Picking out a movie can be a lot like browsing the cereal aisle - the more options you have, the harder it is to decide what to watch. It's an especially difficult process for subscription-based services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which offer you more programming than you can even browse in one sitting. As if that wasn't hard enough, these services are constantly adding and removing dozens of titles with little to no warning. In our monthly segment "On Demand", we aim to help you make your movie nights memorable by offering our favorite movies and shows being made available this month.
Legends of The Fall (1994)
If you're not drooling over Brad Pitt in this movie, you're wishing you could take his place. We bet you five bucks you'll cry, even if you're seeing it for the second time. Available Now.
Out of The Furnace (2013)
Many critics dismissed Out of The Furnace as overly macho and full of cliches, but even the harshest reviewers admit that the acting is remarkable. Not surprising, given the all-star cast that includes Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, and Zoe Saldana. Available July 9th.
The Master (2012)
Another film in which the performances outshine the film itself. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman - all three were nominated for an Academy Award. Available July 14th.
The Karate Kid I, II, and III (1984, 1986, 1989)
Wax on. Wax off. Sand the floor. Paint the fence. If you're not planning a Mr. Miyagi marathon right now, you're not living to your fullest potential. Available Now.
Primal Fear (1996)
Richard Gere and a young Edward Norton star in this courtroom thriller that helped put Multiple Personality Disorder (now called Dissociative Identity Disorder) in the Hollywood spotlight. Available now on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Because Rick Moranis is the man. ?Available Now.
The Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014)
Probably the most intriguing selection coming out this month. This documentary is a Netflix exclusive about an independent baseball team started by actor Bing Russell (of TV's "Bonanza") in the 1970s. Largely featuring the testimony of Bing's (also famous) son Kurt Russell, critics have praised the film while indicating it's more or less a glorified home movie. Available July 11th.
We were excited to add Amazon Prime's instant-streaming service to our list this month, only to discover that most of their better offerings were already available through Netflix. Nevertheless, here are some titles worth mentioning:
Annie Hall (1977)
Woody Allen at his best. Available now.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn (1982)
William Shatner at his best. Available now.
Louis C.K.: Hilarious (2010)
Louis C.K. at his worst (by which we mean his best). Available now.
Robocop (2014)
It's about a cop who is also a robot. It can't possibly live up to the original, but heck - why not? Available now.
The Lego Movie (2014)
The best feature film based off a toy-line, PERIOD. There are so many great celebrity voice actors you'll spend the whole film trying to decipher them all. Hint: Channing Tatum has an unlikely cameo as a Lego version of a classic DC character. Available July 15th.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
A must-see for fans of Wes Anderson, and good place to start for folks who aren't familiar with his work. Available July 15th.
Under the Skin (2013)
Rumor has it that this movie (starring Scarlett Johansson as a very alluring alien wandering through Scotland) is nearly incomprehensible, but you know... critics love that kind of stuff. Judge for yourself whether you're interested - the trailer below gives you a good idea of what to expect. Available July 15th.
Word of Mouth's Unofficial 4th of July Movie Queue
Independence Day (1996)
Rocky (1976)
The Real Rocky (2011)
Braveheart (1995)
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Dazed and Confused (1993)
John Adams (HBO miniseries)
1776 (1972)
American Graffiti (1973)
Team America: World Police (2004)
American Psycho (2000)
For more musings on the world of film and TV, check out Taylor's Tumblr, Abbrev. Movie Reviews.
