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 42: Moneyball
I could have went one of two ways with this At-Home Alternative pick, choosing between a story of overcoming adversity or a baseball flick. I wound up choosing the latter partly because I had a little trouble thinking of a good companion to Jackie Robinson’s story, but more so because I feel so strongly that Moneyball is such a fine film. It was one of my biggest surprises from 2011 and it even ended up making my top ten of the year list. Brad Pitt is excellent as Billy Beane, the struggling Oakland A’s manager that took a chance with a new system of recruiting ball players using a mathematics/statistics based strategy now known as Sabermetrics. Bennett Miller does lovely work with his careful direction and the script by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin shines despite the numerous production issues that plagued the project.
Instead of Scary Movie 5: Young Frankenstein
Do yourself a favor and make a major upgrade from SM5. Maybe you’re into silly parodies, I won’t fault you for it, but if you are looking for a parody that’s a cut above the rest, try Young Frankenstein on for size. Don’t let the black and white turn you away, the film is packed with wall to wall hilarity. You’ll be unable to turn away from the immensely memorable scenes, characters and dialogue.
Django Unchained (2012)
A no brainer! Quentin Tarantino’s latest was my #1 film of 2012 and will absolutely be receiving my money via blu ray sales. Similar to Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained is a bit of revisionist history, QT style. It features a cast or greats and some of the absolute best performances from last year. What’s not to like?
The Pact (2012)
This small horror flick from 2012 didn’t create a whole lot of buzz but definitely won my vote. The ghost story will hook you from the opening scene and never let go. It’s a film that is able to sustain a substantial amount of mystery while still throwing everything it has at the audience. There’s a lot to love in The Pact and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a little original horror on their next movie night in.
The Pact Netflix Synopsis: Feeling obligated to return home for the funeral of the mother she despised, Annie soon senses an evil presence in her childhood home. As she seeks answers about her mother’s death, Annie is forced to face demons from her past.
What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?