Is this week's article a sequel? Is it a remake? Nowadays it could be both. In a world where Spider-Man is getting a re-boot, I nearly just rewrote my first Flicks to Stream with some updated graphics and called it a day. That would have made it better, right George Lucas?
I actually do have new graphics this week though. Check out the cool logo. Oh yes, the glory of it all. Beside that, we've got quite a week ahead of us. We've got social commentary on Generation-X, death by frozen decapitation, two movies concerning the horror of sleeping (or lack-thereof), and... "Show me the money!" That line never gets old.
Just an aside, I've noticed that people aren't going to the movies lately, and with the glaring exception of Avatar, DVD/Blu-Ray sales haven't been stellar either. So, I assume everyone is way to busy streaming online to take notice of the "latest and supposedly greatest" movies popping up in theaters and other media. This couldn't make me happier. Lets have a toast, "To canceling cable and living off the internet!" Cheers, mate.
Popcorn Movie of the Week
Well this is an obvious pick. With the A Nightmare on Elm Street re-boot, or re-make, or whatever they are calling them these days (I like to say re-diculous) -- opening this Friday, I think everyone should take the opportunity to see the original. The re-boot trend is something movie-goers are on ambiguous terms with. They do provide a built in fan base, a great sense of quality, at least prima facia. However, as we have discovered, most re-boots aren't really necessary, and the ones coming the next five years are going to seem psychotic (American Pie?!). So, here at the GotchaMovies office, we have finally decided that movie-goers must treat these movies as if they were an original. Anyone who loves the original Nightmare, and goes to see the remake just to say, "See, told you it sucked!" has fallen into the trap. They got your $10, which after all, is the ultimate goal (cynical statement of the week -- check). So, if you feel like seeing the 1984 version, or the first movie Johnny Depp was in, check it out. Fans of the original, lets hope the remake isn't like waking from a nightmare... or being trapped in one.
Last week I declared Cliffhanger as one of Stallone's best action movies. In fact, I mentioned it being just below Rocky and First Blood in terms of enjoyable Stallone entertainment. Based on avid reader feadback (i.e. my brother), I must amend last week's statement, and include Demolition Man. This expertly crafted masterpiece of cinema weaves together the intricate fabric of Wesley Snipes, Stallone, and Sandra Bullock into a quilt of destruction, carnage, and futuristic optimism. This quilt covers the audience with the warmth of over the top fiery explosions, bone crunching martial arts, and incomprehensible Snipes lines amidst special effects that are irritatingly and distractingly loud. Once warm, the audience gently falls asleep, only to be frozen in carbonite and have their head kicked off. I hope I didn't just give away the ending...
The One That Got Away
It may seem strange to include this as "one you may have missed", considering it did plenty well at the box office. Yet, it seems appropriate. Of all the Pixar gems, Monsters, Inc. seems noticeably absent from most lists. A recent view of Monsters left be inexplicably wondering why?! I would bring up how the studios are giving Monsters its credit by recently announcing a sequel, but they would remake a good shit from '74 if it had enough of a built-in fan-base. So, I won't go there. Instead, let me remind everyone that toilet water spins the other way in Australia, and Monsters, Inc. is one of the best flicks to stream I've recommended.
My opinions of Tom Cruise were spelled out rather eloquently a few weeks ago when I recommended All The Right Moves. So, rather than repeat that epic performance, I'll talk about Cameron Crowe. Crowe has created two fantatstic movies, Jerry MaGuire and Almost Famous. Crowe's movies all follow the same general format -- the maturation of a man into accepting his repsonsibilities in the world. In that process, there is always a girl, always love, always heartbreak, always heartache, always a reconciliation, and always a generally happy ending. It it ain't broke... you are Cameron Crowe. Furthermore, Cameron Crowe always writes "the artist's woman" as his leading ladies. Anyone out there looking for that spunky, intelligent, artistic, sarcastic, and beautiful blonde of their dreams -- watch Cameron Crowe's movies! You'll find what you are looking for, sorta. Now, if only they were real...
For the Movie Buff
I bet you didn't expect this one. Okay, so the title probably gave it away, but the point is... WTF!? Does anyone still watch this movie? The last time I saw it, I watched it on VHS. Yea, everyone under the age of 18 just typed "VHS" into Google. Just wait until I inform everyone that Beavis and Butthead used to watch these things called "music videos". Wow, what a mind-fuck, right?! Even if you don't know what VHS or a music video is, you can still appreciate the stupid, vulgar, and drop-out laiden jokes of the two cartoon guys that paved the way for South Park and Family Guy. Plus, anyone looking for a clever movie to watch in order to do research about generation-X, you are welcome. I expect Flicks to Stream to be cited in your bibliography!
Coerced by my college roommate to watch 8 Seconds, I was extremely skeptical. Stephen Baldwin? I thought he only had one good role in his life, in The Usual Suspects. Luke Perry? 9021-No I'm not watching this. What's it about? The rodeo? Dude, do you see me in boots and a cowboy hat? Needless to say at this point, I was coerced. Turns out the movie is pretty good. You have to get past some seriously awkward B-level acting in points, as well as amateurish story telling for the first hour or so, but the end doesn't disappoint. Based on a true story, it will be tempting to look up what happens, but I challenge you not to! Watch it, get involved in the characters, and make it 'till the end, it's worth it.
Sweet Streams. See You Next Week!
All movies are available on Netflix.
Past Weeks of Flicks to Steam
Week 8 -Dead Snow, Cliffhanger, Ong-Bak
Week 7 - Pineapple Express, Reign of Fire, The Saint
Week 6 - Julie and Julia, The Proposal, The Rookie, The Usual Suspects.
Week 5 - The Ugly Truth, Out Cold, Food, Inc.
Week 4 - Step Brothers, Management, Boondock Saints
Week 3 - Year One, Big Trouble, Raising Arizona
