Game On, Bitches: Movies to Watch on Your TV

March 18th 2010, 10:49am

A while back I ran a list of great movies worth checking out using the Netflix Instant Watch feature. Back then the XBOX 360 was the only console that streamed instant watch so PlayStation owners and other devices were left in the cold. The good news now is PS3 owners can stream content directly to their consoles and Wii owners will soon have such luck. Furthermore, owners of HD TiVos, Roku Digital Video Players, certain BluRay players, and certain HD TVs, can also stream Netflix. With such a large new audience of Netflix users and with many new titles added to the service, here’s a new version of my list of…

NETFLIX MOVIES TO WATCH ON YOUR TV

MUST SEE ACTION FLICK: HEAT

What really needs to be said about HEAT? This was the first movie that included Pacino and DeNiro where they actually share physical space with one another. Pacino delivers an over the top performance that echos his craziest work in SCARFACE without going to far off the deep end. DeNiro plays it cool as one of the smoothest bank robbers cinema has ever seen. Throw in the best shoot-out in modern cinema, and HEAT is a must-see (and fantastic in repeat viewings). Did I mention that it steams in HD? Hells yeah it does.

Also recommended: JARHEAD and BLACK HAWK DOWN

MUST SEE DOCUMENTARY: THE THIN BLUE LINE

One of the best parts about Netflix Instant Watch is the service’s abundance of documentaries. Want to see a doc about the water crisis? Check. Want to see a doc about the food crisis? Check. Want to see a doc about the beer crisis (I shit you not)? Check. Hell, I bet there’s at least ten documentaries on the effects of weed and its history. So, with so many choices, I have to recommend that you check out THE THIN BLUE LINE. This documentary, from Academy Award winning director Errol Morris, was a game changer when it came out in 1988. The film is a seen as one the best in the genre and brought re-enactments to the genre. Plus, the movie was so powerful it wound up over-turning the court case it was investigating. Pretty powerful work by one of the best documentarians of all time.

Also recommended: HOOP DREAMS and DEAR ZACHARY

MUST SEE CLASSIC: ON THE WATERFRONT

Netflix is full of classic films waiting for young movie fans to discover their importance in film history. Tops on my list is the Elia Kazan classic, ON THE WATERFRONT. Not only does this movie have a great performance by Marlon Brando (“I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody.”) but it has layers to it. Kazan’s masterpiece uses metaphor to examine the Hollywood blacklist and the impact of the House Un-American Activities Committee on filmmakers. Trust me, with that said, the film is incredibly entertaining while a great piece of epic drama. If you haven’t seen this flick and you’re a movie fan, you owe it to yourself.

Also recommended: ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN

MUST SEE CULT FILM: A CLOCKWORK ORANGE

The history of of cult film has several pillars of support. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE is one of those films, a cornerstone of any cult film fan’s top 10 list. Stanley Kubrick adapted Anthony Burgess’s dystopic novel into a glorious cinematic mind-fuck that will blow away your perception of what filmmaking really is. A bit of ultra-violence goes along way to entertain the deepest and darkest segments of the human brain. After you see A CLOCKWORK ORANGE you will never live the same way again.

Also recommended: THE QUICK AND THE DEAD and LOCK, STOCK, AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS

MUST SEE COMEDY: PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

Netflix is a bit short when it comes to great comedies. Fortunately for me, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS is an option. It’s definitely the kind of comedy that I can watch over and over again. While Seth Rogen was the big headliner when this flick came out, it was James Franco’s stoned-out performance that steals the show. This movie brings together a perfect blend of action and comedy to make me giggle like a teenager. Pothead comedies aren’t for everybody – but they sure are for me.

Also recommended: BEST IN SHOW and THE BREAKFAST CLUB

MUST SEE TV: LOST

Last and not least, comes TV. Netflix is packed with free TV episodes to watch and my current favorite is LOST. Unlike the majority of society, I missed out on LOST when it was started airing. Five seasons later, I’ve turned to Netflix to play catch up. Sure, I probably won’t be completely up-to-date when the series wraps up at the end of this Spring. At least I can kind of participate in discussions. So, if you’re like me and you missed out on shows like LOST the first time, Netflix is a great way to play catch up.

Also recommended: THE OFFICE, COUPLING, and SOUTH PARK

If you’re a fan of Netflix Instant Watch, what movie would you recommend?