Worth the Watch - October
Clarification to our Netflix Recommendations:
We want to clarify that our recommending Netflix movies/documentaries does not mean we endorse Netflix’s position on certain important issues. However, we also believe that if you are not in the “public arena” (ref. areopagus sermon by St Paul, Acts 17:16) but choose to remove yourself from it, then companies like Netflix will never know - with their algorithms - which material actually is of value to their audience. By doing these monthly recommendations, we want to help you sift through the dross, in order to get to the good stuff! We hope it helps!
These recommendations are based on the Netflix that is streamed in Ireland, which is different from other countries. So depending on which country you are in, you may or may not have them.
Films
The Imitation Game (2014)
During World War II, the English mathematical genius Alan Turing tries to crack the German Enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians. An outstanding starring performance from Benedict Cumberbatch. RT 90% / 91%
Coach Carter (2013)
Even though it churns out the typical narrative of underdog turn hero, this movie is actually good. Based on a true story, it's effective and energetic, thanks to a strong central performance from Samuel L. Jackson. RT 64% / 85%
The Conjuring (2013)
If you like scary films, you’ll like this one. The story follows the paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren while they work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Not for the fainthearted. RT 86% / 83%
The Irishman (2019)
This biographical crime thriller follows Frank Sheeran as he recalls his past years working for the Bufalino crime family. It’s 3 hours long so I would suggest watching it in two or three sittings. It’s well worth it: excellent script, directing, acting and impact. If you are into mafia films, you’ll love this one. RT 96% / 86%
Series
Sherlock (2017) - BBC Version
Benedict Cumberbatch is excellent in this series. Really entertaining. The best ones are:
Season 1, Episodes 1-3
Season 2, Episodes 2-3
Season 3, Episodes 1-3
Seasons 4, Episode 1
Season 5, Episode 1-3
Documentaries
The Social Dilemma (2020)
Clear-eyed and comprehensive, The Social Dilemma presents a sobering analysis of our data-mined present. You’ll most likely uninstall all your social media apps after it or at least be more in control of your device use. It’s a very informative documentary with excellent interviews. Rotten Tomatoes - 88% / 85%
Miss Americana (2020)
Miss Americana provides an engaging look at Taylor Swift’s trajectory to fame. Insightful. Like the other documentary on Lady Gaga or Whitney Houston, it helps you understand the complexity and pressure that fame brings to your life. Rotten Tomatoes 91% / 91%
The Speed Cubers (2020)
This documentary tracks the lives of speedcubing champions Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs. Sounds a bit lame but it’s actually entertaining!
Rotten Tomatoes 92% / 90%
Blackfish (2013)
Gripping and dramatising. This documentary will not leave you indifferent. As RT so rightly put it “Blackfish is an aggressive, impassioned documentary that will change the way you look at performance killer whales.” RT 98% / 90%
*Rotten Tomatoes is a review-aggregation website for film and television. It can give a pretty accurate review of a film based on multiple reviews from both film critics and audience.