How many times have you scrolled through Netflix’s menu of flicks and categories only to find yourself just not “feeling it,” especially when it comes to the number of movies you haven’t even heard of. Behold five titles recently added to Netflix that are probably not on your radar. Not yet, anyway. While some earned buzz on the festival circuit others may or may not develop a cult following based on their respective genres. Yet they are all deserving of more exposure.
Kung Fury
Laser Unicorns
Running at barely 30 minutes, this Swedish made, English-language, retro 80s throwback is a total blast. It’s pretty much what you would expect from a production company named Laser Unicorns. This crowd-funded effort has insane special effects, hyperbolic action sequences and feels like a late 20th century Canon flick by way of the Looney Toons. And it is really, really well done. Although the 80s homage thing has been enjoying a resurgence of late, “Kung Fury” is one of the better ones out there.
Alex Of Venice
Screen Media Films
This independent feature is the first project directed by actor Chris Messina (“The Newsroom,” “The Mindy Project”). He also plays the supporting role of a dissatisfied stay-at-home father who leaves his family to discover his true calling. Thus, his career driven wife is left with the burden of taking care of a difficult son and an irresponsible father who may or may not be dealing with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Sure, you might have seen this kind of thing before. But the casting and backdrop make “Alex Of Venice” a unique standout from the usual mumblecore-like dramedy fare. For one thing, it’s set in the dwindling bohemian wonderland that is Venice Beach. For another, none other than Don Johnson plays the rascally grandfather dealing with the symptoms of old age. And he’s fantastic in this. Portraying a has-been actor still searching for that one great role, he finds his senses (and sensibility) decreasing due to an issue that may be out of his control. And Mary Elizabeth Winstead carries the film as an environmental lawyer suddenly forced into supporting her family in ways that go beyond what she’s grown accustomed to.
The One I Love
RADiUS TWC
The less you know going into this indie comedy, the better. But I will provide the set up: an unhappy couple is advised by their marriage counselor to visit a retreat as a sort of last-ditch effort to save their relationship. As for the rest, you’re on your own because one of the many pleasures of Charlie McDowell’s “The One I Love” rests in it’s ability to surprise you with just what kind of movie it actually is. Both Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss are exceptional as the husband and wife. But to explain how exceptional would be giving away the film’s main conceit. It is also quite funny and ultimately perceptive when it comes to the expectations and ultimate disappointments involved with long-term relationships.
When Animals Dream
Alphaville Pictures
This film barely made a dent on the festival circuit only to suddenly appear on Netflix’s streaming service last month. But this Danish twist on the werewolf legend might invite comparisons to Tomas Alfredson’s brilliant vampire tale “Let The Right One In.” It has a similar mood and tone that is somewhat indicative of Scandinavian cinema. Sonia Suhl plays a teenager who begins experiencing symptoms that any fan of horror would immediately recognize. What’s refreshing about “When Animals Dream” take on this is how director Jonas Alexander Arnby turns it into a parable of female empowerment. Sure this has been done before (think: the “Gingersnaps” series), but the film ends with no real closure or solutions for the lead’s future. Not quite uplifting but not quite nihilistic, either.
The Overnight
The Orchard
This came close to being on my personal top ten list of 2015. “The Overnight” is a very well cast and very, very funny movie about sexual acceptance. Adam Scott and “Orange is the New Black” star Taylor Schilling play a couple in the process of moving into a hip, LA neighborhood. Knowing absolutely no one, the couple’s son warms up to another child while visiting the local park. Enter the child’s father Jason Schwartzman, a seemingly really cool, dynamic individual who then proceeds to invite the couple and their son to his home for dinner as a means of welcoming them to the community. Innocuous at first, little things start to seep into the evening that may or may not indicate how Schwartzman and his wife (a beautiful Judith Godreche) might have something more, uh, progressive in mind. This modern take on the 70s swinger satire “Bob and Ted and Carol and Alice” is often hilarious and surprisingly touching.
