Archive for Netflix This
With ‘House of Cards’ Netflix Rivals HBO, AMC and Showtime
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I patiently waited for what many were ready to call, perhaps a bit too fast, a “revolution” in the television industry: Netflix’s very own series, House of Cards. When Netflix announced that it would start producing its own original content, with episodes directed by David Fincher, Joel Schumacher, Carl Franklin, and others, and featuring Kevin Spacey (at a cost too indecent to even mention here), it was clearly aiming for the kind of success HBO and AMC had achieved, but with a twist: the entire first season would be released at once. Did it work? Yes. Absolutely. House of Cards is an excellent “television” show, well-written, well-directed and well-acted. Is it a revolution? In terms of quality, not really, but it’s close. In terms of the industry, probably not either, although it is too early to really tell. Some say the show will make it to the Emmy’s, rightly so, in my opinion.
Netflix This: ‘Rubber’
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Netflix is a wonderful tool to find some really weird and interesting movies. The Quentin Dupieux directed film Rubber would be one of those. Rubber is about a tire named ‘Robert’ whom (for no reason) comes to life in the middle of the desert — through trial and error, he learns he has very deadly powers. There are two odd plots in Rubber. The most interesting of them is the story of Robert and his overly destructive nature, while the second plot surrounds a gathering of bystanders that (again for no reason) are in the same desert watching and commenting on the events of Robert as his story unfolds.
Netflix This: ‘Goon’
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It’s a shame it took me so long to get around to seeing Goon — it was on my must see list for far too long. Now that I’ve seen it, and loved it, a post recommending others check it out on Netflix is a must.
The film stars Seann William Scott as a bouncer at a bar named Doug Glatt, a brute built for fighting. Despite never strapping on skates, he’s recruited to play hockey based solely on his ability to win any fist fight. His hard work to improve as a player and unscathed record in hockey fights gives his woeful semi-pro team a lift — they gel and start winning some games. This story is painfully violent, hilarious at times, but deeply emotional in the film’s crowning moments.
Netflix This: ‘Take Shelter’
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I love movies that pull you in with raw storytelling and then top it off with an ending that makes you think twice about what you just saw — Take Shelter is definitely one of those. While some brain teasers like Inception give you a massive scale and top notch production, Take Shelter is much more subtle and honest. It’s so personal at times that it’s almost uncomfortable. But you keep watching because it’s such a captivating story, with the perfected performances keeping your interest until the ending which leaves much to be discussed.
Netflix This: ‘Ip Man’
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Do you like martial arts films? If you answered yes, then you need to make time for Ip Man. This is arguably the best martial arts film I’ve ever seen — Ong Bak is right up there too. After being told by countless people that I needed to see this film, I finally sought it out on Netflix (now I’m just finishing up the sequel). To those who recommended it to me, I thank you. For those who watch Ip Man on my recommendation, you’re welcome.
Netflix This: ‘Tangled’
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I had the pleasure of finally sitting down and watching the critically acclaimed Disney animation Tangled which came out in 2010 — this fact alone makes me ashamed to admit I am just seeing now. While I’m sure many out there have already seen it, I loved this film so much I had to gush about it and recommend people look for it on Netflix. Tangled isn’t my favorite Disney film, but it definitely oozes with the magic that has made the Disney logo one of the most recognizable castles on the planet.
Netflix This: ‘White Collar’
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I was quickly charmed and enticed by the suave con man gone FBI consultant (strictly circumstantial, of course), Neal Caffrey, played by Matt Bomer. USA Network’s White Collar, has been gaining popularity and for good reason. Currently in it’s third season, the show has an undeniable wit, a fabulous cast, and an exciting story line. It brings you into the fantastical realm of the rich and famous who commit crimes ranging from racketeering, bond forgery, art theft, and money laundering. Neal Caffrey and his slick suit are stuck in limbo between a past of plunder and a second chance to set his life straight with the FBI.
Netflix This – Holiday Edition: ‘The Ref’
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As Christmas approaches, I’ve been receiving a lot of requests for holiday movie recommendations. In the spirit of giving, I wanted to provide Movie Mashers with a rental suggestion of one of my favorite Christmas comedies, The Ref. The film stars Dennis Leary as Gus, a jewel theif who, after a snafu in his robbery scheme, is forced to kidnapp a horrifically unhappy married couple (played by Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis) and hide out in their quiet Connecticut suburaban home until he can figure out his getaway. Only one problem, Lloyd’s (Spacey) family is on their way to have Christmas dinner. Shenanigans ensue.
Netflix This: ‘Country Strong’
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Even though Country Strong only has 22% approval on the Internet’s collection of respected film critics, Rotten Tomatoes, I actually thought the 2010 film was well worth the view. I am not a country music fan, but the film has a solid soundtrack that doesn’t force the viewer to ingest too much country, and uses each performance to say something about the characters performing them. The characters are extremely flawed and developed quite nicely, the performances are extraordinary, and the oftentimes predictable story was ripe with drama.
Netflix This: ‘Roger Dodger’
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We haven’t done a Netflix This in a little while, so I wanted to re-hash the popular segment with a fantastic dark comedy titled Roger Dodger. The film features a very young Jesse Eisenberg who heads to New York City to visit his somewhat estranged, smooth-talking, ad exec uncle, Roger; played brilliantly by the criminally under-utilized and under-appreciated Campbell Scott. It’s a truly fascinating film that attempts to completely dissect the relationship between men and women, specifically as it pertains to the philosophy, perception and pursuit of sex.
