November already? Where did the year go? Can’t believe it’s almost over. Oh well – another month down means more movies to stream coming at ya. This time around, I picked some quality flicks for your viewing pleasure from Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Hulu, and Peacock.
Netflix: Scarface (1985)
Brian De Palma’s epic about the American Dream and how when unchecked it can consume and corrupt us is one of those movies that’s taken on a life of its own outside of the movie. It’s extremely quotable and memeable but at it’s core it’s still a really freaking good movie. Yes, Al Pacino’s Cuban accent is ridiculous, but his performance is otherwise nuanced and layered. It’s far from his best, but among his most memorable. Plus the “Push it to the Limit” montage is one of the best cinematic moments to come out of the 80s.
FOR FANS OF: The Godfather; The Untouchables; There Will Be Blood
Prime Video: Let the Right One In (2008)
Vampires are the most versatile movie monster – hands down. The breadth of stories we’re able to tell and areas of society we’re able to explore feels endless in its possibilities. Let the Right One In is a prime example of that. A Swedish film about a preteen vampire befriending her bullied neighbor sounds like a bizarre movie mad-libs that can’t actually exist in real life. But it does. And it’s great. Full disclosure: I haven’t seen this movie in years, but remember it being a pleasantly surprising achievement of filmmaking. I’ll probably be adding this to my monthly watchlist as well.
FOR FANS OF: Twilight; Bones and All; The Lost Boys
Max: Good Time (2017)
Before Uncut Gems the Safdie Brothers made another film that exists as a cinematic anxiety attack. 2017’s Good Time is as captivating of a movie as you’ll find. Robert Pattinson stars as a dude whose decisions will constantly make you scratch your head but you can’t help but be fully invested in his journey through outer-borough NYC over the course of an eventful night. The Safdie’s have a unique gift for capturing the often forgotten or unknown places and people of New York. Good Time is raw, frantic, and slightly devious. I know this isn’t the best sales pitch, but it’s also a damn good movie.
FOR FANS OF: Uncut Gems; Drive; Inherent Vice
Hulu: Ferrari (2023)
Adam Driver remains one of the most fascinating actors working today. Instead of going for Oscar-bait roles and sure thing Blockbuster successes, he’s decided to take on challenging roles with decorated auteurs. Ferrari flew a bit under the radar in 2023, but Michael Mann’s biopic about the Italian carmaker is certainly worth a watch. Driver is great but Penelope Cruz steals the show as Laura Ferrari. The racing scenes are thrilling and exhilarating, but the personal dramas are the films core. The drive for perfection comes with many casualties (metaphoric and literal), and as expected, Mann tackles it with his signature level of precision and care.
FOR FANS OF: Ali; Ford V Ferrari; House of Gucci
Peacock: Casino (1995)
Casino is underrated as one of Scorsese’s coolest looking and slick film’s. Because it was released just a few years after Goodfellas (which remains one of his most popular movies), it probably doesn’t get the love it deserves. Casino is far from my favorite of his film’s, but every time I rewatch I’m reminded of how brilliant it is. It’s mastery is undeniable; it’s scope is dazzling. DeNiro and Pesci return for another great team up with Scorsese, but Sharon Stone shines as the real star of the movie. All three navigate the Las Vegas landscape with simultaneous grace and debauchery (as one should navigate Vegas). The result is a magnificently intoxicating brilliant film.
FOR FANS OF: Goodfellas; Once Upon a Time in America; Miller’s Crossing
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!