Netflix Instant: Cool TV and Movie Picks

Jonesy here with my Netflix picks of the week. This week has more of a drama theme with some thing old, something new, and something I am recommending for myself!

DRIVE
Yes, one of the most hyperbolically described films of last year is now available. When DRIVE was released, it garnered an unbelievable amount of hype to which if you didn't believe this was THE movie of 2011, then you had something wrong with you. The film does live up to its praise (and should have been nominated for at least a couple Oscars), but in my humble opinion, it's not the end all film of last year. It's quiet and calculated and a fantastic "different" type of thriller.

GHANDI
The more I reflect, the more I should thank my 6th grade Geography teacher. He showed BEN-HUR and GHANDI to a bunch of 11 year olds, which was my first introduction to epic films. I remember being engrossed in this film even as a young kid. It's sprawling and daunting, but Ben Kingsley is utterly unrecognizable towards the end of the film.

TYRANNOSAUR
When critics were wrapping up their tops of the year, this little film kept creeping onto many lists. It never played anywhere near where I live, so I kept my eye out for it here. The film is described as brutal yet tender and follows a two messed up people as they find solace in each other. Doesn't sound like the happiest film but I'm always interested in a character study. 

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For Funsies: How Game of Thrones Season 1 SHOULD Have Ended

Jonesy here. As I'm sure like many of you, we here absolutely love Game of Thrones, both books and the TV series. It's one of the more solid and well produced series I've seen in a while. Sadly though, I do not have HBO, so I am at the mercy of others to either invite me over or wait semi-patiently until season two is released on Blu-Ray.

So this fun little video, curtsey Howitshouldhaveended.com, depicts how season one SHOULD have ended. Now, this video is super spoilerly, and if you haven't seen season one yet, don't watch it...and you should also remedy that as soon as possible.

Enjoy!



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Netflix Instant: Cool TV and Movie Picks

Jonesy here. I bring you a weird semi-eclectic mix this week, but each fit into my oddball taste in picks.

EDDIE IZZARD: DRESS TO KILL

My roommates in college introduced me to this hilarious special one night. I've tried watching his other specials, but nostalgia always brought me back to this one. It's smart, funny, and full of nerdy history. 

MEMPHIS: THE MUSICAL

I absolutely adore Broadway musicals, but unfortunately, not many playwrights allow their musicals to be filmed on Broadway. Thankfully many musicals are being filmed live so more and more people can see them. MEMPHIS is the 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. It's about a blossoming R&B singer who falls in love with a nerdy radio DJ. It's fun yet touches on deeper themes of prejudice during the 1950's era. And yes my cohort was correct last week in saying that I would put a musical in my Netflix picks. 

BALLERINA

There have been a some movies over the years that have tried to shed light on the insights of being a professional dancer. BALLERINA is a documentary about five Russian ballerinas from the Kirov Ballet. These girls have trained since they were very, very young and have given up everything in the hopes of becoming the elusive 'Prima Ballerina'. A fascinating look at the lifetime of sacrifice one goes through to accomplish a dream. 

And from all of us here at WDYMS, have a safe and wonderful holiday! 

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Netflix Instant Cool TV and Movie Picks!

Happy Friday everyone! Here are my picks for this week with a little bit for everyone:

The Last Exorcism

Since we're in the Halloween-y season, this was one I really enjoyed last year.  I'm a sucker for the found footage genre, and THE LAST EXORCISM is a solid entry.  It's creepy and subtle with some dark humor that builds some great tension.

Biutiful 

Tough, gritty and raw, but features an absolute amazing performance by Javier Bardem.  I wouldn't watch this when you've had a rough day, but whenever you're in a mood for some badass, old fashioned acting, this is your movie.

The Wonder Years

One of my (and I know a lot of people's) favorite TV series growing up.  I was a tad young to fully understand all the nuances of growing up in the 60s, but the characters and relationships are all universal.  

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TV Awesomeness: BREAKING BAD preview

One of our favorite shows here at WDYMS on TV right now is BREAKING BAD. It follows a high school science teacher who turns to making meth with a former student in order to make some money. Through three seasons we've followed Walter (Emmy winning Bryan Cranson) and Jesse (Emmy winning Aaron Paul) as they have tried to climb the drug trafficking ladder, while Walt fights cancer and keeping his personal life separate.

AMC has posted a preview for the upcoming season 4, which by the looks of it, will be just as heart-racing and badass as all the previous seasons. When I say this is one of the best shows on TV, I'm not exaggerating. Do yourself a favor and Netflix the previous seasons, all of which have no more than 13 episodes, and get caught up. You won't regret it.

(If you don't want to be spoiled about anything in the series...then walk away now.)

July 17th cannot come fast enough!

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Netflix Instant: Cool TV & Movie picks

Jonesy here again for my picks for Netflix this week:

Mars Attacks!

Earth is attacked my aliens in Tim Burton's spoof of campy 50's sci-fi movies.  This movie is absolutely ridiculous is the best way possible.  Plus, you will recognize almost EVERYONE in this movie. 

Frozen

One of my favorite movies last year, Frozen does to ski lifts what Jaws did for the ocean.  It's man vs. the elements when three friends get trapped on a ski lift with no hope of rescue for three days.  Frozen is thrilling, frightening, and you'll find yourself forgetting to breathe.  Wonderful independent film.

Up

One of the few Pixar movies available on instant, but perhaps one of their best.  Up is a good old-fashioned adventure story pairing two very unlikely people along with a talking dog.  Up is Pixar at its finest with engaging dialogue, stunning visuals, and enormous heart.  It's a movie that everyone can find something to love about it.

Lost

Now there is no excuse.  All six seasons of Lost are now on instant.  Everyday people are stranded on a mysterious island after a plane crash and must stick together to survive. You've heard the hype, now watch the show that captured millions for six seasons.  

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Netflix Instant Cool TV & Movie Picks

Javi back once again with a slew of awesome TV shows and movies to stream from Netflix!

Better Off Ted

Better Off Ted was a small little work place comedy that aired briefly on ABC that was 

unfortunately cancelled.  It's a shame too because it had a rather quirky sense of humor which reminds

me of great shows like Arrested Development and Community.  It's only two seasons long, so you'll go through all of the episodes rather quickly.

Avatar The Last Airbender: Complete Book 1 Collection 

Yes, it is a cartoon for kids.  Yes, it was a horrible movie made by one of the most overrated 

directors of our time.  But if you take the chance with this show, you'll find it to be one of the most 

mature and entertaining series for adults or kids.  It's smartly written, well animated, and the themes that it explores are as deep as a Pixar movie.

The Good, The Bad, The Weird

This was one of my favorite movies that was screened at the Dallas International Film Festival 2010.

It was so much fun, wildly entertaining, and one of the most memorable experiences.

Following an idiotic thief pursued by a bad-ass villain and a noble law man, this movie has one of the best climatic battles I've seen on screen.

It Might Get Loud

I love music, so this documentary is just a great watch.  Getting together three different unique guitarists, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2), and Jack White (The White Stripes), to talk about music, guitar, and their techniques, and ending with a jam session that would have been amazing to see in real life.  I think I've seen this movie five times just because it's that good. 

Ok! that's it for right now.  I'd love to hear some feedback from you guys to see if this is helping.  I can get weirder or more theme-specific if you want.  See you guys in two weeks!