GENIUS: ARETHA Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Courtney B. Vance, David Cross, Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones, and Shaian Jordan Creator: Suzan-Lori Parks QUENTIN With NatGeo dropping eight episodes over four consecutive nights, it feels like the network wasn't too proud of this miniseries about Aretha Franklin. I can see why. While Cynthia Erivo absolutely slays the singing parts, her performance during the non-singing parts is restrained to the point of being dull. The series also feels cheap, from the 80s-style opening credits to the fact that they couldn't get the rights to Aretha’s biggest hits (really? No “Respect”?). It's like a low budget, made-for-TV Bohemian Rhapsody - an incredibly flawed and formulaic biopic that is only as strong as your love for Aretha’s music.

Previous January 19, 2026 Next A BITESIZE CHAT WITH EMI/EMMETT YONEMURA & CHASE CONLEY Directors Emi/Emmett Yonemura & Chase Conley have a chat with Amaru about the first season of X-Men '97 and how they brought the iconic comic-book characters back to the small screen after 30+ years. Make sure to check out X-Men '97 now on Disney Plus. Interview conducted on May 16th, 2024 by Amarú Moses. Photo Credits: Disney Plus

Previous Next Christopher Nolan's latest film, The Odyssey, is here this month and with Matt Damon stepping into the boots of Odysseus, we figured it was the perfect time to look over the actor's career highs. So, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Matt Damon Performances. As per usual, 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. THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY Generally, Matt Damon is not an actor that draws me to a film, but his turn as Tom Ripley in The Talented Mr. Ripley easily comes to mind when I think of incredible performances, in general. He even stands out amongst co-stars Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Cate Blanchett. Damon simply excels in this role, with his chameleonic performance embodying each of the characteristics that Ripley adopts as he evolves from the awkward outcast that garners empathy to smooth talking charmer to unnerving sociopath. Plus, set against the constant backdrop of gorgeous, sun-soaked scenes, his performance is juxtaposed with the picturesque setting in a way that further enhances his changeable and sinister nature. He is menacing in a way that makes for genuinely uncomfortable viewing while also demonstrating Ripley’s vulnerability and obsessive need to deceive, maintain his facade, and be accepted as he manipulates the characters around him as well as the audience. — Katie 4. FORD VS. FERRARI There are actors we love that are absolute chameleons in every role they play, transforming into someone unrecognizable, no matter how famous they are (à la Christian Bale). Then there are actors we love who play a different version of the same greatness every time they hit the screen, and we don’t care because they are the best at what they do (à la Denzel Washington). I find that Matt Damon falls somewhere in between those two: sometimes transforming into vulnerable (Good Will Hunting ), silent (the Bourne franchise), or insecure (Ocean’s Eleven ) characters, but still falling into different versions of charming and cocky Damon. Ford v. Ferrari is my favorite version of the typical Damon. As automotive icon Carroll Shelby, he takes his indelible confidence and goes toe-to-toe with angry Bale, nice Jon Bernthal, boss-level Tracy Letts, and tentpole-asshole Josh Lucas and still gives one of the most memorable performances of the entertaining and stacked ensemble. Just two scenes — 1. Shelby calmly taking Letts’ Henry Ford on the fastest test drive in the history of mainline; and 2. fighting Bale’s Ken Miles in his front yard — were enough to make me think Damon might be the coolest person in any movie he’s in. — Amarú 3. THE DEPARTED The Departed , the film that earned iconic director Martin Scorsese his first (and only) Oscar, features Matt Damon’s best performance. Of course, Damon gets to show off the charm that we expect from him, but when you’re working with Scorsese, you must get a little dirtier. His character’s moral decay and push further to the dark side are played with excellent internal authenticity by Damon. You don’t need a manic psychopath from him; that’s what Jack Nicholson is there for. What you need is for Damon to portray Colin Sullivan with just the right amount of inner struggle and ambitious lust for the highs the double-agent lifestyle provides, and as the wolves around him begin to circle, the fear that it’ll all come crashing down. For as stacked a cast as The Departed has, to stand his own amongst all the greats around him is proof that he’s deserving to be in the conversation with them. — Adriano 2. GOOD WILL HUNTING It’s hard to imagine that Matt Damon’s career would be the same without Good Will Hunting . What started as a final assignment for a playwriting class became something much bigger, especially after he asked longtime best friend and future creative partner Ben Affleck for his input. The final result ended up winning two Oscars (including Best Original Screenplay) and becoming one of Miramax’s most profitable releases, taking both Damon and Affleck from relative unknowns to major stars practically overnight. It’s a great story that just so happens to be behind a great movie, and screenwriting accolades aside, Damon’s turn as the titular character shouldn’t go overlooked, as his open relatability and boyish charm make Will — the prickly but vulnerable genius that he is — easy to care about and root for. It’s affecting in all the right ways, and the fact that it’s only an early glimpse of Damon’s capabilities on both sides of the camera makes it all the more special. — Bode 1. THE MARTIAN Ridley Scott's The Martian allows Matt Damon to showcase nearly every aspect of his acting chops, and as a result, he carries the entire film on his shoulders. He brings the audience into Mark Watney's psyche and keeps us deeply invested from beginning to end. Whether it's through his video logs or watching him go through both triumphs and setbacks, Watney feels like a real person whose optimism never comes across as forced. Frankly, what Damon does with this character is outstanding. He effortlessly balances comedy and drama throughout the film, which makes every emotional beat feel honest and real. His portrayal also gives the audience hope and faith that his character will survive. While many of his other performances are great, they all led to The Martian , which demonstrates all that he is truly capable of as an actor because Damon scienced the shit out of this role. — Paige HONORABLE MENTIONS TRUE GRIT AIR DOGMA THE INFORMANT! OCEAN'S ELEVEN

LOVE & DEATH Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Jesse Plemons, Lily Rabe, Patrick Fugit, Krysten Ritter, Tom Pelphrey, Elizabeth Marvel, and Keir Gilchrist Creator: David E. Kelley QUENTIN Objectively speaking, Love & Death is a decent true crime series that is held together by several solid performances, especially from Elizabeth Olsen; however, for me, it has the same problem as White House Plumbers . I just watched Hulu’s Candy , which is about the same murder and starring Jessica Biel, last year, so this series is nothing more than a redundant rehash. Comparatively, they are of about the same quality, with one doing a few things better than the other and vice versa, but, if you saw Candy , there is no reason to watch Love & Death . If you haven’t seen Candy , pick your poison. PAIGE Love & Death is just a dry and dull paint-by-numbers type of crime show, and it’s so straightforward that I can’t picture it cracking the interests of many. This true crime drama just doesn’t bring anything new to the table with its storytelling, especially considering that Hulu already told this tale with Candy . Yeah, Elizabeth Olsen gives life to her character, Candy Montgomery, but I can’t help but feel that it’s time to put this case to rest. ADRIANO I don’t know everything about the Candy Montgomery (Elizabeth Olsen) story, but I know it’s much more complicated than the surface level, one-sided, and sympathetic approach that Love & Death took. It is hard for me to call this show bad, and it did pique my interest more in the second half of the season, but the lens through which this show is presented does not give the subject the nuance it requires. Olsen and the rest of the cast are great, and it’s well-put together; I just wasn’t engaged enough to care.

EYES OF WAKANDA Starring: Cress Williams, Anika Noni Rose, Gary Anthony Williams, Patricia Belcher, Lynn Whitfield, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Steve Toussaint, Winnie Harlow, and Jona Xiao Creator: Todd Harris AMARÚ While all four episodes of Eyes Of Wakanda tackles the fictional country’s interesting relationship with the outside world, it fails to do so with the same nuance or depth as its preceding films. The voice-acting and dialogue, in particular, carry the same ham-fisted quality that many PG-laden kids cartoons are known for. While that might work well on Saturday mornings, I’m sure it’s not what the showrunners were shooting for. Two (and some bits) out of the four episodes did find a proper balance of wonder, humor, stakes and fun that the entire family can enjoy, but being halfway successful left me halfway disappointed.

THE MANDALORIAN: SEASON THREE Starring: Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Katy M. O’Brian, Emily Swallow, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee Creator: Jon Favreau AMARÚ You never realize how literal Mandalorians’ speech patterns are until they say more than four words (is this the way?). With Season Three of The Mandalorian focusing as much on Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) as Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, the heavily expository dialogue makes the season initially feel long-winded and meandering. But when the full picture comes into sight, it’s an interesting journey deciphering to whom the title is referring. While the build to the trio’s collective adventure is not as exciting as previous seasons, a strong finish makes it a compelling one to watch unfold. NICK This season of The Mandalorian is easily its weakest. It's less focused, with more of an "adventure-of-the-week" style, and for a large portion, it puts Grogu on the backburner. I wondered if bringing him back during The Book of Boba Fett was the right call, and, to me, this cemented that it was not. He's not vital to the story, nor does he get a chance to really grow. In fact, Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) is the only character to get a quality arc. It still has all the trademarks of Star Wars , and it certainly ends strongly, but it doesn’t reach the heights of previous seasons. QUENTIN Despite the production values, special effects, and action set pieces being on par with previous seasons, if not better (especially in the last two episodes), the writing this season really punches The Mandalorian in the dick, bringing the series down to slightly above average territory. The main story, if you can call it that, revolves around re-establishing Mandalore, but it isn’t given enough attention to be compelling. Plus, random breakaway episodes completely halt any momentum that plotline tries to establish. Add in an ending that feels like a series finale, and I’m not sure I need to return for the already confirmed fourth season. PAIGE This season of The Mandalorian broadened what the actual title of the show stands for. While focusing more on the unity of rebuilding Mandalore, it pushed Din (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu’s storyline to the backseat. It isn’t bad television, per se, but it is the weakest of the three seasons, especially with the lack of depth and poor writing. That said, despite the inconsistent season, the final two episodes are amongst the best of the entire series, setting us up for many more adventures with our main duo. I'm still looking forward to what comes next because this is the way! ADRIANO After two knockout seasons, it seems like The Mandalorian has run its course after the third season. The entire season, I couldn’t really tell what Jon Favreau was going for, as each episode seemed to go from one side quest to another, only without a real purpose this time. I did like Katee Sackhoff, but the focus on Bo-Katan meant less focus on Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, which is a choice that is a little confounding. I can’t say I had no fun, but I will not be rushing into Season Four like I did with this season.

THE TWISTED TALE OF AMANDA KNOX Starring: Grace Van Patten, Rebecca Wisocky, Francesco Acquaroli, Giuseppe De Domenico, Roberta Mattei, Sylvia Panacione, Sharon Horgan, Sara Sedran, Jared Canfield, Vincenzo Zampa, Uta Dunz, Joe Lanza, Crosby Fitzgerald, and Anna Van Patten Creator: K.J. Steinberg QUENTIN Having watched Netflix’s documentary Amanda Knox , in which Knox was heavily involved, I wasn’t sure what new information a scripted take on the case could provide, even if Knox was, once again, heavily involved. Surprisingly, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox offers a fresh approach to the material by exploring the nature of bias through the viewpoints of the peripheral players instead of only centering on Knox (a terrific Grace Van Patten). Even the nods to Amélie , a key part of Knox’s alibi, are clever. Mileage may vary depending on what you already know, but it won me over despite me being familiar with the twisted tale. PAIGE The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox is a gripping and comprehensive limited series told through a fictionalized dramatization of Amanda Knox's own lens. Despite how disjointed the editing can appear and how the over-the-top dramatized elements can feel at times, the series effectively immerses its audience right back into this whirlwind media storm that occurred back in the late 2000s. This depiction of Knox’s story offers a more insightful and nuanced look at a misunderstood young woman, who is played extremely effectively by Grace Van Patten. But as far as a retelling of this harrowing true story, while it stands out for its emotional resonance, it falls short in exploring the true crime elements.

IT'S FLORIDA, MAN Starring: Sam Richardson, Simon Rex, Anna Faris, Juliette Lewis, Randall Park, Ego Nwodim, Betsy Sodaro, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Jon Gries, Matty Cardarople, Cameron Britton, Steven Ogg, Echo Kellum, Steve Little, and Stephen Root Creators: Mark Herwick and Jeff Tomsic QUENTIN People who love Drunk History and the exploits of “the world’s worst superhero,” Florida Man, are sure to have a blast with It’s Florida, Man . For someone who doesn’t care about either of those things, though, this comedic docuseries, which features famous people reenacting outlandish stories as told by real Floridians, becomes tiresome pretty quickly. The real people featured are certainly quirky, but this almost feels exploitative of low hanging fruit — more laughing at them than with them. Meanwhile, the reenactments don’t really add much. I’m sure there is an audience for this, but I ain't it. At least it’s a really quick watch (six 20-minute episodes).

Previous Next It's May, the month of Mother's Day and the newest release in the franchise that's all about family. Before it was about family though, it was about cars. With that in mind, the crew decided to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five On-Screen Vehicles. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 selections 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. ECTO-1 (GHOSTBUSTERS FRANCHISE) Plain and simple: The Ecto-1 is one of the most iconic vehicles in cinema history. It’s simple in its design (a white Cadillac Miller-Meteor Sentinel ambulance converted to limo-style with the Ghostbusters logo and some ghostbusting doo-dads on the top), the Ecto-1 has much more use than bringing the Ghostbusters to the ghosts they need to bust. It represents the earnestness and dedication of the scientists and their humble beginnings, not to mention the cool upgrades that we saw in Ghostbusters: Afterlife . - Adriano 4. MYSTERY MACHINE (SCOOBY-DOO FRANCHISE) While the rest of the list may be “better” vehicles, I don't think there is one here that is more universally recognized to the highest number of people than the Mystery Machine. No matter your age, race, gender, geographic location, favorite genre, height, weight, MPAA rating… I think you get the point. Show some 7-year-olds a DeLorean, and they may look at you crazy. Show them the blue, green and orange van and they'll yell "SCOOBY!" For over 50 years, that van has been foiling somebody’s master plan, and your grandkids will probably see it rolling across their screen 50 years from now. How’s that engine still running? - Amarú 3. ASTON MARTIN (007 FRANCHISE) Originally introduced in 1964's Goldfinger , the Aston Martin has become a staple in James Bond's bag of tricks. A sleek design (almost always found in silver) having evolved from the aforementioned DB5 in Goldfinger to the DBS in No Time to Die , the car has always been outfitted with whatever nonsense the Q branch can pack into it. From bulletproof glass to machine guns behind the headlights, rotating license plates and a passenger side ejector seat (you're joking! ), Aston Martin has always been associated with the on screen brand of Her Majesty's Secret Service. Hopefully, the Bond/Martin combination will be one fans continue to see for many years to come. - Darryl 2. MILLENNIUM FALCON (STAR WARS FRANCHISE) There are so many iconic spaceships throughout Star Wars , but the most notable has to be the Millennium Falcon. Although it may look like a piece of junk, it has survived many epic battles and is wicked fast. I mean, it completed the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs. It also happens to be helmed by two of the greatest pilots and heroes on film, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). - Paige 1. DELOREAN (BACK TO THE FUTURE FRANCHISE) Back to the Future doesn’t work without the DeLorean in the same way that Top Gun doesn’t work without fighter jets. The vehicle is the movie, the thing on which every plot point and character beat hinges. As movie vehicles – and, more specifically, cars – go, it doesn’t get much more iconic than the scene-stealing time machine in Robert Zemeckis’ trilogy. Only Star Wars' Millennium Falcon could ever match up with the DeLorean’s instant recognizability or, more crucially, its charming personality. - Jacob HONORABLE MENTIONS BATMOBILE (THE BATMAN) BATMOBILE (BATMAN '89) USS ENTERPRISE (STAR TREK FRANCHISE) HERBIE (THE LOVE BUG FRANCHISE) BUMBLEBEE (TRANSFORMERS FRANCHISE)

Previous Next He-Man has found his way back to the big screen which made us think about what other cartoon characters have successfully made the transition to live-action. So, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Live-Action Cartoon Adaptations. As per usual, each writer ranks their 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. HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Ron Howard's How the Grinch Stole Christmas not only expands on the source material, but it wonderfully captures the spirit of the story in a live-action format. What this adaptation does so well is that it adds emotional depth to the Grinch (Jim Carrey), making him not just a villain like he is in the animated special, but a fleshed-out character with layers, while also enhancing the world of Whoville. Don’t get me wrong, it can certainly feel a bit campy and over-the-top at times, but it's filled with a lot of heart and charm. Not only does the Grinch's heart grow three sizes by the end of the film, but so does mine every time I rewatch it. From the amazing prosthetics to Jim Carrey's zany performance, How the Grinch Stole Christmas truly captures the same Christmas magic that made the animated special so beloved. This version is a must watch every holiday season. - Paige 4. SCOOBY-DOO Scooby-Doo may have been derided amongst critics, at just 32% on Rotten Tomatoes, but its success at the box office and cult appreciation show that it continues to resonate with audiences. The first live-action movie with these beloved characters, writer James Gunn and director Raja Gosnell produced a fun, zany, almost parodic approach to Mystery Incorporated and their adventures. Whilst not renowned for its CGI, the distinct costuming and characterisations are undeniably fun and memorable. Who can forget Daphne’s (Sarah Michelle Gellar) pink boots, or Linda Cardellini’s endearingly nerdy Velma? The casting is fantastic overall, particularly Matthew Lillard as clearly the best incarnation of Shaggy. It looks and feels so of the early 2000s, and obviously, the nostalgia has a part to play in how endearing I find this film, but it is still a charmingly ridiculous, fun, and entertaining adaptation. - Katie 3. CRUELLA In the midst of the Covid day-and-date releases, there were a ton of live-action Disney releases that left a lot to be desired. But towards the end of that weird time was a surprise led by one of the most talented actresses of modern time (had we truly realized Emma Stone’s greatness at that point?). Cruella was a shot in the arm to those live-action adaptations with its great costume design, catchy use of music, and exciting performances from Stone, Emma Thompson, and an ensemble of colorful “that guy/chick” actors. When the likes of Paul Walter Hauser show up as simply a character actor to help round out the cast, you know you’re in for a ride. The story is fresh, the pacing is upbeat, and the visuals wrap it all up in a vibrant bow. Cruella is by far one of the best live-action adaptations around, especially for Disney. - Amarú 2. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1990) I remember my father telling me a story about hearing the concept for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles prior to the release of this film and thinking it would be a terrible failure. He claimed later it was one of the two worst takes of his life, which was further bolstered by his son’s incredible love for the IP. I wasn’t aware of the comics and wasn’t born into the cartoon, so my entry was the video games before getting the cinematic experience. But, what Steve Barron and Jim Henson were able to accomplish with bringing realism to mutated reptiles in New York City was astonishing. Beyond the coolness factor of seeing these characters reimagined into live-action, there are emotional depths scoured with the turtles and their relationship to Splinter (Kevin Clash), April’s (Judith Hoag) connection to her father’s antique store, and Raphael’s (Josh Pais) disconnectedness to his family regarding their choice to live in the shadows. It was the highest-grossing independent film prior to The Blair Witch Project , and spawned two sequels, constant reboots, and many reiterations that continue the legacy’s impact that was cemented with this movie. - Robert 1. HOOK Despite what Rotten Tomatoes says (37%?!?), Steven Spielberg’s Hook is a stone-cold classic. The star-studded cast, extravagant production design, and exuberant spectacle turn the oft-told story of Peter Pan (Robin Williams) into something more than just another reimagining. While it obviously spoke to 10-year-old me in 1991, it oddly speaks to me even more today as a 45-year-old adult whose inner child is constantly trying to break away from the harsh realities of being grown. With an ample dose of Amblin vibes, Hook is a sentimental and heartfelt adventure that avoids being too cloying or sappy while more than delivering on the family-friendly action front. With all due respect to Mr. Spielberg, who “[doesn't] like Hook very much," an entire generation has one counter-argument: Bangarang! - Quentin HONORABLE MENTIONS BUMBLEBEE THE JUNGLE BOOK THE FLINTSTONES OFFICE SPACE SPEED RACER

Previous Next April 3, 2024 WRITTEN BY: ADRIANO The movie musical seems to be a thing that goes in and out of popularity pretty often, but at the end of the day, it is admittedly a staunchly niche genre. Just recently, studios admitted to hiding that their musical releases are musicals because it seems to turn off general audiences. Personally, I can attest that many people in my life have proudly proclaimed that they "hate musicals." That sentiment can't be further from the truth for me. I love musicals. Simply being a musical is enough for the film to pique my interest and excitement. Something about using spontaneous song-and-dance to push the plot forward can elicit more emotions than plain-old dialogue can, and of course, can bring out so much joy. If done correctly, you’ll even get some tasteful toe-tapping. Musicals have been a staple of cinema for nearly a century, with some of the biggest and most influential films in history being musicals. However, the disrespect of the genre is still very much alive. So, with that in mind, I want to dial the clock back to the 1930s, and talk about my favourite musical from each decade: 1930s: THE WIZARD OF OZ Synopsis : Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz. When a legendary film has reached audiences across the spectrum for nearly a century…as The Wizard of Oz has…what other choice do I have for this decade? The film introduced audiences to the magic of technicolor, and The Wizard of Oz's imaginative storytelling and world-building continue to inspire awe in families and cinephiles alike through its Oscar-winning music and the wonderful land of Oz. The Wizard of Oz is, to this day, one of the gold standards, not just for musical and fantasy cinema, but for cinema in general. 1940s: THE HARVEY GIRLS Synopsis : On a train trip West to become a mail-order bride, Susan Bradley meets a cheery crew of young women traveling out to open a Harvey House restaurant at a remote whistle-stop. While we're on the topic of Judy Garland, let's go from Oz to the Wild West. In 1946, director George Sidney released the upbeat, exciting, and visually grand western musical, The Harvey Girls , which saw Garland as a new addition to a group of waitresses at the Harvey House restaurant. The Harvey Girls is an example of how musicals can elicit profound excitement for the medium just by experiencing the action on screen. The sequence of “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe” (the song that won an Oscar, by the way) is a hoot and a holler of lively performances. I know The Harvey Girls isn't the most popular film in the world, but it's truly one that deserves your attention. 1950s: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Synopsis : A silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood. Do you know how incredible and influential Singin' in the Rain is? Even if you haven't seen the movie, I'm willing to bet that just reading the title has unlocked an earworm in your brain. Singin' in the Rain is one of the classic Hollywood films that you think couldn't possibly live up to the hype attached to it, and yet, without fail, each viewing feels like the first. For one, the production values are marvelous…and not just by ‘50s standards…but the music also is charming and catchy. On top of that, the film is funny and entertaining. Singin' in the Rain is a masterpiece that is going to remain in the annals of film history for the rest of time. 1960s: THE SOUND OF MUSIC Synopsis : A young novice is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer. The Sound of Music is one of those movies where, if you don't like it, I don't trust you. Yes, it's corny, I admit that - but that's part of the charm. If you want a beautiful, endearing, musical experience that'll leave you smiling through the vast majority of its 3-hour runtime, you’ll find that here. However, and maybe most importantly, there also is a powerful story, one that'll leave you with tears and a sense of warmth. Just the image of Julie Andrews' Maria dancing on the hills to "The Hills Are Alive" is enough to put the biggest smile on one's face. 1970s: CABARET Synopsis : A female girlie club entertainer in Weimar Republic-era Berlin romances two men while the Nazi Party rises to power around them. Cabaret’s musical style helped make it an instant classic, and rightfully so. It’s stylish, creative, and irresistible right from the jump. So irresistible, in fact, that director Bob Fosse won Best Director at the Oscars that year over Francis Ford Coppola’s work on The Godfather . Its musical prowess alone is more than enough to make Cabaret something special, but it's what lurks under the surface of the glitz and glamour that gives Cabaret an unexpected weight. It deals with socially powerful themes that are as relevant today as they were in 1972. So, come to the Cabaret , come hear the music play. 1980s: LABYRINTH Synopsis : Sixteen-year-old Sarah must solve a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother when he is taken by the Goblin King. I certainly own that my undying love for David Bowie may have played a part in my selection of Labyrinth , but you know what? Labyrinth is a hell of a good time, either way. It's Jim Henson's creativity and fun times galore, with a magical adventure and kick-ass soundtrack, courtesy of Bowie, who just quite simply rocks in this movie. Henson's use of puppetry to create something very intriguing on a visual level (not always successful, granted) makes the occasional musical sequence even more visually striking. Plus, the production design makes the new world that Jennifer Connelly's Sarah must venture through to save her brother come alive. Labyrinth is one of those movies where the pros outweigh the cons in a way that makes the movie just so enjoyable. 1990s: THE LION KING Synopsis : Lion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself. I would be remiss if I didn't mention at least one of Disney's masterpieces from its renaissance era. I don't think I'm saying anything groundbreaking when I say that The Lion King stands head-and-shoulders over its contemporaries. The beginning scene sets the stage for a true musical triumph, as we're introduced to the world of Pride Rock with a deafening bang. The rest of the film is a funny and emotionally stirring animated adventure featuring some of Disney's most iconic music, courtesy of Hans Zimmer and Elton John. Animation can do so much that live-action can't, and if you want any more proof of that, look no further than The Lion King . 2000s: CHICAGO Synopsis : Two death-row murderesses develop a fierce rivalry while competing for publicity, celebrity, and a sleazy lawyer's attention. This Best Picture-winning masterclass of filmmaking is one of those films that needs to be seen to be believed. Borrowing similar styles of musical sequences from Cabaret , Chicago introduced a new generation of moviegoers to an evocative, raw, and sexy style of musical storytelling, where the music isn't just there to make your toes tap but to enhance the story and give a new perspective from its characters' headspace. Chicago is a gritty crime thriller wrapped in a pretty package that warns of the dangers of our desire for fame, and I can't think of a better way for this message to be presented if the goal was to be both fun and effective. 2010s: LA LA LAND Synopsis : While navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist and an actress fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future. Now it's time for me to gush about my absolute favourite musical of all time. La La Land is the quintessential modern musical, one that's both a tribute to what is considered the golden era of cinema and one that's so strikingly contemporary. Featuring ear-catching music and astoundingly choreographed sequences that are directed with such an incredible creative hand by Damien Chazelle, this film (in what can be described as a reverse Chicago ) is a love letter to the dreamers who risk everything to make their insane dreams come true, “foolish as they may seem.” With iconic performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, La La Land is a surefire modern-day classic. 2020s: WEST SIDE STORY Synopsis : An exploration of the forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins’ 1961 Best Picture-winning West Side Story is considered one of the genre's finest accomplishments, but while I loved the film, I certainly have my quarrels with it. So, how does one update a classic of such high regard? Enter the master, director Steven Spielberg. Fixing just about every issue I had with the original, Spielberg's West Side Story is made with love and nuance, not to mention so much energy and power in its scenery and choreography that it's hard not to get so sucked into a familiar story that just feels so fresh.

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