My favorite Movies From Every Streaming Service you will LOVE *Corona Edition*

1. A Blockbuster or Classic you should revisit

2. Undercover/Indie/Artsy Type Film

3. Wild Card

NETFLIX

1. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (2012- 2H 2m)

Okay Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro and we even have CHRIS TUCKER STOPPING BY- what more do you want? It has a little (okay a lot) of crazy in it, so if you are a "I watch shitty TV/Movies to make myself feel like I'm ok" this is REALLY your movie. Nevertheless, on a more serious note, it is a great reminder that we all have shit were dealing with, some more serious than others, and were all just trying to not fu** up as much as possible.

If you’re not familiar, it’s a movie about a guy who loses his marriage and job, ends up in a psych shop for a bit and is trying to get his life (and wife) back while living at his parents. He bumps into Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) and long story short they dance a lot because Pat (Bradley Cooper) agrees to enter a dance competition Tiffany wants to participate in, and in doing so, Tiffany will send a message to his ex-wife because there friends or relatives- I can’t remember it’s been a year.

It is a film you do not have to be crazily focused on seeing every single second of, but like all good movies, I hope it sucks you in the same way it did for me. An AMAZING Lawrence performance, this is really her first try at drama (post Winter's Bone, obviously) after the first Hunger Games and X-Men. Cooper, in the midst of a run that included 2 Hangovers (haha) Limitless & Place Beyond the Pines (SO GOOD), owns this role in a way only a seasoned actor can. He kind of Hanks this one a little bit, like, you can always see a little glimmer of Tom Hanks in every movie he does even though his acting can be very different- Cooper unlocks that with this performance, he is a very convincing mentally unstable Man but we still get moments of Bradley'ness which I'm all about. The two's chemistry is worth the price of admission alone (again, free off the Flix) but you will remember it for so much more.

2. Moonlight (2016- 1H 55M)

If you want to get lost in a tale more riveting than possibly anything I've ever seen this is your movie. Moonlight is one of those films when you are finished you just feel different. It’s almost like a dream, as if you can’t get out of what you just saw. I LOVE that feeling, I wish every movie knocked me out the way Moonlight does. Barry Jenkins ran the show, Mahershala Ali is at the top of the call sheet and we even get a SUPER good looking and awe inspiring Janelle Monae in this one to.

The film shows us a story that I have never seen told on the big screen- A movie chronically the life of a black man (literally named black) as he grows up in, well, let’s just say not the best area or situation (we've seen that story, what's inside of it is whats different). The story follows two friends as kids, then teenagers, and adults as their relationship dynamic changes and morphs over time. Let's just say the two's friendship is "complicated" and certainly raises questions that some viewers might have to answer for themselves.

The aforementioned Ali and Monae are a married couple who serve as a big influence to Black as he deals with absentee parents. In a movie filled with struggle, depth, adolescent learning lessons, violence, and so much more the time spent with Black's role models is a fun get away from it all (which I'm sure was very intentional by Jenkins). Whenever someone asks me what are some of my favorite movies this one always climbs to the top, if you watch I promise you will not forget it. Moonlight is like a scar, you forget about it a lot of the time but when you do see it, a flood of memories come creeping back and maybe a recognition for how you are just inevitably different afterwards.

3. The End of the Tour (2015- 1H 46M)

I watched this movie last night, on the Netflix title page you will see Jason Segel (HIMYM-Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Now You See Me) staring at each other. Segel is "rocking" a bandanna and reallll long hair which is a combo I didn't think I'd ever see, but a movie that always intrigued me although I had issues pulling the trigger. When I finally did (because wtf else am I going to do), I was so overjoyed because it was exactly what I needed.

The film chronicles Rolling Stone reporter David Lipinsky (Eisberg) as he follows author David Foster Wallace (Segel) on a 5-day stretch during his book tour for Wallace's "Groundbreaking" novel Infinite Jest. The End of the Tour is about battling egos, what it means to be "famous" or "brilliant", and frankly a quite candid look inside how these big magazine bio-think piece articles happen behind the scenes. A lot of talking, an insane amount of semi-monologue moments- but it totally works. A great casting putting Eisenberg alongside Segel, I know a little about Wallace and almost nothing about Lipinsky, but the feeling in the air between the two is constantly moving and you can never get comfortable like bad couch at your friends.

The dynamic between a young, aspiring author/columnist (Lipinsky) and "Genius" "Successful" novelist (Wallace) is a relationship dynamic we can take a lot away from. Its someone who seemingly has it all but can’t understand/appreciate/recognize there brilliance trying to explain the un-explainable to someone who would KILL to be the man across from him even though he fights to accept that difficult truth. The last 5 minutes of this movie are unreal, and the 14 minutes before are as painful as a trip to the dentists with 3 cavities on the docket. All of the film leading up to that is a joyous ride of self-exploration and a honest look at a complicated man who unfortunately took his own life far too soon. Salute to you DFW, your ethos will always be here on Flowing Wisdom--

HULU

1. Eyes Wide Shut (1999- 2H 39M)

If you know you know, and if you dont OHHHH BOY buckle up. Couple of novelties here, first Eyes Wide Shut (EWS) being Stanley Kubricks final film (An Icon in directing circles, if you’re not familiar get familiar). Second, the stars Tom Cruise (Dr. William Harford) and Nicole Kidman (Alice Harford) were married in real life and in this movie. Third, at the time the movie set the record for most continuous days hooting at FOUR-HUNDRED (assuming no one is crazier than Stanley, I bet it still stands). Fourth, a movie rooted in jealousy and lust, Kubrick shot a Kidman-Cruise sex scene WITHOUT CRUISE to create a real life angst against each other (WTF). Fifth, the couple’s apartment is based off Kubricks first apartment with his wife- why? Where not sure. Sixth, just to again show how ridiculous Kubrick was, he made Cruise do some 95 takes just WALKING INTO A ROOM. Seventh, final note, this movie would earn over 30 million and became the highest grossing film of Stanley's career.

Frankly I don’t know where to start..... I have seen many movies, gun to my head estimate maybe a little over 1.5K, and nothing I have seen has come close to this. Rated R, and for good reason, this movie tests the limits of OUR desires. If I had to pick one central theme its: How do you deal with your most vulnerable temptations and fantasies in a world that does not lend itself to that type of behavior or thinking.

EWS does something any good movie should, give recognition to a certain behavior, circumstance, or methodology that society would tell us is wrong- but that we might feel is alluring or okay. What do you do then, when something catches your interest that should be "wrong" but that you can’t stop thinking about? What do you do when you find someone more sexually enticing than your partner? What do you do when your sex life seems incomplete with the person that is tasked with making it feel whole? EWS raises A LOT of questions and puts the emphasis on the viewer to answer them. A movie shot before 2000, I think the lessons and questions this movie raises are perfectly pertinent to the current climate- How do you want to define your marriage and does your partner agree?

2. Swingers (1996- 1H 36M)

When you see Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Ron Livingston and Heather Graham (GOAT) on the call sheet you do not think Indie, but it is because of this movie none of these actors would be in one again. Literally in the "INDIES" section on Hulu, this is a movie I had heard so many things about and finally dove in last winter. Swingers has so much hype surrounding it that for me I was a little underwhelmed when I finished it, but upon reflection, realized it IS a classic albeit a subtle one.

Trent (Vaughn) and Mike (Favreau) are fast friends who live in LA. Mike has moved from New York to LA in hopes of finding more success as a comedian, which is ironic because frankly he is not very funny whatsoever in his movie. We kind of laugh at Mike, not with him, helped by the character that is a young Vince Vaughn. Mike is also trying to get over an ex-girlfriend, and frankly, if I had to put this movie in a generic movie genre I'd say it’s essentially a break up movie.

You watch Swingers because if you have not you cannot call yourself a film-o-file. You stick around because of the chemistry and banter between Mike and Trent. Moreover, you remember the nights out, Mike's Ex GF trauma ruining any chance either of them has with anyone, and of course the voicemails.... In a serious way it’s a great movie about male friendship and unearthing some of the insecurities guys in there 20's can have. Swingers is a movie on my "revisit every 5 years" list, so if you have seen it I would say play it again, and if you haven't move it to the top of your list.

3. Friends with Kids (2011- 1H 47M)

This is right in my HS/College oblivious to anything except girls and "chilling" phase of my film-watching career where I had no idea what was in theaters (or really cared, again, GIRLS AND CHILLING BRA). This movie was somewhat of a flop, but the cast is unbelievable, how did people not see this? Couple names, Jon Hamm (already in), Adam Scott (why not), Maya Rudolph (now we're talking), Kristen Wiig (wait wtf), Megan Fox (WHO DO I PAY), Chris O'Dowd (Yall recognize him, a good get), and writer/director/star JENNIFER WESTFELDT who (I finished like 16 minutes ago) gave one of my favorite performances in the last 10 years (probably overreacting).

*Should be noted that Jennifer W and Jon H were seeing each other at the time this was shot. GOAT hot couple who dated for 10+ years but recently split.*

Essentially, best friends Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt) and Jason (Adam Scott) have a child together but stay friends and agree to be co-parents. This is in large part due to what they see from there 4 other best friends (Wiig & Hamm who hate each other bc of their kids- Rudolph & O'Dowd who have loud kids and sometimes get mad when the other doesn't listen) relationships. If you’re in that mid-late 30's early 40's range this movie is going to be extremely close to home, for someone like me (26) it’s an interest look inside older adult relationships. In some ways it gave me a lot to look forward to, and in other ways, not...

Is this movie predictable? Yes. Does it follow a general story arc that most movies use? Yes. Is there any remarkable cinematography or cool pullouts? No. Was it ever going to be in the Oscars hunt? No probably not. But, God dammit, I think Friends With Kids has something to teach us all. To appreciate what’s in front of us instead of what could be, to never take the good times for granted because some tough ones are always lurking, and to always fight for what you want- because if you don't it might be the biggest regret of your life.

AMAZON- PRIME VIDEO

1. The Big Sick (2017- 2H 0M)

I streamed this movie on Amazon about 4 months ago and was blown away. The budget on this was 5 million and it earned over 55, which was a hugeeeee success for Amazon Prime. When you watch it, and I CANNOT recommend this movie enough, you will see why. Shall I say a breakout performance by Kumail Nanjiani as, guess who, Kumail alongside the brilliant Zoe Kazan as Emily. This is a movie about a guy and a girl, and ya know what when it’s done right it’s like ice cream- I ALWAYS WANT IT AND THEN SOME MORE.

The Big Sick addresses a lot of themes that done in the wrong way would just be cliché or dumb, but with Michael Showalter running the show (director) and a script collaboration by Kumail and Emily V. Gordon it feels organic and real (maybe to real..). Not a huge spoiler, but there is a scene when Emily is sneaking out of Kumails bed fully dressed. Kumail wakes up and is like where are you going its 3AM just chill, she’s like no I gatta go I'll be back, they go back and fourth and finally Emily is like DUDE I gatta poop and you guys don't have air freshener because your a dumb stupid dude and were not on a level where you can smell my #2. That scene is done perfectly, and in a microcosm is what this movie is to me, a very real look at relationships- in this instance a bi-racial couple where one half is heavily influenced by their Indian culture.

The Big Sick is a love story that does not fallow a typical romance arc, and in doing so revitalizes a genre that needed a face lift. It swerves left when you thought it was a one way to the right, they say no when your dying for them to say yes, and on top of that a couple decent Comedy shows to (Kumail plays an aspiring stand up). An underrated element of this movie is the inside look we get into Indian culture in America, first generation Indians balancing cultural customs in a American way of life (Not to mention superb cameos by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano). This movie taught me a lot about relationships, about acceptance, and about how pain can sometimes be necessary to feel and get love.

2. Honey Boy (2019- 1H 34M)

"Well aged" Shia LaBeouf, "crazy" Lucas Hedges, "perfect" Noah Jupe, and 18 seconds of Maika Monroe- You have my money. This movie engulfs you in a title wave of story that you’re scared to death of, but simultaneously drawn to and you just can’t look away. Like the aforementioned Moonlight, Honey Boy is Mike Tyson and we are every boxer in the 90's not named Buster Douglas (that might be lost on some of you, really good shit for those who know). If you and the Mr/Ms are looking for a nice flick to watch before bed this is not your movie, BUT, if it’s like 8:47 PM and you’re staying in and feel the need FOR SPEED (or a movie that will leave you in a somewhat compromised state) watch this and you will have endless discussion afterwards.

Based on the life of its writer Shia LaBeof, Honey Boy is a story about a kid who becomes a star but did not have the stability at home to handle what was to come. Noah Jube plays 12-year-old Otis (Shia), James Lort his father (LaBeof) in this timeline, then Lucas Hedges playing Ottis at 22. The movie goes back and forth between these two stages of his life showing what is happening at 22 and the things at 12 that most likely led to it. Between the three stud actors each brings something different to the table, but this is a Thanksgiving feast and everything tastes great. Not one of those uplifting or inspiring tales, rather a realistic depiction of what it is like when you need people in your life to help you but there not able to.

The father son relationship between Ottis and his dad is hard to watch, like slooooooowly ripping off that toenail you got too aggressive with and now you are bleeding. However, it is fascinating to watch, to think that this is how Shia perceives his upbringing (not implying he is a liar by any means, just very interesting). This film is just so honest, rated R and they do not hold anything back. What do you do when the person that is supposed to be taking care of you needs taking care of? What do you do when your Dad needs to humiliate you to up his own self-esteem? What do you do when your Dad is only present because he needs the per diem check to live? How do you digest that as a kid, how do you grow older when everyone close to you is using you for everything except you? This movie has sex, drugs, and movie stars- what else do you want?

3. Instant Family (2018- 1H 58M)

I saw Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne standing next to each other and was in. Big fan of Rose and Marky Mark is obviously one of my guys too and there chemistry in this movie is good, not great, but good was all I needed. Instant Family is similar to Friends with Kids in that you've "seen" this movie probably 50 times- but the reason you've seen it that many is because when it’s done right it always hits the spot. But, like its counterpart, a film nonetheless that takes an angle I had never seen before and still has some moments that just work.

In a nutshell this movie is about two parents who can’t have kids and decide to go the foster route. This isn't some Short Term 12 rated R shit, but still at a solid PG-13 they explore themes and have dialogue that is genuinely insightful and thought provoking. It is a cookie cutter movie but with good performances from the kids and some great "Oh I'll stop by for a few days" actors who give the movie some extra firepower (Octavia Spencer, Tig Notaro, Jane Cusack, and Margo Martindale to name a few). 64% of movies I stream I stop before the 20 minute mark, and for someone who is more into drama and Indie style movies I was surprised at how much I responded to this..

I am an underdog and this is a underdog story. You give me some kids who don’t feel good enough? Fucking love it. Some parents who are trying to cover up there baggage by looking for external reassurance? Sweet. Some foster guardians who have to do what is legally correct but maybe not in the best interests of every? MMMhmm. Rose Byrne? YA, I'LL TAKE SOME MORE WITH CREAM AND SUGAR (should be noted I like my coffee black). You need to kill 2 hours and don't want to think very hard during that time? Put on Instant Family.

XFINITY ON DEMAND

*IF YOU HAVE COMCAST, YOU HAVE XFINITY ON DEMAND*

1. Edge of Tomorrow (2014- 1H 53M)

I will be Blunt (pun intended), if you were for some reason not on the Emily Blunt bandwagon before this movie, you will be after. Blunt plays a soldier set in the future (although apparently this movie is supposed to be in 2020, no fu**ing way) who is somewhat of a "Symbol" for the war due to her battle efforts in the last big fight (kind of like Katniss in Hunger Games weirdly). Tom Cruise, OH YA, plays commander Cage who after being demoted due to his lack of enthusiasm to fight in the war (he’s a PR guy) and somewhat blackmailing a British general (its complicated) wakes up in handcuffs and is "welcomed" into J company as they await "The World Biggest Battle" the next day.

In a similar mold to War of the Worlds and Oblivion (which wrapped 1 week before he started this) Edge of Tomorrow is a futuristic action thriller. Cruise is just so damn good and we get FULL Cruise in this performance with many superb action sequences, couple signature TC screams, and a confidence portrayed on screen as few can. However, Blunt does not back down whatsoever, and truth be told this blockbuster performance with her name 2nd on the call sheet sets the tone for what she is able to do after. Not to mention Brendan Grace (I know him from Harry Potter) and Bill Paxton (Apollo 13, RIP BP) busting Cage's balls any chance they get adds a levity to a movie that has as serious a premise as you can get- SAVE THE WORLD.

At almost two hours, this movie has a pace that is very rewarding to the viewer. It goes about as fast as you did that first time (ha), and in a film that's catalyst is Cage's ability to re-live the day (in order to find a way to kill the enemy, again, long story) it makes a lot of sense. Several montages of Cruise dying in order to find the right way to do it, Blunt became a "super soldier" because she used to have the power Cruise did, AKA she's the only one that believes him, AKA they kind a have this romantic none romantic thing happening (I'll let you decide). It’s a movie of movie stars being movie stars, and with Doug Liman directing this movie (long time Cruise collaborator) they create a world and scenario I will gladly buy into anytime anywhere.

2. Long Shot (2019- 2H 5M)

Can you really make a streaming movies list without any Charlize? Ms. Theron plays Charlotte Field, a politician (presently Secretary of State) who is running for President. Seth Rogen *hits blunt* is journalist Fred Flarsky who quits his job because his niche Newspaper got bought by a big company, the likes of which he’s made a living of exposing and genuinely hating. The catch, Charlotte used to babysit Fred as a kid, and when they re-connect at a fancy party in NYC Charlotte's team (reluctantly) hires Fred to be one of her speechwriters as she embarks on her Presidential campaign.

Its a rom-com, okay, but one with a pair you just would never book for this sort of movie, right? Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston? All in. Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman? Yes, I can see the children now. Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson? CANT WAIT. Charlize and Seth..... BUT IT WORKS. People think Charlize is a certain way or type of person because of how she looks, the roles she typically gets, and who can forget all the DIOR shit. BUT, she's the same person that on Bill Simmons podcast said she hates red carpets, and when asked why, essentially stated that she feels insecure next to all the pretty women. Charlize insecure?!?! That is some human shit... She also ALWAYS takes a shot from whatever Guermo (Jimmy Kimmels sidekick) has at the Oscars, where I feel like a lot of actors or just people would feel embarrassed or worried about their image/reputation to even consider the idea. All of this is meant to illustrate the point that although on the surface you might not think this would work, I can tell you it does and when you ask yourself why well, that is why.

Plenty of good supporting roles with O'Shea Jackson Jr. as Fred's best friend, June Diane Raphael as the campaign manager plus Alexander Skarsgard playing the Canadian Prime Minister who has on and off flirt fights with Charlotte (but when her and Fred get it going she sees how dumb he is). There are a couple of surprises, and a few unexpected things happen, but another movie you do not have to watch to diligently in order to enjoy or understand it. Very cool to see a woman in power and most all of to me how she handles that responsibility with grace, elegance, and most of all humility. It's late, you’re sick of talking to whoever is laying next to you, put on Long Shot and y'all make it I promise.

*Just realized this isn't an Indie movie, but I already wrote all this so..*

3. Pearl Harbor (2001- 3H 1M)

WE ARE SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST. This is one of the top 7 movies I repeatedly watched the most as a kid. Obviously, a sobering subject matter with PH being one of the worst days in US history, but, I'm glad Michael Bay could create a love triangle out of it. This cast is loaded like Johnny Depp in BLOW- KATE BECKINSALE (well get to her later) as Evelyn Johnson the nurse, Ben Affleck playing soldier Rafe McCawley (Rafe? Really), my guy (MN grown) handsome Josh Hartnett AKA Danny Walker, not to mention Cuba Gooding Jr-Alec Baldwin- Ewen Bremner (google him)- EVEN Jennifer Garner (where her and Ben first met, reuniting a few years later in Daredevil).

This is where my love for Kate Beckinsale started. Not a huge Underworld guy, but I'll stop by because my girl Kate is running the show. The long brunette hair with that slight curl, rose red lipstick, and a "hard to get" attitude TO DIE FOR. To this day, I would marry her in an instant (her Instagram is amazing to). Outside of Kate, what could have been with Josh Hartnett? He shows us all the goods in this one, an actor who walked away from the spotlight and big roles; there is a Universe where HE'S the one in Tarantino movies. This was also a big leap for Affleck, yes he'd been in Dazed and Confused and Good Will Hunting and Chasing Amy and 13 million other movies, but, this is the first legit big picture drama with him atop the call sheet and he shows Hollywood he can open a movie like this.

Pearl Harbor is truly close to my heart, the same way The Great Escape, Forest Gump, and Matilda are- movies for me I can’t watch without visualizing where and who I saw them with as a kid. I don't remember much about how it was shot, I can’t recall if I had any problems with the writing, all I remember is watching it with a HUGE bowl of popcorn with my childhood best friend Corey Hanson tucked away in his basement smiling cheek to cheek anytime I saw Kate Beckinsale on screen. During this time of isolation maybe put on a movie that brings you to a time when you weren't, I think I might just do that now.

If you are seeing this, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love movies, and I enjoy sharing the ones I like with people who I know will appreciate them. I'll try to do this every week for as long as I can. Thank you once again- until next time!