Cinema and television series offer a window into a different world; either a culture or history you didn't know before, or one not of this world at all. They all give us not just entertainment, but insight into human nature and other experiences.
I enjoy a wide variety of cinematic genres, from crime dramas to phycological twisters and action thrillers to period romances, but my main viewing choice lately has been fantasy fiction. Here are a few of my streaming picks from this summer:
1) I've enjoyed each season of the animated fantasy series The Dragon Prince and the sixth season was recently released on Netflix. It's a beautifully illustrated show and endears viewers with memorable, dynamic characters and well-written dialogue that delivers comedic relief.
The show finds a balance between light and dark as characters face peril and moral dilemmas while promoting an idealism with repeating themes of redemption and what it means to be a true leader. I also appreciate the diversity of the characters and the positive messages of inclusion and acceptance.
2) I don't think you have to be an avid fan of Peter Jackson's live action trilogy The Lord of the Rings or of J.R.R. Tolkien's books to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, an Amazon Video original series. Season one leaves nothing wanting - the story, setting, and cast stand on their own. For fans, however, whether just casual or die-hard enthusiasts of Middle Earth, I imagine getting to watch more of the story is akin to a kid in a candy shop.
Just as The Silmarillion fills in some of the blanks left from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the Rings of Power gives more depth to Tolkien's creation and gives the viewer more context and appreciation for the history of this epic fantasy world that has been the foundation and inspiration for generations of fantasy works ever since it was first released.
I look forward to the next instalment, season 2, which is set to drop on Aug. 29.
3) The Wheel of Time. Though some die-hard fans of the books by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson may not be satisfied with changes to characters or the plot, the show itself is visually stunning, with a stirring musical score, characters you get invested in and an engaging story line.
It's a solid series in its own right, even for those not familiar with the original books. What better credit can an adaption give its namesake than inspiring viewers to go back and read the novels?
With the ongoing suspense in season one of which of the protagonists will be revealed to be the Dragon Reborn, it'll keep you watching until the very end. What more could you ask for?
The only disappointment was the re-casting of Matt in season two. It leaves something to be desired but hopefully fans will be understanding considering season one actor Barney Harris reportedly left the show for mental health reasons. The gravity and natural charisma he brought to the role will be missed.
4) This one might be an unpopular opinion, but Disney's Wish grew on me after the second or third watch. Maybe I'm behind the times a bit, but I just watched in on Disney+ recently.While some reviews took issue with the musical numbers, saying they didn't live up to expectations after the viral sensations of Frozen and Moana, I'd still give it three out of five stars (no pun intended).
While it was perhaps a bit predictable, and you may have wanted a bit more from the static group of friends, I like the message in the song You're a Star, that all of nature, the human race and the cosmos are all connected and part of each other and the self-affirming line "If you really wanna know just who you are, you're a star." It was also kind of neat to see a movie that explored a possible origin for "wishing upon a star" and how that ties into the whole Disney brand.
5) I won't say too much about Inside Out 2 except that anyone who has teenagers, children who will be teenagers soon, has ever been a teenager themselves or has dealt with anxiety or other human emotions at any time, should watch this film (yes, that means everyone). It's just beautiful and healing and important. That is all.
Shows I'd give a thumbs down to this summer include Carnival Row and - don't come at me - the third season of Bridgerton.
While it was great to see the return of a more mature Orlando Bloom to the screen in Carnival Row, there was perhaps too much reality in this darker fantasy series for me.
Full of fey creatures, tortured romances and political intrigue, it would normally be right up my alley but the themes - while thought provoking - of the effects of colonialism, war, and racism, were ultimately too depressing for me. It was hard to enjoy as entertainment as the themes seemed to parallel real world history a bit too much for comfort. I didn't finish watching the series but erhaps I didn't give it a fair shake.
Likewise, I don't think I'll be watching part two of Penelope and Collin's romance. Though I enjoyed the first two seasons this one just didn't feel as authentic or believable to me, and it's not because they are a 'mixed-weight' couple.
Though perhaps realistic of the times, I don't like that she felt she had to beg for crumbs of affection and expected no better for herself. While the context of the show itself makes it clear the issues of her un-marriageability revolve around her lack of social graces and neon-bright fashion sense, there is also nothing to disprove that Colin's embarrassment is because of her body type and that's disappointing.
Bridgerton is set in the Regency era and the beauty standard then might be said to be slim, but not unrealistically so. The devoid-of-curves ideal didn't come into fashion until after the 1920s. While there's no outright body shaming, it seems to be under the surface and what the audience assumes which is a shame.
Perhaps the second half makes more of a statement towards body positivity but I'm not sure I'll find out.
