Sure-Fire Streaming: Centigrade, The Last Blockbuster, The Secrets We Keep, and more!
BY JORDAN PARKER
https://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/
Centigrade – Available On Netflix
When I heard about the plot for Centigrade, I have to be honest. I shrugged it off immediately and went about my day.
And yet, when it came up on Netflix, something drew me to it anyway. The bare-bones story of a married couple who become trapped in their frozen vehicle brings more to the table than you’d ever imagine.
Director Brendan Walsh creates a claustrophobic, tense atmosphere as these two people – who stopped on a highway to sleep overnight – find their car covered in packed in snow after a blizzard.
They struggle to survive and begin to turn on each other as they try to overcome their circumstances. It’s not high-art, but as an interesting character study with a tense atmosphere, it works well.
The Last Blockbuster– Available On Netflix
This documentary encapsulated the nostalgic feeling I get every time I see a big, glorious blue and yellow Blockbuster logo.
It takes us from the origins of the video giant retailer to the fall through time, and it’s a really incredible examination of what, exactly, has led to the demise of Blockbuster.
As the final Blockbuster in America, in Bend, Oregon, operates on a shoestring budget, the manager and her family give unfettered access to their lives.
We’re able to learn all about how things like streaming and Netflix affected things, where things could have gone in a different direction, and how the last Blockbuster stays open.
But mostly, this is a trip down memory lane that will make you yearn for those aisles and the smell of Orville Redenbacher, and that’s a good, bittersweet experience.
The Secrets We Keep – Available On Prime Video
This is a really dark, odd flick that I saw on a whim, but I was pretty glad I did.
It follows a housewife in post-WWII America who kidnaps her neighbour and holds him in her basement.
She believes he’s a Nazi who committed war crimes against her, and though he is steadfast she has the wrong man, she cannot be convinced otherwise.
Her husband – unwitting about her previous tragic struggles – tries to keep an even keel and sift between truth and fantasy as he adapts to the situation.
It’s a great acting showcase for Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman and Chris Messina, and it’s a slow-burn, well-paced thriller.
It’s a pretty adult-themed film, but if you want high-brow entertainment, this might be the one for you.
The American – Available On Netflix
It’s an incredibly slow picture, and it takes its absolute time, but The American represents a slick, involving thriller.
George Clooney stars as an assassin hiding out in Italy as he preps for his swan song assignment.
But as can be expected, things don’t all go according to plan, and he finds himself fighting for his freedom.
The supporting performances from Paolo Bonacelli and Violante Placido are great, but make no mistake. This is Clooney’s movie, and it’s an excellent showcase for the actor.
If for no other reason, see it for Clooney, as it’s one of his most subtly interesting roles in years.
The Big Sick – Available On Prime Video
As far as romantic comedies go, it really doesn’t get much better than the endlessly stunning and surprising The Big Sick.
It follows a Pakistan-born comedian and grad student who meet and fall for each other. But cultural ideals threaten to pull them apart.
Things hit a breaking point when student Emily gets sick with a mystery illness, and Kumail is forced to reconcile with the fact he feels real adoration for her.
He pushes and clashes with her family as he attempts to be there for her, and pushes against his own parents, who feel Emily isn’t right for their son.
It’s a hilarious, tear-jerking, tonally incredible movie that will take you all over the place. But it’s so worth it. What an incredible gem it is.