Who is the best James Bond? Are Disney movies racist? Do films and TV shows glamorize crime? What are the major debates in entertainment? We’ve curated our top ten. Take a look.
What are the best Netflix shows to watch in quarantine?
As the world grinds to a halt with the spread of COVID-19, we all have the responsibility to take public health seriously and isolate ourselves. With that in mind, now’s the perfect time to catch up on Netflix! Should you watch something scary to try and redirect your coronavirus anxiety? Or binge watch a sitcom so you can remember what it was like to be able to freely socialise?
Do TV shows and films glamorize films?
Films and TV series have always depicted violence. However, as the trope of the ‘anti-hero’ becomes more popular, as does showing violence on screen. Additionally, it is seemingly getting more violent and grotesque, especially as special effects allow violence to become more realistic. Is this just harmless entertainment? Or does it encourage violence in real life?
Black-ish is a funny and creative show about a successful upper middle class African-American family led by Andre ‘Dre’ Johnson (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross). The show revolves around the family’s lives, as they juggle personal and sociopolitical issues, mainly pertaining to cultural differences and controversial topics. Critics claim the show is slightly tone deaf to issues in the African American community, and that the show is not a realistic parody of black family life. Though the show has had criticism, it still pushes the black televised family forward.
Are the Kardashian-Jenners feminists?
The Kardashian-Jenners have built an empire worth over a billion dollars around their name alone. While some argue their entrepreneurship is inspiring for young women, others point to their sexualization and fixation on appearance as evidence they are bad influences on young women. Are the Kardashian-Jenners empowering, feminist figures? Or do they demean all that feminism stands for?
Should animated films be considered for Best Picture at the Academy Awards?
he Academy Awards is among one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies for film in the world. The most coveted award of the ceremony is that for Best Picture. While animated features, such as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, have been nominated for this award, none have ever won. Further, there is a separate category for the Best Animated Feature that does not consider live-action film. Is there a way to acknowledge both forms of media in a single category without stigmatizing either?
Are short films worth watching?
People are deluged by content - via social media, TV channels, OTT platform, box sets, websites, brands etc - but have less and less time to watch them. Short films offer narratives, story arcs etc but delivered in a condensed form.
From the beginning of the James Bond movie franchise in 1962, 007 has proved to be a long-lasting cultural icon. The spy for the U.K. Secret Service has now starred in 26 movies, accruing many high-tech gadgets and charming huge amounts of women as he goes. But who is James Bond? Is he a hero? A villain? A symbol of a time gone by? Or totally irrelevant?
Animated Disney movies have told stories from characters around the world, but very often with an American or western frame of reference. Are these fair retellings, or could Disney films be considered racist?
Is the dating ban on Korean idols in the K Pop industry fair?
Dating ban is a rule that should be familiar to K-Pop fans, which strictly limits Korean idols dating life. It’s a culture, and westerners might have a difficult time understanding why the rule exists. Unlike their western counterparts, for whom making their romantic lives public can be a key part of promotional activities (including allegedly staged relationships), K-Pop stars are often forbidden from disclosing personal details, with some even having a “no dating” clause in their contracts.
Do film stars matter any more?
In an age where story, special effects, and marketing can drive so much of the success of a movie, do film stars have the same importance to the success of the production as they used to?