5 Netflix Hidden Gem Series

 Tomorrow New Year's Eve, arguably Netflix's most successful show Stranger Things series finale debuts. Anticipation is high for this 2 hour finale. When Netflix decided to make original content, shows like Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards, paved the way for it to be the powerhouse it is today.

The streamer rapidly built out it's content library, choosing quantity over quality at times. While that method was understandable they produced some serious duds. 

While Netflix original shows like Ozark, Cobra Kai, Squid Games, and Bridgerton are beloved and in some instances a part of pop culture. There are quite a few Netflix show's that sailed under the radar. Here are 5 of them.

American Vandal

Just about everyone loves a good true crime story, to be fair most of them are very intriguing and suck you in. In 2017 Netflix released American Vandal, a mockumentary style series of the true crime genre. Focusing on pranks held at a high school, the players involved and the aftermath.

Despite crictical acclaim and winning a Peabody award. It lasted for two seasons being canceled in 2018. Such a shame as I'm sure it had plenty of material to riff on coming down the pipe.

The OA

Released in 2016 a few months after Stranger Things, The OA was another one of those what the hell is going on series. It followed a young lady who had been missing for 7 years and suddenly reappeared with newfound abilities.

It was intriguing, had you guessing, and was a bit outside the box. After a slightly delayed second season, the show was cancelled with a cliffhanger ending 

Raising Dion

Released in 2019 and based on a indie comic and short film. Raising Dion was executive produced by Michael B. Jordan who also had a bit part in the series. It follows a widowed single mother who discovers her young son is suddenly developing super powers. She works to help him harness the power, keep it as much of a secret as possible and the circumstances behind her husband's death.

It received a 2nd season in 2022, but the show was cancelled after that. Which was a shame as it had so much potential.

Teenage Bounty Hunters

An absurd premise on the surface, this series was released in 2020. Teenage Bounty Hunters follows two sisters who get in an accident with their dads car. In panic mode they agree to work with the Grizzled cranky man they hit played by Kadeem Hardison. Who just so happens to be a bounty hunter.

They soon are on the job and dig deep into some twists that changes their whole world. While silly, the show was quippy and sparky. With just enough intrigue and twists to keep you on your toes. Sadly it was cancelled after one season.

Everything Sucks

This mid-90's set series could have been for Gen Z, what Freaks & Geeks was for Gen-X and older Millennials. It has that same kind of vibe that show. It follows students at a Oregon High school from the A/V and drama clubs respectively. Completely feeling like outcasts they decide to team up and make a movie, using some of the angst they have built up.

In the meantime, they deal with potential love, bullying, and parental issues. The same cycle that begets teenagers no matter the generation. Released in 2018, its a shame this one didnt make any sort of dent in the Netflix world. 

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5 Best North Pole Depictions

 Here we are 2 days away from Christmas and Santa and his team are gearing up for a busy night. I started thinking about the operation of Santa Claus and his home/office space of the North Pole. Throughout the history of film and TV there have been multiple depictions of the North Pole.

I've compiled 5 of what I think are the best intrepertations, of the North Pole.

5. Red One

As a movie Red One has been slandered, I personally thought it was an ambitious but flawed film. Which like many films in recent years focused on world building and setting up a franchise more than telling a story. One thing I think the film got right, alot think they got wrong was the North Pole.

Tying in with the theme of the film and Santa's operation. The North Pole has a very military ish asethic to it. Maybe a little too dark, but far different than what anyone would think its look like. In my opinion that makes this depiction stand out.

4. Arthur Christmas

Another film featuring the military concept yet much lighter is 2011's Arthur Christmas. Here the North Pole is seen and the elves are depicted as hardworking and joyous. They throw a heros welcome in the town square for Santa upon completion of delviering gifts.The real star of the film is the well oiled machine of Santa's operation.

Made possible by the command center manned by the elves, and the military style operation. Santa dresses like a military general and operates spaceship inspired sleigh called "S1". Santa's oldest son Steve also dresses in Christmas cheer military attire, and operates like a unit commander. Technology is heavily embraced in this world of the north pole.

3. Fred Claus

2007's Fred Claus starring Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamantii is an middle of the run just ok, mid 2000's Christmas movie. It's highlight though is how the North Pole and Elves are depicted. 

The set designed is well detailed and the elves workshop rivals any Amazon warehouse. Besides that, it shows the elves having lives when not working. They have hobbies and like to drink and have a good dance break from time to time. 

2. Polar Express

In the 2004 film Polar Express, the North Pole is depicted just as mythical and magical as one would expect. A fully functioning city inhibited by the elves with warehouses making toys, and a town center being an actual "center" for the North Pole.

It was presented as a place you would truly be in awe of seeing it in person.

1. The Santa Clause

Disney's The Santa Clause series of films and TV shows gives the franchise that Disney feeling, "magical". This version of the North Pole is youthful and full of energy just like kids are, the toy workshop looks like any kids room. Bright toys and messy. In the original film Santa even has an elite squad of Elves that are basically their special forces.

Santa's sleigh was equipped with cookie and milk dispensers to help him through the night. As the franchise grew it displayed the town center of the North Pole, and the elves were given purposes and not just background roles.

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5 Netflix Christmas Movies I Recommend

 

I recently watched one of Netflix's latest Christmas offerings. A merry little Ex-Mas starring Alicia Silverstone. It was a decent film, nothing spectacular. However, it got me thinking about other Netflix Christmas movies. 

Here are 5 Netflix Christmas movies I recommend.

5. Let It Snow

This 2019 film which apparently is based on a series of books. The most notable cast member is Shameik Moore (Dope, The Get Down, Spider-Verse films. Its rather formulaic but charming, telling several different interconnected stories during a snowstorm in a small town on Christmas eve.

4. Christmas With You

Released in 2022 this romantic comedy stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Aimee Garcia. Garcia plays a pop singer who dealing with a great deal of stress, makes a mad dash to a small town in upstate New York. She interacts with a young fan and eventually her father. Regaining inspiration, helping the daughter with her quinceanera, and falling in love.

Its a Christmas movie so its cheesy, but it works as a romantic comedy 

3. Our Little Secret

I would consider this film kind of Lindsay Lohan's comeback. Released last year, the plot centers on Lohan and a long time ex that once proposed to her crossing paths again. Only they are both respectively dating siblings and are at the family's home for the holidays.

Well its a lot of work keeping a secret, while trying to stave off a potentially rekindling flame. 

Its worth a viewing in my opinion.

2. Meet Me Next Christmas

Another 2024 release from the Netflix slate. Starring Christinia Millian, this film has one of those divine intervention deals going on. Millian meets a man in the airport one Christmas eve, they bond over Penatonix while they're flight is delayed. And agree if they are both single next christmas, they should meet and have a date at a Penatonix concert.

Well a year later Penatonix is having a Christmas show. Do the two keep their plans or other factors come into play?

Tune in and check it out.

1. Love Hard

Released in 2021 this is one of the better Netflix Christmas movies. I actually think it will be considered a Christmas classic in due time. Starring Nina Debrev and Jimmy O. Yang. Nina plays Natalie Bauer a dating columnist who's on dating apps for work and personal reasons. When she thinks shes found the "guy" through the app, she surprises him and visits his hometown for the holidays.

Only..she was catfished. Lies, negotiations, and true love comes into play in this funny film.

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Jingle All The Way Is Really About Dad's Making Things Happen

 

I introduced my five year old daughter to Jingle All The Way over Thanksgiving weekend. While I initially got some "Daddy can we watch something else?" Questions. She ended up liking the movie, and we have watched it everyday sometimes twice a day since. 

Now, in my opinion Jingle All The Way is a top 5 Christmas movie. I think it deserves a lot more credit than it gets and is a Christmas classic. As a kid I loved the movie because of the whole Turbo Man character and the thrill of finding that toy. Watching it back as an adult, I realized what the movie truly is about.

It's really about dad's and Fatherhood, and the lengths not just dads but parents in general will go; to see a smile on their kids faces. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Howard Langston appears to be a mid level successful businessman. Which has afforded his family a comfortable life, but interferes with him always being there for his son.

A common issue Dads of all income levels have struggled with, doing what you have to in order to provide. Versus always being there for your kids. It is a heavy balancing act if your working multiple jobs, or have a demanding job that allows a certain lifestyle.

Besides being what appears to be a workaholic, Howards out of touch on whats popular with the kids. He thinks it'll be a piece of cake to cover his tracks and obtain the most wanted Christmas toy ever. Once he finds out that is not the case and having already disappointed his son the day before. Howard becomes a mad man on the hunt for a Turbo Man.

Right alongside him as a friend and foe is Postal Worker Myron played by Sinbad. Who is in the same boat as Howard, often running into one another on their quest. Their day leads to a showdown at a Holiday parade.

So you have two dad's from two different backgrounds and careers. Trying their very damn best not to disappoint their kids Christmas morning. Even when they come off overbearing and entitled, stealing from others and other nefarious methods. They just want to see joy and excitement on Christmas.

Which is all any father wants really. Raise good kids and see their faces light up in excitement at something Dad made happen. Throughout the film, Howard and Myron are trying to make something happen. Which is another dadism, figuring things out when plan A doesnt work. Making things happen, trying your damn best and hoping it all works out in your favor.

One last message hidden in the film, its ok and normal to have fictional characters and athletes as your "hero". But dads should be a child's first and main hero.

This film is a masterpiece in Fatherhood, if you love it as a Christmas movie. You'll love it even more when the message resonates with you.

You can tune into Disney +, Hulu, tubi, and of course cable TV to check this classic.

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