13 Reasons Why

Now, I’m not usually one for writing series reviews, in fact this goes down as the first, but I cannot help but share how wonderful and thought-consuming the outrageous honesty that prevails in this series is.

Suicide is a taboo within our society, one which is often veiled with selfish intention or misunderstandings. 13 Reasons Why does not hide behind any misgivings, but rather displays an unrelenting truthfulness that is far too often swept away beneath a metaphorical rug.

The story of this series centres around one girl, Hannah Baker, and what leads her to give up all hope and pursue a course of no return, which ultimately leads to her taking her own life. Along the way, Hannah confesses all the reasons (13 reasons) that lead her to suicide.

Not only does this series tackle the trauma that precedes and proceeds suicide, but it also addresses the problem of rape culture and bullying. These subjects are not simply glossed over, but instead delved into with a revolutionary brutality that makes you feel uncomfortable and uninvited.

The raw truth of this storytelling is unforgiving and shocking, but more importantly is powerful beyond belief, because it refuses to allow you, as the viewer, to be embarrassed or humiliated, but rather empowers a sense of inner righteousness that you can only wish was available to Hannah.

Instead of shying away from what may be considered ‘sensitive material’, the camera angles invite you to watch every emotion of the characters, regardless of the contents nature. At times, the camera almost encourages you to argue it’s invasion, questioning your right to be uncomfortable.

Without the triumph of acting that is displayed throughout the series, the story would not have had the same devastatingly powerful impact upon it’s audience. The cast, which is full of star-studded performers truly excels and sells the story in which they have been tasked with, making sure to approach it with gentle strength and carry it onto the inevitable success it is bound to have.

 

The Fundamentals of Caring

Paul Rudd stars in this feel good Netflix exclusive, as a carer with absolutely no experience; what could possibly go wrong? Amazingly, not a lot.

This film is a graceful look into the young mind of a less abled being. A being who goes by the name of Trevor. Trevor has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, making pretty much everything an impossibility, including as he himself so delightfully puts it – ‘wiping his own ass’; a job which his carer is enlisted to help with, amongst many, many others.

Whilst this film is at heart a somewhat depressing outlook on a young boy’s failing prospects as he battles the most horrendous of diseases which has rendered his body useless, the story itself gives a sense of hope and restoration; an aspect that will be able to warm the coldest of hearts.

Or at least it tries to. You see as harsh as it may sound, the director cannot just throw Paul Rudd and Selena Gomez in the mix and simply hope for the best. It is the story that must sell this film, not the people, and sadly this film has been betrayed by its creators with a lack of imagination. At points it feels as though the director simply gave up, and quite frankly it makes the viewer want to reflect this notion, and bail out of the nearest exit.

As indie films go, it is not bad. It certainly has potential, and the idea itself is not a bad one; it is, as is so often the case, the execution that has failed this film.

The Do-Over

Probably the most unlikely duo in Hollywood, but hey I guess if it’s funny it works, right?

Rekindling an old friendship is always a risk, but when your so called friend plans your fake death and ruffies you to make sure you don’t freak out, it’s probably time to start questioning your so called relationship.

That’s right, whilst on a drug fuelled getaway these two guys take things to the next level when they fake their own deaths to get a fresh start.

However when it came to replacing their identity they didn’t exactly pick the best of people to impersonate; some might even go as far to say that they made the worst possible decision.

But that’s face it, watching Adam Sandler try to impersonate a homosexual criminal is nothing but easy comedy.

So, if you want a film to veg out to, then this is a Netflix and Chill must, because nothing says relaxation more than watching David Spade in an awkward threesome.