NETFLIX INSTANT PICKS – WEEK #3
(June 19th – June 25th)
Sticking to 10 picks this week because of the lack of good content being added. Next week’s picks should be better since Netflix Instant usually gets a ton of new content at the beginning of each month.
10 ) America’s Sweethearts (2001)
Though not great in the realm of romantic comedies, a film with John Cusack, Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, and Hank Azaria cannot be all bad.
9 ) Darkness Falls (2003)
Despite the general consensus that this film is absolutely horrible, I still have a slight inclination to see it. The tagline “It runs rings around ‘The Ring’” does make me laugh however.
8 ) Knockaround Guys (2001)
John Malkovich alone is worth watching this film for. Add the gang of Vin Diesel, Seth Green, Barry Pepper, accompanied by Dennis Hopper and this film just works.
7 ) The New Guy (2002)
I love to hate this film. Though it is not funny and fails to even be original, the fact that Eliza Dushku and Zooey Deschanel grace the screen are two good enough reasons for me to review this awful comedy.
6 ) Ip Man 2 (2010)
With absolutely great reviews, I will be not only be watching this for the first time, but the original “Ip Man” as well.
5 ) Tomcats (2001)
The last man married wins in this raunchy comedy starring Jerry O’Connell, Jake Busey, Jaime Pressley, and Shannon Elizabeth. To me, this is a classic comedy, close but not completely along the lines of “American Pie”. O’Connell carries the film nicely and honestly anything with the gorgeous Shannon Elizabeth is good enough for me.
4 ) Stealing Harvard (2002)
Remember when Tom Green was still doing movies and was one of the funniest and oddest comedians walking the streets? I remember those days well and “Stealing Harvard” is a perfect example of Green’s glory days as the awkward best friend of co-star Jason Lee, pre-My Name is Earl. Though the reviews for this film less than favorable, I will always love this film.
3 ) Black Hawk Down (2001)
Ridley Scott is the master of action in this film portraying an easily forgotten war in our nation’s history and with the stacked cast of Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Eric Bana, and Tom Sizemore, the film is more than appealing.
2 ) Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
In one of Adam Sandler’s only dark comedies, “Punch-Drunk Love” has a humor all its own. The dark comedies that take a comedic actor and place them into a serious role are most frequently my favorite films and this one is no different.
1 ) Iron Man 2 (2010)
Although failing to trump the original “Iron Man”, the sequel is action packed in its own right. Robert Downey Jr. remains the best smart-talking superhero and his character arc develops nicely, preparing him for “The Avengers” movie. Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson join the cast while Mickey Rourke picks up where Jeff Bridges so memorably left off, as the super-villain of the film. I am surprised this hit Netflix Instant and for those who do not own it, this will come as a nice surprise I am sure.
Must-Sees Expiring Next Week
XXX (2002)
Whether you’re a Vin Diesel fan or not, it is always fun to see where the man came from. In one of his early action packed films, “XXX” has its fair share of blowing shit up.
Alaska (1996)
I was obsessed with this film growing up as a kid and I definitely want to relive my childhood a little bit more by seeing this before it disappears. For “Mad Men” fans, Peter Campbell is actually played by the leading boy, opposite Thora Birch of “American Beauty” fame.
Aliens (1986)
If you haven’t seen this sequel to the original “Alien”, James Cameron takes the reigns in what is arguably the better of the two films.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
A classic comedy with Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks.
Californication (2007)
I strongly recommend seeing these before they are gone. With David Duchovny’s greatest role yet, this brash and sexy comedy is well worth the time spent watching it.
Days of Thunder (1990)
Early Tony Scott paired with Tom Cruise in this racing thriller.
Dexter (2006)
Everyone’s favorite serial killer is leaving Netflix. It is only the first two seasons and I wonder if they won’t just be adding them back with some newer seasons accompanying them.
Fastlane: The Complete Series (2002)
I do not know how many people remember this television show that was billed for months and months as the next big action television series, but I do and I absolutely loved this show. The acting was above par, the concept was executed well, yet the entire show got canceled not far in. I was a part of a list serve for years that would update me on the release of the series on DVD and when it finally came out, I got it as a birthday or Christmas present. Watch this and tell me that it did not have at least some potential.
Gigantic (2008)
Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel are worth spending the time on this one. Plus John Goodman, who I absolutely adore in almost everything he is in.
