Netflix Nuggets - Lock down recommendations

Since we all have a little more time to enjoy our streaming service subscriptions nowadays, I thought I'd share a few Netflix originals that we've particularly enjoyed. I say few, because the majority of original Netflix programming I find as unappealing and many in bad taste. But a few good ones slip through the cracks every so often. So here are the one's we particularly liked:

• The English Game:  A recently released series set in 18th century England about the early days of soccer and the competition between the classes of the day. We've watched the first three episodes and really like it.

• The Polka King:  Fact-based movie on Polish-born bandleader Jan Lewan who made it big in America in the 1960's, but spent time for drawing his fans into a Ponzi scheme. Labeled as a comedy, this very entertaining story stars the very entertaining Jack Black, who does a fantastic job as Lewan. I had never heard of Jan Lewan before viewing this. And after watching it, I couldn't believe the story was true. But it was.

• Our Souls at Night:  A 2017 Netflix movie staring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda who play widowed neighbors who initially begin a platonic relationship to alleviate their loneliness, until a real romance begins. Very well written and particularly well acted.

• Always Be My Maybe:  Reunited after 15 years, famous chef Sasha and hometown musician Marcus feel the old sparks of attraction but struggle to adapt to each other's worlds. Nice, light-hearted, clean romantic comedy. Ali Wong and Randall Park are very appealing in their roles as Sasha and Marcus.

• Holiday in the Wild:  Another nice, clean romantic comedy, this one starring Rob Low and Kristin Davis. Davis plays a recently jilted single woman who decided to take the African safari trip that she and her ex were supposed to take together. There, she meets single tour guide Lowe. You can take it from there. Nice story though.

• Murder Mystery:  2019 move with Adam Sandler, someone who I normally try to avoid, and Jennifer Aniston about a New York couple who scramble to solve a baffling murder aboard a millionaire's yacht during a long-waited European trip that directly involves them. Not the greatest murder mystery ever made, but it was entertaining brain candy.

• The Christmas Chronicles:  Ok, probably not in the mood to watch this now, but keep it in the back of your head for the coming Christmas season, as it's one of the better Christmas/Santa Claus movies you'll see. Kurt Russell is fantastic as old St. Nick, who takes a couple of depressed kids who recently lost their father on a memorable Christmas Eve adventure.  Side note:  Netflix has another Christmas-based variety show called "A Very Murray Christmas" featuring Bill Murray that was pretty entertaining and worth checking out during the holidays as well.

• The Crown:  A biography of Queen Elizabeth starting prior to her marrying Prince Philip and ultimately becoming Queen. Three seasons of are now available, with season 3 highlighting her reign in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Might be a little more attractive to the female audience, although the few I've watched with Amy were entertaining.

So there you go. I hope you're able to check some of them out and enjoy them. Let me know what you think in the comments below.  Happy viewing!

Netflix SN #7 - "The Paradise"

Haven't had a Netflix Streaming Nugget, or Netflix SN for short, in almost two years, so I've been long over due to post one. I'm going to make a serious attempt to get this going regularly again. In case you don't remember, Netflix IVN highlights a more obscure offering on Netflix that my wife and I particularly enjoyed that you might not have heard of before.

For this blog, it's an English series that ran for two seasons (2012-2013) called "The Paradise".  Set in the 1880's London, the fictional "Paradise" is London's largest department store at the time, and the 14 one hour episodes focus on the day-to-day dealings of the store and it's staff. If that sounds similar to another more popular British show called "Mr. Selfridge", which focused on the beginnings of the non-fictional Selfridges department store in the early 20th century, then you'd be right. There are definite similarities between the two. In fact, "Mr. Selfridge", which began it's four year run in 2013, was one of the reasons "The Paradise" wasn't renewed for a third season.

Regardless, if you like English TV drama (which we actually prefer over American TV drama), "The Paradise" is worth a watch. The makers did a great job recreating 1880's England, and the cast of unknowns were excellent. The writing was good, but the acting is what really made the show.  We slightly preferred season 1 over season 2, but the story line, which featured several plot twists that caught us off-guard, kept us on our toes throughout it's run.  One thing that was particularly interesting was the series finale which neatly tied up all of the plot lines and was actually a very fulfilling ending to the show.  They've must have either know in advance the show was ending, or decided to end season two the way they did just in case it wouldn't be renewed. Either way, you'll be satisfied with it.

Netflix SN #6 - PBS British TV on a Roll

During the past two years, my wife and I have really taken an interest in a slew of British TV series that have made it to American TV, specifically on the Public Broadcasting System (PBS).  Four in particular have peaked our interest:  "Downton Abbey", "Doc Martin", "Sherlock" and "Mr. Selfridge".

Past seasons for each are available on Netflix and/or Amazon Prime instant streaming.  Here's a short write up of each:

Downton Abbey

Probably the most well-known of the four, Downton Abbey just concluded it's fourth season run on PBS this month.  Although a bit vanilla compared to the first three seasons (in particular season 2, which was my favorite), Abbey still features superb writing and top notch acting.

Downton Abby is a lavish Edwardian mansion and park nestled in the North Yorkshire landscape.  The story centers around the residents there, both the family and staff. The family is led by its patrioarch, Violet Crawley, Countess of Gratham, and her son Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham. Robert is married to wealthy American Cora, and the two have three daughters. The staff of personal assistants, butlers and maids, and kitchen personnel are led by Charles Carson and Elsie Hughes. If you think this sounds similar to the "Upstairs, Downstairs" series from the 1970's, then you'd be correct. Same type of thing.

Season 1 takes place just before the start of World War 1, season 2 during WW1, season 3 just after WW1 ends, and season 4 in the early 1920's. Strange thing is that hardly anyone in the show ages during that time!  Regardless, the inter-goingson between and within the family and staff is entertaining to watch. Multiple, inter-twining story-lines abound, all equally intriguing. The choreography in the show is top notch. Unlike recent period piece big budget films, there is a definite feel that you're in the early 20th century. The actors/actresses look and fit right in to the era portrayed.

Doc Martin

This comedy is about one Dr. Martin Ellingham, a noted surgeon in London who suddenly and unexplainably contracts a phobia for blood. As a result, he decides to give up his successful practice and accept a position as a general practitioner in the small fictional seaside village of Port Wenn, England, where everyone knows everyone. The series follows the socially challenged Dr. Martin as he interacts with the friendly, and sometimes odd, villagers, while following in love with one of them, school teacher Louisa Glasson.

"Doc Martin" first premiered as a series in 2004, and just concluded it's sixth season earlier this year (on US television).  "Wait a minute, that was 10 years ago. How can it only be in its sixth season?" you ask?  The series actually ran annually it's first three seasons, then every other year after that. So season seven, if there is one, won't be broadcast until 2016.

In another interesting twist, the Doc Martin character actually began as two made-for-TV BBC movies in Britain beginning in 2001. That Doc Martin, although portrayed by the same actor (Martin Clunes), was the complete opposite of the one in the 2004 series. The original Doc Martin was funny and easy going.  However, when a British TV studio bought the rights to the show, they decided that Doc Martin would be more entertaining if he had a ruff, abrupt and intolerant personality with lack of bedside manners. And in a way, they were right. But it is fun watching both versions of Doc Martin, which you can do on Netflix and Amazon instant streaming. Then decide for yourself!

Like Downton Abby, the writing and acting is superb. In addition to Clunes' Doc Martin, the characters of Glasson, Bert Large, PC Penhale, and Mrs. Tishell are worth watching out for.

Sherlock

“Sherlock” is a modern day re-telling of A. Conan Doyle’s classic “Sherlock Holmes”.  Many of Doyle’s original stores are re-created in modern England.  Holmes’ trademark cap and crummy violin playing still exist; but gone is the trademark pipe, and his well-documented drug addiction has been replaced by a cigarette chain smoking vice. 

Portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch (most recently Khan in “Star Trek into Darkness”), this Holmes has all of the brains and wit of Basil Rathbone’s original Sherlock Holmes of the 1940’s, and the spunk of Robert Downey Jr.’s most recent portrayal.  Although he can hold his own, Cumberbatch’s Holmes isn’t quite the martial arts expect of Downey Jr.’s character (which never made sense to me).  One prize Cumberbatch can claim over his predecessors though is that of fastest talker.  When he’s trying to sort out a situation in his mind, Cumberbatch goes in into ultra-fast speaking mode. It’s so fast that I sometimes have to turn on the closed captioning just to figure out what he’s saying!  And frequently the closed-captioning can’t even keep up with him!

Of course Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t be Sherlock Holmes without his sidekick, Dr. John Watson.  In this rendition, Watson is portrayed by current "Hobbit" Martin Freeman.  Freeman is quite good, actually, and is someone I particularly enjoyed in the UK’s original “The Office” show with Ricky Gervais some 10 years back.  He and Cumberbatch are a good pairing and work very well together.

Lestrade, Moriarty, Irene Adler, and the Hounds of Baskerville are all here. Andrew Scott in particular plays a very creepy, psychotic Moriarty.  In fact he won a BAFTA (British equivalent to the Emmy’s) for his portrayal. Sherlock Holmes’ mysterious brother, Mycroft Holmes, plays a big role in this rendition. We're never quite sure whose side he’s on. In an interesting side note, Mycroft is played by Mark Gatiss, a co-creator of the show and one of its head writers.  Speaking of the writing, some of the storylines are quite addicting and well-told. Lots of mystery and crime solving to be had.

Like “Doc Martin”, “Sherlock” is on an every other year schedule, with season 3 having just ended in February. Thus, 2016 will be the next appearance of Holmes and Watson. Just as well if you haven’t watched any episodes yet.  The season ending cliff-hangers after the first two seasons left viewers hanging with a lot of unanswered questions and quite a bit of mystery.  Making viewers wait two years to find out what happened really bordered on cruelty!  The creators of “Sherlock” also elected to create three 90 minute “mini-movies” each season rather than the typical 8-10 30 or 60 minute episodes.

Mr. Selfridge

“Mr. Selfridge” is the newest of the shows, and is based on the real life Harry Selfridge, an American entrepreneur who sought to build London’s largest department store in the early 20th century.  The first season of the series, which began in 2013, focused on the birth of the store in 1909 and its first year of existence.  Season 2 just started in late March and is set some four years later beginning with the 5th year celebration of the store’s opening and a looming World War I.

Selfridge is well portrayed by Emmy award winner Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”), even though he is a good ten years younger than what the real Selfridge was. The supporting cast is just as solid.  Like “Downton Abbey”, the writers/makers of the series did a great job replicating the look and feel of early 20th century England (hmm, I wonder if the Downton Abbey folks shopped at Selfridges?).  Because there isn’t a whole lot of drama to be had in a department store, “Selfridge” relies heavily on the many relationships that develop throughout the show. This includes Selfridge himself, whose father issues, infidelity and resulting unstable marriage is one of the primary subplots to the main story. There are lots of love interests and love triangles featuring many of the principles of the show, which, as a result, gives this series more of a soap opera feel.  Still entertaining though, mainly for a couple of reasons.

First, Selfridge in reality was quite a visionary and trendsetter when it came to how a department store was set up and run. For example, in 1909 the most common mode of transportation was still horse and buggy.  This meant the streets of London were not the cleanest, if you know what I mean.  To eliminate the “odor” this problem caused, Selfridge decided to set up perfume and cosmetics at the front of the store, something actually frowned upon at that time, so the store would smell good when anyone entered.  This was just one of the many of Selfridge innovations that is portrayed in the show.

The second is that the writers of the show decided to have actual well-known personalities of the time visit the store.  This included the likes of the King of England, A. Conan Doyle, rival (and friend) Frank Woolworth, explorer Ernest Shackleton, and Russian ballerina Anna Pavolva. This was a particularly nice touch, I thought. Overall this is good viewing, although it did take a few episodes for both Piven and the show to grow on us.


So there you have it. Four currently active British shows definitely worth checking out. All are part of the PBS Masterpiece Classics or Masterpiece Mystery series on your local PBS station. Past seasons (except for the latest) for all are available on either Netflix Instant view or Amazon Prime.  Since the latest seasons are still relatively recent, they are currently available for a small price.  Won’t be long before they are free as well though.

“Mr. Selfridge” is currently running on PBS Sunday nights, while “Downton Abbey” will be back in January, 2015, “Sherlock” in January 2016, and Doc Martin in February 2016.  Which provides lots of time to catch up!

Netflix SN #5 - "56 Up"

Like documentaries?  How this for an idea:  start in 1964, select a group of 14 seven year-old Britons as subjects, all with various backgrounds and from different working classes, and then re-visit them every seven years to check up and question each about their lives and beliefs. Sound interesting?  Well, such a documentary actually exists.   

Called the “Up Series”, director Michael Apted began following 14 British youths in 1964 and in 1970 released part 1 of the “Up Series”, called "7 and Seven", which covers the 14 kids at ages 7 and 14. Thereafter, Apted visits his subjects every seven years, interviews them to see how and what they are doing in their lives, and then creates a new documentary. As a result, “21 Up” was released in 1977,  “28 Up” in 1984, and so on.

Amazingly, the latest version of this documentary, called “56 Up” was released in 2012 and is now available on Netflix Instant View.  Even more remarkable is that 13 of the 14 “kids”, now all 56 years old, are still participating in the documentary (not to mention the 73 year old Apted).  The one person no longer taking part dropped out before the “28 Up” episode (for privacy issues) and no updates have been provided about him since.

Unfortunately, none of the earlier versions of the “Up Series” are currently available on Netflix Instant View, although all of them have been at some point, which means they will be again sometime in the future.  If you’d rather not wait until then and want to check out “56 Up”, the two-and-a-half hour documentary does an excellent job of recapping the highlights of each person via clips from the previous shows.  If you enjoy "56 Up" though, I'd recommend watching the rest when they become available on Netflix again.

In summary, this documentary provides a rare opportunity to literally watch 14 people grow up before your very eyes.  I found it fascinating to observe how life’s circumstances has evolved each of them from innocent 7 year olds into who they are now at 56 years of age.  Check it out!

Netflix SN #4 - "Hawaii 5-0 (1968-1980) Favorites"

Any Hawaii 5-0 fans out there?  No, not the current interpretation, but the 1968-1980 Jack Lord “Book ‘em Danno” version?  If so, I’d like to recommend my five favorite episodes, all of which are available on Netflix Instant view, along with the other 275 episodes during the series 12-year run.

The first two episodes feature the same star playing the same role but in two different seasons. In both episodes, veteran character actor Hume Cronyn (“Cocoon”) plays the likeable thief/disguise artist Lewis Avery Filer, who repeatedly teases and taunts McGarrett and the 5-0 crew with notes and clues that sends them on wild goose chases and into dead ends. This clears the road for Filer to rob local establishments, frequently donning some sort of disguise or costume. Needless to say, in both episodes, the 5-0 team finally catches on, but up to that point it’s fun watching the cat-and-mouse games both play.  McGarrett actually develops a fondness and respect for Filo, even though he is breaking the law.

The first episode featuring Lewis Filer is called “Over 50? Steal” and is the 11^th show in season 3.  The second, in which Filer escapes from prison following his season 3 arrest, is called “Odd Man In” and is the 14^th episode in season 4. Filer doesn’t appear again during the final six seasons of Hawaii 5-0, unfortunately, so I guess McGarrett took him a little more seriously the second time around. Good, light-hearted entertainment, which isn’t the norm for this rendition of Hawaii 5-0. Check out the soundtrack too. Pretty fun.

My second recommendation is actually a three-part trilogy called “V for Vashon”.  The story pits McGarrett  against the Vashon’s, a “mob” family that has been manipulating Oahu for decades while successfully avoiding the police.  The first episode, called “V for Vashon: the Son” features the youngest Vashon, a spoiled brat old who’s bored, resents his father, and is looking for some excitement. So what does every 20-something year old bored rich boy do?  Rob hotels of course!  And not any hotel, but hotels owned by his family!  Unfortunately for him, McGarrett catches him in the act on one of his exploits....with fatal results. Enter the father.

Part two, called “V for Vashon:  the Father” focuses on the boy’s grieving father and the plot he devises to get even with McGarrett.  McGarrett obviously foils the attempt, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some good drama to be had.  When this plot fails, it’s grandpa’s turn. 

Part three is called “V for Vashon:  the Patriarch”. With both his son and grandson put out of action by 5-0,  the ticked off grandfather, and current leader of the Vashon family,  sets out to ruin McGarrett.  His plot is actually quite imaginative, and he nearly gets away with it.  But seeing that Hawaii 5-0 went on another five seasons, he obviously didn’t. 

Anyhow, I thought the trilogy was very entertaining and some of my favorite TV ever from that era.  Worth checking out on some upcoming rainy night.  “V for Vashon” appears in the fifth season on episodes 9 through 11.

Netflix SN #3 - "Margin Call"

"Margin Call" is a gem released in 2011 that unfortunately snuck under most people's radar, although it did receive an Academy Award nomination for "Best Original Screenplay".  Although well written, the cast is what really stood out to me.  Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, Paul Bettany, Simon Baker and Zachary (Mr. Spock) Quinto lead the top notch cast, all of who give first class performances.

"Margin Call" basically follows the key people at an investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of a financial crisis.  The movie opens showing many of the bank's employee's being layed off as a result of a downsizing plan. One of these employees is risk management division head Eric Dale (Tucci) who was working on a major analysis when notified of his fate. As he is being escorted out of the building, Dale gives the work he's started to one of his reports, Peter Sullivan (Quinto), who completes the study late into the night. What Sullivan discovers is a situation that could ruin the bank. The remainder of the movie then focuses on the next several hours where senior management (Spacey, Irons, Baker) discuss and plan what to do to avoid the mess and limit the inevitable impact on their company.  The eventual strategy decided upon, was, to say the least, a bit mischievous. That's all I'll say about it!

As I said earlier, the acting was phenomenal. Spacey, Irons and Tucci have been favorites of mine for a long time, so watching them together was a  a real pleasure for me. Particularly watch for the scene where all of the key characters meet in a board room with CEO John Tuld (Irons) a recent arrival via helicopter. The strategy session that ensues is ensemble acting at its best. Particularly between Irons and Spacey.

Ironically, the CEO's name, John Tuld, rhymes with the name of the ex-CEO of the now-defunct investment bank Lehman Brothers, Richard S. Fuld. Lehman Brothers, like the firm in this film, found themselves catastrophically over-leveraged in mortgage-backed-securities in the financial crisis of 2008. Coincidence? We'll never know, as the movie never claims to based on any actual events or people.

I will admit, and should warn you, that the subject matter is a bit dry and gets pretty technical at times. I've seen the movie twice and still don't understand some of what was discussed! "Margin Call" is one of those movies you really have to pay attention to in order to follow what's going on.  But to me, the film takes a fascinating look at what could go on behind the scenes, both good and bad, of a major investment bank, led by a top-notch cast.

Netflix SN #2 - "Bernie"

Ever since watching him in "School of Rock" back in 2003, I've enjoyed Jack Black on the big screen. In most of the stuff he's done, at least. Best known for his high energy and quirkiness, Black can surprise by throwing in an effective dramatic scene from time to time.  And in 2011's "Bernie", he brought all of that to the table. Labelled as a dark comedy, "Bernie" provided Black the opportunity to showcase all of his talents. Insomuch that he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical, which is actually how I originally came across this movie.

 Black plays the likeable, friendly Bernie Tiede, the local mortician of a small Texas town who is literally adored by everyone who lives there.  On the side, Bernie sings Gospel at his church and organizes the town's theatrical events. Both of these give Black gets the opportunity to display his impressive singing skills on screen.  He even dances in one particular musical number.  

During his duties as a mortician, Black befriends a recent, wealthy widow (played by Shirley MacLaine) and begins spending a lot of time with her. His motivations are questioned by some, and are not really revealed until later in the movie.  But to say what happens as a result is bizarre, to say the least! 
 

“Bernie” is filmed partially in documentary style, as throughout the movie, many of the townsfolk provide an off screen interviewer their feelings on Bernie, and give their opinions on events that are happening or have recently happened in the movie. I actually love the “mocu-mentary” style of filmmaking, particularly those created by Christopher Guest (“Best in Show”, “Waiting for Guffman”).  “Bernie” in many ways reminded me of a Guest film.

Oh, did I mentioned “Bernie” is based on a true story?  Incredible as it may seem (especially after watching the movie) it is.  During the closing credits, photos of the real Bernie (and other characters in the movie) are displayed showing some of the actual scenes that the movie replicated.  I actually recommend watching the entire closing credits, as the very last scene I thought was actually pretty moving. You’ll have to watch it to see what it is!

Anyhow, I’d definitely recommend “Bernie” if you’re a dark comedy-type of person. Or just like a good, well made, well told story.  And particularly one that is mostly true!

If you end up watching it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Netflix SN #1 - "The Encounter"

Over the past few years, my wife and I have been Netflix instant viewer subscribers and during that time have seen a fair amount of good movies and shows that many people may not know about. As a result, I thought I'd do a new blog called "Netflix Streaming Nuggets", or "Netflix SN" for short where I briefly introduce some of them from time to time.

Nugget #1 is a movie I'm sure very few of you, if any, have heard of.  Partly because it's a Christian movie, and partly because it never made it to theaters (unlike other recent Christian movies like "Fireproof", "Courageous", and others).  It is called "The Encounter".

"The Encounter" was filmed in 2010, but I hadn't heard of it until I stumbled across it on Netflix last year.  I was actually looking for something to watch one night on Netflix, and came across a movie with the following description:  "When five strangers come together at an eatery, they meet the owner, who seems to know everything about them and is reminiscent of Jesus Christ."  Sounded a bit hoaky at first, but I had to check it out.  I was glad I did.

The movie was primarily based in an eatery (a diner), and the owner of the diner was not only reminiscent of Jesus Christ, he WAS Jesus Christ. Not in the flesh, but spiritually to five specifically chosen people.  Each of the five are in different stages in their belief in God, Jesus, and Christianity in general. Some are lukewarm believers, some seekers, and one was a non-believer. After all are systematically brought together, "Jesus" begins working on them, one-by-one.  Most are obviously skeptical that they are facing the actual Jesus of Nazareth, but most begin to believe it after facts and life experiences only known to them are slowly revealed.

The movie does a nice job portraying, one would hope, what it would be like to actually have a conversation with Jesus, based on what the Bible says about Him....gentle, loving, caring, and reassuring that He is always listening to us. This is not only because of the writing, which was obviously done by people with a high level of biblical knowledge and understanding, but also by the acting of Bruce Marchiano. The movie also provides an interesting depiction on how Jesus (or any Christian, for that matter) might confront people of different belief levels. The approach depends on the level of their belief. As i just mentioned, the script is biblically sound, and shows what the results (both good and bad) of our ultimate decision on what to believe could be.

I want to be careful and not give much away, so that's all I'll say about the plot.  I would highly recommend "The Encounter" to you no matter where your belief level lies.  If you're a believer, you'll find it comforting and reassuring.  And if you're someone who's always had doubts or reservations, this movie could help clarify whatever questions or reservations you might have.

After watching it, I was curious about the company who made the film, "Pure Flix Entertainment".  After doing a little research, I discovered that they have actually been making movies for some time, having released 34 movies since the late 1990's. Most, but not all, are Christian comedies or dramas. Since watching "The Encounter" I checked out a few of their other Christian films that were on Netflix, and some are definitely better than others. "Peter and the Last Supper" was probably the best of the lot. "The Encounter: Paradise Lost", a sequel to "The Encounter" was actually released in 2012 and is on Netflix as well. It has a very similar message to it's prequel, but done amidst a DEA agent vs drug dealer storyline. Not sure why that particular plot, but it appears the creators wanted to do an action version of "The Encounter".  In this case, I'd definitely recommend sticking with the original! At least initially.

If you end up watching it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!