The Constant Gardener (2005)

Featuring: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston. Director: Fernando Meirelles.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec. 15th. Act fast!

The Constant Gardener is one of those movies that has been stuck in my queue since I had a queue. I knew it was supposed to be good and that it features an Oscar winner (Rachel Weisz), but I only just watched it last night because it is set to expire in a few weeks.

I think it took me so long to check it out because anytime I hear a movie is supposed to be good and is set in Africa I automatically assume it is going to be f****** depressing. Mostly because good movies set in Africa always are. The last movie I remember being set in Africa that didn't make me completely sad was The Lion King and I don't really think that counts. I understand (and commend) that filmmakers that want to expose to the world all the shitty things that are going on in Africa because a lot of that is happening and needs to be talked about. But, despite their noble intentions, I think that Africa as a place has been stereotyped in movies as hell on earth. Maybe I'm not watching the right movies, but I would like to see a story set in Africa that isn't completely tragic. A little hope might help. In the worst conditions you can find some of the happiest people. Yes, I'm randomly ranting here, but it's a trend in film-making I'm growing tired of. We might have gone from portraying Africans only as savages to portraying them only as victims - but a negative stereotype still exists. Rant over, back to review.

Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I would like to say that this is a good little thriller filled with love, international intrigue, scandal, and the battle between loyalty to ones country and standing up for what is right. The story follows an excellent Ralph Fiennes as a stuffy British diplomat that falls in love with a fiery revolutionary (Rachel Weisz) looking to take down some pretty evil drug companies (if I hadn't already gone off on a rant I'd talk about how corporations are the bogeyman in the millennium here). He gets sucked into her conspiracy and all sorts of things start to happen. The real bright spot for me, however, was Danny Huston. He was creepy, bad and I found the scenes featuring him to be the most grabbing apart from a few intense and very sexy scenes featuring Weisz.

So yea, if you're like me and have had this in your queue forever go ahead and watch it before it expires. Yes, it is depressing at times and the plot can be a little confusing. But, it is brilliantly acted and worth the liberal guilt you'll feel afterward.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/15/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Rachel Weisz won a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance and I just heard it was pretty good.

Is it artsy? No, it's a well made thriller.

What stood out the most to you? Weisz may have been the one winning awards but to me Danny Huston was by far the most interesting actor in the movie.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Willing to pay the price of possible depression to watch a good film.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.
 

Tweet

Following (1998)

Featuring: Jeremy Theobald, Alex Haw, Lucy Russell. Director: Christopher Nolan.

Christopher Nolan is an interesting director and the nice thing about interesting directors is that they can tell a good story with a minimal budget. The other thing about interesting directors that got started in the 90's is that they can't seem to tell stories in sequential order. I've always wondered why that is. Is it the Tarantino effect or do they teach you in film school that telling a narrative from beginning to end is just too mainstream?

Luckily, Mr. Nolan was, and is, a talented enough storyteller to avoid having this movie become one of those cliches and now his movies have made billions of dollars. Following is the story of a guy who well, follows people. Yes, this movie embraces the creepers of the world. What keeps this movie from becoming a voyeuristic bore is that the people he follows turn out to be even stranger than he is. Considering the low budget, this film has just enough twists and turns to be a pretty good movie. Don't expect incredible acting or many pretty shots. But the story moves well and is unique enough to carry the film. If you're a fan of Nolan, I suggest giving this one a shot.

 Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 11/20/13. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Christopher Nolan has made some interesting movies so I thought it'd be work checking out his early stuff.

Is it artsy? It's an indie and it's in black and white, so yes. Not overly artsy though, more a having no budget kind of artsy.

What stood out the most to you? How much an interesting story can cover up poor production values.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Just don't have a fear of being watched and you'll be fine.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.

Tweet

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!

Tweet

Madhouse (1974)

Featuring: Vincent Price, Peter Cushing. Director: Jim Clark.

The final Vincent Price film I watched this year was Madhouse. Coincidentally enough, it stars Price as a b-movie horror actor trying to make a big comeback. Where oh where did they ever come up with that premise? Anyhow, people around Mr. Price start dying the same way that people died in the "Dr. Death" movies his character starred in.

I loved the premise and thought they could have done some wonderful things with it, but the movie left me a little disappointed. If you want to see Price as an actor killing off people you should probably check out Theatre of Blood, which was filmed the year before. While it didn't live up to my expectations, there are a few creepy moments that you don't want to miss if you're a Vincent Price aficionado. The ending was particularly satisfying and so is the trailer. As you all know, I love 70's b-movie trailers more than Robert Rodriguez.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/1/13. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Can't have a Vincent Price marathon without a bunch of Vincent Price movies in your queue.

Is it artsy? Nope.

What stood out the most to you? The creepy spider lady, you'll know what I'm talking about.

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

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

Tweet

London to Brighton (2006)

Featuring:  Lorraine Stanley, Georgia Groome, Johnny Harris.

Director: Paul Andrew Williams

I'm not sure why but I have a particular affinity for British crime movies. I think it's got something to do with the accent that you usually associate with gentlemanly class being used for violent purposes. It might also be that there are just some pretty good British crime movies out there like Snatch and Get Carter.

London to Brighton is another good crime-thriller from our friends across the Atlantic that tells the story of a pimp, a prostitute, a crime boss and a 12 year old runaway. I'm sure that from just mentioning the players involved in the movie that you can tell some pretty awful stuff goes down. The story may be a bit cliched but the acting is all really good and the gritty, sometimes frantic style was well done and works well with the genre.

The one gripe I have with the movie doesn't have anything to do with the substance or the acting, but with a stylistic choice the director made. Does every single gritty, independent movie have to do the whole jumping around in time bit? Yea, I get that everyone loves Pulp Fiction (I do too) and that movie influenced a lot of people, but can't we just have a linear story every once in a while for this kind of movie? It's done well sometimes (and it's not like it's down horribly here) but really it's becoming a bit cliched. Aside from that personal rant, overall this is a pretty good flick and you should give it a look if you enjoy the gritty sort of crime movies the British seem to be so good at.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will stream on Netflix until 8/11/2011.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I'll be honest, the cover looked cool. The plot sounded somewhat interesting as well.

Is it artsy? No, except for the whole bouncing around the timeline thing.

What stood out the most to you? How easily some people seem to be able to justify doing something horrible.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a crime thriller that will keep you interested and entertained..

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

Tweet

To Sir, with Love (1966)

Anybody that knows anything knows that Sidney Poitier is one of the greatest actors of all time. I've never seen a movie that he starred in that I didn't love. I'm more than happy to report that To Sir, with Love is no exception.

Remember during the 90's when every other movie released was a story about a teacher in the 'hood getting through to students everyone else had already given up on? Well that's pretty much the plot of this movie as well. Except it's set in London, and it stars Sidney Poitier. Those two factors make it feel completely different than every other wrong-side-of-the-tracks high school drama and that's a good thing.

Watching Mr. Poitier whip these young kids into shape was a truly enjoyable experience. The teen actors provided a wonderful supporting cast. I was really impressed with the way they handled their roles, they were a perfect compliment. This is a story you've seen a million times, but it's the execution that makes it a worthy watch. Check this classic out, you won't be disappointed.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will stream until 3/1/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Sidney Poitier.

Is it artsy? No.

Most memorable moment? Seeing Sidney Poitier dance at the end. That felt a little awkward but awesome.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a good drama with enough light moments to keep you happy.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

Tweet

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! 

Tweet

The Bounty (1984)

First off, I need to say that The Bounty has an incredible cast. With Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Laurence Olivier and Liam Neeson it goes without saying that this movie was very well acted. This film was based on the book Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian and according to Wikipedia this is the fifth time this story was made into a movie. Sort of makes me think I should read the book.

Anyhow, this movie is about an English ship on it's way to Tahiti and once they get there and become infatuated with all the half-naked women a number of the men understandably aren't eager to leave. Captain Bligh (Hopkins) has to crack down pretty hard to get everyone back in line and Mr. Christian (Gibson) leads a mutiny and hardship ensues.

I thought this movie was good, and Hopkins especially gives an amazing performance. The plot rocks back and forth as much as the ship does and I could never quite figure out if I sympathized with the Captain or the crew until the very end. One thing I was certain of though is that I never could have made it as a sailor during the glory days of the British Empire. What a tough line of work that was. If you you like period pieces and your looking for a good movie with great acting give The Bounty a try.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It had a loaded cast.

Is it artsy? No, just a good period piece.

Best thing about the movie? If you're a straight male, all the topless natives. If you're anyone else the performance by Hopkins.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In the mood for a good adventure romp.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

Tweet

Severance (2006)

I can honestly say that Severance (click here to add to your queue) is one of the better horror movies I've seen in quite a while. The story centers around a group of employees from a weapons company who head to a luxury cabin on a "team-building" exercise and end up being stalked by a bad dude. I really liked this movie because while most horror movies nowadays focus on being gorier than the competition this one slows down and focuses on having good actors, a story that has time to build, and a bit of dark humor thrown in for good measure.

Don't get me wrong, this is still a horror/slasher type movie where people die a violent death. Just this time you care a bit about them, have a few laughs and wonder what is going to happen next. If you like horror movies I recommend giving this one a look. I found it highly entertaining.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Horror movies make me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Is it artsy? Nope.

Best thing about the movie? Maggie.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for laughs and scares.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

Tweet

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! 

Tweet