As someone who has spent countless hours streaming movies and series on Netflix, I can confidently say that these four picks are absolute gems! Each film offers something unique, from the gritty intensity of 3:10 to Yuma to the poignant portrayal of Vera Drake, a woman who embodies strength and compassion.
Several notable films are set to depart from Netflix by the end of this month: “Jaws”, “8 Mile”, “The Deer Hunter”, and “Psycho”. These titles have a total of nine Oscars and eighteen nominations between them. If you haven’t already, I strongly recommend adding these films to your watchlist before they leave the platform.
Among American films, Jaws is widely regarded as one of the greatest action movies, with critics rarely stopping at “one of the best.” Compared to Psycho, it’s often considered the pinnacle of American horror. In the realm of musical biopics, 8 Mile stands out, holding a unique position in hip-hop cinema. Although The Deer Hunter may be challenging, contentious, and somewhat dated today, it was still an essential Vietnam War film that won Best Picture for 1978.
Hey there fellow gamer! While wrapping up my gaming session, I stumbled upon some hidden treasures saying their farewells. If the recent titles I’ve mentioned didn’t quite tickle your fancy or if you’re not keen on diving deep into Eminem’s world for a while, here are four more games that I think you’ll enjoy.
From which source will you secure such an offer? Everything listed streams on Netflix until December 31, 2024.
Midnight Run (1988)
In the past, director Martin Brest was known for creating engaging and enjoyable films. Before “Midnight Run”, he had already released entertaining movies such as the original version of “Going in Style” and “Beverly Hills Cop”, which catapulted Eddie Murphy into fame. The success continued with “Midnight Run”. This movie, a buddy flick, centered around a bounty hunter and the accountant he was assigned to capture. It leveraged the unexpectedly charming dynamic between Robert De Niro (as the bounty hunter) and Charles Grodin (as the accountant).
By the late 1980s, Robert De Niro had established himself as a powerhouse in serious dramas in American cinema, following his roles in films like “The Deer Hunter” and “The King of Comedy,” which was dark and less humorous. However, he had also experimented with comedy at the start of his career. The action-comedy “Midnight Run” showcased a new side of him, one that he would explore more frequently in future years.
In a different take, Grodin was often a challenging actor for lead roles due to his prickly nature. However, in this movie, his chemistry with the tough and straightforward De Niro is exceptional. The action sequences are fast-paced. There are some sincere, emotional character moments that help counterbalance the humor, giving it an almost mob-style feel akin to “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”. Unfortunately, Martin Brest never created another film like this one again. His future projects became larger and more drawn out. His subsequent movie, “Scent of a Woman”, won Oscars, but was criticized for being overly sentimental. His last film, “Gigli”, came very close to ruining the entire film industry. Nevertheless, “Midnight Run” is definitely worth watching.
Take Shelter (2011)
As a film enthusiast who adheres to the auteur theory, I firmly believe that Jeff Nichols ranks among the most exceptional American filmmakers currently active. Following his captivating debut with “Shotgun Stories,” his sophomore effort, “Take Shelter,” was unveiled. This masterpiece showcases my favorite actor, Michael Shannon, in a compelling portrayal of Curtis LaForche, a man grappling with an unsettling premonition of disaster. His response to this looming fear is the construction of a more robust and secure storm shelter, a testament to his growing obsession.
In this rephrased version, let me describe the essence of the text: The filmmaker, Nichols, delves profoundly into his protagonist’s psyche, and he finds an ideal actor in Shannon, who excels at portraying psychological torment. He receives strong backing from Jessica Chastain (as his wife) and Kathy Baker (as his mother). Throughout the film, Nichols employs dreams and other unsettling techniques to depict Curtis’ growing feelings of detachment. Is Curtis merely paranoid, or is there a more sinister force at play in his life that signals impending disaster? Nichols skillfully leaves this question unanswered until the very end, keeping audiences guessing.
Next up for Nichols were three remarkable dramas: “Take Shelter,” “Mud,” and “Loving.” These films grapple with complex moral issues and feature Shannon in supporting roles. Additionally, there’s “Midnight Special” (distinct from “Midnight Run”), a film that explores the blurry boundary between the ordinary and the extraordinary, starring Shannon. After a prolonged hiatus, partially due to COVID, he came back with “The Bikeriders” last year.
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
While some people weren’t particularly fond of James Mangold’s modern take on the classic Western, I myself wasn’t overly enamored with Delmer Daves’ 1957 adaptation either. Consequently, I found the reinterpretation less jarring. Indeed, Mangold’s version presents a harsher portrayal of the tale about an ordinary farmer attempting to extricate himself from debt by apprehending a charming outlaw for justice.
In Mangold’s remake, the acting is more impactful than in the initial version. The main actors, Christian Bale and Russell Crowe, could have swapped roles without affecting the film’s effectiveness. Both perform exceptionally well. However, Ben Foster steals the show as the outlaw’s trusted associate. Foster has been a familiar face for some time now, making a name for himself with character-driven roles.
In the movie “3:10 to Yuma,” I found myself deeply engrossed in the character of Charlie Prince, who seemed to be in a whirlwind of madness driven by his devotion – whether romantic or not – towards Crowe’s outlaw. The climactic scene was incredibly moving, despite Foster’s character being so ruthless throughout the film.
The western film “3:10 to Yuma” garnered several Oscar nominations, notably for Sound Mixing, a category often recognized in high-budget Westerns. Later, director Mangold, known for his diverse portfolio, would helm the X-Men origin story “Logan” and then achieve greater Oscar acclaim with “Ford v Ferrari” in 2019, winning an Oscar for Sound. His upcoming project, a Bob Dylan biopic titled “A Complete Unknown,” is set to be widely released on Christmas Day. (High-end racing films and biopics are commonly recognized for their sound quality.)
Vera Drake (2004)
Mike Leigh stands out as one of the most acclaimed contemporary British film directors, having received numerous accolades at Cannes and seven Oscar nominations. His work often centers around ordinary working-class families dealing with unexpected events, particularly excelling when he delves into complex female characters. This is evident in Brenda Blethyn’s performance in 1996’s “Secrets & Lies” and Sally Hawkins’ role in 2008’s “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Given this, it’s no surprise that the plot of “Vera Drake” resonated with him.
The main character is a housewife from the 1950s London working class who secretly performs basic abortions for women in distress, without asking for any payment. This clandestine activity puts her in legal danger and threatens her family’s stability. Despite this, she remains resolute in her belief that what she is doing is right.
At his peak, Leigh delivers outstanding performances from his principal actors, and this is evident in the current production. Imelda Staunton shines, embodying quiet dignity, unyielding determination, and a delightful wit as Vera. Although she was denied the Oscar by Hilary Swank in “Million Dollar Baby”, her talent was universally recognized, earning her accolades like the BAFTA and the Best Actress awards from both the Los Angeles and New York Film Critic Associations.
Leigh’s recent film, titled “Hard Truths“, features Marianne Jean-Baptiste who previously collaborated with him on “Secrets & Lies” nearly three decades ago. The movie is another addition to a series of impressive portrayals of working-class women, similar to Staunton’s role in “Vera Drake“. Jean-Baptiste is garnering numerous accolades for her performance in “Hard Truths“.
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2024-12-14 14:03