Felicity Paxton, Communications
- Jon Stewart back on “The Daily Show.” Oliver did a fine job as stand–in host, but looking forward to having the original Jon back.
- The new Robert Reich documentary, “Inequality for All.” I’m looking forward to learning more about the American economy from a fellow communist. That’s a joke, by the way. Watch the movie.
- One returning TV show I’m excited for: I gave up ratchet reality TV (no more Love and Hip Hop or Real “Non” Housewives), so I guess the one show I’m excited for is “Scandal.” I caught on late to the show when I kept seeing my friends raving about it in my Facebook feed, watched the whole series on Netflix and Hulu to get caught up and now I can’t wait to see what’s next.
- One movie coming out in the fall that I’m excited for: “Runner Runner.” It’s a suspense movie with a backdrop of poker: two things that I’m into. Poker, obviously for the math at play and the edge of your seat suspense, is in my wheelhouse. After “Argo” I’m willing to give Ben Affleck movies an honest look. I’m still having trouble seeing him as Batman though.
Andrew Huemmler, Engineering & Applied Science
- I watch zero TV except for the weather, ice hockey and liberal press coverage. That said, I’d be glad to offer Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show,” my number one source for fair and balanced news coverage.
- Season 4 of “Treme.” David Simon’s “The Wire” is arguably the best TV series ever made. But, I quirkily like his beautiful “Treme” even more. The narrative is looser and the music is the main character.
- “Salinger” (opens in some cities 9/6). I’m fascinated by impossibly private people put out in front of us on the biggest screens we have.
- “Boardwalk Empire.” I love period pieces and Atlantic City during prohibition rocks—cool suits, crime, booze, politics, hookers... This show practically writes itself.
- I hate the movie theaters. Paying 15 bucks to have other people make noise while I try to choke down stale popcorn? I’d rather watch at home. If I had to pick one fall release to watch it would be “Enough Said.” It seems a little hokey, but it is James Gandolfini’s final role. It should be worth a look.
Adam Grant, Management
- TV Show: The second season of “Arrow,” the tale of a superhero without superpowers, whose past hauntings have inspired him to become a force for good.
- Movie: “Ender’s Game,” the long–awaited film adaptation of one of my all–time favorite books
Ha ha. Are you sure you want my input?
- The only show I watch regularly is “Project Runway” because that’s the only show my 13–year–old daughter agrees to watch together.
- As for movies, whatever is playing in the airplane is fine with me. :-)
David Barnes, Health & Societies
I’m looking forward to two shows: “Homeland” and “The Daily Show.” The counterterrorism thriller formula is kind of tired after all these years, but the characters on “Homeland” (especially Carrie and Brody) are completely riveting. “The Daily Show” is still the best show on TV, night after night. John Oliver hit a home run as fill–in host, but it’s great to see the genius that is Jon Stewart back in the saddle. A lot of pundits wring their hands in angst over the percent of poll respondents who say “The Daily Show” is their primary news outlet, but if someone had only 30 minutes a day to become an informed and engaged citizen, I would much rather have them watch Jon Stewart than a half hour of network or cable news.
Eric Furda, Dean of Admissions
- “Parenthood!” My wife and I love the show as it captures the challenges of raising a family, balancing careers and keeping those relationship alive and well. Brilliant writing, fantastic cast and background music. Yes, they’ve even featured Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder.
- A movie that’s already been released but I haven’t seen yet (see “Parenthood” and balance) is “2 Guns.” I want Mark Wahlberg to play me when the documentary is out (right?), and Denzel is one cool Penn Parent. (Okay, parent of an alumnus.)
What I am really excited about is Pearl Jam having two shows in Philadelphia in October!!
