Staff Picks: Our Favorite Movies and TV Shows of 2021

Come from far away

Come from far away it was originally intended to receive the standard treatment of Hollywood Broadway shows and become a feature film. COVID intervened, however, and the decision was made to film the musical’s first live performance after theaters reopened. And that turned out to be one of the few positive side effects of the pandemic.

The show, which tells the true story of a small, remote Canadian city that was flooded with planes – and thousands of passengers – who were forced to land there due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, is particularly unsuitable for such transformation.

Doing so would have taken away much of the energy and many of the charming aspects that make the show so contagious, moving, and emotionally powerful. The 12 actors’ familiarity with their roles, and each one’s remarkable ability to skillfully juggle multiple characters and accents, would likely have been discarded in favor of a larger cast. And the resulting movie would have been a shell of the show.

Preserving the essence of the show, which translates surprisingly well on screen, it has produced one of the best films of the year – a poignant portrait of how strangers came together in the face of such an evil act to show that no form of terror can rob it. our innate compassion and humanity.

Pork

By Giovanni Colantonio, Game Editor

If you watched the trailer for Pork, you probably thought an absurd moment awaited you. The marketing of the film makes it seem John wick, but with Nicolas Cage on the hunt for his stolen pet pig. Considering Cage’s reputation for being the most unpredictable actor in cinema, the ridiculous premise seemed ripe for “so bad it’s good” spectator parties.

That deceptive marketing campaign was a high-concept stroke of genius. Pig tricked our eyes (the wrong animal, but you get the idea) and delivered an emotional and meditative drama about pain. Cage’s character has the demeanor of a strong and silent action hero, but he is not. Aside from an underground fist fight, Cage doesn’t throw a single punch. Use compassion as a weapon, culminating in the most unorthodox revenge movie climax you’ve ever seen. Pig is a quietly heartbreaking movie anchored in one of Cage’s strongest performances to date. Just don’t go in expecting to laugh wryly. You are more likely to cry.

The hot zone: anthrax

by Arif Bacchus, Freelance Writer

Remember the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States? When was opening your email scary? If you’re too young to remember, that’s exactly what Nat Geo The hot zone: anthrax is about. This series revisits takes a look at the investigation of the attacks and the origins of the virus. The new series comes just two years after the first season investigated the origins of the Ebola virus. Starring Daniel Dae Kim, this anthology drama television series will keep you on the edge of your seat as you go through one of the longest investigations in American history.

Gucci’s house

by Dan McKenna, Social Manager

Camp, glamor, fashion and murder. How could you ask for more in a run time of two hours and 38 minutes? Gucci’s house offers this and more, and with a population reluctant to return to theaters, this is the perfect way to get back into the fold. Inspired by the story of a leather family business that is so ridiculous it has to be true, this movie is not to be missed.

It was never a doubt that Lady Gaga embodies the definition of a star, but in her second film after the hit of 2018 A star has been born, Gaga confirms that this Italian woman from New York can add a real movie star to her already extensive résumé. While Jared Leto’s acting as the idiot cousin was more reminiscent of something from Saturday night live, Al Pacino and Gaga are responsible for much of the comic and dramatic moments of the film.

No one

by Drew Prindle, Feature Editor

If you’re in the mood for a fun, paced action movie, look no further. No one is pure cinematic junk food, and I mean that in the best possible way.

At first glance, it’s actually just another riff from the “hell has no fury like a soft-spoken retired military man” formula that brought us movies like Taken Y John wickBut while the plot isn’t particularly groundbreaking or fresh, other elements of the film are so well done that it’s impossible not to enjoy them. The fight choreography and stunt work are absolutely top-notch. It’s not like other action movies, where the hero deals beatings and barely takes more than a hit or two. In No one, Chuck Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) is defeated in almost every fight, and apparently barely manages to emerge victorious. It’s convincingly brutal and gives the action a layer of realism that is absolutely thrilling. Turn it on the next time you’re in the mood for an action movie, you won’t be disappointed.

Night teeth

by Josh Benton, Product Owner

I am a fan of any vampire. Whatever and you’ve probably seen it. Night teeth it had a bit of everything for the vampire movie lover. Vampire hunters, rival factions of vampire-like clans, young love, action and death by sunlight. With one of its lead actors coming from the Vampire Academy, it brought something of that style and at times it reminded me of the show. Overall, if you want good action, good humor, and a love story about Stockholm syndrome, this is a great movie for you.

Dune

by Star Du Chalard, Office Administrator

On Halloween night I broke free from my pandemic bubble, put on my Uhura costume and ventured to see Dune in an IMAX theater. I do not regret anything.

I have HBO Max, but watching Dune on a screen bigger than my home it was well worth the risk. The character development of both Duke Leto and Duncan Idaho made me appreciate this new incarnation of Dune even more than the original. Denis Villeneuve gives us a window into Duncan’s brother closeness to Paul when he jokingly teases him about exercising. In this version, I can really believe in the father / son relationship of Leto and Paul. The emotional warmth and caring between the two of you is deeply present from the beginning and makes you worry more about their plight.

There were some big flaws in my opinion (notably the lack of character development for Doctor Yueh and Gurney Halleck, and the surprising omission of the dinner scene), but those are overshadowed by the film’s many hits, which include stellar. performances by artists like Oscar Isaac and Jason Momoa, and some absolutely fabulous visuals (the new and improved body shields are AWESOME).

All in all, it is easily the best movie of the year. If you still have doubts, imagine yourself flying through the vastness of Arrakis in an ornithopter shaped like a dragonfly.

Ted Lasso Season 2 and Midnight Mass

by Rick Marshall, Contributing Editor, Entertainment

My two favorite shows of the year are so strikingly different that it was impossible to pick just one.

The first season of the Apple TV + series Ted lasso was one of the biggest surprise hits of 2020, offering a story of relentless optimism and perseverance in dark times that came during the height of the pandemic’s first year, when many of us needed it most. It was the perfect convergence of elements to turn the world of Jason Sudeikis’ eternally optimistic soccer coach and his surrounding cast of characters into a microcosm of our own lives during that particular period in time. It was a tough act to follow, and season 2 of Ted lasso he wisely chose not to repeat that formula. Instead, the show’s second season explored the lives of everyone around Ted, showing us the myriad ways that a new perspective and a willingness to open up a little more can transform our own lives and those of everyone around us. . The season also explored the importance of mental health (and the dangers of ignoring it) with a nuance and respect that few shows, especially comedies, have achieved. The fact that it has accomplished all of this while consistently delivering some of the funniest television moments of the year, as well as one of the biggest Christmas-themed episodes of all time, speaks volumes for the brilliance of. Ted lasso.

On the other hand, the Netflix series Midnight mass featured one of the best entries of the year in the horror genre and the best project yet from one of the genre’s most talented filmmakers. Series creator Mike Flanagan has the ability to explore complex issues through the lens of horror, be it the long-lasting effects of pain and addiction on The curse of Hill House or the immense power that love and memory have over us in The curse of Bly Manor. In Midnight Mass, Flanagan tackled some of his toughest subjects yet, delivering a supernatural tale of bizarre happenings in a remote island fishing village that explored both the dangers of blind faith and his ability to help some find the truth. peace and purpose. He also offered a broad perspective on the afterlife and the nature of family and community, in particular, that both can be what we are born with or what we do with them. That’s a deep philosophical thing to ponder, but Flanagan never makes it feel too heavy when comparing it to a compelling story packed with satisfying scares and surprises that place the series firmly within the horror genre.

Ghostbusters: Another Life

by Adam Doud, Staff Writer, Mobile

Ever since the pandemic broke out, I wondered which movie would take me back to a theater for the first time. Turns out, my return to the big screen was itself a return to the 1980s in a fitting tribute to the original. Ghostbusters from 1984. I’d be tempted to say it’s a perfect movie (actually, I did it on Twitter shortly after the credits came out) but I think most of that feeling comes from nostalgia. Are there faults? Probably.

It’s not easy to capture the heart of the original film and at the same time introduce a new generation of characters to tell the same story. Jason Reitmann (Ivan’s son who directed the original) does it perfectly, and the inclusion of the sexiest man in the world helps, too. Paul Rudd has enough star power to lend the franchise credit without overshadowing its younger stars around whom the film is written.

Add to that an ending with a couple of heartbreaking surprises and this movie takes a bow to the original movie, with a nod or two to the sequel as well. It is an absolute treasure of a movie and I can’t wait to see it again and again.

Simply put, if you are a fan of the original, you must see this movie. Ghostbusters: Another Life is the perfect tribute to Ghostbusters, Harold Ramis, and the next generation of Ghostbusters. I just hope the (fairly inevitable) sequel to this movie is better than Ghostbusters 2. Speaking of which, be sure to stick around for the post-credits scenes and thank you so much Marvel for making the credits worth watching again.