Film Review: What I've Been Watching

With so many new films being added to Netflix lately (especially the US Version), I find it difficult to remember just all the films I want to watch. Luckily, Netflix have a 'list' option which allows you to create a  playlist for all the movies you missed at the cinema. I thought then, I'd add a new feature to Popcorn and Glitter in which I share the films I've successfully managed to tick off my never-ending list of viewings

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A soldier, David (Dan Stevens), introduces himself to the Peterson family - claiming to have fought along side their son who died in action. The family welcome him in to their home and quiet town but soon notice a series of mysterious deaths connected to his arrival.
Though there are a few glimpses of B-Movie characteristics, this is an original and ultimately entertaining piece of horror with the style and cinematography of Drive (2011). This is clearly made by a man who loves 80's horror as it oozes homage to the era. The Guest headlined at last year's FrightFest and I'm so glad I got to catch it at the UK Premier. Witty, unique and complete with a horror maze finale, this is sure to be a cult classic among horror fans, I would urge you to add this all to your 'scary night in' list.

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Kristen Wiig stars as Imogene, a New York playwright who has hit rock bottom. Having lost her boyfriend, her fancy apartment and her upper-Eastside lifestyle, she returns home to New Jersey to live with her dysfunctional mother and brother. So sure that she was destined for better things, Imogene decides to track down her successful yet absent father.
I'm a big fan of independent films and despite seeing the trailer online, Girl Most Likely never seemed to have earnt the UK distribution allowing me to see it in cinemas. Gallows humour meets Bridesmaids (Paul Feig, 2011) and an all star cast which sees excellent performances from both Wiig and screen legend, Annette Bening. Add this to your independent film or alternative comedy list. (Not sure if this is available on the UK version of Netflix)

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A documentary film which challenges former Indonesian death-squad leaders to reenact their mass-killings in whichever cinematic genres they wish, including classic Hollywood crime scenarios and lavish musical numbers.
A harrowing documentary which follows a group of "gangsters" within a community of people who have since swept one million murders under the carpet. The film is cleverly constructed and director needn't say anything as the group of now elderly men willingly create their own 'Hollywood' reenactment of the events in 1960's Indonesia. Probably one of the most disturbing and powerful documentaries I've ever seen. Add this to your history and world cinema list. Available on the US Version only.

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Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), is a young aspiring musician who having agreed to step in as a drummer, finds himself in a serial pop group led by faceless singer, Frank (Michael Fassbender). Having joined them and agreed to help finance the band on their tour, Jon soon realises he is way out of his element.
Featuring Frank Sidebottom's image but with nothing related to it, Frank is one of the strangest pieces of independent cinema I've seen in a long time. A barking mad but affecting dark comedy. Add this to your Indie film and top Michael Fassbender list.

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Set entirely in a car, Locke follows Ivan (Tom Hardy), a dedicated family man and construction manager on his long drive home on the eve of the biggest challenge in his career. Receiving a phone call on his drive, his whole life is turned upside down and his conversation sets a series of events in motion.
It's Tom Hardy and therefore naturally worth the watch. The original dynamic of the title demands a stellar performance from Hardy and it features some familiar voices on the hands-free en route An interesting drama with a unique style of storytelling, courtesy of both the UK and US version of Netflix. Add this to your top Tom Hardy list or even just your standard one.

So there you have it. Five films that I've seen all thanks for Netflix. Being mostly independent flicks, a lot of these films had a short life at the cinema and it's sometimes so hard to find which screens are showing them. It's so satisfying then, when it's just there to stream (legally) without having to them hunt down on a dodgy site.
Also on my list are Chef (Jon Favreau, 2014), Obvious Child (Gillian Robespierre, 2014), The One I Love (Charlie McDowell, 2014), Cake (Daniel Barnz, 2014) and many more so stay tuned for my reviews of those over the next few weeks! What's on your Netflix list at the moment?

Until next time film fans,