With the start of online school on Monday, M-A students will get to deal with the regular boredom of their classes from the comfort of their own bed. However, the onset of online school brings with it a host of other opportunities for students to get distracted while their math teachers struggle to explain what related rates are for 214th time. The M-A Chronicle has you covered with our top 5 shows to watch during ‘ronacation.
1. Contagion (2011)
If you are wondering what the worst-case, full blown apocalypse that could emerge from the COVID-19, watch Steven Stoderbergs, 2011 film detailing a deadly pandemic as it nearly destroys humanity. Contagion perfectly encapsulates the fear and hysteria that come with an unknown virus that has no cure and can kill people in a matter of days. The Star-Studded Cast of Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard, and Laurence Fishburne keep the movie entertaining and dramatic. Best of all, the movie is scientifically accurate in its portrayal of immunology and disease management, which means it’s a perfect substitute for any Biology, Chemistry, or physics lecture.
2. The Purge (2013)
While the mad-dash to stockpile groceries and toilet paper has seen many stores overwhelmed by insatiable mobs, nothing could compare to the raw animalistic violence of the Purge. Set in a dystopian United States where all crime is legal for 12 hours, James DeMonaco’s film is the perfect horror film to quench your curiosity about what utter chaos could emerge if coronavirus destroyed society. Stream it on Hulu or iTunes. Who knows the movie could be useful in the coming apocalypse.
3. House MD (2004-2012)
One of the all time great medical dramas, House MD chronicles the life of Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant but unconventional and narcissistic diagnostician, and his team. House’s snark can be a nice relief from the otherwise dullness of quarantine. His medical genius and addiction to Pain-killers can be very informative for any future psychologists or pre-med majors. Our favorite episodes include Fidelity and Son of a Coma Guy. Perfect to bingewatch during long, boring block lectures, or when you’re supposed to be reading the APUSH textbook, House will regale you for hours with his unending ability to cure diseases of all types.
4. West Wing (1999-2006)
If in the need for a little idealism, nothing is better than Aaron Sorkin’s West Wing. Following the fictional administration of Democrat Josiah Bartlett, the political drama has a combination of dorky humor, dramatic situations, and sadness that will make you have hope for a more compassionate and functioning political system. Our favorite episodes include Isaac and Ishmael and Evidence of Things not Seen. It is no wonder this show won a total of 26 Emmys during its 7 year run.
5. Goldfinger (1964)
Goldfinger might be one of the most iconic Bond movies of all time. Sean Connory’s performance as 007 is superb, as he combines his British charm with the whit and athleticism of James Bond. The villain of the film, Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe), is set on blowing up the world’s gold supply in order to make himself rich. The movie features all the quintessential Bond fan favorites: fast cars, chase sequences, and beautiful girls. Best of all, the sunny Miami beaches can remind you how fun that spring break trip could have been if it weren’t cancelled because of Corona.
