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 Getaway: Taken
I don’t know much about this Getaway flick other than what the trailers have offered up but it doesn’t exactly look like a strong contender for ‘films that will take my money this weekend.’ The film follows Ethan Hawke’s character – a professional driver that is being forced to use his skills for a criminal in exchange for his kidnapped wife. Selena Gomez is also involved in some capacity. I know what you’re thinking, “Lindsay, that sounds like a recipe for gold!” but maybe trust my years of intuition on these kinds of turds and sit this one out. If you are still in the mood for an action thrill ride, try the 2008 film Taken on for size. Liam Neeson stars as an ex-professional badass that must use HIS particular set of skills to hunt down and save his kidnapped daughter. The film hits all the proper notes of the genre and is guaranteed to satisfy anyone looking for a fun night on the couch.
Instead of Closed Circuit watch: State of Play
I also must admit that I haven’t seen a whole lot of buzz or advertising for the new movie Closed Circuit either. The trailer indicates a bit of a cat and mouse type mystery thriller but I can’t vouch for the end result. If you’re not willing to shell out your hard earned dollars on the film just yet but still want a story with twists and intrigue, take a look at the 2009 under the radar film State of Play. Based on British miniseries, the film follows both the police and a team of reporters as they try to uncover the facts behind a suspicious murder of a Congressman’s mistress. The film keeps you guessing and features a wide range of fine performances from a whole host of notable actors including Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright, and Jeff Daniels.
Instead of One Direction: This Is Us watch: Freakanomics
While I am female, I am also older than 15 so I still land firmly outside the probable demographics for One Direction: This Is Us theater goers. If you also fall outside the fold, or you just possess enough self worth to not be tricked into seeing garbage, try taking on another film by OD:TIS director Morgan Spurlock. Spurlock co-directs the 2010 film Freakonomics alongside five other filmmakers. The film, which is based off a book of the same name, looks at the findings and possible conclusions of economist Steven Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner. The movie attempts to visualize their theories to varying degrees of success but always sparks a bit of curiosity within the viewer.
Bay of Blood
I happen to love me some Italian horror which is why I’m already familiar with Mario Bava’s notable 1971 film Bay of Blood. The movie is one of the typical slasher variety, spending most of it’s time following a set of teenager that camp at an abandoned cottage for a night of fun. But the movie is best known for it’s bloody death sequences and influence on countless other slashers that came after it. Fans of the Friday the 13th series will especially find a lot of similarities between the flick as the Friday series managed to directly copy a lot of the gruesome deaths.
Twin Peaks (1990)
I might have mentioned Twin Peaks on here before, say 100 times or so, but that doesn’t mean a 101st attempt to gain the series a new viewer isn’t warranted. The 1990’s series comes from the king of strange director David Lynch and follows quirky FBI Agent Dale Cooper as he investigates the murder of a teen girl in the bizarre town of Twin Peaks. It’s hard to nail down all the charm of Twin Peaks but it’s a series that is increasingly crazy, interesting and addictive. I haven’t finished the whole series yet myself but each episode I watch only adds to the amazing journey I’ve been on so far.
Twin Peaks Netflix Synopsis: In this cult classic series, eccentric FBI agent Dale Cooper arrives in Twin Peaks to investigate the murder of teenager Laura Palmer — and soon scores of secrets concealed behind the town’s facade of normality begin coming to light.
What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?