Welcome to Nostalgia Trip! This is your guide to all the fun movies, TV shows, books, and video games from yesteryear that are worth revisiting. Each month, we’ll go over some need-to-see options that you either have forgotten about from your childhood, or that you missed out on completely.
Books are opening, assignments are due, and the resounding noise of students putting their noses to the grindstone can be heard near and far. Like it or not, school is back in session, and that means less free time than ever. Even though we’re all busy, that doesn’t mean we can’t still take a little time to ourselves! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and all that, right? Here are a few movies, books, and games that you can just pick up and put down whenever you need a little break during your work:
Movies/TV Shows
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Probably the most well known “lovable goofballs save the world” movie, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a movie about the implications of our actions on the future, the ability of knuckleheads to save the planet, and passing history class. This film features the early acting of Keanu Reeves, which is much, much less stoic than his modern day roles of “stoic kung fu secret agent” and “stoic kung fu master.” Whether you choose to watch this movie or not, just remember: be excellent to each other!
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Humanity has created some pretty messed up torture devices over the years: the Iron Maiden, waterboarding, the Rack – the list goes on and on. However, no matter how awful those are, they could never hold a candle to the agony endured by the host of the Mystery Science Theater 3000. If you’re a fan of bad B-rated movies and making other people watch them, then this is definitely the show for you. The best part is that the fans of the show recently kickstarted a reboot of the Mystery Science Theater 3000, which is available now on Netflix.
Seinfeld
Have you ever been watching Friends and wished “Wow, I wish I could watch this show, but have it be about absolutely nothing?” Well, wish no more, because that’s exactly what Seinfeld is. If you appreciate modern sitcoms like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia or The League, then this show will fit in right alongside all your old favorites. If you want a quick laugh, episodes like “The Contest,” “The Opposite,” and “The Old Man” will have you in stitches.
Books
Complete Collection of HP Lovecraft’s Writing
If traditional horror just isn’t doing it for you these days, then maybe you should read a few stories from the father of cosmic horror himself, H.P. Lovecraft. While his writing can be a little heavy at times, Lovecraft founded many of the tropes of cosmic horror today. If you’re wondering why Cthulhu’s head is shaped like an octopus, or you just want to have your whole life ut into perspective of the enormity of the universe, then Lovecraft is your go-to guy. Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn!
Worm (Web Serial)
The Shining (The Novel)
We all know the iconic film adaptation of The Shining directed by Stanley Kubrick. Heralded as one of the best movies of all time, it’s definitely impactful and I highly recommend that you watch it if you haven’t. However, I would also like to recommend that you read the novel that the movie is based on. You probably don’t need me to tell you what kind of a literary master Stephen King is, and rest assured that The Shining ranks highly among his written works. Read the book and fall deep into the mind of Jack Torrance all over again as the isolation in the snowy peaks of Colorado slowly drives him insane.
Video Games
Mario Kart Double Dash
Mario Kart is one of those games whose name precedes them. You hear the name “Mario Kart” and your ears turn red. Your whole body starts vibrating, and all you can think of are those times you were inches away from victory and your “Best Friend” blue shelled you for the victory. You begin to foam at the mouth, and your vision turns red. Next thing you know you’re stuck on Rainbow Road, falling off for the fourth time this lap. There is a great and terrible gnashing of teeth as you know this is the pinnacle of entertainment, and that nothing will surpass the feeling of relief and joy you will feel as you cross the finish line.
Super Smash Bros Melee
Whether you’re a wavedashing machine or someone with no idea how to jump, Super Smash Bros Melee is one of the most entertaining party games ever created. With a simple-to-learn control scheme and endless levels of depth, there’s a reason people are still playing this game after all these years. If you’re overwhelmed with class and work, then nothing feels better than jumping on and just doing some crazy antics.
Advance Wars
If you’re any kind of strategy fan, then Advance Wars will be right up your alley. Hailed as one of the most iconic games for the GameBoy Advance, Advance Wars will provide hours of entertainment as you try to formulate the strongest army to take down your opponents. If you’re a fan of Fire Emblem, then you’ll find many similarities between the two games, but not enough to make them feel samey.