The Best Movies You Aren't Watching On Netflix - Volume 6

            Photo Credit: Babble

As of yesterday, it has been announced that Netflix will hold exclusive rights to stream Disney movies.  This coveted deal also includes movies from Disney's subsidiaries Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm.  If you aren't already a Netflix subscriber, you very well may succumb if you have young children or claim to be a Disney fiend yourself.  For current subscribers, I present to you a list of movies to keep you preoccupied through this September.

Children & Family

E.T.

The Princess Bride

The Walt Disney Short Films Collection

Comedies

Best Man Holiday

John Mulaney - The Comeback Kid

Tangerine 

Documentaries

Batkid

The True Cost

Indie Game

Dramas

Great Expectations (1998)

Erin Brockovich

Chocolat

Foreign 

The Visitors

Two Days, One Night

Infernal Affairs (Inspiration for The Departed)

Musicals

The Last Five Years

Begin Again

The Young Girls of Rocheford

Action/Thrillers

Primal Fear

Witness

Unforgiven

Don't forget to check out former volumes: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

Best TV Shows on Netflix

                                                           Photo Credit: IFC

Any Netflix fan would love to be hired as a 'tagger.'  (Someone who pens and personalizes specific categories featured on the Netflix.)  Where else are you going to see rather detailed headers such as Campy Mad Scientist Movies, Fight The System 60s Movies, Understated Independent Workplace Movies, or Cerebral Russian Dramas?  I've generated my own precise classifications based on some of the best TV shows on Netflix.

Best Cringe-Worthy Comedies

Peep Show

The Office (UK)

Best Coming-Of-Age TV Show That Depicts What High School Was Actually Like

Freaks and Geeks

Best TV Comedies That Start Off Strong But Unfortunately Can't Maintain Momentum 

How I Met Your Mother

The Office (US)

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia 

Best TV Comedies With the Most Amount of Laughs Per Second

30 Rock

Arrested Development

For Twilight Zone Fans Who Want a Futuristic Replica

Black Mirror

Netflix Originals Actually Worth Your Time

Master of None

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

For Netflix Users That Reside in Portland, Brooklyn, Austin or Seattle 

Twin Peaks

Portlandia

For Fans of Stand Up Comedy and Independent Cinema

Louie

Best TV Dramas To Ensure Bragging Rights

Mad Men

Breaking Bad

Sherlock

Feel-Good Small-Town TV Shows

Parks and Recreation 

Gilmore Girls

Best TV Adult Cartoon for People Who Don't Watch TV Adult Cartoons

Bob's Burgers

What do you think are the best shows on Netflix?

Best Tweets Using the Make A Movie Hip Hashtag

What makes a movie hip?  Last Friday, Twitter users reimagined beloved movie titles with a modern and hip twist.  By using the trending 'Make a Film Hip' hashtag, Twitterers put their punniest foot forward including yours truly.  Which tweets are your favorite?

See also: The Best Irreverent Trump Tweets

Best Tweets Using the Rachel Dolezal Hashtag

Funniest Tweets Using the Hipster Crimes Hashtag

Top 8 Predictions for 2016

By 2015, I thought I had seen it all; until Donald Trump decided to run for president.  What is more hair-raising is the fact that he is (still) polling favorably amongst voters.  If 2015 proved that anything is possible, than surely 2016 will prove that many of my predictions are not too out of the ordinary.   Take a peek: 

1.  Now that the Clintons and Trumps are rivals and no longer friends, they will have to pick and choose which friends they can keep and which golf memberships to sustain.


2.  Inspired by the dated Twilight craze, Muslims will soon create 'Team Sunni' and 'Team Shia' shirts in order for others to adequately know where they stand.


3.  The movie streaming giant, Netflix, will generate its own dating site.  Algorithms will pair you up with someone based on your viewing habits.  Bet you can't wait to meet your 'Twin Peaks' soul mate.


4.  Millennial men sporting the 'man bun' in 2015 will endure premature balding due to 'tight burns.'


5.  Adult coloring books will be released featuring all of your favorite congressmen.


6.  Martial artist and now America's sweetheart, Ronda Rousey, will star in a new romantic comedy based on a Nicholas Sparks book that hasn't already been adapted into a movie.


7.  The "Bachelor," Ben Higgins will choose one of two twin contestants as his wife making family get-togethers extremely awkward.


8.  Saturday Night Live will actually be funny again.  (Naw, naw...who are we kidding?)


What are some of your 2016 predictions?

See also: Top 8 Predictions for 2015

The Best Movies on Netflix Instant You Aren't Watching - Volume 5

A new month; a new slew of movies that have arrived and departed on Netflix Instant.  It's easy to overlook great films on Netflix Instant when they keep recommending 'Christmas with the Kranks' to you. Let's take a gander at which movies are currently worth your (valuable) time:

Dramas

Philomena

After the Wedding

Rain Man 

Comedies

Trading Places 

Hot Fuzz

Zach Galifianakis - Live at the Purple Onion

Classics

2001: A Space Odyssey 

Laura

Rocky

Cult Classics

Labyrinth 

Trainspotting

Clerks 

Independent

2 Days In New York

Somewhere

Reservoir Dogs

Romantic

Jerry Macguire 

Moonrise Kingdom

Muriel's Wedding 

Crime/Thrillers

Pi

American Psycho 

Fatal Attraction

Don't forget to check out former volumes: 1, 2, 3 and 4.  

Photo Credit: IFC Center

Best Movies On Netflix Instant You Aren't Watching Volume 3

As a society, we tend to cherish the act of instant gratification.  Instead of having to wait for a worthwhile movie in the mail via Netflix, we would much rather watch what is right in front of us through Netflix Instant.  (Even if that offering....has little to offer.)   Time is precious; don't waste it.  Once again, I've prepare a slew of films on Netflix Instant that you should consume if you're on a high art diet. 

Documentaries

The Thin Blue Line

Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton

Life Itself

Dramas

Chinatown
There Will Be Blood

Mary and Max

Thrillers/Crime

The French Connection

In The Bedroom

Taxi Driver

Independent

Fruitvale Station

Last Night

Kicking and Screaming (Noah Baumbach)

Comedies

This Is Spinal Tap

Harold and Maude

The Big Lebowski

Romance

Walking and Talking

Silver Linings Playbook

A Room With A View

Classics
Charade

All About Eve

The Bicycle Thief

If you aren't satisfied with this listing, be sure to check out volumes 1 and 2. 

Photo Credit: The Bicycle Thief - asharperfocus.com

March 2015 Releases on Netflix Instant Play

March is drawing near, and so are the latest instant play releases on Netflix.  Take a gander for yourself so you can update your Netflix queue.  Which movies or TV show are you anticipating?  Or better yet, which movies or TV shows do you wish were offered on Netflix Instant?

March 1

Evelyn

Finding Neverland

Mercy Rule

Monster High 13 Wishes

Monster High: Ghouls Rule

30 for 30: Of Miracles and Men

Patch Adams

Rules of Engagement

Teen Witch

The Brothers Grimm

March 5

Food Chains

The ABCs of Death 2

March 6

Aziz Ansari Live at Madison Square Garden

My Own Man

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

March 7

Archer: Season 5

Glee: Season 5

March 9

After the Fall

Cesar Chavez

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn

Tyler Perry's The Single Moms Club

March 10

Monster High: Haunted

March 11

How to Train Your Dragon 2

March 15

3rd Rock From the Sun: Complete Series

A Different World: Complete Series

Marvel & ESPN Films Present: 1 of 1: Genesis

March 17

You're Not You

Dummy

March 19

Life Itself

March 20

Bloodline: Season 1

God's Not Dead

March 22

Mad Men: Season 7

March 23

November Man

March 25

Garfunkel and Oates: Season 1

Turn: Season 1

March 27

Trailer Park Boys: Season 9

Frankie & Alice

March 31

Ask Me Anything

The Man with the Iron Fists

The Best Movies On Netflix You Aren't Watching Volume 2

It's a shame that the Netflix recommendation site A Better Queue is no longer available.  Although I can't help you filter Netflix instant movies based on Rotten Tomatoes reviews, I will provide you with suggestions that have at least a 60% or above from our favorite fresh certified movie review aggregator.

I must warn you, however, that the Netflix Instant pickings are as slim as ever this year.  In fact, who am I to say you have overlooked these flicks?  Often times, however, some of your favorite films aren't always easily displayed on Netflix.  So go ahead either check out a new title or indulge in your old favorites.  

Without further ado, here is my second volume of Netflix Instant recommendations:

Comedies

Chef

Frank

Election

Dramas

Almost Famous

The Station Agent

American Beauty

Independent

Swingers

Short Term 12

Frances Ha

Foreign

The Trip to Italy 

Let the Right One In

Amelie

Romantic

The One I Love

Annie Hall

Adventureland

Thrillers/Crime

Zodiac

Deadman

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Documentaries

20 Feet From Stardom

Room 237

Man On Wire

Classics

Sunset Boulevard

The Apartment

The Odd Couple

What are some of your Netflix Instant recommendations?  

9 Alternatives to Watching the Superbowl

If you are one of the 111.5 million folks that plan on watching the Superbowl this year, good for you.  But if you are one of the millions of Americans who are indifferent to the teams competing, or the sport itself, consider yourself lucky.  There is a wondrous world out there that doesn't involve men tackling other men.  There are empty streets that need to be explored.  Books on your shelf that are waiting to be enjoyed and leafed through.  So make Sunday February 1st a date with other Superbowl avoiders or simply yourself by partaking in the following activities.

1.  Watch the Puppy Bowl!  After a good six minutes though, you will already have your furry fix, so  proceed to number 2.





2.  Take care of errands.  Does your your laptop need repair from techy wizards?  Hit up the Apple Store.  Can't find parking at Trader Joes?  Don't fret, you'll be able to locate a parking spot. The shortened waits most anywhere will lighten your mood and allow you to manage errands like a ninja.

3.  If you are stuck co-hosting a Superbowl party, redirect your priorities towards learning how to brew your own beer.

4.  Hit up that new, busy restaurant that is nearly impossible to get into without reservations.

5.  Or if you want to grab fast food to go, Chipotle may be line-less for once.

6.  Binge-watch a new TV show on Netflix.  If you'd like to discover some worthy flicks on Netflix Instant, refer to my post: The Best Movies On Netflix Instant You Aren't Watching.

7.  Read a book.  A number of former NFL players have massive brain damage due to concussions.  In fact, according to the New York Times, brain trauma is expected to affect one in three players.  Strengthen the dynamic noogin you already have by diving into a good book.

8.  Focus on your favorite aspects of the Superbowl: i.e. party snacks, commercials.  Go ahead and prepare your favorite party snacks whether for one or a group and Youtube this year's finest ads.

9.  Do whatever you damn well please!

The Best Movies on Netflix Instant You Aren’t Watching

Are you in between TV shows on Netflix?  Tired of Netflix Instant recommending campy straight-to-DVD sequels?  Does it take you 30 minutes to select a movie?  Sometimes it is difficult to stumble upon a film on Netflix that possesses watchable merit.  Don’t fret, for I have selected a slew of worthy picks you may have overlooked.   All of these film selections are tomato-certified on Rotten Tomatoes, therefore, you know that these options are exceptional....or at least better than Sharknado. What are some of your favorite Netflix gems?

Classics

- The Conversation

- Metropolis

- 12 Angry Men

Foreign

- Cinema Paradiso

- The Triplets of Belleville

- The Intouchables

Documentaries

- The Act of Killing

-Who is Harry Nilsson

- Hoop Dreams

Independent 

- Nebraska

- Bernie

- Happy-Go-Lucky

Dramas

- The Fisher King

- Glengary Glen Ross

- City of God

Comedies

- New in Town (John Mulaney)

- In the Loop

- The Purple Rose of Cairo

Romantic

- Submarine

- Beautiful Girls

- Much Ado About Nothing (Joss Whedon)

Crime/Thrillers

- In Bruges

- Jackie Brown

- Usual Suspects