Hi all, been a little while.
Not really had any inspiration to write, and whilst I know I normally just verbally spew a load of nonsense I like to try and at least have some aim when I usually post.
Anyway, it's come back to me a little bit based on what I've spent some of my spare time doing which if you follow me on Twitter you probably know already, watch TV.
Now for most that equates to 'time wasted', which whilst I can understand, I don't agree with. I appreciate some people love being active and out and about, and on a nice sunny day I totally agree. However in a midweek evening, it's not so important to me (keeps me away from the pub!), same goes for those terrible rainy days.
Anyway, I've mentioned before about my TV show viewing, which hasn't let up, Netflix has been rinsed. I've toned it down a bit but would say if you can check out Banshee, it's a very unknown show but doubtful for very long, it's excellent.
Further to this I've gotten back into watching films. I've always watched movies and consider myself a minor 'movie buff' of sorts, but the TV shows took up way too much of my time. However recently I spent some time finding some of the lesser known films to watch which are available on UK Netflix. Also I was partly inspired to write a little something on a couple, because of some of the SHIT I see other people watching. Awful films being the main culprit, things people seem to keep watching when nothing else is on. Like at least try and educate yourself a bit sometimes. Maybe. Please. Just do it.
So below are 3 very good films I've watched lately which I thought I would recommend for you:
Rudderless, 2014
This was written originally back in 2008, and then went through a couple of re-writes before it got its director, well known to all William H Macy (US Shameless, Fargo, a billion other films!). It's a sort of musical drama with a bit of a light hearted side to it, which whilst normally doesn't need to be said, the film is largely centered on the aftermath of a school shooting. Which immediately makes you think depressing and horrible to watch, but it's handled so well, with how a father impacted deals with the situation by finding some of his sons music he was putting together, and playing them as his own.
The cast is fantastic, Billy Crudup (Watchmen, Public Enemies) playing the dad, with Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Terminator Salvation) being a very likable guy who encourages the dad to play the music. There's a few other ones you'll recognize including Laurence Fishburne as a music store owner.
Something else to watch out for is the soundtrack. From the snippets offered throughout, to the songs played at the bar, to the final quite poignant song played offering some closure to everything, it's fantastic. And quite moving at times. I'd advise if you enjoy what you hear throughout, make sure to go back and properly give the tracks a listen.
Overall I can't recommend this enough. Some might find it a bit corny, and some may be put off by the premise, but I found it great, and I'm not one for depressing films (Though I have watched the whole depression trilogy, which was as you can imagine.... anyway I digress). Give it a go if you find yourself browsing Netflix with a couple of hours to kill, you won't be disappointed
Get Low, 2009
This film is hard to catagorize, but I suppose is kind of a dramatic comedy, of sorts. How can it not be when it has Bill Murray as a supporting actor. But the real star of the show is Robert Duvall who many thought would get an Oscar nod for his performance but for whatever reason it never came about. (Jeff Bridges won that year for Crazy Heart, but Duvall probably outdid Clooney on Up In The Air, I'd say)
It's basically about a hermit the local town is fairly scared of, due to knowing nothing about him, wanting to throw himself a funeral party.... whilst still being alive. It's a film that sort of spends a lot of time not really going anywhere but has some fantastic character interaction that leaves you both smiling and wanting to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding said hermit.
It's on UK Netflix, it's a quirky film that you may find a little slow, but if that's what you enjoy then absolutely give this a watch - it was probably only just off the Oscars radar in all fairness.
Chef, 2014
Finally onto my last recommendation, which is pretty much a feel good family comedy-drama film. Directed, written, produced and starring Jon Favreau (Iron Man films, Swingers). Basically about a well regarded Chef sort of starting up from the bottom, again, and how he gets back into enjoying cooking and being proud in what he serves.
I've made it sound ridiculous, but it's not! It's really good, it's very feel good with a great supporting cast you'll recognize from all over the place. It's probably a good hangover pick me up film perhaps, but watch it when you've already eaten as it'll have you fiending for more food!
So there you go, my recommendation on 3 films on Netflix that you should give a go when you're next wondering what to watch. If you do, give me a shout what you thought about it. If I feel like I've not just given people TERRIBLE advise then I'll try and do some more when I come across some other decent films
Cheers
