Movies take our minds off things when we want an escape, and especially now with coronavirus in the world. Ran across an article recently 8 Movies to Watch on Netflix if You Want to Travel from Your Couch that had good suggestions for what to watch with your popcorn and snacks. I picked 2 that I thought looked interesting, and I'm adding 3 of my own you might enjoy.
Movies 1 and 2 from 8 Movies to Watch on Netflix if you Want to Travel from Your Couch
“Okja” (Netflix, 2017)
Premise: In this adventure-centric satire directed by Bong Joon Ho, a girl raises a genetically modified “super pig.” When the company that created the pig wants it back for the meat, the girl goes on a global trip to try and save her pet.
Vicarious vacation: The beginning takes place in a lush, mountainous forest. These scenes could be particularly enjoyable for those itching to go on a hike.
Setting: South Korea and New York City
Notable cast: Paul Dano, Jake Gyllenhaal, Byun Hee Bong, Ahn Seo Hyun, Tilda Swinton and Steven Yeun
Runtime: 2 hours
Disclaimer: This movie is not for the faint of heart. Although, it's a thrill ride it does involve the meat industry. It's TV-MA for a reason. Would not recommend for children.
If you haven't discovered Bong Jo Hoon yet, you've been really missing out. Parasite won Best Picture and Director at the 2020 Oscars and deservedly so. I'm on a mission to see his films in addition to Parasite. I'd already seen Memories of Murder (2003 – considered one of South Korea's best films) and the Host (2006). Snowpiercer came out in 2013 and has been made into an upcoming television series.
“Mountain” (Netflix 2017)
Premise: In this documentary, Willem Dafoe narrates a succession of shots featuring impressive mountains. The narration focuses on how people have interacted with mountains throughout history.
Vicarious vacation: This is one of those IMAX-type documentaries that feature one stunning nature shot after another. You might not be the kind of person who would climb a mountain even in non-coronavirus times, but the wondrous shots of nature should still serve as an escape.
Setting: Mountains across the globe
Notable cast: Willem Dafoe as the narrator
Runtime: 1 hour, 14 minutes
3 Movies I Picked
“Table 19” (Amazon Prime Rental 2017)
After being replaced as maid of honor, Eloise decides to attend her friend’s wedding anyway and soon bonds with the misfit strangers seated at the dreaded table 19 (source: Amazon).
This film came on one night and I was about to turn the channel when I realized Anna Kendrick was in it. I love her work so I stuck around and was glad I did. It’s funny and sweet and pretty sad in moments. Everyone has probably felt some of the character’s awkwardness and emotions at times so you can relate. It’s fun to see Stephen Merchant play the tall, gangly relative no one wants to invite. He later appears in Modern Family, the Good Place, and JoJo Rabbit. I am not saying it's the best movie ever made, however it is entertaining and you'll wonder if you should ever attend a wedding again.
Amazon Prime Rental
Notable Cast: Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, Lisa Kudrow
Running time:1 hour, 28 min
“East Side Sushi” (Amazon Prime Rental 2014)
Single mom Juana can slice and dice anything with great speed and precision. After working at a fruit-vending cart for years, she decides to take a job at a local Japanese restaurant. Intrigued by the food, she learns to make a multitude of sushi on her own. Eventually she attempts to become a sushi chef, but is unable to because she is the ‘wrong' race and gender. Against all odds, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, determined to not let anyone stop her from achieving her dream (source: IMDB.com)
I confess I haven't watched this yet, but my friend Paige has. Paige has excellent taste so I'm looking forward to seeing it. The premise is intriguing and I love sushi so win-win. It certainly garnered a lot of praise and awards so I'm expecting it to be worth it.
Amazon Prime
Notable Cast: Diana Elizabeth Torres, Yutaka Takeuchi, Rodrigo Duarte Clark
Runtime: 1 hour, 46 min
“Hot Fuzz” (2007 Amazon Prime Rental)
The creator of Shaun of the Dead brings you this hilarious hit about a reassigned big city cop, his bumbling partner, their small town, several grisly accidents, and high octane justice! (source: Amazon)
It’s ABSOLUTELY hysterical and you may cry when you laugh, and I don’t say that lightly. I don’t want to give away the style of the film because you really need to be dropped into it from the beginning. Then, run joyously through it. My family has watched it so many times I cannot count how many. It's our guaranteed laugh out loud film and we have the best time watching it. Lines from the movie will stick with you. I've seen restaurants and venues feature items I know were named after this movie. I adore Simon Pegg and
Nick Frost and you will too.
Amazon Prime Rental
Notable Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent
Runtime: 2 hours, 1 min
