At the risk of sounding like a commercial for Netflix, I have to admit that belonging to it has opened up a whole new world for my family – the world of independent movies. The movies I’m talking about are character driven, sometimes with big names attached but not always. They don’t have millions of dollars devoted to special effects or grand pyrotechnic displays. They just tell stories about people.
We happened upon these movies by accident – one of those cases of “If you liked that, you’ll love these” that Netflix does so well. Many didn’t make it to the big screen; they were shown only in Art House theaters. In our neck of the woods, that would entail an hour-and-a-half drive into Chicago, where parking costs would rival ticket costs, and together, well, we’d need to take out a second mortgage on our house.
We live in a town with one multiplex theater devoted to the big Hollywood releases. A larger city nearby has two multiplexes, but again, they’re totally Hollywood. Nothing wrong with that, by the way, but I do wish they would also show indie movies. So many people are missing out on an opportunity to see some really compelling stories. But I guess that’s where Netflix comes in.
Our favorites are from the UK, a few from France, but we’ve also found some real gems among the US producers. Today we watched one called “Sweetland,” that was poignant, moving, and captured the flavor of rural America in 1918 perfectly. Last week we watched a French flick called, “Priceless,” and it was.
Now that I think about it, aren’t some of our favorite holiday movies “little” movies? Like “A Christmas Story”?
Are you a fan of indie movies? Does your family enjoy them? Do you have any personal favorites?
Oh, and one more question. Will you or won’t you be watching Jimmy Stewart and Clarence the Angle, and Zuzu, and Mr. Potter on Christmas day?
Kate, wishing you health and happiness.
See you in 2010.
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5 comments:
I've always loved the indie movies, Kate. Now, they actually come to the smaller indie theatre here in Ft Collins. Years before, I used to have to drive to Denver to see them. They're always worth seeing. Character studies, sometimes zany comedies, other times, controversial subjects.
Ahhh, as I blogged last week, I already got to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" while making my homemade gingersnap cookies. Our family fave.
We've been getting a lot of documentaries from Netflix--most recently one featuring running the Chicago marathon. Very good! Also, there's one about a guy who rides a segue across the country. I personally think he was insane, and the movie could have been told better, but it was still fun.
I love Netflix too, especially the instant feature :-)
I can't say that I am particularily fond of the "little" movies. This gives me room to expand my horizons though, right? I didn't see A Christams Story until last year. I am so glad that I did. Now the things my husband refers to I actually understand :-)
My favorite Christmas movies are Polar Express, which reminds me of the magic of the season through a child's eyes and Christmas Vacation which I grew up watching CV with my family and year after year it never gets old.
Netflix is the best!! Alot of smaller movies that don't get around to most movie theaters in smaller town..you can get on Netflix!! Great Blog!! and post!
The Netflix craze is almost too much for me...I can feel myself caving in soon and just signing up already! Indie films are great...and I've found almost anything that has Sundance stamped across it is totally worth watching!
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