Netflix - April 2022
Recommendations by Rob Dunham
Fun with Dick and Jane – 2005
Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni play a down on their luck couple, seeking to save themselves from their massive debts. After losing his job in an Enron like collapse, Dick suggests an alternate way to recover financially, namely robbing people. Hijinks and hilarity abound.
The Book of Eli – 2010
A stunningly stark post-apocalyptic film. Denzel Washington plays Eli, a man hell bent on a holy mission. We see his travails physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout the movie, and the payoff is phenomenal. Gary Oldman also features heavily to great effect as a despotic mayor.
Rush -2013
Rush chronicles the tense friendship and battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, two Formula One drivers in the 1970’s. The portrayal of the high stakes competition is excellent. Directed by Ron Howard, this movie is a front row seat to racing that even non racing fans will enjoy.
Don’t Look Up – 2021
Nominated for this year’s best picture at the Academy Awards, Don’t Look Up is likely Netflix’s biggest original content accomplishment to date. Leonardo Dicaprio and Jennifer Lawrence lead a team of scientists in their quest to convince the government of the imminent dangers of an impending comet strike on earth. It is a necessary, if not at times overbearing, reminder of our need to pay attention to what is really happening all around us
Amazon Prime – April 2022
Recommendations by Ryan Dunlevy
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? – 2000
3 escapes convicts in 1930s Mississippi attempt to track down a treasure before it’s gone. This movie is known for it’s unique and constantly amusing dialogue and its incredibly catchy period-specific music. Spectacular performances from the cast really bring out the spirit of the movie. Oh Brother is in the running for best Coen brothers movie.
Valkyrie – 2008
Valkyrie is an under-appreciated movie about a German plot to assassinate Hitler in 1944. Based on a true story, This movie is thick with danger, suspense, and a colossal feeling of “what if”. Tom Cruise stars in this story that most people probably aren’t familiar with.
The Courier – 2020
This movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch as an ordinary British business man recruited to work with a Soviet spy to prevent war. The Courier is part spy film, part human intrigue story in the vein of Bridge of Spies. This movie really makes you care about the characters and feel the stakes for each of them. The Courier is also based on a true story.
Unbreakable – 2000
Unbreakable is the superhero movie you don’t realize is a superhero movie. The story follows a man as he goes on a journey of self-discovery after a tragic train crash. This is M. Night Shyamalan at his best; unique camera angles, unparalleled use of color, and expertly laid out plot twists. Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson expertly play off one another. This movie has only gained in appreciation as people recognize it’s genius.
This Means War – 2012
This is a “something for everyone” movie. A fun mix of comedy, romance, and action. Chris Pine and Tom Hardy are spies who turn against each other when they realize they are both dating Reese Witherspoon. It’s a great date night movie or simply a movie to watch if you’re in the mood to just unwind and enjoy.
A few more Prime recommendations:
- The Goldfinch
- Meru
- Knowing
- Men at Work
- Unhinged
- Dead Poets Society
