If you’re like me, you don’t have a lot of extra time to just sit around binge-watching stuff on Netflix. Usually my Netflix time is worked in around laundry folding. So, it goes without saying that I don’t want to spend a ton of my precious time trying to find something worthwhile to watch. But that’s usually what happens…twenty or so minutes scrolling through and reading descriptions and reviews of films and shows that I usually end up deciding not to watch anyway. And then let’s not even get started on the duds that I’ve chosen, films that entice me enough to click play only to put me to sleep in the first thirty minutes or make me laugh during scenes that weren’t meant to be funny.
The following films are ones that are currently available on Netflix Instant Streaming (summer 2015) that did not make me sorry that I watched them. I realize that movie-watching is extremely subjective, but if you find yourself on my blog browsing around, chances are we have some things in common, so maybe one or two of these films will make your laundry folding a bit more pleasant.
Now that I think about it, this is the BEST one to accompany your laundry folding! It is the true story of a 1950s housewife (she does a lot of ironing in the film, which will make you thankful for your permanent press cycle) and mother of ten children (yes, ten), who enters jingle contests and sweepstakes to help make ends meet and make up for her alcoholic husband’s foibles. It stars Julieanne Moore, who always makes a charming vintage housewife, and Woody Harrelson, who always makes a convincing drunk. Truly, this is a charming movie, and it will inspire you to feel more optimistic and cheerful in your everyday housewifely and motherly tasks. It’s rated PG-13, for a scene or two of Harrelson’s drunken shenanigans, including some brief, albeit strong, language.
Ah, Harrison Ford….Harrison Ford in Amish garb. This 80s film focuses on a murder whose only witness is a young Amish boy. Ford plays a hard knocks, big city investigator, who ends up having to hideout amongst the Amish community in order to protect the family of the witness and himself. It is an interesting look at the Amish community, but it is also a classic Ford with plenty of shots of his crooked little grin. A star-crossed, sweet romance adds to the intrigue. It is rated R for rather strong language, violence, and one brief scene of nudity.
Put away the laundry and gather your whole family for this one. It is easily one of my favorite movies of all time. Set in an POW camp for Allied officers, it features their plans for an elaborate, underground escape. It boasts an all-star cast for 1963, including Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, and others. It is an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but also features excellent, sensitive character development, a characteristic I think is missing from many movies in this genre today. It is unrated and completely free of language and other unnecessary modern Hollywood ploys. Young children would find it too long, and without spoiling it, please know that not all of the main characters survive. While the death elements are free from bloody violence, these scenes would still be upsetting to a young child.
I’ve seen a few film adaptations of this Dickens classic, and this one is by far the best. This movie stays true to the storyline, but moves along at a fair clip. The role of Miss Havisham is excellently and creepily played by Helena Bonham Carter, and Ralph Fiennes plays an effective Magwitch. Enough said. It’s rated PG-13, but mostly for thematic elements.
Again, this is one most of your family will enjoy! Based on the popular book by Louis Sachar, it is about a group of young teen boys, placed in a detention camp where they spend their days digging holes under the supervision of a really, really mean corrections officer played by Sigourney Weaver. An engaging mystery ensues about what they are really digging for… It also stars a young Shia LeBouf. It’s rated PG.
Okay…this is a bit of an odd movie, but what movie starring Johnny Depp isn’t? Depp plays the title character, who finds himself somewhat stuck in a small town caring for his unbelievably obese mother and mentally impaired younger brother, convincingly played by a young Leonardo diCaprio. This film is driven by the Oscar-worthy acting and complex, emotional character development. It’s rated PG-13 for some language and thematic elements.
Even though it is animated, this is one that you and other adults will also enjoy for its sharp wit and creative storyline. It actually draws a bit of reference from the above-mentioned Great Escape, so make sure to watch that one first, so you’ll enjoy the clever references. This film is about a chicken who begins to think outside-the-box about her and her comrades’ existence and futures. Mel Gibson’s supporting voice role as a cocky rooster (pun intended) is worth a viewing alone!
If you get a chance to view any of these movies, let me know your thoughts. Also, if you have any obscure favorites that you’ve enjoyed, do tell. I have lots of laundry to fold….
