This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Featuring: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer. Director: Rob Reiner.

The thing about cult classics is that if you don't see them before they become known as "cult classics", they can disappoint you a little because you're expecting too much. That is sort of what happened to me with This Is Spinal Tap.

Don't get me wrong, this was an extremely funny movie. The writing was incredible, the performances were spot on and the style was ingenious for the time. But, you know, I didn't piss my pants. I was really expecting to piss my pants. This movie just has that sort of reputation, especially if you're a huge fan of rock n' roll. And really, who isn't?

Now, before you start calling me a picky asshole (which I am) for talking crap about a great movie (which it is), I want you to know I really did love this movie. I can't believe I'm seeing it nearly 30 years late. This is something I should have been pissing myself laughing at when I was 10 and close enough to the 80's to appreciate all the humor. Well, as best a 10 year old could. If, like me, you were sheltered from this movie as a child you definitely need to watch this. It was pretty damn funny. I would have thought it was even funnier if I had seen it when I was a kid like I should have. I guess you sort of have to blame bad parenting.

Click here to add this to your instant queue. 

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It's always talked about as a "cult classic" and I'm all about those.

Is it artsy? Not really, just a really well done mockumentary.

What stood out the most to you? How spot on so much of the satire was. It was almost like watching an episode of Behind the Music, but funnier.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Sick of listening to that 80's rock station at work.

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

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Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Featuring: Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden. Director: Eli Craig.

We've seen the story a million times. Naive college kids head out to the country and run into a house full of psycho-hillbilly maniacs. It's been done to death, literally. After a while, every overdone movie sub-genre becomes due for a send-up.

Tucker & Dale are just a couple of hard working good 'ol boys who bought a fixer-upper vacation home out in the woods. An array of miscommunications and misunderstandings leads a group of college students to think Tucker & Dale are out to get them. The college kids end up attacking Tucker & Dale and all sorts of horror-related comedy ensues.

Most spoofs put out these days are over the top and just add shock value to the movies they are taking over for. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil isn't that sort of movie at all. It doesn't go for the shock gags (for the most part), but instead plays off the ridiculousness of the fear many northerners have of southerners way out in the country. This movie was a really fun 90 minutes and I'd recommend it to anyone who is a horror movie fan. It's a lot funnier than you think it's going to be.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? It was recommended by the blog NETFLIX STREAMING.

Is it artsy? No way.

What stood out the most to you? The way it flipped around the typical killer hillbilly movies.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready for some good laughs with likable leads.

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

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For Your Consideration (2006)

Featuring: Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, Ricky Gervais, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean. Director: Christopher Guest.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Jan. 1st. Act fast!

I'm not one to throw out the term "mildly amusing" lightly, but mildly amusing is exactly what you get with this movie. I kept expecting it to become really funny but all I ever got were a few average laughs. It was disappointing because there was a plenty talented cast, I just think the writing was a little off. It had the right story for a good satire. A bunch of washed up actors make a bad movie but somehow get some Oscar buzz and Hollywood idiocy ensues.

Despite a premise with promise, this Christopher Guest movie just didn't do it for me like some of his earlier movies. Instead of being a hilarious send up of the movie industry the way he mocked community theater and dog shows, you get what just sort of feels like an industry movie that would probably only be interesting or funny to people in the industry. It didn't have the appeal of a Waiting for Guffman or Best in Show. Sure, those were movies about certain industries too, but the characters were relateable even if you don't know a damn thing about dog shows. Unless you're a die hard Christopher Guest fan, I recommend skipping this one and just checking out Waiting for Guffman or Best in Show instead.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 1/1/12. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I've had some laughs out of prior Christopher Guest movies so I thought I'd give this one a try too.

Is it artsy? No, it's a showbiz movie. Showbiz ain't no kinda art baby.

What stood out the most to you? It felt like it was going to become hysterical soon, but it never did.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Really into the inner workings of Hollywood I suppose, or at least satires of it.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 2 Stars.  

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Best in Show (2000)

Featuring: Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Michael McKean, Parker Posey, Jane Lynch. Director: Christopher Guest.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Jan. 1st. Act fast!

For those of you whom are unaware, Christopher Guest is the unchallenged king of the "mockumentary" genre of film making. He was the brains behind the huge hit This Is Spinal Tap and created other cult classics such as Waiting for Guffman. To direct and write that sort of movie you have to have the sort of mind that can spot the absurd in the mundane.

After all, Best in Show is a movie about dog shows. The only thing I have ever remembered about dog shows is that my grandpa would fall asleep in the kitchen watching them on television while my grandma cooked. They aren't the most exciting things in the world. Unless you have the sort of mind that can see the craziness that most of us don't recognize at first glance. Throw in good comedic actors who know how to play their part and give them some really funny lines to deliver, in an understated but somehow outrageous manner, and you end up with a damned funny movie. You get great comedic timing, a lot of laugh out loud jokes, and evidence as to why Christopher Guest will always be the master mockumentarian. Very funny stuff, queue it up. You'll never look at a dog show the same way again.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue. 

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 1/1/12. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I've had people tell me it was funny. They were right.

Is it artsy? Nope.

What stood out the most to you? Probably the woman that slept with pretty much every bald guy in the movie, that cracked me up each time.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to laugh or in the company of one of your friends that keeps her pooch in her purse.

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

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Continental Divide (1981)

Featuring: John Belushi, Blair Brown. Director: Michael Apted.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec. 31st. Act fast!

John Belushi is one of the comedic gods of the last half century. His life was cut tragically short, but his comedic genius has influenced countless others that followed him. He was the wild card that made SNL edgy and interesting early on. Without his influence it probably wouldn't still be around today. Unfortunetely, his own intensity and excesses are the reasons  he isn't with us anymore.

In Continental Divide we see Belushi's attempt at going mainstream in a romantic comedy that plays out to mixed results. The plot is completely ridiculous, but I'm pretty sure that is standard fare for romantic comedies. Blair Brown plays an outdoorsy type woman who studies bald eagles way up in the rocky mountains and Belushi plays a rough around the edges Chicago journalist who is doing a story on Brown's character. The movie would be completely awful if "rough around the edges Chicago guy" wasn't the character that Belushi played best.

Despite the problems with this movie, having Belushi involved makes this a pretty decent romantic comedy. He packs in enough good jokes and puts on just enough of that Belushi charm to make this a worthwhile view. Don't go into this expecting Animal House or the Blues Brothers, but if you're a big  Belushi fan (as you should be), then check this one out.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/31/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? John Belushi is one of my heroes. We share a love of excess.

Is it artsy? No, it follows the standard Hollywood format.

What stood out the most to you? Little gems that Belushi would sneak in there from time to time.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? A little romance Belushi style.

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

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Destry Rides Again (1939)

Featuring: Jimmy Stewart, Marlene Dietrich. Director: George Marshall.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec. 25th. Act fast!

I've always associated the holidays with Jimmy Stewart. His charm, the peculiar way in which he talks and the morally upstanding, but mischievous characters he plays, give me the warm and fuzzy feeling I crave in between thanksgiving and new years day. Before I decided to watch It's a Wonderful Life for the millionth time, I thought I'd see what else ol' Jimmy had on Netflix. I came across a few movies and the one I decided to watch first was Destry Rides Again.

I picked this one mostly because I had no idea how the hell a guy like Jimmy Stewart would fit into a western genre known more for violence and rough characters than that aw-shucks charm Mr. Stewart is famous for. Throw the always intriguing Marlene Dietrich into the mix and I just couldn't resist. This movie wasn't at all what I expected when I turned it on, but after watching it, I thought that it was exactly what I should have expected. Jimmy Stewart fit in the way he always fits in, with that unique force of nature he seems to possess.

Having Marlene Dietrich playing opposite of him made this movie quite the treat. She played a wild and sometimes venomous woman that was always interesting when on screen and her chemistry with Stewart was wonderful. Stewart played a sort of pacifist sheriff out to bring law and order to a wild west town. The premise is a little silly, but the performances of Dietrich and Stewart make the end product wonderful. If you like westerns, and/or Stewart and Dietrich, queue this one up immediately.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/25/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I just couldn't imagine what Jimmy Stewart would be like in a western.

Is it artsy? No, its good raunchy (for the time) fun.

What stood out the most to you? How wild Marlene Dietrich could be.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In the mood to watch an old movie that will make you laugh.

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

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Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001)

Featuring: Phil Caracas. Director: Lee Demarbre.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec. 1st. Act fast!

Imagine a bunch of your stoner friends from high school coming up with an idea for a movie called Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter. Now picture those stoners finding a bunch of shitty movie-making equipment and then somehow showing enough initiative to not only make their crazy movie... but put their hearts and souls into it. If you can imagine that movie... then you have an idea of what kind of movie Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter is.

Obviously, they're not going to make an incredible movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, the chances are good there would be some really dumb shit that would make you laugh even though you know you shouldn't. This movie can't match the insane genius of a movie like Black Dynamite, but it does feel like it was done by a pot-smoking savant. 

My advice when it comes to this movie? Imbibe with friends, laugh at stupid lines like "the power of Christ impales you", enjoy the surprisingly creative but awful fight scenes, and have a ridiculously good time watching a ridiculously bad movie MST3K style.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/1/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I think the title alone is enough to warrant having this in my queue.

Is it artsy? Think of the artsyist thing you can think of, multiply it by ten, and think of it's opposite. That is how unartsy this movie is..

What stood out the most to you? To be honest, this movie is so batshit crazy that I can't really even pick out a single moment.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Stoned, with friends.

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

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Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)

Featuring: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello. Director: Charles Lamont.

I must be feeling nostalgic lately because as with yesterday's reminisces on classic monster movies, today I'm reviewing another type of movie that makes me think of being a kid. That kind of movie would be any movie featuring the classic comedy team of Abbott and Costello. When I was a kid, the only people in black and white that I found funny were The Three Stooges and Abbott and Costello. In fact, they still crack me up to this day.

As you could probably guess from the title, in this one the two buddies end up in Egypt with mummys walking about and scaring the pants off of our half-brained heroes. As with all Abbott and Costello flicks there is great comedic timing and some kick ass one-liners. Unfortunately, for me anyway, it wasn't as packed with laughs as some of the other movies they made. It might have been because I was on the tail end of an all day movie marathon when I watched it, but it just didn't seem to have the same comedic brilliance many of their other films did.

Don't get me wrong, there were still moments that made me laugh, there just weren't as many. A few times during the movie I wished I was watching Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein instead. If you're an Abbott and Costello fan you'll still enjoy this movie, but if you're just looking to dive into their catalog now I'd recommend starting with one of their other films.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue.

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

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Abbott and Costello are one of the greatest comedic teams in film history.

Is it artsy? Nope, it's old time vaudeville style laughs.

What stood out the most to you? The chemistry between Abbott and Costello (as is to be expected).

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

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

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Brewster's Millions (1985)

Featuring: Richard Pryor, John Candy. Director: Walter Hill.

Warning: This movie will stop streaming on May 11th so act fast!

At some point I think we've all fantasized about what we would do if we suddenly came into millions of dollars. Before I'm even done picking my lottery numbers I usually have most of the money spent in my mind already. It's fun to think of the crazy stuff we would do if we suddenly had unlimited resources. Brewster's Millions is a buddy comedy starring Richard Pryor and John Candy that explores that fantasy.

Pryor stars in this movie as a washed-up minor league baseball player who unexpectedly comes into a huge inheritance with the caveat being that he has to spend 30 million dollars in 30 days to get the full 300 million. Extravagance, hi-jinx and light moral lessons ensue.

This is probably one of Richard Pryor's most consistent comedies and there are laughs throughout the movie. And really, if John Candy is in something you know it's going to be a great time. This is an above average 80's comedy that will have you and your friends sitting around talking about what you would do with 30 million dollars. That's really what is most fun about this movie.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/11/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Taylor from Netflix Streaming recommended it.

Is it artsy? Nope, it's an entertaining buddy comedy with Pryor and Candy.

What stood out the most to you? How much it made me want 30 million dollars.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a pleasant comedy that everyone can enjoy.

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

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Shelf Life (2006)

Featuring: Betsy Brandt, Elisa Bocanegra. Director: Tamar Halpern.

Warning: This movie will only stream until May 9th so act fast!

Shelf Life is a mildly amusing indie comedy about the conflict between an anal-retentive head librarian and a young woman fresh out of rehab and starting a new job at the library. The premise is interesting enough and both actresses do an admirable enough job in their roles to make this a watchable movie, but not one I can really recommend.

The problem is the characters are just too one dimensional. You know what you're getting from each character and there is really no element of surprise. As a result, while the movie has some cute parts, but overall it just sort of falls flat. I'm not really trying to bash it because it isn't awful. After all, it did hold my interest throughout. There are just better movies you could watch instead. Oh, and if you do watch it and you're trying to figure out where you know the rehab girl from, she is the sister from Breaking Bad.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/9/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Cool cover, decent premise.

Is it artsy? Nope.

What stood out the most to you? The actresses did a lovely job without much of a script to work with.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a formulaic comedy.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 2 Stars.

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Slap Shot (1977)

Featuring: Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean. Director: George Roy Hill.

Warning: This movie will only stream until April 30th so act fast!

There aren't many great actors that can do both comedies and dramas. Comedic and dramatic timing just seem to be on different wavelengths. Paul Newman, however, can pull it off. He's always had a sort of mischievous look to him and provided a sense of humor to most of the roles he's played. Plus, it's friggin Paul Newman, he can do whatever he wants.

Slap Shot is a raunchy sports comedy about an awful minor league hockey team that is going to fold unless they turn their season around. Really cliched, right? Yea, it's your average underdog sports movie plot, except that they don't start winning because of hard work and stick-to-it-iveness. They start winning because they decide to just start beating the crap out of the other team.

If you're looking for a foul-mouthed sports movie filled with guy humor this is your best bet. This movie wrote the blueprint for movies like Major League and holds up really well. This is still a very funny movie, the only thing dated is all the polyester.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue. 

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 4/30/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Paul Newman.

Is it artsy? Not in the least.

What stood out the most to you? The Hansons. No, not the band.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for crude humor that is very well done.

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

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Sam Kinison: Family Entertainment Hour (1991)

Featuring: Sam Kinison.

Warning: This will only be available to stream until April 15th so act fast!

We here at Netflix Stream (well, me) believe, nay, we know that Sam Kinison is one of the top five stand-up comedians of all time. At a time when comics like Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld were putting asses in seats with clean, observational humor a preacher named Sam Kinison burst onto the stand-up scene and completely blew the lid off of the mother and changed stand-up comedy forever. You say you like the anger of Lewis Black? The vulgarity of Lisa Lampenelli? The willingness to confront people with sexuality like a Russell Brand?

Well, they can all pretty much suck Sam Kinison's cocaine covered d***. Don't get me wrong, those are all funny comedians in their own right but they each ripped a single page out of Kinison's playbook while Kinison wrote the whole damn thing. In Family Entertainment Hour we get Sam as the f****** rock star he became later in his career (Netflix says this was released in 1987 but it was really released in 1991). When he enters accompanied by two young ladies on leashes wearing next to nothing you immediately realize that this isn't family entertainment at all. Sam riffs on topics like rap music, religion, sex, women, drugs and the legal issues he was having because of them. I will say that I think his earlier stuff was better but this was still damn funny and if you're a fan of stand-up comedy you definitely need to check this out right now.

To add this to your Netflix queue click here. 

This movie will stop streaming on Netflix 4/15/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Sam Kinison is a f****** genius.

Is it artsy? Not at all.

What stood out the most to you? Kinison encouraging troubled veterans to assassinate rappers with Ice-T in the audience.

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

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

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Interstate 60 (2002)

Featuring: James Mardsen, Amy Smart, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Kurt Russell, Gary Oldman, Chris Cooper. Director: Bob Gale. 

Warning: This movie is only streaming until April 15th so act fast!

This movie has probably been in my instant queue for as long as I've had an instant queue. When I first hooked up to instant streaming I was going through all the movies I could and adding anything that looked interesting. I've probably watched most of those by now but there are still a few hanging around. I think I skipped this one over so many times because the cover makes it look like your run of the mill road trip movie. I saw that it was expiring in a couple of weeks and thought I owed it to all of you, my loyal readers, to review it before it went bye-bye.

I have to say, I'm really glad I did. This movie wasn't at all what I was expecting. Instead of getting a crass teen comedy I found a delightful and whimsical trek down a fictional interstate highway. This movie is more akin to Tim Burton's The Big Fish than anything I was expecting. Interstate 60 tells the story of a young man looking for answers and after he is granted his birthday wish he sets out on a path to discover himself. It has a very modern fairy-tale feel to it which is either cheesy or heart-warming depending on your taste in movies.

Along the way the protagonist encounters a number of colorful characters that help him on his journey. This is where the movie really shines. The cameos by Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future!), Kurt Russell, Gary Oldman, and Chris Cooper were incredible and each actor knocked his role out of the park. After a number of trials the lead (James Mardsen) gets the girl (Amy Smart) and your left with an obvious but very happy ending. If you enjoyed The Big Fish or just like movies with a bit of a whimsy and fairy-tale flare you'll like this movie. I found it to be a pleasant surprise.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here. 

This movie will stream until 4/15/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? All the awesome names.

Is it artsy? No, but it's whimsical, which is my word of the day.

What stood out the most to you? Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox in the same movie! Even if they were never on screen together.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a movie to make you feel all warm and gooey inside.

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

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

Featuring: Steve Martin, Michael Caine, Glenne Headly.
Director: Frank Oz.

Warning: This movie is only streaming until April 1st so act fast!

I love Steven Martin, you love Steve Martin. We all love Steve Martin. He's just plain funny, always has been, always will be. Well, except when he talks about art. Throw in the always professional Michael Caine and set it against the beautiful backdrop of the French Riviera and you're pretty much guaranteed a good time.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is about a crude, small time con-man (Martin) and a refined con-man (Caine) who chases after immensely wealthy women and lightens their heavy purses for them through elaborate schemes. Martin and Caine spend most of the movie trying to get each other out of the picture through a game of hilarious confidence man one-upsmanship.

The two of them have wonderful chemistry and I found myself cracking up almost from beginning to end. Trying to figure out how each one was going to get out of the jam the other placed them in was almost as enjoyable as the witty and slapstick laughs. There aren't many movies that can combine physical comedy and class but this one does it wonderfully. If you're a fan of Steve Martin, chances are you've seen this already, but it really is worth checking out again.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will stop streaming on Netflix 4/1/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Steve Martin!

Is it artsy? No.

What stood out the most to you? The chemistry between Caine and Martin.

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

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

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Stir Crazy (1980)

Featuring: Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder, Craig T. Nelson
Director: Sidney Poitier

Warning: This movie is only streaming until March 26th so act fast!

Richard Pryor is a genius. If you didn't know that then get the f*** off my page. Just kidding, I really meant go watch some of his stand-up, it's brilliant. His movie career wasn't anywhere up to par in comparison, but he still had a few funny flicks. In this one he teams up with his usual partner, Gene Wilder, and turns in a pretty funny movie.

In Stir Crazy, Wilder and Pryor are a couple of buddies planning on traveling across the country. Along the way they get framed for bank robbery and end up in jail. As with all prison movies, they try to escape. Unlike most prison movies where the specter of sphincter violation weighs heavily over the characters head, this is a comedy so mostly it's just poking fun at stereotypes about prison and some zany fun just for kicks.

Overall the movie was pretty decent. There were some really funny parts, but I found myself getting distracted a bit here and there. Some of the jokes I've just seen so many times. It's worth it to check this one out just because it's so much fun to watch Wilder and Prior together. That and Sidney Poitier was the director. This movie isn't an accurate reflection of Pryor's genius, but it's fun to watch nonetheless.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here.

According to instantwatcher.com this movie will be available for streaming on Netflix until 3/26/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Richard Pryor & Gene Wilder.

Is it artsy? Nope.

What stood out the most to you? Gene Wilder was rather delightful as a bold free-spirit.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready for a few laughs and a bit of nostalgia.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 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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The Ramen Girl (2008)

I enjoyed Lost in Translation, so when I saw The Ramen Girl was streaming on Netflix, I thought what the hell, a pretty girl stuck in Japan? Formula has to work. The movie stars the late Brittany Murphy and at the risk of sounding like an asshole, I didn't really get what all the fuss was about her aside from the tragic death. She never really stood out to me before now, but maybe I just hadn't seen enough of her. In this movie she was extremely charming and did a wonderful job in the role of an expat who ends up in a ramen shop owned by a tough, but in the end lovable, ramen cook.

The movie is funny, touching and filled with the unexpected. It does a great job of showing the clash between two cultures and the priorities we set for ourselves because of our heritage. While it isn't at all like Lost in Translation, I'm still very glad I watched this movie. Queue this one up, it was a very good time.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue. 

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I'll be honest, I liked the cover.

Is it artsy? Nope.

Best thing about the movie? The Ramen Cook.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a funny, heart-warming film.

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

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Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is the story of the famous wild west bank robbers of the same name. It stars legendary actors Paul Newman and Robert Redford who have a silly romp through the old west and Bolivia. Newman in particular is awesome as always and you can tell he had a really good time making this film. Redford seemed a little stiff to me and he didn't really have the comedic timing Newman did. Of course, that could be because the writers gave him some pretty corny jokes.

This is a hard movie to categorize. It isn't really a western, it isn't really a drama and it really isn't a comedy but somehow it is all three of those things. It worked sometimes but at others I thought to myself, what the hell is the director thinking with this movie? Apparently the score won an Oscar but in my opinion it is one of the most bizarre scores for a movie I've ever heard (and not in a good way). Overall, I think the movie felt pretty dated and a little bit confused but it is worth watching because anything starring Paul Newman is.

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

Movie will stop streaming on Netflix 2/11/11.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Paul Newman is one of those actors I'll watch in anything.

Is it artsy? No, but I think the director might have tried to make the score seem artsy. It wasn't.

Best thing about the movie? The weird ass bicycle riding scene, didn't get that at all.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for a good silly time.

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

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Waiting for Guffman (1996)

Waiting for Guffman is a Christopher Guest mockumentary about community theater. The movie takes place in the small town of Blaine, Missouri and centers around Corky St. Clair who didn't make it in New York, moved to Blaine and was put in charge of the local community players. The actors are enacting the history of Blaine for the town's 150th anniversary but they soon find out that a famous critic from New York was coming to see the play. Because of this, everyone thinks they are automatically headed to Broadway to become famous actors and hilarity ensues.

I have to say I related to this movie because I have two little sisters that have been involved in community theater since a young age. I've seen some really bad community plays and some really good ones and I know how much work goes into putting on one of these shows (and how ridiculous the drama behind the scenes can get).

Most of the jokes were spot-on and there were some pretty hilarious parts in this movie. If you like satire of small town life or if you've ever been involved in community theater you should definitely check out this movie.  Even if those things are foreign to you this is still a pretty funny comedy you may want to check out anyway.

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Movie available for streaming until 1/31/11

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? TB from Year 31 recommended it to me.

Is it artsy? I wouldn't call it artsy but it is a satire of a form of artistic expression.

Best thing about the movie? The scene in the Chinese restaurant.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking for something light that will make you laugh.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 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!

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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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