Stream Warriors: May 5, 2023
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.
Alexis M. Collazo: Sneaky Pete (2015 - 2019)
What It Is: A con man on the run from a vicious gangster takes cover by assuming the identity of his prison cellmate Pete, and reuniting with Pete's estranged family, which threatens to drag him into a world just as dangerous as the one he's escaping.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime Video
Why You Should Watch It: “Can't name exactly why, but I've always had thing for Giovanni Ribisi. Hence an immediate ‘yes’ and no thought needed to add this to the watch list. With its mix of action, drama, oddball characters, and touches of humor it did not disappoint.”
Jeremy Lowe: THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN INVINCIBLE (1983)
What It Is: In World War II, Captain Invincible used his superpowers against the Nazis, and he was a hero. But when they accused him of supporting the Communists, he retired to Australia. Now, after a U.S. super secret super weapon is stolen, he's asked to come back to help. Unfortunately, he's an alcoholic now.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “This film absolutely feels like it was way before its time, reminding me a bit of WATCHMEN. I'm not big into superhero movies, but THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN INVINCIBLE is smart, comedic, with great action and, best of all, it's a musical. Starring Christopher Lee and Alan Arkin, this is more than just a cult classic. I would suggest THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN INVINCIBLE to anyone that likes fun. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
Kiley Fox: MY BLOODY VALENTINE (1981)
What It Is: A decades-old folk tale surrounding a deranged murderer killing those who celebrate Valentine's Day turns out to be true to legend when a group defies the killer's order and people start turning up dead.
Where It Is: HBO Max
Why You Should Watch It: “A friend of mine watched this for the first time this week. He fell in love. It's been a couple days and we're still talking about how good it is. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to appreciate that it does everything a horror movie needs to do very well. There is nothing either of us would change about it. If you want a sure thing, MY BLOODY VALENTINE is streaming on HBO MAX.”
Shafi Malik: We Are Lady Parts (2021)
What It Is: When an all-female Muslim punk band recruits geeky student Amina Hussein to be their unlikely lead guitarist, worlds collide as she is swept up in their joyful, anarchic energy while navigating cultural differences.
Where It Is: Channel 4/Peacock
Why You Should Watch It: “‘One part boredom, two part identity crisis’
You can check out Nida Manzoor’s TV show to accompany her feature debut, POLITE SOCIETY, which is currently out in cinemas. Personally, it does feel a little rough around the edges (I wish the band’s songs were better). But you can’t fault it for finding a unique hook on the perspectives of a group of young Muslim girls. Plus the cast is brilliant and it makes you excited to see what else Manzoor has got drummed up for the future.”
Rob Dean: KIDS VS. ALIENS (2022)
What It Is: An all-time rager of a teen house party turns to terror when aliens attack, forcing two warring siblings to band together to survive the night.
Where It Is: Shudder
Why You Should Watch It: “Writer/director Jason Eisener does something impressive with KIDS VS. ALIENS: he manages to throwback to being a kid without being nostalgic for his era of being a kid. Having the former without the latter frees up the movie to be a perennial DIY practical oozefest with an abundance of energy and imagination. At 75 minutes, this thing moves in fast and is a blast with plenty of gore, humor, and plucky spirit.”