This week on What to Stream Right Now, we’re delving into the deepest parts of the cosmic unknown and watching some pretty iconic science fiction. But that’s about where the similarities end for these two. As always, make sure to check out our previous episodes if you’re not a fan of the sci-fi genre.
2001: A Space Odyssey – Dir. Stanley Kubrick (1968) IMDb
Let me preface this by saying 2001 is my favorite film of all time. However, Stanley Kubrick’s only Oscar winning film is just that… a film. This is not a “flick” or a “movie” for the faint of heart. At a running time of 160 minutes (most of those minutes without dialogue), many would claim that 2001 is purely an experience; specifically, an experience that any film or sci-fi fan simply must endure.
I understand that I’m not doing a great job pitching this to you, but it really is a ground-breaking classic for a reason. First of all, the special effects are unlike anything done before or since and they still hold up incredibly well today. At times, it’s really difficult to not feel as though you’re travelling along to Jupiter with the astronauts and HAL. Secondly, all of the lunar sequences were done BEFORE anyone had ever stepped foot on the moon. No one had even seen Earth from space at the time this movie was made, Kubrick and team pulled it off seamlessly. I don’t have a third point, but if you haven’t seen this film on the big screen, your TV or computer screen will simply have to suffice. Carve out a few hours tonight, pop some corn, and watch a masterpiece of cinema.
DOCTOR WHO – Eight Season (2005 -) IMDb
Like I said, the similarities end at the genre for these two. Where 2001 is a little slow and lacks speaking characters, DOCTOR WHO is about as wild and talkative as a TV show can get. And it’s amassed such a cult following that it’s been airing on BBC for over 50 years! In fact, you can watch many of the original episodes on Netflix as well, but we’re talking about the revised series from 2005 to today.
Since its resurrection, fans have seen 3 Doctors come and go and are now enjoying their 4th as he continues to battle aliens and save the galaxy in season 9. The show has grown steadily in popularity, not just in America but all around the world and has become something of a cultural icon as of late. Perhaps you’ve seen some 1960s British Police Boxes everywhere you look or maybe you were wondering what that weirdo wearing a fez was thinking and why are people saying “Allonsy!” all the time??? Because Doctor Who, that’s why. Anyway, the show can be really bad when it’s bad, but can be out of this world amazing when it’s not really bad. Again, I’m not great at pitching, but give it a shot and let us know who your favorite Doctor is! I bet it’s Tennant.
