Netflix Suggestions: Vol. 3

I'm going to try to make this a monthly addition to my blog. Here are five more suggestions for instant streaming on Netflix!

(Wikipedia)

The Hunger Games

"The Hunger Games is on Netflix. The Hunger Games is on Netflix? The Hunger Games is on Netflix!" Even though I already have the movie on both of my laptops, my iPhone, on DVD and on Blu-ray, this was pretty much my reaction. I've seen the movie eight times now (three of those times in theaters), and still feel all of the thrill and emotion every time I watch it. I placed 2nd on my Top 10 list for 2012, because it was easily the most entertaining movie of the year. In short, this movie has become a symbol of pop culture in the world today. Also, Jennifer Lawrence ('nuff said). Seriously, just watch this movie if you already haven't.

ParaNorman

Easily one of the most overlooked movies of last year, ParaNorman combines dark comedy with lighthearted humor in one of the best animated films in recent memory. Because of this, I can honestly say that there's something in this movie that everyone can enjoy. You can read my original review here.

Mission: Impossible (I, III, Ghost Protocol)

On Netflix, you'll notice that only three of the Mission: Impossible movies are available for streaming. The second one is the only one that's not, but don't worry, it's not really worth your time. However, the other three are, particularly the third and fourth. If you've got a whole afternoon to kill, watch these three movies. Unlike many action flicks today, they have cohesive, substantial, and compelling stories to back that action up. If you only have the time or willingness to watch one, watch Mission: Impossible III. It's one of my favorite action movies ever, and you can go in without knowing much of the back story.

Rat Race

My comedy suggestion this month goes to Rat Race, an ensemble film intertwining the stories of eight different tourists and their companions as they race to Silver City, New Mexico for a $2 million cash prize. Along the way, the racers run into Nazis, SmashMouth, a squirrel saleswoman, vengeful cab drivers, greedy prostitutes, and dozens of other screwball situations and individuals. If you need a few laughs, this is the movie to go to.

Scream (1-4)

They're funny. They're scary. They're action-packed. They're spoofs. They're mysteries. They're the Scream movies. Embrace the story of Sidney Prescott, a teenager (later young adult) dealing with the murder of her mother and confronted by a new killing force in each of the installments. The three sequels are okay, but nowhere near as amazing as the original. The original Scream revitalized the horror genre in the 90s, and impressed audiences around the world with its clever writing, visionary direction, and impressive performances (in particular: Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore, and Jamie Kennedy). Scream is so much more than a horror movie, so don't dismiss it as one. Give it a watch if you haven't, and I personally guarantee you that you'll be blown away. 

(P.S.: MTV greenlit an order for a pilot of a Scream TV series, written by Kevin Williamson and (possibly) directed by Wes Craven! If you watch these movies, you'll be as excited as I am!)

That's all for now. There are a lot of summer blockbusters around the corner, so keep checking back to see what AJ says. Thanks for checking in!