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 This Is The End: Pineapple Express
I have a hard time discouraging anyone from seeing This Is The End, which I found to be hilarious, but a decent substitute would be Pineapple Express. Not only does it feature four of the same stars (Franco, Rogen, McBride & Robinson), but it was also written by Rogen and Evan Goldberg. And I’ll somewhat cryptically just say, if you’re still planning to see This Is The End, brushing up on Pineapple Express first might actually be to your benefit.
Instead of Man of Steel: Batman Begins
Perhaps it’s the easy choice, but Zack Snyder is trying to Nolan up his take on Superman, so taking a look back at another superhero origin story with a gritty take could definitely get you in the mood. At least you should know at this point whether you’re a fan of Nolan’s trilogy, and you save a few dollars from taking a chance on Steel (I’m sure it will be fine if a few people sit it out). It can also easily be substituted for The Dark Knight or Rises.
Stoker (2013)
Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, and Nicole Kidman act their asses off in Chan-wook Park’s English language debut. Mia plays a Wednesday Adams-like teen who’s uncle moves in after her father dies. Things get a little weird, a little sinister, and a lot murdery from there. You can check out my review here.
Top Of The Lake (2013)
I’m two episodes into this miniseries, but I can give you my recommendation so far for this Emmy buzzed miniseries. With only 7 episodes at 45 minutes apiece, it’s a small undertaking for a series that seems to promise wrapping up its mystery within a suitable amount of time. Elizabeth Moss stars as Robin, a detective in a male dominated precinct and town who struggles to provide proper police protection and investigation to Tui, a young, pregnant rape victim. A collection of interesting, enigmatic characters fill out the cast, all seeming to harbor secrets including Robin herself. The backdrop of the New Zealand locale provides gorgeous cinematography and the fact that the showrunner is Jane Campion (who directed the highly regarded The Piano) adds even more prestige to the series. So far I’ve been incredibly intrigued and hope this series continues to really chew into its premise.
Netflix Synopsis: When pregnant, 12-year-old Tui tries to kill herself in a freezing New Zealand lake, Detective Robin Griffin has plenty of questions for the girl. But when Tui suddenly disappears, Griffin finds herself knee-deep in small-town secrets.
What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?