Welcome to The Streaming Report for July 17, 2014. After the long week you deserve a relaxing staycation with a bowl of popcorn, a bucket of ice cream, and only your Netflix queue to judge you. This past week, Netflix Watch Instant has been kind enough to supply us Hitch, The Master, Hemlock Grove season 2 and more, which you’ll find out if you should watch ’em after the break.
The Master (Paul Thomas Anderson) A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, and Amy Adams
At first I wasn’t a really big fan of this movie. I thought the performances were very spectacular, but the overall story of the film and themes I didn’t really cling on to. Or so I thought. The Master is a movie which really stuck with me, despite my best efforts to forget about it. PT Anderson (Magnolia; There Will Be Blood) is a craftsman storyteller, but patience is necessary when taking on his films. Watch with caution. (Watch it now)
Hitch (Andy Tennant) While helping his latest client woo the fine lady of his dreams, a professional “date doctor” finds that his game doesn’t quite work on the gossip columnist with whom he’s smitten. Starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, and Kevin James
A classic rom com with two of Hollywood’s most likeable stars. And then there’s Kevin James. I would like to think this is the only thing he is known for, but unfortunately that is untrue. Hitch is a very funny, lighthearted walk through love and makes for a great date night watch. (Watch it now)
Hemlock Grove (Season 2) ( Brian McGreevy) A teenage girl is brutally murdered, sparking a hunt for her killer. But in a town where everyone hides a secret, will they find the monster among them? Starring Famke Janssen, Landon Liboiron, and Bill Skarsgård
I have not seen the first season of this show, nor have I heard anything really good about it. The only thing I do know is that Eli Roth can be hit or miss and the werewolf transformations are the coolest you’ve ever seen. (Watch it now)
The Immigrant (2013) (James Gray) In 1921, unfortunate circumstances drive newly arrived immigrant Ewa into a life of prostitution, and a complex, volatile relationship with two men – her conflicted pimp and his romantic cousin. Starring Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix, and Jeremy Renner
Wasn’t even aware of this film’s existence until now. It has a solid cast, but if you’re like me, period pieces are a bit of a strain on my attention span. It has an 87% on RottenTomatoes from the critics, but a 67% from moviegoers. Might be one to watch on a rainy day. (Watch it now)
The Act of Killing: Directors Cut (Joshua Oppenheimer and others) A documentary which challenges former Indonesian death-squad leaders to reenact their mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers. Starring Anwar Congo, Herman Koto, and Syamsul Arifin
One of the best documentaries of yesteryear, The Act of Killing is a very powerful and moving film that actually does some good on the subject matter. The original is long, but I have heard that a lot was left for this particular cut, which is a must see. I would check this out if you haven’t seen it yet. (Watch it now)
What will you be watching this weekend?
Look forward to more new titles from The Streaming Report every Thursday on TTRC. We hope you enjoy!
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All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com
