As COVID cases steadily climb in New Brunswick and the winter rages on in Sackville, what better time is there to stay inside and catch up on movies and shows? There is nothing better than putting on pajamas, cozying up under a blanket or three and binging content. But there is something that hangs in the air, ready to destroy your viewing pleasure: dreadful indecisiveness. What shall you watch? Fear not, dear reader, for I have compiled a list of what I think you should watch when avoiding the public and the winter chills.
To begin with, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Now, some may dismiss this movie because it is old, or because there is not technically a plot, or even because they cannot stand Ferris Bueller. However, those people are wrong to say so. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the embodiment of whimsy. The story focuses on a boy named Ferris Bueller as he, his best friend, and his girlfriend play hooky from school in the search for a great day. Ferris Bueller is effortlessly cool, and the hijinks that happen throughout the movie are oddly entertaining as everything works out for Ferris. While everything Ferris and his friends do may seem outlandish, that’s what makes this movie fantastic and a must-watch for any movie lover (or tired university student).
If carefree is not your cup of tea, how about a murder? Only Murders in the Building is a show that premiered on Disney Plus last year and quickly became popular, even gaining a nomination at the Golden Globes. The story centers around three true crime podcast fans as they attempt to solve a murder that took place in their New York apartment building. Only Murders in the Building does a brilliant job of balancing drama and suspense with comedic timing, presenting the murder of Tim Kono as well as the lives of the characters in an interesting light. No one is innocent, but who is guilty? In the classic “whodunnit” mystery, there will be twists, turns, and heartwarming moments, perfect for an afternoon binge.
Or, if you are like me and love oddly specific competition shows, Netflix’s Baking Impossible is perfect! The contestants combine the fun of baking with the wonder of engineering to create an edible masterpiece. Not only can you pretend you are a knowledgeable baker as you critique the contestants, but you get to see the contestants make edible robots, life-sized cars, and even bridges! It is truly the perfect comfort show. There is enough drama and tension to keep you engaged, but it does not overtake the whimsy of the creations the contestants make. The teams are likeable, and you cannot help but root for them all.
Or if you want someone to root for without the stress of competition, Disney’s Encanto is the perfect choice for comfort, musicality, and Disney fans alike. Disappear into the warmth of Colombia and meet the “amazing Madrigals,”,the magical family that lives in Encanto (also the name of the village in the film). Filled with bright colors, fun characters, and stunning animation, Encanto is the perfect movie to let anxiety and reality slip away. While the movie focuses on the relationships and tensions that run between the Madrigal family, Mirabel, the second youngest in the family is identified as the film’s protagonist. When a vision suggests that Mirabel may be the cause for the family’s struggles, she rushes to find a solution to keep her family together. What is fantastic about this film is that the viewer gets to know each of the family members throughout the film, either through song, or through their interactions with other characters. The soundtrack is also incredible and for any fans of Lin Manuel Miranda’s music, Encanto will not disappoint. The songs are upbeat earworms that are perfect for keeping your mind off the winter blues. So, do yourself a favour and watch this incredible film, and remember:, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”.
Another good alternative if none of the aforementioned shows are to your taste, is The Hunger Games trilogy, found on Netflix. The classic series by Suzanne Collins brings the thrill of the hunt to an entirely new level. In the spirit of coziness and self-care, why not watch Katniss Everdeen start a revolution against the oppressive Capitol? Relive your youth and feel the nostalgia of a movie series that started a decade ago. Or for those that avoided the hype initially, watch this scathing social commentary on society and capitalism. Celebrate 10 years of The Hunger Games by reliving “the games” as Katniss and Peeta strap in for the fight of their lives..
Or if you want someone to root for without the stress of competition, Disney’s Encanto is the perfect choice for comfort, musicality, and Disney fans alike. Disappear into the warmth of Colombia and meet the amazing Madrigals, the magical family that lives in Encanto. Filled with bright colors, fun characters, and stunning animation, Encanto is the perfect movie to let anxiety and reality slip away. While the movie focuses on the relationships and tensions that run between the Madrigal family, Mirabel, the second youngest in the family is identified as the film’s protagonist. When a vision suggests that she is the cause for the family’s struggles, Mirabel rushes to find a solution to keep her family together. What is fantastic about this film is that the viewer gets to know each of the family members throughout the film, either through song or through their interactions with other characters. The soundtrack is also incredible and for any fans of Lin Manuel Miranda’s music, Encanto will not disappoint. The songs are upbeat earworms that are perfect for keeping your mind off the winter blues. So, do yourself a favour and watch this incredible film, and remember: We Don’t Talk About Bruno.
Well dear reader, I hope you like what I have suggested for you to watch when the world seems like it is too much. Or, if not, stay in those pjs and 14 blankets, cocoa in hand, popcorn in a bowl, and watch whatever makes you happy. If none of the above sounds like fun, there is always the option of reading a book.