If you’re stuck indoors due to a massive snowstorm or just because it’s cold as heck, you should know that Netflix has added a bunch of wonderful films to its instant streaming selections. Here are some of the best to add to your queue for the post-holiday blues.
Cutie and the Boxer (2013)
Directed by: Zachary Heinzerling.
About: Ushio and Noriko Shinohara, two struggling artists in an unusual, charged, and charming marriage.
Typical review: "A movie that makes you feel less like a spectator than a guest, a friend welcomed into the home of an odd and fascinating couple." -A.O. Scott, The New York Times.
Good if you like: Bill Cunningham New York, the comics section of the paper, Exit Through The Gift Shop, pigtails.
Radius
The Thing Called Love (1993)
Directed by: Peter Bogdanovich.
Starring: River Phoenix (in his last film), Samatha Mathis, a young Sandra Bullock, plus a bunch of awesome '90s country stars like Pam Tillis and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
What it's about: An aspiring country singer hits Nashville and finds love (x2) and a little less musical success. Seeing Mathis fall in love with Phoenix IRL captured on film is both sweet and heartbreaking.
Good if you like: Country radio, Crazy Heart, and pearl snap up dress shirts.
Paramount
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1965)
Created by: Carl Reiner.
Starring: Dick Van Dyke himself, Mary Tyler Moore, Mary Tyler Moore's capri pants.
What's it about: This classic '60s family and workplace sitcom in one is known for "bringing sex to TV." The greatest joy of the edgy-at-the-time series is still in the chemistry, ease, and delight that Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke, as Laura and Rob Petrie, brought to their roles as a young married couple.
Good if you like: Lucille Ball, The Cosby Show, Zooey Deschanel, pretty dresses.
CBS / Viacom
Saved! (2004)
Directed by: Brian Dannelly
Starring: Jena Malone, Macaulay Culkin, Susan Sarandon's daughter (Eva Amurri Martino), the kid from Almost Famous who got foxy (Patrick Fugit), and MANDY MOORE.
What it's about: A totally underrated satire with a heart of gold, Saved! tells the story of Mary, a senior at a super-religious school, who becomes pregnant by her gay boyfriend and coping with the escalating judgment that follows.
Good if you like: making fun of things but then hugging it out afterwards, cute romantic gestures, Mean Girls.
United Artists
