Netflix Binge Guide: July 2016
With a new month on the horizon, that means a new surplus of movies and TV shows are heading straight to Netflix. Here below is a list of everything heading your way plus a couple of recommendations for when you’re looking for a movie night or to simply escape from the summer heat.
“Back to the Future” Trilogy
courtesy of Universal Pictues
With its clever blend of comedy and sci-fi thrills, it’s not hard to see why “Back to the Future” remains one of the most thoroughly entertaining blockbusters of the 1980s. The original, featuring Michael J. Fox as an 80s teen who travels back to the 1950s where he runs into his parents as youngsters, is, of course, a classic. “Part II” has become famous for its outlandish depiction of the year 2015 as well as it’s zig-zag plot-line that gleefully plays into the various complications of time travel. As for “Part III”, it may be the weakest of the three pictures but there is still fun in seeing the characters stranded in the old West. The combination of all three films is sure to make a movie marathon that the whole family will enjoy.
“Lethal Weapon” Series
courtesy of Warner Brothers
Okay, the third and fourth installments in this series might be a bit on the weak side, but the first two still stand as the pinnacles of the buddy-cop sub-genre. Thanks in large part to the stellar chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, the influence of these movies can still be felt today. After all, there is a FOX television series loosely based on this popular action franchise coming in the fall and Shane Black, the writer behind the first film, even brought some of the same style back to the big screen in this summer’s “The Nice Guys”. For those seeking an adrenaline thrill-ride of action with a heavy dose of comedic banter, accept no substitute.
“The Big Short”
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Writer/director Adam McKay may more commonly be known as guy behind such Will Ferrell gems as “Anchorman”, “Step Brother”, and “Talladega Nights” but he achieved heavy awards buzz earlier this year for this snappy drama about the 2008 housing crisis. Don’t worry about not understanding the various financial loopholes and mistakes that led to such a disaster, part of the film’s strength lies in its ability to explain these complicated matters in ways that are not only simple but extremely entertaining. For this, the movie managed to take home an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2016 Academy Awards. It also doesn’t hurt that there is a stellar ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt.
“Bojack Horseman”: Season 3
courtesy of Netflix
Arguably one of Netflix’s most acclaimed series, “Bojack” manages to not only be one of the funniest TV series currently running but one that is also surprisingly emotional and complex. The series takes place in a fictional L.A. where humans and anthropomorphic talking animals live side-by-side and focuses on the washed-up star of a “Full House” like 90s show, who just so happens to be a horse as well. The horse in question, Bojack, is a washed-up, alcoholic who is attempting to make a comeback in his career, while also battling his own depression and self-loathing. But don’t that description get you down. This is by far one of the funniest TV shows around. It just happens to be the layers of sadness underneath the laughter that help it stick with you after watching.
