EOTY 2015: Our Favorite Movies and TV Shows
As college students who spend most of their time consuming and discussing media with a generally critical eye, when a movie or television show emerges from a flood of releases and nestles itself in our hearts, it is something truly exceptional. Here’s a few of our favorite shows and movies of 2015.
Abbie Doyle, Editorial Director: Fargo
There was never any question about what production would take home this trophy. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again--Fargo is one of the best shows of the past decade, maybe even in the history of television! Adaptations tend to be total flops without the involvement of the original creator(s); with the Coen Brothers as executive producers, Fargo was hardly at risk to be blasphemous/insulting/ degrading, etc. Fargo’s second season could not possibly have had a stronger cast and better direction. The set design and wardrobe stole my heart with every episode, and ohmygod those colors! The music! The continuities, the revealed secrets and the completed narrative arcs of Fargo are truly something to be revered, and allow me the opportunity to give a shoutout to my forever crush, Lou Solverson--a good man who’s seen some bad shit. This season was FUBAR, and it was so unbelievably good.
Megan Fair, General Manager: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
I will be the first to admit that I do not get out much to see movies, nor do I spend a lot of time watching anything but old cult favorites on Netflix. I just cannot let this list exist without me gushing about how amazing it was to see a brand new Star Wars film, especially one that was a perfect blend of campy humor, complex characters and universal themes. I’ll also be the first to admit that I may be a little biased, seeing as I used to have a Padawan braid but don’t anymore because I’m delusional enough to believe I am a real life Jedi Knight. Sitting next to my dad in a theater full of young folks seeing a wonderfully diverse cast in a universe that can seem so far away and yet so close to home was an emotional experience. I’ll admit that there was a lot of fanservice, but where Episode VII explored new territory was where it shined. Rey’s a bad ass. I’m going to see this movie at least four times before the year ends.
Eli Schoop, Copy Editor: Owarimonogatari
Heavy visual allegory as a method of storytelling is perfected in Owarimonogatari, the 12th chapter in the Monogatari series of anime. SHAFT is undeterred in crafting the most confounding yet simultaneously most enthralling show on television, making a small town look an architectural wonder and a barren wasteland at the same time.
Isin and co. gladly fill 20-minute slots of time with an enormous amount of dialogue, but the writing, coupled with sensational set design, sucks even the most impatient viewers in. This is fiction in prime form, manipulating character and persona in ways that are not conventional but always engaging.
Jon Fuchs, Copy Editor: Nasty Baby
I walked into Nasty Baby more excited and skeptical than any movie before. It looked interesting, especially with Kristen Wiig and TV on the Radio frontman Tunde Adebimpe in the cast, but I was worried that the last third of the film, which was considered a complete left turn, would ruin the experience for me. Fortunately, the entire 100 minutes were a thrill ride and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The acting was amazing, the plot felt realistic throughout the film and the ending was completely unpredictable. Nasty Baby isn’t a movie for everyone, but it’s something every movie lover needs to see.
Travis Boswell, Staff Writer: Hannibal
Since 2013, Hannibal consistently had the best "everything" on TV. The cinematography was the best, even when it lovingly framed the horrible actions of serial killers. The performances were the best, especially Hugh Dancy showing Will Graham's complete breakdown and slow rebuilding of his shattered life. The music was the best, ranging from classic horror movie violins to creaking, off-tempo percussion that highlighted Hannibal's evil intentions. Season three kept that streak running, and wasn't afraid to take major risks by completely changing the show from crime procedural to dark, surreal horror. Unfortunately, Hannibal's 2015 season was its last. Still, Hannibal respected its universe and characters up until the ending, which was shocking but made complete sense given the people involved. There won't be another show this good for a long time.
Garrett Bower, Staff Writer: Steven Universe
I began Steven Universe after receiving a recommendation from a friend. I found myself immediately in love with the whimsy of Beach City and dynamics of its inhabitants. The world protagonist Steven inhabits is rich with history and magic; however, unlike similar shows, there is no rush to discover everything all at once. The pace is instead dictated by Steven’s innocence, and the growth of plot and those in it is gradual, natural. Beyond fantastic writing and animation, the show is the first I’ve seen to tackle topics of diversity that have been feebly called tricky by many other show writers. Creator Rebecca Sugar has created a realm of varied and interesting characters of different genders, sexualities and races who are defined not by singular tokens but instead by their rich humanity.
Carly Preston, Contributor: Master of None
Having been a large fan of both Aziz Ansari and Netflix Original Series, I was pretty excited for the release of Master of None. Netflix truly outshines in the production value of all their original content, and Master of None is no exception. The writing is clever while still keeping a relevant and dark undertone. The cast features heavy hitters like Noel Wells, Eric Wareheim and H. Jon Benjamin who manage to keep up with the great comedic timing of Ansari. The show is full of thick plot lines that range from trying to relate to your parents and being a minority actor in 2015. This show was one I finished within a day’s time, and then became immediately sad at the lack of season two. I cannot wait until the next season is released so I can lock myself in a room to binge watch it again.
