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 Captain Phillips, watch: United 93
I fully endorse Will’s review of Tom Hank’s new movie Captain Phillips. It’s a dramatic true story about a cargo ship captain that is taken hostage by a small group of Somali pirates. Another film in the same vein is the terrifying United 93. Besides sharing a director, both movies also focus on true life hostage situations and show both the actual event action mixed with behind the scenes vantage points. It’s a gripping, non-exploitative look at one of the most horrific events of recent memory. [Captain Phillips trailer] / [United 93 trailer]
Instead of Machete Kills, watch: Planet Terror
If you can’t make it out to theaters to see the schlocky grindhouse sequel Machete Kills, you have a couple of good alternatives for a movie watching experience at home. For starters, you could easily choose to check out the film’s fun predecessor, simply titled Machete. But I recommend taking it back one step further and watching director Robert Rodriguez’s film in the two part Grindhouse series: Planet Terror. After all, this is where Machete was first conceptualized as a phony trailer for the Grindhouse gimmick. Planet Terror is goofy and gory and damn entertaining. It would fit perfectly into an all horror movie diet for October. [Machete Kills trailer] / [Planet Terror trailer]
Weird Science
Push the new realases aside for this week’s best of blu ray pick Weird Science. One of my all time favorite John Hughes movies, Science is a totally 80’s romp that follows two nerds (Ilan Mitchell-Smith and the seriously incredible Anthony Michael Hall) who are able to create the woman of their dreams (babealicious Kelly LeBrock) with their computers and a little 80s magic. It’s super funny and charming and features Robert Downey Jr! TAKE ALL MY MONEY! [Buy it on Amazon] / [Weird Science trailer]
The Faculty (1998)
Why not make it a Robert Rodriguez week? I’m completely in love with the Rodriguez directed, Kevin Williamson scripted sci fi horror flick. It’s a typical Invasion of the Body Snatchers type story, set in a small town high school. When the teachers and faculty start to act a little strange, a mis-matched group of students have to band together to fight off the infestation. The cast is fantastic and full of notable faces. The writing is punchy and the scares are solid. It’s just one of those infinitely rewatchable movies that I always enjoy. If you haven’t seen it yet, give this little gem a chance.
The Faculty Netflix Synopsis: Many teens think their teachers hail from another planet — but what if it’s true? Herrington High students notice that faculty members aren’t quite themselves, and discover an alien infection they might not be able to stop.