Streaming services, such as Hulu and Netflix, have become more popular. Netflix has released more new original content, while Hulu is expanding their movie selection. But how do these new original works compare to traditional cable television?
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Fantasy shows can be pretty hit or miss. However, “The Witcher” did not disappoint. Based on a polish book series, “The Witcher” follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutant made from magic on his quest to save a princess. The timeline skips around, following multiple storylines that eventually converge toward the end, creating a carefully thought-out masterpiece. Although the series is extremely dark as a whole, it maintains a nice balance by adding dashes of humor. The characters have layers and interesting backstories, something that can sometimes be lacking in the fantasy genre. Overall, “The Witcher” is a must-watch for any Netflix binger.
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“I Am Not Okay With This” has a humorously morbid tone with an eighties movie twist. Based on a comic book with the same title, the story follows Syd, a teenage girl who gains the power of telekinesis, which at times, she cannot control. Although criticized for being too cliche, it is reminiscent of such films as “Carrie” and “The Breakfast Club”. The show accurately depicts the awkwardness and complicated nature of high school relationships, as well as the destruction caused from undealt with trauma. My only criticism of the show is it seems to me as if Syd’s mother, who during the first half of the series is cold and empty, suddenly has a change of heart to become supportive and caring at the end, for no apparent reason. All the other characters make up for it though, from awkwardly loveable Stanley Barber to even the perfect villain, Bradley Lewis. “I Am Not Okay With This” is a nostalgic thrill ride audiences are sure to love.
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Hulu provides its users with a wide variety of TV shows to choose from. However, Hulu’s collection is lacking with their selection of movies, as evidenced with the movie “Big Time Adolescence.” This coming-of-age movie is the story of the friendship between Mo and his older sister’s boyfriend, Zeke. As the pair grow older and Mo moves up to high school, he maintains his friendship with Zeke, getting involved with drugs and girls. The biggest issue with the movie ( which much of the storyline is based on) is how centered it is on crazy parties, rampant drug use, and little thought towards homework. However, the writers seem to have forgotten that most teenagers do not act like that. Teenagers are still people, wanting to create meaningful connections, go to college, find careers, and work hard – none of which is demonstrated in this film. I would have much rather seen more of the connection between Zeke and Mo, rather than Mo partying with random people. The film spends a lot of time talking about how Zeke is Mo’s only true friend and connection in the world, but never explains why that is, or what caused Mo not to have any of his own friends. The end of the film was long overdue, and did not tie into the overall message of the film. The writers began with a meaningful message about why kids get involved with drugs and crime, but did not flesh out characters or focus on any of the important plot points. This film had potential, but in the end it fell short.
