Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
We inform. You decide.
Sunday, May 12, 2024

The Avenue | Movies And Tv

THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: Breaking Bad edition

Seven years ago, television was graced with what many now consider the best TV series about a high school teacher turned meth cook of all time. Just in 2013, “Breaking Bad” series creator Vince Gilligan was here at UF with the Accent Speaker’s Bureau, where he answered questions about the show and his creative process.


THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking: Arrested Development

While we’re all used to shows like “House of Cards” and “Orange Is the New Black,” it’s about time we pay our respects to one of the earlier Netflix binge-watching extravaganzas: when the fourth season of “Arrested Development” premiered on Netflix after being canceled in 2006. While the fourth season took some adjusting to — even Gob might not have watched it on a dare — the cult classic holds a special place in our hearts nonetheless. So, for all those who miss watching possibly the worst family in America and need a way to justify failing exams, here’s a game that’ll leave you saying: “I’ve made a huge mistake.”


Actor Nick Frost, known for his roles in “Shaun of the Dead” and other British comedies, stars in “Unfinished Business” with Vince Vaughn and Dave Franco. 
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Q&A with British 'Shaun of the Dead' actor Nick Frost

You may know him as Ed from the 2004 film “Shaun of the Dead” or the voice of Flynn from “Ice Age: Continental Drift.” But even though he’s mainly known for his roles in British comedies and being Simon Pegg’s closest pal, Nick Frost has teamed up with Vince Vaughn and Dave Franco in “Unfinished Business,” which was released in theaters March 6. Keep reading if you want to hear all about Nick’s latest American film, how he prepared for his role, how he balances out being an actor and a family man and his plans for the future. 


Host Neil Patrick Harris speaks at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. 
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Trophy hunting: Academy Awards showcase year’s best movies

In the season-long trek from movie screens to center stage, all of the surprises, snubs and shenanigans of the 2015 awards season arrived at the pinnacle of the Hollywood trophy hunt — the Academy Awards. The most prestigious (and longest) ceremony in Hollywood, hosted this year by Neil Patrick Harris, had no shortage of the aforementioned traits — and then some.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Q & A with Vince Vaughn about acting, ‘Unfinished Business’

After being in the right place at the right time (aka the Alligator office), I was able to casually chat with Vince Vaughn (and six other student journalists) via Google Hangouts to talk about his upcoming film, “Unfinished Business,” (March 6) a comedy also starring Dave Franco and Tom Wilkinson about a small-business owner and colleagues who take a business trip to Europe to close an important deal but not without some problems along the way. He also spoke about his involvement in films extending beyond acting, and he even dropped some knowledge for those who are unsure about what they want to do with their lives.


THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: Parks and Recreation

On Tuesday, life as we know it will end. OK, not really. But that’s when “Parks and Recreation” will take its loyal viewers (myself included) for one last ride through the town of Pawnee, Indiana, and the political adventures of Leslie Knope and friends. The end of the underrated but hilarious mockumentary-style show will mean no more new episodes to enjoy — no more of Knope’s overzealous, warm personality, Ron Swanson’s paranoia about the government and April Ludgate’s apathy, just to name a few. But if you’re looking for a way to treat yo’ self after a long day of class or work, then grab a bottle of whiskey (because in the words of Swanson, “clear alcohols are for rich women on diets”) and load up “Parks and Rec” on Netflix for our latest binge drinking game.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Trophy hunting: Top-notch performances at Grammys

In one of the most diverse (and longest) Grammy ceremonies in years, the mesh of performers old and new was the perfect recipe for a star-studded show — so much so, the numbers seemed to overshadow many of the awards themselves. There were so many memorable moments during the three-and-a-half-hour show, but here are some of the highlights from one of music’s biggest nights.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Documentary Oscar short films

When it comes time to announce the winner for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 87th Academy Awards, many will probably be busy scrolling through endless live tweets as they await the more prestigious categories. Nevertheless, this year’s shorts deserve notice. Here’s the rundown on the nominated documentary short films.


THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: A Young Doctor's Notebook

You may have seen “A Young Doctor’s Notebook” during a late night scroll through the pages of Netflix and wondered if that’s Harry Potter and Don Draper, or if you’re just crazy. Well, good news: You’re sane — as far as I can tell. This is a really good, though often overlooked, bleak, British black comedy starring Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe as older and younger versions of the same character, a doctor under a police investigation going through diary entries from his first days in medicine. With dark humor and incredible acting — did we mention Jon Hamm sports an English accent? — ”A Young Doctor’s Notebook” is also fun to drink to. The first season is up on Netflix, only four episodes, but it’s guaranteed to get you perfectly over served.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Oscar short films: the category you don't know about

When it comes to the Academy Awards, there are so many nominations for so many categories, it’s easy to overlook some of the work nominated — namely, the short-film categories. This week, the Avenue took some time to watch the nominated short films, which range from four to 80 minutes, from the three categories: animated, live-action and documentary. We  reviewed the films so our readers can decide which ones are well worth paying attention to. We also made predictions as to which film will take the Oscar home. From cute animations to weird darkness to tear-jerking acting, there’s probably a film for you to watch. If any of these catch your interest, you can head over to the Hippodrome State Theatre through Feb. 12 to watch some of these short films. Tickets, which range from $5 to $7.50, and show times for each category can be found on the Hippodrome’s website.


The Screen Actors Guild Awards actor statuette appears near the Hollywood Sign on Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015, in Los Angeles. The SAG awards will be presented on Jan. 25. (Photo by Rob Latour/Invision/AP)
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Trophy Hunting: SAG Awards shows more intimate, not many surprises

The 21st annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards may not have held as many surprises as the Oscar nominations, but the statues do have a special meaning that sets them apart from other trophies — these awards are selected by peers as voted through SAG-AFTRA union (meaning actors voting for actors). In a way, this show always seems to be the most intimate of awards season, with actors openly cheering on their fellow actors and seeming more at ease among their colleagues.


THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: House of Cards

“House of Cards” — what a perfect combination of things I love to let drive me crazy: politics, journalism, drama and sex. With the premiere of the political drama’s third season slated for Feb. 27, it’s time to binge watch (drink) your way through the Netflix original that traces Francis Underwood’s ruthless rise to the top of the White House. Pour yourself an Underwood-style bourbon (Blanton’s, neat) and swing back.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Trophy Hunting: Oscar nominations full of surprises and snubs

With the 87th annual Academy Awards a month away, one of Hollywood’s biggest nights is preparing to bestow one of the industry’s highest honors to some of the year’s brightest stars and screenmakers. Usually, the nominees for the Oscars follow the same general pattern as ceremonies preceding them, including the Golden Globes. This year’s batch, however, has taken a sharp turn from the norm and has garnered some sharp criticism in response. In analyzing the big categories, as well as evaluating the facts, this moviegoer is wondering how the ceremony will ultimately go down.


THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Netflix-binge drinking game: Scandal

Today, on the eve of my 21st birthday, I am honored to present the ultimate drinking game to complement your three-seasons-long, binge-watching marathon of “Scandal,” available for your convenience on Netflix. Each swig will accompany you through every incredibly uncomfortable, sexual-tension-ridden scene with Olivia and Fitz and every Pope family interaction that makes your own family seem that much more normal. Whether you’re a high-powered D.C. senator with a few skeletons in your closet or an agent in the super-secret B-613 agency, this drinking game has the potential to create a PR crisis that would even challenge Olivia Pope. For extra authenticity, make your drink a tall glass of fine red wine. And if you find yourself quickly catching up to the latest episode, don’t worry: “Scandal” will be back on ABC on Jan. 29.



Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Independent Florida Alligator and Campus Communications, Inc.