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 G.I. Joe Retaliation: The A-Team (or The Losers)
Since this sequel to 2009’s G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra starts with the Joes being targeted for destruction, my two alternatives are very compatible options. The A-Team is framed and imprisoned and the black ops team in The Losers are set up to be taken out. All three of these movies deal with these disenfranchised groups taking down the baddies. Although I thought the first G.I. Joe was fun enough, this new one hasn’t gotten the best reviews so these other movies should hold you over.
Instead of Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor: Unfaithful
While I was almost convinced by Rob to use “a steaming pile of shit” as the alternative for this one, I remembered the great movie Unfaithful. It has obvious overlaps, both having wives in seemingly good marriages who seek passion in an exciting new lover. I can at least tell you that Unfaithful nails its sexuality with Diane Lane at her hottest and Richard Gere is great as the suspicious husband. Hell, the mess that was 2009’s Obsessed with Idris Elba, Ali Larter, and Beyoncé has to be better than this.
Instead of The Host: Invasion of the Body Snatchers
I went with the original 1956 version of Body Snatchers but if you prefer an updated version, the 1978 remake is supposed to be great as well. The Host is about bodies being controlled by an alien species, much like Body Snatchers, but it’s also just an obstacle in a teen romance. If you want less gushy stuff and more horror, practical effects, and creepy ass pods watch one of the movies that undoubtedly inspired Meyer’s novel.
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assemble (2012)
This Blu-ray combo pack seems to be the ultimate collection of everything Avengers (so far) including all your Thor, Captain America, Incredible Hulk, and most importantly Iron Man movies along with the superbly crowd pleasing The Avengers (including 3D copies for all relevant entries). If you haven’t been picking these up as they come out this is your chance to collect them all at once. However, if you have been on point with your collection there’s the collector’s case, “top secret bonus disc”, and A GLOWING TESSERACT. Basically it’s a starter kit for any wannabe S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.
The Imposter (2012)
Lindsay and I recently discussed on podcast how great this documentary is so I felt compelled to include it here. The story itself is incredibly fascinating but the kicker is how events unfold in unexpected ways that are crazier than the initial premise. Try to go in with as little knowledge as possible and you’ll enjoy it all the more. It does a great job mixing media of interviews, old footage, and dramatizations of the events.
The Imposter Netflix Synopsis: A 13-year-old boy who vanished in Texas and shows up three years later in Spain now has the same tattoos, but looks different and speaks with an accent. An investigator sets out to unravel the mystery in this riveting documentary.
What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?