Thousands of movies are on Netflix to watch instantly and more than half of them are crap. You know the ones that I’m talking about. They’re the Stephen Segal movies and the video game movies and the B-movies that were always more like D-movies. As a Netflix and film fanatic, I will claw through the pile of bad movies to give you five good ones every issue. But hurry, many movies aren’t on Netflix forever.
Classic
Trainspotting
This film was the debut of director Danny Boyle who went on to release Slumdog Millionaire and 28 Days Later. It also resides comfortably in the Top 10 British Films of all time as ranked by the British Film Institute. It is the movie about heroin addiction that won’t leave you feeling empty inside (unlike Requiem for a Dream). Featuring Ewen McGregor in a premiere role, a best-selling soundtrack, and unique cinematography, Trainspotting is not a movie to miss. Some scenes were even filmed in one-take due to budget constraints, causing Boyle to make several risky, but genius choices. Don’t let this one slip through your fingers because it’s going off Netflix soon.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T8Cl3jbZqc&feature=related
Independent Film
Reservoir Dogs:
This debut by director Quentin Tarantino, marks a significant time for independent cinema. Tarantino, working at a video store, was able to raise $1.5 million along with actor Harvey Keitel and shoot what is widely considered to be the best independent film of all time. It pushed boundaries for violence as audiences squirmed in their seats during the famous “ear” scene. It featured an infectious soundtrack and solid acting by Keitel, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen. It gained popularity after Tarantino’s masterpiece Pulp Fiction and continues to get screenplay at cult theaters. Rediscover the film today.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvoKT481EmU
Television
Star Trek: The Next Generation
This is the television series that put science fiction on the map. Before its premiere, sci-fi shows were destined for cancelation and absurdity. The original Star Trek was even cancelled twice. Next Generation, on the other hand, was able to reboot a dying franchise and become a ratings juggernaut, premiering to 27 million viewers on its first night. Led by Patrick Stewart and a progressive writing staff, the series was able to net critical acclaim and a long-lasting run of 178 episodes before ending in 1994. Now every single episode is available on Netflix.
Wait—What?
Rubber
If you can’t guess what the movie is about by the title, I won’t blame you. In brief, it is a movie about a psychokinetic tire that can blow stuff up with its tire brain. Yes, you heard me correctly. The tire literally rolls around and blows people’s brains up. Here is the punch line though . . . it is probably one of the smartest movies to come out in the past year. Inserting a meta-narrative with an in-movie audience watching Rubber, it is able to convey a humorous and enlightening commentary on filmmaking and audience. If you want to brag to your friends about a movie they have never seen but you have, check this out on Netflix now! It is one of a kind.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G5pyFhmAqE
Re-Watch
Toy Story 3
It was a Best Picture nominee and it concluded one of the best children’s trilogies of all time. Near perfect commercially and critically, Toy Story 3 is one of Pixar’s best and that’s saying a lot. The toys that many of us have grown up with are forced to deal with losing their beloved owner Andy as they are shipped off to a children’s day care center. Missing Andy and their home, the toys plan a risky and dangerous escape. Leading to one of the most emotional climaxes and epilogues in Pixar history, this movie will very well have you in tears. Celebrate your childhood and watch this movie when you have the time on Netflix.
