July 26, 2014 - Netflix Picks
So, I'm continuing the weekly tradition now of doing a mini-review of all the things I've seen on Netflix and then giving you my pick of the week. I got a chance to see a lot of films on Netflix this week because I was sick for a few days. Enjoy.
Pulp Fiction (1994)Everyone knows Pulp Fiction. It's the second film of director Quentin Tarantino and it's been very influential on the film world. It isn't chronological, it has three separate storylines that all interweave, and it's fascinating. It's a spectacular film with a tremendously written script. Tarantino is a virtuoso with dialogue and action. FINAL GRADE: A.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. the Good Son (1993)The Good Son is the film that spawned Orphan. But what's the difference between these two? They're both set in snowy towns, the family consists of a brother and sister and one new child introduced to the family. One person suspects a child is evil but no one believes them until it might be too late. I could go on longer. But there is a difference between these two films. Orphan is simply smarter. It has a surprise twist at the end and the performances are stronger. The Good Son has no surprises, it's trashy, stupid, and pretty entertaining. FINAL GRADE: D+.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. Greenberg (2010)Greenberg is a bit of a mumblecore film. If you don't know mumblecore, those are the types of films that are filmed realistically and people mumble a lot. It's meant to feel real. I didn't love this film like lots of people did. I thought Greta Gerwig's performance and Ben Stiller's performance was outstanding, but other than that, it's a predictable film that never has a lot on it's mind, unlike our main character, Roger. FINAL GRADE: B-.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. Little Birds (2011)Little BIrds is an indie coming-of-age film just like Adventureland is. But Little Birds is a little more risky, something that could be admired but at times pushes the envelope too much. It's interesting filmmaking and the messages that come with Little Birds are undeniably true. It's also just sort of an unpleasant time at some parts because no matter how hard these kids try to escape their boring, difficult life, they will never succeed. FINAL GRADE: C+.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. The Reef (2010)The Reef is just one of the many horror films involving sharks on Netflix and it's obvious that it isn't trying to do anything new. Therefore, it must be a fun time to get a decent grade. It's entertaining, at least. But hardly exciting or gripping. FINAL GRADE: D+.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. |
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)Once again, everyone knows The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. It's title has been the building block for many film parodies. It's widely known of and loved. I wouldn't call it influential as much as inspirational. For many filmmakers that grew up in that time and grew up with Sergio Leone's westerns, it has been the inspiration of many films not trying to parody this film, but mimic it. It didn't have too big of an impact on filmmaking today, but it's a great movie that a lot of people love. I don't know if It should take three hours to tell this story, but it's usually involving. FINAL GRADE: B+.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. In Bruges (2008)In Bruges is a clever, interesting film about two hit-men awaiting bosses' orders in Bruges, Belgium. It's often quite funny, intelligent and fun to watch. I enjoyed myself. FINAL GRADE: B+.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. Donnie Darko (2001)Donnie Darko is one weird movie. It's very good, though. It has a strange, but smooth, blend of humor, scares, sci-fi time travel, teen angst, bullying, and mental illness. It's an amazing film with a surprise ending and I can imagine that many different demographics will like it. FINAL GRADE: A-.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. Adventureland (2009)Adventureland is an indie coming-of-age film that stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Bill Hader, Kristin Wiig and Martin Starr, from the cult-hit TV show Freaks and Geeks, one of my favorite TV shows of all time. That's on Netflix so you should definitely check it out. Anyways, Adventureland is a pretty solid movie. It's entertaining, it's heartfelt, and it's great up until the second half when things take a turn for the more generic. It's still a good, nostalgic time, though. It's worth checking out. FINAL GRADE: B-.
Check out Netflix for a plot summary and other information. Pick of the Week: Pulp Fiction (1994)Pulp Fiction is a spectacular, stylish film. But so many people have already seen it. It's my "official" pick of the week but a few good back-up options are The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Donnie Darko and In Bruges. You should really only watch The Good, the Bad and the Ugly if you're interested in westerns or classics, or you just love film. But Donnie Darko and In Bruges are two very good films that, if you aren't doing anything, you should check out.
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