Search Results

Previous Next The Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Netflix Original Films. 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. THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 Whether you appreciate the fast-paced, nonstop style of writer/director Aaron Sorkin or not, one thing that he never misses on is getting the best work out of an amazing cast. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is no different, as that ability is on full display in this entertaining and insightful historical drama. - Amarú 4. FEAR STREET The Fear Street trilogy, which essentially plays out like a 6-hour movie, is a bloody masterpiece in horror storytelling that pays homage to many of the horror/slasher films that have come before it. In fact, its real brilliance is in its ability to make familiar horror scenarios feel original and inspired. Releasing each part week-by-week made it appointment viewing for all horror fans, and it is, hands down, one of Netflix’s best original films! - Paige 3. THE HARDER THEY FALL Despite proclamations that the western is dead, Netflix screamed “fuck all that noise!” with The Harder They Fall , a brash and stylized take on the classic genre. With a fresh approach, stellar ensemble, killer soundtrack, and exciting set pieces, this should be the 2021 Netflix Western that people remember going forward (sorry, not sorry, The Power of the Dog ). - Quentin 2. TICK, TICK... BOOM! Quickly and deservedly gaining traction as one of the best musical adaptations ever, Tick, Tick… Boom! is a grand display of talent. Director Lin-Manuel Miranda showcases how his skills are not limited to the theatre, while Andrew Garfield transforms into Jonathan Larson. It’s a shining example that there are many ways to adapt and honour work from other mediums and a testament to Netflix’s dedication to the craft of storytelling through film. - Joseph 1. THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES The Mitchells vs. the Machines handles the familiar theme of "technology is evil" in a unique manner by focusing more on the family connections that get lost with modern tech. Featuring a relatable topic for anyone who has felt alienated over different interests, it allows viewers to admire its animation and enjoy a fun family adventure that can stand toe to toe with most Pixar offerings. - Nick HONORABLE MENTIONS MARRIAGE STORY THE IRISHMAN THE POWER OF THE DOG ROMA DOLEMITE IS MY NAME Photo Credits: Netflix

PALM ROYALE Starring: Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Leslie Bibb, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Julia Duffy, Kaia Gerber, Amber Chardae Robinson, and Carol Burnett Creator: Abe Sylvia NICK What did I expect? Palm Royale is a 1960s set series about a group of socialites that is far more soap opera than comedy; plus, it stars Kristen Wiig (who I’ve never been a fan of). Honestly, if it wasn’t for the return of Carol Burnett, I wouldn’t even have given it a chance. Here’s the thing, though: it’s actually quite good. Maxine Simmons is one of Wiig's strongest roles to date, while the supporting characters (particularly Allison Janney and surprisingly Ricky Martin) intrigue as their secrets unravel one by one. I’m still not entirely sure why Palm Royale worked for me specifically, but it did. QUENTIN Palm Royale , which is essentially The Real Housewives of 1969 meets Mean Girls , boasts tremendous production design and a mostly stellar cast. I say “mostly” because at the center is Kristen Wiig, and she is the main reason this series fails. This may be a “me” thing, but Wiig’s Maxine never feels like a real person, instead coming across as more of a quirky SNL character with an exaggerated southern accent. It’s all the more noticeable when she’s acting opposite Allison Janney and Laura Dern. Admittedly, I’ve never been the biggest Wiig fan, so mileage may vary, but this series did not make me a convert.

THE PENGUIN Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, Michael Zegen, Michael Kelly, Mark Strong, and Theo Rossi Creator: Lauren LeFranc QUENTIN Picking up where Matt Reeves’ The Batman leaves off, The Penguin is everything one could hope for. Essentially a “comic book adaptation” in name only, this miniseries plays much closer to gritty crime dramas like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad . There are no capes or superpowers to be found here, just tormented, surprisingly sympathetic, and well-developed characters brought to life through superb performances, particularly from an Emmy-worthy Colin Farrell and a scene-stealing Cristin Milioti. With recent reports of a Joker miniseries starring Barry Keoghan in the works, this is the most exciting shared cinematic universe in the game right now. Even my superhero-hating roommate enjoyed it. AMARÚ I’ve never been one for shows like The Sopranos , but if The Penguin is even a fraction like that show as people say, I need to go back and watch. The grittiness and treachery fit perfectly within the realm of Gotham, but it’s the show’s intimate nature that makes it brilliant. Led by Emmy-worthy performances from Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Rhenzy Feliz, there’s an unexpected vulnerability exhibited through humor, desire, and acceptance that makes you root for their characters despite horrifically despicable actions. The Penguin is truly a representation of superb writing, in-depth characterization, and pitch-perfect tone mined from rich comic lore. ADRIANO The Penguin was sold to me as "The Batman meets The Sopranos ", a.k.a., my favourite comic book movie meets my favourite show. So yeah, I thought this was perfect. Colin Farrell continues to blow me away as the title character, and Cristin Milioti is a very welcome presence. This show is simply stunning to look at, fascinating to watch unfold, yet also stomach-turning at times. What makes it so incredible is that it doesn't hide what a scumbag the Penguin character is, and it's all the more captivating for it. PAIGE The Penguin is not only one of the best DC projects to date, but it also is one of the best shows of the year. Thanks to showrunner Lauren LeFranc’s direction, the series’ exploration of power and betrayal gives us a deeper and more nuanced look at Gotham City’s underworld. And while its layered writing is top-tier in this dark and twisted series, it’s the performances that bring it to the next level. Colin Farrell (Oz), who is covered in prosthetics, doesn’t let his talent go unmasked, while the standout of the show, Cristin Milioti (Sofia Falcone), is a force to be reckoned with. KATIE The Penguin is simply incredible television. It doesn’t feel like a spin-off, but builds a richly layered world that is dark, gritty, thrilling, and compelling in its own right. I love that it isn't afraid to give us ruthless, often irredeemable characters that are somehow also empathetic and complex. Colin Farrell is unrecognisable and transforms into Oswald in an unforgettable performance, and Cristin Milioti is a more than worthy opponent who is electrifying each time she’s on screen. With outstanding performances, phenomenal writing, gripping drama, and a breathtaking finale, The Penguin is one of the best series of the year.

GANGS OF LONDON: SEASON ONE Starring: Joe Cole, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Sope Dirisu, Jing Lusi, Narges Rashidi, Orli Shuka, Ray Panthaki, and Pippa Bennett-Warner Creators: Gareth Evans and Matt Flannery QUENTIN Gangs of London is a good show, but it may frustrate some viewers. The titular gangs are many and the storytelling is incredibly dense, so it requires your full attention to keep up with the narrative. Thankfully, that isn't really an issue because it's mostly riveting stuff, with nearly every episode having an extremely well-done and violent action sequence. If you've seen The Raid , you know what creator/writer/director Gareth Evans brings to the table in terms of sheer brutality. Overall, with its warring mob family plotlines, Gangs of London is like a modern-day Peaky Blinders meets Game of Thrones .

BLACK MIRROR: SEASON SIX Starring: Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, Kate Mara, Zazie Beetz, Clara Rugaard, Salma Hayek, Annie Murphy, Paapa Essiedu, Anjana Vasan, Samuel Blenkin, and Myha'la Herrold Creator: Charlie Brooker PAIGE While the new batch of Black Mirror episodes are a major improvement from last season’s, they still aren’t as glorious as what came before. As usual, the writing and performances are phenomenal, but I feel like it’s missing the original flair that made me fall in love with the show in the first place. Overall, this season just feels like it sees its originality as more of a burden than an opportunity to stand out. Although change is good, it seems that the pandemic derailed the dark and twisted technology horrors we’re used to seeing for a more natural commentary on society as a whole.

Previous Next October 31, 2024 WRITTEN BY: THE BITESIZE CREW When it comes to horror movies, most people probably would agree that the villain is perhaps the most important aspect. Sure, clever concepts, jump scares, eerie atmosphere, and all that other stuff certainly matter, but if you can nail the villain, the rest of the movie can honestly be pretty lacking and still come out a winner on the other side. As we approach Halloween, the Bitesize crew has been discussing how great the horror genre has been in 2024, especially on the villain front. Several movies were name-dropped in the group chat, including Alien: Romulus , Strange Darling , and Blink Twice , but the conversation became more focused at the mention of two movies: Longlegs and Heretic , both of which feature against-type performances from great actors. Longlegs , of course, features an instantly iconic horror villain played by Nicolas Cage. Cage certainly is no stranger to the horror game, but he is almost never a full-on villain (horror or otherwise), so his performance as Longlegs was a bit against type. He has even gone so far as to say he’ll never play a serial killer again because it’s just too dark. Then you have Heretic , where the typically charming, snarky, and affable Hugh Grant dives headfirst in horror villainy, doing everything he can to subvert your expectations and preconceived notions about his reputation. Both movies are terrific, at least partly, because of those unexpected performances, which got us to throw out our own horror pitches featuring against-type performances from typically “good guy” actors and actresses. So, hey, Hollywood, hear us out… GEORGE CLOONEY AS AN OBSESSIVE STALKER (AND HIMSELF) Full disclosure: My pitch is a bit of a rip off. However, since nothing in Hollywood is truly original, away we go… In 2005, it was announced that Brad Pitt would star in the comedy Chad Schmidt , which was about a struggling actor named Chad Schmidt who happened to look like Pitt. Pitt was to play both roles. Unfortunately, that movie fell apart, but the idea has never left my mind. As such, I want to repurpose it as a horror movie. However, instead of Pitt, who has played some dark, murderous characters in his career (not to mention the unfavorable tabloid stories), let’s go with his best bud, Hollywood Golden Boy George Clooney. Clooney has, technically, played “bad guys,” but not to the psychopathic degree I’m thinking here. Much like Pitt in Schmidt , Clooney will play two roles: himself — the handsome, fun-loving, mega-wattage, well-respected, award-winning, A-list movie star that he is in real life; and his stalker, a man that looks like Clooney from The Wasteland — unkempt, dirty, scarred, balding, and slightly off. He looks like someone tried to draw Clooney from memory. He’s hated, disrespected, lonely, forgotten, and unseen, which he’s bitter about because, in Clooney, he sees the life that he should be living. Eventually, he has a psychotic break, and his simple obsession escalates to viciously murderous stalking as he attempts to take over Clooney’s life. Given that this film can touch on themes of celebrity, obsession, fandoms, public perception, and the American Dream, all of which Clooney probably has some personal thoughts on, Clooney could be well-suited to direct. That said, Clooney’s directorial career has been hit and miss, so maybe we play it safe with David Fincher. - Quentin SAOIRSE RONAN AS AN 18TH CENTURY VAMPIRE In this atmospheric, 18th-century-set, slow-burn gothic horror, Saoirse Ronan stars as the deathly pale but eerily beautiful Mary. She resides in a small, rural puritanical community with her pious family, all of whom have been cursed with immortality by a centuries-old vampire who mocked their faith and devotion. The townspeople find Mary unnerving as her and her family try to live unassumingly alongside the human population. Other than taking the necessary amount of blood required to function, they’re seeking a simple, honest life, attempting to suppress their true nature so they can quietly move on when their eternal youth and the occasional disappearance become suspicious. However, Mary secretly longs to explore her bloodthirsty desires, murder the god-fearing townsfolk, and exploit her true power. As the family prepares to relocate again, the local church gains a new priest. He is immediately suspicious of them and is determined to solve the mysterious crimes. For her part, Mary is fascinated by him, but infuriated by his efforts to expose them, so she sets out to manipulate him, lead him astray, and disrupt his investigation by any means necessary. The film could be directed by Mike Flanagan, who is able to create the chilling tone, and has proven successful in handling religious themes before. Plus, Ronan would be alluring as a vampire, and it would be incredible to see her show her range and darker side. – Katie DEWANDA WISE AND JESSE WILLIAMS AS A CHARMING BUT ENIGMATIC COUPLE WHO AREN’T WHAT THEY SEEM Pardon me as I pander to Jamie Foxx fans for a second, but whenever I see DeWanda Wise or Jesse Williams on my screen, I always imagine Foxx whispering to me, “you looked in his eyes, didn’t you?” That Prince-inspired joke immediately comes to mind when I see Wise’s and Williams’ strikingly beautiful gazes. Those eyes that you can’t help but getting lost in would be one of the central conceits in a psychological thriller that sees Wise and Williams as the couple you wish you were (the other conceit would be Black Don’t Crack because they for damn sure don’t look their actual ages). Imagine our movie opens with two famous up-and-coming actors, like Zendaya and Tom Holland, who meet Wise and Williams at an outing, à la Speak No Evil . The older couple catches their attention with a look, and the young co-stars can’t help but get drawn in. Over the course of the night, Holland and Zendaya get more and more comfortable, eventually agreeing to join Williams and Wise in group outings and get-togethers. As their friendship grows, mysterious things that can’t be explained increasingly happen. If this sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve seen this movie before. However, no matter how many times I’ve seen stories like Blink Twice or Midsommar, if the script is well written, the cast is entertaining, and the mystery behind the older couple is unique, I’m always game to watch another version, and seeing Williams and Wise, who are often cast as the best friend/intriguing neighbor type, tapping into something nefarious and downright dastardly would be a blast to see. Plus, using their ageless looks and dazzling eyes can add any number of supernatural elements to the mystery of their cult-like power over others. – Amarú JASON MOMOA AS A PRETERNATURAL RASPUTIN What if what Russia has become today, with its aggressive foreign policy, human rights issues, and authoritarian political leanings, was more insidiously provoked by one historically mysterious man, Grigori Rasputin? Looking back at history, how did this illiterate peasant rise to be, essentially, the proxy co-ruler of Russia? His influence was undeniable, as almost immediately following his assassination in 1916, the House of Romanov, the tsarist rulers for over three centuries, lost power. He didn’t get into that position of power by wielding geo-political know-how, either. Instead, he used religious charlatanism to coerce his victims into sexual debauchery while advancing his hedonistic tendencies, all for the supposed holy cause. Let’s lean into the spiritually evil component here to paint the story of a Satanic man who poisons a nation through the lens of a supremely dark, horror period piece. For me, an unlikely Jason Momoa would be terrific as Rasputin. He can certainly look the part, and it would give him the opportunity to showcase his acting chops in the horror genre, especially with the help of Robert Eggers behind the camera. Also, for what it’s worth, I’m not the first Bitesizer to make a case for a film about the Siberian mystic (read Quentin’s article HERE ), and perhaps together he and I can make this Rasputin film dream of ours come true. Or perhaps a rhapsodic ritual is needed to convince you… – Preston ELLEN DEGENERES AS A CHILD-MURDERING “KAREN” Mirroring the allegations from Ellen DeGeneres' real life, the film begins with her leaning into her lovable (albeit somewhat nosy) persona as Julie, the newest resident of a quiet, white-picket-fence neighborhood. As a proverbial ray of sunshine, Julie is immediately loved by all, especially the community mothers. However, the honeymoon period soon wears off as she begins to show her true colours as an off-kilter "Karen." She becomes a nightmare as her nosy tendencies turn into complaints about everything from the upkeep of surrounding properties to the way her neighbours raise their children. She's highly annoying, but relatively harmless. However, something about her just seems off, so when the neighbourhood children start to disappear, all eyes turn to the increasingly unbalanced outsider. Comedians heading into horror isn’t new territory, but it’s a place where I think DeGeneres could thrive. I mean, her career has taken a 180° turn, so why not lean into that? Once the film really starts to take off, it gives her a chance to channel someone truly sinister, complete with blood, gore, and, of course, murder. The unhinged Julie is the perfect comeback role for an actress ready to shed that squeaky clean daytime persona, and no other director can bring it all together like Sam Raimi. A mix of laughs, thrills, and chills, this has all the potential to be a modern-day horror hit. – Nick GLEN POWELL AS A SERIAL KILLER Picture this: One of our newest and brightest movie stars — a man known for his wicked charm and leading man charisma — suddenly decides to play with our expectations by playing the role of a blood-thirsty killer. Glen Powell truly is the perfect movie star, so much so that, even though he has only headlined a few titles, we already picture him as the quintessential “hero.” So, what would a slasher film look like with Powell using his rugged good looks and ear-to-ear smile to form the character of a serial killer? You could play it as a misdirect to inflict a surprise reveal, but honestly, the idea of the audience knowing he's the killer, watching him charm characters and possible victims could be even scarier. Personally, even when well done, the idea of a creepy-looking person being the killer is not as interesting as when it's the person you’d least expect, and for my money right now, Powell is the last person I can imagine as a psychopath. – Adriano TOM HANKS AS A LOVING GRANDPA WITH A PAST Fun fact: Tom Hanks’ first movie role was in the low-budget slasher He Knows You're Alone (1980). However, as his career has progressed, he has earned the title of “America’s Dad” because of his penchant for heartwarming, family-friendly roles. But have you ever wondered if he has a darker side that is just lurking to come out and play? I know I sure have! I’d love to see him let it out in a return to the horror genre. On the anniversary of his wife’s passing, Ed’s (Hanks) grandkids decide to spend the weekend at grandpa’s house while their parents go on vacation. While there, the adolescent teens stumble upon a bunch of old newspaper clippings about “The Stranger,” a famous serial killer from the past that was never caught. At first, they find it a little odd that gentle ol’ grandpa has a scrapbook about a murderer, but then they find a box full of random jewelry — jewelry that is mentioned in the news articles as missing items from the victims. This is when they begin to realize that maybe their grandfather isn’t so innocent after all. As they try to play it cool until the end of the weekend, Ed’s demeanor completely changes (imagine John Goodman’s character in 10 Cloverfield Lane ) when he realizes someone has gone through his belongings to see something that should not have been seen. This is when things take a sinister turn. His secret can’t get out, and he will do whatever it takes to protect himself, even if that means ditching his pitch-perfect grandpa persona to reveal his true inner demon to the ones he loves most. – Paige

THE BEAR: SEASON THREE Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson, Ricky Staffieri, Corey Hendrix, and Oliver Platt Creator: Christopher Storer PRESTON I want to excuse this season like a mother would excuse her execrable child: “It’s not Timmy’s fault that he bit a teacher, he was just tired from his exhausting gaming marathon!” My best attempt is that Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) wins me over completely, the celebrity chef cameos are killer, and Neil Fak (Matty Matheson) provides much needed comic relief. Tragically though, the previously successful nonlinear structure becomes a regressive hindrance, the plotline goes nowhere fast, and the episodes are disjointed. Let’s hope this is all to whet the appetite for a redemptive Season Four. PAIGE Season Three of The Bear continues to do a fantastic job of blending the tranquility and mayhem that make this series so remarkable, even though this crop of episodes is missing a few appetizing ingredients. Frustratingly, nothing is resolved, leaving the story thinner than in its previous exquisite seasons, and each episode plays more like a collage of artistic images than a plot-driven narrative. Don’t get me wrong, the aura of the show is still there, and the performances are its best feature; however, it needs to beef itself back up to deliver what we loved about Seasons One and Two. QUENTIN Even though it boasts the same top-notch acting, celebrity cameos, and food porn that contributed to the first two seasons’ success, The Bear is starting to show some cracks in its storytelling (a point punctuated by an unsatisfying and lazy “to be continued” tag on the finale). For whatever reason, the show’s writers made this season almost entirely about character development, and in the process, sacrificed anything that resembles an actual narrative arc for the titular restaurant. Each episode is more like a character vignette, with a couple even feeling like filler. It’s not a terrible season by any means, but it’s a definite step backwards. ADRIANO It's with a heavy heart that I say I was underwhelmed with the third season of The Bear . After its pitch-perfect second season, the bar was always gonna be high for the follow-up. But while the performances are still top-notch, the energy is still kinetic, and more than any season, I was more into the creative filmmaking on display, I don't feel like anything was accomplished. At least for the first eight episodes, I felt like we were going in circles to arrive at no destination. A pretty disappointing third season to an otherwise outstanding show. AMARÚ Season Three of The Bear is one of transition. It’s as stressful, well-acted, frenetic, and funny (it’s a comedy right?) as the first two seasons, but the direction and plot structure takes those familiar vibes and presents them in a new, artistic, and swing-for-the-fences way. There’s less of a narrative thru-line, making this more of a stop-gap season between stories, and that doesn’t always translate as naturally to the show’s grounded history, but it emphasizes each character’s journey in a way that highlights the cast’s tremendous talent. The art-house approach may not work 100 percent, but I appreciate the attempt at something new. KATIE Season Three of The Bear, one of the greatest shows on TV, delves deep into the psyche and past of its protagonists, favouring character study over driving the narrative forward. This season took a more complex and abstract approach, with some episodes consisting of montages of beautiful food, creative editing, and compelling performances, and although this is definitely not a bad thing, it demands more patience and willingness to focus on the moment. I felt I got to know each character far more intimately, setting us up for hopefully a more productive next season, enhanced by all of this previous character development.

GRIMSBURG: SEASON ONE Starring: Jon Hamm, Rachel Dratch, Erinn Hayes, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Alan Tudyk Creators: Catlan McClelland and Matthew Schlissel QUENTIN Grimsburg is by no means the next great animated classic, but if you’re the type of person who still enjoys Family Guy reruns, there is enough here to make for an entertaining 30-minute time killer. In fact, Grimsburg plays a lot like Family Guy mixed with Criminal Minds . Each episode revolves around a murder case, and the jokes, cutaway gags, and pop culture references come at a fast and furious clip, so much so that episodes might get better upon a rewatch. It’s a silly yet solid parody of crime procedurals, and though it may feel overly familiar, it’s a good series for casual watching.

Previous Next July 27, 2023 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE Since I turned the golden age of 30 back in April, I wanted to be kind and rewind back to the year I was born, 1993. That is when it all started for me, so why not craft a retrospect on cinema for that year? With that in mind, in an effort to honor my birth year, let’s pay homage to the 30-year-old films that made the biggest impact, not only on the world, but on me personally as a cinephile. My approach is to use many of the same categories that we use for our annual Bitesize Awards because, had Bitesize been around in 1993, I honestly think we’d have many of the same winners that I picked today. If you’ve read our Bitesize Awards before, you know how we do things, breaking films down by genre, but I’ve also added a couple surprises. Now, join me in 1993! IN ALL SERIOUSNESS SCHINDLER'S LIST In all seriousness… are you surprised that Schindler’s List won the drama award?!? With excellent storytelling and great performances, there’s no denying that this film is ranked among the best films of all time. Inspired by the Thomas Keneally novel and Oskar Schindler's real-life story, this historical drama follows Schindler (Liam Neeson), a businessman who tries to save thousands of Jewish people by employing them in his factories during World War II. While it’s a heart-wrenching watch, it’s one that should be seen because it tells a story of survival through a raw and devastating lens that allows viewers to see the triumphant faith of one human being trying to do good. Plus, the film received twelve Academy Award nominations, winning seven, including Best Picture and Steven Spielberg’s first for Best Director. Runner-up: A BRONX TALE ADRENALINE JURASSIC PARK In another “no surprise,” we have Jurassic Park , the adrenaline-fueled film that was the number one movie at the box office in 1993. Given the jaw-dropping visuals and CGI, it’s honestly baffling that this movie came out 30 years ago, but this action adventure has aged like fine wine. The film’s mastermind, Steven Spielberg, still stuns audiences to this day with how real and believable the dinosaurs look. Adapted from Michael Crichton's novel, the movie follows a group of visitors to an island where a millionaire has successfully cloned dinosaurs; then things go awry. Of course, the film is filled with astonishing action sequences and chilling sound effects (I can still hear the echoes of T-Rex footsteps in the distance), but it also has so much heart and such memorable characters that you’ll want to become a paleontologist. The fact that this movie brought dinosaurs back to life has truly made it one of the ultimate adventure films. Runner up: DEMOLITION MAN LAUGH OUT LOUD DAZED AND CONFUSED Alright, alright, alright…not only is Dazed and Confused the funniest movie of 1993, it's also my favorite movie to be released that year, as well as my second favorite movie of all time ( Scream (1996) is first). This coming-of-age comedy by Richard Linklater follows a group of rowdy teenagers in Austin, Texas, celebrating their last day of school in 1976. The film is totally authentic, funny, charming, and it makes you wish you grew up in the 70s, interacting with these fascinating characters. It really captures the essence and tone of the era, which makes it the ultimate hangout film. This carefree day-in-the-life film also has the raddest soundtrack to jam to, and it stars - not one, not two – but three performers that would eventually go on to win Oscars (Renée Zellweger, Ben Affleck, and Matthew McConaughey). Runner up: MRS. DOUBTFIRE NIGHTMARE CRONOS While 1993 wasn’t the best year for horror, there is one film that does stick out to me: Guillermo del Toro’s Cronos . This happens to be del Toro's first feature length film, and his first of many monster movies. This unique vampire flick is stylish and gory while, at the same time, isn’t all in your face trying to frighten you. It’s the visual aesthetic and practical effects that make it feel so creepy. Cronos tells the story of an antique dealer who stumbles upon an ancient scarab called…you guessed it, Cronos…that grants him eternal youth. However, this newfound youth comes at the cost of needing to reluctantly consume human blood, which leads the main character to seek blood in ways that do not involve hunting victims. The story shows the internal struggles he faces when choosing between eternal life and his family's safety. Runner up: LEPRECHAUN HIDDEN GEM A PERFECT WORLD Clint Eastwood’s most underrated film as a director, A Perfect World , is also the biggest hidden gem of 1993. This film will surprise you with how much heart it has, and if you haven’t seen it, you need to jump on it because it’s such a moving story that will give you all the feels. The movie is set in Texas in 1963, and it follows escaped convict Butch Haynes (Kevin Costner) as he takes an 8-year-old boy hostage while fleeing the authorities. While on the run, the two embark on a road trip that results in an unlikely bond and friendship. This character-driven film is a tender but thrilling manhunt movie that explores themes of childhood trauma. We also get Kevin Costner playing against type as a “bad guy,” which we almost never get, and it's arguably one of his best performances to date. Runner up: MATINEE BEST LEFT IN 1993 HOCUS POCUS Okay, listen… before everyone jumps down my throat about this pick, let me just say that this Halloween cult classic from Disney is rightfully beloved by many, including myself. It’s a must watch for me every October, and l love visiting Salem, MA, every year during the spooky season. That said, let’s be honest… Hocus Pocus is campy as hell, and it hasn’t aged very well in many ways. It has a sexualized teen aspect that is downright creepy, especially with the virginity of 15-year-old Max (Omri Katz) being a major plot point, not to mention his 8-year-old sister (Thora Birch) calling him out on it every five seconds. All that nonsense takes up the majority of screen time instead of giving us more of what we want: the Sanderson Sisters (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy). It’s also worth pointing out that the special effects in this film are cheap and cringey. The film would’ve benefited so much more if it used more practical effects. Runner up: SUPER MARIO BROS. GRAB BAG TRUE ROMANCE Now is the time for the Grab Bag Award, which goes to a film that doesn’t exactly fit into any of the categories listed above but still deserves a shout-out. I decided to go with one of my favorite films written by Quentin Tarantino, True Romance . Is it a drama? Is it an action movie? It has a lot of humor, but can you call it a comedy? Who’s to say? Directed by the late Tony Scott, the story revolves around comic-book nerd Clarence (Christian Slater) and prostitute Alabama (Patricia Arquette), two people who fall in love and go on the run from the mafia after crossing it in several ways. It’s a hell of a road trip film that features a wicked unique love story with the perfect blend of humor and violence. With a murderer’s row of a cast, including Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Brad Pitt, and James Gandolfini, True Romance is a love story for the ages that is so exhilarating that you need to check it out if you haven’t. Runner Up: WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE? Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Amblin Entertainment; Photo 2 - Universal Pictures; Photo 3 - Gramercy Pictures; Photo 4 - October Films; Photo 5, 7 - Warner Bros; Photo 6 - Walt Disney Studios

Previous Next To celebrate the recent releases of films like Mickey 17 and Alto Knights, we figured now was a great time to look at some of our favourite dual (or sometimes even more) performances. In the spirit of things, we even pulled double duty ourselves. With that in mind, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Multi-Role Performances. Of note, this does not include roles where a character portrays multiple personalities or roles within the same character body (Split, Face/Off, etc.) Each writer ranks their top 15 performances 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. JAKE GYLLENHAAL - ENEMY For a film like Enemy , where the purpose of its dual performance is not so much to have audiences gawk at the spectacle, but to create an uneasiness at the mere possibility that we don't know who is truly who, Jake Gyllenhaal had a lot of weight to carry on his back. Thankfully, he was up to the task. Gyllenhaal portrays both Adam and Anthony with a stark contrast that makes them feel like different people, not just in terms of personalities, but their reactions and their insecurities. Enemy is a film that isn't so much in your face with its tone or narrative, but methodical, meaning any exaggerative beat from either of Gyllenhaal's performances would break the illusion. And yet, he never waivers. - Adriano 4. PETER SELLERS - DR. STRANGELOVE Now, I could go on a tangent about how Peter Sellers’ multi-role performance as the US President, a British Air Force captain, and a Nazi atomic bomb expert in Stanley Kubrick's satirical masterpiece Dr. Strangelove was meant to illustrate how the American military's influence is worldwide, but I'd be wasting my time. It turns out Columbia Pictures liked Peter Sellers so much that they said they'd only finance the movie if he played multiple roles. I wouldn't be surprised if, at least on the first go, you didn't realize all three of these roles were played by Sellers, mostly because it flew over my own head. Whatever the case, Sellers injects so much character into each of them that it actually does feel like we're experiencing three different humans, however cartoonish and terrifying they are. - Adriano 3. NICOLAS CAGE - ADAPTATION No matter what you think of Nicolas Cage's performances, there's no doubting he can play almost any kind of role, and in the instance of Adaptation , two characters at once! In Spike Jonze’s film, Cage is given the task of playing real-life screenplay writer Charlie Kaufman and his fictitious twin, Donald. He showcases his acting range by playing Charlie as the anxious, timid, and tortured type, whilst Donald is more endearing and easy-going. It proves that sometimes two is better than one, as Cage was able to snag an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for this dual performance, and deservedly so, as no one else could’ve pulled it off as well as him. In portraying Charlie and Donald so differently, his yin and yang performance unleashed his full range of talents and truly showcased everything that he’s capable of. - Paige 2. MIKE MYERS - AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME Mike Myers's hilarious multi-role performance in Austin Powers was an easy pick for this list. I grew up quoting the iconic catchphrases made famous by Myers’ three characters in The Spy Who Shagged Me, the titular Austin Powers, his nemesis Dr. Evil, and the repulsive henchman Fat Bastard. Myers’ unrestrained dedication to the roles is stupidly funny, and each has a distinct voice and entirely different look that, thanks to the insane prosthetics, make it hard to believe they’re all played by the same actor. Myers’ performance ranges from cheeky and randy, to camp and villainous, to one of the crudest characters I’ve seen depicted on screen. Yes, Austin Powers may not have aged perfectly, but Myers’ characterizations are so campy and flamboyantly over the top that, to me, they’ll always be groovy, baby. - Katie 1. LUPITA NYONG'O - US When I saw this Top Five concept, I thought the automatic pick was going to be one of Eddie Murphy’s multiple, genius multi-role performances. It felt right. Then I remembered one of the most recent Oscar snubs (and yes, this is an ACTUAL snub) in Lupita Nyong’o’s brilliant double performance as Adelaide and Red. It’s not just the voice, it’s the absolute dedication to the scarred, creepy, desperate wanting of her tethered character Red playing across from the reserved, loving, insecure, desperate survival mode of Adelaide. Forget recency bias, all of those emotions in two bodies, while feeling simultaneously separate but the same, is a feat that Nyong’o crushes better than most other multi-role performances in history. It introduced us to just how talented she is, and will leave a lasting impression in movie history. - Amarú HONORABLE MENTIONS EDDIE MURPHY - COMING TO AMERICA MIA GOTH - X EDDIE MURPHY - THE NUTTY PROFESSOR TOM HARDY - LEGEND MICHELLE YEOH - EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH: SEASON ONE Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Naomie Harris, Annelle Olaleye, Clarke Peters, Bill Nighy, Jimmi Simpson, Kate Mulgrew, Sonya Cassidy, Joana Ribeiro, and Rob Delaney Creators: Jenny Lumet and Alex Kurtzman QUENTIN Despite an interesting premise and some excellent performances (Chiwetel Ejiofor, especially), each passing episode of The Man Who Fell to Earth loses its grip on the elements that made for the series’ strong start. After the fish-out-of-water angle exhausts itself, the story begins to move at a snail’s pace as the show seems determined to slow-roll its mystery in an effort to play up its tone of ethereal solemness. Considering all the good things it has going for it (score, special effects, overall vibe, etc.), it’s the type of sci-fi series I want to like, but I just don’t have the patience for it.

KINDRED: SEASON ONE Starring: Mallori Johnson, Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten, Gayle Rankin, Austin Smith, and David Alexander Kaplan Creator: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins QUENTIN Kindred , which is essentially Outlander: Antebellum , starts off like gangbusters, setting up an intriguing mystery with horrifying stakes. However, as the show goes on, it mostly abandons the more interesting setups to become a fairly straightforward soap opera. It rarely asks the tough questions about how a modern African American woman would navigate being a slave in the 1800s, and to be frank, the way plantation life is depicted is heavily sanitized, which really undermines the gravity and fear of the situation. Still, overall, it’s more of a missed opportunity than a failure, and I’ll likely come back for Season Two.