Netflix Film Review: What I've Been Watching II

Hello, hello! Back again with another installment of what I've been watching. With all the awful weather we've been having the last few days, Netflix has certainly prevailed. As you know from my last list, I've been building a viewing wishlist of films I've been dying to see so here's some I managed to tick off...

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Jennifer Aniston stars as Claire, an L.A women attending a support group following a life changing car accident. Consumed by her chronic back pain and loss, Claire is bitter, broken and chomps on pain killers like they are tic-tacs. Following the suicide of one of her support group members (Anna Kendrick), Claire becomes obsessed with her ghost and forms an unlikely relationship with her widower, Roy (Sam Worthington). 

This was snubbed by the Oscars and Golden Globes in 2014 but certainly worth a watch. Though I can understand why this slipped under the radar, Aniston gives a good performance, unlike you've seen her before. Cake is a gritty yet entertaining narrative in which a snappy, unhappy woman finds closure. 

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Having both coincidentally cheated death in suicide attempts on the same day, estranged twins Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wiig) reunite in the hopes of mending their shattered relationship. 

I was so sad to have missed this at the cinema and was so excited to see it on the US version of Netflix. Another Indie classic for Kristen Wiig who seems to be appearing quite a lot on my current list. Despite it's depressing subject matter in which suicide seems to be a constant, The Skeleton Twins has an endearing darkness with two lovable yet unlikable, dysfunctional characters. I dare you not to have a smile on your face during the 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now' lip sync scene. 

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A documentary which ponders the debate of nature vs. nurture and explores orca whales in captivity, in particular at SeaWorld. Since the documentary's release in 2013, SeaWorld's profits have suffered greatly, exposing the treatment of the whales and killer whale, Tilikum. The documentary takes a look at the events which may have led to the deaths and injuries as a result of working along side him.

I'm ashamed to say I hadn't seen this sooner but I delibrately put off watching following it's original hype in 2013. It's been on my list for a while and I'm so glad to have now ticked it off. A beautifully constructed and cleverly directed documentary which brings to light the lengths SeaWorld have gone to cover-up the truth behind such deaths as Dawn Brancheau's. Hard-hitting and powerful, good luck going to SeaWorld with a clear conscience.

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A two-part FRONTLINE documentary exploring the criminal justice system in America. For decades, the states has focused on incarcerating all violent and non-violent criminals but now the prisons are overrun and the system is failing. In Solitary Nation (Part 1) and Prison State (Part 2), Locked Up In America takes a look at the mental effects of solitary confinement on prisoners as well as juvenile cases and life after conviction. 

I find a strange joy in watching prison and crime documentaries (especially serial killers) and this had been on my list for a while. A powerful and insightful look at the flaws in America's legal system. It's amazing to think just how many American's are let down by the system and the vicious cycles of crime that occur as a result of the lack of support ex-prisoners receive when leaving prison. Not for the faint-hearted. Only available on the US version of the site.

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Having lost his chef job following a scathing review, Carl (Jon Favreau) starts up his own food truck in the hopes of rebuilding his own creativity and promise. He recruits his estranged family to help him piece back together his career and manages to mend their relationship along the way. 

In someways, this film reminded me of Little Miss Sunshine (Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, 2006) for it's humour but it also made me hungry. A great cast, a food lover's dream and a charming, fun and happy fare that I'm sad to have missed at the cinema but thankful to Netflix for having!

What have you been watching lately? I still have a whole load of films on my list so stay tuned for another installment of what I've been watching soon. 

For those of you who didn't know/haven't voted yet, I have been nominated for TWO awards at the Bloggers Awards this year. I'm so thankful to even be nominated so thanks so much to those of you who voted for me originally. I'd be eternally grateful if you could vote for me to win. It only takes two seconds and you don't even have to fill out the whole form, just select Popcorn and Glitter and finish survey. You can vote here! 

Lots of love,