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.

Instead of John Carter: 300

John Carter is set up as an epic movie based off a popular book series. The TV spots say it’s the “original Avatar” which, mixed with the fact that it’s made by Disney, means that we will not be getting a movie as dark as 300. 300 is an epic with great style and is filled with heavy battles and freaky people. Plus, 300 will teach you a bit about history! Watch 300 on Amazon Instant Video.

Instead of Silent House: Quarantine

Also based off a popular Spanish-language horror film, Quarantine (known as [REC] in its original version) takes place in one setting over night as zombie-esque outbreak occurs in an apartment complex. While it doesn’t happen as rapidly as the one-take 88 minute Silent House, it should still give you a decent scare and a fun night. You can watch Quarantine on Amazon Instant Video or buy the [REC] set on Blu-ray here.

Instead of Friends with Kids: Bridesmaids

Friends With Kids is sort of a spiritual sequel to Bridesmaids. Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd and Jon Hamm are working together again, but you can see their chemistry in Bridesmaids. You can see what the hype is all about by checking out one of the best comedies of last year from the comfort of your couch. You can purchase Bridesmaids on DVD or Blu-ray.

Instead of A Thousand Words: Yes Man

Why watch Eddie Murphy continue to not be funny by not talking when you can watch Jim Carrey be pretty funny by saying “yes” to everything? Along said Carrey is Zooey Deschanel, of course in her signature quirky role, as a somewhat unbelievable love interest. She of course sings in this movie, but its definitely her best musical performance in a film. You can watch Yes Man on Amazon Instant Video.

Immortals

Also kind of a alternative to John Carter, Immortals is another film in the crazy-shit-happening-in-Ancient-times genre. I would still choose to watch 300 over the both, but if Immortals is more readily available then it’ll be a fun watch. It’s definitely one of those movies you would wait to watch on DVD so you can pick it up on DVD or Blu-ray.

Shutter Island

A Scorsese/DiCaprio team up, Shutter Island is wonderfully produced and is filled with nuances that warrant a few watches. So, even if you’ve seen this movie, you’ll probably get a lot out of it on a repeat viewing. If nothing in theaters is piquing your interest, Shutter Island should do the trick.

 

Shutter Island Netflix Synopsis: World War II soldier-turned-U.S. marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigates the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane, but his efforts are compromised by his own troubling visions and by Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley). Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer and Max von Sydow co-star in director Martin Scorsese’s plot twist-filled psychological thriller set on a Massachusetts island in 1954.


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