With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we believe it’s our duty to highlight the recent, recommended titles that have recently hit the interwebs. Every week (or bi-weekly, depending on the worthy selection), one will be able to see the cream of the crop of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, and more. Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below, and shoot over suggestions to @TheFilmStage.
Drinking Buddies (Joe Swanberg; 2013)
Best known for his fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants filmmaking technique that has slowly grown in popularity under the “mumblecore” moniker, Joe Swanberg‘s latest project boasts his most notable ensemble yet, with Olivia Wilde, Anna Kendrick, Jake Johnson and Ron Livingston in tow. And though this style of filmmaking can sometimes have a negative connotation, here is a project that simply works well under that guise. One starts to fall for these characters and their naturalistic dialogue and connect to their drama. With a relatable scale, the plot focuses on two friends that have never explored the possibility of a relationship together – even in just a physical sense – but have sexual tension following them like a fog. –Bill G.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video
Hell Baby (Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon; 2013)
With its title and talent, one can at least establish some expectations for the experience that is Hell Baby, the latest absurd, idiotic and mostly hilarious film from Reno 911! creators Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon. Taking a stab at horror, the duo have recruited some of their top comedian buddies to go along for the ride, and while it could use some trimming, there’s enough over-the-top, seemingly improvised fun to make it worth a viewing — one preferably late at night with some close friends. With the film now on VOD, it’s your chance to do so. – Jordan R.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video
Frankenstein’s Army (Richard Raaphorst; 2013)
Frankenstein’s Army is a B-movie in every sense of the word. Not without laughs, moments of blood, gore and primitive surgery as its name suggests, the film unfortunately takes on a found-footage approach that doesn’t always work. We are introduced to Sergei (Joshua Sasse), a young filmmaker from the Soviet National Film School who shoots with what looks like a bolex (the camera even has a hand crank). It’s so high quality that it looks like footage shot on a DSLR or Red One and manipulated in after effects with “grain.” His sound is excellent too, and he’s certainly lucky to have nice lighting, even the in the creepiest of settings. – John F.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video
Ginger & Rosa (Sally Potter; 2013)
Director Sally Potter has carved out an intriguing niche in the filmmaking world. Her previous feature, Rage, premiered on mobile phones and her breakthrough Orlando remains a spectacle quite unlike any other in its bold art direction and manipulation of gender and history. But Ginger & Rosa is a step toward the mainstream, and not one that should have any fans worried. The sharp writing and visual flair still present themselves confidently, and tour de force acting makes this arguably her best work to date. – Forrest C.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, iTunes
Mud (Jeff Nichols; 2013)
Still exploring the working class American south with a heavy dose of mythical storytelling, only this time with a much broader brush, Jeff Nichols‘ tries at many different things in his entertaining, if overlong, Mud. Matthew McConaughey stars as the titular character, who’s discovered on a small island in the middle of the Mississippi River by two 14-year old boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland). Mud, sporting a chipped front tooth and greasy, unclean hair, has been living in a boat stuck up in a tree, waiting for his girlfriend Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) to come calling. Imperfect as it may be, this marks a step forward for Nichols as a filmmaker capable of making big entertainment that retains some intelligence and a palpable message as well. Let’s call Mud what it is: a test run for what will undoubtedly be a bigger, better follow-up. – Dan M.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, iTunes
Oblivion (Joseph Kosinski; 2013)
Joseph Kosinski‘s Oblivion opens with images of Jack Harper’s (Tom Cruise) memory: black-and-white glimpses of a meeting atop the Empire State Building, the handful of observing tourists doing little to distract us from the longing romantic heat between Jack and Julia (Olga Kurylenko). When Jack wakes up, he’s back in 2077, and the ensuing shots, coupled with a voice-over from Cruise, introduce us to an Earth torched to minimalist desolation by long-ago wars, nuclear explosions, and devastating tsunamis. Indeed, the futuristic playground crafted here is so bare you’d be forgiven for momentarily thinking that Oblivion is still working in a black-and-white pictorial format: the overriding tones are silvers and grays, deglamorizing the sleek polish of Kosinski’s sky-high sets with a sense of eerie lifelessness. – Danny K.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, iTunes
The Place Beyond the Pines (Derek Ciafrance; 2013)
Retaining the gritty authenticity of his lyrically heartbreaking Blue Valentine, Derek Cianfrance‘s new insanely ambitious look into the nature versus nurture equation feels much smaller than its reality. It would be easy to say The Place Beyond the Pinesgives us too much to process in too contrived a way, but I believe that would be too quick a judgment. Shifting character focus three times, the film will have you wondering if it would have worked better with an earlier ending. But then you’d miss the emotional ramifications man’s actions can cause—every choice a butterfly effect that alters lives and perceptions in irrevocable ways. How we react to our mistakes can go a long way towards assuaging our guilt or it may simply drag us down further to the point of destruction. – Jared M.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, iTunes
Shut Up and Play the Hits (Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern; 2013)
LCD Soundsystem’s 2011 farewell concert seemingly came out of nowhere, and at the same time, few were really surprised when the announcement was made. The band’s leader, James Murphy, and his crew were too calculated and self-aware to enjoy the rapidly growing popularity of their band. In what seemed like an effort of self-preservation, Murphy decided to go out on top in the world’s most famous arena – Madison Square Garden. And what a show they put on. Having seen the band, the concert footage and sound in this film comes as close as one can get to seeing them live. Included with the epic final concert is an inconclusive interview with everyone’s favorite pop culture scholar, Chuck Klosterman. While these interview portions may not find a comfortable groove, the concert in the film captures the spirit and energy of the band and Murphy’s careful control of every facet of LCD Soundsystem. You can see his brain at work and it’s a privilege to see one of the most influential musical minds of the past decade doing what he does best. – Tim C.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
What are you streaming this week?