Thousands of movies are on Netflix to watch instantly and more than half of them are crap. As a Netflix and film fanatic, I claw through the pile of bad movies to give you a handful of good ones every issue. But hurry, many movies aren’t on Netflix forever.
However, this issue I will only be recommending three movies available to watch instantly because the changes Netflix has made in the past two months deserve attention. The notable changes are:
DVD-rental and online streaming are now separated into $7.99 plans with a combo package of $15.98, all per month.
The DVD service will now be called Qwikster and will receive its own website for ordering soon.
Video game rentals for Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3 will now be available through Qwikster.
Despite many of these changes improving the quality of Netflix’s service, many subscribers were up in arms about not receiving advanced notice. Two months after the changes were made, the Co-founder and CEO, Reed Hastings, sent an email to all subscribers.
“It is clear from the feedback over the past two months that many members felt we lacked respect and humility in the way we announced the separation of DVD and streaming and the price changes,” said Hastings. “That was certainly not our intent, and I offer my sincere apology.”
Hastings also promised no more pricing changes anymore (at least not for a while). He also sympathized with many subscribers in losing the name of Netflix for DVD rentals. “It’s hard to write this after over 10 years of mailing DVDs with pride, but we think it is necessary,” said Hastings. “We chose the name Qwikster because it refers to quick delivery”
Should you stop subscribing to Netflix because of these changes? No, and for one very good reason: my column will be rendered useless! So be a good friend and continue watching instantly, please?
Television:
Friday Night Lights
This show is hands-down the most criminally underrated piece of television to air in the past five years. Acting as a continuation of the 2004 film of the same name, Friday Night Lights centers on a small Texas town called Dillon that’s central passion is football. Lead by actor Kyle Chandler and actress Connie Britton, the show’s emotional and brilliant finale aired in 2011. It was one of the most critically acclaimed shows when it was on television for many reasons. The biggest one is because the show about football is not really about football. It is about life and the struggles each family is forced to push through whether it is a life-changing injury, a shattering divorce or the loss of a father. Friday Night Lights is a piece of poetry any way you put it.
Comedy Gold:
Chasing Amy
Arguably director Kevin Smith’s best work, Chasing Amy takes all of the stereotypes and clichés of modern-day romantic comedies and throws them in the garbage. This is a film that will not only challenge your straight-face but a film that will challenge the way you think about sexuality and gender. The movie’s plot centers on Holden McNeil, played by Ben Affleck, who falls in love with lesbian Alyssa Jones, played by Joey Lauren Adams. The film also contains one of the most gut-wrenching and honest scenes I have ever seen on screen. After watching this, romantic comedy will never be the same for you.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sAZWyaaIOM
Classic:
2001: A Space Odyssey
What more can be said other then this film is directed by one of the all-time best Stanley Kubrick and is also the landmark science-fiction film to this very day. Featuring an ethereal soundtrack and cinematography that took years to replicate in other movies, 2001: A Space Odyssey was ahead of its time. The film also spawned a series of realist science-fiction books from Arthur C. Clarke. This movie isn’t about revenge or love or any of those typical cinematic themes. This movie is about life as a whole. Because of its broad scope, the film deserves multiple viewings. Lucky for you, it is on instantly!
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8TABIFAN4o&feature=related
