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Previous Next Chris Hemsworth returns to the role of Tyler Rake in Extraction 2 this week. With that in mind, we figured it was the perfect time for the Bitesize crew to put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Performances from the Original Avengers excluding all MCU performances. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 actors in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. SCARLETT JOHANSSON - SAMANTHA (HER) It is a rare echelon of quality that successful non-visual performances find themselves in when paired with live-action storytelling, and nowhere is this more apparent than Scarlett Johansson’s heartbreaking vocal turn in Spike Jonze's Her . Johansson’s performance, by my view, is the closest a purely vocal turn has come to being a main category nominee (Best Actress or Supporting Actress), and perhaps it should have been. There are few voice performances so integral to their film’s storytelling, and even fewer still who can manage to both endear and devastate you in the same breath as Johansson does here. - Jacob 4. SCARLETT JOHANSSON - ROSIE (JOJO RABBIT) Jojo Rabbit contains some of the best work of Scarlett Johansson's career, and her performance as the resilient mother of young Johannes (Roman Griffin Davis) is the glue that holds the film together. She brings an enormously endearing quality to Rosie, a character that responds to all situations with an eye on love whether the scene is humourous or heartbreaking. There are a lot of moments in this performance that stick out, but none quite as loudly as the now iconic dinner scene. - Nick 3. JEREMY RENNER - JAMES COUGHLIN (THE TOWN) Damn right Jeremy Renner’s performance in The Town made the cut! As a born and bred Boston girl myself, what Renner is able to capture as a Southie criminal is remarkable. He hits the nail on the head with this performance while mastering the Boston accent exceptionally well. He completely inhabits this role, and makes his character, Jem, feel real and lived in; not to mention he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his work in this wicked awesome film. - Paige 2. ROBERT DOWNEY JR. - KIRK LAZARUS (TROPIC THUNDER) Even though there are some small circles buzzing online about canceling Robert Downey Jr. because of the blackface of it all, the fact of the matter is that those people probably just don’t get the satire at play here. That aside, RDJ’s Academy Award-, BAFTA-, SAG-, and Golden Globe-nominated performance is flat-out terrific, not only as Australian method actor Kirk Lazarus, but also as SSG Lincoln Osiris. I mean, name another Avenger that could realistically pull off the role of “a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude” with so much humor, intelligence, and nuance. You can’t do it. - Quentin 1. SAMUEL L. JACKSON - JULES WINNFIELD (PULP FICTION) “The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers, and you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee.” What the fuck else do I need to say? - Amarú HONORABLE MENTIONS SAMUEL L. JACKSON - STEPHEN (DJANGO UNCHAINED) JEREMY RENNER - IAN DONNELLY (ARRIVAL) SCARLETT JOHANSSON - NICOLE BARBER (MARRIAGE STORY) CHRIS HEMSWORTH - BILLY LEE (BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE) MARK RUFFALO - DAVID TOSCHI (ZODIAC) Photo Credits: Photo 1, 3 - Warner Bros.; Photo 2 - Fox Searchlight Pictures; Photo 4 - Paramount Pictures Photo 5 - Miramax Films

THE PENTAVERATE Starring: Mike Myers, Ken Jeong, Keegan-Michael Key, Debi Mazar, Richard McCabe, Jennifer Saunders, Lydia West, Neil Mullarkey, and Jeremy Irons Creator: Mike Myers QUENTIN The Pentaverate is probably best saved for a very specific crowd: people who grew up quoting So I Married an Axe Murderer . In fact, it’s essentially one long Easter Egg for arguably the most quotable scene of that movie, which is a pretty thin premise on which to base a series. Save for Jeremy Irons’ ever-changing opening monologue, which is consistently hilarious, the other humorous bits fade away as the series progresses. It simply can’t sustain the initial nostalgic charm for all six episodes. It’s not a total waste of time, but it’s never as funny as the scene on which it’s based either.

MULLIGAN: SEASON ONE Starring: Nat Faxon, Chrissy Teigen, Tina Fey, Sam Richardson, Dana Carvey, and Phil LaMarr Creators: Robert Carlock and Sam Means QUENTIN Mulligan certainly isn’t the worst adult animation show I’ve seen (remember Hoops ?), but it’s also nothing to write home about. Essentially a different take on Idiocracy, there are enough jokes to make you giggle a bit and some clever observations about the American political system, but they can’t overcome the feeling that this is an old side project that creators Robert Carlock and Sam Means dusted off for some reason. Still, like modern day Family Guy or The Simpsons , it’s good enough if you have a quick 30 minutes to kill, or you need some background noise when going to bed.

HUNTERS: SEASON TWO Starring: Logan Lerman, Al Pacino, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Lena Olin, Jerrika Hinton, Carol Kane, Josh Radnor, Greg Austin, Tiffany Boone, Louis Ozawa, Kate Mulvany, and Udo Kier Creator: David Weil QUENTIN In its final season, Hunters is a series of highs and lows. The highs include pulpy action and brutal violence, as well as themes that border on the profound (especially in the finale). There is an Inglourious Basterds -inspired breakaway episode that is excellent too. However, convoluted storytelling and a subplot that seemingly exists just to keep Al Pacino involved make the series less than completely interesting, a problem exacerbated by the three years since Season One. It’s just hard to remember anything outside of the broad brush strokes, so you’re really just returning for the Nazi killing, which, admittedly, is always fun, even in its simplicity.

YOU: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON Starring: Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Lukas Gage, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Ed Speleers, Brad Alexander, Niccy Lin, Aidan Cheng, Stephen Hagan, Ben Wiggins, Eve Austin, Ozioma Whenu, Dario Coates, Sean Pertwee, Alison Pargeter, and Adam James Creators: Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti QUENTIN PART ONE After a relatively subpar Season Three, You has returned to flip the script, making stalker Joe (Penn Badgley) the stalkee in a binge-worthy whodunnit. In making that switch, You plays with genre tropes while also delivering a commentary on today’s trendiest topic: toxic wealth. Admittedly, satirizing the rich is becoming played out, but it works here because it isn’t the story’s primary focus. Mostly, this is a story about Joe and whether he can be redeemed, but when those two angles are joined together, they create a terrific Part One that is Knives Out meets Dexter . I can’t wait for Part Two to drop next month. PART TWO After the strong and refreshing redirect that was Part One, Part Two fumbles away the season before it can reach the goal line. There is a late twist that is admittedly unexpected, but it’s so clumsily and confusingly executed that it ruins the momentum of the final three episodes. All the interest, intrigue, and tension dissipate because of this shark-jumping moment. That said, the season ends on a note that makes for an interesting direction in Season Five, but only time will tell if they can capitalize on it or if the show has run its course. PAIGE PART ONE Oh, how the tables have turned on Joe (Penn Badgley), who is now getting a taste of his own medicine in the first part of Season Four, which is an Agatha Christie-style whodunnit with a dash of social satire. It’s a different approach than what we’re traditionally used to with this series, but it’s actually quite clever and bloody fun. So far, it’s got me contemplating if creepy Joe can actually be redeemed, but we’ll have to wait for Part Two to find out. Either way, in the end, it’s always been about you , Penn Badgley, and you deliver a killer performance once again. PART TWO This season of You feels tonally different from the others. The first half of the series is structured like a whodunnit, and it was a promising bloody start that I quite enjoyed. However, the second half takes a totally different approach, prattling on to add more nuance but ultimately fumbling the ball. The last few episodes just feel rushed because they are tying up loose ends in a lazily sloppy way, and while the end of the season positions Season Five to go to an intriguing place, I wonder if it's the overall right decision to take the story in that direction.

HOTEL COSTIERA: SEASON ONE Starring: Jesse Williams, Jordan Alexandra, Maria Chiara Giannetta, Antonio Gerardi, Sam Haygarth, Tommaso Ragno, Pierpaolo Spollon, and Amanda Campana Creators: Elena Bucaccio and Francesco Arlanch QUENTIN Hotel Costiera delivers breezily enjoyable escapist television, but nothing more. It features beautiful people, gorgeous Italian landscapes, a bit of season-long mystery, and crime-of-the-week mechanics that keep things fairly light despite occasionally dipping its toes into the noir genre. Think of it like if The White Lotus had been made by USA during its “Characters Welcome” era in the early 2000s. It’s by no means must-see or prestige television, but it’s a fun beach-read series that coasts on vacation vibes, Jesse Williams’ confident swagger, and the chemistry he shares with his team of fellow fixers. Plus, at only six episodes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Previous Next October 28, 2024 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE Over the course of his career, Stephen King has published nearly 70 novels and 200+ short stories. Of those, his work has been adapted to more than 50 films, miniseries, and television shows, not to mention a collection of derivative spinoffs, all of which make him the second most adapted author of all time behind William Shakespeare. From his first adaptation, 1976’s Carrie , to his most recent, 2024’s The Life of Chuck , which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and currently is awaiting wide release, the Master of Horror has made a tremendous cinematic impact on the horror genre. Whether it’s a possessed car, a bloody hallway, or a yellow raincoat, much of his iconic horror imagery is amongst the most recognizable to ever grace the silver screen. With such a large filmography, it is a major task to narrow down a personal “Best of Stephen King” list, but I was able to, at the very least, solidify the five adaptations that are my favorite …not best, to be clear, but personal favorite . Without further ado, let’s jump in… 5. IT (2017) Director Andy Muschietti faced a challenging task in turning this 1,000-page novel into a film, especially considering that it had already been turned into a successful two-part miniseries in 1990… but, boy, did he live up to that challenge (at least in Chapter One )! Muschietti's choice to concentrate on the book's first half to develop the kids' characters is what makes this adaptation so excellent. It's a well-executed reimagining that trades some of the book's more complex mythology for poignant and effective character development. I love a good coming-of-age tale, and It does a great job of striking the right balance between that and the horror genre. Set in 1989 in the small town of Derry, Maine, a group of kids known as the "Losers Club" set out to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of several children. They have no idea that the killer isn’t a man, but Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), an evil clown that can shape-shift into one’s biggest fears. I must admit that the Losers Club consists of some of the best child acting I’ve ever seen in a film. Every single child genuinely excels beyond belief, each with their own personality, qualities, quips, and quirks, which allows the chemistry between the group to flourish and stand out. While they bring the heart, Skarsgård brings the terror. This gem truly knows how to pack a lot of emotion in between the scares, leading it to be one of my favorite horror flicks from the 2010s. 4. MISERY (1990) As he approached the 1990s, King felt somewhat constrained by the genre as a result of the success of his books. This inspired him to write Misery in 1987, a book in which an author is forced to write in order to appease a stalker fan. It goes without saying that King concocted something extraordinary enough to pique director Rob Reiner's curiosity for a second time after their first stand-out collaboration (more on that later). Reiner just intuitively knows how to translate King’s stories to a film format, and screenwriter William Goldman adds an outstanding script to that dynamic. Together, they skillfully build suspense, making the most of the cramped environment in which King sets the story. Misery is a devilish, insanity-filled, claustrophobic cabin-in-the-woods type of film. It centers on Annie (Kathy Bates), a nurse who is an obsessive reader of Paul Sheldon's (James Caan) book series. Annie rescues Paul after he is in a car wreck in a snowstorm, taking advantage of the situation by holding him hostage. She is unhappy with how he concluded her favorite book series, and as a result, forces him to rewrite the last chapter. Paul quickly realizes that Annie is more than just a "fan,” and things quickly escalate from helpful to possibly homicidal. If you’ve seen the infamous sledgehammer scene, then you know what I’m talking about. Bates is truly horrifying as Annie Wilkes, with the actress gaining a well-earned Oscar win for her performance. In my opinion, she is just as terrifying, if not more, than any of King's supernatural entities. This psychological suspense thriller hits harder than many of those demonic adaptations because it could easily happen in real life. Not only is this one of my favorite Stephen King adaptations, but it's also one of my favorite Rob Reiner flicks. 3. THE MIST (2007) Frank Darabont's The Mist is among the most memorable of Stephen King's adaptations. It marked the third time Darabont had directed a King story, as well as his last directed film to date. Honestly, no one does Stephen King like Frank Darabont (he also directed The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile , both King adaptations, if you didn’t know). He just understands that the characters come first, and from that, the story will inherently feel real and authentic. The Mist finds a group of people trapped in a supermarket after a strange mist filled with monsters rolls into town. While the mist provides the film’s external threat, there is an even more terrifying internal threat in the form of mankind itself. It’s exactly what I love about this gripping and dreadful film. It makes you wonder which threat is more deadly — the creatures or the people trapped in this predicament. This concept really helps to keep the film focused, particularly towards what, in my opinion, might be one of the most bleak, devastating, and divisive movie endings ever. If you want to make this an even more entertaining watch, I highly recommend checking out the black-and-white director's cut. 2. STAND BY ME (1986) My second favorite Stephen King adaptation, Stand by Me , is not a horror film, per se, but a beautiful coming-of-age story about friendship and adolescence. It was this story that proved to readers and audiences that King wasn’t just a good horror writer, but a GREAT writer, full stop. The film, which is based on the novella “The Body,” follows the quest of four boys as they set out to find a dead body in the woods. While its plot may sound simple, it's the themes that make this story so impactful and timeless. With the support of the youthful cast's genuine performance, director Rob Reiner elegantly crafts this sentimental classic, flawlessly portraying a true representation of childhood. The film’s greatest strength lies in how the young actors perfectly capture the pure and innocent camaraderie that King illustrated in his book. At its core, Stand by Me is about the transition from one stage of life to another, and that is more terrifying than dealing with monsters or murderers. The movie's last words will stick with me forever: “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?” A profoundly accurate statement. 1. THE SHINING (1980) Putting The Shining at number one may seem controversial since King has let it be known many times that he is not a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of his story. I can understand why, as the film has little to do with the source material. But I’m sorry, Mr. King, this film is a horror masterpiece. It’s a staple of pop culture thanks to Jack Nicholson's legendary performance, the eerie atmosphere, menacing score, long Steadicam shots, and exquisite production design. The Shining invited us into one of the most iconic haunted buildings ever, the Overlook Hotel. The story follows an aspiring novelist and recovering alcoholic who takes a job as the hotel’s winter caretaker with his wife and son. Little do they know this resort has been haunted for decades and will lead Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) into a descent of madness. This thought-provoking premise is nothing short of mesmerizing. I get goosebumps just thinking about how Kubrick used the movie's nightmarish imagery to create such an ominous atmosphere. It features some of the most iconic scenes in movie history (the twins in the hallway, the river of blood pouring from the elevator, Jack sticking his head through the broken door yelling, “Here’s Johnny!” as Shelly Duvall’s Wendy shrieks), and once you’ve seen the film, the sequences will forever live in your brain. There’s just no doubt that this classic is one of the finest horror films ever made. It has stood the test of time, and honestly, gets better with every watch!

CITY ON FIRE Starring: Wyatt Oleff, Chase Sui Wonders, Xavier Clyde, Jemima Kirke, Nico Tortorella, Ashley Zukerman, Max Milner, Alexandra Doke, Omid Abtahi, Kathleen Munroe, and John Cameron Mitchell Creators: Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage PAIGE City on Fire is a dumpster fire of a show. It tries to be a gritty murder mystery, but unfortunately ends up feeling more like a basic teen drama more than anything else. I hate to use this term, but it feels very “CW-ish.” With dull storytelling that unsuccessfully tries to connect multiple characters' stories, it just feels like it’s trying too hard, and overall, it’s filled with mediocre performances across the board. Honestly, the only thing truly going for this show is the soundtrack.

BLINDSPOTTING: SEASON ONE Starring: Jasmine Cephas Jones, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Benjamin Earl Turner, Atticus Woodward, Rafael Casal, and Helen Hunt Creators: Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs AMARÚ The 2021 sequel-series to 2018's masterclass Blindspotting flawlessly continues the film's story even (mostly) without the film’s leads, Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs. The writing, performances, artistic expression, and utter authenticity to the town (aka Oakland) and the country's ever-evolving black experience in the face of gentrification is simultaneously hilarious, heartfelt, emotional, and engaging. Outstanding additions Benjamin Earl Turner, Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, and a glowing Helen Hunt add to the magnetic Jasmine Cephas Jones, making this a triumphant ensemble. It’s 100% loyal to the soil and my Yay area-heart loved every second of it.

Previous Next July 1, 2024 WRITTEN BY: ADRIANO This year’s Emmy nominations won’t be announced until July 17th, but voting is officially underway as we speak. With juggernauts like Succession , Barry , and Ted Lasso having finished their runs, and other awards darlings like The White Lotus and The Last of Us having not released a season this year, some might say that this television awards season is lacking. However, I'd argue that some fantastic shows will most certainly hear their name called on nomination morning, including Baby Reindeer and Lessons in Chemistry for Limited Series, Hacks and The Bear for Comedy Series, and Shōgun and Loki for Drama Series. With that said, since voting is going down right now, I want to make a plea for some shows I’ve loved whose likelihood for major nominations ranges from “likely but not guaranteed” to “basically guaranteed to miss.” Listen up, Emmy voters! I’M A VIRGO After his spectacular debut film, Sorry to Bother You , in 2018, I’ve been waiting years for Boots Riley’s sophomore effort. Finally, it has arrived in the form of Prime’s absurdist, superhero, coming-of-age comedy series I’m a Virgo , which throws the punches fans of Sorry to Bother You should now expect from Riley as he delivers a commentary on capitalism and casual race relations without ever hitting viewers over the head. That aside, though, the thing that makes Virgo so special is that beyond the zany social commentary, it has a lot of heart because Riley puts tremendous care into Cootie's story of isolation. Cootie is portrayed with hysterical authenticity by Jharrel Jerome, and he should absolutely get a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Actor to accompany Virgo ’s very deserving Outstanding Comedy Series nomination. Boots Riley's ambitions and brilliance are more than worthy of recognition in the Writing and Direction categories as well. I sure hope I won't be mourning this show's fate on nomination morning. EXPATS Speaking of Prime shows from filmmakers who I've waited longer than I would've liked for their next project, let's talk about Lulu Wang's Expats . While this series is slow in nature, Wang's direction and writing give way to a beautiful examination of womanhood and privilege that allows every moment to breathe extraordinarily authentic life. For that alone, Wang not receiving a nomination for direction doesn’t make sense to me. A show like Expats could've easily relied on the writing and terrific ensemble, but Wang's direction gives the show a whole new layer of breathtaking realism that grounds the show in a new light. I would love to see Expats receive recognition across the board, but I will not be selfish, only making a plea for Lulu Wang to receive nomination for Outstanding Direction for a Limited Series. WINNING TIME: THE RISE OF THE LAKERS DYNASTY It hurt to see Winning Time end on such an unfortunate note, forced to end its second season (and the series as a whole) with an abrupt "where are they now?" montage following an unexpected cancellation. That said, prior to that, Season Two of Winning Time is as dazzling, entertaining, and fascinating as the wildly overlooked first season, and I say that as someone who doesn't care about sports in the slightest. Rewarding Winning Time with nominations to recognize the entire series, the creative direction, and the phenomenal ensemble — namely Quincy Isaiah as Outstanding Lead Actor and Jason Segel as Outstanding Supporting Actor — would be more than valid for an underappreciated show that was taken from us far too quickly. THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES I understand that Danny McBride's abrasive comedic sensibilities can rub some the wrong way; hell, he can be too much for me sometimes. But still… I'm completely lost as to why The Righteous Gemstones has never been nominated for an Emmy. It may be crude, but that crass humor isn’t used lazily like offensive humour often can be. It has purpose. On top of that, it's only complemented by an engaging, well-thought, and surprisingly heartfelt story that deals with greed, organized religion, and toxic familial bond. This third season is absolutely the best so far, and it’s the perfect time to correct past mistakes by giving The Righteous Gemstones an Outstanding Comedy Series nomination to acknowledge the show’s excellent ensemble and writing. THE SYMPATHIZER I can't believe I have to make a plea for a critically acclaimed, black comedy-drama from HBO that is co-created by Park Chan-wook and starring recent Academy Award Winner Robert Downey Jr. in multiple roles. However, for some reason, The Sympathizer never once caught on, which is a shame. As one would expect from Chan-wook, this series is a stylish and entertaining romp that deals with themes of identity and colonialism excellently. Admittedly, The Sympathizer is very likely to receive a nomination for Robert Downey Jr.'s headline-making supporting performance(s), but in no way should it stop there. Hoa Xuoande's complicated-yet-empathetic lead performance is more than deserving of the recognition Downey has received, and none of this show works without Chan-wook’s kinetic direction. Nominating the legendary director for pulling off the incredible feat that is The Sympathizer is not a lot to ask. PLATONIC Platonic is an endearing and funny (anti?) romantic comedy that features two easy-to-love performances from Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. What else do I really have to say? In this Apple series, the mere idea of a rom-com is twisted around to show us a story of codependency and modern gender dynamics, and the results are funny and fascinating to behold. The least I can ask for is acting nominations for Rogen and Byrne, who elevate the material into an authentic and relatable territory that grounds Platonic , but it shouldn't be overlooked for its clever writing either, especially for its eighth episode, where Francesca Delbanco's writing shines the brightest. I don't fully know why this show flew so under the radar during its run, but it's one I'd recommend, and I’d be very pleasantly surprised if Emmy voters chose to acknowledge it. GEN-V The Emmys seem to have a strained relationship with The Boys , and I’ve never really understood why. Nonetheless, Gen-V is an excellent show whether you're a fan of The Boys or not. If you don’t care for The Boys ' subversive and gruesome nature, fair warning, Gen-V has the same depravity and gore of its origin show, but it also has its own identity. It is focused on telling a compelling coming-of-age story that is far away from the politics and mayhem of The Boys while being a riot in the process. You could nominate everyone in the ensemble and it would be valid, and quite frankly, it should absolutely receive a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. RESERVATION DOGS Reservation Dogs not receiving a single Emmy nomination for either of its first two seasons confuses me still. It’s funny, bold, sweet, and wholly original, yet despite the acclaim, the show has never gotten the attention it most surely deserves at the Emmys. With its third and final season eligible this cycle, I hope and pray that voters let the show go out with the bang it's owed. You can nominate it in any category and it would be deserved. The entire ensemble is terrific, and you could honestly nominate all four lead performers if you want, especially D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, who is brilliant. The direction is always fascinating and underappreciated, while the writing is incredible too. Emmys, this is your last opportunity to fix your mistakes and honour this gem of a show. THE COMPLETELY MADE-UP ADVENTURES OF DICK TURPIN Now, I've covered some shows that I consider to be pretty under the radar, but none of them come close to how wildly underappreciated The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin was and is. It's as likable and quirky as the title suggests. It's not super deep or life-affirming or anything like that. It's simply a show filled to the brim with hilarity at just about every turn, and there's not much more one could ask for when it comes to a comedy show. It's a very easy show to recommend, and its whip-smart dialogue and humour should get the show recognized for Outstanding Comedy Writing. However, it's Noel Fielding's silly and pitch-perfect comedic timing that begs for a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Actor since he turns what could be nothing more than a prolonged sketch show into a true comedic force.

BLOCKBUSTER: SEASON ONE Starring: Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Olga Merediz, Madeleine Arthur, J.B.Smoove, Tyler Alvarez, Kamaia Fairburn, and Leonard Robinson Creator: Vanessa Ramos NICK Although I had hope for this Netflix offering, this series puts the "bust" in Blockbuster . It’s supposed to be a comedy, yet the laughs are few and far between (and mainly provided by J.B. Smoove) thanks to its lackluster writing and underwhelming cast. Randall Park has given us some entertaining side characters in the past, but he wears on you in a lead role, while Melissa Fumero lacks the charm she showed in Brooklyn Nine-Nine . This one is just a misfire, and as for the "Blockbuster" aspect…if you're looking to satisfy your nostalgia for video stores, check out I Like Movies when it's released. AMARÚ At times, Blockbuster is an okay show, while at others, it most certainly is not. When it’s good, it serves as noise to put on in the background, with chuckles coming often enough that you laugh a little louder than expected. When it’s forcing you to finish a hard-to-watch episode, it’s wasting a cast full of extremely likable actors (Olga Merediz deserves her own damn show). There’s potential to the gimmick of the last video store on earth, but the visible heart of the cast isn’t enough to make this lackluster show anything more than another one-season bust.

Previous Next It's New Years Eve and time to party, so the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Party Movies. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. DAZED AND CONFUSED Alright, alright, alright… not only is Dazed and Confused one of the best coming-of-age films of all time, it’s also the ultimate party flick! Director Richard Linklater transports us back to the last day of school in 1976, where a colorful cast of characters (portrayed by a star-studded cast) engage in high school shenanigans on their way to the raging party at The Moon Tower. If you’re looking for a movie with a top notch soundtrack to jam while throwing back some brewskis and smoking a doobie with your friends, this is a must watch. - Paige 4. OLD SCHOOL Growing up, Animal House was your parents' college party film. Well, for my generation, it was Old School . To this day, if Will Ferrell goes to any college, he'll hear chants of "Frank. The. Tank! Frank. The. Tank!" The film was the launch pad for Will Ferrell's film career, and resurrected Vince Vaughn as a comedic leading man. Meanwhile, Luke Wilson plays the perfect straight man to Vaughn's and Ferrell's comedic skills. What makes the film so strong, though, is all the supporting characters who add to the zany humor…."BLUE, YOU'RE MY BOY! - JTE 3. AMERICAN PIE As a freshly minted high school graduate in 1999, American Pie was perhaps the first movie to really capture what it was like for my generation in high school. The music, the language, the sexual pressure, and, most importantly, the friendships. Like most movies of its kind, parts of it are…let’s say, problematic…nowadays, but there is still a surprising amount of heart underneath all the raunch. Plus, let’s not forget that it had three hit sequels, spawned a five-movie spinoff series, jumpstarted multiple careers, inspired generational comedy classics like Road Trip and Van Wilder , and popularized the term MILF. - Quentin 2. THE HANGOVER Released in 2009, The Hangover helped usher in a new wave of the raunchy, adult-themed comedy that dominated 10-15 years ago. With a genius premise of reconstructing the events of a drug- and alcohol-fueled night (we’ve all been there), the movie peels back a number of absurd layers that ultimately reveals the bond between four friends. This is a movie that cemented Bradley Cooper as a leading man, broke out Zack Galifianakis, and reintroduced the world to Mike Tyson. It remains a touchstone of comedy from a bygone era. - Darryl 1. SUPERBAD Superbad , plain and simple, is one of the best comedies ever made, so it’s no wonder that it is also one of the best party movies ever made. Even with some of the raunchier and more absurd moments, it’s still an extraordinarily relatable high school coming-of-age story, one with tons of laughter and a surprising emotional core that always takes me back to senior year in a touching way. Chika, chika, yeah, yeah. - Adriano HONORABLE MENTIONS THE WOLF OF WALL STREET BOOKSMART CAN'T HARDLY WAIT THIS IS THE END NEIGHBORS Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Gramercy Pictures; Photo 2 - DreamWorks Pictures, Photo 3 - Universal Pictures; Photo 4 - Warner Bros; Photo 5 - Sony Pictures Releasing