Roundup Review | Top streaming recommendations for Nov. 28
Features and entertainment writer Josh Mandell breaks down his top music, TV and movie picks for the week: “Moments Spent Loving You,” “Naked,” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” and "“How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast).” Photo collage by ANGELINA HICKS, editor-in-chief
“Moments Spent Loving You” | Xavier Omär & Sango
I’ve written about a lot of incredibly beautiful music over my last couple of articles, and it would be a crime if this album wasn’t mentioned. This album is perfect for relaxing on a Sunday evening listening to some smooth R&B/soul.
Smooth is the perfect way to describe it. This album makes you feel like you’re floating on the clouds.
Xavier Omär is still a relatively small artist, only having about 900,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, but I use the word “still” purposefully. The fact that he doesn’t have more listeners bewilders me. When this album was released in 2019, it became my entire personality for far longer than I’m willing to admit. Not to mention, I would show it to anyone who would listen.
The songs definitely fit the R&B/soul vibe more than previous albums I have mentioned. The songs are slow, and if that kind of music isn’t your favorite, then this album definitely won’t be your thing. However, I do think that even if you don’t like the album as a whole, there are a couple songs that are intoxicating to any listener.
The album has 11 songs and runs only 40 minutes, but it is jam packed with soothing melodies, meaningful lyrics and a powerful theme. “Keeping Me” and “Thief” are my favorites, and no matter what my mood is, they can lift it.
“Naked” | Will Heard
Don’t be deterred by the name of the song or the first lyric, I promise it is worth the listen. This is a wonderful love song with a lot deeper lyrics than I anticipated upon first listen. I discovered this song on “Love Island,” and initially I was thrown off by it until I gave it a proper chance. I fell in love with this song, and now, it is definitely a favorite of mine.
“Don't play with time / If you don't try to let love in your life it will pass you by” is by far my favorite lyric in this song. It is straightforward and as on the nose as it can get. I love this concept of not being able to control time, and if you aren’t open to finding or letting love in your life, you’ll miss something that could be lovely.
The song came out in 2017, along with the rest of the EP “Trust.” It is a four-song project, and while all of the songs are good, “Naked” outshines the rest of the songs.
It is a delightful listen, and I’m sure it’ll make its way into your playlist.
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople”
This is my comfort movie. Every time I watch it I derive new meaning from it. It is a light hearted lovely watch. This hidden gem deserves so much more love.
It was made with a small budget in New Zealand, and it was directed by someone who would go on to absolutely blow up in terms of fame, Taika Waititi. If you do not know who Waititi is, I suggest you familiarize yourself with him as soon as possible.
He wrote and directed movies like “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Jojo Rabbit” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” He is absolutely hilarious and a wonderful writer/director… and we won't talk about “Thor Love and Thunder.” He acts in many of his projects as well, and he has a hilarious cameo in this movie.
This film does a wonderful job balancing grief with humor with the overarching theme being about fitting in. We follow a foster kid as he adjusts to new life with a new family in the middle of nowhere. Between the family and this young kid, we are able to find a lot of great comedy beats.
This film does a great job of taking age-old archetypes and making them fresh and unique with the characters. I don’t want to spoil the film, so you will have to find out what that means for yourself. The main theme of the film is about having a sense of belonging and it is articulated in such an amazing way. It has fun in its storytelling and really lets the characters breathe, whereas other films try to jam themes down your throat.
It truly is a beautiful watch. You will find yourself laughing hysterically and profoundly moved by the time you finish the film.
“How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)”
This is one of the most incredible shows that no one has ever heard of. I was absolutely blown away after I watched this show. It was exhilarating. It’s a German show and has three seasons out so far, and it’s one of the most impressive shows I have ever seen.
This show follows a teen super genius who starts an online drug store with his best friend and secretly becomes a wealthy CEO while trying to survive high school. Whether you watch the show with subtitles or dubbed over, the acting is truly phenomenal.
The actors in this show deliver killer performances, which makes you feel even more immersed in the world. All technical aspects of the show are top notch. From editing to cinematography, they all benefit the show greatly.
One of the most impressive feats this show is able to do is keep viewers hooked with an unlikeable protagonist. There are times in this show where you will absolutely hate the main character, but for some reason you are constantly rooting for him — even though he sucks.
The show is fast paced and you will get through it in a night because you are constantly wanting more. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it is really just a very enjoyable watch.