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 (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) 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.
Born on the Fourth of July (Oliver Stone; 1998)
It’s so very unfortunate that the film would hold resonance to this day, though Oliver Stone’s most deeply felt work would remain a sobering experience no matter the context. For yours truly, Born on the Fourth of July is a reminder of the director’s far-better days, though such regretful nostalgia doesn’t stop at its director. Those who’ve felt a little burned by the likes of Rock of Ages and Oblivion would do themselves a big favor in picking this for an upcoming view: it has one of Tom Cruise’s greatest performances, a multi-tiered representation of how wide and deep the man’s talents can reach when given the right material to work with. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
The Canyons (Paul Schrader; 2013)
I didn’t much care for this Paul Schrader–Bret Easton Ellis pairing, but the discussion which it’s already beginning to stir up is more fruitful than what most 2013 releases can claim to have started. Why not be a part of all the fun discourse that’s only going to accelerate in coming weeks? As a title predominantly geared toward VOD distribution, it’s perhaps best-made for the small screen experience, warts and all. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: iTunes
Clockers (Spike Lee; 1995)
To coincide with his best-known title hitting Netflix (discussed below), this underseen, oft-forgotten entry into the Spike Lee oeuvre is available for viewing — now, more widely than ever. This fan has, admittedly, actually never seen the picture — yes, I know, time to turn in my card — making its inclusion, here, all the more enticing; better late than never, a maxim the streaming format is practically built upon. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Do the Right Thing (Spike Lee; 1989)
Not simply Spike Lee’s greatest film, but arguably one of the most powerful achievements in the medium’s history. Should that sound too strong a plaudit with which to award the film, it’s not so unlikely you just haven’t seen Do the Right Thing recently enough; the force of its construction, both as a piece of cinema and social examination, can only be felt to its proper extent when experienced in full, each carefully arranged aspect of the screenplay and formal exertions amounting piece-by-piece. No matter the tragedy of its conclusion, though, this movie’s an absolute pleasure — funny, observant, colorfully composed, and with nary a false note over its two-hour runtime. 24 years later, why fight the power when they give us Do the Right Thing on a streaming service? – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Passion (Brian De Palma; 2013)
Before it hits theaters at the month’s end, Brian De Palma’s long-awaited return can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. The deal is hard to pass up: although his celluloid-shot widescreen compositions would undoubtedly benefit from a movie theater screen, it’s unlikely you’ll see this limited-release title in a theater at all — and, even if you do, finding a large screen is a whole other matter. Given the way it’s already lit up much of the director’s fanbase — a group which yours truly would proudly count themselves among — there’s a whole other struggle not to pick this up at first chance. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, iTunes
Tabloid (Errol Morris; 2010)
Few recent documentaries compare to the wackiness and sheer entertainment value found in master filmmaker Errol Morris‘ latest project. I witnessed Tabloid at Toronto International Film Festival a few years ago and it is a nonstop, evolving exercise in craziness as we track beauty queen Joyce McKinney and her tales of kidnapping, masochistic Mormons, risque photography, magic underwear, celestial sex, jail time and a cloning laboratory in South Korea. – Jordan R.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Titanic (James Cameron; 1997)
It’s only fitting that James Cameron‘s previous box-office king Titanic would arrive on Netflix streaming the day we got news on what he’ll end up spending the next five years of his life completing. While many can poke fun at Avatar, as well as this Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet-led feature, few filmmakers can deliver the sweeping, detailed spectacle like Cameron can, so while you’ve likely seen this one countless times, give Titanic a spin on your next lazy Sunday afternoon. – Jordan R.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Tristana (Luis Buñuel; 1970)
One of Luis Buñuel’s greatest achievements has, in some respects, been overshadowed by the more-heralded, thematically-similar Viridiana, which is a shame: this is an altogether different beast, exploring fresh psychological avenues with a stirring, startling performance from the immortal Catherine Deneuve centering its human drama. (And how nice it should look in HD.) It’s doubtful you’ll see many better films this week, month, or even year. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
West of Memphis (Amy J. Berg; 2012)
Why retrace the epic injustice of the West Memphis Three? Three teens were wrongfully convicted of murdering 8-year old boys in 1993 and losing 18 years of their lives they are let out on a strange plea that allowed the state to save face (and come out without facing a lawsuit). Amy Berg’s epic 2.5 hour documentary retraces some of the ground the award winning trilogy by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky in its first hour, evolving into a celebrity detective story as the cause is taken up by Eddie Vetter, Natalie Maines, (co-producer) Peter Jackson and many more. Berg’s portrait of a justice system left unchecked is most chilling of all: evidence is suppressed or left inadmissible as three young men lose what could have been 18 productive years. It’s a must see, even if you from time to time may want to throw something at your screen. – John F.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video (beginning 8/6)
Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Kevin Smith; 2008)
Perhaps its the Jersey in me, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Kevin Smith (and Bruce Springsteen). Zack and Miri is genuinely a crowd pleaser starring Seth Rogen as a down-and-out barista who happens to live with Elizabeth Banks, his life-long BFF. Both single, attending their 10-year reunion they meet a gay porn actor and his partner (played by Justin Long) and decide to make a porno at the coffee shop. Think of it as the more mainstream version of Humpday, as the cast includes Craig Robinson, Smith-vet Jason Mews, and real life porn star Katie Morgan (whose comic timing is right in line with the rest of the cast). While it’s a lesser Kevin Smith work (it’s no Chasing Amy or Clerks), it’s still a lot of fun. – John F.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
Zodiac (David Fincher; 2007)
It’s not the director’s cut, but the essentially non-compromised incarnation of a 21st-century classic, streaming in HD, is not a gift horse we’d ever consider looking in the mouth. David Fincher’s most engrossing film (no small feat) has never lost luster, even after many viewings held since its release some six-and-a-half years ago; expanding the wide list of its virtues even further is its status as an ideal picture to cycle through again and again on your Netflix dashboard. If you know why it’s great, give the thing another spin; if you haven’t any idea, you ought to find out as soon as 160 free minutes open up. – Nick N.
Where to Watch: Netflix Instant
What are you streaming this week?