By The Broadside Staff
We are now in the midst of Spring break, and Oregon is still, for the most part, on lockdown. That means that Central Oregon Community College students, faculty, and staff are still huddled at home, just waiting till the spring term rolls around. To help our readers, The Broadside has decided to put together a list of recommended TV shows and films. We hope you find these TV shows and movies enjoyable and, on some level, thought-provoking.
Seth Root, Editor in Chief
1) The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
It is tough to write in a few short paragraphs just why the “Man Who Shot Liberty Valence” is not only the greatest western film ever made but why it is one of the greatest films ever. But I will most certainly try.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is about the town of Shinbone, which is governed by two types of men. One is ill-tempered and downright evil (played by Lee Marvin). The other is a man who brings order by using force (played by John Wayne). All of that changes when a young lawyer (played by Jimmy Stewart) comes to town and tries to show the people of Shinbone that justice is done through the law, not by the gun. But as the story continues, a question arises, can justice be done without the gun?
2) Man of Steel
Warner Bros. recently announced that Ta Nehisi Coates will write the screenplay for a new Superman film. That means that there will be another origin story about Clark Kent and how he became Superman. I am sure it will be an okay movie when it comes out, but I do not see how they can top Zach Snyder’s film, “Man of Steel,” since it is the best Superman film ever.
For those that have not seen it, The film starts with Superman’s planet, Krypton. Due to Krypton’s hubris and mining of the planetary core, the planet is dying. Jor-El (played by Russell Crowe), who is Kal-El/Clark Kent’s father (played by Henry Cavill), advocates that the Kryptonian council give Jor-El control of their genetic codex. However, before a decision is made, the leader of Krypton’s army, Zod (played by Michael Shannon), starts a coup. Jor-El steals the codex and then fuses the codex with his newly born son Kal-El/Clark Kent. Jor-El sends his son to earth so that he is safe from both Zod and the planet’s destruction. The rest of the story goes into detail about how Kal-El/Clark Kent becomes Superman.
What makes this story so good is that Zack Snyder does an excellent job making Man of Steel a human story despite centering the film around an alien. Early on, Kal-El/Cark Kent is confused about who he is and has trouble dealing with the fact that he is very different than all the other people. Kent also has to deal with his urge to save defenseless people while also keeping his identity a secret. The film really does an excellent job at getting the audience to relate to Clark Kent/Superman.
3) The Thin Red Line
I’ll admit, “The Thin Red Line” is not for everyone. It is long (the film is about 171 minutes) and sprawling for a World War 2 film. But this Terrence Malick film is one of a kind and is just so rich visually and spiritually that really, everyone must watch it at least once before they die.
For those who have not seen it, the film starts with an AWOL Private named Witt (played by Jim Caviezel), who is enjoying a solitary life among the Melanesian natives in Guadalcanal. But a U.S military ship comes and finds him and locks him up for insubordination and desertion. Pvt. Witt is then ordered to act as a stretcher-bearer for the upcoming campaign against the Japanese. From there, the film movingly talks about the corruption of war and what it does to human beings. The film also talks about nature and how human beings will go at any length to tame and harness nature for human goals. These subjects are undoubtedly significant and complicated. But Terrence Malick does a masterful job at weaving these ideas as the film goes on. I think many will benefit from watching this film. Just give it a chance.
Sarah Lightley, News and Opinion Editor
1) Psych
This show is about Shown and his best friend, Gus. They start up their own detective agency after Shown lies to the police that he is a psychic. They drive around in a small blue car working with the police on investigations. Psych is a hilarious and family-friendly show.
2) White Collar
Neil is a convicted bond forger who Peter Burk, an FBI agent, caught. Neil strikes a deal with Burk and is allowed to be an FBI consultant. They become friends and solve white-collar crimes.
It’s fun to watch Neil balance being an FBI consultant and the life of a criminal. Not to mention seeing the incredible art that Neil paints/sculpts, which may or may not be forgeries.
3) NCIS
I like to watch shows that are about solving crime, and NCIS is no exception. The gang of NCIS investigators solves crimes while continuing to have family antics. It has a lot of humor while being a pretty good drama.
Roman Russell, Engagement Editor
1) Psych
“Psych” is a long-lasting mystery/crime show that delivers continually. It revolves around Shawn Spencer, a self-proclaimed psychic detective, and his best friend Burton Guster as they work with the Santa Barbara Police Department to “psychically” solve murders, kidnappings, and other crimes.
This show is the perfect mix of mystery and comedy. The comedy and mystery work hand in hand and yet stick to their own realms. The humor doesn’t lessen the mystery’s experience, and the mystery doesn’t damper the hilarity of the humor. The series has a memorable cast, running gags, and continues to be engaging until the very end despite lasting for eight years.
2) Parasite
“Parasite” is an unforgettable movie. Its nail-biting plot, mixed with the intense themes, makes it a fantastic film for movie dissectors and casual viewers alike. The movie is all in Korean, but subtitles are an easy remedy. The movie alone makes it worth the watch.
It follows the Kim family as they try to escape their torturous lower-class life. I do not want to say anymore as I would like to refrain from spoiling any of it. However, if you want an unforgettable movie that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout, Parasite is the movie for you.
Miina McCown, Reporter
1) The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
This is one of my favorite Japanese animated TV shows.
This comedy follows the life of Saiki Kusuo, a high school student with psychic superpowers who just wants to keep his secret under wraps and live a normal life. But his friends, family, and quirky classmates won’t make it easy on him.
This is the perfect show if you are looking for something that is simply fun to watch and laugh out loud funny.
2) Weathering with You
“Weathering with You” is also one of my favorite Japanese animations. Tear-jerking, romantic, filled with fantasy and breathtaking visuals, the film focuses on a high school boy who runs away from home to Tokyo searching for a new life. There, he meets an orphan girl who seems to be able to control the weather.
This film’s creator also directed “Your Name,” another movie that became one of the highest-grossing animated films internationally.
I recommend “Weathering with You” to anyone looking for a beautiful story and animation.
3) Color Out of Space
If you are a horror fan looking for a psychological and disturbing thriller with mind-bending sequences and cinematography, this is the film for you.
Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story, the film is about a meteor landing in the yard of a family-owned farm, which transforms into a mutant alien organism that slowly infects the bodies and minds of the family members, morphing their lives into technicolor, sci-fi terror.
Marvin Walder, Photographer & Reporter
1) 1917
I remember watching this film last year, and I enjoyed how they tried to make the movie look like one continuous shot. It has some beautiful scenery and some impressively detailed and large-scale sets and action scenes.
2) Blade Runner 2049
“Blade Runner 2049” is an awesomely weird sci-fi film that Roger Deakins also shoots the cinematographer for 1917. The colors, sets, and themes in this film are just wild, and it leaves you with a lot to think about or admire from a technical standpoint.
3) Band of Brothers
“Band of Brothers” is a fantastic WW2 series that I’d highly recommend to war film/show enthusiasts.
4) Wall-E, Zootopia, and Moana
I think “Wall-E,” “Zootopia,” and “Moana” are notable films that appeal to all audiences, for those wanting something more family-oriented. They present a basic story in a whimsical way that children can enjoy. Still, there’s also a lot more sophisticated dialogue and themes present in the story so that older audiences can find things to enjoy too. Also, their world and the character design are nothing short of amazing, and the way they push animation technology each time is a gift to the animation industry.
Shane Bolton, Podcaster & Reporter
1) No Country for Old Men
In this Neo-Western Thriller, the Coen brothers create one of the most suspenseful and deep-thinking movies of all time.
In the Texas desert, a man, while hunting, stumbles across a scene of a gruesome drug deal gone wrong. He can’t resist the cash left behind and takes it. After he takes the more than 2 million dollars in cash, he gets tracked down by a sociopath killer that’ll do anything to get the money.
It is my favorite movie I have seen, and I think people should watch it.
2) Seinfeld
Considered the greatest sitcom of all time, Seinfeld follows stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his best friend, George, his ex-girlfriend and now friend, Elaine, and his slacker neighbor, Kramer. Based in New York City, you get to experience their outrageous, stubborn, and hilarious lives. Seinfeld has countless classic episodes that you can watch over and over again.
3) National Lampoon’s Animal House
This classic comedy tells a story of a trouble-making fraternity as they try not to be banished from campus for partying, bad grades, and their long list of rule-breaking. It is filmed at the University of Oregon, which gives it an Oregon connection. This movie will make you laugh and has many classic scenes you’ll be quoting after the movie.
Ayla Adkins, contributor
1) Gilmore Girls
This series is about a comedic and loving mother-daughter duo. This show can easily be binge-watched or seen in small snippets. You will see the characters grow and develop and make choices that everyone can relate to. Some of the jokes might be outdated or haven’t aged well, but this is a series that will never get old.
Streaming on Netflix.
2) I Care A Lot
This movie centers around a woman who is a legal guardian to many older individuals. Behind her kind act, she is actually taking advantage of their finances.
This movie is full of plot twists and is a great movie to watch with friends or solo.
Streaming on Netflix.
