FEATURES
JAN. 17, 2017 LOUISVILLECARDINAL.COM
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January Netflix picks for the start of a new semester TRINITY WILKINS & PEYTON SCHMIDT @THECARDINALNEWS
Whether you are looking for a hole to put your head as you mourn Obama’s farewell or you have a mountain of homework you want to avoid, Netflix is giving you more than enough excuses to curl up in bed and ignore the world. “The Crown”- One of the most expensive series to film in history, the series portrays the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II. “The Parent Trap”- The original Parent
Trap is a classic and, of course, better than the Lindsey Lohan remake. “V For Vendetta”- Based on a graphic novel by Alan Moore, this film is a sign of things to come for our liberal friends. “A Series of Unfortunate Events”Based on the popular book series by Lemony Snicket, this adaptation was released on Jan. 13. It’s sure to be another Netflix original that
everyone will be talking about. “Jim Gaffigan: Cinco”- If you have never watched Gaffigan’s stand-up and you like to laugh and be happy, then this is a must-see. “Bee Movie”- The animated movie makes a strong commentary on environmental protection. “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”Netflix added another season of the hilarious television show so now is the perfect time to catch up or binge watch your responsibilities away. “Theo Who Lived”- This documentary tells the story of an American journalist held hostage by Al-Quida for over 20 months. It’s a definite hit with those of us obsessed with “Zero Dark Thirty.” “The Imitation Game”- This film revolves around a mathematician who tries to crack the enigma code to end World War II. The movie achieved dozens of awards and nominations. “Boyhood”- An Oscar-winning film, this story is about growing up and was filmed over a period of twelve years with the same cast. “The Big Short”- This block buster hit involving the U.S. mortgage housing crisis of 2005 features a dynamic cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt. “Captain America: Civil War”- A part of the popular super hero franchise, includes practically all of your favorite heroes in one smashing action-packed movie. Spotlight- This two-time Oscar winning film featuring Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams, discusses the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandals of child molestation among the Catholic
Archdiocese. “The Princess Bride”- This film brings to life an exciting book involving romance and adventure that a grandfather reads to his grandson.
“National Lampoon’s Animal House”New to Netflix, this movie is a comedy that revolves around college and fraternity life. “Pulp Fiction”- This film is cinematic royalty. It’s about violence and redemption and is entertaining from beginning to end. “Clueless”- This fan-favorite is a romantic comedy about the ups-and-downs adolescence and popularity brings to a rich high school student in Beverly Hills. “Braveheart”- “Braveheart” is a historical classic about a soldier that revolts against King Edward I of England after his lover is executed for assaulting an English soldier
who attempted to rape her. “Good Will Hunting”- This cult classic is a touching tale about an unlikely friendship and finding one’s inner self. “The Shining”- Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, this horror film involves a father that is driven to insanity by evil presences in a haunted hotel where he and his son are staying.
“Fuller House”- “Fuller House” is a continuation of the hit TV series “Full House” and follows the life of DJ Fuller and other favorite characters. “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life”- Set several years following the finale of the original series, “A Year in the Life” is a continuation of the lives of Rory and Emily Gilmore. Fans of the original series will laugh, cry and feel nothing but nostalgia.
Killer Mike and El-P outdo themselves on ‘Run the Jewels 3’ AARON HARTLEY
@THECARDINALNEWS
When Run the Jewels dropped their first record in 2013, it was a full-force uppercut to the chin of hip hop. The collaboration between New York rapper/producer, El-P, and Atlanta rapper Killer Mike was loud, angry, deftly written and the duo’s chemistry was immediately palpable. With “Run the Jewels 2” the year after, they somehow improved in all the areas they were excelling, topped multiple year-end lists
“Run the Jewels 3” album cover
and solidified themselves as one of the best hip hop projects of the decade so far. Now with “Run the Jewels 3,” they, amazingly, outdo themselves once again. While RTJ2 was chock full of furious bangers and RTJ3 has its fair share as well, El-P mixes things up with his beats. Songs like “Everybody Stay Calm” and “Thieves! (Screamed the Ghost)” tread new ground. They’re more low-key and nuanced and perfectly compliment the ferocious bangers like “Panther Like a Panther” and “Legend Has It” (two of the best tracks of last year) that fill the rest of the record. The lyrical content has gotten better as well. They could have stuck with the pissed off, tough guy rap that was working so well for them before, but instead they enhance it by adding an intense political side. Both of them have always been politically outspoken, Killer Mike especially, but this is the first RTJ record to have an overt political heat to them.
Pointedly vicious lyrics take aim at Trump, fascism and authority. The closing track, “A Report to the Shareholders/Kill Your Masters,” which features a surprise appearance from Rage Against the Machine front man Zack de la Rocha, is probably the most piecing track they’ve ever made. In trying times like these it is important to have an outlet in music and Run the Jew-
els fit the bill. Not only have they perfected the heavy as bricks song formula, but they’ve managed to make them politically and socially relevant as well. With only a few years in existence and a handful of records, RTJ are already breaking in legendary status in the annals of hip hop, an impressive feat indeed.