Netflix has been slacking lately if you ask me. I haven't been very impressed with a great deal of their original content and the "good films" that they have been adding are normally many years old, were Hollywood blockbusters, and everyone has probably already seen them. Unfortunately, it appears as though this is going to be the case in March as it was in February.
I wouldn't say there are too many additions coming on March 1st that are really worth getting worked up about... There are a lot of good films being added after all. The only problem is that you have probably already seen them and there doesn't appear to be any "hidden gems" that are being put into play in March.
Is this everyone's favorite Batman film or is it just me? I remember back when it was announced that Heath Ledger was going to be playing Joker and I had a "noooooooo!" moment because up to that point he was a pretty boy star of mostly romantic comedies. It didn't make sense to me that he would be chosen for the role. Oh how terribly wrong myself and all the other naysayers were about this casting choice. Ledger will go down in history as being one of the greatest on-screen villains of all time and he totally changed my, and many other people's minds about what sort of caliber of actor he is in this role.
Of course literally everyone has already seen this but I feel as though this one is worth a 2nd (or 12th) watch because it is that damn good.
"King Kong aint got S**T on me!"
Training Day is one of my favorite films of all time and the twists and turns that take place in it is a bit different than your average Hollywood film. It really doesn't end in any sort of surprising way but on the way to the easily predictable ending, there are some fantastic moments including a stellar performance by both Denzel and Ethan.
This one might actually be a film that not just everyone has seen and if you are one of the fortunate few that hasn't already seen this film, get on it straight away. I may actually watch it again but only due to lack of other options on Netflix at the moment.
This goes way back to 2006 when Jack Black was "kind of" a superstar. A lot of people who appreciate his brand of humor might not be aware that he is actually and extremely gifted singer / songwriter and his comedy albums were out there before we actually saw a great deal of him on screen.
This film is completely ridiculous and has a wonderful set of cameos that you won't see together in very many films. It showcases the amount of friends that Black has probably made over the years because not every person who does a cameo is a traditionally comedic actor or actress.
The songs are fantastic and are easily the best part of this ride. The soundtrack is just as amazing as the film itself and if you are a fan of comedy music at all (think Weird Al, for example) this will appeal to you.
While I am unlikely to re=watch the entire film (by virtue of having already done so dozens of times,) this is one that I will definitely peruse for my favorite bits.
This was the first film I recall ever seeing Jaden Smith in and also the 2nd to last one he is in where he does anything remotely resembling good acting. He hadn't gotten a big head at this point and while there is no denying that he was chosen for the role because his father was the lead, Jaden does a wonderful job in a supporting role.
The fact that this is a true story makes it even more worthwhile to see and it is a wonderful story of family, and never giving up on pursuing success in life. I bet you get misty eyed when you are watching it... I know that I did.
Other films of note being added on 1-March
- Dances With Wolves - I would argue that this film is too long but it is a wonderful story and for many it might be worth the more than 3 hours of Kevin Costner excellence that launched him to the A-list
- Rain Main - If you want to see a film where Tom Cruise was lauded for being a good actor rather than just being a guy that does all of his own stunts, this is a good place to start. This is also prior to him going completely bat-shit crazy with the Scientology stuff.
- Crazy, Stupid, Love - I am one of those people that really appreciates Steve Carell's more serious films but this is kind of a hybrid where it is a mix of drama with a touch of comedy. Combine this with an ending that you almost certainly can't see coming and it is a fantastic one to add to your "must watch " list.
There are of course many others but I either don't know what they are or they are something stupid like Year One (awful film) or a genre that I don't understand why anyone likes such as Step Up: Revolution.
Happy viewing!