Happy New Year!! This year we’re going to try something new. Instead of just mining Disney Plus for nostalgia grabs to recommend, I’ll be introducing a “wild card” fifth streaming service in each month’s ‘Movies to Stream’. I’ll rotate between Peacock, Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, and Apple TV based on whichever service has the best film to offer for a given month.
Besides that new wrinkle, ‘Movies to Stream’ will pretty much remain the same. Every month I’ll scour Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and Hulu to find the best available movies to stream on each platform.
With all that being said, I present to the latest edition of ‘Movies to Stream’:
Netflix: Minari (2020)
Few movies are presented with the same kind of intimate grace that Minari is. It’s one of the most special movies of the last few years. The emotions are deep and outrageously heartfelt. Every narrative beat is extremely earned. Steven Yeun’s performance is nothing short of magnificent. It manages to be simultaneously raw, understated, and powerful. Lee Isaac Chung’s writing and directing provides a unique but relatable look at the American dream and the power of family.
FOR FANS OF: Nomadland; Boyhood; The Fabelmans
Prime Video: Jackie Brown (1997)
I’ve long felt that Jackie Brown is Tarantino’s most underrated flick. It’s up there as one of his most mature works and certainly the most tender. Casting Robert DeNiro against type as pothead buffoon is among Tarantino’s most inspired choices. Chris Tucker is a scene stealer in his brief time on screen. And Pam Grier is absolutely magnificent in the title role. As Tarantino’s only adapted screenplay, I find the criticism that Tarantino works best when utilizing his own script to be fair one. However, I don’t think it fully takes away from the overall quality of Jackie Brown.
FOR FANS OF: Pulp Fiction; Foxy Brown; Goodfellas
Max: The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)
The Last Black Man in San Francisco was one of the most overlooked movies of 2019. It was the breakout performance for Jonathan Majors (not sure if that’s still a good thing, but alas). However, his co-star Jimmie Fails (who also co-wrote the script) hasn’t had the good fortune of appearing in any additional projects since. Along with Danny Glover, they’re incredible in this haunting, tender, and touching love letter to the city of San Francisco. Hopefully we’ll see more from Fails and first time director Joe Talbot sometime in the future. Both have certainly got the goods.
FOR FANS OF: Blindspotting; The 25th Hour; Boyz N The Hood
Hulu: The King of Comedy (1982)
Remember a few years back when Joker came out and all of the snooty film fans said it was just a rip off of The King of Comedy? Those were fun times. Either way, no matter where you stand on the Joker debate, we can all agree that The King of Comedy is great. Scorsese hasn’t often dipped his toes into comedy, but whenever he does it’s a smash. Plus it’s quite fun to see DeNiro as a lovable loser. And although it’s not Scorsese’s most obvious exploration of New York City, The King of Comedy does offer some keen insight into what makes the city so special.
*not to be confused with the great TV show The King of Queens
FOR FANS OF: Joker; Taxi Driver; Death to Smoochie
Peacock: Point Break (1991)
Johnny Utah is one of the best names in film history. The ex-presidents is a great name for a crew of bank robbers. Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis is in it. Gary Busey does Gary Busey things. Seriously, what’s not to love? Mix in one of the best movie bromances of all time and you’ve got Kathryn Bigelow’s 1991 classic Point Break. While I find it hard to imagine someone not loving this movie, I get the sneaking suspicion that not everyone has seen it. Which is exactly why it’s being included in this month’s movies to stream.
FOR FANS OF: Speed; The Town; Bad Boys II
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!