Maybe you’re looking to save a few bucks or the current theater choices just aren’t cutting it. Whatever the case may be, sometimes it’s just as nice to sit a home and watch a good flick. Take a look at this week’s picks for some At-Home Alternatives to the weekly cinema options.

 

In Theaters:

Instead of Safe House: Inside Man
Inside Man showcases Denzel Washington in another authority role, this time as a detective not a rogue CIA agent. He’s definitely the good guy in this bank heist thriller co-starting Clive Owen. The film takes on a mystery aspect when Washington tries to find out what Owen is really after in the  bank and how he plans on escaping because he has seen too many criminals try to play the same scenario. The film is entertaining as well as gripping, and will present you with an engrossing story and charming characters. You can rent Inside Man
on Amazon Instant Video.

Instead of Journey 2: The Goonies
Instead of journeying to an island, you can watch the Goonies journey through a dangerous cavern as they try to find the treasure of the pirate, One-Eyed Willie. While there may not be mutant beasts to fend off, the Goonies have to deal with some criminals that wouldn’t mind getting their hands on the treasure and some business developers that wouldn’t mind getting their hands on their leader’s house. The effects might seem a little outdated, but the story and heart warming ability will make you forgive its charming 80’s styling. The Goonies is available for purchase on Blu Ray and DVD.

Instead of The Vow: The Notebook 
For this trade up you get to keep Rachel McAdams, but you get Ryan Gosling instead of Tatum Channing. The story has the same romantic elements as some of the later films in the star-cross-lover genre, but has the benefit of some more unique plot points and both Gosling’s and McAdam’s acting chops. If you think The Vow looks like something you would enjoy and haven’t seen The Notebook, or just wanna give it another viewing, you won’t regret going with this alternative. Pick up your copy of The Notebook here.

The Best on DVD & Blu Ray:
Even though this is a Christmas movie, there are still enough non-denominational laughs to warrant a post-Christmas watch. It has the same stoner mentality as the other films and is on par with the first, as far as balancing a decent story with inane wackiness. Some awesome guest appearances help round out this feel good comedy. This is a great film to watch with some buddies.


Netflix Instant Watch Pick of the Week:

True Grit 

Recently added, True Grit stars Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, and Josh Brolin in a story driven wild west revenge story directed by the Coen Brothers. Based off the same book as the original John Wayne film, this version follows the book more closely and stars some great actors and a young up and comer that holds her own well against the veterans. If you are a fan of westerns, give this one a viewing.

 

True Grit Netflix Synopsis: After drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) murders her father, 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) hires alcoholic U.S. Marshal Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her exact revenge. The disreputable lawman still has grit, though, and mounts an epic search. Joining the duo on their quest is a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) who’s also hunting for Chaney in this updated Western that received multiple Oscar nods, including Best Picture.

What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?