Netflix Instant Picks #5
(July 4th-July 10th, 2011)
10 ) Four Rooms (1995)
Divided between four directors, Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, tells four different stories about the same hotel. Having seen this a long time ago, I am looking forward to catching it again, with the cast consisting of Tim Roth, Madonna, Antonio Banderas and Bruce Willis.
9 ) The Winning Season (2009)
Having heard good things about this film, I will be sure to watch it on Netflix while its available. Sam Rockwell, Emma Roberts, and Rob Corddry all star in this high school basketball film about determination. Plus, anything that has Rockwell I will normally give a shot.
8 ) Management (2008)
Steve Zahn and Jennifer Aniston. Though this film was not recommended to me, I usually also give anything with Aniston in it a shot.
7 ) Across The Hall (2009)
One of (but not the last) of Brittany Murphy’s cinematic appearances before her death, she co-stars with up-and-comer Mike Vogel (“Cloverfield”, “She’s Out Of My League”) in a twisting turning thriller, which (like “Four Rooms”) takes place mostly in a hotel. If I did not own this film, I would be watching it on Netflix right now.
6 ) Tears Of The Sun (2003)
From the director of “Training Day” comes a unique approach on a war film. I remember seeing this in the theaters when it released but have not seen it since, which means it is about time to see it again.
5 ) Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)
An absolutely hilarious take on the story of Robin Hood, starring Cary Elwes and Dave Chapelle, if you enjoy films like “Princess Bride” or satires, and have not seen this Robin Hood spoof, then it is probably time for you to see it.
4 ) Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Imagining that anyone has not seen this film yet is perplexing. One of the best comedic dramas that I have ever seen, Robin Williams pretty much proved the superstar that he would be with this film. Rewatching this is certainly a great way to relive your childhood and I plan to do so.
3 ) Get Carter (2000)
Sylvester Stallone stars in this 1971 remake of the same title. Originally starring Michael Caine as the leading man, Caine fills a much smaller role in this reboot. Stallone finds a middle ground between his smash-em-up “Rambo” flicks and a legitimate story to be told. Mickey Rourke is absolutely brilliant in the film and proves that his comeback started long before “The Wrestler”. Another nice little cameo comes from John C. McGinley of “Scrubs” fame (better known as Dr. Perry Cox).
2 ) Memento (2000)
Basically the film that put “The Dark Knight” director, Christopher Nolan, on the map. “Memento” also reengineers the idea of linear editing and is one of the first films to effectively utilize the concept of flashbacks and telling a story backwards. Guy Pearce plays his part perfectly, and this ranks high on my list of favorites.
1 ) The Vicious Kind (2009)
“The Vicious Kind” remains my favorite independent film of 2009. Starring Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, and J.K. Simmons, the film captures the heart of a messed up situation of a brother falling for his younger brother’s girlfriend. Adam Scott is by far one of my favorite actors and he handles this film with perfection. If you do not see this film while it is on Netflix Instant, I will be disappointed.
Must-Sees Expiring This Week
The Poker House (2008)
All I know that a pre-“Winter’s Bone” Jennifer Lawrence is in this film and I will see it just because of that.
Super Size Me (2004)
One of the most perfectly constructed documentaries ever, Morgan Spurlock launched his career off of this film which takes a good hard look at the world of McDonalds and fast food in general.
The Jacket (2005)
Adrien Brody and Keira Knightley perform at their peaks in this gritty and dark film about a fragile man’s mind and the ability to basically travel through time while placed in a straight-jacket and morgue locker.
cheers four rooms is gonna be sweet!