Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
As audiences, we strive to escape reality and immerse ourselves in worlds beyond our imaginations. The fantasy genre offers us the opportunity to explore fantastical worlds that we can only dream of. Throughout cinematic history, writers and directors have taken us to extraordinary places and introduced us to incredible creatures through whimsical imagination. Not every fantasy is a beautiful, far-off kingdom — some can be a what-if of your life — but what they share is a place beyond the here and now.
Searching for that perfect fantasy flick on your favorite streamer can be hard, as the possibilities are endless. Luckily for you, Prime Video has an array of options ready for your viewing pleasure. Maybe you just left the theater after seeing Wicked: For Good, and you’re ready to watch Act I again. Or maybe you’ve cut the cable chords, and you need to continue your Christmas traditions with one of the greatest holiday fantasy films of all time. Whatever you’re seeking out, Prime Video has four incredible options you can watch right now.
4 ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)
For many families, it’s a tradition to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Often found on cable during the holiday season, those who have refused to live a cable life might be searching for a way to watch Frank Capra’s 1946 classic. Loosely inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the film shows George Bailey (James Stewart), a man who sacrifices his dreams to help his community, get overwhelmed by life’s struggles, and wishes he’d never been born on Christmas Eve. A guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers), shows him how bleak the world would be without him, revealing the profound impact of his seemingly ordinary life and inspiring him to find value in love and connection. The epitome of a Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life has brought peace and joy to nearly everyone who’s ever watched it.
A story about sacrifice, love, and community, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most profound films ever made. Having inspired adaptations across various media, the film has resonated for decades, becoming one of the most influential and important ever made. Though the premise may seem a bit grim for those looking for holiday joy, the film’s ultimate message of hope is why fans continue to flock to it year after year. If you are one of those few individuals who haven’t seen it before, that’s okay! I promise, once you experience it once, you’ll be changed forever.
3 ‘Nosferatu’ (2024)
It’s been a year since Robert Eggers spooked the world with his exceptional adaptation of Nosferatu, and it still holds up as a solidly brilliant and imaginative take on the vampire tale. A remake of the 1922 film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, which in turn was inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Eggers’ gripping version was more than just a passion project — it was a cinematic triumph. The Gothic horror tells a tale between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing terror in its wake. Count Orlok’s (Bill Skarsgård) dark obsession with the young Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) leads to plague and ruin in their German town of Wisborg. A story about societal hypocrisy, layered with terrifying visuals and spiritual dread, Nosferatu has emerged as an instant classic, perfect to watch at any time of the year, though December seems particularly fitting, as it was when the film was initially released.
Eggers dives deep into themes of lust versus love, sacrifice over commitment, and the darkness that overwhelms purity. Nosferatu is a visually miraculous film that is rich in seduction and scares. The cast is solid from top to bottom, with extra credit given to Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding. Oh, and if you think Skarsgård’s performance is terrifying, Willem Dafoe is almost just as creepy as Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz. In one year’s time, Eggers will be back with another December horror drop with the highly anticipated Werwulf. The period horror film follows a mysterious creature that stalks a foggy English countryside as local folklore becomes a terrifying reality. Werwulf is set to feature Nosferatu stars Taylor-Johnson, Dafoe, and Depp.
2 ‘The Family Man’ (2000)
Another take on A Christmas Carol, Brett Ratner’s romantic fantasy film brings Nicolas Cage into a “what-if” holiday scenario. The Family Man follows Jack Campbell, a wealthy, ruthless Wall Street executive, who gets a glimpse into the life he would’ve had if he’d stayed with his college sweetheart, Kate (Téa Leoni), waking up in a suburban reality with two kids and a simpler job, forcing him to confront his choices and value true love over money. Led by an angel named Cash (Don Cheadle), the 2000 film is the closest you’ll get to an earnest, modern adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life.
The film forces audiences to experience Jack’s life as he navigates a new, humble existence, learning to appreciate family, love, and simple joys, realizing his materialistic life lacked true fulfillment. Jack eventually gets a chance to return to his old life, but must choose between immense wealth and the loving family he found in the alternate reality. The Family Man serves as a wonderful alternative to the classic, still providing the heartfelt, feel-good holiday experience you might be longing for. Cage is in classic Cage form, so if you’re seeking something lighthearted for your marathon, this is a perfect option to add in.
1 ‘Wicked: Part One’ (2024)
If you haven’t spent one long day at the AMC theater, you can spend one short day in the Emerald City with a viewing of Wicked, the first part of the musical fantasy saga. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film adaptation of Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz’s epic Broadway musical brings Act I to life with its score of “popular” tunes, including “Defying Gravity.” Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the prequel story of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz explores what happens before Dorothy drops in. The first part of Wicked explores the friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) while they are students at Shiz University. Wicked took the world by storm, impacting the future of musical films forever.
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A stunning and robust adaptation, Wicked has been applauded as one of the strongest and most visually perfect movie musical adaptations. With an extraordinary cast that includes People’s Sexiest Man Alive Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh, Wicked became an instant classic that musical theater fans continue to sing along to since it became available on streaming services. Though Wicked: For Good may not have been as well received, heading back to Oz for the first part will soften the blows for all the non-believers. Watching this film, you’ll be changed for good.
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Wicked
PG
Adventure
Fantasy
Musical
9 10
Release Date November 22, 2024
Runtime 160 Minutes
Director Jon M. Chu
Writers Gregory Maguire, Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, L. Frank Baum
Cast
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Genres Adventure, Fantasy, Musical
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