Movies at home - 12/3/20 Edition
Because the theaters aren't opening anytime soon.
Ah, December. We’ve hit the final month of this cursed year. Between the holiday sandwich, a pandemic, colder temps, shortening days, and general malaise, there’s no better way to lose yourself than in warm embrace of your tv. Also, everyone has already seen Happiest Season (if you haven’t, consider it your first recommendation). And Mank comes out tomorrow, which likely means it’ll be on the list next week.
Feel good movies…
Toy Story 4
Toy Story 3 was the perfect send off for Woody, Buzz and the gang. Sweet and emotional, it was a perfect allegory for moving on. Yet after a nine year hiatus, Toy Story 4 still feels relevant and necessary. Shifting focus to Woody (Tom Hanks), new character Forky (Tony Hale), and the return of Bo Peep (Annie Potts), the franchise tackle issues that plague both the toy- and real-worlds. Another leap in CG and superb voice acting (Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, Jordan Peele & Keegan Michael Key join), make Toy Story 4 the perfect movie you didn’t need, but will love to watch. 100 mins. Watch it on Disney+.
Dolemite is my Name
On the surface, this biopic of is a profane retelling of comedic trailblazer Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy). In reality it’s a very good, profane retelling of comedic trailblazer Rudy Ray Moore as he hustles toward his vision of entertainment. Responsible for raunchy comedy albums and blaxploitation films of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Dolemite is My Name chronicles a rags to riches story with an incredible lead performance. Hilarious, feel good, and a secret love letter to bootstrap filmmaking (with serious Bowfinger vibes), find it on Netflix now. 118 mins.
Good Boys
This overlooked coming of age buddy comedy is all at once wholesome, raunchy, and ridiculous. The classic day-from-hell movie trope is viewed through the prism of tweens, which gives the film an interesting, if harmless, spin. By taking out the horniness of films like Superbad or Booksmart, you’re left with a crew of wide eyed, well, good boys, who are in over their heads just trying to find their path in life. It’s R-rated so it’s not too wholesome, but worth the watch. 95 mins. Stream on HBO Max.
Two sides of the Asian Cinema coin…
Your Name
One of the best films to come out of Japan in the last decade (and that’s saying a lot), this Makoto Shinkai film blends the artfulness of a Miyazaki with a more modern, interpersonal story. It’s the only film on VoD this week, but I implore you not to read about the film, just rent it. If you hate it, I’ll give you the $4. If you’re a fan of Japanese animation, this is should be high on your list. If you’re new to them, this is an excellent first entry. 106 mins. Rent on Amazon ($3.99) or iTunes ($4.99).
Old Boy
On the opposite end of the spectrum from Your Name, is the Korean revenge thriller flick Oldboy. Not the underwhelming Spielberg remake, but the original Park Chan Wook film that is perfectly crafted, expertly paced, and contains an ending that’ll make your stomach turn. Not for the faint of heart, Oldboy is Korean cinema at its finest: blindingly intelligent yet viscerally brutal. 118 mins. Stream on Shudder.
Obligatory TV recommendation…
The Boys
What if superheroes, but capitalist? The second season of The Boys—the darker, grittier, and more nihilistic superhero fare—doubles down on what made it a breakout hit. By taking well-worn superhero archetypes and tropes, distilling through a filter of greed, consumption, and cynicism, and you’re left with a bloody, shocking, funny, and incredibly watchable show. The second season allows for unexpected character arcs, an expansion of the universe, and a whole new host of problems for the titular Boys. 16 episodes, ~60 mins. Find it on Amazon Prime.
Shoutout Letterboxd for helping the film community keep track of their obsession.
For last week’s recommendations, check it out here.
Also, I’d love any feedback or suggestions on the content/layout! Let me know below!