February – the month of Groundhog’s Day. A day now associated with the unnerving monotony of living the same day over and over again thanks to the hit Bill Murray movie Groundhog’s Day. However, your watchlist doesn’t need to remain monotonous. Don’t rewatch the same TV series from 20-30 years ago, when you can check out some of these dope options of movies to stream:
Netflix: They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
Jamie Foxx is one of, if not the most, charismatic actors working today. Every time he pops up on screen it’s an absolute delight. They Cloned Tyrone is no exception. As a hilarious pimp (Slick Charles) working together with John Boyega’s Fontaine and Teyonah Parris’ Yo-Yo, he helps uncover a bizarrely sinister plot of cloning, corruption, control. At times this might appear to be too wild and out there for the standard audience member, but if you stick with it, it becomes a wholly satisfying viewing experience.
FOR FANS OF: Sorry to Bother You; The Truman Show; Atlanta (TV Series)
Prime Video: A Thousand and One (2023)
This is one of the most overlooked movies of 2023. It’s a lovely tale of motherhood, identity, and second chances. Told over the span of over 15 years, it explores all of the highs and lows of the human experience. The acting is dynamite, especially Teyana Taylor in the lead role. She manages to harness so much emotion into a fairly understated performance. A.V. Rockwell in her directorial debut shows to have a fresh perspective behind the camera that excites me for what she has in store for us next.
FOR FANS OF: Moonlight; Room; Boyhood
Max: Juice (1992)
Growing up in the hood can be horrific. No movie explores that horror better than Ernest Dickerson’s Juice. It presents itself as a standard coming of age drama film, but quickly devolves into one of the scariest movies about the allures of violence. Tupac Shakur delivers his best performance in his debut role. People forget that he studied acting at the Baltimore School for the Arts, one of the most well respected performing arts high schools in the nation. It’s a shame Dickerson’s career never panned out the way it should have considering how strong of a directorial debut this is. At least we’ll always have this movie to celebrate.
FOR FANS OF: Menace II Society; Boyz n The Hood; Scarface
Hulu: Knight and Day (2010)
Knight and Day begs the question of what would happen if Ethan Hunt were in a rom-com. The answer is apparently “it would be awesome.” As much as Tom Cruise has spent the last 10-15 years leaning into his identity as the world’s greatest action star. However, he still has the overall range and charm to simply be the world’s last movie star. His comedic chops are on full display here and Cameron Diaz is the perfect counterpart for him.
FOR FANS OF: Mission: Impossible – Fallout; Mr. and Mrs. Smith; The Hitman’s Bodyguard
Paramount Plus: Pain & Gain (2013)
This might be the last time Mark Wahlberg was in something great. It’s the last time The Rock attempted actual acting instead of just being a brand ambassador. It’s the most fun Anthony Mackie has been. This is Michael Bay at his best. Lose the giant CGI robot aliens and he shows that his eye for cinematic action is pure and true. Few directors have captured the oddities of the city of Miami like Bay has. He has his haters, but it shouldn’t be for this movie.
FOR FANS OF: The Rock; The Wolf of Wall Street; Fargo
Make sure you check out all of these awesome options and let us know what you think. Also, be sure to let us know the best hidden gems you’ve streamed recently. Share in the comments and help us expand the list!
See you next month!