A few weeks back, I suggested you check out the Cary Fukunaga's Netflix original film Beasts of No Nation. At the risk of sounding like a PR-arm of the streaming giant, today I'm recommending you watch another Netflix original: Aziz Ansari's series Master of None. I apologize if you find multiple Netflix original endorsements within the span of a few weeks annoying. I won't accept responsibility for my actions, however. I blame Netflix for releasing such great original content in such a short span of time that it leaves me with no choice but to recommend it.
If you like Ansari's stand-up, then I have full confidence that Master of None will be right in your wheelhouse. Much like the former, the latter is keenly aware of and interested in how technology shapes our daily interactions and personal relationships. Ansari has a sharp grasp of this dynamic and it helps give the show an undeniable relevance. That said, what really sets Master of None apart are episodes like "Parents" and "Indians on TV". Each handles different subjects that are disconcertingly true with such obvious skill and self-awareness that it elevates the series beyond being just another comedy show. Master of None is a must watch.
But enough of me shelling for Netflix, let's get to this week's Top 5:
New 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Details
Another week, another barrage of news pertaining to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. If you're past the point of oversaturation with regards to Star Wars talk then I feel for you. It's going to be a long, well, lifetime.
On the bright side, if Star Wars notes are your thing then this week brought a lot to choose from. Do yourself a solid and check out this 60-second television spot, the film's official runtime, details on Kylo Ren and General Hux's relationship, and much more.
'The 33' Coverage
While it's not technically billed as a horror movie, director Patricia Riggen's The 33 tells the true story of Chilean miners who were trapped underground for 69 days which sounds completely terrifying. Unless you're claustrophobic, you might be interested in learning more about the pic in which case we have you covered. Check out our review and watch Perri's video interviews with Patricia Riggen and the cast talking about the importance of having a female director.
How 'Twilight' Killed the Vampire Movie
Vampire films have been a staple of the medium dating back to F. W. Murnau's 1922 silent classic Nosferatu. Jump ahead nearly one century and countless vampire flicks later and our Haleigh Foutch theorizes that all of those Twilight movies have killed the beloved sub-genre. Go read her argument for yourself and see if you agree. Also, please forgive me mentioning Nosferatu and Twilight in the same paragraph.
'Rocky IV' Gets a '30 for 30' Parody
An easy way to get your video included in the Top 5 is to make sure your video is a 30 for 30 parody. I really like those because they generally make me laugh a lot. If that sounds overly simplistic that's because it is. Pro-tip aside, I recommend watching this 30 for 30 parody video that CollegeHumor put together for my favorite Rocky movie, the one that brought the Cold War to its knees, Rocky IV.
AFI Fest Coverage
The 2015 iteration of AFI Fest wrapped up in Hollywood a few days ago and, per usual, we've done our best to keep our readers in the loop with a slew of reviews. Click here to browse all of our coverage or check out reviews for some of my most anticipated films such as Michael Fassbender's Macbeth and Will Smith's Concussion.