Current Streaming Recommendations - 4/19/20
Won't You Be My Neighbor? (HBO)—If one man could have been the salve for what we are facing right now, it might have been Mr. Fred Rogers. The film delves into his enduring legacy and uncommon decency, but goes well beyond the bounds of a traditional bio-doc. It will leave you thinking about yourself as much as Mr. Rogers. And its ultimate question is what if the opposite of darkness isn't light—what if it's love?
Her (Netflix)—In this moment of unprecedented isolation, this one is worth revisiting. Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johanansson offer a meditation on what it means to be connected and what that's worth. It is high concept and touchy feely, but the care Spike Jonze put into it makes it warm enough to work. Guaranteed to at least make you think.
Coco (Disney+)—Disney's vault is filled with hits, but Coco may be the most deeply sentimental in the bunch. At a time when our loved ones are not always as close as we would like them to be, this might be the reminder we need that they are still there. The ridiculously rich visuals and lively music are just icing on a cake the entire family can enjoy. When Pixar is on its game, no studio is better.
Booksmart (Hulu) - This one is most often compared to Superbad, in that it is raunchy, daring and whip smart. But as with most things, when women make films, they have a way of being more thoughtful about the exercise. Beneath all the bad behavior and antics, Olivia Wilde's feature debut perfectly captures what it feels like to regret and long and reminisce. But you'll find no shortage of laughs along the way as Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein give you ample evidence of why they will be with us for quite a while.
The Imposter (Amazon Prime Video) – A boy disappears in 1994. A man shows up claiming to be the boy and the boy’s family accepts him as if he were. He is seven years older, has different color hair and eyes, and happens to be Frédéric Bourdin, a known serial impostor. He has done this time after time. This time, however, you are left with as many questions about the boy’s family as you are about Bourdin. When I think about the concept of recommending movies to people, this is the sweet spot for me. You’ve likely never heard of it, but you’ll likely never forget it if you give it a chance. This is as good as true crime gets.
Groundhog Day (Netflix) – Have your Thursdays started feeling like Mondays and Sundays like Wednesdays? If that sounds like you, consider taking a ride with Bill Murray on a journey where tomorrow never comes. Perhaps the joys of Bill Murray’s best performance will help you find the levity you need this weekend. But there is definitely more here. It is a philosophical bounce house that will leave you with profound thoughts ricocheting off of every laugh.
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