Nolan’s Report & Recommendations | February 8-14, 2021

This week, Nolan is providing us with some of his favorite films he’s watched this past month plus some recommendations for films now available on a streaming service.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) – Netflix
The entire cast delivers an absolute masterclass of acting in this adaption of a play by the same name. In particular Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, in his final role, standout with Oscar-worthy performances. The film never drags, aided by a short run time, and will leave you wanting more when the credits roll.

The Kid Detective (2020) – VOD
This charming dark comedy has a little bit of everything in it. Nostalgia for The O.C. fans, intrigue for the mystery fans and laughs for the comedy fans. The direction is underrated and the story is refreshingly unique in today’s day and age of movie making.

Shirley (2020) – Hulu
Elisabeth Moss shows her range in the titular role of Shirley. This mind-bending thriller may leave some viewers questioning everything while others may end up rushing to wikipedia to see if this is all real.

Love and Monsters (2021) – Spectrum On Demand, VOD
This movie is a lot of fun. I went in completely blind expecting a campy type movie but the writing, special effects and acting are all very good. Worth the rental.

Honest Thief (2020) – Spectrum On Demand, VOD
Liam Neeson is at it again. This time with Jai Courtenay in tow. The entire premise is a bit unbelievable, but once you get past that you can strap in for some great action mixed with some twists and turns.

The Hunt (2020) – Direct TV
Delayed multiple times, The Hunt’s release last year subverted my expectations and delivered a funny social commentary on all sides of the political aisle. Some parts are predictable while others zig when you expected them to zag.

Wolfwalkers (2020) – Apple TV+
One of the best animated films I have seen in a long time. The unique art design created by the Irish studio Cartoon Saloon, can trick your eyes and brain into believing you’re watching a book come to life. An excellent story about friendship and understanding other cultures.

Psycho Goreman (2021) – VOD
A seriously funny throwback to 80’s and 90’s style practical effect and campy horror movies. Think The Fly meets The Power Rangers.

Rewind (2019) – Prime Video
A heart wrenching emotional rollercoaster of a documentary, that follows the director’s life through a cavalcade of home videos, which slowly unearth a deeper issue in his life.

A Serious Man (2009) – Peacock
The Coen Brothers deliver in this off kilter film which follows a physicist going through a life he seemingly has no control over.

What To Stream This Week

Unpregnant (2020) – HBO Max
The Deer Hunter (1978) – Peacock
Kung-Fu Hustle (2004) – Netflix
Gary Gulman: The Great Depresh (2019) – HBO, Direct TV
Dragged Across Concrete (2019) – Fubo TV, Direct TV
Spy (2015) – Fubo TV, Direct TV
The Nice Guys (2016) – Hulu
Akira (1988) – Hulu
Gone Baby Gone (2007) – Fubo TV, Direct TV
Atlantics (2019) – Netflix
Orange County (2002) – Direct TV
Donnie Darko (2001) – Roku, Tubi, Kanopy
Brigsby Bear (2017) – Direct TV, Starz

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