With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we believe it’s our duty to highlight the recent, recommended titles that have recently hit the interwebs. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and more. Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below, and shoot over suggestions to @TheFilmStage.
American Gigolo (Paul Schrader; 1980)
Less the sleazy ‘80s fun its Blondie-scored opening credits would lead one to expect and, strangely enough, closer in construction to the work of Paul Schrader’s cinematic idol, Robert Bresson, American Gigolo efficiently works through the undesirable business of its central character to deliver a masculine study worthy of the helmer’s more famous screenplays. Richard Gere’s performance as the cool, calm, eponymous man-for-hire is among the best in a decades-long career, and the synthetic-sounding strings of Giorgio Moroder sell a broken world with gilded glamour. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
The Central Park Five (Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David Mcmahon; 2012)
Ken Burns‘ controversial exploration of the 1989 Central Park Jogger Case hit theaters last fall ahead of a PBS airing, but now it’s arriving on Netflix. Directed with his daughter, Sarah, and David McMahon, the film caught fire with lawyers in New York, as they even attempt to subpoena notes and outtakes from the film, due to the extensive research done. As one of the most vital documentaries of last year, it’s a must-see. – Jordan R.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
The Dirties (Matthew Johnson; 2013)
If the found-footage concept relies on the belief that hand-held images will instantly signal reality, then it’s refreshing that The Dirties has the intelligence to directly pit verisimilitude against fantasy and subjectivity’s place within it. But as for the subject of the found-footage, we find two best friends, but more definitively. high-school outcasts and film buffs, Matt and Owen (the former played by the director Matt Johnson). They decide to document (with the help of an unseen cameraman) the making of their magnum opus, The Dirties, which sees them getting revenge against the school bullies. Their cast and crew consist virtually of themselves and a few accidental participants from their school and outside; itself mirroring the actual film’s use of real people. Though after their disastrous in-class screening, only making them the objects of even further scorn, it’s back to the drawing board as a far more real and deadly project is devised by Matt. – Ethan V.
Where to Watch: iTunes
Dressed to Kill (Brian De Palma; 1980)
Like every cornerstone of Brian De Palma’s oeuvre, Dressed to Kill exposes its maker’s driving obsessions in a less-than-flattering, albeit wildly entertaining manner. This particular entry, among his finest, is in no short supply of the roving cameras, pitch-black humor, and leering directorial eye that we know him for, but it stands apart for being one of the most observant — both for its autobiographical roots (note the central interest of Keith Gordon’s character) and his then-wife, Nancy Allen, cast as a rare De Palma female taking agency. Sprinkle in one of Michael Caine’s most genuinely surprising performances, and your Saturday night just became a whole lot more fun. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Evil Dead II (Sam Raimi; 1987)
It doesn’t matter whether you’ll argue for it as a sequel to or, on the other hand, especially wacky remake of Sam Raimi’s 1981 classic: for all of its 84 minutes, Evil Dead II never sags in its intent to deliver a tight-wired horror rollercoaster so packed to the brim with surprising sight gags and gross-outs that it should play well independent of any source. If you’re not invested once the disembodied hand attaches itself to Bruce Campbell’s throat, horror-comedy, as a general “thing,” might not really be for you. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Forrest Gump (Robert Zemeckis; 1994)
Considering its acclaim and box-office, chances are strong that you’ve seen this Robert Zemeckis-directed Best Picture winner, but if you haven’t, or simply want to revisit, the film is now easily accessible on Netflix Instant. While this multi-generation-spanning tale does sway into heavily sentimental territory, there’s still lots to love here, notably a strong performance at the center from Tom Hanks. With Captain Phillips, which provides one of his best performances, approaching next week, it’s prime time to give this one another look. – Jordan R.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Ghostbusters (Ivan Reitman; 1984)
Celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, there’s not much more we can add to the discussion surrounding Ghostbusters, but it’s a wonderful, welcome reminder just how great summer blockbusters can be. With its consistently entertaining tone, whether it be through the special effects or the sharp humor, it also easily outpaces any tentpole we saw this year. Perfectly timed for October, the arrival of this paranormal comedy on Netflix Instant makes for an ideal re-watch. – Jordan R.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
The Heat (Paul Feig; 2013)
While much attention is focused on the fact that Paul Feig’s The Heat is an action-comedy with two women in the lead — much was similarly made of his Bridesmaids two years ago — the resulting film is not exactly a paen to female empowerment. With a clearly bewildered Sandra Bullock trying to keep up with Melissa McCarthy — who’s gone into “John Candy on Red Bull” mode — The Heat is exactly what its trailers are selling: a worn-out, aggressive, and scattershot raunch fest that hasn’t much idea of what it wants to be, let alone how to be about it. When Bullock and McCarthy are in those rare moments of synched harmony, their schtick flies and we laugh. More often than not, you just want to pin The Heat to the ground and read it its rights. – Nathan B.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, iTunes
The Last Days of Disco (Whit Stillman; 1998)
Last year’s charming Damsels in Distress saw the return of one of independent film’s most distinctive voices, Whit Stillman. Considering it struggled to cross the $1 million mark, one would have to assume the fans of his previous features — made at least a decade-plus ago — didn’t turn out. So, if you have yet to hop on the Stillman bandwagon, his third feature, and perhaps the most accomplished, The Last Days of Disco, has now hit Netflix Instant. Starring Chloë Sevigny, Kate Beckinsale and his frequent collaborator Chris Eigeman, this story of two Manhattanites finding their respective way through relationships and the disco floor is perfectly realized. – Jordan R.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (Guy Ritchie; 1998)
Before Guy Ritchie knocked out a couple of lifeless Sherlock Holmes features, he debuted with this sharp, highly entertaining gangster drama. Not only did it serve as a break-out for Ritchie — who would follow it up with a loose remake of sorts, stylistically speaking, with Snatch — but it also was the acting bow of Jason Statham, Hollywood’s go-to man in the action genre. Also starring Vinnie Jones and Jason Flemyng, the fun of Lock, Stock can now be had on Netflix Instant.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Pacific Rim (Guillermo del Toro; 2013)
If you didn’t see Guillermo del Toro‘s large-scale blockbuster Pacific Rim in theaters, then you unfortunately, missed out on much of the experience. With its hollow characters, including a laughable lead performance from Charlie Hunnam, it’s hard to recommend this one for just its somewhat engaging action scenes. But, if you were at all curious about seeing the monsters vs. robots smash-em-up, it’s now hit VOD ahead of its Blu-ray release. – Jordan R.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, iTunes
Also Recommended:
The French Connection II (John Frankenheimer; 1975)
The Gambler (Karel Reisz; 1974)
King of New York (Abel Ferrara; 1990)
Tsotsi (Gavin Hood; 2005)
What are you streaming this week?