Stuck inside? Don’t know what to watch/read/play/listen to? ComingSoon.net has got you covered. In this week’s CS Recommends our staff gives you solid tips on the best media to consume during your downtime, including The Magnus Archives horror podcast and more! Check out our picks below!
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MAX EVRY’S RECOMMEND: MagiCube Geomag Polar Animals
This intro set of magnetic blocks is perfect for younger kids out there looking to create cool designs like a whale or a polar bear. My 2-year-old LOVES these! A special design allows the blocks to connect on all six sides, making structures easy and fun to create. It is designed for children 1 ½ years and up, providing a play experience that is empowering and rewarding. Highly recommend these!
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KYLIE HEMMERT’S RECOMMEND: The Magnus Archives – Horror Podcast
Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast apps!
A couple of years ago, a friend of mine recommended The Magnus Archives when I shared I was seeking a horror podcast to listen to. That recommendation was life-changing, especially as a die-hard horror fan, and I quickly fell in love with every aspect of this award-winning weekly horror podcast. From Rusty Quill, The Magnus Archives kicks off with newly appointed head archivist of The Magnus Institute, Jonathan Sims (played by Jonathan Sims, who also writes the podcast) attempting to bring a seemingly neglected collection of supernatural statements up to date by converting them to audio and supplementing them with follow-up work from his small but dedicated team, including Martin Blackwood (portrayed by The Magnus Archives director and producer Alexander J Newall). Individually, the statements are unsettling. Together, they begin to form a picture that is truly horrifying because as they look into the depths of the archives, something starts to look back…
The Magnus Archives is a perfect blend of stand-alone horror as each episode highlights an original story (featuring new and/or recurring characters) that, over time, are revealed to be bound to the overarching storyline as each new statement is often a small glimpse of things far greater and sinister that they are connected to. Besides a very clever creative team in front of and behind the scenes — who are as passionate about storytelling and horror as they are to bringing these characters and world to life, which is greatly appreciated — the podcast hits every note, from its talented performers, its truly scary/creepy tone driven by smart storytelling, and most importantly, the brilliant characterizations of all the key characters that allow the audience to go on many complex and worthwhile journeys with the individuals involved, especially the terrifying experiences they go through along the way, alone or together.
Without ever missing a beat, the podcast also features one of the most unexpectedly subtle slow-burn relationships that quietly and naturally develops throughout each season and comes together in such a satisfying way it left my little queer heart absolutely delighted — even as the characters struggle to navigate a world full of nightmares. I don’t want to say too much more for fear of spoiling, but now is the perfect time to dive into one of the best horror podcasts around as the show prepares for Act 2 of its fifth and final season.
GRANT HERMANNS’ RECOMMEND: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
The year 2010 was a pretty stacked time for outstanding films but arguably one of the best and most rewatchable is Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Centered on the titular slacker musician as he falls in love with the mysterious and cool Ramona Flowers, the story sees Scott face off against her seven evil exes to vie for her heart while also competing in the Toronto Battle of the Bands with his group, the Sex Bob-Ombs, in an effort to win a record deal. With one of the greatest ensemble casts ever assembled, a wonderfully frenetic pace and meticulously directed look of recreating its source material, awesomely-choreographed fights and exhilarating soundtrack, this is an absolute masterpiece from start to finish and one that never loses its value upon revisits.
MAGGIE DELA PAZ’S RECOMMEND: The Karate Kid (1984)
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For film franchises, there is always an ongoing debate on which one of the sequels is the best among the rest. Admittedly, some follow-up films had indeed surpassed their predecessors in terms of quality or story. However, this is not the case for John G. Avildsen’s The Karate Kid which is undoubtedly the superior movie among the other Karate Kid films.
This classic film is one of the must-watch 1980s movies that people of all ages can definitely enjoy. It tells the story of teenager Daniel LaRusso who ends up getting into trouble with karate-trained high school bullies led by Johnny Lawrence after recently moving to Los Angeles. As the bullying gets more out of hand, Daniel gets rescued by Mr. Miyagi, who is his building’s Japanese handyman. He then seeks Mr. Miyagi’s help by learning karate from him in order to resolve his problems against Cobra Kai.
As a massive fan of the 1980s and coming-of-age films, The Karate Kid is absolutely one of my favorites as it delivered a well-told underdog story that will surely resonate with everyone. After over 30 years since its release in 1984, the teen drama film has been withstanding the test of time by becoming a pop culture phenomenon. Because of this, it had effectively introduced the appreciation of martial arts to younger people. What I also love about the original is the mentor and mentee chemistry between Ralph Macchio and the late Pat Morita which had made us all wish of having a sensei like Mr. Miyagi.
Ahead of the upcoming third season premiere and Netflix debut of the first two seasons of the film’s popular sequel series Cobra Kai, now is actually the perfect time for you to check out or revisit this iconic film.
JEFF AMES’ RECOMMEND: Any of Steve Martin’s Work
Click here to purchase the Steve Martin 4-Movie Laugh Pack!
I envy Steve Martin in so many ways. The man can do everything — he’s an actor, a writer, a musician, a comedian, and perhaps, the most likable man on the planet. As such, on his birthday, I found it only fitting to recommend all things Steve Martin; and while I’m mostly talking about his films — namely classics such as LA Story, Bowfinger, The Jerk, Parenthood, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Three Amigos, or Planes, Trains and Automobiles (among many others) — you can always go out and pick up one of his comedy albums, 1977’s Let’s Get Small or 1978’s A Wild and Crazy Guy, for starters.
You can also check out his play, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, or read one of his books, including Born Standing Up or Shopgirl. Or, one of his musical albums like 2015’s So Familiar which paired his musical talents with singer Edie Brickell. Or, you can watch any of his various standup bits or SNL appearances online. You won’t regret it. And while Martin’s film career over the past decade has left much to be desired in terms of quality, he continues to dazzle us with his seemingly endless array of talent that has long gone underappreciated by the masses.
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