Written By: Mika Lai
When I think of cinema, the only word that comes to mind is profound. Film can be brainless, purely profitable entertainment, emotional, political, or even a reflection of a facet of our society. By integrating the visual, auditive and literal elements, the combinations are limitless. Film is, thereby, the most omnipotent medium of art, and I feel almost incapable of fully articulating the potential of cinematic expression. But I guess I’m here to do it anyway…
In this article, I present a curated selection of cinematic gems across all genres from the 21st century that craft something original, influential and, most importantly, entertaining.
Bottoms
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video
Starting strong, Bottoms – starring Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott– entails two awkward lesbian high schoolers who form a fight club to meet girls before graduation. The movie is quirky, satirical and completely absurd. The humour is teenage-dirtbag, odd yet relatable; describing it as hilarious is an understatement. Bottoms is highly underrated and a refresher from the cliche, poorly scripted, cookie-cutter rom-coms that don’t make you laugh. Bottoms will have you laughing out loud, gasping in shock and pure disbelief, and swooning over the love interests every five lines.
The Bear
Streaming Service: Disney+
Worthy of their sweep at the Emmys and Golden Globes, The Bear is an intense and seamless series that depicts a chef turning a worn-down sandwich shop in Chicago into a high-class restaurant. From Episode 1, you will be captured by the fast-paced setting of a restaurant kitchen, but stay for the character’s story. There is more to Jeremy Allen White than his Calvin Klein campaign video. The only con it has is that every show I’ve watched after has paled in comparison.
Abbott Elementary
Streaming Service: Disney+
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary on public school teachers in Philadelphia, filled with awkward, dry humour and unique characters. The mockumentary style allows the characters to frequently break the 4th wall, inciting a genuine connection with the show, and thus, we grow a deeper admiration for underappreciated public school teachers.
Cruella
Streaming Service: Disney+
This Disney live-action spin-off from 101 Dalmations encourages us to root for the supposed villain, depicting Cruella’s backstory as an orphan turned fashion designer. The film has good casting, imaginative costumes and a nostalgic soundtrack; it is a perfectly entertaining movie for a casual weekday.
Black Panther
Streaming Service: Disney+
When people ask me about my favourite movie, I respond with Black Panther simply because of how enchanting Wakanda is. The ability of modern society and futuristic technology to intertwine so smoothly with nature and traditional cultures does not go unnoticed. This almost utopian setting in which a country chooses not to utilise a globally-threatening weapon and instead use it to improve social welfare is rejuvenating from the reality of the real world. Plus, the dynamic between T’Challa and Zuri is hilarious. But I doubt you haven’t watched this movie yet, because how could you?
Iron Man
Streaming Service: Disney+
Although Iron Man is a fun superhero action flick, and its success launched the cult classic MCU, this isn’t why the movie is so great. Released in 2008, Iron Man allowed audiences to cope with the trauma of 9/11 and the wars in the Middle East by suggesting the responsible use of power by nations and the unsustainability of war, offering a much-needed sense of optimism for a time of uncertainty.
Past Lives
Streaming Service: Apple TV
Exploring the notion of fate and destiny, Past Lives follows two childhood friends who reunite in NYC. It is realistically poignant, and words don’t capture how effective this movie is. With firsthand experience, Past Lives will have you tearing up in the first half, struggling to read the subtitles properly, making it even harder to stop crying. This movie is that good. Despite the film being relatively short, every shot, scene, and line is done intentionally and completely seamlessly.
Only Murders in the Building
Streaming Service: Disney+
Starring Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building is precisely what the name suggests: three neighbours who share an obsession over murder podcasts team up to solve murders in their building. The show manipulates elements of theatre into a modern mystery series, keeping you captivated at all times.
Ratatouille
Streaming Service: Disney+
Who could think that a chef mouse could represent the struggles of the lower class in a capitalist society? This movie is excellent; I’m not apologising.
Phineas & Ferb
Streaming Service: Disney+
In the era where the leading cartoon was something as silly as a sponge under the sea, Phineas & Ferb set a new precedent for all cartoons. What could be better than a show about two brothers embarking on creative projects in their backyard while their pet platypus is a secret agent battling an evil scientist with his own theme song? I bet the title song is still muscle memory.
Big Hero 6
Streaming Service: Disney+
This was the first movie that made me cry. Full on waterfall tears. This emotionally driven animation tackles themes of loss and grief but, of course, includes a round marshmallow-looking robot just for kicks — this is a kids' movie, after all.
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