Netflix is the best worst thing to ever happen to the world.
I’ve personally spent many an hour browsing the homepage, dazed, confused and uncertain of which way is up in this media jungle. Fortunately for you, I’ve braved the onslaught of streaming insanity and found some promising options for your next movie night in.
Don Jon – We all fell hopelessly in love with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 500 Days of Summer, and we all saw how wonderfully he can lip sync on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” (if you haven’t yet, definitely Youtube that), but did you know he can also direct? A true renaissance man, JGL puts forth a modern romance in his debut film Don Jon, a love story tainted by porn addiction. Funny and ridiculous at times, there’s a nugget of truth to the tale that certainly appeals to our generation. This movie won’t change your life, but it’s just about as charming as Joseph himself.
Drinking Buddies – Another modern comedy, this movie delves into the idea of male-female friendships, and how fuzzy that line can be, especially when you throw a significant amount of beer in the mix. It stars Jake Johnson from New Girl, Anna Kendrick from That Movie With The Cup Song, and Olivia Wilde, the woman that all humans have at one time had a crush on. The laughs seem genuine and you believe the interactions, making this film a nice option if you’re in the mood for some fun.
From Dusk Till Dawn – Fans of cult director kingpin Robert Rodriguez will likely have already watched this movie, but for the rest of us let me recommend this as a possible option. While it does follow his trademark action-violence-bang-bang style, there’s a little twist to this plot that gives it extra umph. Plus the cast is solid: Harvey Keitel, Quentin Tarantino and George Clooney, to name a few. Do yourself a favor and don’t read the description when you watch this movie, just sit back and enjoy.
Top of the Lake – Does the phrase “New Zealand crime drama” get your wheels spinning? No? Well, while I don’t blame you, I’d urge you to reconsider, especially for Top of the Lake. This gem saw a lot of praise from the professionals, though it went relatively unnoticed in the general public. I, personally, consider that a damn shame. The miniseries follows detective Robin Griffin (played by Mad Men’s Elizabeth Moss) who submerges herself into a small town in New Zealand while she investigates the disappearance of a young pregnant girl. This is a plot woven with many secrets and a plethora of unique characters, all against the beautiful backdrop of Kiwi countryside. The acting is phenomenal and I honestly can’t recommend this enough.
