Netflix Recommendations Thread 3.0

El Duda wrote: »

Following on from my post a few pages back...

The best of the ones I've seen that are available on Netflix - Part 2

Blindspotting – 9/10

One of the best that I have seen in a while. It has clearly been highly influenced by other films, but the end-product still feels fresh and original. It reminded me of a several movies such as Menace 2 Society, Do The Right Thing, 8 Mile, Clerks and La Haine.

It was co-written by the two lead stars (Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs) who were both cast members in the original stage production of Hamilton. Casal’s character ‘Miles’ really reminded me of El-P from Run The Jewels for some reason. Not sure if that was intentional or not?

The cinematography is incredibly stylish, everything just looks so damn sexy. The soundtrack compliments the visuals perfectly. The climax of the film is one of the most powerfully performed and inspiring bits of writing I have seen in a long while.

Available on Netflix and I cannot recommend it strongly enough. Essential viewing


As Above So Below – 7/10

Yet another horror film that the critics got wrong. Much like the overlooked Grave Encounters, this a found footage movie where the location is key. I was constantly wondering how and where on earth they filmed it. Turns out it was filmed exactly where it was set, the Catacombs of Paris.

As the various characters descend deeper and deeper underground, I felt the claustrophobia growing. If you are someone who struggles with tight spaces, this is near panic inducing stuff.

Most of the characters are likable, especially Perdita Weeks who plays a rather convincing archaeology student. It has a bit of a shame that some of the lesser characters are clearly there for the body count and as a result have no depth whatsoever.

Crammed full of religious symbolism, director John Erick Dowdle deserves plaudits for trying to elevate this material beyond the usual found footage schlock and doing thorough research. The imdb trivia page is well worth a read.


Dolemite Is My Name – 7.75/10

Any time an actor as supremely talented as Eddie Murphy gets back in the game, it is to be celebrated. Not only is he back on top form but he seems reinvigorated and motivated. He’s joined by a fantastic, predominantly black, ensemble cast and there’s not one weak link amongst them. The standout is a scene-stealing Wesley Snipes who goes places you’d never expect.

The story explores the origin of Rudy Ray Moore and how he turned Dolemite into a Blaxploitation icon. It’s told using the tried and tested, underdog biopic format and it works perfectly. It’s a great vehicle for Murphy to do his thing and there are lots of great comedic and musical moments.

The Disaster Artist recently tried to tell an underdog story in similar fashion, but this is much better; It’s much more accessible for those not familiar with the story and it’s a lot funnier. Murphy deserves more attention for this, and I’m baffled as to how it didn’t get an Oscar nomination for best costume design. Very enjoyable.

JoeExotic81 wrote: »

Eddie Murphy was brilliant in it. Huge promise that we might get 80s Eddie, almost back to his best, again.

The film itself didn't hold my interest.

Blindspotting has been on my list for ages, must try it!