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The Different Types of Loft Conversions: Which One Is Right for You? | Wealth of Geeks

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Loft conversions are a fantastic way to add value to your home – up to 20% in some cases, and add more functional space, without needing a garden or eating into your outdoor space if you do have it. 

The above benefits are why so many people are choosing to have this home improvement done, particularly amid the potential decline of the housing market, which is delaying moving plans for many.

Of course, having a loft conversion isn’t just an A to B process. There are various considerations, including the important decision as to which type of loft conversion is right for you.

Your house will dictate which conversions suit you, and your loft construction service can advise you further. Still, in the meantime, it’s smart to get an idea of the kind of designs available and which houses/ loft conversion demands they suit best.

Velux/ Roof Lights

A Velux window conversion is the easiest conversion you can have and often the cheapest, as long as the space between the floor and the roof is adequate after insulation. According to Building Regulations, the space is made safe and able to bear weight, and windows are added. A staircase also has to be added, too. 

There is no changing of the shape of the roof or changes to the ceilings of the highest floor involved- just a simple and often relatively quick home improvement (can be completed in as little as a month) that gives you a bright and beautiful new room to use as you please. 

Pros:

  • Often the most affordable loft conversion type
  • Great if you are on a budget
  • Minimal construction disruption
  • You often do not require planning permission
  • The value of an extra room can be exceptional compared to the cost of the conversion itself 

Cons: 

  • The amount of usable space can be restrictive 
  • The amount of space created VS the space used up elsewhere with stairs and other elements of installation can be questionable

Dormer

A dormer loft conversion is a fantastic choice for many homeowners because the extra cost (compared to a Velux conversion) can be marginal when considered against the vast amount of extra space created. They work by adding a box shape that protrudes from the middle of the roof outwards (with a flat roof) and then a vertical wall downwards towards where the guttering would be. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be standard window width all the way to the full length of a roof. Wherever there is one added, you get extra head space and floor space that can transform the entire loft. 

Pros:

  • You often don’t need Planning Permission for a dormer conversion
  • There are many types of dormer conversions to suit different property styles and aesthetics
  • Dormer designs are versatile and can be as small as standard window width or run along the entire length of the roof
  • The amount of space added for the money is impressive
  • A Juliette balcony, french doors, or a floor-to-ceiling window can be added to let natural light flood in, improve ventilation, and make the most of the surrounding views
  • The space is more versatile because of added headroom and not just floor space

Cons: 

  • The main downside of a dormer is that the aesthetic is something only some find appealing. This can be problematic not just for homeowners but in regard to aesthetic restrictions on properties in the neighborhood.

Hip to Gable

Hip-to-gable loft conversions are a way to work around a property with a complex pyramid-shaped roof with more roof slopes than the traditional A-shaped roof. They are used where the hipped roof minimizes the usable floor area, which can also impact where the staircase goes. A hip-to-gable conversion replaces the hipped roof with a gabled roof, increasing the space available within the conversion. Additionally, many people will complement this with a rear dormer to maximize the available space. 

Pros: 

  • Creates lots of space to be used in endless different ways
  • Perfect for homes where a pyramid-shaped roof is causing a challenge for a conversion
  • The aesthetics tend to be more pleasing to many than a dormer

Cons: 

  • Planning Permission could be necessary for this kind of conversion, particularly if you have already had work done to your home under Permitted Development
  • Limited roof space could mean this conversion is not the best route for you when it comes to getting the most from your conversion
  • Unsuitable for mid-terraced houses
  • Tend to be more costly than a dormer
  • Design can be complex, and more architectural intervention may be necessary than with other conversion types 

Mansard

A Mansard conversion is where the entire roof is changed to create a huge loft conversion space. The roof on either side is adapted to be almost completely vertical, and the roof at the top is flat. The design allows tons of natural light to flood in and lots of floor-to-ceiling square footage to be used in any way you like. 

Pros: 

  • The aesthetic can be blended in to match the property well
  • Creates lots of space with lots of headroom
  • Suitable for most types of houses
  • Can often fit in ensuites and other handy extras
  • Lots of potential for large windows allow lots of stunning natural light and ventilation

Cons: 

  • Can be on the top end of the cost when it comes to loft conversions
  • Planning Permission will likely be necessary
  • You are likely to need a structural engineer to come and check that the current house structure can handle the extra weight and different use of the roof space

L-shaped

An L-Shaped conversion is where two dormers are connected to form an ‘L’ shape if you were to see the conversion from a Bird’s Eye point of view. The space created by an L-shaped conversion can be extensive and used as a completely self-sufficient space with multiple rooms, an ensuite, and a kitchen/ kitchenette. 

Pros: 

  • A huge amount of space is created
  • Multiple rooms can be created within the space
  • The external design can be very pleasing, blending in with the outside aesthetic of your home

Cons: 

  • You may need Planning Permission if you have already had work done with Permitted Development

How To Find Out Which Loft Conversion Option Is Right for You

You likely now have an idea which conversion sounds like it’s right for you. Ultimately, though, until you have fully consulted with a trusted loft conversion company, you can’t know which possibilities could work for your budget, needs, and existing property. By enlisting the help of a trusted loft conversion company, you can get a customized quote and find out about different options available to you, their cost, timescales, and potential results. 

With that information and the guidance of an experienced loft construction company, you can then take the next step, planning a transformative loft conversion that gives you the most value, functionality, and aesthetic appeal for your money. 

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks. 


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From “Plan 9” to “Cocaine Bear”: What Makes a Cult Classic? | Wealth of Geeks

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Take a walk with me to the year 1959. That hip cat Elvis Presley is taking a “Big Hunk O’ Love” out of the music charts, and there are still 62 years before anyone first utters the word “cheugy.”

You and your date just finished sharing a malted milkshake and are about to catch a flick at the local drive-in. All the fellas at school have been talking about it. That film. Plan 9 From Outer Space. You figure it’ll be a fun action movie to set the mood before you take Stacey Lewis to Make-out Point! Ooh-la-la!

Unfortunately, the movie is bad. Like really, really bad. So bad that Stacy demands that you drop her off at home and never speak to her again. Well, so much for second base. Here’s a silver lining, though: at least nobody will ever talk about that stupid movie again! 

Let’s keep walking through time and stop somewhere in the 1970s. That groovy daddio Elvis Presley is crooning “Burning Love,” and while we’re slightly closer to the invention of “cheugy,” we’re also closer to the end of polio. Silver linings! We stroll past the theater and see posters for Star Wars, Jaws, and…oh no. 

Plan 9 From Outer Space? That awful movie that ruined your date night all those years ago? And not only is it still playing, but there’s a line of people around the corner, dressed as B-movie aliens, waiting to buy a ticket. Are you losing it? What is going on?

What Is a “Cult Classic?”

Plan 9 From Outer Space is one of the first examples of a “cult classic” film, meaning it has a dedicated following of fans, even though it was not received well by critics or mainstream audiences. While low-budget films in the 50s and 60s usually received a limited run, many saw a renaissance in later years. 

Sometimes a movie was initially considered “bad” but was reassessed by later audiences to be good. Sometimes the movie was terrible but gained notoriety as being “campy” or “so bad, it’s good,” like Plan 9. Sometimes it had nothing to do with the quality of the movie; people just identified with the characters, themes, or motifs.

The funny thing is, sometimes having enough of a cult following can turn previously underground movies mainstream! I know, I know — none of this takes away the pain of getting snubbed by Stacey Lewis back in 1959. If it’s any consolation, she’s, like, 90 now. 

What Are Some Films That Define The Genre?

Cult films have existed for about as long as movies have existed. Some consider the Dracula knock-off Nosferatu (1922) among the first examples of a movie gaining cult status, despite Bram Stoker’s widow doing everything she could to stop it. Regardless of the fact that all original copies of the film were destroyed, Nosferatu was kept alive by sheer willpower. And by “willpower,” I mean “illegal bootlegging.” 

But let’s talk about the movie you probably thought of first when you hear the phrase “cult classic,” a little film called Rocky Horror Picture Show. A horror/comedy/musical starring Tim Curry as a “sweet transvestite” (his words) went over the heads of many audiences in 1975 when the film premiered.

While it initially bombed at the box office, it gained new life as a staple of the “midnight movie.” It’s considered now to be one of the greatest musicals of all time and is still playing in limited theaters almost 50 years later, making it the longest-running theatrical release in film history. 

Like with Rocky Horror and another Tim Curry-led favorite, Clue (1985), many cult films are reassessed after their original release as being underrated. However, many cult films were critically panned for good reason. A shining example of this is Tommy Wiseau’s 2003 film, The Room, which is widely considered one of the worst films of all time. It was so critically and financially panned that it inspired a movie called The Disaster Artist (which, ironically, ended up being nominated for an Academy Award!).

Cult classics come in every genre: LGBTQ black comedies like But I’m a Cheerleader (1999), surreal sci-fi like A Clockwork Orange (1971), or family-friendly adventures like The Princess Bride (1987) have all achieved cult status.

While these are all vastly different films, there is one thing they all have in common: despite low financial performance or critical reception, all of these films have a dedicated following and have made an impact on culture in some way. 

What Recent Film Will Become a “Cult Classic” Later?

I’m so glad you asked! 

Slowly but surely, we see a reassessment of 21st-century films as they apply to our current mainstream society. Movies like Jennifer’s Body (2009)  and The Incredible Weight of Massive Talent (2022) are both already moving into cult status even a short time after their original runs. However, a new champion is entering the ring – and boy, is he angry. That’s right, folks. It’s time to talk about Cocaine Bear. 

To me, Cocaine Bear has every necessary ingredient for a cult classic. The Elizabeth Banks-directed vehicle is a wild ride with an all-star cast including Kerri Russel, the late Ray Liotta, and esteemed character actress Margo Martindale. The sheer chaos of the plot, which is based on a true story, created free word-of-mouth for the film.

While the film itself received mixed reviews from critics, it’s an undeniably fun time, and could be enjoyed by future audiences down the line — maybe even more than it’s being enjoyed today. 

Was Elizabeth Banks the first ever director to set out to make a cult classic — and succeed? I suggest watching the film for yourself before you decide. And then maybe watch it again — who knows? Maybe there’s something you missed the first time. 

Watch Cocaine Bear in theaters now. 

This post was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.


Alexandria Love is a writer, comedian, and actor from Oakland, California. She’s been a featured stand-up comedian in numerous clubs and festivals. Her comedic writing is seen on Netflix, ABC, and NBC. She has contributed essays to an upcoming “She Series” book compiled by Karen Hellion. Alexandria currently resides in New York City.


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How To Make Money on Fiverr Without Skills | Wealth of Geeks

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How do I make money on Fiverr without skills?

Whether you want to build a freelance career or make extra money online, you are in the right place.

Remote work has become the new norm of the digital age, primarily for its flexibility. Plus, who doesn’t want to skip the daily commute? Thankfully, there are endless ways you can make money online.

Firstly, you must decide if you want to join a freelancing platform. As a newbie, this is an intelligent step for selling your services, finding clients, and building your portfolio. Working with a trusted platform like Fiverr significantly reduces your risk of being scammed.

If you think platforms like Fiverr are only for graphic designers and coders, you couldn’t be more wrong. With freelancing, there are a variety of niches that you can start by learning on the go. Overall, there are very many opportunities that you can access without any real skill.

In this article, you will gain insight into the kind of gigs you can do on Fiverr without skills. That means you could start making extra money as soon as today.

What Is Fiverr?

Fiverr is a popular platform where freelancers can advertise their services to potential buyers. The platform started operating in 2010 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

Fiverr is available in various languages, including English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, and German. The platform offers freelancing jobs to its users globally, providing countless ways to make money online. It is available in over 160 countries, with over 3 million buyers using Fiverr annually.

How Does Fiverr Work?

Fiverr is set up like a marketplace where buyers and sellers meet to trade skills and services for money. You will get paid to offer your service to a buyer needing your time and talents.

There are two categories of people that you will find on the platform.

  1. Customers/buyers usually come to the site searching for services offered by freelancers online. They come looking for services they need to complete the tasks they have at hand. They also show how much they expect to pay users (aka, their budget).
  2. Sellers are the ones that put up their skills and services to sell to the world.

These two types of people above make up the marketplace that is Fiverr.

If you are reading this article, you are likely a seller looking to connect with buyers and start making money.

How To Get Started as a Seller on Fiverr

I have listed the steps below that you should follow to start as a freelancer on Fiverr.

1. Create a New Fiverr Account

Of course, signing up (for free) is the first step. This will include basic information like your name and email address.

2. Set up a Seller Account

After setting up your account, it’s time to add all your personal details. You should include your experience, skills, and resume to attract potential buyers. (Don’t think you have any skills to earn extra income? Keep reading for Fiverr gig ideas.)

3. Create a New Gig

Once your account is set up, you can now create a gig (or offer) to sell on the platform with an account. Carefully consider the name of your gig so that clients clearly know what you are offering. It should be detailed to make it easy for buyers to find you.

You can check out some easy gigs with less competition that you can set up here.

4. Market Your Gig

Now, it’s time to get your gig in front of the right people and attract clients. You can market your gigs on your social media accounts. Some sellers also advertise their gigs on websites.

You can also look at Fiverr “job boards” and apply directly to a buyer looking for a specific gig. When you’re new, this is one of the best ways to build your portfolio. I remember applying for every job available. And it worked, allowing me to land my first two clients within 48 hours.

A well-crafted profile description can also increase your chances of getting customers- bringing them directly to you via Fiverr’s search algorithm. You should use bullet points and include the following:

  • A short introduction that showcases your skills
  • Encourage buyers to contact you
  • A professional profile photo
  • Past experience (get creative here if needed)
  • Education relevant to your gig, if any

How Are Gigs on Fiverr Priced?

All Fiverr gigs follow the same pattern of pricing. The plans include basic, premium, and standard pricing plans.

You do not have to use all the plans. You can choose the options that work for you. Ultimately, you get to set your own prices. Initially, you might need to start lower than you’d like, but you can quickly grow once you establish yourself.

Does Fiverr Take a Cut?

Yes. Fiverr has a 20% fee for all your earnings per gig. Remember that this is the only fee you pay on the platform; the rest is yours.

Pros of Fiverr

Let’s look at all the advantages of using a platform like Fiverr.

1. Additional Cash

Working as a freelancer on this site gives you ways to earn extra cash. This money can be an addition to what you make on your day job in your spare time, or it can replace your day job entirely and allow you work-from-home full time.

The earnings on the site can be lucrative, making it one of the best-paying freelancing platforms you can find online.

2. Plenty of Work Opportunities

The beauty of Fiverr is the number of services you can sell. With the number of opportunities, it is virtually impossible for you not to find a job.

If it’s on Fiverr, someone is looking for it. And many options require no special skills to get started.

3. Low Fees

With Fiverr, you only incur one fee. This fee represents 20% of all the money you will make per job on the site. For example, if you complete a job and get paid $100, Fiverr will take $20.

This is a good system for many freelancers, keeping them from paying any upfront costs to be on a platform and preventing scams. They only pay a fee when they earn money.

4. User-friendly

The website is straightforward to use. When you log on to the site, you can easily get access to the section of sellers and select what service you want.

It is straightforward to navigate, and buyers hire sellers by using the search box to find what they want on the site. This means you can find potential clients within minutes.

5. Experience Is Optional

The platform is set up so that you can start working as a freelancer without a skill set. Fiverr has many jobs requiring no skills, such as proofreading, editing, software testing, etc.

This has attracted a lot of sellers to the platform looking to get their foot in the door.

6. Secure Communication Platform

The platform’s interactive communication system facilitates secure conversations between buyers and sellers on Fiverr. Expectations are set from the beginning to ensure everyone is on the same page. The closed system also helps prevent scams (from both parties).

7. Large Customer Base

Few freelancing websites in the world can match the audience that Fiverr has. Thanks to its long-standing reputation, it has a lot of customers (almost 3 million) that come to buy services from them.

With this large number of customers, the potential for service providers on Fiverr to make money is high. The best way to start making money fast with Fiverr is to get started.

8. Fixed Prices (No Bidding)

Most freelancing sites let the buyers and sellers participate in a bidding war where the winner takes all. When you go to Fiverr, all services are sold at a specific price, depending on the service provider.

Fixed prices help to reduce the time wasted in bidding. Depending on your reviews and credentials, the buyer has to look at your services and decide whether they will purchase them from you or another freelancer. Thus, being a top-rated seller (or working to become a pro seller) is beneficial.

Cons of Fiverr

Like any platform, there are also some disadvantages.

1. Fourteen-day Payment Period

Payment typically take 14 days to allow time for processing and clearance of funds. While this won’t let you earn money fast, fourteen days is still reasonable; many other platforms (and employees) pay in 30 days or more.

2. Seller Competition

If you have visited the site, you know there are many sellers for each specific service you can find. There are over 10,000 services listed on particular jobs. This makes it a highly competitive site, and crucial that you find a way to set yourself apart.

3. Fiver Fees

The 20% Fiverr fee on all the money you make can feel steep. This is a pretty high fee and is charged on every job you have completed.

What To Sell on Fiverr if You Have No Skills?

When I had just joined the platform, I saw a lot of gigs that seemed easy but required formal training. With time, I realized that many of the gigs on this platform do not need skills. Instead, attention to detail is essential for keeping customers happy.

Let’s review some of the gigs you will find on Fiverr that do not require a specific skill set. Any of these are a great side hustle or have the potential to pay a full-time income.

1. Proofreading Text

Proofreading is one of the easiest gigs you will come across on Fiverr. With proofreading, all you have to do is go through written texts, such as blog articles, and make corrections.

Since the platform is accessible in many languages, proofreading can be done in your primary language (or any language you are proficient in). You’ll love this gig opportunity if you have a keen eye for detail.

2. Online Surveys

This is another easy gig you will find on Fiverr. You must have participated in a survey at least once (which is everyone). Currently, online surveys can be a source of income for you. Ultimately, you can participate in a survey for a price.

All you have to know is how to answer questions and provide honest feedback regarding the products or services of interest. Platforms like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks are some of the best online survey sites you can join to get paid for sharing your opinions.

You can check out our in-depth review of Survey Junkie here.

3. Software Testing

Software testing involves testing out programs in their development stages. Whenever an app is developed, it is distributed to a few select individuals to test it out and see how it works for them.

In this case, you only need a mobile device to download the application and see how it works. With this gig, you only need to provide feedback regarding the program to earn your cash.

2. Writing Blog Comments

When you go online, you will find a lot of blogging sites. Bloggers upload articles on their sites and sometimes want comments for a higher ranking on Google.

Freelancers can use this opportunity to comment on blog posts and earn money. You just have to know how to write comments.

3. Language Translation

There are many languages that you will find on Fiverr. If you are using a mobile device, the assumption is that you are fluent in a common language. You can leverage your language skills to make some money by translating a variety of text (descriptions, blog articles, etc.).

You might also design a gig as a tutor if you are proficient in multiple languages.

4. Editing

.Most editing gigs on the site will require you to make adjustments or corrections where necessary. All you have to do is to know the language in the document is written, and you are good to go. An eye for detail will also help you be successful in the long run.

5. Social Media Management

In the digital age, social media has become very common worldwide. Social media accounts for the most significant portion of internet users.

Businesses and individuals alike use social media to reach out to their followers. You can manage their social media accounts for them. How often you will need to post content will be dependent on a client’s need. All you need is a good internet connection to keep up with trends, and this gig will be favorable for you.

6. Social Media Services

A social media services gig is slightly different from the one above. Here, you use your social media accounts to advertise and promote products and services on behalf of the client. This means you can get paid for tweeting and posting the time you spend on social media,

Remember that social media marketing gigs work best for those with a large social media following and interaction metrics.

7. Web Research

You probably spend a lot of time on social media or Google researching interesting things. With this gig, you get to conduct research and compile your findings on behalf of your client.

When done, you forward the information to the client and get paid.

8. Design Stuff Using Canva

Canva is a platform to design anything with graphics online. With this platform, you can create anything from certificates to banners. For example, you could design a printable template and sell it to clients looking for a plug-and-play freebie for their website.

You can find templates for you. Plus, it is free to use. You can sign up for a free Canva account here. If you have an eye for design, you can get started with clients with Canva.

9. Content Creation

A client might need many types of content, from writing to video. As a freelance writer, you will help write blog posts for a client’s niche. You can also create videos that communicate specific messages on behalf of your client.

You can check out paid online writing jobs for more ways to make money writing and blogging,

10. Travel Planning

This gig requires that you plan trips for your clients. You have to select the best places to see, the best accommodation available, and the prices for these services.

All you need is a map and the internet to help you find good places for your clients.

11. Video Testimonials

Some bloggers need to get good reviews on their sites to attract customers. Thus, they are looking for people who can give their sites testimonials.

You must make a video about how good a product has been for you. Often, this will require you to try the product first, which the company will send you free of charge.

12. Short Video Ads

Ads are the most popular form of advertising on the internet at the moment. Designing short videos has been made easy with the numerous software tools on the internet (many of them free).

These ads can be about 1-minute long. Since the client determines the content, you can simply follow their prompts.

13. Design Ebook Covers

Book covers are another gig that can be done using Canva software. Just like certificates, some templates are already done for you. All you have to do is get on the Canva platform and design the cover based on what has been given to you by the client.

14. Other Options

Don’t see a way to make money from home that you like? Other worthwhile Fiverr gigs that you can train yourself to be good at include:

  • Subtitling videos and transcribing audio
  • Virtual assistant work
  • Phone calls and distribution services
  • Whiteboard animations
  • Branding services
  • Digital presentation design
  • Transcription
  • Promoting Fiverr gigs as an affiliate

Top 5 Fiverr Gigs That Require No Skills

In this section, I will introduce you to the best-paying Fiverr gigs that do not require any skills. Keep in mind that they are highly competitive because the buyers are plentiful.

I chose these gigs because they are the easiest to complete. You will notice many of these were already discussed above, so I’ll review quickly.

1. Proofreading

This gig requires you to read through content that has already been created so that you can make corrections. Gigs in this niche are very common for eBooks and blog posts.

This gig starts at $10 and can rise to $200 depending on how much work you are given.

2. Social Media Services

This is the most convenient gig you will ever find. All you have to do is promote a few services for your client on your social media channels.

This gig can earn you around $10 – $1,000, depending on your work and the social media account size.

3. Web Research

Conducting research is something we all do daily. Clients will give you specific topics for you to collect information. Think of it as being paid for completing your homework or coursework.

The prices for this gig range between $5-$100.

4. Online Surveys

Completing surveys has never been this productive. You will find other survey websites looking for participants on Fiverr. This is an excellent opportunity to earn money by answering a few questions.

A quick search on the Fiverr website shows that services for taking surveys start at around $5-$40.

5. Software Testing

You can earn money by downloading new software onto your phone, using it, and giving a review on how well it works. Plus, don’t forget to recommend any adjustments that may be helpful. This is very convenient for anyone that wants to spend a lot of time playing games and testing apps on their phone.

The price for this service ranges between $10-$1000.

How To Make Money on Fiverr Without Skills

In review, there are various jobs that you can take on without any specific skill set, such as editing, online surveys, proofreading and many others. If you need a side gig, these gigs are the best.

Fiverr is just a place of opportunities. With Fiverr, freelance remote work has never been more accessible. With this platform, you can ditch the scams and make money fast. And all you need is a login to get started.

For many people, it is encouraging to know that they do not have to leverage some skills to make money on the site. They can learn as they go, get trained by their clients, and gain valuable experience that can help them earn a lot of money long-term.


JayDee is a mom, writer, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She’s passionate about helping women live their best lives through community and education. Outside of her work as a health and mom blogger, she loves traveling the world and exploring the great outdoors with her family. 


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Is Star Wars Sci-Fi or Fantasy? | Wealth of Geeks

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As most fans can attest, everything is up for debate when it comes to Star Wars.

Along with irksome questions like the definitive order to watch the film series or which Star Wars TV show is the best, a long-developed question that continues to divide viewers is whether Star Wars falls under the umbrella term of sci-fi or fantasy.

The question instantly invites all sorts of arguments, debates, and detractions from Star Wars fans — some of whom claim the series belongs to the sci-fi genre, while others contend it’s firmly a fantasy film.

Like any debate in Star Wars, there are many different angles to approach this question, with all sorts of considerations to carefully take into account. First and foremost, it’s important to identify the key features associated with each respective genre, identifying whether these characteristics can be spotted in Star Wars. Additionally, the exact influences George Lucas relied on in crafting his cinematic universe may provide helpful evidence in determining the series’ conclusive genre.

With that in mind, let’s try to figure out once and for all whether Star Wars is sci-fi or fantasy.

The Case for Star Wars as Fantasy

Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures

The genius behind Star Wars itself is that, unlike other strictly sci-fi properties, George Lucas weaved in numerous elements from distinctly non-sci-fi genres. These elements include everything from Japanese samurai films (especially those by Akira Kurosawa) to 1950s and ‘60s Westerns (Han Solo being the proverbial space cowboy, his arch-rival, Boba Fett, inviting comparisons to Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name).

As part of the outside influences Lucas introduced to his cinematic creation, Lucas also maintained dozens of allusions to the fantasy genre. In particular, Lucas drew on stories found throughout ancient mythology for the basic outline of his series, especially those found in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, perhaps the biggest inspiration on Star Wars’ direction.

While Lucas may have been more directly influenced by Joseph Campbell’s monomyth structure, it’s hard to ignore the glaring similarities between Star Wars and several tales from Ancient Egypt, Greece, or Rome. As an example, the story of Luke Skywalker is extraordinarily similar to the overall structure of The Odyssey. Both characters come from an extraordinary setting, are called to a unique adventure that they initially refuse to participate in, face overwhelming odds and challenges along the way, and ultimately return humbled and changed.

Given the relatively limited story progressions of ancient myths, Campbell’s monomyth structure can be applied to virtually every legend from Prometheus to Osiris. That being said, similarities can be inherently found between Star Wars and these numerous age-old stories that formed the basis for the fantasy genre.

Jumping forward from the mythology of ancient civilizations, one might also spot some overarching similarities between Star Wars and other fictional properties firmly embedded in fantasy — the most notable being JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. As happens to be the case for Star Wars, Tolkien’s series incorporates numerous characteristics commonly found in mythology, employing the monomyth years before Campbell ever invented the term.

Like Luke, you have a hapless character (Frodo) reluctantly departing on an adventure, recruiting several colorful allies, facing imminent perils, and ultimately triumphing over the physical embodiment of evil in their respective settings. Taken one step further, you can also see how certain characters from Tolkien’s books went on to shape the general archetypes filled by characters in Star Wars (Luke and Frodo, Han and Aragorn, Obi-Wan and Gandalf, Sauron and Emperor Palpatine).

While the structure of the storylines between Star Wars and LOTR is clear, detractors might rightfully claim that just because the story layouts and characters are similar, the comparisons between Lucas and Tolkien’s respective creations start and end there.

However, Lucas was also careful to incorporate more fantastical elements in Star Wars as well, best personified by the Force at the heart of his franchise. Clashing dramatically with the sci-fi futurism of its setting, the Force immediately calls to mind the magic wielded by Gandalf or Saruman in Lord of the Rings, or Merlin in Arthurian legend.

As most science fiction fans are sure to point out, magic is about as common in science fiction as bubblegum in historical epics or iPhones in Westerns. Lucas was among the first to pioneer the concept of magic being used in a science fiction setting, giving Star Wars a decidedly mythological presentation that perhaps most largely accounts for arguments in favor of its status as a fantasy film.

The Case for Star Wars as Sci-Fi

Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope 1977 Lucsfilm
Image Courtesy of Lucasfilm

On the other side of the argument are the prevalent examples supporting the series’ claim as a work of science fiction. After all, virtually every aspect of Star Wars’ universe can be categorized as succinctly sci-fi (from the laser-emitting blasters and lightsabers to the spaceships and extraterrestrial travel between planets).

When held up to other classic sci-fi works (Star Trek, Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon), Star Wars adheres to many of the same characteristics that make up these fictional universes. The setting — while taking place “in a galaxy far, far away” — incorporates endless elements of science fiction.

As mentioned above, the weaponry and vehicles are virtually straight out of a Star Trek episode; but there are also more telling themes present in seminal examples of sci-fi, including cloning, totalitarian regimes, alien species, interstellar war, and AI (droids). Wherever you look within the context of Star Wars, these elements can be found almost everywhere.

As with influences Lucas took from mythology and fantasy, he also liberally borrowed from sci-fi films, TV shows, novels, and comic books he’d personally enjoyed growing up. These influences include Flash Gordon, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, and Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Martian books.

Possibly the biggest influence on the narrative and world of Star Wars came in the form of Frank Herbert’s Dune, the sci-fi equivalent of The Lord of the Rings. On the surface, Herbert’s Dune serves as almost the direct spiritual predecessor to Star Wars, with Lucas adopting the idea of a hostile desert planet, intergalactic power struggles, and a method of space travel that could be used to bridge vast distances in a matter of moments.

Even more than that, there are also several more fantastical elements present in Dune that Lucas took inspiration from. Most notably, you can see a striking resemblance between the Jedi Order and more mystical factions within Dune, such as the Bene Gesserit. As seen in Herbert’s novels, this group possesses physical and mental gifts — believed to be magical in nature by outsiders — that make them valued assets in the political landscape of Dune. That description alone is dramatically similar to the Jedi Order and their roles as protectors of the Republic in the Prequels.

To go one step further, the Bene Gesserit even prophesied the coming of the Kwisatz Haderach, a female savior with heightened clairvoyance powerful enough to usher in a new era of peace for humanity. This special “chosen one” almost describes the exact role of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars.

Further comparisons can also be made between Lucas’s Force and the elusive magical properties found throughout the Dune universe, including the symptoms that come from ingesting a fictional drug known as “spice.” When taken, this drug increases awareness, focus, and energy — essentially the same traits as a Jedi when they embrace the Force. (For anyone who doubts this claim, just look at the climactic moment when Luke opts to use the Force to destroy the Death Star in lieu of his fighter’s missile guidance system.)

You can go on and on continuing to compare and contrast the two, but the question remains the same: If Herbert’s Dune is classified as a sci-fi novel, why doesn’t Star Wars fall under the same classification?

So, is Star Wars Sci-Fi or Fantasy?

luke skywalked I failed you ben star wars easter eggs
Image Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd./Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures

With the above points being made, the final word on the matter is that Star Wars is most assuredly a science fiction film. Yes, it does contain plenty of fantasy elements, but the expansive universe that George Lucas created contains too many sci-fi elements to be anything but sci-fi, through and through.

If the technology, vehicles, and alien species were absent, then yes, Star Wars technically might count as fantasy — but imagining Star Wars without TIE Fighters, AT-ATs, blasters, and lightsabers is almost inconceivable; it’s like trying to imagine pizza without any dough.

More accurately, it’s fair to say that Star Wars is sci-fi with fantasy mixed in — much like Dune or Avatar. There are definite magical themes, topics, and objects that permeate throughout Star Wars (the Force, the Dark Side, the Light Side, the Jedi, the Sith), but they are tightly wrapped around the outer exterior of a sci-fi series.

Yet it’s for this very reason that Star Wars remains so enjoyable to watch, and so unique a franchise in the first place. Unlike Star Trek, it’s not 100% ingrained in the sci-fi genre, nor does it solely belong to the fantasy field in the same manner as The Lord of the Rings, Narnia, or Harry Potter. It’s a deft blend between both genres, creating a satisfying cocktail that has a sci-fi base, with additional parts fantasy, war film, aviation movie, Western, samurai epic, and so many other genres thrown in for good measure.

This post was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.


Richard Chachowski is a freelance writer based in New Jersey. He loves reading, his dog Tootsie, and pretty much every movie to ever exist (especially Star Wars).


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Travel Hacking – The 6 Best Strategies | Wealth of Geeks

Post By Money Making , ,

Are you interested in saving money on your next vacation? The answer to saving money while enjoying travel is travel hacking.

What Is Travel Hacking?

Travel hacking is a fancy term that entails using existing systems to your advantage to get discounted and free airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more. 

Here are six steps to travel hacking that any beginner can use. 

Six Steps To Travel Hacking

These six steps are things anyone can do. You can get started on steps 1-4 today easily and then steps 5-6 are ongoing steps that you will use over and over again as you get more familiar with travel hacking.

Once you get these six steps down, you can start to look to maximize your points and miles, but for now, we’re focusing on the 80/20 principle and the basics to get started. You can worry about eeking out every possible dollar from travel hacking later down the road.

1.  Sign Up for Airline Rewards Programs

First things first, you need to sign up for an airline rewards program.

It’s best to pick one airline you can frequently fly from your home airport. Signing up is the easy part, but accumulating miles takes time. When you spread yourself across a few airlines, you also spread those miles across various airline programs (typically, you cannot combine miles from different airlines).

Accumulate Miles Fast

The largest airlines in North America are below, in case it helps narrow down your selection:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • Alaska Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Spirit Airlines

Of course, you can also wait until you book your next flight before signing up. That way, you make sure you sign up for the airline you will use.

2. Sign Up for Hotel Rewards Programs

Similar to airline miles, hotel points are best when accumulated with one hotel brand. Try to sign up for one and stick with it where you can.

Luckily, most hotel loyalty programs are at the corporate level and cover a wide variety of hotel chains. For example, Marriott hotels encompass a few familiar hotel chains:

Marriott Hotel Brands

  • Marriott
  • JW Marriott
  • The Ritz Carlton
  • Sheraton
  • Westin
  • Courtyard
  • Fairfield
  • Aloft
  • And more

A big hotel chain like Marriott has close to every major city covered in the US. There are a few other large hotel companies that you can consider signing up for that will have similar coverage to Marriott:

Other Major Hotel Brands

Like airlines, you can always wait to sign up for a program when booking your next hotel. Sometimes, they offer deals for new members of their loyalty programs that you can take advantage of too.

3. Research Credit Cards

The most important (and most beneficial) step to travel hacking is researching credit cards.

Every credit card will have its advantages, but there is no doubt that some are better than others. Especially when you consider all of the perks that credit cards could offer, including:

  • Sign-up bonuses (usually bigger with premium credit cards)
  • Cashback or point rewards
  • Fraud protection
  • Purchase protection
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • TSA pre-check
  • Free checked bags when flying
  • And more

Rewards For Certain Spending Categories

One massive difference between credit cards lies within their cashback and points programs. While many will offer a standard 1% or 1.5% cash back (or point) reward, just as many other cards provide specific rewards for certain spending categories, like groceries or travel. This matters a lot for consumers like you!

If you spend a lot on groceries, you want a credit card with generous grocery rewards. Similarly, if you spend heavily on travel, you’ll want a card that rewards travel spending.

Do your research to understand which credit card offers you the best point rewards program and other perks. If you need help with the investigation, use this calculator to find the best credit card based on your past spending habits.

Pro tip: Open a credit card with the hotel or airline you signed up with above, and you could accelerate the rewards you would get.

4. Apply for a Credit Card

Once you’ve researched and selected what rewards card you’d like to get, it’s time to apply.

Before doing so, check your credit score to ensure your score is high enough to get approved for the card you selected. 

Once you have the first card, you should:

  • Spend enough money in the introductory period to get the sign-up bonus
  • Then, wait a few months (three to six months should do it)

Sign Up Bonuses

Usually, the sign-up bonus details will sound something like “spend $3,000 in the first three months to get 50,000 bonus points.”

While $3,000 is a ton of money, you want to do it because 50,000 points is a ton of points! Even if you don’t spend this much money naturally, there are ways to move up typical expenses to qualify for the bonus within the specified time. Some common strategies include:

  • Pre-paying for an annual gym membership (rather than monthly)
  • Buying a lot of shelf-stable groceries
  • Pre-paying for insurance (car, home, life, or other insurance)

The last thing you want to do is go on a shopping spree to get the bonus! It’s better to cover it with ordinary expenses.

5. Use Your Points and Reward Programs

Once you’ve gotten your credit card bonus and accumulated some points over the first three to six months, consider using your points and rewards!

It depends on how big of a trip you want to plan.

A sign-up bonus can likely cover a couple of domestic round-trip tickets, but if you want to cover an entire vacation, you might need to wait 6+ months to earn enough credit card points.

Example: 5-Day Trip from Chicago to Arizona

For example, I took a 5-day trip to Arizona (from Chicago) and covered my flights and hotel with 74,534 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points. That’s a little more than Chase’s typical 50,000-60,000 point sign-up bonus with its Sapphire cards.

The other factor is that you likely have not accumulated any hotel points or miles. Steps 1 and 2 above got you started, but you need to take a trip for that to happen.

So, it’s up to you if you want to book a shorter trip immediately, or wait a few months to accumulate more points and book a more extensive trip

6. Get a New Credit Card Every 6 Months

To continue travel hacking, you should get a new credit card about every six months. This is not the exact number of months you need to follow, but it’s a reasonable guideline.

There are a few details within step six that are important for beginners to get right.

Get New Sign-Up Bonuses

Earning everyday credit card points is excellent, but they come at a much slower pace than sign-up bonuses. Sticking with our example above, you could earn 50,000 points when you spend $3,000 with a sign-up bonus. That’s over 16 points per dollar spent!

With ongoing rewards, you’ll likely earn points at a 2% cashback rate (at best). This is just an average, but it would only equate to 2 points per dollar spent. Getting a sign-up bonus provides an 8x better reward than your typical, ongoing credit card rewards. This is why many “expert travel hackers” are continuously opening new credit cards.

Don’t Hurt Your Credit Score

The vital balance to strike with opening credit cards is not to damage your credit score. Opening a new credit card will result in a hard credit check on your credit score, sending your score in a negative direction.

That said, with responsible use of credit, your score should bounce back to normal within a few months. The hard credit check only results in a short-term negative impact. Waiting approximately six between opening cards give your score time to rebound and not take too much damage. Plus, it allows you to make sure you can get the sign-up bonus with every card that you open.

Don’t Pay an Annual Fee Twice

Lastly, when opening credit cards with annual fees, it’s usually worth putting a calendar reminder on your phone (or wherever you put calendar reminders) for 330 days later (just under a year) to close out the card.

Likely, by this time, you would have attained and used the sign-up bonus, and closing the card before a year means you won’t have to pay the annual fee again.

Know How Closing a Card Impacts Your Credit Score

Closing cards can affect your credit score in two ways:

  • It will lower your credit limit and increase your credit utilization
  • It will change your length of credit history if it’s your first card

The first is hard to avoid. By closing this card, you’ll want to ensure your credit utilization does not spike too high.

The second is avoidable by having the first card you ever open be a card with no annual fee. This way, you never have to worry about closing it, and you will be able to keep your length of credit history intact.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

 


Kevin runs the personal finance website Just Start Investing, where he focuses on making investing easy. Just Start Investing has been featured on Business Insider, Forbes, and US News & World Report, among other major publications for his easy-to-follow writing. Check out Just Start Investing to learn the simple strategies to start investing today, as well as ways to optimize your credit cards, banking, and budget.


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22 Teen TV Shows With Authentic LGBTQ Representation | Wealth of Geeks

Post By Money Making ,

I was fifteen when I realized that I was bisexual. In fact, many people discover their sexuality in their teenage years. Adolescence is a crucial period of transition and self-discovery.

Teenagers also spend a ton of their time watching TV and movies. On average, teens in America watch twenty hours of TV per week.

As teenagers figure out who they are and who they want to be, they’re consuming hours of television that profoundly impact their beliefs, desires, and, ultimately, their identities.

I was fifteen in 2013. At the time, the only queer representation I was exposed to in teen TV shows was Kurt and Blaine’s toxic relationship on Glee and the biphobia against Emily in Pretty Little Liars. I had very few authentic queer role models to look up to and help teach me about my sexuality in the media.

Ten years later, the landscape has shifted significantly. Shows targeted to teenage audiences often feature queer storylines and put effort into making LGBTQ+ characters more authentic and three-dimensional. In larger numbers, producers and casting directors are putting effort into choosing queer actors to play queer characters.

While many queer stories have yet to be told, Hollywood is doing a better job than ever in creating content that resonates with queer viewers and helps break down negative stereotypes and societal stigmas related to the LGBTQ+ community.

Here are some TV shows geared toward teens that are changing the game regarding authentic LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

1. Sex Education (2019-)

Image Credit: Eleven Film

As a show that fans applauded for its progressive portrayal of sex and sexuality, Sex Education doesn’t hold back when it comes to authentic queer representation.

This British teen drama centers on the life of Otis (Asa Butterfield), a socially awkward teen with an overbearing sex therapist as a mom, and his friends at Mooredale Secondary School.

Otis’ best friend, a charming and proud gay man named Eric (Ncuti Gatwa), is one of my favorite characters on TV today. He is a well-rounded character with a complex personality who faces troubles both related to and completely separate from his sexuality. Just like how queer people do in real life.

Eric isn’t the only queer character in the mix. Adam Groff (Connor Swindells), a hypermasculine jock who bullies Eric for being gay at the beginning of the series, slowly comes to terms with his sexuality. While Adam’s storyline follows the problematic trope of the secretly gay homophobic bully, his character becomes increasingly complex as the series evolves.

A Progressive Portrayal of Sex and Sexuality

Sex Education Eleven Film 2
Image Credit: Eleven Film

In Sex Education, being queer is a normal part of life. Lily (Tanya Reynolds) and Ola (Patricia Allison) have an adorable relationship that lesbian viewers squeal over, and Jackson’s moms, Roz (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) and Sophia (Hannah Waddingham), feel like regular parents in a teen TV show facing family struggles that have nothing to do with them being gay.

Sex Education is an excellent show that explores teenage sexuality in all its complexities.

2. Heartstopper (2022-)

Image from the show Heartstopper
Image Credit: Netflix.

If you’re looking for a teen TV show that embraces the idea that queer kids deserve happy endings, too, this one is for you.

Heartstopper follows classmates Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) and their romantic journey together after they’re sat next to each other in class one day.

Queer Kids Deserve Happy Endings Too

Heartstopper
Image Credit: Netflix

It’s a refreshing tale of queer love in many ways. The show doesn’t rely on toxic love triangles to create tension and instead focuses on the loving side of the relationships between characters. On top of that, families accept their kids for being queer in this show, which is a breath of fresh air.

Nick is explicitly bisexual and actually states that out loud, which is uncommon for bisexual-coded characters. Heartstopper directly challenges biphobia by centering Nick’s bisexual identity.

Elle, a kind and creative trans girl, is one of the main characters in the show. She’s portrayed by Yasmin Finney, a trans actor herself. Because many trans characters aren’t actually portrayed by trans actors who understand what it’s like to experience gender nonconformity, Heartstopper is taking a step in the right direction.

Happy stories about queer teens are few and far between, which is why Heartstopper is an essential watch for any LGBTQ kids out there.

3. She Ra and The Princesses of Power (2018-2020)

She Ra and the Princesses of Power
Image Credit: Netflix.

This show changed my life. Showrunner ND Stevenson set out to create an animated fantasy series for queer teens, and they delivered.

When Adora (Aimee Carrero) discovers that the Horde, the group that raised her, is actually an evil force attempting to colonize all of Etheria, she joins forces with Princess Glimmer (Karen Fukuhara) and master archer Bow (Marcus Scribner) to take down the Horde and save the planet.

But when Adora leaves the Horde, she also leaves behind her lifelong best friend, Catra (AJ Michalka), who does not take the abandonment well. The story centers on the tension between Adora and Catra as they fight for their different causes and grapple with their deep feelings for one another.

An Animated Fantasy Series for Queer Teens

She Ra and The Princesses of Power
Image Credit: Netflix

The creators of She Ra and the Princesses of Power say that the show does not take place in a heteronormative society like the one in which we live. Instead of assuming all characters are straight before proven gay, in the She Ra universe, it’s the other way around.

Queer relationships are the norm on Etheria, like Bow’s two dads and the adorable wives Spinnerella (ND Stevenson) and Netossa (Krystal Joy Brown). Also, She Ra is one of the only teen TV shows with a nonbinary character. Double Trouble is introduced in season four and uses they/them pronouns, just like their voice actor, Jacob Tobia.

I don’t want to spoil the entire show for you, but it’s clear that the tension between Catra and Adora throughout the show is far from platonic, and queer viewers won’t be disappointed with where the two best friends’ relationship ends up.

If you’re searching for a magical adventure with queer characters and queer themes, She Ra and the Princesses of Power is the perfect show for you.

4. Never Have I Ever (2020-2023)

never-have-I-ever
Image Credit: Netflix
NBCUniversal Television Distribution

Mindy Kaling’s high school comedy-drama Never Have I Ever feels like your typical teen TV show about coming of age, making friends, and entering the world of romance.

Helps Queer Viewers Feel at Home

Never Have I Ever Netflix NBCUniversal Television Distribution
Image Credit: Netflix

But Never Have I Ever is different because our protagonist is Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), a spunky and smart Indian-American teen who recently lost her dad when he suddenly collapsed during Devi’s recent band performance.

One of Devi’s best friends, Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez), is a kind-hearted robotics nerd who, throughout the series, comes to terms with her queer sexuality. In season one, Fabiola comes out to her mom in a heartwarming episode. She also finds her first girlfriend, Eve, and we watch her struggle to learn more about LGBTQ culture.

As Fabiola’s character develops, we see her enter new relationships, learn about healthy communication, and discover her boundaries. Fabiola is a loveable character who only adds to the zest of the entire show and helps queer viewers feel at home.

5. First Kill (2022)

Image from the show First Kill
Image Credit: Netflix.

Are you tired of hearing the word “vampire” and immediately thinking of Edward and Bella? It’s time to check out First Kill, Netflix‘s steamy and tense lesbian vampire romance adventure.

The show follows Juliette (Sarah Catherine Hook), a growing vampire whose family is pushing her to make her first kill. But it also centers on Calliope (Imani Lewis), a dedicated yet underappreciated vampire hunter in training who wants to get her first kill and make her family proud.

But things don’t go as planned when the two girls meet and begin to catch feelings for one another.

Lesbian Vampire Romance

First Kill
Image Credit: Netflix

First Kill is primarily an adventure story about the tension between the vampires and the vampire hunters. It’s not about the characters being gay. The central conflict in the story isn’t that Juliette and Calliope can’t be together because they’re gay. They can’t be together because vampires and their hunters are mortal enemies.

And that’s what makes First Kill such an essential and compelling fantasy story for teens today.

6. The Owl House (2020-)

the-owl-house-disney
Image Credit: Disney Television Animation

Disney is known for its languid pace in bringing authentic LGBTQ+ representation into the media. But one Disney show created by Dana Terrace hits the nail on the head.

The Owl House is an animated fantasy show about bright, confident, and self-proclaimed weirdo Luz (Sarah-Nicole Robles), who discovers a portal into a fantasy realm called the Boiling Isles. Soon, Luz is caught up in adventures alongside witches and demons as she learns to become the first human witch.

Disney’s First Same-Sex Kiss & First Nonbinary Character

The Owl House Disney Television Animation
Image Credit: Disney Television Animation

Luz is openly bisexual and crushes on both boys and girls throughout the series. When Luz first steps foot in Hexside, the school for young witches on the Boiling Isles, she meets Amity (Mae Whitman), a talented and arrogant young witch who starts as a rival but soon becomes a friend and something more.

Amity and Luz’s relationship makes any queer audience member melt. For years, straight teens had the privilege of seeing many adorable high school relationships on TV while queer kids were left in the dust. Now, with shows like The Owl House, young lesbians have adorable on-screen relationships to swoon over.

Not only does The Owl House feature the first same-sex kiss on a Disney TV show, but it also presents the first nonbinary character in Disney history: Raine Whispers (Avi Roque).

If you’re missing the magical world of Harry Potter but refuse to give JK Rowling more money, The Owl House might fill that hole in your heart.

7. First Day (2020-2022)

First Day 2020 2022 Epic Films
Image Credit: Epic Films

First Day is an Australian miniseries aimed at middle schoolers and younger teens about Hannah (Evie MacDonald), a trans girl who faces trials and tribulations during her first year of middle school.

A Trans Girl Who Faces Trials and Tribulations in Middle School

First Day 2020 2022 Epic Films 2
Image Credit: Epic Films

For her role in First Day, Evie MacDonald made history as the first trans actor cast as a lead in a TV series in Australia. Having a trans actor play Hannah is one of the best things about the show because Evie brings authenticity and real-life experience to the character that cisgender actors could never achieve. (I’m looking at you, Eddie Redmayne.)

The showrunners created First Day with the specific intention of avoiding causing trans trauma and promoting authentic trans representation in the media. They consulted with GLAAD before the show’s release.

One of the most extraordinary things about First Day is that it’s a show about trans people that centers on the trans experience. Many depictions of trans people in the media aren’t focused on their lives but on how they impact the cis people around them. First Day rejects that notion and Hannah is the central character in the show.

8. Love, Victor (2020-2022)

Love, Victor Cast Discusses Third and Final Season
Image Courtesy Disney Studios.

Creators of the famous movie Love, Simon (2018) took fans’ critiques of the movie seriously when creating the spin-off TV series Love, Victor.

Fans of Love, Simon had a problem with its very white and privileged portrayal of queerness. Love, Victor combats this with a Latino protagonist, Victor (Michael Cimino), who must come to terms with his sexuality while learning what it means to be a Latino man in America, all while making it through high school unscathed.

Latino Protagonist Coming to Terms With His Sexuality

Love Victor Disney Studios
Image Credit: Disney Studios

While season one is focused on the process of coming out for Victor, season two shows life after coming out and the nuances and challenges that Victor and his family face. Throughout the show, Victor’s parents become more and more accepting of his sexuality.

The storyline of parental acceptance is very well done. It is complex in that Victor’s parents each have a unique way that they responded to his newfound sexuality. But over time, they both learn to accept their son for who he is.

Love, Victor is applauded for its treatment of cultural differences in mindset towards LGBTQ+ people and its discussions of masculinity and gender expression and how that relates to sexuality.

9. Dead End: Paranormal Park (2022)

Dead End Paranormal Park
Image Credit: Netflix.

Dead End: Paranormal Park is a wacky animated comedy-horror series about two loveable teen misfits who find themselves working at a haunted theme park.

Both of our protagonists are unapologetically queer. Barney (Zach Barack) is a trans man searching for acceptance from his family, established at the very beginning of the first episode. Norma (Kody Kavitha) is a high-powered autistic pansexual Indian-American woman.

Unapologetically Queer Protagonists Working at Theme Park

Dead End Paranormal Park
Image Credit: Netflix

The two bond when they take jobs at the same theme park and go on spooky and ridiculous adventures along with a talking pug named Pugsley (Alex Brightman) and frightful yet witty demons like Courtney (Emily Osment).

Critics hail Dead End: Paranormal Park as a fantastic show with authentic neurodivergent and queer representation that seeps into every storyline and makes for a creative and kooky show.

10. Young Royals (2021-)

Young Royals
Image Credit: Netflix

When disobedient Prince Wilhelm of Sweden (Edvin Ryding) meets the well-rounded and confident Simon (Omar Rudberg) at a prestigious boarding school. Soon, the two grow close and start a whirlwind romance with many ups and downs.

If you’ve watched any drama series on TV like, ever, you’re familiar with dramatic romances between men and women. Young Royals gives queer viewers a chance to experience the drama of a teen show with queerness overrun throughout. It is truly a delight.

A Teen Show With Queerness

Young Royals Netflix 2
Image Credit: Netflix

We get plenty of warm and fuzzy moments between Wilhelm and Simon that result in fans creating extensive Youtube edits of cute moments between the two boys. But on top of that, we get the drama to keep the show moving and to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

While the show’s central conflict focuses on Wilhelm’s challenges in accepting who he is and who he loves, which is one of the most common storylines in queer narratives, it is done very well. The characters feel realistic and multifaceted, and we know their queerness is just one part of their complex identities.

If you’re looking for a dramatic romance that discusses social class, queer issues, and the trials of being a teenager in the public eye, this one is for you.

11. Betty (2020-2021)

Betty 2020 2021 HBO
Image Credit: HBO

Women who skateboard are incredibly cool, and women who are queer and skate are even cooler. (It’s a fact!)

Betty is a TV series based on the 2018 movie Skate Kitchen. It follows a group of female friends in New York City trying to find themselves in the overwhelmingly male skater culture.

Steamy Queer Sex Scenes & the Complexity of Polyamory

Betty 2020 2021 HBO 2
Image Credit: HBO

There are a few queer characters in the show, like Kirt (Nina Moran), a soft-butch lesbian who explores her sexuality throughout the series. The show’s main character, Camille (Rachelle Vinberg), deals with the challenge of rejecting traditional gender roles. The entire show attempts to redefine what being a girl truly is, which is queer in itself.

The show features steamy queer sex scenes and explores the complexity of polyamory. On top of that, it’s one of the only pandemic-era shows I’ve seen that acknowledges COVID as a real threat and shows characters wearing face masks.

Betty is determined to break down gender norms with their diverse cast of powerful women.

12. Trinkets (2019-2020)

Trinkets 2019 2020
Image Credit: Netflix

Trinkets is about an empowering group of femme friends who come together to achieve anything. Elodie (Brianna Hildebrand), Tabitha (Quintessa Swindell), and Moe (Kiana Madeira) all come from different groups at the same high school and form an unlikely friendship when they find themselves in the same Shoplifters Anonymous support group.

Challenges of the Queer Dating Scene

Trinkets 2019 2020 Netflix 2
Image Credit: Netflix

Quintessa Swindell, the actor who plays Tabitha, is a proud nonbinary actor and advocate. It’s uncommon to see nonbinary actors get cast in anything, so it’s inspiring for trans people to see Quintessa absolutely rocking it in their role in Trinkets.

Elodie, the show’s protagonist, openly identifies as a lesbian when the show begins, so we don’t waste any time following an overdone coming-out plotline. Instead, fans watch Elodie explore the challenges of the queer dating scene, which is something we don’t get to see in most TV series.

Trinkets is about showing authentic and healthy relationships between queer people and women, whether romantic or platonic.

13. Generation (2021)

Generation 2021 HBO
Image Credit: HBO

Generation follows in the footsteps of many high-school dramas in that it explores teenage life with some added high-stakes drama. But Generation brings fresh air to the genre because of its depiction of diversity and LGBTQ+ issues.

Depiction of Diversity and LGBTQ+ Issues

Generation 2021 HBO 2
Image Credit: HBO

The teenage characters in Generation are almost all gay, and no one is ever assumed to be straight, which flips the traditional script of heteronormativity on its head. Our three main characters identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual, respectively.

None of the characters grapple with coming out journeys and instead face the challenges of living life as out and proud queer people in this often hostile world.

One of the best aspects of this show is the variation in which each character embodies queerness. Generation acknowledges that every LGBTQ+ person and queer experience is different.

14. I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

I Am Not Okay With This 2020
Image Credit: Netflix

Sometimes it feels like we can’t make it through our teenage years without superpowers. I Am Not Okay With This follows Sydney Novak (Sophia Lillis), a self-described “boring 17-year-old white girl” trying to get through high school unscathed. Her life gets even more complicated when she discovers that her anger manifests as a telekinetic superpower.

The Difficulties of High School With Authentic LGBTQ Representation

I Am Not Okay With This 2020 Netflix 2
Image Credit: Netflix

Not only does Sydney have to grapple with her newfound abilities, but she must also come to terms with her sexuality and her unrequited feelings for her best friend, Dina (Sofia Bryant). While the trope of falling in love with your straight best friend is overdone, it’s also something to which many queer people like myself can relate.

And Sydney doesn’t look like most protagonists of teen TV shows. She’s a butch lesbian. How many TV shows can you think of with a butch lesbian protagonist?

I Am Not Okay With This is a wonderful exploration of the difficulties of high school, grief, and family dynamics brimming with authentic LGBTQ representation.

15. Julie and The Phantoms (2020)

Julie and The Phantoms 2020
Image Credit: Netflix

Are you searching for a lighthearted musical comedy-drama with a cute gay ghost romance? Julie and the Phantoms is the show for you.

Musical Comedy-Drama With a Cute Gay Ghost Romance

Julie and The Phantoms 2020
Image Credit: Netflix

When three teenage band members in the 90s eat some bad hot dogs and die, they come back to earth as ghosts in 2020 to form a band with current high schooler Julie (Madison Reyes).

One of the ghosts, Alex (Owen Joyner), is openly gay. All his bandmates and the people in 2020 accept him for who he is, though he does acknowledge the reality of the queer experience in the 90s. It’s mentioned that when Alex was alive, his parents weren’t accepting of his sexuality.

At the beginning of the series, Alex meets Willie (Booboo Stewart), another ghost, and they are immediately smitten with one another. The two are a significant side plot throughout the show. It’s refreshing to see a prominent display of authentic and upbeat queer romance in a show for young teens.

16. One Day at a Time (2017-2020)

One Day at a Time 2017 2020
Image Credit: Netflix

Based on the original show from the late 70s and early 80s, One Day at a Time is a modern re-imagining of a Cuban-American family and their navigation through life.

Everyday Lives of Nonbinary People

One Day at a Time 2017 2020 Netflix 2
Image Credit: Netflix

The oldest child in the family, Elena (Isabella Gomez), comes out to her family as a lesbian over the course of several episodes. I don’t want to spoil it too much, but Elena’s coming-out story is very well done, heartfelt, and realistic.

Not long after she comes out, Elena begins dating a nonbinary person named Syd (Sheridan Pierce). Syd is a sweet and complex side character and shows the audience that nonbinary people live everyday lives just like everyone else.

Elena and Syd are adorable together, and it’s always a breath of fresh air when a happy queer couple is depicted on screen.

17. We Are Who We Are (2020)

We Are Who We Are 2020 HBO
Image Credit: HBO

Luca Guadagnino, the creator of the critically acclaimed queer drama Call Me By Your Name (2017), came back on the scene with another Europe-based coming-of-age drama with profoundly queer themes.

Coming-of-Age Drama With Profoundly Queer Themes

We Are Who We Are 2020 HBO 2
Image Credit: HBO

When Fraser’s (Jack Dylan Grazer) parents uproot his life in New York City and bring him to a U.S. military base in Italy, he soon befriends his popular neighbor Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamón), and they bond by testing the limits and challenging gender norms.

Fraser deals with genuine queer issues like trying to repress his feelings for a boy back in New York City and exploring his sexuality by crushing on an older man who works on the army base. On the other hand, Caitlin explores her gender expression throughout the show.

While the show’s central plotlines aren’t about the LGBTQ community, the characters are queer and exploring their lives as queer teenagers. It helps break down the trope of queer characters being one-dimensional. Fraser and Caitlin are complex characters who deal with queer issues, among others, in their teenage years.

18. Elite (2018-)

Image from the show Elite
Image Credit: Netflix.

Elite is a Spanish teen drama that features all of the usual elements you’d expect in the genre and more. It’s a story about class conflict and coming of age in a complex world.

The show centers on three working-class students who earned scholarships to attend the elite Las Encinas high school. They struggle to fit in with their wealthy classmates, ultimately leading to a murder.

Not only does Elite spark conversations about class, but it also discusses race, gender, religion, and sexuality throughout the series.

Discusses Race, Gender, Religion, and Sexuality

Elite 2018
Image Credit: Netflix

One of the most compelling relationships in the show is that of Omar (Omar Ayuso), a poor Muslim student, and Ander (Arón Piper), a rich, white, tennis-playing champion. The two fall in love, but the world treats them very differently when it comes to expressing their sexualities. The show places intersectionality at the center of the conversation.

Another great thing about the show is its depiction of gay sex. Sex isn’t black and white in the real world, meaning that not everyone is a top or a bottom. The lines are more blurred than that, and Elite understands those complexities.

Elite also features important topics like facing internalized homophobia, the challenges of polyamory, and HIV awareness.

19. The Bastard Son and The Devil Himself (2022)

The Bastard Son and The Devil Himself 2022 The Imaginarium
Image Credit: The Imaginarium

Are you searching for a teen drama set in a fantasy world of warring witches? The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself follows Nathan (Jay Lycurgo), a sixteen-year-old witch with a secret even he doesn’t know about: he is the son of the evilest witch of his time.

A Bisexual Man as The Lead

The Bastard Son and The Devil Himself 2022 The Imaginarium 2
Image Credit: The Imaginarium

As Nathan embarks on a journey of self-exploration while the world around him turns against him, he meets two allies, Annalise (Nadia Parkes) and Gabriel (Emilien Vekemans) who help him along the way. The show focuses on Nathan’s relationships with these two, both of which are romantic and sexual.

While Nathan is clearly bisexual, his sexual identity is never confirmed verbally. Despite this, it’s fantastic to see a bisexual man as the lead in a teen TV show because our society often excludes bisexual men from pop culture.

There are no themes of facing homophobia in the show, so queerness isn’t central to the characters’ problems. Fans get to watch the good guys be unapologetically queer, which is a theme that’s few and far between in the media.

20. The Great Pottery Throw Down (2015-)

The Great Pottery Throw Down 2015 HBO
Image Credit: HBO

The Great Pottery Throw Down is a wholesome British competition reality TV series that takes Britain’s most outstanding amateur potters and puts them in a studio to complete challenges in the hopes of becoming that season’s winner.

A Reality Show With LGBTQ Representation

The Great Pottery Throw Down 2015 HBO 2
Image Credit: HBO

The judges, like Kieth Brymer-Jones, are excellent at creating an inclusive, loving environment among its diverse set of competitors. This reality show has some of the best LGBTQ representation of all time while simultaneously not being a show about LGBTQ issues.

Competitors of diverse ages, races, sexuality, and gender come together to create incredible projects. They are all incredibly kind to one another and often consider each other family.

There are LGBTQ+ potters in every season, including the show’s first-ever nonbinary potter, AJ Simpson. I love watching The Great Pottery Throw Down because the show does such a fantastic job displaying real queer people being creative and living fulfilling lives.

21. Daybreak (2019)

Daybreak 2019
Image Credit: Netflix

What happens when all of the adults in the world suddenly turn into zombies, and the kids are left to fend for themselves?

That’s exactly what the teen drama series Daybreak grapples with. As Josh (Colin Ford) searches for his lost high-school girlfriend amid the apocalypse, he and a group of ragtag survivors join together to help each other on their separate quests.

Traditionally Masculine Men Who Are Gay for Each Other

Daybreak 2019 Netflix 2
Image Credit: Netflix

The queer representation in Daybreak comes into play with the relationship between Turbo and Wesley, former football teammates and lovers who struggle to rekindle their romance post-apocalypse.

What’s so unique about Turbo (Cody Kearsley) and Wesley (Austin Crute) is that they’re very traditionally masculine men who are super gay for each other. It’s not something we typically see, and it’s pretty refreshing.

22. Glee (2009-2015)

Image from the show Glee
Image Credit: Fox Broadcasting Co.

I went back and forth on whether or not to include Glee on this list, and ultimately, I decided it had to be here.

Ryan Murphy’s musical high-school dramedy was one of the most popular TV shows in the early 2010s. It was one of the first teen TV series to openly discuss LGBTQ+ and other controversial issues in a TV show aimed at high schoolers.

Glee does not do everything right by any means. There are tons of problems with Karofsky’s (Max Adler) character and the trope of the homophobic jock who turns out to be gay. When Karofksy and Blaine (Darren Criss) briefly dated, I was not the only queer person who wanted to hurl. Karofsky spends the vast majority of his time on-screen bullying Kurt (Chris Colfer) for being gay.

This trope is problematic because it shows masculine gay men that it’s okay to beat up less powerful gay men on their self-discovery journey and teaches straight men to fear that they may secretly be gay – something that shouldn’t be feared, but celebrated.

One of The First Teen TV Series to Openly Discuss LGBTQ+

Glee
Image Credit: 20th Television

Despite the show’s many problems, I had to include it on this list for the moments that it does get right. Kurt’s character, while heavily stereotyped as the feminine musical theater gay boy, did resonate with thousands of real queer people at the time. Kurt is a complex character central to the show and was one of the first major queer characters in a high-school drama.

While there are many shows today with more authentic queer representation than Glee, I’m not sure those shows could be there today without Glee paving the way. It was so revolutionary to have four central queer characters in a TV show like this. And I’ve got to say, I have a soft spot in my heart for Brittany (Heather Morris) and Santana (the late Naya Rivera).

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.



Maya Capasso

Maya (she/they) is a professional freelance writer and editor. Her writing is featured in TransLash News & Narrative, Healthline’s Bezzy Depression, HorrorPress, the Episodes Newsletter, and more. They’re passionate about social justice, history, and entertainment journalism. In her free time, she loves binging horror movies, spending time with her girlfriend, and needle-felting monster sculptures.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-capasso/


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14 Best Movies by Top Hollywood Directors | Wealth of Geeks

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From Alfred Hitchcock to Steven Spielberg, directors have been behind the big screen. They have pulled the strings and pieced together the clever and most bizarre ideas, redefining them into watchable art pieces. And even the most legendary tales would not be as proud as to do without a sense of direction.

A few decades ago, movie directors were simply another cog in the machine. They seemed subordinate yet were very essential to the making of a film. Now, directors have peaked at superstardom, some names becoming household, and the works they create easily identified by their signature styles and art form.

They duly deserve their flowers, we think! So, in no particular order, we explore the filmography of Hollywood’s top directors, highlighting their finest pieces.

1. Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho (1960)

Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

The godfather of thrillers and why late 20th century folks feared showering alone. Alfred Hitchcock helmed several of the most psychologically intricate and cunningly gripping movies of the 20th century. For six decades, Hitch inspired millions, from film to music—for instance, Eminem’s Music To Be Murdered By—and life.

One of The Earliest Examples of Shock Horror

Best Black and White Horror Movies
Janet Leigh as Marion Crane | Courtesy Everett

Psycho, one of the earliest examples of shock horror, depicts Hitchcock’s denial to conform to cinematic norms, proving he was way ahead of his time. The suspenseful twists and gruesome murder of the lead female early in the movie sets the premise for an exciting plot.

It is now regarded as one of the most iconic movies in Hollywood history, with the shower scene as a template from which other filmmakers drew inspiration.

Based on a real-life serial killer Ed Gein, Psycho follows the story of an embezzler (Marion Crane) and an awkward motel owner (Norman Bates). Despite the low budget for the movie, the musical score, brilliant editing, and audience reception crown Psycho as the best movie of his career.

It earned him four academy award nominations, including one for best director. Psycho marked the start of a fresh wave of horror films.

2. Steven Spielberg, Raiders of The Lost Ark (1981)

Harrison Ford Films Indiana Jones and The Raiders of The Lost Ark Paramount Pictures 2
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

From Jurassic Park to Jaws, Steven Spielberg was behind the most noteworthy films in Hollywood history. And from science fiction to thought-provoking pieces on humanism and even, most recently, a musical, Spielberg has laid the groundwork for many directors and actors today.

Action Packed Scenes and Disdain for Nazis

Harrison Ford Films Indiana Jones and The Raiders of The Lost Ark Paramount Pictures
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

Raiders of the Lost Ark denoted Spielberg’s love for high-packed action scenes and his disdain for Nazis. With a fine blend of religion, politics, and Harrison Ford’s stellar performance, Raiders of the Lost Ark was a fantastic start to the Indiana Jones franchise. Steven Spielberg created several visual spectacles in a movie considered one of the best in the Golden Age of Classics. He allowed the viewers to witness exotic locations while maintaining a plot-driven, adventure-filled gem.

Spielberg described himself as a “movie brat,” joining the booming industry in the late 60s and becoming the highest-grossing director of all time. While considered an experimentalist in his early days, Spielberg saw himself as a risk taker and, soon, a visionary. He honed his craft, ensuring he never lost the heart of his work in the noise.

3. Martin Scorsese, Goodfellas (1990)

Goodfellas
Image credit: Warner Bros.

Martin Scorsese is one of Hollywood’s most prolific directors, revered for his cult classics since 1970. Only a few can match the style, drama, and manner of storytelling he once again flaunted in megahit Goodfellas.

A Rollercoaster of Anger and Excitement

goodfellas
Image credit: Warner Bros.

A stunning cast led by Joe Pesci, Robert De Niro, and Ray Liotta narrates the rise and fall of the mob. Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his friends must advance to the top of the food chain in violent New York, but Henry falls victim to a few setbacks. Power can intoxicate, and once Henry and his fellow gangsters tasted it, they desperately had to keep it by any means. Including burying some skeletons.

Goodfellas is a spectacular piece that leads viewers through a rollercoaster of anger and excitement, of the mob life and the streets. Its musical score, exceptional dialog, and sweeping takes make it a leading part of Scorsese’s career. It won twenty-nine awards, including British Academy Film Awards for Best Film and Director.

The seventy-nine-year-old, constantly criticized for glamorizing violence in his movies, continues to break the norms with his experimental zest. With other riveting titles, such as Wolf of Wallstreet, Gangs of New York, and Shutter Island, Scorsese has worked hard for every bit of recognition he receives.

4. James Cameron, Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

terminator 2 imdb carolco pictures

Starting as an on-set special effects artist, James Cameron dominated the box office, breaking the record for highest-grossing movies twice! Over a dozen of his films have served as the base for several pop culture references and catchphrases today. While average moviegoers may not be familiar with the name, they certainly would be familiar with his works.

From the heartrending Titanic to the epic sci-fi Avatar, the award-winning director has churned out steady masterpieces. His projects have grossed six billion dollars. James Cameron has been called “difficult to work with” because he is a true perfectionist, ensuring his every work turns out exquisite. Terminator 2: Judgement Day was no exception.

The Most Incredible Sequel Ever

terminator 2 edward furlong
Image Credit: Tri-Star Pictures

Setting the silver screen ablaze in 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton reprise their roles in what we consider the most incredible sequel ever. Cameron infused Terminator 2 with fast-paced action, tear-jerking emotional scenes, terror, and a ton of amazing special effects.

It was one of the most expensive and ambitious movie projects of the time, featuring the first use of a CGI main character. The movie’s success resulted in video games, novels, comic books, and other films and TV shows.

5. Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction (1994)

pulp fiction scaled
Courtesy of Miramax

By creating the greatest indie film of all time, Quentin Tarantino proved an eccentric high school dropout could make it in the one place he felt the most at home; movie theatres. He began as a screenplay writer, worked his way into Hollywood, and took on several minor roles until he finally wrote and directed Reservoir Dogs.

With solid experience both in front and behind the camera, he offered Hollywood a fresh voice and an elaborate style. After an array of projects, including the likes of Django Unchained, Tarantino produced the legendary Pulp Fiction.

Aesthetic Gore and Violence

Pulp Fiction 1
Photo Credit: Miramax Films

Pulp Fiction follows different plots, which intertwine, leading to the movie’s climax. Two hit men (Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega) work for crime boss Wallace. The crime boss, Wallace, hunts a boxer who defrauded him of his money while asking Vincent asked to take care of his wife. And before the drama unfolds, Bonnie and Clyde couple, Pumpkin (Tim Roth) and Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer), also decide on a diner as their new location.

With its aesthetic representation of gore and violence, non-linear storytelling, and a rich, if not colorful, choice of dialog, Pulp Fiction caught the world by storm. It received several nominations and awards, including the Golden Globe, the Academy, and Saturn Awards. Pulp Fiction is one movie that made Samuel L. Jackson the critically acclaimed star he is today.

6. Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight (2008)

Image of the Joker from the Dark Knight
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Christopher Nolan analyzes Batman’s psyche thoroughly, with a sensational performance from Heath Ledger playing the Joker, who was always Batman’s nemesis. He left the existential question of “Why so serious?” Christian Bale also did a remarkable job of playing Batman. The plot explored the conflicts, moral dilemmas, and oppositions faced not just in the movie but in everyday life.

The Dark Knight is arguably the best Nolan movie of all time, with his keen dedication to the full-fledged development of characters.

Development of Characters

Christian Bale in the Dark Knight
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Nolan is an absolute beast of a director and in his own league entirely. Popularly known for his complex, brilliant movies such as Inception and Tenet, no list of noteworthy directors would be complete without his name.

Nolan worked on character-driven, thought-provoking, and visually provocative projects, starting with small-scale movies. He built stunning puzzles and set pieces, from the trippy visuals of Inception to the multi-faceted Dark Knight trilogy. Nolan creates films that highly indulge one’s intellectuals while being entertaining.

He is one of the most sought-after directors and writers of the 21st century, constantly raking in box office success.

7. Spike Lee, Do The Right Thing (1989)

Do the Right Thing 2 Universal MSN
Image Credit: Universal.

Actor, producer, screenwriter, director—you name it, he’s done it. In his illustrious thirty-six-year career, Spike Lee stepped into the scene with his own take on directing, crafting poignant, light-hearted tales with black culture and history at the heart of his work.

He has featured exceptional black talent, from Denzel Washington and Laurence Fishburne to Samuel L. Jackson and Rosie Perez. Busting into the scene in the early days of Hollywood’s indie season, Spike Lee captured the hearts of audiences with She’s Gotta Have It.

Now teaching at NYU, Lee has directed over thirty movies, including documentaries, comedies, social commentaries, and concert films. Lee is an expert in his field, dearly loved by the black community for his historically significant films, Do The Right Thing, for example.

Quite Controversial

Do the Right Thing 1 Universal MSN
Image Credit: Universal.

Often considered one of the most significant movies of the 80s and 90s, Do The Right Thing is Lee’s best work. It followed themes of racism, cultural diversity, and racial inequalities, all of which made it highly controversial but an undeniable pièce de résistance.

The 1989 movie resonates today, with scenes of police brutality mirrored in modern-day America. While not overly forceful in its narrative, Do The Right Thing told a sincere tale, illuminating the bias between cultures to inspire future generations.

8. Guillermo Del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

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Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Monsters, Mayhem, grotesque horror, and visual spectacles. Del Toro is skilled at experimenting with genre norms. The award-winning director started out like most of his characters; a misfit. His ability to focus on the misunderstood villain, creating heartfelt and multi-layered characters, leave viewers enamored.

Starting out in Mexico and flirting with the US, Del Toro’s first work, Mimic, had critically mixed reviews. The director returned home to Spain, where he made one of his earliest cult classics, The Devil’s Backbone. He also worked on stunning superhero flicks like Hellboy and Blade, which some would say paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

War Through the Eyes of a Child

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In Pan’s Labyrinth, Guillermo del Toro takes the horrors of the world and merges them with the fantasies of a child. The result: an emotionally concise film that portrays the tragedy and heartbreak of war through the eyes of a child. Pan’s Labyrinth was his finest work, starting out as nothing but random scribbles in Del Toro’s notebooks.

The epic fantasy centers on Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), her encounter with a fairy, and the fearsome faun. The young Ofelia faces choices only she must make—especially if she wants to see her birth father again.

9. David Fincher, The Social Network (2010)

the-social-network
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing

David Fincher was fired from his first Hollywood project but remained headstrong, eager to make it in the industry. The characters he creates are a representation of himself. Audacious, dogmatic, and willing to break the rules.

Jesse Eisenberg, who plays Mark Zuckerberg, is on his A-game in The Social Network. Mark Zuckerberg started as a socially awkward Harvard student but became a legend. The Social Network details the rise of the biggest social media platform, Facebook, with Zuckerberg leading the internet revolution.

But in the famous words of Uncle Ben, “with great power comes great responsibility.” So, the young tech whiz soon faces different lawsuits, including one by Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), his good friend and co-founder of Facebook.

A Story of Greed

The Social Network 2010 Sony Pictures
Image Credit: Sony Pictures

Fincher successfully told a story of one of humanity’s most relatable dilemmas; greed. Despite his first movie being a failure, Fincher rose to the limelight with Se7en, a noir slasher flick. With mind-blowing cinematography, keen plots, and intense musical scores, he creates immensely thrilling pieces that have raised the bar in the movie industry.

10. Taika Waititi, Boy (2010)

Boy 2 Paladin Taika Waititi MSN
Image Credit: Paladin.

Taika Waititi‘s best movies delve into childhood, being a child at heart. With Boy, Taika presented a unique coming-of-age story. Filmed in his home country of New Zealand, the movie explores the concepts of family loss, abandonment, and hope while maintaining his persona’s witty and comedic tones.

The movie’s protagonist, Boy (James Rolleston), grew up with his grandmother and brother in downtown New Zealand. But he lives with the fantasy of his father being a hero—just like Michael Jackson, whom he idolizes.

He faces the truth when his father returns, but not for him or the family he left behind. Instead, Boy learns about his father’s criminal life and the only thing he cares about: finding the money he buried years ago.

A Unique Coming-of-Age Story

Taika Waititi Boy Paladin
Image Credit: Paladin

The witty New Zealand movie director, who, according to Times, is one of the most influential people in the world, stands tall among the names on this list. In a career that kicked off in the early 2000s, the Grammy and Academy award winner has gone from actor to director to screenwriter, making him one of the most multi-talented stars of the 21st century.

The comedic celebrity is now a highly rated director with an incredible range. From the blockbuster Thor: Love and Thunder and over two decades of career-defining work, Waititi is a true guru.

11. Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Endgame (2019)

avengers endgame e1658085970570
Courtesy of Marvel Studios

After Spielberg, the Russo brothers are the second highest-grossing directors. The Russo brothers have garnered critical acclaim for their ingenuity in the movie industry.

The directorial duo recently reclaimed the spotlight with their recent Netflix Movie, The Gray Man. Other than Cameron, the Russo brothers are the only other directors to direct a superhero film that grossed over two billion dollars—and they did it twice.

Assemble To Restore Balance to The World

Wasp Avengers Endgame Marvel Television
Image Credit: Marvel Television

Avengers: Endgame delivers on every front. After the Avengers: Infinity War, where the Mad Titan Thanos destroyed half the universe, the Avengers must assemble to restore balance to the world.

Despite the comedy, the cost of being a hero weighs heavily throughout the film. The cinematography and impeccable performance of the A-lister cast are genuinely memorable.

12. George Lucas, Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope 1977 Lucsfilm 1
Image Credit: Lucasfilm

George Lucas revolutionized the movie industry. The Star Wars franchise, estimated at seventy billion dollars, is among the highest-grossing franchises of all time.

After the maleficent Darth Vader takes Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hostage, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who lives an everyday life, sees the chance for an adventure. He has a mission with Captain Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and two droids to rescue her. Asides from rescuing the princess, they also must save the galaxy from the tyrannical Galactic Empire and restore freedom by destroying the Death Star.

Rescue a Princess and Save The Galaxy

david prowse darth vader a new hope
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox

The single movie captured the entire essence of the Star Wars franchise. And while he’s mostly recognized for his hand in Star Wars, the director has worked on a few other projects, such as Indiana Jones and American Graffiti. His work inspired a generation of filmmakers and producers, some attempting to recreate his magic.

His debut project, THX 1138, foreshadowed the brilliance the cinematic world was prepared for.

13. M. Night Shyamalan, Sixth Sense (1999)

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Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

When an eleven-year-old boy visits his office, child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) sees a chance to redeem himself from a past tragedy. This past tragedy involved a client who faced a similar ailment of seeing dead people. Crowe has a hard time believing him at first, but after spending time with the boy, he soon realizes that he may be right about the dead people wandering Earth. He just doesn’t know what to do about it.

Dead People Wandering Earth

Sixth Sense
(L-R) Bruce Willis and M. Night Shyamalan | Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

Night’s career took off after the release of 1999’s The Sixth Sense. King of plot twists M. Night Shyamalan‘s movies are primarily thrillers but delve into the philosophies of man, faith, and internal conflict.

Sixth Sense is his best film. Unlike traditional horror or thriller films, M. Night takes a great deal of effort to harp on the emotional side of the tale, with death, loss, faith, and abandonment at the core of the piece.

14. Tyler Perry, I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009)

I Can Do Bad All by Myself Tyler Perry Studios 2
Image Credit: Tyler Perry Studios

Tyler Perry is one of the most diligent men in Hollywood. As proof, he wrote, directed, and co-produced the sterling film I Can Do Bad All By Myself.

Considering the success of the Madea movies, it is only natural that Tyler’s best work features the grey-haired histrionic gran, albeit fleetingly. I Can Do Bad All by Myself stars Taraji P. Henson in a theme-laden, inspirational comedy drama.

An Inspirational Comedy Drama

I Can Do Bad All by Myself Tyler Perry Studios
Image Credit: Tyler Perry Studios

April (Taraji P. Henson), an alcoholic and club singer, can’t take care of herself, much less three children. But when Pastor Brian (Marvin Winans) sends an immigrant named Sandino (Adam Rodriguez) to live with her, she sees a silver lining. Later, Pastor Brian returns to deliver the tragic news of her mother’s death.

April is broken and has no one to talk to but her abusive boyfriend, Randy (Brian J. White), who is always emotionally unavailable. Sandigo becomes a shoulder for her to cry on, and it marks the start of a lovely friendship between them. A friendship with the potential to blossom into something more, only if Randy was not threatening to kill him if he didn’t stay away from her.

Tyler Perry has worked on several hit series and shows, including BET and the Oprah Winfrey Network, while directing, producing, and featuring in his own movie projects. According to Forbes, he is the highest-paid man in entertainment.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.


Boloere Seibidor, fondly called B.S. is a Nigerian based writer and poet. Her favorite topics to cover include music, especially Hip-Hop, film, lifestyle, and fashion. She’s been published by Feral Journal, Fantasy Magazine, The Temz Review, and most notably, Wealth of Geeks. She enjoys romantic dinners, movie nights, and touring new sites. When she’s not writing, she’s delving back in time to the underground world of Hip-Hop, watching TikTok, or visiting the cinema.


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Canadian Online Gambling 101 – A Guide To Get Started | Wealth of Geeks

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We know that navigating the world of online gambling can be tricky. Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to starting online gambling in Canada? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve designed this handy guide to help you gamble safely and have fun.

With our Online Gambling 101 Guide, you’ll be set up in no time!

Types of Online Gambling

Online gambling refers to gambling on the Internet from any device. It includes traditional casino games, sports betting, poker, bingo, and other games of chance or skill. When it comes to online gambling, there are numerous types to choose from.

Casino Style Games: Online versions of traditional brick-and-mortar casino games like slots, roulette, blackjack, and craps can be found in all the top Canadian online casinos according to GamingGadgets. Players can try their luck at one of these classic games to win real money prizes.

Sports Betting: Sports betting is becoming increasingly popular with Canadian online gamblers because it offers various wagering options on nearly every sporting event imaginable. There are usually multiple opportunities during each game to place bets at attractive odds with the potential to win substantial amounts of money.

Poker: Online poker has become one of the most popular forms of greeting due to its high-stakes action and potential for large payouts for skilled players who can outwit opponents. Players can select from many variations, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and more in cash games and tournaments with various stakes.

Lotteries: People have been participating in lotteries for centuries, hoping they’ll be fortunate enough to hit the jackpot prize and ultimately become rich overnight. Nowadays, anyone accessing an online lottery website can pick lucky numbers at competitive odds and take home a hefty payout.

Scratch Cards: Scratch cards are a great way to play with low stakes while also having a chance at matching three lucky symbols to win big prizes.

Bingo: Bingo is undoubtedly one of the most beloved lottery-based games in Canada – and now it’s easier than ever, thanks to online bingo gaming sites that provide both free versions and real money bingo options with bonus offers included! The objective is simple – mark off the numbers on your card when they’re called to match those on your ticket for an instant reward!

Online Gambling Security & Safety

Gambling online is a booming industry, and with more sites offering players the ability to gamble for real money, there’s an increased risk of malicious behavior from hackers. As such, it’s vital to ensure you’re playing on a secure website by verifying that a reputable online gambling authority licenses the site.

Safe gambling sites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption that scrambles data sent back and forth between the casino and your computer or mobile device. This encryption ensures all information sent to the casino website including your personal details remains secure and private. In addition, all trusted online gambling websites are regularly tested by independent regulatory agencies such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation & Assurance). This helps keep the games fair and can help ensure that they meet industry standards regarding RNG (random number generator) technology.

It’s also important to research before signing up for any online gambling site, as you want to ensure your money goes into a safe platform. Research their security measures and license, read customer reviews, and ask questions if necessary before creating an account. If you’ve done all that, then you should be reassured that you’re playing on a reliable website and protected from potential threats.

Tips for Playing Online Gambling Games

Online gambling games are the latest and most innovative entertainment for gamers in Canada and worldwide. While there are plenty of rules, regulations, and strategies to get started with online gaming and stay ahead of the game, some tips are worth considering when playing these games. Here are some top tips for playing online gambling games:

  • Understand the rules: Before starting to play any available online gambling games, ensure you understand all the rules and regulations that apply to them. Ensure you know what is expected from yourself as a player and understand the limits on your ability to win or lose money to gamble responsibly.
  • Familiarize yourself with different variants: Many online casinos offer players different variations of popular gambling games like slots and poker. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with each variant so that you have a better understanding of how they work so that you can choose one suited to your style of play.
  • Pay attention to bonus offers: Online casinos can be incredibly generous with bonus offers that can help boost your bankroll or give you freeplay credits to buy in-game items or bonus levels. Take advantage of these great offers to make the most out of your time in-game!
  • Set realistic expectations: It’s important not to set unrealistic expectations for yourself when playing online gambling games as this could lead to disappointment and frustration afterward. Instead, keep an open mind toward potential outcomes so that if luck comes your way, it will be appropriately celebrated rather than overshadowed by larger expectations!
  • Focus on the fun factor: Above all else, remember that gambling should primarily be about having fun rather than making money – focus more on enjoying yourself than winning big! This way, even if luck isn’t always on your side, it won’t ruin the experience as long as you still had a great time while trying out different titles at various casinos in your home!

Finally, make sure to identify reputable Canadian gambling sites and platforms. Review their deposits and payout policies to receive your winnings quickly and accurately. Familiarize yourself with any bonus offers or loyalty program rewards so that you can get the most out of playing online games. With all these tips in mind, hopefully, you’ll be ready to take on the exciting world of online gambling in Canada!

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.


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Why You Should Be More Afraid of State Tax Departments Than the IRS | Wealth of Geeks

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With tax season in full swing, millions of people are stressed out by the byzantine process of American tax filing. The last thing anyone wants is to breathe a sigh of relief after filing their tax return by April, only to get a letter from the IRS come summer.

But it actually isn’t the IRS that should strike fear into your heart: it’s state tax departments.

For decades, the media has portrayed the IRS as an evil, unfeeling entity that will send a hard-nosed agent to cross-examine you over that $500 in poker winnings you didn’t report several years ago. However, these depictions are often hyperbolic and not representative of actual IRS proceedings.

Not only are a vast majority of cases resolved via mail primarily by math error notices, but the IRS must also follow due process and a comprehensive set of regulations regarding your federal tax matters. State tax authorities might not.

Here’s how movies have been lying to you for decades and why it’s actually your state tax agency you should be warier towards.

State-Level Taxpayer Bills of Rights and Due Process Don’t Exist in Many States

During the Clinton era, the IRS underwent significant reforms meant to address the type of strong-arm tactics you may have seen in a great deal of 20th century media. Think of movies like Happy Gilmore, where a major plot point is that of a struggling homeowner threatened with having their house taken away to pay a severe tax debt.

Even if the IRS didn’t act as bloodthirsty as the media of yesteryear portrayed them, there weren’t many legal safeguards and standards of conduct for how revenue agents and officers interacted with the public. Then the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 was passed. It was a landmark piece of legislation that drastically changed how federal tax collection actions are enforced.

There are five key provisions of this lengthy bill that ultimately changed IRS enforcement:

  • All communications from the IRS must be in writing and sent to your last known mailing address. IRS employees will never contact you by phone, email, or social media or show up at your home or place of business unannounced.
  • IRS agents and officers must follow due process in managing your account. They must have made several attempts to contact you by mail and give you a chance to explain your situation before your wages are garnished or any liens are placed on your assets.
  • If you can’t afford to pay your taxes, various remedies are now available. IRS employees must consider factors of each taxpayer’s situation, like income level and distress that impacts filing obligations, such as long-term illnesses and domestic violence.
  • If the amount you owe the IRS is so huge that you could not possibly pay it under your circumstances, or it didn’t seem fairly assessed in the first place, like being based on a deceased spouse’s formerly higher income, you have the right to settle with the agency for a lower sum.
  • If you disagree with any decision the IRS makes, you always have the right to appeal and then to escalate to Tax Court if you disagree with the appeal’s outcome.

Only seven states don’t have an income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Tennessee and New Hampshire often get grouped with them since they don’t tax your wages or self-employment income but do tax investments.

Of the 41 states with their own income tax that tax a broader range of income types, their tax administration policies and procedures may look completely different from the uniform guidelines of the IRS.

With state coffers being more revenue-hungry than ever, they may take more liberties with collecting on overdue tax bills and not grant you due process. An officer for your state is more likely to show up at your home or business unannounced than the IRS, as your tax bills would need to be pretty grievous and long-neglected for the latter to happen post-Clinton era reform.

State Tax Agencies Have Little to No Oversight

Since state tax departments are only subject to their individual state’s Constitution and change at the whims of state legislatures rather than Congressional and Presidential actions with multiple committees involved, this means they can have very little oversight when it comes to potential abuse, graft, and systemic problems.

Whereas the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) are the internal watchdogs that ensure the IRS runs smoothly, fairly enforces policies, identifies systemic problems, and doesn’t rampantly waste the agency’s resources by going after taxpayers who have little wherewithal to pay.

Because unpaid taxes must be ignored for an incredibly long time before the IRS can legally take drastic actions, mail-in notices accounted for an overwhelming majority of IRS activity in 2021.

Of the IRS disputes that were escalated through the agency’s automated underreporter program, 2.3 million cases were closed with it. At the same time, barely 1% entailed a field audit – the face-to-face shakedown usually depicted in film and on TV.

The federal government doesn’t mandate state tax departments to provide the in-depth level of public accountability and statistical data that the IRS does. The IRS is also under mandates to prevent waste of resources like siccing field agents on taxpayers who made simple math errors.

The state you live in may be less charitable and demand a desk audit or field interrogation for state-level income taxes if the state’s general fund is particularly revenue-starved. They may target specific criteria like your profession, zip code, income bracket, or family size, and all without codes of conduct and internal watchdogs like TAS and TIGTA that tell officers they can’t utilize state resources that way.

Your State Could Publicly Shame You if You Can’t Pay Your Taxes

19 states “name and shame” residents who haven’t paid their taxes. Florida, Indiana, and Minnesota only do this for business taxation, such as corporate income tax and sales tax filings. However, a vast majority of tax delinquents are individuals, and the other 16 states will name and shame them.

In a handful of states like Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, this public shaming comes only after a state-level lien or warrant is filed. But for others, any simple collection action gets your name on that list. These lists can even include personally-identifiable information like your home address, which hurts women and other marginalized groups the most.

Is this really the right or fair thing to do? Being delinquent on your taxes may be a sign of financial distress that is only exacerbated by being placed on such a list. That could have an outsized impact on finding a job or housing, thus creating a catch 22 of making it impossible to earn the money needed to pay the taxes.

These policies only make life more difficult for people facing hardships like the death of loved ones and sudden medical issues. They sweep up innocent people with willful tax cheats.

Conversely, the IRS only publishes data sets and does not publicize individual taxpayer accounts. IRS examinations and communications only become public if you voluntarily escalate a case to Tax Court. Even your federal case file has more limits as to the breadth and depth of your personal information that can be published than states’ tax delinquency databases.

You may read stories in the news occasionally about how a celebrity was faced with an onerous tax bill. However, their marketing teams make this knowledge public with that person’s consent. The IRS doesn’t comment on it because they cannot, even though this is how we got a Willie Nelson album and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

The IRS couldn’t even publicly release Trump’s tax returns while he was President and presumably accountable to millions of people – due to privacy mandates.

But a state tax department can absolutely make your state-level tax obligations into a fiscal freakshow and is not likely to have the same mandates and oversight that give you options for payment, settlement, and maintaining your privacy.

Because of this, you should be far more afraid of state tax authorities’ wrath than the IRS.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.


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The 15 Movies That Pedro Pascal Picks as His Favorites | Wealth of Geeks

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Pedro Pascal is one of the world’s most beloved actors, and with good reason. He’s appeared in pop culture staples like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Game of Thrones, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Wonder Woman 1984, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and, most recently, The Last of Us.

Moreover, he’s a very likable man with a friendly persona, a winning smile, and good values, such as his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and his support of his transgender sister, Lux Pascal.

Therefore, you may be interested in knowing his favorite movies. Well, we’ve got you covered because he recently revealed them. Here’s a rundown of the 15 he picked.

1. Basic Instinct (1992, directed by Paul Verhoeven)

Image Credit: Columbia TriStar

Basic Instinct is an erotic thriller starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone. It’s about a San Francisco police detective who becomes passionately involved with an enigmatic writer, who just happens to be the prime suspect in the murder of a rock star he’s investigating.

It’s an underrated movie that resembles something Alfred Hitchcock would’ve made. Sharon Stone gave a star-making performance in the lead role, and the adult scenes gained the world’s attention. It’s suspenseful and action-packed, and it keeps you guessing in the best way.

2. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984, directed by Steven Spielberg)

Harrison Ford Films Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom Paramount Pictures
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is an action-adventure movie, the second installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, and a prequel to 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. It stars Harrison Ford as the eponymous adventurous archaeologist who must find a mystical stone and protect an Indian village from an evil cult.

While it’s pretty dark for an Indiana Jones movie, Temple of Doom is still exciting, fun, humorous, romantic, action-packed, and bizarre enough to be a classic. Ford is excellent and ably supported by a cast that includes the now Oscar-winning Ke Huy Quan.

3. Do the Right Thing (1989, directed by Spike Lee)

Do The Right Thing
Image Credit:: Universal Pictures

Do the Right Thing is a comedy-drama starring Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee, featuring appearances from director Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, John Turturro, and the movie debuts of Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez. It’s about the simmering racial tension between African-American residents and the Italian-American owners of a local pizzeria in Brooklyn, New York.

It’s a fantastic movie that’s bold, expressive, spiritual, funny, intelligent, and vibrant. Its depiction of race relations is second to none. It’s a seminal landmark film that deserves much more love and is arguably Spike Lee’s best.

4. Alien (1979, directed by Ridley Scott)

Alien 1979 20th Century Studios 2
Image Credit: 20th Century Studios

Alien is a sci-fi horror movie starring Sigourney Weaver, with an excellent supporting cast that includes John Hurt, Tom Skerritt, Ian Holm, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, and Yaphet Kotto. It’s about a commercial space tug’s crew fighting for their lives against a deadly extraterrestrial creature.

Possibly the best movie of its kind ever made, Alien is a masterpiece. It’s imaginative, atmospheric, suspenseful, genuinely frightening, and superbly acted and directed. It blends the characteristics of various movie genres immaculately to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

5. The Omen (1976, directed by Richard Donner)

The Omen
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox

Supernatural horror movie The Omen stars Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner, and Harvey Spencer Stephens. The film sees a father replacing his biological child with another baby after the biological child dies shortly after birth, unbeknownst to his mother. The replacement child, Damien, turns out to be the Antichrist.

Reception of The Omen has evolved from initially being seen as silly to now being lauded as one of the finest horror movies ever made. Granted, it is a little goofy, but it features strong performances, a few scares, some genuinely memorable moments, a great soundtrack, and sleek direction.

6. Bridesmaids (2011, directed by Paul Feig)

bridesmaids-movie
Image Credit: Universal Pictures

Bridesmaids is a comedy movie with a terrific cast that includes Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, and Wendi McLendon-Covey, with the likes of Chris O’Dowd, Rebel Wilson, Matt Lucas, and John Hamm in supporting roles. It focuses on Wiig’s Annie, who suffers a series of misfortunes after being asked to be her best friend’s maid of honor.

It’s a brilliant movie that’s an eclectic mix of everything from genuine emotion to gross-out gags. Wiig and McCarthy are both fantastic – the latter received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress – and it’s one of the best female-driven comedies ever made.

7. Tootsie (1982, directed by Sydney Pollack)

Tootsie
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.

Tootsie is a satirical rom-com starring Dustin Hoffman with a supporting cast that includes supporting cast includes Pollack, Jessica Lange, Bill Murray, Charles Durning, and Geena Davis. It’s about a talented but notoriously difficult-to-work-with actor who adopts a new identity as a woman to land a role.

Nominated for ten Academy Awards and winning one – Best Supporting Actress for Lange – Tootsie is an excellent movie. It’s a brilliant social commentary that expertly mixes seriousness with absurdity. It’s heartfelt, funny, brilliantly performed, and still relevant today.

8. Milk (2008, directed by Gus Van Sant)

Milk
Image Credit: Universal Pictures

Milk is a biographical movie starring Sean Penn as gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person elected to public office in California. Its supporting cast includes Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, and James Franco.

It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won two, including the Best Actor gong for Penn, a powerhouse in this movie. Milk is tender, intelligently handled, energetic, and expertly written, directed, and performed from beginning to end.

9. Die Hard (1988, directed by John McTiernan)

Die Hard 20th Century Fox MSN
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Die Hard is an action movie based on Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel Nothing Lasts Forever. It stars Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov, and Bonnie Bedelia, with a supporting cast that includes William Atherton and Paul Gleason. It’s about a New York City police detective who visits his estranged wife in Los Angeles and gets caught up in a terrorist takeover of a skyscraper.

Bruce Willis’ breakout movie is one of the best action movies ever. It boasts excellent stunts and special effects, a brilliant performance from Willis and Rickman as his foil, and some highly memorable one-liners and funny moments. Given its Christmastime setting, Die Hard is also a festive staple.

10. Cape Fear (1991, directed by Martin Scorsese)

Cape Fear
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Cape Fear is a psychological thriller and a remake of the 1962 movie of the same name, based on John D. MacDonald’s 1957 novel The Executioners. It stars Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, and Juliette Lewis. It’s about a convicted rapist who gets released after fourteen years in jail and terrorizes the lawyer who initially defended him.

It’s an intelligent, stylish, and, most of all, shocking film. De Niro gives a genuinely terrifying performance that correctly earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination. The cast gave their all in general, and Lewis also earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

11. Candyman (1992, directed by Bernard Rose)

candyman
Image Credit: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

Candyman is a gothic supernatural horror movie based on Clive Barker’s 1985 short story “The Forbidden.” It stars Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, and Xander Berkeley. The film follows a Chicago graduate student writing a thesis on urban legends and folklore. It leads her to the ghostly “Candyman” legend about an African-American killed in the 19th century for his relationship with the daughter of a wealthy white man.

It’s a chilling tale with plenty of mystery, suspense, frights, and gore to satisfy most horror fans’ needs. The movie is also poetic, haunting, emotional, and intelligent. Candyman is teeming with great performances – not least the most iconic one of Tony Todd’s career.

12. The Shining (1980, directed by Stanley Kubrick)

the shining
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

The Shining is a psychological horror based on Stephen King’s 1977 novel of the same name. It stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers, and Danny Lloyd. It follows a family as they head to an isolated hotel for the winter, where the father gets a job as a caretaker. A sinister presence influences him violently, while his psychic son sees horrific visions of the past and future.

With a compelling setting and great performances from Nicholson and Duvall, The Shining is an unsettling, chilling, suspenseful, and visually stunning movie with some of the most memorable moments in horror film history. The “Here’s Johnny” quote is one of cinema’s most iconic.

13. The Big Lebowski (1998, directed by Joel Coen)

the big lebowski
Image Credit: Gramercy Pictures

The Big Lebowski is a crime comedy starring Jeff Bridges and an excellent supporting cast including John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It’s about a Los Angeles slacker who gets mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, resulting in crazy shenanigans.

It’s a comic delight with Bridges shining in the lead role. The movie epitomizes the Coen Brothers’ peculiar and absurdist sense of humor; if that’s your kind of thing, you’ll love it. It also has a fantastic soundtrack.

14. Blade Runner (1982, directed by Ridley Scott)

Harrison Ford Films Blade Runner 1982 Warner Bros 2
Image Credit: Warner Bros

Blade Runner is a sci-fi movie, and an adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? It stars Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos. It occurs in a dystopian future where synthetic humans work in space colonies. When a fugitive group of workers escapes back to Earth, a burnt-out cop reluctantly agrees to hunt them down.

One of the most influential sci-fi films ever, Blade Runner is a visual marvel and a bona fide masterpiece of cinema. The cast all perform excellently, and it’s a complex and mysterious movie that gets better as time passes.

15. An American Werewolf in London (1981, directed by John Landis)

An American Werewolf
Image Credit: Universal Pictures

An American Werewolf in London is a comedy horror movie starring David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, and John Woodvine. It’s about two American backpackers attacked by a werewolf while traveling in England. While one dies, the other becomes a werewolf under the next full moon.

It’s a movie that balances comedy and horror better than any other, resulting in an equally terrifying and hilarious experience. An American Werewolf in London also boasts some of the most incredible makeup effects in movie history, which still look great today. It’s entertaining as hell.

There you have it, the 15 favorite movies of Pedro Pascal. His taste is eclectic but also terrific. We look forward to seeing more of him on the big and small screens soon.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.


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