Preface: None of these movies are 5 star movies, this list is meant to help you decide, which of the thousands of Netflix Instant movies that you don't want to watch, you'll watch.
Ceremony
...Maybe I just have a thing for Michael Angarano's charisma (as this is the first of two movies I am recommending with him as the star) but this movie is great fun. And, although this movie poster presents the film as one that I would never want to watch, not even on an airplane, it is misleading. First and foremost although Uma Thurman and Lee Pace are in it, and do a good job, it's Michael's character's story. I've actually never been a fan of Uma, and this almost deterred me from the movie as it depicted her as the lead. This is a comedy and I'd definitly stay away from the adjective "romantic" when describing it, it's more of a coming of age comedy. Aside from the star's hilarious, charming and at times mischievous performance, there are other great performances and familiar faces in the film. The direction of the film seems to be constructed very particularly and if you would have told me a young Wes Anderson directed this, I would believe you. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie, you will enjoy it!
PS. Don't watch the trailer of even read the synoposis as it will diminish a very small reveal.
Watch this clip if you are on the fence:
"We aren't sneaking around, we are being mysterious..."
PS. Don't watch the trailer of even read the synoposis as it will diminish a very small reveal.
Watch this clip if you are on the fence:
"We aren't sneaking around, we are being mysterious..."
Electrick Children
This slow and potentially boring movie, needs to be viewed when you're ready for this type of flick. Well, what type of movie is it? In order to not spoil anything, don't watch the trailer and don't read the synopsis. The movie poster above is all you'll need to know. Some humor, some drama, and some soul searching, you'll have to watch it to get it.
Watch for: Originality, Feel Good, Thinking, Innocence
The Brass Teapot
The decent acting and good film making could have made this silly comedy pure gold, but instead settles for pure 'brass', yet it's still enjoyable. A (good looking,) young and financially struggling couple "finds" a magical teapot that spews out money whenever the two hurts themselves or one another. The very silly premise is covered up by great film making and a charming cast but the film never quite knows what it wants to be. At times, very silly and other times very dark. I enjoyed the darker aspects of the story and hoped for more of a black comedy but by the end, everything lightens up which is fine...I guess.
Watch for: Laughs, Silliness and Good Looking People
Best line: "Why did we drink so much? Because it was free"
Lucky
I've been waiting since Orange County for Colin Hanks to put out another decent movie and it has finally arrived! Everyone loves Tom Hanks, and although his son is half the actor Tom is, Colin still has the Hanks' charm. It shows in this film as he plays a very nice and polite...serial killer. This dark comedy never gets too gruesome while still slightly applying some laughs. It is filmed perfectly and the undertones on greed are very interesting. Would you stay married to a serial killer just because he is rich? Depends if he is as nice as this guy is.
Watch for: Uniqueness, Dark Humor, Interesting Dilemmas
Headhunters
This Norwegian (yes it's subtitled) film surprised me on many occasions, some good and some bad, however it's definitely worth a viewing. The main character is a high-end (very, very high-end) Headhunter who, after successfully arranges clients to interview for an amazing job, robs their home while they are on the interview. The Interesting and slightly humorous plot makes for the same kind of movie. High production value and "Jamie Lannister" are just bonuses to the twisty and curvy story. At times it takes too many twists but overall a very watchable foreign film.
Watch for: Thrills, Sophistication
Brick
Before the JGL (Joseph Gorden-Levitt) boom in 2010 (11 movies in 3 years) he did a little flick called Brick, and I think it is still by far his best role and movie. He plays a high-school student who can't seem to track down his ex-girlfriend. He worries something may have happened to her. He decides to take up the investigation himself. Seems, pretty standard right? Wrong. This movie plays out like a "film noir". If you don't know what that means, Google it! Actually, any black and white detective movie you may have seen containing a "damsel in distress" and a private "dick" with a top hat and a cigarette is probably a film noir. Combine that type of feel and story with a modern setting such as a high-school and you'll not only get some laughs but some thrills as well. Instead of fighting crooked cops and gangs our "detective" has to go up against the principal and the drama club. Seems silly but it absolutely works.
Watch for: Thrills, Mystery, Great Directing, Humor
The Conversation
Gene Hackman has always been one of my favorite actors even before I ever viewed this movie, and I have to say, this is his best. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and released the same year as Godfather Part II, (another Coppola film) confirmed Coppola's mastery as a film maker. The Conversation was nominated for best picture but wasn't a box office hit as it was overshadowed by the previously mentioned GFII and Chinatown. Much like subtitles, some people are turned away by older movies, however give this flick a chance. Gene Hackman plays a surveillance expert that records what he believes is a harmless conversation between two people. When other parties become interested in the recording, he decides to dig a little deeper. The first 10 minutes of the movie is when this conversation actually takes place, can you decipher what will happen?
Watch for: Classic, Mystery, Gene Hackman
