Welcome to my Media Wrapped! Here, I’m going to go over some of the things I was watching and reading, along with what I really enjoyed and what I haven’t managed to finish yet. If you would like a more in depth review for any of these, you’ll find most of them scattered around the blog.
MOVIES
Currently Watching: The Prestige (dir. Christopher Nolan)
Thoughts: I’m rewatching this movie on the recommendation of a friend. I watched it once when I was younger and was thoroughly confused by the structure of the movie. I find now that this structure suits the nature between the at-odds magicians. This movie reminds me a bit of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
Bests of the Year
Just Mercy (dir. Destin Daniel Cretton)
A phenomenal movie that causes you to open your eyes. I almost would’ve liked to see this movie done like the book, but I also applaud the focus on this case because it highlights the systemic racism in this country. I would definitely recommend this movie (or the book) for everyone.
Midsommar (dir. Ari Aster)
A new favorite horror movie. This is the kind of movie that you should watch if you hate the traditional grunginess of a typical horror movie. Florence Pugh is probably one of my favorite actresses and this movie highlights her talents well
Silver Linings Playbook (dir. Daivd O. Russell)
A great movie about mental illness. Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro dominated the screen.
The Half of It (dir. Alice Wu)
A culturally aware coming of age movie that deals with the struggles of coming to terms with your sexual identity and the struggles of first love.
Worsts of the Year
Rebecca (dir. Ben Wheatley)
A ruination of the novel
The Kissing Booth 2 (dir. Vince Marcello)
Who really wanted a sequel?
TV SHOWS
Currently Watching:
How to Get Away with Murder
Entertaining enough, but mildly problematic. I do love Viola Davis and the casting for the Keating 5, the acting carries the odd plot structure. I find the plot structure odd only because the revelations stopped being shocking after Season
Breaking Bad
EXTREMELY problematic but entertaining. I can totally see why this show won all the awards that it did, but I do find the central concept a bit tedious especially when a wonderful commentary on the healthcare system could’ve come about it. Instead, this theme was pushed aside for shock value.
Bests of the Year
Killing Eve
I loved this show. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer have the most amazing chemistry. The concept of being able to be apart but still feel the palpable tension between the two of them is absolutely brilliant. They’re both easily akin to De Niro and Pacino on screen.
The Americans
A rewatch, but the best show of all time. Anyone who makes it to the end can attest to the fact that it’s probably the most devastating ending in TV history. (Game of Thrones could NEVER).
Mrs. America
A solid reenactment of American history with an all-star cast (which includes Cate Blanchett and Margo Martindale).
Worsts of the Year
Gossip Girl
The older I get, the more problematic this show becomes and the more Serena Van Der Woodsen becomes the villain of her own story.
Love Life
Poor Anna Kendrick; she was forced into a show that did nothing for her talents. Too bad this was renewed for a second season.
BOOKS
Bests of the Year
Currently Reading: Nothing
Defending Jacob by William Landay
The best legal thriller I have ever read. I think this book is a solid commentary on the injustices of the justice system. The book does a phenomenal job of making sure that the audience is as out of the loop as the characters, saving the novel from unnecessary dramatic irony and keeping the readers guessing.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, read this book while you’re listening to Silver Springs. A solid story of a band’s rise and fall that’s loosely based on Fleetwood Mac’s own story. The characterization is done really well and the story doesn’t feel like it drags in any space. The interview format makes the story an interesting read and only makes the plot structure stronger.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
A love story for the general population. There is nothing remarkable about these characters other than the fact that they are the focus of this story. The depiction of mental illness is strong without being overpowering. I highly recommend this book.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This book has probably become a new favorite. A pretty solid murder mystery where the characterization makes you feel like you’re part of the group and committing the murder alongside everyone else.
Worsts of the Year:
Circe by Madeline Miller
This book never ends… and not in a good way.
The Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth
OH GOD. Great idea but terrible execution. She should’ve stuck to young adult writing.
Happy New Years everyone! I can’t wait to keep writing for you all in the New Year.
Anika Talks 