With cinemas closed and everyone (hopefully) practising social distancing, here are some viewing suggestions to help you get by until things return to normal. We’ll also provide alternatives for films that were meant to hit cinemas this week.
Share your own recommendations in the comments below or on Twitter.
Cinema Alternatives
Spiral
Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman
Written by: Josh Stolberg (screenplay), Peter Goldfinger (screenplay), Chris Rock (story)
Starring: Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Max Minghella, Zoie Palmer, Marisol Nichols
Synopsis:
Working in the shadow of an esteemed police veteran, brash detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks and his rookie partner take on a grisly investigation that echoes the city’s gruesome past. As the bodies pile up, Zeke finds himself at the centre of a killer’s game.
The latest entry in the Saw franchise—based on an idea by Chris Rock—was originally scheduled for 23 Oct 2020, moved up to 15 May 2020, and then delayed to 21 May 2021.
Alternative:
Saw II
Rotten Tomatoes: 37% IMDB: 6.6 Metacritic: 40
Year of Release: 2005
Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman
Written by: Darren Lynn Bousman, Leigh Whannell
Starring: Donnie Wahlberg, Franky G, Glenn Plummer, Beverley Mitchell, Dina Meyer, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Erik Knudsen, Shawnee Smith, Tobin Bell
Synopsis:
After a body turns up with Jigsaw’s signature, Detective Eric Matthews leads the investigation and seemingly nabs the killer. But getting caught is part of Jigsaw’s plan… eight victims are already fighting for their lives, and Matthews is about to join the game.
Rationale:
Rather than defaulting to the original, revisit Saw II—the first Saw film directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who also directs Spiral. Not a critical darling, but a huge financial success ($147m worldwide on a $4m budget).
Find out where you can watch Saw II here.
Alternative:
Get Out
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% IMDB: 7.7 Metacritic: 85
Year of Release: 2017
Written & Directed by: Jordan Peele
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Lil Rel Howery, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root, Catherine Keener
Synopsis:
Chris visits his girlfriend’s parents for the weekend and soon uncovers a disturbing secret lurking beneath their overly accommodating behaviour.
Rationale:
A stellar example of a comedian pivoting to horror—Jordan Peele won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Can Chris Rock similarly refresh the Saw franchise? Maybe not to this level, but here’s hoping he brings new energy.
Find out where you can watch Get Out here.
The Woman in the Window
Directed by: Joe Wright
Written by: Tracy Letts (screenplay), A.J. Finn (based on the novel)
Starring: Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, Anthony Mackie, Fred Hechinger, Wyatt Russell, Brian Tyree Henry, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Julianne Moore
Synopsis:
An agoraphobic psychologist befriends a neighbour across the street from her New York brownstone, only to see her life upended when the woman disappears and foul play is suspected.
Originally scheduled for 4 Oct 2019, the film was pushed to 2020 after negative test screenings led Disney to retool the third act. It currently has no new release date.
Alternative:
Rear Window
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% IMDB: 8.4 Metacritic: 100
Year of Release: 1954
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Written by: John Michael Hayes (screenplay), based on Cornell Woolrich’s “It Had to Be Murder”
Starring: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter, Raymond Burr
Synopsis:
Laid up with a broken leg, photographer L.B. “Jeff” Jeffries passes time watching neighbours through his rear window—until he suspects one has murdered his wife. With the help of his girlfriend and nurse, he investigates from afar.
Rationale:
The influence on The Woman in the Window is obvious. Hitchcock’s classic has been referenced and parodied endlessly—most memorably (for many) by The Simpsons in “Bart of Darkness.”
Find out where you can watch Rear Window here.
Alternative:
Nocturnal Animals
Rotten Tomatoes: 74% IMDB: 7.5 Metacritic: 67
Year of Release: 2016
Directed by: Tom Ford
Written by: Tom Ford (screenplay), based on Tony and Susan by Austin Wright
Starring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Andrea Riseborough, Michael Sheen
Synopsis:
Gallery owner Susan receives the manuscript of her ex-husband’s brutal new novel. As she reads, the story forces her to confront unsettling truths about their past.
Rationale:
Need an Amy Adams fix? Try this neo-noir psychological thriller from Tom Ford. The stellar ensemble includes an Oscar-nominated turn from Michael Shannon.
Find out where you can watch Nocturnal Animals here.
Movie of the Week
Space Jam
Rotten Tomatoes: 43% IMDB: 6.4 Metacritic: 59
Year of Release: 1996
Directed by: Joe Pytka
Written by: Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick, Timothy Harris, Herschel Weingrod
Starring: Michael Jordan, Billy West, Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Danny DeVito, Bill Murray
Synopsis:
When alien slavers challenge the Looney Tunes to a basketball game, Bugs Bunny recruits NBA legend Michael Jordan for a high-flying showdown that will decide their freedom.
Rationale:
With The Last Dance fresh in mind, revisit the most ’90s way imaginable that Jordan “returned” to basketball. It’s goofy, nostalgic and an easy family watch.
Find out where you can watch Space Jam here.
TV to Binge
30 Rock
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% IMDB: 8.3 Metacritic: 73
Years: 2006–2013
Created by: Tina Fey
Episodes: 138 × ~22 minutes
Starring: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander, Katrina Bowden, Keith Powell, Lonny Ross, John Lutz, Kevin Brown, Grizz Chapman, Maulik Pancholy
Synopsis:
Liz Lemon, head writer of the sketch-comedy show “TGS with Tracy Jordan,” must wrangle an arrogant new boss and an unpredictable star while trying to keep the show—and her sanity—together.
Rationale:
One of the great sitcoms of the 2000s. Anchored by a killer cast, 30 Rock won Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmys in 2007–2009 and was nominated every year of its run. It even pulled off two live episodes—performed twice to accommodate both U.S. coasts.
Find out where you can watch 30 Rock here.
