Why You Should Watch: A Featurette of Movies and Television
A long time ago I wrote an article for a website about Harry Potter. The focus of that article was to respond to all the reasons people had given for why you shouldn’t read the book series. Things like witchcraft and merchandising were addressed while trying to emphasize the source material as the thing that should be judged, not word-of-mouth. Many years later, when I joined HubPages, I updated and expanded that article so I could post it here. The hub was fairly popular, but I never much considered writing another article with the “Why you should read…” tagline. A while later I was taking part in the Save our Seeker campaign to resurrect the television show “Legend of the Seeker” for a third season. While trying to figure out how best to contribute to its awareness, I decided to write a hub about why you should watch it. Using a similar format to the Harry Potter article, I started a new series; one that revolved around lesser known television shows and movies that I feel deserve more attention. Since then I’ve written a handful of new articles and as the numbers go up, I decided to create a central hub from which I could link all of them. If you have watched these shows/movies, then feel free to show your support, or opposition, in the comment section. The purpose of these articles is to spread awareness, not to force you to like something. Also, since this featurette is about television and movies, I’m not going to be including the original Harry Potter article, but if you’d like to read it, you can click here.
Also note that this feature is intended for lesser known movies and television, so if you don’t see one of your favorites appearing here, it’s probably because it is already popular. This is, however, an open ended hub, so future articles will be posted here as they are written.
Why You Should Watch Legend of the Seeker
Genre: Fantasy Television
Set in a fictional land, the Midlands, Legend of the Seeker follows Richard Cypher, a woods guide whose life turns upside down when he discovers he is the Seeker of Truth. A prophecy says he is destined to kill Darken Rahl, the evil leader of D’hara, but the dark wizard is determined to prevent that prophecy from coming true. Aided by first Wizard Zeddicus Zul’Zorander and Confessor Kahlan Amnell, Richard must save the Midlands, one person at a time, on the way to his destiny.
A lot of fans of the book series (on which this show is based) are angry because of how much was changed. But if you haven’t read the books, or if you’re capable of separating the two from each other, then you’ll find a fun fantasy series with a lot of heart.
Why You Should Watch Witchblade
Genre: Science Fiction Anime Television
Long after a devastating earthquake destroyed much of Tokyo, we follow Masane Amaha as she struggles to keep her daughter from child protective services who insist she is an unfit parent. But with a hazy memory of her own life, and a mysterious bracelet strapped to her arm, Masane can barely keep things in order. When an attack unleashes a power inside her, she becomes the Witchblade; the embodiment of an ancient power that suddenly becomes the focus of the major arms dealers who want the artifact for themselves. Masane must then juggle the quiet life she wants with her daughter and her life as a monster fighting super-hero.
Heavily sexual and stylized, Witchblade is a surprisingly thought provoking show. Even though it is inspired by the comic of the same name, the story’s heart, in my opinion, is the relationship between a mother and her daughter. You’ll get plenty of action, and eye candy, but when the final frame ends, you’ll be left with the extraordinary relationship between these two characters.
Why You Should Watch Milo and Otis
Genre: Children’s Movie
Based off of a Japanese film, and using most of the same footage, Milo and Otis centers on a pug dog and a tabby cat that are born on a farm, but grow up together during an incredible journey. Narrated by Dudley Moore and acted out with real animals (not puppets), this movie is incredibly charming. Though I have some concerns about animal safety; the movie spurred a love of adventure that would follow me into adulthood and influence me as a writer.
Why You Should Watch 30 Days
Genre: Documentary Television
Though it was cancelled after three short seasons, 30 Days is still one of the most powerful documentaries I’ve seen. Created by Morgan Spurlock (the man behind Super Size Me) the series focuses on a different story in each episode; challenging the participants to live for 30 days with someone that has an opposing viewpoint. For example an atheist might live with a Christian family for 30 days or a conservative might live with a gay couple. The show also highlights certain industries like a man working for 30 days in an outsourced job or Morgan Spurlock living for 30 days in jail. The show is extremely well made and always thought provoking. It’s a shame it didn’t get more seasons.
Why You Should Watch The Librarian
Genre: Adventure Television Movies
Similar to Indiana Jones, Flynn Carson is ‘The Librarian’ an influential figure who must rescue and preserve legendary relics and artifacts such as the Spear of Destiny, The Judas Chalice and King Solomon’s Mines. What sets this movie series apart is its main character who is more of a college geek than an action hero. He’s a hopeless romantic, but also a genius and is often the only thing standing between the world and Armageddon. Sometimes cheesy, but always fun, this movie series is a gem among the action/adventure genre.
Why You Should Watch ‘Who Wants to be a Superhero?’
Genre: Reality Television
Reality tv has long been a haven for liars, back-stabbers and cheaters. It rewards the exact behavior we don’t want our children to emulate. But conflict makes for good tv, to the point that most reality shows are heavily scripted. Therefore, we should all thank Stan Lee for throwing “Who Wants to be a Superhero?” into the mix. Finally we have a reality show that promotes a strong moral compass. Do the right thing, learn from your mistakes and treat everyone equally. It may not succeed at everything it attempts, and it is cheesy as heck, but it does provide a refreshing breath of air in a genre that is clogged with toxic gas.
Why You Should Watch Claymore
Genre: Fantasy Anime Television
One of the best anime’s to grace my television, Claymore, throws us into a mythical world of monsters called Yoma. These creatures, that usually hide amongst the humans, fear only one thing; the silver eyed witches. These mysterious women, fueled by the blood of the very creatures they fight, are the only thing capable of fighting off the hordes of beasts threatening to tear the world apart. A very stylized and violent show, Claymore is the real deal and will leave you with an appreciation for the genre and the team that created this series.
Why You Should Watch Forks Over Knives
Genre: Documentary Movie
This was the movie that sent me down a path of vegetarianism. Using scientific data and startling results, Forks over Knives makes the case that animal protein is contributing to some of the biggest modern killers like cancer and heart disease. By contrast, adopting a whole foods, plant based diet, can prevent, or even reverse certain life threatening ailments.
Why You Should Watch RuPaul's Drag U
Genre: Reality Television
It might seem odd to recommend a reality show about catty drag queens, but there is a surprising amount of heart to be found here. Growing up gay, finding family and startling creativity are all subjects touched upon, while at the same time providing humor and theatrics you won't see anywhere else.
Why You Should Watch Doctor Who
Genre: Science Fiction Television
My ‘why you should watch’ series generally focuses on television and movies that are less well-known in the public eye. Which is admittedly not the case with Doctor Who, a show about a time traveling alien who tries to save the universe, one person at a time. However, having become a fan within the last few years, I can’t help but marvel at how bold the show is. Using constant reinvention and pushing the envelope of what is possible on television, Doctor Who has become a cultural icon for nerds everywhere. If you’ve never given the series a look, then use my article for consideration. I guarantee you’ll find something you won’t see anywhere else.
Why You Should Watch Cosmos
Genre: Science Documentary Series
While there is no shortage of science documentaries floating around, few encompass the scope of the Cosmos series. Using breathtaking special effects, Neil deGrasse Tyson takes us from the big bang to the present day, stopping along the way to visit some of the most influential scientists. While the show is packed with information and flashy visuals, it’s the heart at the core that makes it such a joy. This was made by people who love science, specifically for an audience that isn’t familiar with it. The hope, is that it will inspire another generation into awe of the complex and beautiful world around us.
Why You Should Watch Tropes vs Women in Video Games
Genre: Web Documentary Series
This particular entry into the ‘why you should watch’ series has the distinction of being the only web-based program. After watching Anita Sarkeesian’s examination of tropes in video games, I felt that it deserved more attention from the world at large. In each installment she examines a particular role that women play, like the damsel in distress, Ms. Male characters and as background decoration. And, in each installment she lays out what these depictions look like as a whole. The implications can be enlightening at best and shocking at worst. Whether you agree with her observations or not, it’s hard to deny that she’s hit on a sensitive subject worthy of consideration by all modern gamers.
