Discontent

Most of us live fairly monotonous lives. There are elements to our lives that are fascinating but generally things are not too exciting. That is why film is so popular; it allows us to experience excitement without forcing us to disrupt our complacent lifestyles.

Well, although movie Complacent now streaming via Netflix , did capture the “suburban” lifestyle, it wasn’t even half as exciting to watch as when my neighbors arrive home from the bar.

“Complacent” is really a story of four different couples living in suburbia. Each couple has their own personal struggles, but puts on a façade to the rest of the world. When an individual in the group (Myah) decides to divorce her husband, she really challenges her sister Beth to become more independent. Beth’s controlling husband, doesn’t like the idea of independence so he attempts to turn everyone against Myah. Every couple had different struggles, and in the midst of a tragedy is when people begin to change.

This movie was about 45 minutes too long. Seriously, it was really long and drawn out.

I did think this film was able to capture hypocrisy, and the general viewpoint of the upper middle class, but it was just too bland for my liking.

If you have a lot of time you might enjoy this film, but your best bet is to just watch your neighbors.

courtesy of toothpastfordinner.com

If your neighbors are really crazy, here are the instructions to protect yourself from a Crazy Neighbor, seriously if you look in the right places you don't need film to entertain you at all!

Holy Moly!

I always thought of people associated with the drug business as sleazy, unshaven guys wearing hooded sweatshirts and lurking in corners. When I see individuals in traditional religious clothing while out in the community, the thought never crosses my mind that they are doing something “shady”.

Apparently other’s have the same assumptions as I do, and that is why a group of Hasidic Jews were able to smuggle over 1 million ecstasy pills into the United States during the late nineties.

Holy Rollers now streaming via Netflix, is about a young man (Sam) that is following his family’s path for his life. When plans for an arranged marriage are broken, Sam is convinced by a neighbor (Yosef) to smuggle in “Medicine” from Amsterdam. After Sam’s first smuggling trip goes well, Sam begins to separate from his family and gets caught up in the “risky” lifestyle of a smuggler.

I am not going to give the ending away, but as you can imagine with every rise comes a fall.

“Holly Rollers” was based on true events, and I believed was a good depiction of the event. This movie did a great job at portraying both the values and expectations of those living in these tight knit communities.
The film itself was fairly slow, and not very exciting. Holy rollers did an excellent job at capturing the events of the story and the characters involved, but did not have much action.

I found this movie interesting, but if you are looking for a thrilling movie about drugs and the “fast life” this movie is not for you.

That Bites

Courtesy of www.filmofilia.com

The thought of immortality has both fascinated and terrified people for thousands of years. Generally in folklore those who are immortal have to pay a price. For the vampires, the price is drinking blood and spending their existence in the dark. Being a night person, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have to spend my waking life at night, but drinking blood would really suck.

The movie "Daybreakers", now streaming via Netflix's Instant Play, imagines a world where vampires are the majority population. The vampire’s sustenance, human blood, becomes a rare commodity. Those that choose not to become a vampire either live in hiding or risk being “farmed” for blood.

 The story is about a vampire scientist (Edward) that is working on creating a “blood substitute”. He works for a large corporation that supplies blood, and begins to feel empathy for the humans being drained of their blood. Through a series of events he secretly works with humans  in order to discover a cure to the problem that now threatens both the human and the vampire race.

A fascinating aspect to “Daybreakers” was the vampire sub race. In the movie, if a vampire was deprived of blood for too long they became a ruthless animalistic type created with wings. When the blood supply decreased, since blood was produced by a private corporation the blood prices skyrocketed. Of course, not every vampire could afford to buy the blood so they turned into bat like creatures and began wreaking chaos throughout the city. When things got too out of control they were destroyed by being forced into the sunlight by the vampires. The reason I thought this scenario was interesting, is because it kind of represents how modern society works, in a less extreme way.

Overall, I found the movie’s plot to be choppy and inconsistent. The acting and characters were excellent, but the film tried to intertwine too many plots. The movie ending was left completely open to one’s imagination, nothing was completely resolved. There was also too much gore.  I can understand how some gore was needed to enhance the story, but some of the scenes went over the top. The concept behind Daybreakers had the makings for a great movie, but simply fell a little short.

Daybreakers was entertaining, but just wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. This movie, for the first time ever, made me thankful I am not a vampire......

Going Medieval on You!

Imagine a world without electricity, in which you can only bathe once a week, and must fight to the death if challenged.

Courtesy of nerdfighters.ning.com

Doesn’t sound exciting? Add magic, witches, and dragons to the mixture and you have the show Merlin now streaming via Netflix's Instant Play. 

Merlin takes place in the middle ages, and is adapted from "Arthurian Legends" that have been circulating for hundreds of years.

 “Merlin” focuses on the young adult lives of Arthur and Merlin and their relationship. In the show, Merlin is Arthur’s servant and devotes his life to keeping Arthur safe. Merlin has the gift of “magic” but can only use it secretly because King Uther (Arthur’s father) outlawed the use of magic. King Uther will put anyone that uses magic to death, so Merlin often worries about getting caught, but still uses his powers to “save the day”.

I normally avoid fantasy shows because they are often unrealistic and corny, but “Merlin” was fairly interesting. The characters in this television series were well developed and added an element to the show’s content. I also enjoyed the plot of “Merlin”. There were new challenges and characters in every show, in addition to many “exciting” moments.

Although I mostly appreciated “Merlin” a majority of the show was rather predictable and some of themes were over used.

*Spoiler* Merlin ALWAYS saves the day, and no one extremely important ever dies...

That being said, overall “Merlin” was worth watching for its fascinating interpretation on “King Arthur” Folklore.  The show is well developed and not a complete “train wreck” like some other fantasy programming out there.

Courtesy of  brainaudit.com

If you enjoy a little magic, or simply want to escape from your daily chaos to a time much worse than ours, this is the show for you.

Life's a Circus

When I was young and got into argument with my parents, I often dreamed of running away to join the circus. 

Courtesy of rightsideofthebrain.com

I never actually did because I really hated clowns, but the thought of being a part of such a festive environment was enticing.

 The documentary "Circus" now streaming via Netflix's Instant Play, is a six part series that hi-lights the lives of those performing in the Big Apple Circus. This miniseries shows what circus life really like including the difficulties and demands involved. I learned that amidst the excitement of the circus is a world filled with hard work and uncertainty. 

This miniseries was memorizing and extremely well done. Often when we see performances we do not see excruciating work behind each show. This documentary allows the viewers a sneak peek into the world of circus performers, and tells the story of how each individual involved embraces this eccentric world. 

Even though the circus has been around for hundreds of years, and is a worldwide phenomenon, traveling shows are struggling to stay afloat in this economy. These are tough times, and all of the circus performers understand that their jobs are not secure. Many of the performers have grown up in the "circus community" and would struggle making "ends meet" outside the circus. 

Courtesy of cgnews.com

Surprisingly, one thing that intrigued me about the film was the clowns. I often joked with others that if they fail school they can always go to “clown college”, but clowns have to accomplish difficult tasks while remaining “happy”. The clowns showcased in this film were real people with health problems and mood disorders just like the rest of us. They were not frightening and creepy like I remember them being.

I really enjoyed how artistic this film was, and the soundtrack added an exciting element to this miniseries. Although I am fairly certain a lot of footage was cut, I have gained a greater appreciation of the circus.

That being said, there were parts of this miniseries that were too focused on romantic drama, and "soap opera" like situations. Most of the six hours was entertaining, but some of it was monotonous. There is some strong language, but it wasn't very noticeable. All ages would appreciate this inspiring show, and will feel a little sadness when the circus "leaves town".

After watching this film I took a "What Circus Act Are You" quiz. According to this quiz I should fly on a trapeze (yeah right) I am curious to know what other's got?

Although I am still fascinated with the circus, and only slightly afraid of clowns I know that I will never join the circus, but I may visit the next time it comes to town! 

I Can Take It!

I want to know what you think!

I am interested in hearing your opinion about my blog. If you hate it, or think I am lacking in a certain area tell me!

I also want to know what to watch on Netflix's Instant Play. If you want me to watch, and write about a certain movie, television series, or documentary let me know!

Seriously, I will watch anything. Be forewarned that I honestly critique each thing I watch so be prepared for my blunt opinion.

Send me an E-Mail, Mention me on Twitter, or comment on this post.

Can you take it?

Nothing Is What It Seems

Growing up I always dreamed of being a model or an actress, because I thought their lives were perfect. They wore beautiful clothes, and received large quantities of money just for making appearances. As I got older I realized all of the glitz and glamor that comes with the job, also comes with a price.

The Documentary "Picture Me" that is currently streaming via Netflix's Instant Play, highlights both the ups and downs of being a model in the fashion industry. This film capture's a model's perspective of the fashion industry through the video diary of Sara Ziff.

Image is so important in our society, unfortunately most of what the media produces is a facade mistaken for reality. Sara kept accentuating that when she was modeling she felt fake, and as a model she was treated like a doll, not a human. The industry itself does not value models for their hearts and souls, but for their willingness to do whatever they are told to do.

It was interesting to watch Sara over a five year span, and how she changed. At first she was so excited when she received a big check for her work, but after awhile the money did not fulfill her dreams. So often many of us think that money equals happiness, but in reality money is just a way to fulfill our physical needs not our emotional ones.

I liked the way this film was done, but at times it was a little long. I also wished that it would have delved more into the darker world of the fashion industry. Drugs, eating disorders, body distortion, and ageing were topics brought up briefly, but they could have been emphasized more. Another thing that wasn't brought up, was digital editing of the models. Sometimes models are digitally edited so much they do not even look like themselves anymore.

I think that this documentary is worth watching, especially if you are into fashion and the media. Although I didn't really learn anything I wasn't already aware of, it was interesting to see things from a model's point of view.

I learned that it is good to dream big, but be aware of the price.

C- (I'm Being Nice)

For some reason I wanted to watch the movie "Easy A" for awhile (I actually almost saw it in the theater, but I used my better judgement). The movie had decent ratings, plus it looked funny and quirky. I was really excited when I saw it on Netflix Instant Play, and was looking forward to watching it on this rainy afternoon.

Unfortunately, "Easy A"  turned out to be a great disappointment. It wasn't absolutely terrible, it just failed to meet the low expectations I had for this film. The story idea itself was semi clever, but I found the movie to be full of cliches and over acting.

"Easy A" is about a "typical" high school girl (Olive) that tells her friend she lost her virginity when she really didn't. The news spreads like wildfire, and Olive decides to take advantage of the situation. She begins to "pretend" to sleep with people for gift cards in order to increase their popularity. Of course she faces the consequences of everyone thinking she is something that she is not, and falls for a guy that doesn't judge her based on her reputation.

There was nothing really original or unique about this film. It was mildly entertaining, but I definitely wouldn't watch it again.

On a positive note, I did think that Emma Stone (Olive) performed flawlessly and did a great job at playing her role and staying into character. The other acting in this film I wasn't too impressed with.

So I give this film a C-, sorry but it's not easy to get an A.

It's Worth It

You will not need your "Cash Back" if you decide to watch this movie. I was reluctant to watch it at first, but it captivated my attention after only a few minutes.

Monday is the the most treacherous day of the week, so I wanted to watch a comedy about the workplace to lighten my mood. I noticed "Cash Back" a few months ago while browsing through Netflix but was disinterested. The plot description portrayed this movie as bizarre, and the cover of the movie lead me to believe that all this movie would be about was sex. Just what I want to watch on a gloomy Monday, a movie about bizarre sex?

Definitely!

This movie was both intriguing and hilarious at the same time (which is a rare combination). It is about a young boy in art school, that develops insomnia after he breaks up with the "love of his life". Since he can't sleep, he decides to get a job at the local super market in order to pass time.The protagonist (Ben) himself isn't particularly funny, but the characters he meets through his job are what brings the movie to life.

One thing about this film I was enchanted with were the visual effects. What I failed to mention earlier, is that while Ben had insomnia he discovered that he could stop time (this factor originally was unappealing to me). After watching this movie I realize he could only theoretically stop time, not actually stop time (this movie was not a science fiction flick). Some of the special effects used while time was theoretically stopped were pretty amazing. This movie was very artistic and visually appealing.

Warning: this film contains some sexually explicit material, but it is not raunchy or uncomfortable. Ben was fascinated with the female form so this movie explains how his fascination developed and why he likes to paint women naked. In addition to Ben's obsession with nudity there are two scenes that contain strippers, along with some male "chauvinistic pig" comments. Although a few parts made me flinch, I thought that most of this content was done tastefully and think all of it added to the film's lure.

I recommend this movie to those who think beyond the spectrum of what is ordinary, but also enjoy a good laugh. Those who are not artistic may not appreciate this film, but I think everyone may enjoy it's hilariousness.

Netflix Doesn't-At Least Not Yet

I instantly fell in love with my Droid phone the minute I unwrapped its shiny package. It was everything I hoped for except... it didn't play Netflix.

I have an Ipod Touch, and it plays Netflix just fine, so why can't Droid?

The other day I decided to Twitter @Netflixhelps to see if they had any "insider" information on when Netflix would stream via Android.

Netflixhelps answered me within 48 hours (it was over the weekend) and sent me a link to the Netflix blog post on Android which you can view right here.

Their reason for not already streaming content on Android according to their blog post, is security "hurdles" (I am simplifying their explanation). But, some suspect that Netflix and Apple may have some "deal" or at least Netflix has financial motivations to not be so quick to develop a Droid application.

All I know is that the blog post from Netflix (which is dated November, 2010) states that Netflix hopes to have an Application for Droid "early next year". Well, it's already April and still no developments?

So as of right now when it comes to Android "Netflix Doesn't"

Why Should you Care What I Think?

Well, you shouldn't, but I hope you take my opinions into consideration.

The purpose of this blog is to hi-light the good content streaming on Netflix, but it doesn't necessarily mean that we will agree on what is good content.

Everyone is different, we all have different preferences and opinions. That is why I am trying to be objective while critically evaluating each show I watch on Netflix. I am a very blunt individual so you may catch me rant and rave from time to time, but that is not what this blog is all about.

Why am I qualified? Well, I am not a professional movie critic but I do have experience in the field. I worked for 3 years at a video store, and as a perk I was able to rent 8 movies a week for free. After watching all of those movies I gained the ability to identify the "trainwrecks" of Hollywood film production. I also have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and took film study classes while attending college.

I am not one of those snooty critics whose opinions seem so "above" the general public's heads that their movie ratings do not reflect what people really think.

Every year when I watch the Academy Awards, half the selections picked for "Best Picture" make me wonder what the critics were thinking.

This blog is designed to quickly evaluate a show in order for you to save time and get the most out of your Netflix subscription.

I am very open to other's opinions so if you disagree about something I wrote tell me! Prove me wrong! I love arguing. 

Julianne Moore~You Are A Catch

 I had never heard of this movie until I saw it streaming on Netflix's Instant Play. The plot seemed interesting and I really like Liam Neeson and Amanda Seyfried. This movie ended up being kind of slow but interesting enough.

Chloe is about a Doctor (Julianne Moore) that suspects her husband (Liam Neeson) of cheating, so she hires a prostitute (Amanda Seyfried) to seduce him. Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried develop a relationship as Amanda Seyfried shares her illusive affair with Julianne Moore's husband in the movie Liam Neeson.

I enjoyed the acting and the character development but I thought the movie dragged on. It was slow and the ending was corny. It reminded of a Lifetime Movie with better acting.

This movie captivated my attention, but I definitely would not watch it again. If you like the actors in this movie its worth watching but it is not a must see movie.

If time is extremely important to you, you might as well skip watching this movie. There was nothing extremely superb about it.

Instant Play Release Dates

If you are anything like me, you like to frequently check Netflix to see what's new on Instant Play.

Even though I have over 300 items in my Instant Que, I still need to know what new shows are available to watch instantly. Everyday when I get home from work, I check Netflix and see if there is anything new or "better" to watch than what I already have in my Que.

I spent 3 years working at a video store and I remembered that new movie rentals were always released on Tuesdays. So I thought that maybe there was a certain day of the week that Netflix released their new items on Instant Que.

I spent a few weeks checking Netflix to see if I could figure out that day that they were released, but guess what I couldn't.

I finally realized the easiest way to solve this problem would be to ask Netflix themselves. So I went on Twitter and asked my question to @Netflixhelps. They responded within 24 hours and told me that there are no specific days that they add content, they add it as they acquire it.

So if you have a question for Netflix ask them via Twitter and if it's during the week they will respond quickly.

Although Netflix answered my question, the constant checking for new content continues..... 

Get Your Psychic On!

I am realistic about supernatural theories. I understand that there are a lot of things out there that cannot be explained, but I am very skeptical about using  beings such as "ghosts" or "aliens" as an answer.

That being said I really enjoy the first 3 seasons of the show Medium and am excited to see the last 3 seasons now streaming instantly on Netflix.

Each season (that I have seen thus far) is generally good, but there are those few episodes that are absolutely ridiculous.

The show was also on a progressive spiral downward, so if you hate the first season you will not like any of the other ones. There are still those episodes in each season that really captivate one's imagination.

Patricia Arquette plays a woman who uses her psychic abilities to solve crime for the district attorney's office. While dealing with her personal "ghosts" she helps raise a family and often "saves the day" in a city filled with crime and murder. Patricia Arquette is amazing in this role and does a really good job at bringing her character to life.

So although the plot of the show lacks at times, the character development and acting in this show is definitely superb.

I recommended that you try to watch the first season and if you hate it don't try to watch more.

It's worth a try, we could all use a little supernatural in our lives!

Who Would Actually Marry Tim Allen Anyway?

The idea of this movie seemed interesting but ended in disappointment and boredom.

The movie is about a a selfish, mediocre business man (Tim Allen) who suffers from commitment phobia. His daughter (Elisha Cuthbert) resents him for always having to clean up his messes. He gets in an accident in Mexico and is presumed dead. All of the women in his past  gather together for his funeral and fight over what they think his final wishes would be. I am not going to spoil the rest for those who want to see it. *hint the ending is completely obvious

I was disappointed with the acting in this movie. I thought for the most part everyone did a terrible job, but I was most dissatisfied with Elisha Cuthbert's performance.

Cuthbert remained unemotional throughout the entire film. Even at the "sappy" moments you could tell her reactions were forced. The role just did not fit her personality. She still  tried to wear it like over sized t-shirt, but it just made her look "baggy".


Overall the movie was cheesy and predictable with a shallow plot. It wasn't a complete waste of time, but if you value your time STAY AWAY! 


For more information about this movie check it out on IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1074214/