In this episode, we discuss dark comedies.
Snowpiercer: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Train
On a recent episode of Screen Junkies’ Movie Fights, guest Mike Carlson picked “Snowpiercer” as the film of 2014 that should have been nominated for an Oscar. After seeing and passing over it many times on Netflix, Mike’s arguments for this film pushed me over the edge. And I am so glad he did.
I was blown away by this film! In our modern world of dystopian Y.A. fiction fodder it is unique to see a multi-layered story as this one. So, a quick synopsis: in response to global warming, the world governments disperse a chemical into the atmosphere to strengthen the ozone (yeah, that screams disaster). It works too well and instead sends the world into a new ice age killing off all life on Earth. The only survivors board a train whose original purpose was a luxury liner which travels the globe. There of course is hierarchy on the train (first class, coach, etc.) which overtime turns into a bitter caste system. This exposition is quickly taken care of in the credit sequence so we can jump in with no waste into the story: the rebellion of the “tail end” people to overthrowing the engine.
Now this all may sound like a story you’ve heard before but “Snowpiercer” is so brilliantly executed you’ll think the dystopian concept couldn’t be told any other way. It also is as diverse as the train which it’s set. Based on a French graphic novel, written, directed and produced by a Korean crew and prominently starring British and American actors. The best way to describe this movie is that it is Asian cinema with English-speaking actors. The pacing, humor and (sometimes) melodrama of scenes are what I have seen with other Asian films. And the twists are numerous and shocking – leaving the viewer unsure from the beginning where it is going.
Story aside, the strongest attribute about “Snowpiercer” is the cast. All are great: John Hurt (Hellboy, V for Vendetta), Kang ho-Song (The Host), Jamie Bell (Jumper, new Fantastic Four franchise), Octavia Spencer (The Help) and Chris Evans who sets himself far apart from his Captain America role as the rebel leader Curtis.
By far though, the best performance is Tilda Swinton. Many times you have to remind yourself that the character on screen is Swinton and not just because of the thick glasses, fake teeth and heavy accent. The part was rumored to be originally written for John C. Reilly, but negotiations fell through leaving a very masculine part to be played by a female. All in all, the biggest upset of the Oscar season was that Tilda Swinton was not nominated for Supporting Actress.
As I write this, I am currently snowed in (ironic I know). So please take the time this cold weekend to watch this quintessential ‘snowed-in’ movie. You’ll be glad I gave you that push.
Winter Watch List
If you find yourself snowed or iced in, or just love staying indoors when it’s cold outside, fear not. There are television choices to keep you from getting cabin fever.
House of Cards – Netflix Original
Today, Netflix released Season 3 of House of Cards. If you haven’t watched the Kevin Spacey/Robin Wright show, there are now 3 seasons for you to partake in. Beware: you may have a southern accent and a knack for politics after watching all 39 episodes.
Behind the Mask – Hulu Original
Hulu recently released Season 2 of Behind the Mask, a docuseries that follows several high school, college, and professional mascots (and the people behind the mask). Both seasons are available to watch.
The Impression Guys – Soul Pancake’s YouTube Series
Season 1 of The Impression Guys is absolutely incredible. Nevermind that this is the first half hour series made for YouTube. The Impression Guys is about two voice actors who want to become series dramatic actors, so they create a 12 step program to shift into the dramatic acting field. Jim Meskimen, Ross Marquand, Angela Kinsey, and the rest of the cast are perfect. I hope Soul Pancake gets Season 2 out soon, because the 6 episodes of Season 1 are too good not to have a follow-up season.
Show to Binge Watch
Are you tired of waiting for new syndicated episodes to come on television? Want to catch your favorite shows or start a new show, without commercials? Here are some great shows to watch:
Parenthood (Netflix: 5 seasons; Season 6 available on Hulu)
Parks & Recreation (Netflix: 6 seasons; Hulu: 7)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Netflix: 9 seasons)
American Horror Story (Netflix and Hulu: 3 seasons)
Sons of Anarchy (Netflix and Hulu: 6 seasons)
Friends (Netflix, 10 seasons)
The Office (Netflix: 9 seasons)
M*A*S*H (Netflix: 5 seasons)
Frasier (Netflix: 11 seasons)
Dexter (Netflix: 8 seasons)
Saved by the Bell (Netflix: 6 seasons)
How I Met Your Mother (Netflix: 9 seasons)
Arrested Development (Netflix: 4 seasons)
That 70s Show (Netflix: 8 seasons)
Mad Men (Netflix: 6 seasons)
Breaking Bad (Netflix: 5 seasons)
Transparent (Amazon: 1 season)
Alpha House (Amazon: 2 seasons)
Shows Currently on Television
Find re-runs online or DVR episodes to catch up on these awesome shows currently on television. Here’s when new episodes air, or where you can find previous episodes:
Modern Family (on ABC, Wed @ 9/8c; 16 episodes on Hulu)
Better Call Saul (on AMC, Mon @ 10/9c)
The Walking Dead (on AMC, Sun @ 9/8c)
Top Gear (on BBC America, Mon @ 8:30/7:30c; Netflix: 4 season; Hulu: 8 seasons)
The Amazing Race (on CBS; 22 seasons available on Hulu)
The Big Bang Theory (on CBS, Thurs @ 8/7c)
Mike & Molly (on CBS, Mon @ 8:30/7:30c)
The Odd Couple (on CBS, Thurs @ 8:30/7:30c)
Survivor (on CBS, Wed @ 8/7c; 26 seasons on Hulu)
Key & Peele (on Comedy Central; 3 seasons on Hulu)
Workaholics (on Comedy Central, Wed @ 10/9c)
Backstrom (on FOX, Thurs @ 9/8c)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (on FOX, Sun @ 8:30/7:30c)
The Last Man On Earth (Premieres on FOX, Sun. March 1)
The Mindy Project (on FOX, Tue @ 9:30/8:30c)
The Night Shift (on NBC, Mon @ 10/9c)
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (on NBC, Weeknights 11:35/10:35c)
Let me know if this extensive list helped you avoid cabin fever or if there are any of your shows that didn’t make this list.