Roundup Review | Top streaming recommendations for Oct. 24

Features and entertainment writer Josh Mandell breaks down his top music, TV and movie picks for the week: “Midnights (3 a.m. Edition),” “I’m Sorry,” “Her” and “Never Have I Ever.” Photo collage by ANGELINA HICKS, editor-in-chief

“Midnights (3 a.m. Edition)” | Taylor Swift 

Come on, of course I’m a Swiftie. While this is not my favorite Taylor Swift album ever, I do think that it is really strong. Although the album hasn’t been out long, I think it has the potential to be my most listened to album of the year. 

I chose the 3 a.m. edition, because, duh, more songs. However, I do think I like the seven extra songs more than I do the rest of the album. Although, the whole album has more complex songwriting and melodies and I can really appreciate the artistry. It’s Taylor, so who is really surprised?

As Taylor Swift has released albums I feel as if her sound has evolved, and while that’s very common with most artists, there’s usually a sound or a phase I don’t like in some new releases.

That’s what sets Taylor apart from others, I like it all. On this album I do believe that every song has re-listen potential, but my favorite song is easily “Anti-Hero.”

My suggestion is, turn this album on as loud as you can, grab a glass of wine and enjoy a delightful evening listening to a great album. 

“i’m sorry” | Joshua Bassett

This song hurts me physically. It is very sad but also absolutely beautiful. If you have not been following the Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett drama, I will try to catch you up to the best of my knowledge. 

Basically, Joshua Bassett and Olivia Rodrigo were on the Disney+ show — “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” — where they played love interests. They were teenagers and spent a lot of time together, and to the best of the public’s knowledge, they fell in love. 

No one really knows the whole story, but there are rumors they broke up, got back together and then broke up again.

People had speculations, but this was all a secret to the public until Olivia Rodrigo released a song that blew up the internet. That song, I’m sure you know, was “driver’s license.” 

Joshua Bassett released a song very close after entitled “Lie Lie Lie.” Nevertheless, the drama has continued two years later, and now we have this song, which is very clearly about her. 

You can hear the pain in his voice as he sings about how he wishes he had said things and done things differently two years ago. It’s a great song, but it might make you depressed, so fair warning. 

I just got to see him live and he was a wonderful performer. If you like this song, go listen to his other stuff because it is all good (and not all sad).

“Her” 

Continuing my “media about love” trend for the week, this movie is fantastic. To put it simply, it is about a very lonely man who falls in love with the artificial intelligence in his phone. But I promise it is so much more than that. 

It is beautiful, genuine, sincere and sweet as hell. When the film came out in 2013, many people were hesitant to see it due to the fact that a man falls in love with his computer, but after actually watching the movie, the ratings were incredible and it grossed $48 million. 

It is an absolutely wonderful film that completely encapsulates the feeling of loneliness. The movie feels like a big warm blanket giving you a hug. 

The performances are sensational as well. Joaquin Phoenix has to act with a phone for the duration of the film, and he absolutely crushes it. It is a reminder of why he is one of the best working actors around today. Not to mention Scarlett Johannsen’s voice acting. It’s better than a lot of other voice acting work I have ever seen — superb performances by superb actors. 

At the moment it is not on any streaming platforms, but pay the $3 to watch it. It’s worth it, I promise. 

“Never Have I Ever”

This Netflix show holds a special place in my heart. There are three seasons out thus far, and I just finished the third season. It put a big fat smile on my face. It is a lovely show that at its core deals with a girl who is grieving and just trying to fit in. 

It’s created by Mindy Kaling, and everything she touches turns to gold. She is an absolute genius. Throughout the show we follow a high school girl who is a genius, but is not very liked at school. She has to deal with her strict family, grieving the death of her dad and being in love with the most popular boy at school. I know how it sounds, cliche.

At times it is, but it just has this charm about it that makes you want to keep watching. Not to mention, John McEnroe is the “voice inside her head.” I didn’t know who he was either, but he is one of the most prolific tennis players from the ‘80s. It is a hilarious contradiction. 

This show might not be for everyone, and that’s okay, but it really is worth a shot. The characters make some wacky decisions from time to time that are frustrating to watch, but imagine if someone watched all of the dumb decisions you made? 

Once you get settled into the show, it really is a fun watch. You’ll laugh, cry and yell, so enjoy!