Stream Warriors: August 5, 2022
Each week, Neon Splatter contributors offer up some viewing options found on streaming (U.S. unless otherwise noted). Movies, TV shows, specials, and more. New and old, from all sorts of genres and nations. Most importantly, we deem them worthy of your time.
Khayla McGowan: THE COLUMNIST (2019)
What It Is: A columnist must continuously deal with threats and negative comments on her social-media pages. One day, she has had enough and decides to hunt down her trolls.
Where It Is: Shudder
Why You Should Watch It: “This Dutch horror comedy gem is very timely with the current socio-political climate in the world and I hope it crosses everyone's screen at least once. The uncomfortable familiarity of the dangers of social media and self-criticism pulled me into this one so don't be fooled...this movie is hilarious but knows it has deeper themes to explore and does so by way of Katja Herbers' brilliant acting while she hacks and slashes her way through her online ‘keyboard warrior’ critics.”
Jeremy Lowe: SHADOW (2018)
What It Is: In a kingdom ruled by a young and unpredictable king, the military commander has a secret weapon: a shadow, a look-alike who can fool both his enemies and the King himself. Now he must use this weapon in an intricate plan that will lead his people to victory in a war that the King does not want.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “Known for RAISE THE RED LANTERN, HERO, and HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, multi-hyphenate filmmaker Zhang Yimou created another masterpiece with 2018’s SHADOW. Memorizing, tragic, and beautiful. This movie is a cinematic triumph. Every aspect of this film is epic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
Kiley Fox: DREDD (2012)
What It Is: In a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “This movie deserves more love. A solid, straight forward, non stop, siege movie. I love the original comics, and this movie has the right vibe for how I see the Judges. This feels a little too close to where the future is actually headed, and that's unnerving. Karl Urban is so good, because he has such a commanding presence even through the suit. I don't feel like there's any wasted time in this film. Overall, a satisfying action flick.”
Shafi Malik: Bombay The Hard Way: Guns, Cars and Sitars (1998)
What It Is: The Indian film-soundtrack cassettes that can be had for a couple of bucks at any Indian spice shop have long been one of the best buys in prerecorded music. Despite the fact that hundreds of fresh titles are cranked out assembly-line style each year, they maintain a remarkable consistency of quality. Producer Dan “the Automator" Nakamura has heavily tampered with the original tracks, dubbing in additional drum and sitar in an effort to put his stamp on the music.
Where It Is: Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube
Why You Should Watch It: “Kalyanji Virji Shah and Anandji Virji Shah have a whole archive of fierce, funky soundtrack music for Brownsploitation movies, such as DON (1978) and ANJAAM (1978). Here, Automator remixes them and it makes for an awesome listening experience!”
Rob Dean: BELLE (2021)
What It Is: Suzu is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. But when she enters "U", a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally-beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an emotional and epic quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious "beast" and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.
Where It Is: HBO Max
Why You Should Watch It: “A gorgeous film that continues writer/director Mamoru Hosoda’s themes about finding truth and identity through escapism and fantasy. It has terrific music and is a nice cyber twist on the Beauty & The Beast fairy tale in a clever way.”