Sure-Fire Streaming: The Eagle, 3 From Hell, Safehouse, and more
By Jordan Parker
The best in TV and film from your living room.
The Eagle – Available On Netflix
This Roman epic is an intense piece of historical action, and I missed it when it was released 10 years ago for one silly reason.
Because of the romantic comedies Channing Tatum acted in prior to his role in The Eagle, I assumed he couldn't act, and had no intention of watching him struggle through a dramatic role.
He does anything but that here, and admirably plays a Roman soldier who tries to find new purpose in Roman-controlled Britain following an honourable discharge due to wounds sustained in battle.
His Marcus attempts to find his lost legion's golden emblem and restore honour to his family's legacy. He brings slave Esca with him on the perilous journey.
Tatum is exemplary, as is Jamie Bell. They're joined by Donald Sutherland in a supporting turn, and the whole affair has an unexpected polish.
It's a fantastic epic you won't be able to take your eyes off of.
3 From Hell – Available On Netflix
If you were a fan of the brutal, insane The Devil's Rejects, this is the conclusion to that defiant, insane horror trilogy.
The Firefly family – who spent House Of 1,000 Corpses and Devil's Rejects on a murderous rampage – escape from prison and go on another chaotic run.
Made media sensations (think Natural Born Killers), they deal with infamy as they carry out another series of crimes.
Writer-director Rob Zombie is a visually-visceral director who never compromises his vision. But I'll be honest, you have to like your themes dark and your gore heavy to step into this messed up world.
Sheri Moon Zombie – the director's wife – joins Bill Moseley and Sid Haig as they reprise their villainous roles here. Of particular note is seeing Haig as Captain Spaulding one last time, as he passed away before the film was released.
It's a thrill-ride, but definitely not an easy watch. Gorehounds, though, will rejoice.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – Available On Prime Video
I have to be honest about how I feel here – If you don't like E.T., you're absolutely, unequivocally wrong.
Everyone has a memory of the first time they watched E.T. -- much like they do Jurassic Park or The Lion King – and it's stuck with them. I remember being terrified of this movie, even though logically there was no reason.
What four-year-old me feared, 31-year-old me finds unforgettable. It follows troubled Elliott, whose life is changed when he needs to help an alien return to his home world.
Steven Spielberg is one of the directors who has defined a generation, and this is one of his absolute best works.
Henry Thomas – currently making a name for himself again with Netflix shows – stars, and the world also got introduced to Drew Barrymore.
Nominated for nine Oscars in 1983, winner of four, E.T. Is a certified classic in every way.
The Breakfast Club – Available On Netflix
I will always adore this movie, the perfect portrait of teen angst and insecurity.
When five high schoolers from completely different walks of life are stuck in Saturday detention together, they figure out they have more in common than they ever thought imaginable.
Writer-director John Hughes was the master of the coming-of-age film, and this is one of his crowning achievements.
The cast is absolutely wonderful, and they will always be remembered for these roles. Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall all bring so much life to the proceedings.
Add in Paul Gleason as our villainous, crotchety principal, and this ensemble really makes this one.
A classic for all, it's one of those movies I can't say “no” to if I see it in TV.
Safe House - Available On Prime Video
Can you ever really skip a Denzel Washington movie?
Safe House isn't his best, but it's a well-acted, really interesting action movie that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
It follows a young CIA agent trying to prove himself. He's given an assignment to take care of a fugitive in a safe house. But when the building is attacked, he must take to the streets and protect the man, even when his prisoner may be his biggest adversary.
Washington and Ryan Reynolds make one heck of a team, and they're joined by Robert Patrick, Brendan Gleeson and Vera Farmiga.
It's a taut, intense thriller that I turn to when I need a decent way to kill a few hours.