What to watch: hbo max
Batman – 1989 (PG-13)
This Tim Burton directed hero film starred Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Stylistically, the film creates an almost cartoonish, comic book feel as opposed to the grounded realism of the Christopher Nolan trilogy, or the unadulterated horror of Joker. Still, it creates some moments of real malice. With Keaton returning to DC, now’s the time to check out his first work.
Darkest Hour – 2017 (PG-13)
This Best Picture winner focuses on Winston Churchill in 1940 as he needs to lead England through the decision to stand up to Hitler despite calls for negotiation. Gary Oldman is brilliant as Churchill. Oldman is the ultimate chameleon actor who is completely absorbed in whatever role he plays.
*For a complete experience watch this movie and the next movie on this list back to back*
Dunkirk – 2017 (pG-13)
While Darkest Hour focus on the political scene in England, Dunkirk focuses on the British troops stuck on the French shore with seemingly no hope of rescue. Director Christopher Nolan, in a different film for him stylistically, delivers a compelling drama that expertly weaves 3 storylines taking place over 3 different time periods.
The Hunt – 2020 (R)
Betty Gilpin and Hillary Swank star in the intriguing action-thriller. Operating with a bit of Reducto Absurdum, this movie explores the concept of political and social division taken to the extreme. Mix in a “Most Dangerous Game” premise, and you have a surprisingly psychological though violent movie.
The Great Gatbsy – 2013 (PG-13)
Baz Luhrmann crafts a unique and impressive update of the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Perhaps the most unique, if somewhat controversial, feature is Luhrmann’s use of modern era music. It functions to connect an era of reckless optimism, now almost a century old, to it’s modern equivalent. The setting is extremely well crafted and the trio of Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey McGuire are excellent.
Tenet – 2020 (PG-13)
A complex and visually stunning thriller from the incomparable Christopher Nolan. Be prepared for pounding and complex whirlwind as John David Washington and Robert Pattinson fight a temporal Cold War against the enigmatic future. This reverse time scenes are visually unsettling and remarkably compelling. The story is extremely complex, designed to be viewed multiple times.
What to watch: Hulu
Bohemian Rhapsody – 2018 (PG-13)
This excellent biopic of Freddie Mercury shows the rise of Queen while not hiding from the ups and down of his life. The movie won 4 Oscars including best actor for Rami Malek.
Rocketman – 2019 (R)
Taron Edgerton gives a great performance as Elton John. Bringing a well known character to life is always challenging, but Edgerton was up for it.
Taken – 2008 (PG-13)
Liam Neeson stars in an action thriller that became the archetype for the roles that have defined the later part of his career. It also happens to be a pretty engaging thrill ride. His “unique set of skills” speech is one of the more memorable monologues in recent cinema.
The Nice Guys – 2016 (R)
Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling star in this action/comedy about pair of investigators trying to track down a missing girl in the 70s. The interplay between the two leads is what makes this movie.
The Mask – 1994 (PG-13)
Arguably the best of early 90s Jim Carrey comedy, The Mask has all the outlandish antics and humor Carrey become known for, but resisted some of his more off-putting or disgust-inducing tactics. Throw in some great cartoonish graphics and The Mask is worthy of rewatch.
Check out our discussion of these recommendations in the Film for Fans podcast episode #55
