Apologies for the delay. You all deserve movies to stream to be timely every month. Unfortunately, sometimes there are too many good movies for me to sift through to find the best options on the various streaming platforms for your viewing pleasure. Hopefully these movies are cool enough that you’ll forgive my tardiness this February.
Netflix: Okja (2017)
Remember 5 years ago when Parasite won Best Picture and a bunch of other Oscars and it was the coolest thing ever? Simpler times. Well, that guy Bong Joon-Ho has a bunch of other really cool movies that worth checking out. Including one that kind of got lost in the shuffle as a direct to Netflix release called Okja. It features a terrific ensemble cast in a wild store about a genetically modified “super pig” who is forced into, then liberated from the evil forces of various industrial complexes. It’s not Bong’s best film, but certainly an enjoyable ride.
FOR FANS OF: Babe; Parasite; EO
Prime Video: Margin Call (2011)
Frankly, there aren’t enough movies about the 2008 financial crisis. Probably because there isn’t anything inherently sexy or cinematic about guys in suits talking about dire financial circumstances. However, one of the few movies about the crisis, Margin Call, is actually immensely entertaining. At times it reads like a stage play, which is great considering the specific acting talents that make up the cast. But it’s also a surprisingly thoughtful and insightful film; one that doesn’t recount the events as they occurred, but rather uses a fictionalized version of it to explore elements of our humanity.
FOR FANS OF: The Big Short; The Social Network; Wall Street
Max: Love & Basketball (2000)
I’m breaking the number one rule of “Movies to Stream” with this recommendation because I’ve never actually seen Love and Basketball. However, basketball and love are two things I enjoy very much, so I can only imagine that movie about them would be great. I assume it’s a great watch for Black History Month. I assume it’s a great watch for Valentine’s Day. Maybe I’ll finally get around to actually checking it out so my recommendation carries real weight.
FOR FANS OF: He Got Game; Jerry Maguire; Fever Pitch
Hulu: Drumline (2002)
There was a period of time where Nick Cannon was a can’t miss up and coming star (long before he became an internet punchline for having too many kids). He was primed to be the “it” guy in tv and film. Unfortunately, he only ever gave us one real quality movie performance in Drumline. Which is fine because Drumline is a great relic of early aughts pop culture and utterly rewatchable. Also, I forgot Zoe Saldaña is in this, so at least it gave us one person with a thriving big screen career.
FOR FANS OF: Stomp the Yard; Whiplash; Remember the Titans
Peacock: Gone Baby Gone (2007)
This was the movie where we realized that Casey Affleck was a better actor than his brother and Ben Affleck is much more adept behind the camera as a director. Gone Baby Gone is a wonderfully enthralling thriller that’s worthy of a rewatch every 3 to 4 years. Affleck captures the essence of Boston beautifully, allowing it act as both backdrop and as an additional character in the film. This film also furthers the proof that Michelle Monaghan’s stranglehold on the late 2000s/early 2010s was real and deserved.
FOR FANS OF: Mystic River; The Town; Prisoners
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!
