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 at 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 Step Up Revolution: Step Up
Go back to your Step–Up-dance-movie-loving roots with the original starring the actor who might be having the best year in Hollywood, Channing Tatum. If you’re thinking about seeing Revolution, it’s probably safe to say you’d be into the original where you can catch Channing’s indisputable dance skills and chemistry with future wife Jenna Dewan without all that “protest art”. Not to mention, it takes place in FTS’s hometown of Baltimore. Marc has some long story about how they ruined his high school by losing some sort of treasured banner but you’ll have to ask him about that. I like to think Channing and Jenna have it hanging in their basement.
Instead of The Watch: Observe & Report
There’s a few ways I could go with this, but I’m going to opt for Observe & Report for a few reasons. My first impulse went to action comedies, and while this may be a little light on the action, there’s still enough to warrant mentioning. The next reason it works is that it stars Seth Rogen (doing his best Travis Bickle), who re-wrote the script alongside Superbad co-writer Evan Goldberg. And perhaps the biggest reason is that being part of a neighborhood watch isn’t that far of a stretch from mall cops. Their scope of power, level of respect, and job descriptions (besides location, obviously) are almost the same. This movie didn’t have the best critical reception but I think it’s pretty damn funny.
Damsels in Distress
This indie comedy didn’t make too big of a splash with its limited release, but I actually really want to see this. It stars under-the-radar (mumblecore darling?) actress Greta Gerwig (Greenberg) alongside Analeigh Tipton (Crazy, Stupid, Love) and Adam Brody as students at a previously male-only university that still feels like it never went co-ed. Gerwig and her best friends decide to change that. I’m always down with a movie centered on a group of girls with a great comedic dynamic. Its reviews were decent, and seems to be just quirky and funny enough to be worth the watch.
Chinatown (1974)
Check out Jack Nicholson in one of his best career performances as PI J.J. Gittes, a man investigating an increasingly more complex case in this classic neo-noir film. A simple inquiry into a cheating husband leads Gittes into the mix of a sordid plot involving control of water rights, a twisted family history, and a murder cover up. This film triumphs with eleven Oscar nominations including direction by Roman Polanski, fantastic performances by Nicholson and Faye Dunaway (especially in one iconic scene), and a top notch Oscar winning script by Robert Towne. Every film lover should see Chinatown.
Chinatown Netflix Synopsis: With a suspicious, porcelain-skinned femme fatale (Faye Dunaway) bankrolling his snooping, private eye J.J. Gittes (Jack Nicholson) uncovers intricate dirty dealings in the Los Angeles waterworks and gets his nose slashed for his trouble. Meanwhile, his financier harbors a nasty family secret. Director Roman Polanski reimagines 1930s Los Angeles with an onionlike story that reveals itself one complex layer at a time in this classic neonoir.
What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?