Chuck Picks: Movie and TV Recommendations (in 100 Words or Less)

In this age when everything is bang bang, quick in-your-face action, I’ve decided to curate my reviews to hit all those high points. Each of these descriptions is 100 words or less—you’re welcome. I’m not going to go in-depth about each of the plots. I want to keep the reviews fresh and tasteful. And if I’ve given you a review and you watch the show or movie and don’t like it, please feel free to punch me in the face.

Succession

“The ‘Logan Roy School of Journalism’? What’s next, the ‘Jack the Ripper Women’s Health Clinic’?” – Ewan Roy

Power, greed, and colliding egos: that's America. That’s also Succession. Think of Succession as when Keeping Up With the Kardashians meets The Sopranos and makes a beautiful baby. To get the throne you must leave a trail of bodies behind you, and this show conveys it perfectly. This is Succession.

(Where to watch: HBO MAX)

Seinfeld

"I can’t go to a bad movie by myself. What, am I gonna make sarcastic remarks to strangers?” - Jerry Seinfeld

My favorite television series of all time, one of the smartest shows I’ve ever seen. Absolutely hilarious—each episode is relatable to a moment in my life. No matter how many years go by, it will always resonate with me. Kramer and Geroge are a handful, and Jerry and Elaine are the cherries on top. On a more serious note, it has gotten me through some tough times. Watch Seinfeld when you have a chance.

(Where to watch: Netflix)

Silicon Valley

“Bros before hoes.’ It’s sexist but it’s about friendship.” - Jared Dunn

Steve Jobs made Apple, Bill Gates made Microsoft, and Richard Hendricks made Pied Piper. Not a dull moment in this show. Awkward computer geeks all in one house working on a billion-dollar idea, what could go wrong? The show gives you an idea of what the tech world looks like, and sure, there are a lot of geeks, but these geeks are awfully fun to watch. Urlich’s (T.J. Miller’s) sideburns are what really puts it over the edge.

(Where to watch: HBO MAX)

The Shawshank Redemption

"Get busy living, Or get busy dying." - Andy Dufresne

I remember yesterday I was thinking about this movie before bed and I almost cried. Legitimately the greatest bromance of all time. What a beautiful life-affirming movie, a perfect film that checks off every box. If you were to die today and you asked me what to watch as your final movie, I’d say this one. I care about these characters more than some people I know in real life. The Shawshank Redemption is peak cinema. If you’re not speechless after watching, you're not human.

(Where to watch: HBO MAX)

Fight Club

"It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything." - Tyler Durden

I know what you’re thinking—the sigma edits, toxic masculinity, this guy is a real meathead. But let me tell you something, this isn’t Rocky 6, some dumb movie you go to see to throw popcorn at the screen. This film is not just fighting. Every character is excellent, it manages to capture contemporary life and mundane office jobs without making me bored. Tyler Durden is arguably one of the best characters ever to hit the screen, and the film's subtle poetry concludes with an all-time great ending.

(Where to watch: Hulu)

The Matrix

“I'm trying to free your mind, Neo. But I can only show you the door. You're the one that has to walk through it.” -Morpheus, The Matrix

A film that literally makes me want to go to a rec game at my local basketball court and drop a 30-piece (scoring 30 points in basketball). A film so ahead of its time in effects, story, and themes. The Matrix can either make you question your own existence or inspire you to do anything you want.

(Where to watch: HBO MAX)