So, as it may appear to readers, I have ample time to scour Netflix for films and shows that interest me. Many of the films I review are ones that someone may not stumble across in their normal viewing. These films may either be independent movies that didn’t get a wide release or just movies that came out, made a big splash, and then for some reason are not talked about really. Here, I’ll be pointing out a few films that I had to hunt for in order to view. These are all films I either found by word of mouth or browsing, so if this encourages you to do anything, I hope it teaches you to ask around and browse the web for films yourself. These are in no particular order, because so many of them are different genres.
- Me and You and Everyone We Know
This is a quirky little film that a friend showed me. It’s an interlocking set of stories centered on romantic and familial connections with those around the characters, and how these stories eventually bleed into one another. It’s funny, it’s witty, it’s a bit strange, but it’s so worth the watch.
- Ip Man and Ip Man 2
The sort of true story of Yip Man, also known as Ip Man, the master of Wing Chun Kung Fu and famously trained the legendary Bruce Lee. These films are set in the 1930’s and tell the story of Ip Man during his prime as the undisputed master of the Wing Chun style of Kung Fu. The first film goes from an almost satirical portrayal of a Kung Fu Romp to a rather dark look at the Japanese occupation of China, focusing on Ip Man’s small, bucolic village. The second film sees Ip Man trying to establish his own Wing Chun School of Kung Fu in the city. The films are in Cantonese, but are incredibly shot, brilliantly acted, and masterfully fought and choreographed. If you like historical films or Kung Fu Movies, these films will sate your appetite. I chose these two specifically out of the series because they use the same cast, predominantly. These are also the only two I have watched (I’ll admit to not finishing the second one ) . The other two in the quartet of films (all of which are available on Netflix) are Ip Man: The Final Fight which is the third in the story and The Legend is Born: Ip Man which is a prequel to the previous three films.
- Oculus
A really cerebral horror film oddly enough backed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) … Yeah, don’t let that turn you off. This is a thinking person’s horror flick. The plot revolves around a haunted mirror that destroyed a brother and sister’s life when they were kids, resulting in insanity and in the case of the brother, institutionalization. The two reconvene at their childhood home to face the mirror one last time as the sister tries to prove the two are not insane. The real question is though: is the mirror haunted, or is it a convenient scapegoat for their possibly not-so-perfect childhood? Good acting, well shot and so brilliantly written, Oculus doesn’t disappoint.
- Joe Rogan: Live
Okay, so this is a comedy special, but fuck it, it’s my list. Joe Rogan, the host of Fear Factor is a Comedian? Yeah I was shocked too, but when I saw the special on Netflix, I couldn’t resist. They took it off for a while but it was just put back on the site, so check this unpredictably disappearing special soon! This mix of George Carlin think-comedy and Dane Cook Loudness can be hard to understand at first, but with bits about society, religion and evolution, “Joe Rogan: Live” is one Netflix-Exclusive-Special worth your time.
- Side Effects
Possibly the only wide release films on this list, Side Effects is a drama that stars Jude Law as a psychiatrist treating a disturbed woman with a trial antidepressant, which prompts her to behave erratically. I can’t ruin anymore of the plot. Just check out the film, it’s a gem to be sure.
- Unghung Hero
A documentary about small penises. Well, do I need to say anymore? Either you will watch this movie or you won’t, there’s really no middle ground on opinions of this one. The discussion through a personal journey about the self-confidence of men through their members is a real trip to watch. Don’t worry, no penis is shown on-screen.
- The Brass Teapot
This indie film is the tale of a post college couple strapped for cash that happen upon the magical titular brass teapot. This ancient artifact produces money whenever it’s owner or owners are placed in physical or emotional pain. Yeah… this film is funny at first, but slowly gets darker and meaner as the story progresses. Watch it with a significant other to really appreciate each other.
- Blue Valentine
Whereas the previous film on this list will make you appreciate your significant other, Blue Valentine will make you question everyone you love. This film stars Ryan Gosling and Michele Williams as a middle aged couple on the ropes, yet flashes back to how they met and fell in love. The film is a punch right in the heart, but is gorgeously shot and performed, even managing to make the great Gosling appear unattractive in his old age.
- Mike Birbiglia: What I Should Have Said Was Nothing: Tales from My Secret Public Journal and Mike Birbiglia: My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend
Another set of comedy specials that are not only funny, but heartfelt. This blogger turns some of his prime material into a very funny show in What I Should Have Said Was Nothing and tells the touching story of his love and marriage disguised as a comedy routine in My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend These specials are fabulous.
- Boys Don’t Cry
This movie tackles the difficult subject of gender identity in this true story film starring Hilary Swank. This film tells the story of Brandon Teena (Swank), a Trans Man going through life in the south. Great acting, heart wrenching drama and suspense to make you piss down your leg, Boys Don’t Cry is not for the faint of heart, but is sure as hell a worthwhile movie.
- The Talented Mr. Ripley
This creepy flick showed up one day on FX Network. I was glued to the television all day to finish it. This drama/psychological thriller starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law is based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel published in 1955 of the same name. The story is that of the titular Mr. Tom Ripley (Damon), a con-artist of the highest caliber who uses his skills of deception to steal the identity of a rich socialite (Law) and slowly descends into a deeper state of criminal activity. The film is a long, grueling one that challenges you to keep up, but it’s entirely worth the struggle to keep on with Ripley’s scam. The cinematography is sharp, the soundtrack is flawless and the performances are astounding.