Just wondering if anyone else faces the dilemma of wondering what to watch while they eat dinner or look to fill time on a rare free morning?
My indecisiveness is the cause of my demise. When choosing what I wanna watch, my hot food waits with me and by the time I think I know what I wanna watch, my meal is stone-cold. The thing is, I’ve made a Letterboxd list of movies that my partner and I should watch, and even then, we have trouble deciding. Especially as students, it truly depends on the mood and scenario you’re in. So, here’s what to watch if…
It’s some kinda odd day? Like you lost your AT Hop Card or something?
Yeah, if you had $30 loaded on that thing and it just dropped out of thin air, that’s true pain. I mean, you also have to buy a new one for $10 and reload it – let’s not even start with the credit transferal process. You just need a good laugh, or a cringe, to make yourself feel better.
Riverdale (2017-) – there’s something that the CW does, they can get rights to any universe, but their writers make a screenplay that just ruins absolutely everything. Just watch Jughead say that he’s weird, he’s a weirdo… he doesn’t fit in… so true bestie!
The Kissing Booth (2018) – it’s very much a Wattpad story and very much a brain-rotting, piss-inducing, cackle-causing mode of entertainment. It’s so necessary and so vital in this strange time of being (go crazy and watch the second one too!).
Modern Family (2009- 2020) – all kidding aside, this show carries a specific wit that not many American shows do. It’s light-bodied and the real treasure lies in the dialogue. All the goodness.
Canvas won’t stop hitting you up? And you’ve got deadlines?
You need something quick? It can’t be too addicting since you’re already sorta cramming, aye? But you also want a piece that motivates you to study…
Ratatouille – I truly mean this when I say: ç’est inspirant! It’s uplifting and light and an undeniably fun watch.
Atlanta – What can’t Childish Gambino do? I don’t know, mate. The great thing about Atlanta is that it has this drab cinematic quality because it focuses on the rise of Earn Marks. There isn’t that much of a pull towards it, but it definitely is quality television (Dialogue? Visuals? Holy shi-).
Lola Igna – This Tagalog film provides a specific view on life, through the lens of Philippine beliefs. Even if this indie sounds so meta, it’s got a comedy and storyline that’s heartfelt enough to make anyone understand.
With people and needing company?
If you’re watching with a partner, or your family, and they have completely different interests, it can be a hard choice. Probably best to watch something lighthearted (or festive! Whether that’s Christmas, Valentines, or another fake capitalist holiday!).
Love, Actually – One of my friends said that their family tradition is watching this film every Christmas. They say it’s just funny how it’s so overtly British but also how it’s been branded as a Christmas movie. Watching it in June just makes it all the more entertaining. Plus the multiple storylines make it engaging for a multiviewer range. I guess?
The Crown – Binge worthy, ethically questionable… depends on the stance you take. Though, one thing that’s made the royals so intriguing is the hiring of such talented (and gorgeous) actors. The production has also been executed in a fascinating manner that makes the drama show a borderline thriller: “What will the Queen do next?! Oh, wait you can just look it up.”
500 Days of Summer – I know, a bit of a cliché, especially if being a sad film boy is your main personality trait. But, honestly, when you watch it with someone else, the best part is the post-mortem. Everyone seems to be for JGL’s character but maybe Summer was in the right…
Needing comfort?
Comfort can mean so many different things. You might want something sad so you can cry it out. Maybe a movie that reminds you of someone… A happier version of yourself? Maybe even a new watch that can entertain and distract you from the current life you’re living (we’ve all been there).
Kim’s Convenience – A look at the life of a middle-class immigrant Asian family who are just trying to settle in a “Western” landscape. I felt this, and I guess that’s why it’s comforting, but also very necessary for people to view this whole situation as a sitcom. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee builds the show, and, basically, is the show.
The Big Sick – Kumail Nanjiani, the genius. It’s a touching romcom, but the true romance is how Kumail navigates through relationships in his life to start with this one.
Or rewatch something!
Nobody’s judging. “The feelings we have re-watching a TV show can be comforting, and particularly when we re-watch shows we first viewed at a younger stage in life if we found this to be a simpler time for us.” – Kevin Vun, psychotherapist. Honestly, so true Kevin. I find that I always do this with shows like New Girl and movies like Marriage Story.