New week, new titles. October has been filled with goodies and this weekend is going to be just as great. If you’re in a Halloween state of mind you definitely won’t be disappointed. From serial killers to crazy babysitters, Netflix has you covered.
Mindhunter
Fans of David Fincher (Seven, Zodiac, Gone Girl) will easily see his influence on this procedural true crime drama. Based on John E. Douglas’ book of the same name, one of the detectives was also the inspiration for the Jack Crawford character in The Silence of the Lambs. Stick through the first episode. It’s a slow burn at first, establishing the setup into episode two. It’s a completely engrossing show perfect for a weekend binge.
Battle Royale
Meet the original Hunger Games. This controversial cult classic takes dystopian to another level. Every year a 9th-grade class is sent to a remote island where they are locked into exploding neck collars, given random weapons, and forced to hunt and kill each other until there is only one survivor left. It’s a teen massacre thriller that will chill you to the bone.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
I had to break up the darkness with this dumb, uproarious movie. Will Ferrell stars as a number one race car driver who loses his nerve and loses it all. His best friend has taken over his old life and now he must reclaim his need for speed with the help of his shiftless father. The performances in this are so funny and there are so many great actors: John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole and Michael Clarke Duncan to name just a few. If you’re a NASCAR fan, even better. There are some of those guys in it too. Shake and bake. (Make sure you stick around after the end of the movie for the outtakes.)
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
I’m just going to say it. This could easily be one of the best movies of the year. I have a serious question for you, Adam Sandler. WHY aren’t you doing more projects like this? You’re a brilliant actor when you aren’t lighting farts and hanging out with Rob Schneider. Really. Please do more movies like this for Netflix. Directed by Noah Baumbach, this story about the most dysfunctional of families should be at the top of your queue. You won’t be sorry.
The Babysitter
It’s a new film from McG! Returning to his fun and funny action-packed roots, this film is a bloody good time. And I do mean bloody. This babysitter slasher with a super amusing twist is a trashy retro popcorn film that doesn’t take itself seriously at all. And don’t we just need that sometimes? Lower the lights and turn off your brain. You’re going to have a good time.
Donnie Darko
If you ever feel like dropping into the deepest rabbit hole ever (pun intended), Google theories about the meaning of this movie. This mind-bending film directed by Richard Kelly stars a young Jake Gyllenhaal as a troubled teen dealing with sleepwalking, family drama, and a 6-foot bunny that happens to follow him around. This is a movie that changes each time you watch it. The meaning is left up to you. It’s a journey worth taking.
Notable Halloween Titles
- Hostel
- Cube
- The Saw movies
- Cabin Fever (Eli Roth)
- Teeth
Happy weekend and happy streaming!
