top 10 (1/19/16)

top 10 things to watch at this current time (1/19/16)

1. Tim and Eric's Bedtime Stories



A more cinematic step has been taken by the two comedy gods in their latest [adult swim] show, Bedtime Stories. Bedtime Stories still shows us glimpses into the comedic minds of Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, but this time there is an evil twist to it that more traditional fans of Tim & Eric might not stand behind. Bedtime Stories carries it's audience through a character's struggle through individual episodes that connect us with a new character, sometimes using big actors such as T&E regular Dr. Steve Brule aka John C. Reilly and Jason Schwartzman, as well as the same actor who got T&E on the path to stardom, Bob Odenkirk. If you've got the time, take a dip into the murk that is Bedtime Stories. Note: This show will be much more easily understood if you take time to learn who T&E are first. Please watch Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! first.

2. Fargo

Why someone didn't decide to reboot an open-ended Coen Brothers movie into a television show before this, I do not know. Fargo is similar to the original film which came out in 1996, but the two seasons take place in different time periods, bringing whole new characters and ideas to the table. While season one was good, season two blew me away. 1979 Minnesota accompanied by the stylistic choices as well as hidden Coen easter eggs in nearly every episode makes it hard to not enjoy visiting the wonderful world of Fargo. Can't wait for season three.

3. Requiem for a Dream

Requiem for a Dream is one that everyone knows, and some people avoid it because they know how hard it is to watch. I find it to be a beautifully shot, innovative film that follows the story of four people who all have to cope with their addictions. A beautiful story that uses very interesting "aronofsky shots" that is sure to move you.

 4. Birdman

Birdman is a classic. It's the movie that took home all the Oscars last year, and rightfully so. I was in New Orleans when this came out and I hadn't even really heard of it. I knew nothing about it other than the fact that it had a big cast. I decided to see it, and I sat in the theatre for 10 minutes after the credits just reevaluating my life. Birdman is that kind of movie. I was so amazed by everything about this movie. I went back home and had a Keaton marathon, but this is most definitely his masterpiece.

5. The Master

Another one of those movies for me is P.T. Anderson (my favorite director) 's The Master. A beautifully crafted story of a soldier coming back from WWII who has to learn to deal with the stresses caused during the war, and fails miserably. With two of film's greatest actors, and one of film's greatest directors, it's hard to go wrong.

 6. Death Proof

Death Proof is Tarantino's homage to "grindhouse" films of the 1970's, showing b-list actors doing incredible, real stunts in a gritty, ugly way. Some of the coolest driving stunts (and no CGI) I've ever seen come from this movie, and as always, it's a story of brutal revenge with plenty of gore along the way.

7. A Serious Man

The Coen Brothers' truly underrated gem, A Serious Man, takes us to 1967, somewhat of a spectacle into their upbringing. The story follows a Jewish family who seems to be falling apart (possibly due to a curse that their Yiddish speaking ancestors brought upon them) and the patriarch of the family's struggle.

8. The Royal Tenenbaums

The Royal Tenenbaums was the first Wes Anderson film I ever saw, and it holds a place deep in my heart. The beautiful sets that he chooses to shoot in such a play-like way seem to whisk viewers off to some sort of meadowy dream where everything is beautiful, and sad. And happy. This is a terrific film, don't let the air of white privilege scare you off.

9. Nathan for You

Brought to you by Abso-Lutely productions (a la Tim & Eric), Nathan for You takes Nathan Fielder, an awkward Canadian, to southern California where he helps struggling business owners come up with Nathan-ized ideas and present them in a quite hilarious frame. Nathan Fielder makes Michael Cera look like Fonzie.

10. A Clockwork Orange

A classic Kubrick masterpiece, Clockwork follows a gang of teenage boys in futuristic London who go around doing whatever they want. Retribution finds it's way back into the mix, and Alex eventually murders it.