Lewis Pearce is back with something slightly different. With Odeon closed, he has put together a list of films and tv series that he recommends to watch this lockdown.
Lockdown 2 | What to watch this month… Another lockdown has begun, so I thought I would let you all know of some of the best content you can currently stream from the comfort of your own home.
I highly recommend checking any of these out if you haven’t already. Currently Streaming on Amazon Prime Video: Movies
PARASITE (2020) – Following victory at this year’s Academy Awards for Best Director, Original Screenplay, International Feature and the most coveted award of Best Picture, Bong Joon Ho’s one-of-a-kind family drama is wonderfully unique and fresh. The less you know going in the better, but this South Korean picture is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
1917 (2020) – A stunning World War 1 epic which follows two young soldiers on a race against time to deliver a message deep into enemy lines. Director Sam Mendes delivers a pulsating two-hour thriller in which he makes the whole film seem as if it is one unbroken shot. Filmmaking of the highest order.
BORAT: SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM (2020) Amazon recently released this out of nowhere sequel to the iconic 2006 original with Sacha Baron Cohen once again on top form as our titular character. Whilst not as fresh or as original as the first, Borat 2 is still filled with controversial and highly hilarious moments. Very nice!
DRIVE (2011) This stylish neo-noir thriller has Ryan Gosling on career-best form as a mysterious stunt-man only known as ‘Driver’. The slow pacing may be a struggle for some, but this is a violent, exhilarating and gorgeous film with a killer soundtrack. Possibly the coolest film ever made.
WHIPLASH (2015) One of the best films of the 21st Century, Damien Chazelle’s debut feature is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Miles Teller and J.K Simmons are outstanding in the lead roles and the sequences with the band and Teller on the drums are nothing short of breath-taking. It all concludes with my all-time favourite ending.
THE BOURNE TRILOGY (2002-2007) Easily one of the best trilogies ever made, this Matt Damon-lead action-thriller franchise is a must for its enticing story and awesome action sequences. All 3 films (The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy & The Bourne Ultimatum) are equally excellent.
TV Series:
THE BOYS (2019 -) One of the most outrageous and violent shows ever put to screen, this is superhero entertainment never before. This Amazon original is undeniably crude and absurd, but also a lot of fun. You will never meet another superhero quite like Homelander.
ALL OR NOTHING: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (2020) You don’t have to be Spurs fan to enjoy this brilliant 9-part documentary on their 2019-20 season. Following the highs and lows of the team, this gives you great insight into what goes on behind the scenes at a Premier League club and is a must for all football fans. Worth watching for Jose Mourinho alone, he is comedy gold.
THIS IS US (2016 -) The first 4 seasons of this beautifully moving and emotionally draining family drama are available on Prime and it breaks my heart that more people haven’t seen it. Following the lives of 3 intertwining families, this show feels more like a big budget documentary and though at times it can be a tough watch, you feel so attached to these characters and are rooting for them all the entire way. Keep tissues nearby.
Currently streaming on Netflix: Movies
GAME NIGHT (2018) The best comedy of the last 5 years, Game Night is a delight thanks to a strong cast lead by Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, who have great chemistry and bounce off each other with ease. The film is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, hilarious characters and fun film references.
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (2019) Easily one of the best animated movies ever made, this is entertainment of the highest order which all the family can enjoy. It’s funny, action packed and beautifully made and it’s a film everyone has to see. The best Spider-Man movie yet.
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON (2015) My favourite musical biopic of all time, this details the rise of legendary hip-hop group NWA. Lead by Eazy-E, Dr Dre and Ice Cube, it’s an epic journey from their early years struggling in Compton to changing the rap genre forever. Brilliantly acted, superbly directed and the music sessions and live performances are fantastic.
MONEYBALL (2011) I’m not a baseball man, but wow do I love Moneyball. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill are both excellent and it features one of my all-time favourite screenplays. A must for sports fans and a superb movie.
SHUTTER ISLAND (2010) Featuring one of DiCaprio’s most underrated performances, this dark and twisty thriller from the legendary Martin Scorsese always keeps you guessing, right up to its jaw-dropping final reveal. MID90s This comedy-drama is beautifully shot by Jonah Hill in his directorial debut. Sad, real and often hilarious, it’s a joyous 85 minutes.
THE BIG SHORT (2016) An all-star cast lead by Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell tells the true story of the 2005 mortgage house crisis in America. Gripping, interesting and often funny, this isn’t the easiest film to follow but it’s done with serious style.
A QUIET PLACE (2018) An edge of your seat thrill-ride for the entire 90 minutes, this is a one of a kind horror experience perfectly created by writer/director/star John Krasinski, helped by his real-life wife Emily Blunt in the lead role.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (2008) One of the funniest movies ever made, this wild stoner comedy has Seth Rogen and James Franco at their all-time funniest. Great story, side-splitting humour and surprisingly strong action help make this a classic.
TV Series:
BETTER CALL SAUL (2015 -) Prequel/Sequel/Spin-Off to the greatest television show of all time Breaking Bad, this lawyer drama is sharply written and has one of TV’s most likeable leads in Jimmy McGill. Every season is better than the last, with Season 5 in particular being jam-packed with jaw to the floor moments. However, if for some bizarre reason you haven’t seen Breaking Bad yet, literally stop what you’re doing and watch that first.
STRANGER THINGS (2016 -) Netflix’s best ever original content, this Sci-Fi masterpiece is already one of my all-time favourites and we’re only 3 seasons in.
TOP BOY (2011 -) Both the original 2 seasons of Summerhouse and the new big-budget series are available on Netflix, and it’s one of the most real and gritty shows I’ve seen with cool characters and out of nowhere violence. A UK classic.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (2013 -) This police precinct comedy has me laughing out loud every single episode, and only gets funnier by the season. Captain Raymond Holt is one of the best characters of all time.
RICK & MORTY (2013 -) Endlessly inventive, mind-blowing animation and always funny and/or violent, Rick & Morty is a once in a generation show.
THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY (2019 -) This whacky, musically-driven superhero adventure follows a family of former child heroes, now grown apart, who must reunite to continue to protect the world. Often funny, always violent and some excellent use of time travel makes this one of the most exciting new shows out right now. Aidan Gallagher is only 17 years old, but he steals the show as Number Five.
