Being sick kept me away from you last week but I’m back because I’m not stopping watching shows and movies. There’s too much good stuff out there and so much more to come. And for this week, I have to be topical, which we all know is just an excuse for marketing departments in companies everywhere to sell you stuff because it’s a special occasion - Valentine’s Day. Me? I’ll just sell you a good time for free with these movies and shows, whether you’re celebrating love or not.
If You Are Not Celebrating:
You (2018- )
I’m sure you’ve heard about this show already. If you haven’t yet seen it, it’s a great time to give it a watch since the fourth season has just come out. Penn Badgley as Joe (which many have said and I agree seems to be a continuation of his Gossip Girl character), the romantic stalker who can’t help but get into situations where the solution is murder. Luckily, he is lucky enough to get away with doing it even though his homicidal techniques do leave something to be desired. But he is endlessly proud of himself, so good for him.
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Maybe you don’t want anything to do with romantic relationships and aren’t in the mood for murder either and would still like something funny and uplifting but not in a cheesy way? This is what you should be watching. Paul Rudd stars as a writer who becomes a caregiver for a disabled teen (Craig Roberts) and they go on an impromptu road trip, meeting Selena Gomez along the way. In The Guardian’s review of the movie, they say “Rudd exudes a relaxed confidence”, but let’s be honest, when does he not?
If You Are Celebrating:
Colin From Accounts (2022- )
No, this isn’t an office-style sitcom. This is an Australian comedy show about two people who come together because of an injured dog. And the dog is the one named Colin From Accounts. So, this is more a comedy than romance but it’s also so sweet. I love that it builds conflict through situations and conflicts are resolved through communication. Patrick Bammal and Harriet Dyer (and they’re married IRL! I just found this out! but also not surprised, they have a great chemistry and make a great couple) are fabulous in this. He’s a practical guy who has his own brewery and everything’s great in his life except he’s been single for so long he owns a unicycle. She’s a broke med student who’s just broken up but is determined to not let it bring it down, well, for the most part. And in comes Colin. Neither of them can take him in on his own so they take care of him together. How can you say no to that face? A source tells me that it was apparently a lot of fun on set and it shows. Even the minor characters you see for a few scenes feel real and bring something to the show. At just eight episodes, it’s a quick lighthearted watch that also does emotional moments well. No second season has been announced officially but there is a rumour it has been greenlit, so possibly more to look forward to? But even if it isn’t the single season tells a complete story.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Every once in a while, which could be months, could be years, I see this movie and I’m always amazed by how good it is. I won’t call it the perfect romcom but it is my perfect romcom. I don’t know anyone who’s seen this movie and not liked it. Even if you haven’t seen any romcoms ever, this is one to see. And if you have and if you haven’t seen this one, you’re missing out big time.
You know when they talk about lightning in a bottle? They’re talking about something like this. You have this perfect cast but they’re all young, not established A-list actors yet. You have these witty dialogues that yeah, maybe nobody talks like that in real life, but it’s brilliant in a movie (“I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?” “I think you can in Europe” / Heath Ledger saying “I didn’t sleep with a Spice Girl… I think” / Joseph Gordon-Levitt going “I burn, I pine, I perish” after falling in love at first sight). There are clear Shakespeare influences (it’s based on his play Taming of the Shrew) but it’s also modern. There’s a love triangle, a bet to fake date, a grumpy/sunshine(comparatively) pairing, pretty boy assholes, high school cliques, and even particularly memorable high school teachers. A special mention has to be made to the soundtrack, which is full of bangers, plus the serenade that Heath Ledger does that is the best version of the song. There’s a lot going on but Kat (Julia Stiles) and Patrick (Heath Ledger), their chemistry, their storyline, their performances, elevate this. It’s so good that I don’t think the word good is good enough to describe it.
Until next time,
(unless I fall sick again, which probably won’t happen in the next few weeks but you never know)
V