Man in the Shadow (1958)

Featuring: Jeff Chandler, Orson Welles. Director: Jack Arnold.

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

Orson Welles is probably the most interesting figure in the history of the silver screen. He directed what is widely considered the greatest movie of all time and is also acclaimed by many as one of the best actors of all time. He was larger than life and the legacy he left behind was even greater. I think it is perfectly fair to consider him a genius.

The trouble with geniuses, however, is that they see things before the rest of us do. Insert your favorite "ahead of his time" cliche here. Today, directors like Scorsese can produce some of their best work late in their careers. When Welles got started, the term "filmmaker" wasn't something that carries the weight that it does now. The movie going-public today (or at least a segment of it) is more educated and interested in risk taking in the cinema. Sadly, Welles' failures at the box office left much of his career's potential untapped. Instead of crafting masterpieces, he was relegated to acting in b-movies such as this one. That makes me sad, but such is life.

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad movie. It features Welles as a plantation owner out west who is the lord over all of the migrant workers at his establishment. Welles character is charming and slimey all at once and the protagonist (Chandler) does a good job playing a straight arrow of a sheriff who is determined to get to the truth no matter how powerful the toes that he is stepping on may be. This is a decent movie with political undertones that are very relevant today, but it still makes me sad. Mostly because instead of directing his version of The Departed, he was acting in a b-movie with a predictable plot. Such is the curse of genius.

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? Pretty much anything with Orson Welles is in my queue.

Is it artsy? No.

What stood out the most to you? That conditions for Mexican immigrants have only marginally improved in the last 60 years.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? You should be an Orson Welles aficionado. It isn't his best work, but he's still interesting.

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

Sorry, couldn't find a trailer for this one. 

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Harlan County, U.S.A. (1976)

Director: Barbara Kopple.

Warning: This will stop streaming on May 26th so act fast!

Yesterday I talked about how much I enjoyed documentaries about mundane topics. This is not one of those documentaries. This is one of those documentaries that slaps you in the face and shows you how f***** up and evil people can be. Harlan County, U.S.A., is about the coal miners strike in, you guessed it, Harlan County, Kentucky.

For those of you unfamiliar with the history of the relationship between mining companies and miners in Harlan County, it's awful, bloody and downright gruesome. In the 30's guerrilla warfare actually broke out between the two factions and while things weren't quite that bad in the 70's, it still wasn't pleasant. The head of the company was actually convicted of murder for ordering the death of a union leader - and his entire family. All of this because the workers wanted to join the United Mine Workers of America so that they might get a contract that included things as luxurious as say, bathrooms and and indoor plumbing at the shacks they had to live in on company property.

These people fought and died for their right to unionize and when you look at that through the lens of our current political climate in an age where corporations are allowed to do anything they want and workers have no representation - it looks like their blood was shed in vain.

This is an important documentary for us all to think of. Just to be reminded of what the profit motive is capable of if left unchecked. Everyone should watch this to see how far we've come, and in some ways, how far we've regressed.

To add this documentary to your Netflix queue click here.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 5/26/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I've heard it's a classic documentary and I can see why.

Is it artsy? No, but it is incredibly confronting.

What stood out the most to you? The depths of depravity the mining company would sink to.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to get a glimpse at the darker side of corporations.

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

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William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (2009)

Featuring: William Kunstler. Directors: Emily Kunstler, Sarah Kunstler. 

Warning: This movie will only be available for streaming until April 27th so act fast!

We here at Netflix Stream like documentaries and we like people who stand up for what they think is right - even if no one agrees with them. William Kunstler was an example of the latter and his daughters filmed a documentary about their controversial father. William Kunstler was an activist lawyer who never shied away from tough and unpopular cases. He became the prototype ACLU type lawyer that people love to hate.

His career was remarkable. He rose to fame in the 60's after defending the Chicago Seven and seemed to be involved in every controversial case in America up until his death in the 1990's when he was the lawyer for the defendant in the original World Trade Center bombing in 1993. He also, at various points, defended the Cantonsville Nine, the Black Panther Party, the Weather Underground Organization, and was involved early on in the legal battles over segregation in the south. He was also the key negotiator during the Attica Prison riots and the Wounded Knee incident in South Dakota. He eventually even made it before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In this documentary we look at the controversial Kunstler from the perspective of his daughters. These two girls must have had a crazy childhood. Protesters regularly camped out in front of Kunstler's home (which doubled as his office) and he was under constant FBI surveillance. It gave the documentary a personal touch which made the subject seem all that much more fascinating. This was an intriguing documentary and if you have any interest at all in the radicalism of the 60's and 70's or in U.S. legal history you'll enjoy this film. Love him or hate him, it's hard to deny that William Kunstler kept the system honest and for that I admire him.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming 4/27/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? William Kunstler was a fascinating character.

Is it artsy? No, standard documentary format.

What stood out the most to you? Finding out exactly how many big news stories he was right in the center of.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to learn a bit about history.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 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 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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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.

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Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (2004)

Before watching this documentary I'd heard of Howard Zinn and A People's History of the United States has been on my reading list for a while now. This film however is the first I've actually been exposed to his ideas first hand. I have to say I admire the guy, it's really hard not to. He was in on the ground floor during the fight for segregation, was important to the peace movement during the Vietnam war and to this day is still fighting the good fight against all the evil bastards out there. Seems like a heck of a guy and I'm definitely interested in reading his work a great deal more now because I've been exposed to this documentary.

That being said I think the documentary falls short in a number of areas. For a man with such a wealth of ideas and intriguing personal history there really wasn't enough depth to this documentary. It's a very glossed over hit the main points kind of documentary. While Zinn is always insightful I think the film maker missed an opportunity to really dive into what makes Zinn tick. There was nothing in the documentary that you couldn't find on Wikipedia. It was worth the watch for me because I was somewhat unfamiliar with who he is but if you're already aware of his background you probably won't get too much out of this documentary. Overall this was a below average documentary that was saved by how interesting just listening to Zinn talk can be.

Click here to add this to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I wanted to learn more about Howard Zinn.

Is it artsy? No, just a cookie cutter documentary about a really interesting guy.

Best thing about the movie? Zinn's unpopular perspectives.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Curious about what a real radical sounds like.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 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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The Candidate (1972)

The Candidate (click here to add to your queue) is a satirical look at how campaigns in America are run. Robert Redford is the star and he does a great job. I'm a bit of a political junkie that has even worked on a few campaigns so naturally this is a movie I had to give a look. In some ways the movie doesn't really hold up too well. Most movies from the 70's just don't seem to hold up over time and to me it's mostly because of the way those people dressed, it just doesn't look right. Redford plays a Democrat who is up against long odds to win and runs on the premise that he is going to lose so he might as well say what he wants. It's easy to forget that not too long ago the state that brought us Nancy Pelosi also gave us Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon. It really illustrates how much the country has changed.

What I really found interesting about the film is what hasn't changed in the last 40 years. People are still arguing about abortion, the environment, unemployment and welfare just like they were back in '72. You often hear a lot of outrage in the media about how politicians don't get anything done and that they've sunk to new lows. Politics has always been, and always will be, a dirty business. 40 years later, this film shows just that.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I'm a political junkie.

Is it artsy? No.

Best thing about the movie? The similarities between politics then and now.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? A political and/or cynical one.

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

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National Geographic: Inside North Korea (2006)

North Korea is easily the most mysterious country in the world. No one really knows what the hell is going on in that country so when some photojournalists get a crack at being inside the country you know they can't help themselves. This documentary (click here to add to your queue) centers around a few National Geographic journalists who were able to get into North Korea by accompanying a doctors without borders type of operation in which they cured a thousand people of blindness in just ten days.

I really admire the doctor in this documentary and if it were on any other country he would be the real story. But, this is North Korea. You can almost smell the fear the people have of their government. It's eerie to watch and I can't imagine how anyone could live in conditions like that. It's still 1984 in North Korea, they just don't have the two-way television sets. You owe it yourself to watch this just to get a grasp of whats going on over there, even if all you get to see is what they want you to see.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? National Geographic journalists are still some of the most amazing people on earth.

Is it artsy? No.

Best thing about the movie? The creepy look of fear and love on everyone's face when they talk about their dear leader.

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

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

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POPaganda: The Art & Crimes of Ron English (2004)

Do you like satire? Do you hate corporations? Do you like satire that sends a message to the evil corporations that are ruining our lives? Well then you're either Dale Gribble or someone who will enjoy this documentary (click here to add to your queue) on Ron English. Ron English is what the kids call a "guerrilla artist". What exactly does a guerrilla artist do you ask? Basically it means you're some dude in New York painting on buildings because you want to get enough recognition to sell out. Selling out is a bad thing you say? I say rents in New York are sky high and keeping your wife happy is even more expensive.

Ron English got famous for posting satirical looks at corporate marketing on billboards. Billboards that already had corporate marketing on them. I dig Ron English because he's been arrested a number of times for his art and I think that is pretty damned cool. Believe me if the cops ever come looking for me because of something I wrote over at Notes From Underground, I'm snitching on all of you. If you're interested in street art or sticking it to the man you should give this one a look.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I'd like to say because I'm very interested in art, but look at the cover. We all know Marilyn Monroe with Mickey Mouse boobs is the real reason this is in my queue.

Is it artsy? Yes, it's street artsy.

Best thing about the movie? The messages on all the billboards he puts up, some of them are really good.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In a fight the powers that be kinda mood.

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

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Iran: A Cinematographic Revolution (2007)

Director: Nader T. Homayoun

I've always been fascinated by Iran and the Iranian people for some reason or another. The Iranian/Persian people have one of the longest recorded histories in the world and with that much history to go on, not to mention the turmoil the country has been through over the last hundred years, and you would think that the country would have it's share of great stories to tell and what better medium than film? The most interesting part of this documentary is the examination of how creativity can flourish or flounder in the face of oppression.

Although the circumstances are very different many point to the strict censorship during the golden age of American cinema as a reason the film industry in America found it's focus. The idea being that having to work within a certain set of rules forces artists to be more creative. The history of Iranian Cinema changed, like everything else in the country, with the Iranian revolution. Very strict rules for filmmakers were put into place and anything from Hollywood was banned. This isolation and limited freedom forced Iranian filmmakers to tell their stories in a way unique in the world and the country's success at international film festivals attests to the fact that it works.

The flip side is of course that of all the talented directors in Iran, none of them have the freedom to create their true visions on film. I think it's an interesting argument for artists to have, but I don't know many that wouldn't choose freedom. I love haiku as much as the next guy, but sometimes you just want to write free verse. If you're interested at all in Iran, cinematic history, or the affects of oppression on art - give this documentary a look.

Click here to add this documentary to your Netflix queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Iran is a fascinating nation and I'm always curious to see what it's like to live in such an isolated place.

Is it artsy? Yes, it's about the creation and history of an art form.

Best thing about the movie? Hearing from Iranians in a forum where chants of death to America just don't work. .

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Curious about another culture's history.

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

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Far From Heaven (2002)

Featuring: Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert. Director: Todd Haynes.


Far From Heaven is a solidly acted movie set in the 50's that deals with some pretty heavy social issues including homosexuality and interracial love in Connecticut. The movie features Dennis Quaid and Julianne Moore as the ideal couple on the outside yet battling to save their marriage behind closed doors. Dennis Quaid is a closeted homosexual and Juliane Moore ends up in good hands with the Allstate insurance guy (who is black if you haven't seen the commercials).

The acting was good. It felt like a movie from the 50's, all the cinematography was really good. The screenplay is really where this movie shined though. It dealt with what were taboo topics in the 50's very well without making it seemed forced or overly preachy, it was a real human tragedy. Check it out, you'll be glad you did.

To add this movie to your Netflix queue click here. 

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I don't exactly remember, must have liked the cover.

Is it artsy? It's artsy in that it is a movie made to illustrate real social issues yet doesn't come off preachy.

Best thing about the movie? Figuring out that was the guy from the Allstate commercials and waiting to make an "in good hands" joke for this blog.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In a mood to feel a range of emotions.

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

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