Video service has plenty of movies, shows to binge-watch
Spring break’s coming up, which means you have two options: total alcohol-fueled hedonism on some sardine can of a beach, or watching more Netflix than seems humanly possible.
If you choose the liver-friendly second option, here are a host of binge-worthy titles:
Bates Motel (season 1 streaming; season 2 airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on A&E)
For a series that is a prequel to a seminal film classic but set in the modern day, “Bates Motel” is shockingly strong. The Alfred Hitchcock film “Psycho,” the granddaddy of slasher films, is the basis for this A&E series. Freddie Highmore plays Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins in the film), and Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga (“The Conjuring”) plays his mother. The series begins with Norman’s father “accidentally” dying and the family moving to a seemingly peaceful Oregon town to start a new life. The wickedly fun series draws inspiration from the cult classic series “Twin Peaks” (also on Netflix streaming). The two lead performances hold the series together. Even when the series borders on camp or soapiness, the actors’ sincerity shines through. Before watching even one episode of the series, viewers should absolutely watch the original black-and-white 1960 film. Do not watch Gus Van Sant’s pointless shot-by-shot color remake from 1998, which stars Anne Heche and Vince Vaughn. The series will be much more enjoyable for those who know what it is drawing inspiration from.
Mad Men (seasons 1-5 streaming; season 7 premieres on April 13 on AMC)
“Mad Men” is the best series on television. It follows the life and work of ad executive Don Draper (Jon Hamm) in 1960’s New York. The main female character, Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss), has climbed upward throughout the run of the series and fought against the oppressive sexism of the era. Every aspect of the series is top quality: the writing foremost, the direction, the acting, the spot-on art direction and costumes. The series goes back to the not-so-distant past and reveals a lot about the time but also resonates with the current day. The sixth season should be on streaming closer to the air date of the new episodes, which will be the first half of the series’ final season. Each episode feels like a delicious short story that leaves the viewer with a haunted feeling. What the series has to say about America and human existence is deftly profound.
Fargo (1996 film streaming; series based on the film premieres April 15 on FX)
Perhaps the Coen Brothers’ best film, “Fargo” is a near-perfect comedy/drama/thriller. Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) is in need of money and hatches a plan to have his wife kidnapped by two men and have her held for ransom. When her wealthy father pays up, Lundegaard and two kidnappers will divide the money. Of course, the plan goes horribly wrong, and pregnant policewoman Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) is on the case. News of this television series should be met with great caution and skepticism. However, the Coen Brothers are executive producers and have given the show their blessing. Plus, it does not feature any of the same characters or actors from the film. However, it does star Billy Bob Thornton, who starred in the Coens’ “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” and Martin Freeman. Regardless of the series’ quality, the film “Fargo” is a must-see.
Louie (seasons 1-3 streaming; season 4 premieres in May on FX)
Louis C.K. has the best television deal of anyone working today. The stand-up comedian is given a lump sum of money (not a ton), and he is able to spread it across a season of episodes however he pleases. He directs, writes and stars in all the episodes. FX does not see a page of the scripts or a frame of the footage. He turns in the episodes, and they air them. Nobody else has that amount of freedom in the medium. In fact, the series has been on a 19-month hiatus because he wanted to take a break and really polish the new season. Given all that, it is not too surprising that it is the best comedy series on television. He plays a fictional version of himself. The real Louie and his character are both stand-up comedians who are divorced and raising two young daughters. The episodes are frequently laugh-out-loud hilarious, but there is always a deep sadness and pain to them. Sometimes episodes are so dark that laughter seems wrong. Louis C.K. is one of the best stand-up comedians working today, and his series is brilliant.