright Wall in a Dark Room.
My Other Favourites:
American Beauty (1999) There Will Be Blood (2007), Crash (2004), Good Will Hunting (1997), Mystic River (2003), Gone Baby Gone (2007), Cruel Intentions (1999) Into The Wild (2007), Gran Torino (2008), The Help (2011), The Green Mile (1999), The Virgin Suicides (1999)
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DRAMA – Coming Soon:
Argo (2012)
Ben Affleck sure has been a busy writer/director these past few years. Following The Town and Gone Baby Gone is this highly-anticipated 1980-based political drama:
Take This Waltz (2012)
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Baz Luhrman’s latest film has generated enough buzz to rival planet earth’s entire bee population.
Give ‘Em The Credit They Deserve
The Flickster Chick Picks: Underrated Gems
It can be disheartening how the entertainment industry works. While some utter garbage gains popularity, managing to rake in millions at the box office, some boundary-pushing films with original concepts, amazing cinematography and entertaining dialogue get swept under the rug. It’s time to celebrate some of the movies that are well made, despite some unfavourable responses from audiences & critics.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)
In all fairness, it was probably the upfront title that hindered the box office performance of this one. Nobody wants to tell their friends “I saw Zack and Miri Make a Porno last night,” …In any case, it’s one of Kevin Smith’s better-realized, crude Rom-Coms. Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks have great on-screen chemistry and fun banter, and despite the adult entertainment themes, it’s a story with heart. Not to mention, Justin Long’s cameo as Brandon St. Randy has got one of the funniest scenes in movie history:
Limitless (2011)
Not only the story of a fledgling writer finding success, but a film that centres on the themes of severe drug addiction, and obsession with success. Limitless moves from drama to action thriller with ease, and contains some truly glorious special effects sequences. However, the most impressive part of this film isn’t the cinematography, but the actual concept and how the story escalates. Despite Rotten Tomatoes critics’ average 6.4/10 rating, there’s nothing average about Bradley Cooper’s performance.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Despite an excellent critical response on Rotten Tomatoes, in true Wes Anderson style, this stop-motion masterpiece didn’t receive mainstream audience attention. It also missed out at the awards ceremonies, losing Best Animated Feature and Best Score to Pixar’s UP. Nevertheless, the amount of work injected into this project, and the final payoff are simply astounding. Fantastic Mr. Fox looks, feels and sounds quite like nothing else in existence. The beautifully rendered stop-motion aesthetics, the vocal talents (particularly of Meryl Streep and George Clooney) and the perfectly composed, playful soundtrack all come together seamlessly, and are backed up by the typically funny, quirky dialogue we’ve come to expect from Anderson films. A very successful re-working of a Roald Dahl classic, and appropriate for all ages.
Think I’m exaggerating? Check it out for yourself:
Is it an atrocity that these movies didn’t receive accolades of audience attention? Do you have some film favourites that flew under the radar? Comment below!
Do YOU Go Doco?
Flickster Chick Picks: The Documentary
I often find documentaries to be a bit of a hit or a miss. As a genre of filmmaking, I can’t honestly say that I’m a huge watcher of them, however, if the subject matter of a particular documentary interests me, I might become totally absorbed in it. It wasn’t until I came across the The Documentary Blog‘s list of Top 25 Documentaries that I came to the very solid conclusion that I’m way out of my league – after all, I recognised a humiliating 3 of the 25 titles listed.
Like most people, I’ve watched the occasional documentary, like Super Size Me (2004), Bowling for Columbine (2002), Hoop Dreams (1994) and the other basics that people generally come across at some stage, but I don’t actively seek out the latest doco releases. So, fully aware of just how un-intimidating my documentary selection is, I present you with some of my picks:
Waking Sleeping Beauty (2009)
For lovers of film animation and Disney, this documentary’s a no-brainer. Fully packed with archival footage and interviews with the people employed in the animation division at the time, Waking Sleeping Beauty is more a collection of primary footage that’s been nicely edited than a bunch of recent interviews speculating on the past; in other words, you get to see what it was like at Disney during the 80s and 90s rather than be told, and that’s great to have in a historical and culturally relevant documentary such as this. It’s an uplifting film to watch, mostly because of the passion and dedication of the employees depicted, and because I personally had no idea about the struggle Walt Disney Feature Animation went through in the late 1990s, and how close it came to closure. It’s fascinating to discover that one of the world’s favourite animation studios was in such strife before releasing some of it’s biggest hits, such as The Little Mermaid and The Lion King.
Catfish (2010)
Catfish is a bit of a surprise success; mostly because the guys making the documentary didn’t realize how twisted the story they were pursuing actually was. It all starts with the idea of online dating, as the main guy becomes infatuated with a girl he corresponds with over Facebook. His friends record his affection grow over time as he becomes more serious about the relationship, and it’s not until a few accidental discoveries and a trip to his love interest’s home town that the story begins to get a bit fishy… (pardon the pun). I won’t ruin the ending, because this is a documentary with a few surprises along the way. Watch to discover the flaws of meeting people online.
Side By Side (2012)
A documentary about the film industry, made by the film industry. If you think you’d be interested in a well-researched look into the impact that digital cinematography has had on the world, then Side by Side is sure to please. Guided by interviewer Keanu Reeves, with handfuls of creative input from legendary directors including James Cameron, George Lucas, Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, David Lynch and Steven Soderbergh, you will discover just how influential the transition from photochemical to digital movies has been on the cultural, economic and political landscapes of filmmaking.
Girl Model (2011)
In open opposition to the glamorization of modeling, this documentary exposes the darker side of the industry – where the poor are subjected to relying on their looks in order to escape poverty, and build dreams on the possibility of ‘making it big’ in overseas markets. In this documentary, A poor Siberian girl is successful in finding modelling work in Tokyo through a selection process run by American talent scouts. the film follows 13-year-old Nadya, who is separated from her family to model in Japan, where her youthful image appeals to the market. She is ultimately unable to contact her mother, and through her financial disadvantage, forced to work in foreign country where she can’t understand the language or culture.
What do you think of Doco’s – Love ’em / hate ’em? Use them for only educational purposes or for entertainment? Do you have a list of favourites? Let me know in the comments below!
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
Flickster Chick Picks: The Psychological Thriller
It’s not every day that a mastermind screenwriter comes up with a plot like Inception, but over the years some excellent psychological thrillers have been released. When done right, they can tease your brain, can really make you think, and use clever plot twists that will leave you shocked. Featuring a combination of other genres, including drama, sci-fi and horror, the entertainment value is great, and the endings can leave your mouth gaping.
Se7en (1995)
The formula: A ready to retire homicide detective must team up with his new-in-town, overconfident replacement when the victims of a series of twisted, brutal murders based on the 7 deadly sins are found in town.
Why it’s good: A solid cast, featuring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow. The personal lives of the detectives get caught up in their professional work, and a morbidly twisted ending will leave audiences feeling both shocked and satisfied for watching it all the way through.
Awake (2007) 
The formula: a newlywed, wealthy man is about to undergo a life-threatening heart transplant when he experiences the phenomenon known as anesthetic awareness; he is paralyzed by anesthetic yet his mind is still active and able to process pain. Throughout his operation he becomes suspicious of his surgeons and wife, and must try to save his life and uncover the truth: is he merely hallucinating, or has he uncovered a conspiracy in his unconscious state?
Why it’s good:
An engaging plot that will have you invested in the story from the very beginning, with continuous twists and turns to keep you on your feet until the very dramatic ending. After seeing this, you’ll be petrified of going under general anesthesia ever again.
The Machinist (2004)
The formula: We’re introduced to machinist Trevor Reznik (Christian Bale) in an emaciated, troubled insomniac state without explanation as to how he’s gotten there. After his negligence causes a workplace accident and his co-workers turn against him, Trevor’s mental state turns from tired confusion to paranoid schizophrenia, as he begins to question his own sense of reality.
Why it’s good: despite all the ambiguous flashbacks throughout the film, the ending ties together the unexplained events. Taking one look at the skeletal Christian Bale will assure you that this role took a toll on his body, and his acting will assure you that it was for the right cause – he completely absorbs himself in his character, delivering a spectacular performance that will have you invested in the story from the very first scene.
Donnie Darko 
(2001)
The formula: part drama, part sci-fi, part dark comedy, Donnie Darko is difficult to categorize, but the story, however you look at it, is character-driven, and the enigmatic Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a fun, disturbed protagonist with a mean streak.
Why it’s good: From the outset, when a sleepwalking Donnie is warned that the world will end in a month, we’re positioned to question everything – Is Donnie developing schizophrenia, Is he capable of time travel? Why did the jet engine that fell into his house seem to come from no aircraft? Like other great psychological thrillers, the subplots and unexplained events all come together in a dramatic ending, and along the way, the intrigue and crude dark humour make for an entertaining ride.
Memento (2000)
The formula: a man suffering from anterrograde amnesia (incapable of forming new long-term memories) attempts to piece together an ongoing investigation for the identity of the man responsible for raping and murdering his wife, and causing his memory loss.
Why it’s good: The premise is simple enough, however Christopher Nolan’s style of story-telling is what makes this dramatic thriller really pull you in. The merging of two storylines, one linear and one reverse-chronological means a lot of information is up in the air until the very end, and the choppy way the scenes are interconnected makes the audience experience the frustration the protagonist does as he tries to put together information in his fragmented mental state. A cleverly put together film, with a big twist for it’s finale.
Also Check Out:
Inception (2010) , No Country for Old Men (2007), Identity (2003), The Butterfly Effect (2004) Peacock (2010) The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), Hard Candy (2005) Hanna (2011) The Skeleton Key (2005)
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A more recent release that looks promising:
Compliance (2012)
Premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and based on the true events of the strip-search prank call scams being committed in the U.S. up until 2004
Any essential Psychological Thrillers missing from this list? Leave comments below!
Soundtracks – the shorthand of film emotion
Flickster Chick Picks: OST Spotlight
Even when we’re unaware of it, sound and music has an immense effect on the cinema experience. After all, where would film be today without the contributions of composers like John Williams, Danny Elfman, or Hans Zimmer? A far less inspirational place, that’s where. Sometimes music alone is enough to create a mood, and a film scene can be completely altered by the presence of a particular song or score. A film’s Original Soundtrack (OST) is often a great place to start looking for songs worth adding to your music library.
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
While some films have easily forgettable OST’s, sometimes the music truly does make the movie. Ennio Morricone and David Bowie made the Inglourious Basterds soundtrack something I wanted to own even before the credits started rolling. the tracks are all about re-appropriation. Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece uses a range of songs from old films, with Ennio Morricone and other composers resurrecting and re-interpreting the music in a way that somehow fits into the German-Occupied-France film setting.
For a complete break-down of the Inglourious Basterds track listing, check out this ReelSoundtrack blog post, which lists the song titles and their composers, as well as the films they were originally sourced from.
One scene in Inglourious Basterds that I’ll never forget thanks to the music is when Shoshanna (Melanie Laurent) plots her revenge on the Nazis to David Bowie’s “Cat People (putting out fire)“. It’s quite the epic in-movie music video:
Amélie (2001)
If you need to stock up on relaxation music, the melodic Amelie OST can provide you with a whole new sense of peace. Gentle, oscillating piano notes and playful contributions from the accordian make the music both sentimental and fun. The influence of the film’s French setting is abundantly clear throughout the OST – the distinct instrumental score will transport you to the Parisian streets without need for any visual aids. Composer Yann Tiersen definitely received the critical acclaim he deserved, winning the Cesar Award for Best Music Written for a Film, and the World Soundtrack Academy Award for the Amélie score.
Drive (2011)
While ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Cliff Martinez did an amazing job at composing the Drive score, with his tense, bass-driven instrumentals and strong electronic beats, for me the OST’s real stand-outs were the catchy and synthy, 80’s stylized singles:
A Real Hero by College
Nightcall by Kavinsky ft. Lovefoxxx
Under Your Spell by Desire
It’s clear right from the beginning that this film values music as highly as it values it’s cinematography, and for me, nothing sums up Drive’s audiovisual credibility better than the opening credits:
Adventureland (2009)
This soundtrack will definitely resonate with 80’s alternative rock lovers, featuring music by Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, White Snake, Poison and David Bowie. The 80’s film setting and the gang of summer-job misfit characters gave the music director a lot of freedom, however the music manages to be a big part of the film without becoming a dominant presence that steals the spotlight from the story.
Keep in mind that of the 41 songs featured in the film, only 14 make it on to the OST, so be sure to check out the full track listing @ ReelSoundtrack
If you’re new to sourcing music from film soundtracks, well, the internet is your oyster. Filmtracks is a great community to start with, featuring a huge selection of OST reviews. I also liked Total Film’s 30 Coolest Movie Soundtracks compilation. Although it’s no longer active, ReelSoundtrack Blog has some great OST posts. Not to mention, Wikipedia lists the Academy Award Winners for Best Original Score.
Happy Listening!
Make Your Skin Crawl
Flickster Chick Picks: When, exactly, does film go too far?
While watching a movie, it isn’t my priority to feel as disgusted as possible; however there’s no doubt some brilliant, albeit seriously messed up movies exist. They’re the type we hate to love, and continue to watch because we just can’t wait to see what happens next. Even if the movie isn’t particularly gory, sometimes the perversity of subject matter alone is enough to send chills down your spine.
…and for the true sadists out there who consider my film selection a bit tame, for a challenge, try taking the sicker route: how many of these scenes have you watched (from TotalFilm’s Disturbing Top 40)?
Antichrist (2009)
During Antichrist you may feel like you’re stuck in the middle of a nightmare. The imagery is truly disturbing, the dialogue a confusing mind-f**k, yet I sure had no desire to stop watching. The film’s dramatic climax – featuring Charlotte Gainsbourg and a pair of scissors – depicts the epitome of explicit sexual violence, and after all the psychological turmoil suffered by the grieving couple, it’s clear why Lars Von Trier’s disturbing, artistic masterpiece earned it’s R18+ rating. Prepare for nature to be distorted; after all, chaos reigns.
Towelhead (2007)
This (very) dark dramedy is skin-crawly thanks to it’s subversive themes. From the depicted sexism and racism, to the perverted nature of many of the male characters, to the domestic mistreatment and sexual abuse of a young teenage girl – just about everything about the plot is un-PC. Despite all of this, the way it’s told isn’t distasteful; and some of the performances are excellent, especially that of Peter Macdissi, who plays Jasira’s strict and hypocritical, ultimately neglectful father.
American Psycho (2000)
A grotesque social satire meets a gory horror film in this adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ equally disturbing novel. American Psycho presents us with Patrick Bateman, on paper the desirable man – rich, educated, young, handsome and successful. A typical New York yuppie with a customized business card, and a hidden innate desire to mercilessly slaughter everybody he comes into contact with; prostitutes, girlfriends and business associates alike. Somehow comedy wheedles its way into the dialogue, too.
Perfume: Story of A Murderer (2006)
A man born with incredible olfactory perception is consumed by his obsession with scent, and becomes a gifted perfume maker. On a mission to create the ultimate fragrance, his aspirations become morbid when he realises he will require beautifully-scented girls as his ingredients. Jean-Baptiste’s quest escalates into a killing spree, and perhaps the most disturbing and unexpected scene in the entire film is the final one, which I won’t ruin for you. Just watch, and prepare for a disturbing twist.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
While investigating a case, young FBI agent Clarice Starling has no choice but to seek insight from the incarcerated cannibalistic mastermind, Hannibal Lecter. In return he demands prison relocation and something sinister: to psychoanalyze Clarice. It’s difficult to decide which subplot is more disturbing – the case of Buffalo Bill, a crazed serial killer at large, or the strangely intimate relationship that develops between Hannibal and Clarice as she gets closer to capturing Bill.
Have you watched and enjoyed any of the films mentioned above?
Which movies make it into your sick flick picks?
Getting the Right Rom-Com
It can be difficult to find a Romantic Comedy that really works.
Even if the plot, characters, humour and writing is perfect in theory; little things, such as lacking chemistry between characters can transform a potential hit into an unbearable-to-watch mess.
Personally, I like a Rom-Com that knows it’s place,
and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The humour should be a little dry, the underdog should triumph against a self-assured asshole, the ending must leave the audience feeling light and entertained. We all love a scene where a character is downright humiliated while proving their love to a prospective partner, and when chaotic misunderstandings lead to conflict.
Inspired by the Indiewire blog’s “Fall in Love”, a list of The Playlist’s Favourite Romantic Comedies, here is my own little compilation of Rom-Com picks and why they work.
Friends With Kids (2011)
The line-up of supporting actors is sure to please, with Chris O’Dowd and Saturday Night Live favourites Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Jon Hamm reuniting after Bridesmaids. Leading stars Adam Scott and Jennifer Westfeldt are believable best friends, with enough chemistry to work as lovers.
Two thirty-something, platonic best friends have a baby together because they want children, lack serious romantic partners, and don’t want their future ‘real’ relationships to be tarnished by the nightmare of raising kids. The dialogue is witty, + it never gets too sappy.
The Girl Next Door (2004)
Although the plot is ridiculous, this is one boy-meets-girl story that diverges from more tame, stereotypical teenage romances. It deals with the adult entertainment industry, drugs, and the loss of innocence we encounter when leaving high school.
The audience witness Matt’s (Emile Hirsch) first romance and acts of rebellion following years of being a straight-A model student. When Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert), a 19-year-old retired porn star moves in next door, Matt falls for her hard, and has to learn if the juice is worth the squeeze.
Love Actually (2003)
With more English acting talent than perhaps even Harry Potter, Love Actually’s plot revolves around the stories of 8 couples in London as they encounter romantic highs and lows in the weeks approaching Christmas.
Who could forget Hugh Grant dancing to JUMP! (for my love), or Colin Firth learning to speak Portuguese to propose to the love of his life, or Liam Neeson mentoring the cutest little boy as he attempts to woo his childhood crush? It’s not presents or tinsel that keep Christmas feeling magical, it’s films like Love Actually.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things has it all – laughs, teen romance, Heath Ledger publicly breaking into song to woo Julia Stiles, Larry Miller playing the anxious and outspoken father, trying desperately to keep his daughters in line… Did I mention Allison Janney’s cameo as Ms Perky (the cynical guidance counselor who spends most of her time writing erotic literature)?
No 90’s high school movie should ever be without a prom scene. It’s the perfect setting for the underdog to woo the girl, and for all the deceit, cash deals and betrayal to be brought to the surface. 10 Things both mocks and follows the formula of the adolescent Rom-Com.
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
The men in this film are subject to wake-up calls, and make-overs; with Cal (Steve Carrell) realising he’s let himself (and his wardrobe) go over the years, and Jacob (Ryan Gosling) learning that his good looks, expensive clothes and sexist attitude can get him a lot, but not quite everything.
From the naive teenager, to the ready-to-settle-down late twenties, to the middle-aged, struggling married couple, this movie addresses the complications of romance over the generations. All the seemingly loosely-related storylines eventually come together seamlessly to result in one of the funniest confrontation scenes I’ve seen in a long time.
Think there are some great Rom-Coms I’ve neglected to mention?
Leave comments with your favourites below!
A PROMISING SELECTION –
LOOK OUT FOR THESE ROM-COMS BEING RELEASED IN 2012:
Ruby Sparks
Liberal Arts
Silver Linings Playbook
Check out Movie.com’s review run-down
Feeling Animated
Flickster Chick Picks: Adult-Friendly Animation
When it comes to aesthetic appeal, animated films have some of the most vibrant, stylistic attributes, making them a joy to watch, and while they aren’t exclusively made for children, so many adults miss out on excellent animated stories because they associate cartoons with kids. Re-discover animation with some critically acclaimed, Oscar nominated/winning productions:
Waltz With Bashir (2008)
A war story told with some of the most visually astounding representations of conflict and terror. Two decades after fighting in the war in Lebanon, an Israeli ex-soldier-come-filmmaker named Ari decides he wishes to remember the war lost from his memory by tracking down and interviewing the men he served with. Although the feel is similar to Apocalypse Now or Jarhead, this is not a fabricated story – it’s a documentary that uses animation to re-enact memories. The amount of illustrative detail and the freedom the filmmaker has with style is clear from the very first scene, and you really begin to understand how animation lends itself to directors; they can portray flashbacks and personal memories, and control every visual element of a scene unlike live filming.
Persepolis (2007)
Based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novels, this animated portrait of an Iranian woman’s life takes the audience on a journey from childhood, through teen conflict, political hardships and the Islamic revolution. When Marjane’s parents send her to live in Vienna, she experiences the liberties of Western society, and a teenage identity crisis. Marjane’s personal coming-of-age story is at times funny, sentimental, dramatic and depressing. The story follows her attempts to discover where she truly belongs, her difficulties with maintaining her family values, and her first romantic encounters. This movie has a captivating visual style that is both bold and simple; like a comic book that has had live breathed into it.
Studio Ghibli has brought some of the best Japanese anime to the West, (English language dubbing included) Master filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki is largely to thank for the most popular ones, including My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo and Princess Mononoke. Although some of the movies are aimed at children, there are a few that appeal to adults and kids alike, including one of my personal favourites, Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
After a strange encounter with a handsome wizard named Howl, Sophie, a plain girl is transformed into an old woman by the spell of a jealous witch. It might sound far-fetched and crazy, but Studio Ghibli can take the wackiest, most magical scenarios and whip them into something special. This is a story about an ordinary person having strange situations thrust upon her, in a time of magic and war. It is a very sweet story, and the enigmatic Howl is one anime character to fall in love with – especially because of the smooth and sexy vocal talents of Christian Bale.
Can’t get enough of animation? Check out IGN’s Top 25 Animated Films
The Healing Power of the 90’s
Flickster Chick Picks: Screen Time for Sickies
Recently I’ve had the utter joy of contracting the flu, and despite the tell-tale signs beginning as early as last week, I soldiered on in denial, working three double-shifts in a row, going to uni, taking a day trip to the snow, arriving home at 4am after a couple of big nights out.
Well, that ‘tickle’ inevitably became a nasty chest cough and a raw, sore throat, while the slight headache escalated into a full-blown migraine with complementary fevers, an ear ache and nose congestion to boot.
When flu symptoms strike, you know you’ll be in for at least a week of self-medicated suffering, with only your bed, the TV and a bowl of soup to console you.
However, being a Negative Nancy never benefited anyone, so look on the bright side: being too sick to function means you get time off from life. Your only responsibility is to recover; so you can watch TV, guilt-free. When it comes to keeping entertained, I like to invest in a good TV series to keep my mind off my symptoms.
as far as I’m concerned,
being sick can only mean one thing:
a marathon of 90’s television
Before you scoff and proclaim your adoration for better written, recent HBO and AMC series – wait just a second. I love my Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Mad Men and Treme, etc. etc. as much as the next person. But they just aren’t right for the coughing, headachy, bedridden fellows on the mend. They require attention that the sickly simply can’t give.
90’s TV series were light and entertaining; even the drama series weren’t all that mentally-absorbing. The writing was simple, and plots were predictable yet so addictive. They have the perfect combination of qualities for somebody suffering from the flu.
Here are some that have gotten me through many a sick day:
THE WEST WING
Let the lanky and loveable Allison Janney steal your heart as C.J., allow all seven seasons to envelop you even the idea of a political drama bores you. As far as the fans are concerned, The West Wing is the Mecca of television series, so don’t enter into this one half-heartedly, take that journey to the White House and make sure you see it through to the end.
3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN
French Stewart’s idiocy aside, this clever little slapstick comedy gets me every time. This show proves that it’s always a laugh to consider the behaviour of humans from an alien’s perspective. John Lithgow as High Commander Dick is hilarious, and look out for (a much younger) Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the sullen teenage alien.
FREAKS AND GEEKS
The most underrated (cancelled) program in television history, and such a great portrayal of teenage life. Excellent casting and writing makes this a standout series, with every awkward adolescent moment making the audience want to cringe, laugh and cry all at once. Even if you’ve been out of high school for a long time, this dramedy based in 1980s American suburbia will take you back to the ‘life-changing’ decisions, (like which table to sit at during lunch) that your teenagehood revolved around. You can literally play spot the nowaday celebrity, with the younger Seth Rogan, Jason Segel and James Franco all playing major parts.
TWIN PEAKS
David Lynch at his weirdest. Who couldn’t fall in love with the rural town of Twin Peaks, the home of murder, mystery, desire and deceit? Let the coffee-downing, idiosyncratic Special Agent Dale Cooper and the teenage heartthrobs of Twin Peaks make this two-season series a must-watch; after all, just WHO did kill Laura Palmer?
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