jeromecusson

The Top 25 Pieces of Pop Culture That Distracted Me from a Terrible 2017: Movies

The best distraction for me comes in the form of using my MoviePass, going to the theater, turning my phone off, and becoming enveloped in whatever film is in front of me. I had a chance to see films in places as far east as Shaoxing, the heart of the Midwest Chicago, and whatever you want to consider Memphis. These aren’t necessarily what I would consider the best films of the year as I’m in the midst of seeing a number of the Oscar contenders as of this writing, but these are definitely the films I saw in 2017 which I thought provided me with some relief and hope.

9. The Shape of Water Continue reading The Top 25 Pieces of Pop Culture That Distracted Me from a Terrible 2017: Movies

The Top 25 Pieces of Pop Culture That Distracted Me from a Terrible 2017: TV Shows

It’s tough to say television in 2017 was great, but there was certainly a lot of it, over 450 scripted shows across hundreds of channels and streaming services. There’s no possible way to watch all of the good shows. There’s now even the chance you’re not even streaming the great shows. I didn’t even have the opportunity (or desire in some cases) to watch The Handmaid’s Tale, Twin Peaks, Speechless, One Day at a time, or Better Call Saul. These ten shows are ones which made me laugh, cry, and contemplate through all of 2017.

19. Sneaky Pete (Amazon) Continue reading The Top 25 Pieces of Pop Culture That Distracted Me from a Terrible 2017: TV Shows

The Top 25 Pieces of Pop Culture That Distracted Me from a Terrible 2017: Podcasts

For a number of different reasons, 2017 was not the best year. There were external and internal factors. Thankfully, we live in a world where we can distract ourselves. This can also have a negative affect, but part of practicing self-care involved enjoying movies, television shows, podcasts, and books. Many of the books I read weren’t necessarily from 2017, but there are number of things I’ve watched and listened which have provided me moments of contemplation and of laughter. I’m dividing this into three parts and starting with podcasts. Tomorrow will be television shows and I’ll end with movies on Thursday.

25. The Dollup: Episode 300- Donald Trump Continue reading The Top 25 Pieces of Pop Culture That Distracted Me from a Terrible 2017: Podcasts

How Rian Johnson Finally Moved Star Wars into the 21st Century

Early in The Last Jedi, General Hux gives the kind of speech we’ve become used to in the Star Wars universe. It’s theatrical bordering on cartoonish with threats being made as the First Order is on the verge of battling the Resistance.

A real new order is established though when Poe Dameron snarkily pretends not to hear Hux and provides a distraction for the rest of his mates to escape the planet they were trapped on.

A few minutes later, we see the ending of The Force Awakens repeated. JJ Abrams showed reverence as Ray handed Luke Skywalker his lightsaber back. The music swells, and we are positioned for a historic moment. In The Last Jedi, Luke does indeed take that lightsaber…and throw it over his shoulder like it’s nothing.

These two moments will quickly establish whether you are in or out on this particular film. Continue reading How Rian Johnson Finally Moved Star Wars into the 21st Century