CULPRITS: SEASON ONE Starring: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Gemma Arterton, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Niamh Algar, Kamel El Basha, Tara Abboud, Karl Collins, Vincent Riotta, Amara Karan, Tom Mothersdale, Mark Field, and Laura Morgan Creator: J Blakeson QUENTIN The heist genre is maybe the most fun genre out there, and probably one of the hardest to truly mess up. With Culprits , series creator/writer/occasional director J Blakeson benefits from these two ideals because when it finally gets to heisting, it’s a fast-paced, violent, action-packed show. The problem is that it takes half the season to get there, and the early episodes, which lean heavily into a “before-and-after” storytelling structure, are a bit of a slog because the constant time-jumping kills the narrative momentum. Still, as a whole, if you can make it through the uneven start, there is enough stylized Reservoir Dogs -inspired goodness to entertain.

Previous Next With the highly anticipated release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, we figured it was the perfect time for the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Non-MCU Marvel Films/Series. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 releases 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. DEADPOOL After years of rumors, Ryan Reynolds (after leaking some test footage) finally got to properly bring Wade Wilson to the big screen, and it changed the superhero movie game in more ways than one. It showed that mainstream comic book movies could be successful while also being hella violent and raunchily R-rated. It’s also one of the first to demonstrate that major blockbusters can open in February, and, if we’re being honest, it kinda resurrected Reynolds’ career. Most of all, though, it gave studios permission to take risks when it comes to superhero content, especially when you stay true to the character. - Quentin 4. X2: X-MEN UNITED The first X-Men movie was quite a ride, but X2: X-Men United is the rare sequel that doubles down on what made the original so great while also introducing new ideas to help elevate the genre. Of course, the action and mutant shenanigans are on full display, but what makes X2 better than its predecessor is the surprisingly detailed character work that makes you genuinely connect. Many comic book sequels have come out since then, but X2 will always be the gold standard. - Adriano 3. SPIDER-MAN 2 Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 is not only considered one of the greatest comic book sequels of all time, but it’s also the ultimate live-action Spidey movie. Raimi is able to establish a tone that feels straight out of a comic book despite being real life. It’s a lighthearted film with dark themes that are executed in perfect balance, and the inner conflict of what it actually means to be Spider-Man still feels real and raw. Spider-Man 2 remains one of the ultimate non-MCU Marvel movies to swing onto the big screen. - Paige 2. SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE When trailers for Into the Spider-Verse initially released, there was a general “uhh, sure” that was heard across Film Twitter. But then we all saw it, and it changed animation, comic book movies, and Spider-people forever. It’s heartfelt, action-packed, incredibly voice-acted, and all out pure awesomeness in every meaning of the word. From the Cage-iest Nic Cage you can find to the moving monologue by Miles’ dad (Bryan Tyree Henry) through the door, Spider-Verse fires on all cinematic cylinders. The best Spider-Man movie is animated, and it’s not even close. - Amarú 1. LOGAN This modern-day western is a bonafide masterpiece that shows the potential for what a superhero film can be, thanks to the maturity and grittiness that director James Mangold brought to the X-Men universe. Hugh Jackman (playing dual roles) manages to take his performance up yet another notch as he says goodbye to the longtime role (Deadpool 3 , notwithstanding), while Patrick Stewart returns as a painstakingly brittle Charles Xavier. And don't even get me started on the finale. This is truly exceptional filmmaking. - Nick HONORABLE MENTIONS X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST X-MEN: FIRST CLASS SPIDER-MAN (2002) DEADPOOL 2 BIG HERO 6 Photo Credits: Photo 1, 2, 5 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 3, 4 - Sony Pictures Releasing

Previous Next April 25, 2022 WRITTEN BY: QUENTIN It’s easy for one to look at Nic Cage’s eccentricities & spate of direct-to-VOD movies and not fully appreciate what the man has done over the course of his 40-year career. He has excelled as a rom-com lead, an action star, a horror hero, and a scene-stealing voice actor, all while boasting two Academy Award nominations (and one win) for his dramatic work. He is, quite possibly, the only actor that truly takes risks anymore, acting for genuine love of the craft more than anything else. Truth is, you never know what you’re going to get with a Cage performance. Will it be a gonzo tour-de-force or a meditative character study? Will you laugh, cheer, be moved, or be repulsed? Either way, you just know he is going to do something interesting with each and every role while giving nothing less than 100%. That intrigue, unpredictability, and commitment is what makes Nic Cage my favorite actor. Below, you’ll find a list of my favorite Cage movies. Please note that I said “favorite,” not “best.” The two words are not synonymous. While I respect that his performance in Leaving Las Vegas is sublime, it’s such a hard movie to watch. So, you won’t find it here. Same for Mandy . You also won’t find Into the Spider-verse because, despite him being arguably the highlight of that movie, I don’t consider it a Nic Cage movie as much as a movie that just happens to co-star Nic Cage. You won’t find The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent either because I literally just watched it like an hour ago. I need to marinate on it. I don’t want to be influenced by recency bias, and only time will tell if it eventually moves its way up the list. Instead, what you will find are the Cage movies that speak to me the most. Be it nostalgia, a relatable character, or simply a high rewatchability quotient, these are the Cage films that give me the warm and fuzzies. Lastly, I’m writing the article, so I make the rules. Shut up if you don’t like it. With that, it’s not exactly Mai Tais and Yahtzee out here, but let’s do it! 10. KISS OF DEATH (1995) Without Cage, Kiss of Death would likely be a forgettable 90s movie, found in the bargain bin next to titles like Striking Distance and Sudden Death . However, Cage single-handedly wills the film into something more as Little Junior, an asthmatic thug who carries himself with more bravado than Denzel Washington in Training Day . Plus, it’s one of the rare times in which Cage is allowed to lean into pure villainy, which is a treat in itself. 9. JOE (2013) Joe ’s story is nothing new: a loner ex-con becomes a reluctant mentor to an abused teenager; However, Cage plays the titular character with both a simmering brutality and poetic stillness that adds immeasurable depth to the oft-told tale. His chemistry with Tye Sheridan makes for a powerful bond, and it’s interesting to see Cage play a character who is constantly trying to hold back his innermost impulses when we know that, as an actor, that’s not where he tends to operate. 8. LORD OF WAR (2005) Lord of War , which could genuinely function as a Tony Stark prequel (without the MCU shine, of course) takes a hard look at the global and personal consequences of illegal gun running. Cage strikes an uneasy balance as a charming yet morally corrupt monster, the kind of character you can’t help but like even as you know you shouldn’t. Few people can walk that tightrope, but Cage delivers in this sharp satire. 7. WILLY'S WONDERLAND (2021) Despite being a ripoff of the Five Nights at Freddy’s video game franchise and one of Cage’s direct-to-VOD efforts, Willy’s Wonderland is an absolute blast! It’s a simple story, a nameless janitor (Cage) battles murderous Chuck E. Cheese-style animatronics, but Cage absolutely owns the screen whether he’s kicking ass, chugging grape soda, or playing pinball. On top of that, he does it all without uttering a single word. The 80s vibe reeks of tongue-in-cheek cheesiness, but it definitely works for this hidden horror gem. 6. GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS (2000) Despite the critical drubbing it took in 2000, I’m not sure what more you could ask for in a Jerry Bruckheimer-produced action flick about stealing cars. It’s got humor, car chases, a stellar supporting ensemble (including three Oscar winners), and, frankly, it’s just a whole lot of fun. Add in all-time great Cage character name Memphis Raines and the Shelby GT500 known as “Eleanor,” and you’ve got a movie that always stops me in my tracks when flipping channels. 5. RAISING ARIZONA (1987) Despite having starred in several comedies, romantic and otherwise, people tend to forget how funny Cage can be. The Coen Brothers’ Raising Arizona is an absurdist screwball comedy that only works if you have a lead with excellent comedic timing, charm, and charisma, which Cage delivers in spades (not to mention the terrific mustache and muttonchops). Raising Arizona is a 35-year-old comedy classic that put both the Coens and Cage on the map. If you need any more convincing, director Edgar Wright called it his favorite movie of all time. 4. PIG (2021) In the five years preceding Pig ’s release, Cage starred in no fewer than 20 direct-to-VOD movies. Given that, I can understand why some people seemed to have forgotten what the man is capable of. In this film-that-was-definitely-snubbed-for-a-Best-Picture-Nomination, Cage zigs when most assume he will zag, playing the meditative, soulful, and non-violent yin to John Wick’s yang. It’s a brilliant character study on love and loss for which he was completely jobbed for his third Best Actor nomination. 3. NATIONAL TREASURE (2004) & NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS (2007) Playing out like Adult Goonies , National Treasure is a treasure hunt adventure that works for pretty much the entire family. While the historical aspects may be romanticized a bit, it’s a fun caper that probably birthed the Memefication of CageTM with one single quote: “I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence.” It’s pure popcorn fun, but in all the best ways. Then they made a second one! 2. MATCHSTICK MEN (2003) In Matchstick Men , Cage plays a con man with OCD and Tourette’s. Can you honestly imagine a more interesting actor to play someone with Tourette’s? You can see the gonzo Nic Cage we all know and love just itching to break out through every twitchy tick. It’s like he combined the grounded approach of Leaving Las Vegas with the more eccentric choices he made in Vampire’s Kiss . With a twisty story that engages and a completely earned character arc for Cage’s Ray, Matchstick Men is one of Cage’s most overlooked movies. 1. THE YEAR OF CAGE: June 6, 1996 - July 27, 1997 Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking: “You can’t just give us a random timeframe, Q.” I absolutely can. I make the rules, remember? Besides, how does one even choose between The Rock , Con Air , and Face/Off , all of which were released within (nearly) a one-year span? All three are iconic, late-90s action films, with each one producing memorable one-liners, unforgettable action scenes, generational nostalgia, colorful characters, and a string of memes that are popular 25 years later. It’s genuinely one of the best three-film-stretches for any action star, and Cage delivered it in under 14 months. That’s remarkable. I’ll be damned if I’m going to be forced into a Sophie’s Choice situation with this trinity. Photo Credits: Photo 1, 6 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 2 - Roadside Attractions; Photo 3 - Lionsgate; Photo 4 - Screen Media Films; Photo 5, 8, 10 - Disney; Photo 7 - Neon; Photo 9 - Warner Bros; Photo 10 - Paramount Pictures

FARGO: SEASON FIVE Starring: Jon Hamm, Juno Temple, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Joe Keery, David Rysdahl, Richa Moorjani, Sam Spruell, Sienna King, Dave Foley, Conrad Coates, and Lamorne Morris Creator: Noah Hawley QUENTIN After not loving its fourth season (I gave it a 2.5), Fargo is back with a vengeance, returning to all the things that made the first three seasons great: excellent characters, top-notch performances, and an engaging story that is equal parts violent, dramatic, suspenseful, absurd, and funny. Admittedly, some parts are unnecessary (Lamorne Morris’ character, for example), but the exploration of the power dynamics at play in America’s current culture, gender, and class war is extremely compelling and as relevant as ever. And it’s all carried by a terrific cadre of quirky side characters and subversive powerhouse performances from Jon Hamm and Juno Temple. PRESTON After watching Seasons Three and Four, I thought Fargo had peaked; however, Season Five brings it home as the closest offering to Seasons One and Two in terms of quality. Jon Hamm plays the bad guy so well that I hope the majority of his roles in the future will be villainous, while Juno Temple perfectly takes on the role of a sweet and unassuming, yet enigmatic, Midwesterner. The combination of writer/creator Noah Hawley’s genius, executive producers Joel and Ethan Coen’s unique humor and perspective, and a kick-ass cast operating against the backdrop of unbelievable but “true” events lead to solid entertainment.

OBITUARY: SEASON ONE Starring: Siobhán Cullen, Michael Smiley, Ronan Raftery, Danielle Galligan, David Ganly, and Michael Hough Creator: Ray Lawlor QUENTIN Hulu’s new Irish import, Obituary , isn’t particularly necessary viewing, but if you have the right mindset and sensibilities (read: dark and quirky), there is some entertainment value to be found in this highly bingeable six-episode season. The obvious comparison is Dexter (but less self-serious), but it also has shades of After Life and the macabre humor of Wednesday , all while reminding you of just about every show you’ve seen featuring small towns filled with peculiar characters and hidden secrets. With chuckles, mystery, a delightful Siobhán Cullen, and plenty of soothing Irish accents, Obituary makes for a charming and breezy (if somewhat disposable) viewing experience.

THE BROTHERS SUN: SEASON ONE Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien, Sam Song Li, Joon Lee, and Highdee Kuan Creators: Byron Wu and Brad Falchuk QUENTIN If you can picture a Jackie Chan movie done in the style and tone of Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet , then you’ve got a pretty good idea of what The Brothers Sun is. It’s action-packed, with bone-cracking and bloody martial arts scenes, while also featuring a fun, comedic silliness, including a running joke about a legendary assassin from a Taipei Triad becoming obsessed with churros. Truth be told, it is just a lot of fun and super-bingeable. On top of that, you’ve got recent Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh giving a standout performance, which, if we’re being honest, just means she’s doing typical Michelle Yeoh things. AMARÚ I like a show that knows exactly how serious to take itself. While The Brothers Sun is fairly cheesy, it leans into it with a wholly realistic sincerity that makes the show an extremely fun watch. There are a few too many times where I figured out something that the characters stupidly did not, but the amazing action, honest moments of family tenderness, and nice balance of humor and mystery make the flaws easily roll off your shoulder. The Brothers Sun bangs as hard as its very eclectic soundtrack, and binging this show is an entertaining breeze. Plus, Michelle Yeoh. Need I say more?

CROSS: SEASON ONE Starring: Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, and Ryan Eggold Creator: Ben Watkins QUENTIN Most channels have an identity based on the series they air. For example, CBS is the “crime-of-the-week” procedural channel for Boomers. Prime has become the place for not-too-challenging “beach read” shows like Reacher , Bosch , Goliath , and Jack Ryan . Cross is the latest addition to that type of programming. If this kind of show is your jam, it’ll unremarkably scratch the itch. The central investigation is interesting enough, but there is a second mystery that is needlessly tacked on to the end, resulting in a final episode that is all filler. However, the relationship between partners Alex (Aldis Hodge) and John (Isaiah Mustafa) keeps it watchable.

ATLANTA: THE FINAL SEASON Starring: Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz Creator: Donald Glover AMARÚ Season Four of Atlanta cements it as one of the greatest series of all time. The unpredictably poignant writing makes every second a must see, and the main foursome’s screen presence continues to keep your eyes glued. But what really makes this final season shine is its return home. The deep connection to music culture, Southern culture, and Black culture has always been a strength, but the return to the city of Atlanta created some of the best episodes of the entire series. Kudos to The Glover Brothers and Hiro Murai for sending off Atlanta as weirdly down-home as it knows how. PAIGE What I’ve loved most about Atlanta is that it never intended to play by the rules, always doing its own thing. Donald Glover (a damn genius) and Co. did just that with the series’ fourth and final season, which brought the show back to its unique and brilliant roots. The stories told are so unpredictable that you never know what you are going to get in terms of tone and subject matter; that’s what made it such a fun and weird trip. I’m going to miss these characters dearly, and I’m bummed it’s over. QUENTIN Though a smidge weaker than its previous seasons, Atlanta ’s final go ‘round continues to deliver surreal, hilarious, and thoughtful takes on black culture while also wrapping up one of the best shows of (at least) the last decade. My only complaint is, while the final moments present an ambiguity that interestingly reframes the entire series, it feels tacked on. The ending works and is on brand, but it’s slightly unearned since they didn’t thread a setup throughout the season (it feels more like a season finale than a series finale). Then again, maybe I’m just sad and bitter because I’ll miss spending time with the characters. ADRIANO Part of me wishes it had ended on a more satisfying note, but Atlanta ended in true Atlanta fashion, and for one of my all-time favourite shows, that’s good enough for me. While it once again lacks a cohesive structure, it’s refreshing to get a season focused on the main cast after Season Three’s anthology approach. We get deeper dives into these characters, and I’ve never felt more attached even as they walk off into the sunset. The show once again brings brilliant surrealism with an effective satirical bite and intensity; there are no other shows like Atlanta , and that’s why I will miss it.

THE PITT: SEASON ONE Starring: Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Gerran Howell, Isa Briones, Tracy Ifeachor, Shabana Azeez, Supriya Ganesh, Katherine LaNasa, Alexandra Metz, Krystel Mcneil, Shawn Hatosy, and Michael Hyatt Creator: R. Scott Gemmill NICK As someone who has watched a fair share of medical dramas, I think The Pitt is the most realistic one I’ve seen. It never relies on the romantic or soap opera theatrics of series like Grey’s Anatomy to make for a more exciting story, instead using the real-time format to achieve it organically. The perennially underrated Noah Wyle leads a balanced cast that manages to both leave their mark individually and enhance the overall story. With a healthy dose of hope, humour, and heartbreak, The Pitt raises the bar for what a medical series can be.

FLORIDA MAN Starring: Edgar Ramírez, Anthony LaPaglia, Abbey Lee, Otmara Marrero, Lex Scott Davis, Emory Cohen, and Clark Gregg Creator: Donald Todd QUENTIN On paper, Florida Man has a lot going for it: a twisty crime comedy starring beautiful people and a mountain of hilarity to mine from the popular Florida Man memes. However, in execution, the series feels hollow and forced, almost like AI wrote it. Nothing feels organic, from the character chemistry to the non-linear storytelling. It’s like the series is trying too hard to be a vibe instead of a show, but in a “how do you do, fellow kids?” way. Admittedly, Clark Gregg’s subplot is great, but the poor pacing, subpar writing, and breezy fluff of the main tale makes it hard to stay invested. JOSEPH Florida Man feels like it was pitched as a joke, but then was accidentally picked up. The cold openings of most episodes, which are based on Florida Man memes, only fuel this theory further for me. Sadly, this comedic neo-noir has very little comedy or mystery. It’s a shame, too, because despite the underwhelming story, the characters are well written and the cast is quite engaging. The last few episodes almost save the show, but they also highlight the weaknesses in the writing. Florida Man needed a tighter story and a clearer vision to stand out, but even with some strengths, it’s forgettable.

WHAT IF...?: SEASON ONE Starring: Jeffrey Wright AMARÚ At first, you think Marvel's What If...? is simply a dream-fulfilling anthology - no stakes or agenda, just enjoy the fan service. Then it gets real dark, complete with real stakes. It makes you want an agenda. By season's end, you're reminded that Marvel always has a plan, and if we get 50 seasons, we'll still be wide-eyed and ready for every episode. This season isn't perfect, though. Early episodes are too short and the humor doesn't always land (sorry, Party Thor). However, the final episodes deliver extremely satisfying pay-offs and maybe the MCU's best action sequences. Gimme more! QUENTIN While it took me a few episodes to get onboard, What If...? eventually turned into a nice weekly distraction that will keep most Marvel diehards at least moderately entertained. Like most anthologies, some episodes are better than others, but they all provide something worthwhile. What's most impressive is that nearly every MCU star provided voice work. On the other hand, the animation can be distracting, a couple episodes end rather abruptly, and some of the dialogue is pretty cheesy (probably for a younger audience since, after all, it is animated). Ultimately, it's enjoyable enough, but not required viewing despite being canon. JACOB From the outset, Marvel's What if...? seemed destined to be nothing more than the ultimate playground for the MCU to test its riskiest ideas, but it soon revealed itself to be taking those ideas extremely seriously and developing them with care. The medium of animation and half-hour-(ish) episodes are the perfect conduit for telling tales of endless imagination and striking maturity, particularly episodes four and six. Although some stories never feel as if they reach full conclusions, the introduction of a series like this counts as another triumph for Marvel studios and demonstrates most clearly why people still love them.

THE BEST MAN: THE FINAL CHAPTERS Starring: Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Terrence Howard, Regina Hall, Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan, Harold Perrineau, and Melissa De Sousa Creators: Malcolm D. Lee and Dayna Lynne North AMARÚ The Best Man: The Final Chapters feels like going back home. What started as a top tier 90s rom-com before continuing as a highly underrated 2010s Christmas film concludes, more than two decades later, as a streaming-service limited series, and it returns like only two years have passed, not 20. Being one of the best romance franchises ever doesn’t protect the series from predictable genre tropes, but the chemistry, performances, and soul on display cover for any missteps the story may take. Honestly, the decades of Black Excellence on screen shines through the brightest…and that was everything.