Is the August new theatrical releases schedule not tickling your fancy? Are you tired of rewatching the same 5 movies every weekend? If so, you may be in the market for streaming recommendations.
We figured you may need something to spice up your watchlist, so we scoured through Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus to dig up some worthwhile flicks you may want to check out.
Netflix: RRR (2022)
You’ve probably heard your friends or people on the internet talking about RRR by now. And that’s because it’s freaking awesome. While a three hour long movie about India’s fight for independence might not seem like a movie that’s up your alley, trust that it is.
For starters, this is one of the best action movies I’ve seen in years. Each passing set piece will leave you more in awe than the last. My jaw literally dropped at some of the bombastically outrageous sequences in this film. It also happens to be the best cinematic bromance of all time.
Within the first fifteen minutes, you will understand why this movie is as popular as it is. You’ll be sucked in immediately and end up thankful for the journey it takes you on.
FOR FANS OF: Avengers: Endgame; Top Gun; Mad Max: Fury Road
Prime Video: Candyman (2021)
Perhaps you recently saw Nope, the latest movie from the one and only Jordan Peele and you’re craving more of his genius. You’ve probably already caught his two previous films, Get Out and Us, however, you may not be familiar with Candyman, which Peele co-wrote and produced. Peele’s influence can certainly be felt, but this is undoubtedly Nia DaCosta’ movie.
Acting as both a reboot and pseudo-sequel to 1992’s Candyman, DaCosta’s movie delivers in both the scares and social commentary departments. Following the footsteps of some really impressive recent entries in the modern horror game, Candyman proves itself worthy of the quality company it keeps. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is solidifies himself as one of the brightest up and coming stars in Hollywood, while DaCosta announces that she’s hear to stay as a great fresh voice behind the camera.
There’s also a scene involving an elevator that still sits in the back of my mind whenever I get on one. So, there’s that.
FOR FANS OF: Get Out; Candyman (1992); The Invisible Man
HBO Max: Black Dynamite (2008)
The spoof genre is pretty hit or miss. It often times focuses on the punchline of a joke about a trope more than poking fun at the actual atmosphere or ethos of the genre. However, this is not the case for Black Dynamite, which is still one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen.
The jokes land in Black Dynamite because everything is played so straight. The absurdity speaks for itself. The blaxploitation genre is inherently absurd on its own. Black Dynamite simply heightens it to the point of comedy. I’m always surprised that this movie isn’t more popular than it is. It’s one of the best action-comedies of the 21st Century, and should be celebrated as such.
FOR FANS OF: Jackie Brown; Super Fly; The Boondocks (TV Series)
Hulu: In & Of Itself (2021)
Part documentary, part one man show, part magic act? Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It is such a uniquely singular experience that there is not much of a sales pitch for it beyond “just watch it!”
Filmed over mutlitple nights at DelGaudio’s live show of the same name, In & Of Itself dazzles, moves, and entertains. DelGaudio uses techniques of illusionism and sleight of hand magic to take us into the inner depths of his humanity. By the end, he flips the script to tell us something about our own individual and our collective humanity. You will be shaken to your core, you will cry, you will question life itself. You may also get a kick or two out of some of his magic tricks. If magic or emoting aren’t your thing, stick around for some absolutely wild celebrity cameos.
FOR FANS OF: *There is truly nothing like this*
Disney Plus: Heavyweights (1997)
I, like most people, often forget that before Judd Apatow dominated the 2000’s comedic movie scene, he co-wrote and produced a movie about a bunch of pre-teen boys at a fat camp. Upon recent rewatch, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that much of the humor and charm that I assumed to be a byproduct of nostalgia, was actually present.
Obviously it doesn’t hurt when you have Ben Stiller on set reading the jokes for the camera. It also helps to have a wildly talented group of young actors, including an early role for future SNL star Keenan Thompson. The laughs are pretty non-stop and the heart is abundant. And as far as summer movies go, Heavyweights is about as quintessential as they come.
FOR FANS OF: The Mighty Ducks; Dodgeball; Freaks and Geeks (TV Series)
Alas! Five awesome flicks to add to your watchlist for the month. Make sure to add these to your queues and check back in next month. Until then, happy streaming!
What’s the best hidden gem you’ve streamed recently? Share in the comments and help us expand the list!
