John Otteni

I made a mockumentary about hunting vampires

Welcome to the Jungle 2 Jungle Boogie

The Jungle Book

I have no nostalgia for The Jungle Book. Until a few weeks ago, I’d never seen the original animated film. I hadn’t read any of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book stories either. I like to think this gave me a unique perspective. There wasn’t going to be any candy colored nostalgia glasses over my eyes. Though this isn’t to say I was completely unfamiliar with the material. I did explore some of the Jungle Book universe or “Balooverse”—as I like to call it—before seeing Jon Favreau take the helm, but otherwise I was a stranger in a strange land. I wonder if I’m the first person to reference Iron Maiden in a Jungle Book review?

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Stream Police Ep. 21: Fuller House

Whatever happened to predictability? It’s here on the latest episode of Stream Police! This week, Michael and John review the family-friendly/pathetic-nostalgia-cash-grab reboot Fuller House. Have those dudes still got it? Or have they in fact become rude? Listen to this week’s episode to find out! And please, have mercy.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, and Rabbits and Sloths! Oh My!

Zootopia

Have we reached another Disney Golden Age? If you remember the 90s—cause you’re cool—you might remember Disney’s impressive string of hit films. There was; The Little Mermaid (technically 1989), Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King to name a few. Flash forward to the 2010s and there’s been films like; Tangled, Wreck-It-Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, and most recently Zootopia. Though nothing will ever match the timeless feel of those 90s Disney films with their Broadway song and dance numbers and hand drawn animation, I think the 2010s come close and Zootopia is its best offering yet.

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John’s Top Ten Movies of 2015

Every year I try to watch movies I don’t think will be on anyone else’s list. I watch under appreciated dramas, foreign films and documentaries, but rarely do these pan out. Meaning, most of my favorite films of 2015 were yet again some of the most popular. You might see one “outsider” pick, but not much else you haven’t already seen on a dozen other top ten lists. 2015 was Not a bad year by any means, but certainly not one with as much variety as I would have liked.

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John’s Top Ten TV Shows of 2015

It’s ridiculous how much quality television is out there. There are so many options, streaming services, and so many ways to watch. Not to mention all the spoilers and never-ending water cooler talk. How do these TV people expect us to live? At this point, we are all one great show away from becoming shut ins, strapping ourselves into virtual reality helmets and catching up on reruns of The Grinder.

Some shows I liked but did not include are Documentary Now! and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. Here are some other shows I wish I had watched or watched more of: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Mr. Robot, and Fargo. There’s little doubt in my mind Fargo is likely the best show on TV. That being said, consider this the “All the Best Show that Aren’t Fargo” list and enjoy.

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John’s Top Ten Albums of 2015

In the words of the immortal songsmith James Blunt, “You’re Beautiful. You’re Beautiful. You’re beautiful, it’s true.” And by “You’re” I am referring to 2015. Thanks to my newfound relationship with Spotify, my ears took quite a trip through the various trends and styles of 2015. From the hipster R&B of The Weeknd, to socially conscious hip-hop from Kendrick Lamar and Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment to Grammy darling Adele, there was a lot to take in. I felt good about straying from my comfort zone. Sure, it didn’t always pan out (cough, cough, Mumford and Sons) but it was a journey I’d gladly take again. If not for the surprises for the lasting musical memories.

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2015 Music Roundup: I Love You, Honeybear

Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear

Is Father John Misty hipster Jesus? Check out these lyrics, “Emma eats bread and butter/Like a queen would have ostrich and cobra wine/We’ll have satanic Christmas Eve/And play piano in the chateau lobby.” Can’t you imagine some shoeless Lit major sitting in a coffee shop and banging out those same words on a vintage typewriter? If pretentious lyrics weren’t enough, don’t forget this guy calls himself “Father.” As if rock is a religion and he is an interpreter. As Gerald Johanssen might say, “You’re a bold kid (insert name), a bold kid.” It’s not hard to poke fun at the whole Father John Misty persona. The music on the other hand? The music is no joke… well, except when it’s intended to be.

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