Akira (1988, Katsuhiro Ôtomo) A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics. The manga came after the movie. A great YT copy with English subs can be found here. But the above poster's analysis is fascinating and made me appreciate the art of animation far more than I had previously. Recommended.
The Host (2006, Bong Joon Ho) Excellent contemporary monster film with a lot of the same messages from classics like Godzilla and geared toward family audiences. Free on The Tube.
One of my favorite Film Noirs - The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), with Kirk Douglas in his first role - playing a weak person.
Classic indeed. Somebody should write a book or at least pen an essay on why Noir film scores of that era were so brazenly LOUD. Even when a late 40s/early 50s score only had strings (rare) it’s as if the conductors had arms flailing at studio orchestras to “play louder”! Especially during the opening credits, my God, some of those scores were busting eardrums.
The Young Lions (1958, Edward Dmytryk) The lives of three young men, a German and two Americans, during WWII. This one has three great performances from the leads, Dean Martin, Montgomery Clift and (one of the best from) Marlon Brando. It's a very good, low key war drama based on the Irwin Shaw novel (which everyone tells me is superior, though film/book comparisons don't really serve either). Great late night viewing.
They Might Be Giants (1971, Anthony Harvey) In a Manhattan psychiatric hospital a man (George C. Scott), convinced he is Sherlock Holmes, is treated by a female doctor (Joanne Woodward) who happens to be named Watson. Love this performance from Scott and Woodward isn't bad, either. Snappy, deliberately derivative Holmes update/adaptation. Fun little film.
Brave Browser has the adblocker built in. You can even listen to YouTube audio and shut the screen off (when using a phone or tablet). Comes in very handy sometimes. And: You can earn Brave Rewards (getting Brave Attention Token, BAT). You won't be a millionaire any time soon but it's always good to have some dough on the side.
A Delicate Balance (1973, Tony Richardson) A well-to-do Connecticut family is upended when the grown daughter's godparents, seized by a nameless terror, decide to come live with them. My favorite Edward Albee play to film adaptation. Great cast. My favorite Kate Reid performance (Golden Globe nod).
I've been looking for exceptional LGBTQ+ oriented titles to recommend that are streaming for free - and ones that aren't especially well known. This one by Julian Schnabel is a favorite - Before Night Falls (2001) An exploration of the early life of the late gay Cuban poet, Reinaldo Arenas, who was forced to flee the intolerant climate of his his native island in order to realize his creative potential. Javier Bardem garnered an Oscar nod for his portrayal of Arenas. Avoiding the usual man/woman with something to prove biopic Schnabel creates a sprawling, artful look at the development of an artist. Nice cameo from Johnny Depp. Free on hoopla.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985, George Miller/George Ogilvie) After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter (Mel Gibson) travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen (Tina Turner). Probably the least revered of the 4 film franchise. Don't know why that is. It's my second favorite after the first. It's so 80s. Plus, Tina puts it over the top. Love the soundtrack. Nice "making of" doc on Thunderdome above. Free on tubi.
Someone just reminded me about the movie 'Man Bites Dog' on another thread. It's currently on 'YouTube' and definitely worth watching.
the last detail (1973, hal ashby) Two Navy lifers are ordered on a last detail before vacation, escorting a young recruit to jail for theft. One of Nicholson’s -and Ashby’s - best (imo) and a lot of ad-lib fun. Check it out before it’s pulled.