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 Django Unchained: Inglourious Basterds
This film showcases Jaime Foxx as a slave freed by a German dentist-turned-hitman. His freedom comes at a price as he is forced to help the German hunt down some baddies. This spaghetti western shows us a different and more surreal view of Slavery in America. If you haven’t seen it, check out Inglourious Basterds. This film rewrites the ending of World War 2 when an elite group on Jewish Americans hunt down and kill as many Nazis as they can (up to and including Hitler). Pay special attention to Colonel Hans Landa, the ruthless Nazi who hunts down the jews, played by Christopher Waltz. Waltz takes center stage in Django as the German bounty hunter.
Instead of Parental Guidance: Cheaper by the Dozen
This film stars Billy Crystal and Bette Midler as two outdated grandparents struggling to take care of their digital-era grandkids. Take a look at the 2003 Steve Martin film, Cheaper by the Dozen which revolves around a typically absent father who is forced to raise his 12 children while his wife is out of town. Martin struggles to cope with the sometimes excessive needs and wants of his children and outrageous comedy ensues.
Instead of Les Miserables: The King’s Speech
In theaters now is Tom Hooper’s rendition of Les Miserables. This age-old French musical is a charming saga being given new life. Critics have expressed disappointment with the cinematography and some of the liberties the director took in this remake. Check out his recent Oscar-nominated feature film, The King’s Speech. This British film shows the rise of a linguistically-challenged British Monarch and features some similar camera-work. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely deserving of a watch.
Looper (2012)
This action film came out in September and is already on store shelves. This film revolves around the use of time travel for nefarious purposes. Essentially time travel is illegal and only used by mobsters to eliminate someone from the past and hence, the future. This film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis. You can read Nick’s review here.
FDR: American Badass (2012)
This week’s Netflix instant watch pick was submitted by Rick, he says it is a dark horse favorite to sweep the Oscars. Based on the Netflix synopsis, I’m inclined to agree with him. For your enjoyment, here it is: “After contracting polio from a werewolf bite, FDR won’t stop at single-handedly ending the Great Depression and prohibition. With the help of a team of historic figures, he must claim victory in World War II by defeating an army of Nazi werewolves.”
FDR: American Badass Netflix Synopsis: After contracting polio from a werewolf bite, FDR won’t stop at single-handedly ending the Great Depression and prohibition. With the help of a team of historic figures, he must claim victory in World War II by defeating an army of Nazi werewolves.
What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?