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 Magic Mike: Boogie Nights
Boogie Nights! I know, frequent listeners of the FTS Podcast are rolling their eyes right now because I mention this movie all the time. But back me up here, this is a good alternative pick! You won’t see the abs of Channing Tatum but you will get a lot out of BN that Magic Mike also brings to the table. The sex appeal is there but so is the story of life within a business most of us are unfamiliar with. Each film has a similar duality, both sharing in fun and drama.
Instead of Ted: The Other Guys
As much as I would love to run out and see Ted right now, this is a very busy week for me. So while I’m sitting at home throwing together brain trophies I’ll definitely pop in one of my favorite Markie Mark films: The Other Guys. Walhberg happens to fit well in comedies, possibly due to his freakishly expressive eyebrows. In TOG he plays off of Will Ferrell nicely as an overly agitated cop with an anger problem. It’s one of the very few movies I can recommend based on his performance alone!
Instead of People Like Us: The Descendants
I haven’t seen People Like Us and don’t really know a whole lot about it either. But the trailers seem to promise a family-focused drama of some sort. For an at-home alternative, the first movie to pop in my mind is the latest film from Alexander Payne, The Descendants. The movie deals with a wide range of emotions spread throughout a small cast of characters and does an amazing job turning an otherwise generic story into something beautiful and poignant. The performances, script and direction worked together to make it one of my favorite films of 2011.
God Bless America
This is another DVD/Blu Ray pick from me that I haven’t had the pleasure of watching yet but after the extremely positive response from my good buddy Nick, I can’t wait to pick it up. Nick noted “you will get a vivid satire that cuts to the core and keeps you laughing from beginning to end.” After thoroughly enjoying director Bobcat Goldthwait’s previous film World’s Greatest Dad, I am looking forward to seeing what he brings to GBA.
Drive (2011)
Maybe this is an obvious choice, but it certainly deserves a spot here. Drive was another one of my favorite films from 2011 and I was eager to give it a second watch since I had seen it in theaters way back when. It doesn’t disappoint on second viewing and I might even go as far as to say it does better on a home watch. The music is infectious, the violence is on point and the Gos is memorizing. Take a look at Drive asap if you haven’t already.
Drive Synopsis: A Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver is lured from his isolated life by a lovely neighbor and her young son. His newfound peace is shattered, however, when her violent husband is released from prison.
What do you plan on watching this week, at home or otherwise? What do you think of my choices?