High Fives for Summer: Movies

As I've spent most of my summer cooped up in my apartment, occasionally doing laundry but mostly just reading, listening, and watching, I thought I might pass along the media highlights that I've come across. To do so, in this four-part blog series, I'll list five of my favorite TV shows, books, albums, and movies that I've consumed this summer, thus creating my "High Fives" for each medium.

Movies

Summers are notorious for their mindless offerings, opting for explosions rather than depth of character, etc. That said, there have been some decent offerings this summer ranging from well-made blockbuster action movies to teen and kids movies doing an excellent job within their genre. And of course I'm not only watching newly released movies; the summer is a time where I can catch up on all those little indie or foreign films that escaped my grasp from yesteryear.

(Below my "High Fives" are a few Honorable Mentions, movies that I saw and got a passing grade. And then some Highly Anticipated, movies about which I hear great things and were released in theaters but I haven't gotten to yet.)

Short Term 12

2013 || Coming of age / Drama || Website

Although I had always heard good things about this one, I missed it in theaters and its on-campus showing this past school year so when I was able to watch Short Term 12 through Redbox, I jumped at the chance. Set on a residential treatment facility for minors, the story closely follows the support staff as they interact with and live alongside of the kids. When introduced to the characters and setting, it originally feels cool and hip, like they're all young and struggling but, since they have each other, they're alright. Though as the movie progresses, it becomes apparent that the support staff isn't as functional and stable as one would like, progressing through and past addiction isn't easy, and, sometimes, those we're working with don't always make recoveries. As someone who works in a live-in position with students of all sorts (though, let me be clear, very different than the treatment facility of the movie), I sympathized with the themes of simultaneously growing as a person while helping those around me. One last note, the lead actress, Brie Larsen, has appeared in a number of movies over the last few years but this is easily the standout role. Look for more of her in the future.

The Fault in our Stars

2014 || Romance / Comedy-drama || Website

The latest teen-sensation book-turned-movie, The Fault in Our Stars has a lot of the elements of a cliched movie packaged up nicely and sold to teenagers and they spend their summer job money on the latest. And yes, if you Google the title, there's plenty of quotable fan-art that's been created. Let's be honest, if this movie came out fifteen years ago, I would have thrown a quote or two into my AIM Away Message to show how emotionally in-touch I was. All that said, the movie (and book) get a lot of things right. Shailene Woodley shines (as always) as Hazel and Ansel Elgort plays the good-looking Gus with ease. (In fact, these two are about the only positive take-away from the otherwise disappointing Divergent.) The movie deals with cancer and death is distinctly teenage, authentic ways while maintaining a deeply meaningful approach to life as showcased throughout the coming-of-age elements throughout. Lastly, the movie takes place in Indianapolis... which I realize isn't really an objective positive quality of the film but it's cool to recognize a few landmarks here and there.

The Broken Circle Breakdown

2013 || Romance / Music / Foreign-language || Website

Stuck at home without Jorjette one evening early this summer, I was scrolling through Amazon Prime's movie offerings and stumbled across this foreign-language Oscar-nominated film from 2013. I had vaguely heard of it but had no official recommendations. I'm glad I took the time to watch. The movie follows the two leads as they deal with love, parenthood, sickness, grief, commitment, and belief. And yes, it is a Belgium movie, set in Belgium, yet they love to sing folk music. The acting is fantastic and the music, an accent rather than the dominating force, gives Inside Llewyn Davis a serious contender for the best soundtrack of 2013.

Ida

2014 || Drama / Foreign-language || Website

While visiting family in the Midwest this summer, my mother, lover of all things Eastern European and Jewish culture, suggested going to this little Polish film playing at the arts cinema in Bloomfield Hills. I had never heard of it yet when checking it's glowing critical ratings, happily agreed to join. What resulted was perhaps one of the most beautiful movies I've seen in quite some time. Utilizing a 1.37 aspect ratio (basically, a square frame), the black and white movie is like a series of beautiful photographs. Yet more than a pretty picture book, the film, set in 1960's Poland, follows a young Catholic girl as she prepares to take her vows after a childhood in the convent. Before doing so, she is asked to meet an estranged aunt, a successful Jewish judge. There's lots of self-discovery, few words, and yet more striking images. 

How to Train your Dragon 2

2014 || Fantasy, Action || Website

Beautiful, empowering, and dealing fully with the realities of kid-life (set in a different time/place/etc.). If all kid movies were this good, I'd... go to more kid movies.

Honorable Mention: Snowpiercer, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Highly Anticipated: Boyhood, A Most Wanted Man, Locke, Edge of Tomorrow, Obvious Child

Midwest Tastes Best: Ann Arbor

This three-part blog series highlights the food and coffee in the three cities Jorje and I visited on our bi-annual Midwest trip. My hope is to document the week of food and, if you happen to be looking for very specific recommendations for three Midwestern cities, you may get something out of it as well.

Part one: Indianapolis
Part two: Grand Rapids
Part three (this blog): Ann Arbor

Listed is a little bit of our experience and info on each place including what stood out, links to their websites, and the location of our visit though many have multiple locations in the designated city.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor has long had a reputation as a college-town full of artsy folks with quality food options. As I grow older (or rather, into full adulthood), Jorje and I are able to more fully enjoy this and, now having close friends Dauthan and Amanda living a few minutes outside the downtown area, we have friends who can give us the up-to-the-minute scoop on what's new and exciting.

Zingerman's

Kerrytown || www.zingermans.com

Zingerman's is a staple of Ann Arbor though this was our first visit to the famed deli, creamery, etc. Dauthan promptly asked one of the very knowledgeable employees for "an authentic Zingerman's experience." This led to trying fifteen or so different cheeses including both goat and cow varieties with a full explanation of each - all with little pressure to buy. My biggest take-away was that these people loved food and went all out to create the best products. As way of a full meal, we got sandwiches, a side of soup, and cane sugar sodas and then Jorje opted for a tiny dish of gelato to finish things off. 

Must-have: a sample of everything

Frita Batidos

Downtown || www.fritabatidos.com

Described as "Cuban Inspired Street Food," Frita Batidos has some legit, unique options. The staple dish is a frita, a Cuban burger made from chorizo with shoestring fries on top. Add some garlic cilantro fries and a rum infused fresh lime batido (milkshake), and you'll be good to go. We stopped by this place over New Year's Eve last year but I opted out of the burger to save room for further courses - I was glad to have the full experience this time around. 

Must-have: Chorizo Frita, Garlic Cilantro Fries

Lab

Downtown || www.labannarbor.com

Upon typing this review up, I'm realizing that I really just like well-made coffee more than any other special feature and with their use of Intelligentsia coffee, they didn't disappoint. With that said, Lab offers a few froyo flavors in addition to their coffee. Additionally, they are intentional about creating a space for people to interact and converse with each other (like Silicon Valley's labs where people are consistently building off of each other) they try to pour into the local community. To be honest, the service was fine though felt a little bit elitist. Coffee was delicious.

Must-have: anything coffee

Midwest Tastes Best: Grand Rapids

This three-part blog series highlights the food and coffee in the three cities Jorje and I visited on our bi-annual Midwest trip. My hope is to document the week of food and, if you happen to be looking for very specific recommendations for three Midwestern cities, you may get something out of it as well.

Part one: Indianapolis
Part two (this blog): Grand Rapids
Part three: Ann Arbor

Listed is a little bit of our experience and info on each place including what stood out, links to their websites, and the location of our visit though many have multiple locations in the designated city.

Grand Rapids

Although I grew up in Michigan, my family spent little time on the western side of the state. Although a few visits to Calvin College during my college days introduced me a little more to the city, my little brother, Kenan, has done the majority of hosting our tours. It should be noted, we didn't have a chance to visit East Grand Rapids, a place full of more great eateries - next time.

Hop Cat

Downtown || www.hopcat.com

Voted a top bar by a number online beer sites, this super cool bar has a ton of options on tap and some great burger and Crack Fries to go with it. Jorje, Kenan, and I made sure this was our first stop to get the burger and drink happy hour special for dinner. Although the in-house brews aren't mind-blowing, the selection and venue vibe makes it well worth the stop. And yes, the Crack Fries are addictive.

Must-have: Crack Fries, the burger and beer happy hour special

Founders

Downtown || www.foundersbrewing.com

Founders brews some fantastic brews that are well-known all across the country. In addition to having a great selection of in-house (and out), Founders had a super cool atmosphere. Huge building that housed their brewery, a large indoor area complete with a stage for shows, and a beautiful outdoor beer garden area where we hung out for a while. The place was packed though in a good-spirited way, such as when one of the delivery trucks pulled out and passed by the garden, it honked its horn and the crowd broke out in applause. Though we were too full to eat anything, the Beer Cheese Dip looked amazing and has my brother's full recommendation.

Must-have: Beer Cheese Dip

Rockwell Republic

Downtown || www.rockwellsrepublic.com

Rockwell Republic served as a perfect end to the night. This multi-storied place was super swanky inside but we opted to sit out on the upper-level deck, right in the middle of the city. The service was great, it was a beautiful night, and the martinis were delicious and half-off.

Must-have: Thursday night martinis, specifically, the Pomegranate one was fantastic

Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge

Downtown || www.lanterncoffee.com

I haphazardly discovered this coffee bar a few months ago before Kenan's graduation, stopping in while walking around the city to hopefully get a good cup of coffee before a long day of graduation ceremony. Delightfully, they had wonderful coffee with a limited menu not dissimilar to Little Amps (for you Harrisburg-area people). Sidebar: aren't we all past the extensive menu selection option at coffee shops? Do we really want quantity (of options) over quality?? End sidebar. Anyhow, this place has great coffee and, once you go past the coffee bar, there's a great sitting area a level below with exposed brick walls and cool tables and all those coffee lounge type things we love. This was our last GR stop, perfect to get us through the two hour drive east to my hometown.
Must-have: Pourover

Midwest Tastes Best: Indianapolis

This three-part blog series highlights the food and coffee in the three cities Jorje and I visited on our bi-annual Midwest trip. My hope is to document the week of food and, if you happen to be looking for very specific recommendations for three Midwestern cities, you may get something out of it as well.

Part one (this blog): Indianapolis
Part two: Grand Rapids
Part three: Ann Arbor

I'm not sure if I would describe myself as a "foodie" though Jorje and I definitely enjoy a good, local restaurant whenever we visit a new place or return to our hometowns. Last week, during our Midwest trip, we had a crazy amount of great food stops leaving us in food comas each afternoon only to get refilled with greatness in the evening. Listed is a little bit of our experience and info on each place including what stood out, links to their websites, and the location of our visit though many have multiple locations in the designated city.

Indianapolis

Despite being my birthplace, my wife's hometown, and the nearest large(r) city to my college, I didn't really get acquainted with this wonderful city's food until grad school and beyond. I love the many districts of this mid-sized city, each with a little bit of their own personality and flavor.

The Tamale Place

Greenwood (South suburb) || www.thetamaleplace.com

Featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives at some point, this little joint, not surprisingly, specializes in tamales, perhaps distinguishing it from potential corporate competitors Qdoba and Chipotle. Our friends Bethany and Noah introduced us to this place and they loved their tamales though I strayed from the tamale and went with a steak taco along with the appropriate sides: some of the best brown rice I've had in a while and thick and hearty chips with a smokey salsa that is unlike any other salsa I've tried.
Must-have: the chips and salsa

Bazbeaux Pizza

Carmel (North suburb) || www.bazbeaux.com

A favorite of Jorje and mine since college, Bazbeaux has pizzas that outdo just about any other thin-style that I've had. Distinguishing itself primarily with it's fresh ingredients, you can't beat a pizza that has fresh basil, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sharing a dinner with Jorje's family out on their patio made for a perfect summer evening.
Must-have: Bazbeaux Special

Patachou

Downtown || www.cafepatachou.com

Easily my favorite breakfast, anywhere. Jorje and I were able to introduce my little brother to this favorite. I'm a big omelette fan and these omelettes are ridiculous. Again, fresh and local ingredients make the difference here, justifying eating a huge potato, bacon, and cheese one filled every time. The serve-yourself coffee is delicious and the side of fruit is fresh enough to make even me give it a try. Oh, and if you're into mimosas, they've got options.
Must-have: The Omelette You Can't Refuse, the cinnamon sugar sourdough toast

The Brugge

Broad Ripple || www.bruggebrasserie.com

This Belgian place has fantastic Belgian fries and twelve dipping sauces to go with it. The rest of their very Belgian menu is great though be prepared to pay for it. Most importantly, The Brugge offers my favorite beer, the Tripel de Ripple, a 10% abv blonde with hints of vanilla and pear and they'll limit you to two... appropriately. We sat at the downstairs bar to watch the Netherlands v. Argentina World Cup game but if you can, check out their upstairs (open weekend evenings) if you're into shuffle board.
Must-have: fries and sauces, Tripel de Ripple

Bakersfield

Mass Ave. || www.bakersfieldmassave.com

This recently opened bar specializes in tacos, tequila, and whiskey. And they do all of those things very well. To be honest, I've only gotten their chips & salsa, tacos, and margarita, but everything was delicious. This hip place is located on the busy Mass Ave. and you'll probably have to wait for a table like we did (45 minutes on a Tuesday night), so be prepared.

Must-have: margarita, tacos

Oscars: The Shorts

It's that time of year. My favorite holiday that's not a holiday. The Academy Awards will be airing tomorrow night and 2013 had a ton of fantastic movies to celebrate. I would contend that Her is a generation-definer, 12 Years a Slave is the best of its genre, and Gravity was a technical and plot filled wonder. While I could give a lot of opinions on who should win and who got snubbed (something I did with a blog last year), there are plenty of other blogs and websites out there that can do that much better than I.

I would like to take a moment to focus on the short-films nominated for Oscar awards. Our local library out here in Pennsylvania so splendidly has viewings of all the animated, live-action, and documentary shorts that are up for awards. So I spent a solid chunk of time sitting in the Community Room of our library this weekend, watching fifteen fantastic little gems. There's nothing like celebrating under-represented cinema with a bunch of wealthy people over the age of sixty.

Alright, I would like to list my favorite from each category alongside which film I predict to win each category.

Animated Short Film Nominees

Feral

Get a Horse!

Mr. Hublot

Possessions

Room on the Broom

My favorite: Mr. Hublot

Who will win: Get a Horse!

Live Action Short Film Nominees

Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me)

Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything)

Helium

Pitaako Mun Kaikki Hoitaa (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)

The Voorman Problem

My favorite: Just Before Losing Everything

Who will win: The Voorman Problem

Documentary Short Subject Nominees

Cave Digger

Facing Fear

Karama Has No Walls

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life

Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

My favorite: Cave Digger

Who will win: The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life

The Academy Awards air tomorrow night (Sunday, March 2) at 8:30pm on abc.

Generation Defining Movies

Recently, I, half tongue-in-cheek, described The Social Network (2010) as a generation-defining movie. I say "tongue-in-cheek" because, really, can you describe something as generation-defining while it is still making its mark and the generation is still in full force and how do you even define the term generation? Well I believe the movie to be a fascinating one, not simply because Facebook has had a monumental impact on how we relate to each other but because the entire creation of that particular internet beast was built on connecting-but-not-really-connecting, creating some sort of "chicken or the egg" question of what caused the other.

Anyhow, as I did a quick Google search of the phrase, "generation-defining," the first hit was a Rolling Stones article on thirteen movies that defined a generation. They seem to pick a movie about every three or four years from the 1960's on. The title is semi-misleading in that I don't think generations roll over every three or four years, but the point is still made.

Following Rolling Stones' lead (actually, I had this idea before the Google search), I would like to expound on the list. So my thoughts on The Social Network have already been discussed but I would like to propose that it, in some ways, serves as the middle man between two other generation-defining movies for the last ten years or so.

First, Garden State (2004) typifies a generation of young people (perhaps especially those currently in their 20's and 30's - so perhaps the older Millennials and whatever came right before them) who desire authenticity, accept messy relationships, and are fed up with previous generations' attempts to dull pain with anesthetics. Rather, there is a desire to feel and to feel deeply, even if it hurts.

Coming off of that, I think The Social Network takes a dark turn towards distancing ourselves from others, despite a veneer that might say otherwise.

My final generation-definer is Her (2013). Her takes the idea of connecting via a device and moves beyond it, where the protagonist actually enters into a relationship with his OS. I could gush a lot about this movie - its ability to make an "absurd" situation absolutely believable, the acting, the gorgeous sets and fashion, the score, the script, and the list goes on. But to the point of the blog post, Her explores what it looks like to experience true and intimate relationships in a world prone to disconnect us and create personalized worlds bent towards being self-centered while also introducing the idea of with whom we are actually connecting. Without totally giving away the conclusion of the movie, it ends on a hopeful note (or at least I thought so) that's not altogether different than the conclusion of Garden State, though certainly updated for a generation of today/tomorrow.

Any thoughts on movies that define generations? (I know, it's a bit pretentious of a concept.) Any gaping wholes in my connection of these movies? Movies you would add?

Funny Girls

Context: The past year, I have increasingly thought about gender equality issues in US culture, the church, the workplace, the family, and other places. I am no expert on the topic. And I am a man. So I don't have the lived-experience of being a woman in today's world. But I'm pretty sure there's a lot of inequality out there.

As award show season is upon us, I was looking through all the leading comedies and what I believe should be the leading comedies. It was at that moment that I realized something.

Female comedians are killing it right now - and Tina Fey doesn't even have a show out right now! I know this doesn't mean that everything is solved or that television / the comedy world is perfectly balanced. I just want to celebrate some seriously funny female leads out there.

Below are what I consider to be the best comedies currently in production. The only show I would potentially add would be Modern Family though it's been so-so the last season or two. And I could add the critically-acclaimed, female-led Veep but I haven't totally bought into it yet (only one season in). Regardless, I'm happy to see women taking the lead in a previously male-dominated arena.

Girls (HBO)

I've been getting the DVDs from the library and I binge watch until there is no more. This show is super smart, self-absorbed, and hilarious. There's a million thoughts out there right now on what it's doing for/by/to women that I'm not going to comment on. All I know is that I love watching. 

New Girl (Fox)

While this is certainly an ensemble deal, I think Zooey brings the show together in wonderful ways. I'm excited this show took hold with viewers. 

Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Protagonist Leslie Knope is smart, loveable, neurotic, funny and career driven. Another ensemble cast but clearly led by the indomitable Poehler (yay for that recent Golden Globe).

The Mindy Project (Fox)

Mindy is clearly a "girls girl" though it's also clearly by choice. She loves medicine... and celebrity gossip. Fantastically funny show and created by Mindy herself.

Any thoughts on the matter? 

Best Movies of 2013

I've been doing "best music of" lists for seven years now but have yet to dive into the "best movies of" arena as of yet. I'm probably more qualified to discuss movies over music but the process of watching movies in the year of release is more difficult than the more accessible music market despite the enormity of said market. Anyhow, I'd like to start listing my favorite movies. 

As for my "parameters," I'm restricting movies included to those released in 2013. As it's a few days into 2014, I may have watched a few of these after the designated year. Further, it's an imperfect system in that there will certainly be 2013 movies that I won't see until later on. It's for this reason that I will have a "Highly Anticipated" list in addiction to my "Honorable Mention" list.

As for criteria, I'm simply picking my favorite ten movies of the year. Unlike award committees, I feel completely comfortable including both comedies and blockbusters in my lists as they are as good (or better) than many dramas of the year. 

I think 2013 was a decent year for movies. Certainly some great selections. Though maybe no generation defining (The Social Network, 2010), classic (No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood, 2007), or perfect blockbusters (The Dark Knight, 2008). Though maybe my opinion will be changed in a few months. Alright, here are my favorite movies from 2013.

10. Before Midnight
Linklater, Delpy, and Hawke pull out a great third installment to the "Before" trilogy. I totally buy the long, involved conversation style of the films. Their ability to make each film fresh, relevant, and appropriate to each stage of life is nothing short of remarkable. And I kind of love that the two leads are so intimately involved in the production process as well. In a year of innovative film-making, Before Midnight adds its fresh style to the mix.

9. Dallas Buyers Club
This is a story of a homophobic man from Texas who gets HIV AIDS in the 1980's. Keeping it from some sort of "statement" movie, the story follows the relationship of the lead and a transvestite as they try their best to live life amidst tragedy. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leno give fantastic performances. The story is enlightening. And it is amazing to see where US culture has come in the last 30 years in regards to both AIDS and LGBTQ issues.

8. Don Jon
What isn't there to love about Joseph Gordon-Lovitt? In his directorial debut, Lovitt explores, in fairly graphic detail, how addiction, of many kinds, affects relationships. I found the style of the movie to be fun and appropriate to the plot line. The repetitive-ness of the filming mirrors Lovitt's character's addiction and is not dissimilar to Requiem for a Dream's use of repetition. Oh, and Lovitt and Johansson really pull off the Jersey thing.

7. The Place Beyond the Pines
One of the under-the-radar movies of the year, I found the story of this long story to be fascinating. The Place Beyond the Pines also innovates with its unconventional story format, where the leads rarely even interact with each other and the movie plays out in a three act format that, to some, could feel disconnected. The actions of all the characters are felt by multiple generations, making for a nuanced drama that more people should be paying attention to.

6. Monsters University
While many sloughed this sequel off as "not as good as the first one," I found the return to the Monster's universe to be a fun, enjoyable ride. While the plot wasn't revolutionary, it, in true Pixar manner, was heartfelt and sincere in addition to being funny and beautifully rendered. 

5. This is the End
Blah, blah, blah this movie promotes friendship and loyalty. Mostly, it's highly irreverent and lacking in much depth. So I wouldn't recommend this one to the easily offended. With that said, I laughed a lot during this movie. All the actors (and there are a lot of cameos) play themselves, making for hilarious versions of each character and adding to the innovative year of movies (across all genres). 

4. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I loved this sequel. While the original movie (and book) holds the most punch in introducing the concept where children are pitted against children in a deadly fight, I felt as though the second movie improved upon every aspect of the first. The acting improved, the hints of a revolution were hinted at very well, the action was more intense, and the final installments were set up perfectly. I love what's being done with this series. It's not everyday that a violent story involving themes of privilege and power can be sold to millions of teenagers.

3. Captain Phillips
Going into this movie, I was a little skeptical of it's ability to keep me interested throughout considering the ending was already known and the ending seemed to be a big part of the draw. I'm glad I was wrong. Moments of intensity were sustained throughout and both Somali pirates and U.S. seamen were portrayed in highly human ways. To top it off, and something I was not expecting (spoiler!), Hanks' performance of shock after being rescued was nothing short of incredible. 

2. 12 Years a Slave
Again, I wasn't super excited for this one, finding it hard for a movie on slavery to bring anything new to the genre. While it may not have reinvented the wheel, the film was done so masterfully that I wasn't paying attention. Acting was perfect, all around. Elements of power and submission were explored so expertly, leaving Jorjette and I talking for a long time afterwards. Lastly, there were a number of unforgettable scenes in this movie that will go down as classic moments in film.

1. Gravity

Innovation. I've used that word on a number of descriptions thus far. Gravity may very well take the cake in that category. I'm not going to go in-depth (nor could I, really) on how this film was made but the mid-space shots throughout the film are breath-taking. In my opinion, it out-did Avatar in the way it expertly used 3D filming to enhance the story. And while Avatar was a fun romp of visuals, Gravity wasn't merely a good-looking movie with a fun story. No, I believe Gravity explored what it means for humans to fight for life, the death and rebirth needed to do so, and the beauty that comes of it. That's where the incredible shots came in. All of this culminated to give us the most moving and aesthetically pleasing film of the year.

Honorable Mention

American Hustle, Mud, The Way Way Back, The Great Gatsby, Side Effects, The Spectacular Now, Pacific Rim,  The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Wolf of Wall Street

Highly Anticipated
(I had a chance to catch many of these after originally writing this blog. Movies that I would add to this post's list have been made bold.) 

Inside Llewyn Davis, Her, Much Ado About Nothing, Frances Ha, Out of the Furnace, Prisoners, Ain't Them Bodies Saints, Short Term 12, Fruitvale Station, In a World..., Blue Jasmine

The West Wing: My Reason for Watching

I’ve nearly finished the fifth season of Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing. The show revolves around the lives of the West Wing staffers and of Sorkin’s television resume (Sports Night, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Newsroom), this is his most popular. As to it being the best is up for debate. I’ve heard strong arguments both for and against the series – my major criticism is its over-infatuation with democracy/The White House itself. While the series supposedly lowered in quality in the fifth season, I believe it has held its own though it may not be at the same place it was earlier in the series. Being a network show, there are twenty-two-ish forty-two minute long episodes in each season. So, to state the obvious, they are long seasons.

What keeps me watching, and I would contend makes it one of Sorkin’s best, are the characters. This is somewhat of a clichéd remark to make about a television show as good characters are typically what make an ensemble-cast show good in almost any case. That said, The West Wing is more often noted for its quick-witted writing style, ability to deal with modern political issues in an enlightening manner, or film in this talking-while-walking way that’s so cool and simultaneously so smarmy. While Martin Sheen’s performance of President Bartlett or Rob Lowe’s ability to play a young, speech-writer might be grouped in there, they typically aren’t in the first breath.

While I enjoy the political debates and long discourses, I find the interaction of the characters’ lives in the political arena to be the most fascinating aspect of the show and I believe the show has created some great characters to do so. Though I have not yet finished the series, I would like to now, perhaps prematurely, list my five favorite characters from The West Wing.

5. Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe)

Sam is an idealist without being disconnected from life. Rob brings a sharp-edge to the character and, perhaps bolstered by his Parks & Rec role, humor as well.

4. Charlie Young (Dule Hill)

What’s not to love about Charlie? He’s on top of it. He’s a hard worker. He comes from a troubled past but has successfully built a strong life. He knows when (and when not) to speak. And his romance with Elisabeth! Why won’t it happen?!

3, 2. Donna Moss, Josh Lyman (Janel Maloney, Bradley Whitford)

I haven’t gotten there yet but I assume these two eventually get together, right? They have to. Donna is incredibly thoughtful, motivated by emotion, and intelligent enough to not let those attributes be weaknesses. Josh is brash and daring, typically in order to better the administration. They’re great individually though when they operate together, they balance each other out like any modern television couple should.

1. C.J. Cregg (Allison Janney)

An episode without much C.J. is a sad day (and it being an ensemble show, it happens). C.J. lights up the screen. She’s quick, funny, and extremely caring. She’s able to be firm without being stand-off-ish. She fights for what she believes in. And her lip-syncing The Jackal!!!