In These Trying Times,
There’s Plenty of Entertainment
to Enjoy at Home!
Clearly, a lot has happened in the last month but in some ways, maybe pressing the pause button has been a good thing for a lot of us. At the very least, it’s given us more time to spend with our families, look at the world with a new perspective, and focus on things that, perhaps, slipped by the wayside as we went about our busy lives.
As we hunker down and take proper precautions to protect the ones we love there’s certainly no shortage of things to do; Getting a head start on your spring cleaning, playing board games, or going for a walk are prime examples. Of course, my favorite pastime is watching movies and while the temporary closure of theaters has been quite a bummer–I’ll forever be a proponent of the theatrical experience–My extensive Blu-Ray/DVD collection and access to various streaming services and VOD have ensured that my habitual movie viewing habit ain’t going nowhere.
While COVID-19 has caused immediate changes in our day-to-day lives, it’s had a most unique impact on the movie theater industry in particular. In a time when exhibitors are doing everything they can to keep butts in the seats, to keep streaming services at bay, and to make sure there are at least 2 months in their theatrical home window, this sudden seismic shift has seen major studios like Disney and Universal Pictures testing out a new business model. More on that in a moment.
As we all navigate through these tricky times, it’s important to remember that no matter where your mindset might be in terms of the actual scope of this pandemic, staying home, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing isn’t too much to ask. Always better to be safe than sorry. And while it is true, the economy may take a bit of hit, we’ll all bounce back and get through this together.
As we continue to weather this storm, here are a few titles you might want to check out after you’re finished with that spring cleaning, have taken that much-needed walk or hike, and lost your ass in that brutal game of Monopoly;
VIDEOS ON DEMAND
VOD is certainly nothing new, but a few major studios have opted to attempt something fairly unprecedented and Video on Demand is part of the plan. What might that plan be? How about bringing first-run movies directly to your home? And for only $20! Now, $20 might sound a little steep to some folk but if you have a family, this is beyond a reasonable price. Not only do you have the option of pausing the movie and running to the restroom, but you also have your own easily accessible snack bar, aka, the kitchen.
While watching select first-run titles in a home setting certainly won’t duplicate the theatrical experience, this is a great option, particularly if there’s a current release you’re dying to see. The big question of the moment is will first-run movies continue to be available via VOD once the pandemic subsides and theaters re-open for business? Only time will tell.
It should also be noted that some of the bigger event films have been pulled from the theatrical release calendar altogether and are be re-positioned for later dates because let’s face it; Many of us hardcore moviegoers don’t fancy the idea of watching a film like “No Time to Die” for our first time at home.
For the time being, here’s a little list of first-run films that you can order now;
“THE INVISIBLE MAN” (UNIVERSAL PICTURES/BLUMHOUSE)
This re-imagining, from “Upgrade” director Leigh Whannell took in quite the box-office haul off a rather small $7 million budget so Universal decided to make it available to view from the comfort of your own home. Elisabeth Moss stars as a woman who desperately tries to convince everyone in her life that her deceased husband is, in fact, alive and terrorizing her through the power of invisibility. What follows is essentially a fusion of “Sleeping With the Enemy” and “Hollow Man.” While not without its faults, “The Invisible Man” delivers the chills, most notably in the first half. (Rated R)
“THE HUNT” (UNIVERSAL PICTURES/BLUMHOUSE)
It’s been quite the road for the “The Hunt.” After a delayed release, the film had the unfortunate position of dropping just a couple of weeks before the pandemic. In this Blumhouse thriller, 12 strangers awaken to find themselves in the middle of a clearing. Worse still, they’re being hunted. By who? That’s one of the big questions at the heart of “The Hunt.” (Rated R)
“I STILL BELIEVE” (LIONSGATE)
This Christian-themed film follows musician Jeremy Camp and his eventual rise to fame. “I Still Believe” certainly isn’t without it’s cheesy (and undeniably sentimental) moments, but in the end, it’s earnest spirit shines through. Further still, this film gets a lot of mileage out of likable leads Britt Robertson and K.J. Apa. (Rated PG)
“CALL OF THE WILD” (WALT DISNEY PICTURES/20TH CENTURY PICTURES)
Here’s yet another adaptation of Jack London’s beloved book, this one starring the legendary Harrison Ford and a CG dog. This take on “Call of the Wild” is hit and miss and the animated canines are often distracting but there is a warmth to Ford and by the end of the picture, his bond with the CG pooch is at least moderately palpable. Great scenery throughout the picture as well. Not as strong as the Disney+ offering, “Togo,” but this is still a solid watch for the whole family. (Rated PG)
“THE PLATFORM” (FEATURE FILM)
A man in a vertical prison learns a great deal about the origins of his whereabouts from his creepy cellmate in this assured feature directorial debut from Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. A lot is going on in this picture and while there’s nothing particularly subtle about the numerous themes at play here, to call “The Platform” provocative would be a gross understatement. It’s like a fusion of “Snowpiercer,” “Parasite,” “Cube,” and “Saw.” Extremely well crafted but it should be noted that this will not be a movie for everyone and I’m not going to lie; Given the current state of the world this movie is unnerving and uncomfortable to watch. Still, highly recommended. (Rated R)
OZARK (SERIES)
This dark look at the American Dream follows an accountant as he struggles at every turn to outsmart drug lords and authorities to keep his family safe. Eventually, he and his loved ones find themselves getting into one intense scrape after the next after relocating from the big city to the Ozarks. This series is pulpy and ridiculous at times but Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are outstanding in the leads and they’re given an assist by an extremely capable supporting cast. “Ozark” has been compared to the likes of “Breaking Bad” and while it’s not quite in the same league, it’s still well worth watching. Sidenote; Season 3 just dropped! (Adult situations and language. Not for the kids.)
TIGER KING (SERIES)
The series everyone is talking about on all social media platforms are currently streaming on Netflix and quite frankly, it’s even crazier than you’ve been hearing. It traces the life of Joe Exotic, a colorful individual with his very own big cat sanctuary in the heart of Oklahoma. This is one of those “Too-Crazy-To-Be-True” tabloid-worthy stories that grab you by the second episode and it doesn’t let go. From a technical standpoint, it’s a bit sloppy and a little redundant but it’s so batshit insane that it simply has to be seen to be believed. (Adult situations and language. Not for the kids)
DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE (SERIES)
This prequel series to the early 80s Jim Henson fantasy film is just about everything a fan of the movie could have hoped for. Set several years before the events of the original, “Age of Resistance” is as breathtaking as they come. It’s so ambitious and so utterly stunning in its visual splendor that it’s hard to believe this series even exists! Hat’s off to director Louis Leterrier and crew for not only honoring the spirit of Henson’s vision but for going the extra mile and continuing to incorporate puppets instead of opting for CG overload. A spectacular series! (Dark but family appropriate.)
“AMAZING STORIES” (SERIES)
This updating of Steven Spielberg’s forgotten 80s anthology series is very much in the same tradition. It’s pretty much what the title implies.
“ONWARD” (ANIMATED FEATURE)
This latest Pixar film just opened in theaters in March 2020 but its theatrical run was cut short so the folks at Disney decided to drop it on their streaming service for our viewing pleasure. (Family appropriate.)
“FROZEN 2” (ANIMATED FEATURE)
Not surprisingly, this sequel to the 2013 monster hit also made a killing at the box-office. But is it as good as its predecessor? That’s debatable. It’s beautifully animated and certainly darker than the first, but the songs aren’t as catchy and it doesn’t quite stick the landing. That said, it’s a “Frozen” movie and your kids are likely to love it! (Appropriate for the whole family.)
“TOGO” (FEATURE)
This rousing tale of a sled dog that would take part in a historic delivery mission is an absolute joy! Willem Dafoe is terrific in the lead and the dogs are simply wonderful. Beautifully constructed action scenes, gorgeous locales, and a big beating heart make this one an absolute winner. I prefer “Togo” to “Call of the Wild.” (Appropriate for the whole family.)
“THE MANDALORIAN” (SERIES)
“The Mandalorian” has just about everything anyone could want out of a live-action “Star Wars” t.v. series, plus, it has Werner Herzog! Admittedly, his role was too small but a little Herzog is better than no Herzog at all. “The Mandalorian” follows a stoic bounty hunter as he does what he can to protect the most unexpected (and precious) cargo. Truth be told, some episodes are considerably better than others–the standout episode being Takia Waititi’s creative finale–but that old “Star Wars” magic is always front and center. The force is strong with this one. (Appropriate for the whole family.)
“PICARD” (SERIES)
After 2 successful seasons of “Star Trek: Discovery,” CBS Access is back to push our nostalgia buttons with the rousing, “Picard.” Patrick Stewart returns to the role that made him an international star and he’s bringing along several familiar faces for the ride. (Of the PG-13 variety.)
“THE TWILIGHT ZONE” (SERIES)
For my money, Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone” remains the greatest series in the history of television. This iconic anthology series was popular enough to inspire a handful of updatings through the years and this latest version was spearheaded by “Get Out” writer/director, Jordan Peele. Rod Serling meets Peele? It sounds like a great combination! (Adult situations. Not for the kids.)
“COBRA KAI” (SERIES) – Enjoy the first episode in its entirety below!
Not only is “Cobra Kai” a perfect homage to “The Karate Kid” universe, but it actually makes the first film in the franchise an even richer experience. This endearing series catches up with Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny (William Zabka) in their 50s but rather than resorting to a simple rehash, “Cobra Kai” cleverly subverts our expectations. It has plenty of callbacks but not in the way you might be anticipating. Macchio and Zabka are just outstanding here. Zabka, in particular, is allowed to play a more well-rounded character as opposed to a one-note villain and this show is all the stronger for it. This is to say nothing of the young supporting cast. This series blindsided me. I wasn’t expecting to love it nearly as much as I did! Bring on season 3! (Of the PG-13 variety.)
Now it should be noted that the previously mentioned recommended streaming services and titles only scratch the surface! Plenty of great content over at Hulu and Amazon Prime as well. Point being, you’re not likely to run out of entertainment any time soon so for the time being, do your best to stay home.
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