Everything I Learned: 5 Things to Watch this Month
It’s December and the weather has turned bitterly against us. The idea of heading outdoors is growing less and less attractive and we find ourselves wanting to curl up under the katatsu and simply relax. Luckily, this month we provide you with five things to watch as you take a break from last month’s readingsand perhaps some of the grading many of us are busy doing after end of term exams.
Broad City (DVD release: Dec 2, 2014)
Created by Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson
Comedy Central works magic in providing its audience with off-centered, yet relatable humor. Whether you’re a fan of satire news programs like the Daily Show or the Colbert Report, sketch comedy with Key & Peele, sitcoms like Workaholics (one of my personal favorites), or any number of their animated shows, Broad City is another series that will not disappoint. Initially awebseries that was picked up by Comedy Central in January of this year, Broad City will be releasing its first season on DVD this month, making it the perfect Christmas gift for any family member or friend. The show follows two broke friends Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, also the show’s creators, who struggle to make a living in New York. Anyone who has graduated with a mountain of student debt and worked minimum wage jobs will find the unfortunate similarities hilarious and will no doubt make you feel better about your own situation.
Dumb and Dumber (Dec 16, 1994)
Directed by Peter Farrelly and Bobby Farrelly
One of my favorite comedies growing up, Dumb and Dumber is celebrating its 20th year anniversary this month. It’s well-timed too since the sequel to the movie came out in the States last month (although the reviews have been anything but reassuring). Filmed at a time when Jim Carrey was at the height of his acting career with productions like Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, and The Mask and Full House was coming to an end for Jeff Daniels, the two comedians took ordinary gag jokes to another level with their characters blendinggood-natured fun and naivety. It’s the classic tale of two best friends finding a briefcase stuffed with cash who seek to return it to its rightful owner, the girl of their dreams, and end up saving the day with their unintentional heroics. You’re never too old to revisit the movie that provided you the means to replicate the most annoying sound in the world or a perfect one-liner about Big Gulps.
Gone Girl (release date: Dec 12, 2014)
Directed by David Fincher, based on the novel by Gillian Flynn
I know this is going to seem like a bad case of déjà vu from last month’s book recommendations, but there hasn’t really been a movie I’ve been this excited for since coming to Japan. David Fincher is a heavyweight when it comes to directing with works that include Alien3, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Fight Club, Seven, The Social Network, The Zodiac and much more, and who has recently used his skills to direct two episodes in the popular Netflix series House of Cards.His latest film is an adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel Gone Girl and stars Ben Affleck as the husband and suspected murderer of his wife Amy Dunne played by Rosamund Pike. In the past I was always a little wary seeing Affleck take the lead role (I blame it on Gigli), but his recent work in The Town and Argo have stymied that worry (though his portrayal of Batman can probably go either way). It should also help that Affleck and Pike are supported by a diverse cast that includes Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry. If you still haven’t read the book, it’s a quick read and you can easily finish it before seeing it in theaters. Many of Fincher’s films have been book adaptations and been largely met with enthusiastic support from even the most loyal fans of the original works. There is no reason to believe that Gone Girl will be any different.
Howl’s Moving Castle (Nov 20, 2004 in Japan)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones
Another movie celebrating an anniversary, though it happened to be last month, comes from Studio Ghibli. This recommendation also comes after a handful of JETs made their way to the Takeda Castle Ruins, which is said to have influenced the animators in another Studio Ghibli film, Castle in the Sky, and unfortunately doesn’t really relate to this movie (but is still a fun fact!). Howl’s Moving Castle is a film filled with magic, war, and love, and its intriguing story is filled with a number of subplots. Sophie the 18 year old protagonist is turned into an elderly woman by a witch and in an attempt to reverse the curse she arrives at Howl’s Castle, having met the powerful wizard Howl during an earlier encounter. Meeting a handful of colorful characters throughout her adventure, she is eventually asked by Howl to go on his behalf to deny a request by a king bent on war. Finding out that Howl and a number of other characters face their own problems, Sophie is often asked to help others and demonstrates love’s power to conquer all throughout the movie.
Princess Jellyfish (Dec 27, 2014)
Directed by Taisuke Kawamura, based on the manga series by Akiko Higashimura
This month a live-action film of Princess Jellyfish, a manga series written and illustrated by Akiko Higashimura, will be released through Asmik Ace Entertainment.The film follows the often awkward and anti-social Tsukimi Kurashita who also happens to be a lover of Jellyfish due to a connection with her deceased mother. Tsukimi lives in an apartment with fellow otaku women – those obsessed with anime or manga, although other interests can be included– and a cross-dressing son of a politician. However, the apartment complex where these diverse residents live, known as Amamizukan, is soon threatened by development projects in their neighborhood. Together they must find a way to save their building from potential destruction. Beside this film and the manga series, an animated version of Princess Jellyfish from 2010 can also be found on DVD for anyone interested in expanding their anime universe.
Now that you’ve read this, what are you waiting for? Grab some friends, wrap up under some warm blankets and take a break from the Osaka all-nighters to enjoy a cozy evening watching some great films.
Sean Mulvihill
