It is that time of the semester everybody: Spring Break!
With one semester under our belts, and a second one half way over, we all deserve a little R&R before we have to get back to the grind. So now that campus is closed, we ask you, what are you going to do with your time off?
Some of you will be traveling, others visiting family, studying, painting, filmmaking, conducting seances, etc. whatever makes you happiest when you have down time!
While you do you this Spring Break, though, we at Visions would like to offer you some film kid suggestions on how to make the most out of your Netflix and other streaming devices. Here are some fantastic shows (old and new) that you should take the time to watch while you have all day to do so!
Orange is the New Black - Netflix
Synopsis: A dozen Emmy Award nominations went to this acclaimed comedy drama series including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Lead Actress for star Taylor Schilling. A crime she committed in her youthful past sends Piper Chapman (Schilling) to a women's prison, where she trades her comfortable New York life for one of unexpected camaraderie and conflict in an eccentric group of fellow inmates.
Appeal: Critical acclaim, based on true events, POC characters, LGBTQIA representation, ALEX VAUSE!
2) United States of Tara - Netflix
Synopsis: Artist and mother Tara Gregson has her hands full juggling her career, her kids and a major case of dissociative identity disorder.
Appeal: Funny, charming, gets you right in the feels. Not to mention deals with heavy issues such as dissociative identity disorder, coming-out, and living with a family member with mental disorder.
3) House of Cards - Netflix
Synopsis: This Emmy-winning original thriller series stars Golden Globe winner Kevin Spacey as ruthless, cunning Congressman Francis Underwood, who will stop at nothing to conquer the halls of power in Washington D.C. His secret weapon: his gorgeous, ambitious, and equally conniving wife Claire (Golden Globe winner Robin Wright).
Appeal: Kevin Spacey being Kevin Spacey, what happens behind closed office doors and what we already knew went on anyway.
4) Madmen - Netflix
Synopsis: It's 1960, and ad executive Don Draper rules the roost at New York's Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency amid a glamorous backdrop.
Appeal: Making you grateful you weren’t born in the 1950s, commentary on societal values and expectations during the 50s, the women are fantastic.
5) Shameless (US) - Amazon
Synopsis: In the series premiere, we meet the fabulously dysfunctional Gallagher family. Dad's a drunk, Mom split long ago, and eldest daughter Fiona tries to hold the family together.
Appeal: Joan Cusak is a hysterical nut-case and it is fantastic, Emmy Rossum is as gorgeous as ever, and William H. Macey as a drug-addicted alcoholic makes for one wild ride with the Gallagher clan. As well as outrageously entertaining, this show touches on subjects such as poverty, drug-addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, homophobia, and bi-polar disorder.
6) Hannibal - Hulu
Synopsis: One of the most fascinating literary characters comes to life on television for the first time: psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In this drama from Bryan Fuller ("Pushing Daisies," "Heroes"), based on the characters from Thomas Harris' classic novels, we see where this incredible story began.
Appeal: Silence of the Lambs references are everywhereee. Deals with a variety of different psychological diagnoses. Makes you hungry for more after every episode! Plus Mads Mikkelsen is a dish himself.
7) Skins (UK) - Netflix
Synopsis: This incisive series centers on the tense lives of a group of teenagers as the friends and wannabe lovers weather their final two years of school.
Appeal: It’s over the top, it’s crazy, it’s vulgar, but that’s what makes Skins so great. Everyone should watch it at least once.
8) Being Human (UK) - Netflix
Synopsis: Trying to fit into modern society is a vexing, often impossible task for a genius werewolf, a flighty ghost and a suave vampire who share a household.
Appeal: If you liked the US version, then you are going to love the UK version (the original, afterall). Plus, Aidan Turner. That is all.
9) Freaks and Geeks - Netflix
Synopsis: A group of high school students in 1980 faces various social struggles. Lindsay rebels and hangs out with a crowd of burnouts for starters.
Appeal: A classic from the 90s that everyone should take a look at it. It’s only 1 season! (Which is lame because you will want more believe me). Also, young Jason Segal is just great.
10) Transparent - Amazon
Synopsis: An LA family with serious boundary issues have their past and future unravel when a dramatic admission causes everyone's secrets to spill out. Starring Jeffrey Tambor, Judith Light, Amy Landecker, Jay Duplass, and Gaby Hoffmann.
Appeal: Deals with the struggle of a transwoman, transitioning much later in her life, and how she must deal with finally coming out to her family who may or may not be as supportive of their new “Mopa” as they originally seem.
Bonus Film Suggestions:
Whiplash (2014, R)
Synopsis: A first-year music student (Miles Teller) wins a seat behind the drums in a jazz band led by a teacher (J.K. Simmons) who uses fear and intimidation to push his students to perfection.
Appeal: Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons are astounding in their performances. Drumming has never been to intense. Oh and btw: the blood is 100% real.
Chappie (2015, R)
Synopsis: In the near future, a mechanized police force patrols the streets and deals with lawbreakers -- but now, the people are fighting back. When one police droid is stolen and given new programming, he acquires the ability to feel and think for himself. While the robot, dubbed "Chappie (Sharlto Copley)," puzzles out human behavior, the authorities begin to see him as a danger to mankind and order; they will stop at nothing to ensure that Chappie is the last of his kind.
Appeal: The story-line people. It is a little far fetched, but man is it interesting.
Birdman (2014, R)
Synopsis: Former cinema superhero Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton) is mounting an ambitious Broadway production that he hopes will breathe new life into his stagnant career. It's risky, but he hopes that his creative gamble will prove that he's a real artist and not just a washed-up movie star. As opening night approaches, a castmate is injured, forcing Riggan to hire an actor (Edward Norton) who is guaranteed to shake things up. Meanwhile, Riggan must deal with his girlfriend, daughter and ex-wife.
Appeal: The camera work is phenomenal, the sound design is fantastic, and it won the Oscar for Best Picture!
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, PG-13)
Synopsis: Six-year-old Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis) lives with her father, Wink (Dwight Henry), in a remote Delta community. Wink is a stern taskmaster, but he is preparing his young daughter for the end of the world. When Wink falls mysteriously ill, nature seems to fall ill with him. Temperatures rise, the ice caps melt and fearsome prehistoric beasts called aurochs run loose. Rising waters threaten to engulf their community, sending Hushpuppy in search of her long-lost mother.
Appeal: The performances from the non-actors (especially Quvenzhané - only four during filming) are incredible. The visuals are stunning, and the musical score composed by director Benh Zeitlin and Dan Romer is a work of art in itself.
Kill Your Darlings (2013, R)
Synopsis: In 1944, young Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe) has a rival for the affections of his charismatic classmate Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan). When the rival is found dead, Carr, William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac are arrested for murder.
Appeal: Beautiful men kissing, based on true events, and an insight into the life and ideals of famed poet Allen Ginsberg.
We hope you all take the time to peruse our list and watch some or all of these shows and movies out yourselves!
