Ted’s Recommended Recommendation
Before you is a list of things I’ve seen or played that I would highly recommend right now.
Movies
Palm Springs (2020)
Being stuck in a time-loop removes any responsibility or consequence of anything that you could do, but it also smacks you with some existential questions. This charmingly hilarious and thoughtful movie explores those questions organically while blending its multiple genres together with all of the right elements – a little bit of sci-fi, little bit of romance, lil bit o’ comedy. The absurd humor is well-balanced and grounded as this fantastical situation sets the stage for it.
I think what makes the movie the most enjoyable is the cast. You got Jake Peralta (nine-nine!), TM as in Tracy McConnell, and the legend himself, J. Jonah Jameson. This is definitely the top movie as far as recommendations go for 2020. Because it’s only on the one streaming service, I feel like it went under the radar, but treat yourself to a good time and watch this on Hulu… or borrow someone else’s Hulu.
The Farewell (2020) [Chinese & English]
An aspiring Chinese-American writer and her family return to China under the pretenses of her cousin’s fake wedding to visit her terminally-ill grandmother. Why is it a fake wedding? Because the family decided not to share the news with grandma that death approaches and it was a clever way for a family reunion without revealing the truth. The movie flows with a pensive approach as it is not bombastic in its humorous elements, but more nuanced and subdued. A cultural clash of western sensibilities and eastern doctrines, this movie offers a reflective look at the dynamics of dual-cultural identity, traditionalism, and the struggles of grief over the death of loved ones.
I particularly enjoyed this movie because I can relate to those struggles… and it reminded me of the same awkward (yet hilarious) experiences I had while living abroad in China. This movie is both in Chinese and English, though I’d say it leans more on the Chinese side. Which shouldn’t even be a problem if you’re used to watching movies with subtitles. (heh)
You’ll have to rent this… somewhere, but you should.
Anime
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016- ) [English or Japanese]
An OP high-schooler with an array of unique psychic abilities surrounded by odd over-the-top archetypal anime characters is an equation for comedy. This series is about said high-schooler attempting to navigate through seemingly normal daily events while hiding his powers and avoiding some of the funniest character tropes and cliches.
This is also one of the few series where the English voice acting is worthy of listening because those portrayals and jokes land so well. On top of that, this show is broken up into bite-sized episodes (3 episodes in one) that usually are connected in some way.
Whether you enjoy or don’t enjoy anime, you’d probably have a good time watching this. Go find this on Netflix!
Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999) [26 episodes; English or Japanese]
This sci-fi western noir follows the misadventures of a group of ragtag bounty hunters aboard the Cowboy Bebop and is presented in episodic fashion. Each episode can veer into many avenues where it can be goofy and fun in one episode to thoughtful and wholesome in the next, somber and melancholic in the other. They meander across space from one bounty to the next and it really captures this sort of existential dread that’s ironically so entertaining to view. It is a through and through quality film noir.
While it is by no means a NEW series (although, a live-action version is just ’round the bend), this series deserves a watch to say the least. The series was made in the late 90s and the animation quality is still the sweetest eye-candy to this day. You got space adventures, dynamic fight scenes, charming characters… just watch it! You can find this on Hulu or Funimation!
Inuyashiki (2017) [12 episodes; Japanese]
Creator of the Gantz series (one of my favorites), Hiroya Oku, is back at it again with this scifi series that ponders over what it means to be human along with exploring the realms of human good and evil. It tells the story of two people whose bodies are transformed into god-tier beings via alien technology. How they use their abilities is predicated on their emotional experiences and trauma.
Some may argue that Oku’s content is unnecessarily grotesque in violence and cruelty, but I would counter that the savagery is not without meaning. In fact, it raises the stakes and when it is juxtaposed with “good”, it elevates the goodest good.
So be warned: if gratuitous violence is not your cup of tea, you may find this repulsive (great job in selling this recommendation, amirite?), but as I said, I think it does well in offering an introspection to the good people can be and do. This series can be watched on Amazon Prime.
TV Shows
The Booth at the End (2011-2012) [10 episodes]
How far would you go to get what you want? This low-key, psychological drama follows a number of randos who seek a gentleman in a diner rumored to be able to grant a wish, any wish. Cure someone of cancer, win the love of your life, live forever, rewrite history. Sure, but it comes at a price – these people must fulfill specific tasks to make it come true. A life for a life, an experience for an experience. This Faustian pact puts to the test how much these people really want what they wish and to what lengths they’ll go to achieve it.
When I say low-key, it is absolutely low-key. The entire series takes place in a diner (and also a different diner) and is purely dialogue, but don’t let that deter you. It’s like a compelling stage play that does not squander the cinematic medium as it makes use of different angles and captures micro-expressions fittingly. This is surely an underrated series. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Sound of Your Heart (2018) [10 Episodes; Korean]
Based on a popular webtoon series of the same name, this Korean comedy follows an up-and-coming webtoon artist and his comical daily happenin’s with his bizarre family and girlfriend. The ridiculous mishaps and misunderstandings are so well-crafted and cartoonish, it’s just great fun to watch and uplifting. It’s definitely welcomed, especially in these rough times.
Off the top of my head, some of my favorite episodes are when the dad is mistaken as an actual Korean soldier, the different memories of high school between Jo Seok and Ae Bong, and the surprise birthday celebration for Ae Bong. Really, each episode just good. This is an easy show to pick up and watch, even if it isn’t in English (for some of you out there). You can find this on Netflix. There’s a “reboot” series too, but I much prefer this one.
Future Man (2017-2020) [34 episodes]
Time travel. Check. Alternate timelines. Check. Irreverent humor: check, check, check. This show is ridiculously funny, it’s hard not to recommend. It starts off with unassuming janitor whose only goal in life is to beat an unbeatable game. Surprise, surprise. He actually figures a way to beat it and what ensues is just complete with hijinks and ridiculous absurdities with the what-ifs.
Gotta say, the first season is the best. What’s particularly great about this series is the commitment to each other’s characters. Nobody says something funny… just because it was low-hanging fruit. People say funny things, for sure, but it is fueled by the genuine delivery of those lines. Enjoy this on Hulu!
Games
Ghost of Tsushima
A playstation exclusive, this game was inspired by classic Japanese cinema, and it feels like… Breath of the Wild meets Sekiro meets Assassin’s Creed. The premise is that of a samurai named Jin Sakai, who fails to push the Mongol invasion back. He vows to protect his homeland, all while questioning the efficacy and ethics outside of the samurai way. Apart from combat, this game largely plays without a HUD in view, thus allowing you to soak up the landscapes on the island of Tsushima. Everywhere you go is just rich with detail and it washes you over. On top of this visual buffet, the game has a really compelling story with that cinematic touch, creative combat clashes, and a cathartic stealth system.
As it is with any open world game, there are some drawbacks – one of which is the video cutscenes that are designed to be in English, even though the characters are all Japanese. There is a Japanese option, but their lips don’t correspond. However, the game was developed by Sucker Punch Productions, an American video game development company, and it was praised by Japanese gamers and critics overall. It’s even a nominee for Game of the Year. If you’ve been on the fence about this game, you will not regret playing it.
Tetris Effect: Reconnected
It is another updated entry to this game, but what sets this apart from Tetris99 and Puyo Puyo Tetris is that this game has such an immersive and appealing atmosphere to play the game in. Moving away from the competitive aspect and more on a singular journey of mind-trippy visuals, dancing lights, and ethereal music that you can’t help but just lose yourself and vibe with. In addition to that, this game has a new game mechanic that feels like you’re playing outside of time. (Lol, yes).
Some times you just need a quick and accessible game that you can put down whenever, but it takes you away from the crappiest of crap with ease. Just crank that music up, do some easy puzzle-fixin’s and it’s a good ol’ time!
