I say “extended” as if I watched a bunch of movies over a four day period, but the sad reality is that I didn’t. In fact, it was almost normal. I only managed to watch four films this weekend, and while I’m a little disappointed in myself, the total of movies I watched in September is kind of ridiculous. Anyways, check out what I found worth watching with a little time off this weekend.
Enola Holmes – First up in a long string of new releases was Netflix’s Enola Holmes. Everyone is privy to Sherlock and Mycroft, but did you know they had a spunky 16-year old sister named Enola? Neither did I! Apparently this tale is based off a book series, so apparently I’m just out of the loop. Also, I haven’t really watched anything related to Sherlock Holmes since Robert Downey Jr. portrayed him (over a decade ago). The film almost fully centers on Enola, who after her mother disappears one morning, decides to go and find her, much to the chagrin of her brothers. Mycroft literally hates her, while she does seem to intrigue Sherlock. Along her adventure she meets a boy who goes by the name Tewkesbury, and ends up helping him avoid his own murder! The entire film is filled with action and sass and breaking the fourth wall, and it was really a fun watch. I’d say this movie is suitable for most, so grab your family and friends and give it a watch!
Gone Girl – Ugh! I almost forgot how perfect this film is. Almost a page for page adaptation of the Gillian Flynn novel of the same name, this film follows the unraveling of a marriage and a possible murder by husband Nick Dunne. That is until you realize what a complete and calculating psychopath Amy Dunne is! I imagine the reaction for those who read the book first or watched the film first was the same once they figured out that twist! My jaw certainly dropped to the floor when I read it. Everyone is casted perfectly, especially Rosamund Pike as Amy. Again, I don’t know that I’ll ever get over how great this film was at honoring the source material. If you’ve never watched it, you must! Be prepared for all the twists and turns you could ever imagine, plus a fair degree of blood – you’ve been warned!
Top Five – My inspiration for watching Chris Rock’s 2014 magnum opus was the fact that he’d be starring in Fargo very soon (this past Sunday, in fact), and I knew Anders Holm had a small part. I’m gearing up to start watching Workaholics, so interviews sort of has me obsessing over the trio. Anyways, I was surprised at how well this film was received, but that was before I watched it. Rock’s character is a complex version of stereotypical characters that makes for a very hypnotizing watch. Also, having Rosario Dawson at your side will always make it better. With almost more cameos than you can handle, this film balances both comedy and drama in perfect harmony. I’m sad I didn’t ever watch this sooner, but better late than never I guess!
The Hunt for Wilderpeople – Oh man, what a strange little film this was! I distinctly remember seeing this advertised all over the place back when it first came out, but with no one in the cast that I recognized I cast it aside as something that wasn’t going to be very good. Boy was I wrong! Directed by Taiki Waititi, this film was clearly his style, but if you’re looking for solid comparisons, I’d liken it to Get Duked! and pretty much anything Wes Anderson’s ever done. A foster kid sets off to live in the bush after his “auntie” passes away unexpectedly and is told he’ll be going back in the system. Hopelessly lost, “uncle” finds him, but circumstances leave them in the bush for quite a while before they decide they like it there. Together they evade a massive manhunt and get into all sorts of hilarious situations. Both Sam Neil and Julian Dennison have dynamite chemistry and are fantastic in this tale. For something a little off the beaten path, I’d recommend giving this a go (on Hulu!).