The Invisible Man: Special Edition (1933)

Featuring: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan, Henry Travers. Director: James Whale.

The Invisible Man is probably my favorite of the old school Universal monster movies. The reason is definitely Claude Rains incredible performance. Rains plays a scientist who discovers a serum that turns whoever injects it completely invisible. As with most drugs, there are side effects. In this case... madness.

It's hard to pull off madness without it coming across as campy. Watching this movie now, as opposed to as a kid, I can really appreciate how good of a job Rains did. It's really unbelievable to me that an actor you can't even see can completely command all of your attention on screen. The most comparable performance I can think of to this one is Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight. Rains and Ledger created characters that were both supremely creepy, insane, and completely unpredictable. The chaos caused by the Joker and The Invisible Man is some of the most random, and wild anarchy you'll see on screen.

This is one of my favorite movies. It's a technical marvel in old school filmmaking with wonderful acting. If you've never seen it and you like sci-fi type horror you really owe it to yourself to queue this one up. You won't be disappointed, The Invisible Man is way ahead of it's time.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/1/14. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It's a classic, it should be in everyone's queue.

Is it artsy? No, but Rains is an evil genius.

What stood out the most to you? Rains performance and spotting Clarence from It's a Wonderful Life.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to witness sci-fi horror madness.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!
 

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Doctor Who: Seasons 1-5 (2005-2010)

Featuring: Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Billie Piper, Catherine Tate, Karen Gillan.

Despite my sometimes nerdish tendencies, I've never really been that into science fiction. When I was a kid I fell asleep during the Star Wars movies (still do) and made fun of my sister for being in love with some guy on Star Trek: The Next Generation. For about a year now people have been telling me about this completely ridiculous sounding British Sci-Fi series that they thought I'd really like. Naturally, I rolled my eyes at them and told them where they could shove their TARDIS.

Towards the end of September one of my enablers, err friends, was watching Doctor Who at her house and it seemed to have a good sense of humor so I thought I'd queue it up on Netflix and give it a shot. Now, if any of you are readers of my other blog, Notes From Underground, then you may be aware of my addictive personality. For those that didn't know that little tidbit of information I'll just say that I watched all 69 episodes (plus the two specials) over the last 5 weeks. And it was fantastic!

I had such a good time blazing through the series that it feels like there is a giant hole inside me now that it is all over. I have no idea what to do with my life. That is how awesome I thought this show was and I was quite the skeptic. I think the reason I enjoy the world of The Doctor, as opposed to other Sci-Fi programs, is that the show doesn't really take itself seriously. The idea of a man traveling through space and time in a police call-box from the 1950's is completely ridiculous just like Star Trek is completely ridiculous. The difference is the writers of Doctor Who embrace the ridiculousness while other Sci-Fi series are focused too much on creating tense drama that, to me, comes across as being rather silly. 

That, and the sense of humor on display in this series is incredibly sharp and really funny. Really, really funny. Oh, and David Tennant is so damned charming. Seriously, he's so charming I'd probably not only let him date my little sister, but be happy he is (still not sold on Matt Smith though). If you've never seen Doctor Who, I can't recommend it enough. Even for people who aren't hardcore Sci-Fi fans (which I am not), this series is a viewing pleasure. Escapist entertainment at it's finest.

Click here to add this television series to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/9/12. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? People kept telling me I would really like it and peer pressure is a mother f*****.

Is it artsy? No, just a lot of fun.

What stood out the most to you? David Tennant is just so damn charming.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to sacrifice the next 70 hours of your life to the Netflix gods.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

You absolutely have to watch this movie! Instead of going into some thoughtful paragraph about how cool street art is or how interesting of a character Banksy is, I wanted to hurry up and get your attention because this is easily the most entertaining documentary I have ever seen in my life. It's rare you come across something that is not only thought-provoking but also sends you into bursts of uncontrollable laughter. Even if you don't like art or documentaries you should still watch this because it's so f****** funny.

Now that I'm done gushing over this movie I guess I should tell you a bit of what it is about. Exit Through the Gift Shop tells the story of a number of street artists and how they got started from the lens of an aspiring documentary filmmaker. However, nothing is as it seems with this movie and the filmmaker in question is one of the most incredible characters I have ever come across in my life. There is talk that it's all just a big prank, but in the end it doesn't really even matter because the ride is entertaining and the message is poignant.

I'm uncomfortable telling you too much more because the thrill of finding out what the hell is going to happen next is just way too much fun. Maybe I will just keep on gushing because to be honest I'm ready to queue this movie up and watch it again.

Click here to add this movie to your queue. 

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will stream on Netflix until 12/14/13.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I'm an art fan and it seemed interesting.

Is it artsy? No, but it is about art and is a brilliant critique of the art world. Somehow it doesn't feel artsy though.

What stood out the most to you? The force of nature that is Mr. Brainwash.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to laugh your ass off.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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The Pianist (2002)

No matter how good the movie is supposed to be it's still hard to get excited about watching a holocaust movie. It's just such a depressing topic and movies are generally used as an escape from reality. However, sometimes it is important to use the medium as a mirror to reflect the worst of what human beings are capable of. While he may or may not be a sleazebag, director Roman Polanski (himself a holocaust survivor) demonstrated a masterful touch in telling the story of Polish holocaust survivor Wladyslaw Szpilman.

Everyone's favorite lanky actor, Adrien Brody, gave a brilliant performance in this film that he'll probably never again be able to match. He apparently went to great lengths to realistically portray his character, going as far as actually starving himself during shooting. He was really incredible and definitely deserved the Oscar he received for his performance.

The story itself is gripping, horrifying and at times seems almost surreal. What the Nazi's did was so unbelievable that it even seemed unbelievable to the people it was being done to at times. It's an awful, depressing tale told in a brilliant and moving way. You really can't help being riveted by this movie. If you've never seen this movie before you should take the plunge and check it out. It really is a brilliant film.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue. 

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will only stream until 3/15/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Somehow I never got around to watching this movie till now even though it was supposed to be really good.

Is it artsy? No.

Most memorable moment? The guy towards the end that gives him the coat.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In such a good mood that it won't send you into depression.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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The Kite Runner (2007)

For some reason whenever I read a really good book I have to watch the movie adaptation. I have no idea why, movies based off of books generally seem to suck. I read The Kite Runner a few years ago and I was thoroughly engrossed by the highly engaging story. If you've never read it, you should really give it a try. Great book. This is a movie review blog though, so how did the film version do? I'm glad to say that The Kite Runner might be the most faithful film representations of a book that I've ever seen.

The Kite Runner follows the life of an Afghan who did some regrettable things as a boy, fled to America when the Soviets invaded and  returned to make amends as a man when the Taliban were still in power. Everything about this movie was well done. The acting was good, the cinematography was top-notch and the story is incredible. While the plot takes place in front of an extraordinary backdrop, it is a very human tale of cowardice, courage, and redemption. I'm no Criey McCrierson, but I have to admit this one had me on the brink of tears a couple of times. All tales of redemption contain tragedy, but it also makes the story that much more powerful.

This is a wonderful movie and you really should give it a shot, just make sure you have tissues nearby.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie is only available to stream for 16 more days! Watch before 3/1/11. 

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I loved the book.

Is it artsy? No.

Most memorable moment? The reading of the letter from Hassan really got me.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Wanting to watch a great movie that is very emotionally powerful.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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His Girl Friday (1940)

I've got a strange nostalgia for the romance of the old newspaper business. I have no idea why considering I've never worked at a paper, known anyone that works at a paper, and I don't really know anything about journalism. It's probably because of movies like this brilliant film that I feel that way.

His Girl Friday stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell as hard as nails reporters with very questionable morals. Russell play's Grant's ex-wife and a love triangle is formed when Russell attempts to move on by promising to marry her doting fiance as soon as they leave for Albany. She of course gets wrapped up in one last big story before she can leave and Grant uses every dirty trick in the book to keep her on it.

This Howard Hawks directed film was really a joy to watch. The dialogue was so lively, fast paced and fluid that it held me in rapt attention throughout. It made me want to talk faster, be more manipulative and start my own paper. If you've never seen this movie you really should. From the wonderful performances of Grant and Russell to the incredible and hilarious dialogue there is really nothing you won't love about this movie.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue. 

This movie is available for streaming on Netflix until 3/1/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It's supposed to be one of the great movies of all time, it is.

Is it artsy? Nope.

Best thing about the movie? The fast-paced back and forth of the dialogue.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to be entertained and have a few laughs.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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Wild China (2008)

I love watching nature/wildlife shows and I have to start this review by saying that the BBC's Wild China might just be the best one I've ever seen. A big problem with nature shows today is that we've seen most of it before. I was blown away by The Blue Planet and Planet Earth but by the time Life got to the discovery channel I felt like I'd been there and done that. Wild China is fascinating because until recently China has been a very closed society that wouldn't dream of allowing a film crew in. Now that China has loosened up a bit we're able to see things that were rarely seen before in this type of program and the results are spectacular.

Another thing that separates Wild China from the rest of the pack is that it focuses not just on the wildlife but the interplay between man and nature that has been going on in China for over a millennium. The documentary spent nearly as much time focusing on the ancient ways of the Chinese people as it did the animals. It gave the documentary a very complete feeling and I feel like I learned quite a bit about China, not just about it's animals.

Sadly, this documentary could not have been more timely. As China's march towards modernity carries on it's natural beauty faces great peril. Hopefully China will recognize the wonderful natural assets it has and adjust it's path accordingly.

If you have any interest in nature shows or just like seeing beautiful vistas I cannot recommend Wild China enough. If that isn't enough to get you to add it to your queue I'll tell you that one of the episodes in this stunning documentary shows a baby panda drinking from a bottle. Awwwww.

Click here to add this show to your Netflix queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I love nature shows and I've always been curious about China.

Is it artsy? No, but some of the views could be considered works of art.

Best thing about the movie? The fishing birds.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to be blown away by the majesty of the Chinese wilderness.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars! 

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Harvey (1950)

I can't believe I've never seen this movie. I've always had a soft spot for Jimmy "Lasso the Moon" Stewart and the premise for Harvey is just so off the wall that it's really surprising to me that not only had I never seen this but never even heard of it. Stewart plays an extremely charming drunk whose best friend happens to be a six foot, three and a half inch tall rabbit that no one else in the world can see. When I read the description I thought that there must be some sort of mistake and that this was really some indie knock-off of Donnie Darko.

Needless to say I had to investigate further and hit the play button. For the next hour and forty-five minutes I was treated to the warmest, most ridiculous, hilarious, surprising and touching movie I've seen in quite some time. I love Jimmy Stewart and I think this is hands down the most interesting character he has ever portrayed. From his peculiar way of talking, to his warm smile and genuine charm Stewart completely knocked this one out of the park.

He wasn't the only bright spot though. The entire supporting cast really shined (there was one unlikable character if  you want to split hairs). Everyone was really wonderful and I could keep rambling on about this movie forever but it would only keep you from watching it sooner. Even if you don't like old movies you'll still enjoy this one. Add this to your queue right now!

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Because the description seemed so quirky and magical to me.

Is it artsy? No, but Stewart's performance could be considered a work of art.

Best thing about the movie? The painting of Stewart and Harvey. I seriously need that for my apartment.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Best if watched after a bad day, it'll really cheer you up.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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Sin Nombre (2009)

Sin Nombre is a poignant Mexican film that deals with the two biggest issues Mexico is facing today: drug cartels and immigration to the United States. Most movies about illegal immigration and the cartels that I've seen were made in America from an American perspective. In general, they fall into one of two camps. They are either cliched political messages about immigrants looking for a better life or they are bloody drug movies that show the madness of the drug trade.

I loved this movie because it is first and foremost the personal story of a few characters that feel very real and authentic. The movie doesn't dwell on inspirational ideas of the American dream it instead zeroes in on a couple young kids trying to make a name in the cartel and a family from Honduras traveling through Mexico en route to the United States. It is a hard journey through Mexico and the characters all face many trials. Heartbreak, loss, violence, betrayal and love are all made very personal in this harrowing tale. This is one of the best movies I've seen in a while and probably the best movie I've ever seen on the perils of immigration.

If you want an honest look at the people traveling through Mexico and into the U.S. you should really watch this film.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? A friend told me it was a good movie.

Is it artsy? No, it is subtitled though. Some consider that artsy.

Best thing about the movie? It has a powerful story and doesn't pull any punches.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for an interesting journey that might be out of your comfort zone.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars! 

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It Happened One Night (1934)

Clark Gable has to be one of the funniest leading men of all time. He just seemed to be a natural smart ass in his films and in this one he can be riotously funny. He paired with Claudette Colbert and director Frank Capra to create a film that was funny, romantic, touching and brilliant. I mean really, how many romantic comedies do you see me reviewing let alone loving? This movie is so good it actually won Oscars for best actor, best actress, best director and best picture. Has that ever happened before or since? That's not rhetorical, I really don't know and I'm too lazy to investigate.

The film is about an heiress whose running away to marry a man that her media tycoon father doesn't approve of. She's not that street-smart and runs into Gable's character who is a bit of a dodgy newspaper man whose going to sell the story of her misadventures to the papers. They of course fall in love en route to New York and have some pretty funny shenanigans along the way. This is a great movie to grab your girl and curl up on the couch with.

Click here to add to your queue.

This movie is scheduled to stop streaming on 1/1/2011.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I think I got on an add Clark Gable movies kick.

Is it artsy? No, it's just a good movie.

Best thing about the movie? Clark Gable's timing.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to score points with the girlfriend.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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Amadeus (1984)

Everything about this movie was good. The acting was superb, particularly from F. Murray Abraham who gave a brilliant performance as Mozart's rival Salieri. The plot was wonderful and made you think about the nature of talent, art and why some people are born with such great natural talents and others aren't. Although clocking in at 3 hours long the movie never gets dull and the costumes and music were phenomenal.

In short, this is a fantastic movie that explores the dark sides of artists and the creative process in a way that is both historical and entertaining. I never knew Mozart was such a hell-raiser. I need to get a biography on his life and you need to watch this movie. There is a reason it got a boat load of Oscars.

Click here to add to your queue.

This movie will stop streaming on 1/1/2011.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I'd heard it was a great movie but never got around to checking it out.

Is it artsy? No, but it is about the pains that go with great talent and creating great art.

Best thing about the movie? Mozart's creepy laugh.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to be blown away by great music and acting (and with 3 hours to spare).

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars. 

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Sam Kinison: Breaking the Rules (2000)

Since today would have been Sam Kinison's birthday I thought it was appropriate to review one of his insanely good HBO comedy specials. You know you're watching a great comic when something originally filmed 23 years ago still seems relevant and still cracks you the f*** up. I threw this on and was completely blown away by how funny, offensive and provocative Kinison was throughout. He really was an evil genius. No subject is too taboo for him to talk about (he actually explains that during this special) and no one can touch his style.

His stand up is so full of contrast. One minute he is calmly explaining something in a way that just about any rational person could agree with and the next he is combining the alphabet and cunnilingus. There wasn't anyone like him then, there isn't anyone that can touch him now and I doubt anyone could ever match the brilliance that is Sam Kinison. If there aren't any kids around and you don't mind having your Christian sensibilities assaulted then please, watch this special.

Click here to add this to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Sam Kinison is funny as hell.

Is it artsy? No.

Best thing about the movie? Everything, I was either shocked or laughing the entire time.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to be blown away.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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Black Dynamite (2009)

This has to be one of the craziest movies on Netflix, nay, in the world! It's a send-up of the blaxploitation movies of the 1970's and is probably one of the best spoof films I have ever seen. Most spoof movies of this kind try way too hard to be as ridiculously bad as the movies they are based on - this one is comfortable in it's own skin. It may look campy and ridiculous but if you examine it a little closer you'll be able to tell that this is one slick and well thought out production.

The plot centers around a bad ass black dude looking to find the guys that killed his brother. After that the plot goes to so many wild and wonderful places that I can't really even talk about them anymore or it'll ruin the surprises for you. I'll just say it touches on all the subjects you'd expect a movie like this to touch on and way more. You really, really, really should watch this. It had be laughing with, and at it.

Click here to add to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I saw a preview somewhere and it looked hilarious.

Is it artsy? No, but it is a work of art.

Best thing about the movie? The way the plot goes all over the place.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to crack up at some racially insensitive humor.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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A Very Long Engagement (2004)

I think I was about a half hour into this movie before I realized I was completely in love with it. In the interest of objectivity I do need to confess that I am completely in love with Audrey Tautou so that may have something to do with it. She is a brilliant and uniquely beautiful young French actress whom I've been enchanted with since I first laid eyes on her in the movie Dirty Pretty Things. She is ridiculously charming and talented enough to carry a movie as she's done more than a few times.

This film is set just after WWI and Tautou's character is determined to find out what exactly happened to her fiance during the war. During her search she comes across a variety of interesting characters and their stories all intermingle and intersect in ways that always surprise and delight. There was never a dull moment during this movie because it seemed every few minutes something happened that shocked me, moved me, or made me smile. This movie had a great sense of humor, wonderful acting, just enough action and an interesting enough plot to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout. I very highly recommend this movie. Five Stars!

Click here to add this film to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I want to marry Audrey Tautou.

Is it artsy? No, but it is in French, some may think it's artsy for that reason.

Best thing about the movie? All the smiles and surprises.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to watch a very good film and willing to read subtitles.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

I love the Coen brothers. I adore the Coen brothers, they make awesome movies. Fargo? The Big Lebowski? No Country for Old Men? O' Brother Where Art Thou? And many, many more. They have a ridiculous track record of off-kilter classics. So when I saw there was a Coen Brothers movie on Netflix I hadn't seen yet I almost started drooling. The Hudsucker Proxy (click here to add to your queue) sure didn't disappoint. I can't believe I missed this movie.

It was a hilarious screwball look at the corporate world with so many hilarious twists and turns. If you missed this one too you should definitely check it out. The story centers around Tim Robbins character who works in the mail room and is promoted to president of the company in order to bring stock prices down so the company can be bought on the cheap. It's a brilliant corporate satire and one of my new favorite movies. 5 Stars!

Oh, and make sure you hurry, it's only streaming until December 1st!

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Coen Brothers!

Is it artsy? No.

Best thing about the movie? O (you'll understand when you watch it).

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to laugh.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 stars!

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Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)

This is a musical starring Doogie Howser playing an aspiring super-villain who blogs. Yea, this movie is that random. But, it works! Neil Patrick Harris continues his resurgence in this oddball comedy/musical (click here to add to your queue). It was really well acted, the songs were funny and the premise is so whacked-out that you can't help getting sucked in. It reminds me a bit of Bubba Ho-Tep, it's a movie that on paper really shouldn't work but somehow really does. Dr. Horrible (Harris) is in love with the deceptively adorable Felicia Day and for a super-villain he really has a tender side, it's very charming.

You should really watch this, it's a good time. To be honest I never thought I'd be reviewing or recommending a musical on this blog, just not usually my thing. But, this one is worth it. 5 Stars!

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? The randomness of the title, oh and it's (sorta) about blogging.

Is it artsy? No.

Best thing about the movie? Everything.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Off the wall.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 stars!

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Son of Rambow (2007)

This movie is delightful. Yea I said it, delightful. The premise of Son of Rambow (click here to add to your queue) is that a kid with an ultra-religious family meets a kid from the wrong side of the tracks become friends and decide to make their own movie called (drum roll please) Son of Rambow. I'm guessing that actually using Rambo in the title would have led to some sort of lawsuit. The child actors in this film are spectacular, the writing is hilarious, the characters are all well developed and there are enough twists and turns to keep this movie exciting throughout.

Now, as you may have guessed from my glowing review so far this movie has earned the first 5-Star rating since I've started this blog (queue the confetti and half naked women). So obviously I really liked it. Watch!

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? With a title as intriguing as Son of Rambow, how could it not be?

Is it artsy? Nope, just good ol' fashioned family fun.

Best thing about the movie? The co-star who seems like a cross between Dennis the Menace and Bart Simpson.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Willing to laugh, and be touched (not in that way pervert).

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 stars! 

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