Stream Warriors: July 29, 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.
Rob Dean: CANDYMAN (2021)
What It Is: In present day, many years after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, Anthony and his partner move into a loft in the now gentrified Cabrini. A chance encounter with an old-timer exposes Anthony to the true story behind Candyman. Anxious to use these macabre details in his studio as fresh grist for paintings, he unknowingly opens a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifying wave of violence.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “Looking for a NOPE-fix featuring smart themes, interesting characters, and genuine scares? The Jordan Peele-produced rebootquel of CANDYMAN, directed by Nia DaCosta (who co-wrote with Peele), is an impressive feat of filmmaking.”
Shafi Malik: QUEEN (2013)
What It Is: Rani (Kangana Ranaut) is a Delhi girl from a conservative family who is ditched by her fiancé just before her wedding. Shocked by this, she decides to set out on the planned honeymoon alone. As she travels the world and meets new people, she gains new experiences and discovers her own identity.
Where It Is: Netflix
Why You Should Watch It: “A celebration of love and life as a jilted bride decides to go on her Honeymoon on her own to Europe. Kangana Ranaut is mesmerising in this film. Lovely feel-great cinema!”
Kiley Fox: CULT OF CHUCKY (2017)
What It Is: Confined to an asylum for the criminally insane, Nica Pierce is convinced that she, not Chucky, murdered her entire family. But when the psychiatrist introduces a new therapeutic "Good Guy" doll with a familiar face, a string of new, grisly deaths leads Nica to wonder if she isn't crazy after all.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “With the recent announcement of season two of the excellent Chucky TV series, it's a good time to rewatch these movies. Especially the later ones folks may have missed. Fiona Dourif is a queen and I love her Nica character.”
Jeremy Lowe: HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN (2011)
What It Is: A vigilante homeless man pulls into a new city and finds himself trapped in urban chaos, a city where crime rules and where the city's crime boss reigns. Seeing an urban landscape filled with armed robbers, corrupt cops, abused prostitutes, and even a pedophile Santa, the Hobo goes about bringing justice to the city the best way he knows how - with a 20-gauge shotgun. Mayhem ensues when he tries to make things better for the future generation. Street justice will indeed prevail.
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: “Before the indie genre film market became over saturated with faux grindhouse movies in the 2010s, HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN was one of the few to do it with gusto. Over-the-top violence and gore, combined with characters that were interesting, and a throwback story arc made this film a fun wild ride. Rutger Hauer as the titular role plays it straight, elevates this silly Troma-esque film into something much more exciting. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
Khayla McGowan: The Affair (2014 - 2019)
What It Is: Noah is a New York City schoolteacher and budding novelist, married for 20 years with four children. Alison is a young waitress and wife from Montauk at the end of Long Island, trying to piece her life back together in the wake of a tragedy. The provocative drama unfolds separately from multiple perspectives, using the distinct memory biases of each character to tell the story.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “If there were ever a time where I liked two protagonists less, I couldn't point it out. While I did grow fond of them over time in this series, what drew me on the most was how deeply flawed and insane every character and situation was, respectively. Definitely give this one a watch - there's nothing like it!”
Alexis Collazo: The Outpost (2018 - 2021)
What It Is: Talon is a survivor. The last of the Blackblood race, she also endured the destruction of her entire village by a gang of brutal missionaries. Years after that life-defining attack, she travels to a lawless fortress along the edge of the civilized world, tracking the individuals who killed her family. As she makes the journey, she discovers that she possesses a mysterious supernatural power that she must now learn to control, not only to save herself but to defend the world against the tyranny of a fanatical religious dictator.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “I'm a sucker for most fantasy series, especially ones with bad ass female characters and easy on the eyes men as backup. More seriously, the characters are all uniquely endearing and while it might take a while to build up, it does deliver an interesting story with lots of action and adventure.”