What to Watch This Weekend: December 6, 2013

Nothing really coming out in theaters so why not check out a great movie that came out last week? If you want to stay in (and we don't blame you with the weather turning cold), there are some great DVD rental and Netflix streaming options.

In Theaters: Frozen

Disney's latest animated movie is a surprisingly fun film with a great cast, fun story, and a return of singing to the animated film genre. Additionally the animation is gorgeous and maybe all the snow will put you into the holiday mood (or forget about the possible wintry mix we're having on Sunday).

On DVD: Drinking Buddies

Drinking Buddies is probably not going to be a great movie (although it's 82% RT rating makes me hopeful) but it is definitely the movie I am going to see. It looks like a fairly predictable comedy with a funny cast and a drinking / dating premise.  What's not to like?

Streaming (Netflix): The Iceman

Alright, David didn't like this movie because he thought it veered away too far from the book and turned the main character into a sociopath rather than a callous family man. But, a lot of OTHER people did like it (RT 67%) so maybe you'll see something you like. One thing that is easy to appreciate is Michael Shannon's performance as the Iceman killer.

Netflix link: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_Iceman/70241593

Streaming (Netflix): Crystal Fairy & The Magical Cactus

Crystal Fairy is an interesting movie. Although it didn't get great reviews, some people definitely liked the off beat style of the film and what better way to find out if you like it than by seeing it for free at home! 

Netflix link: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Crystal_Fairy/70268857

What to Watch This Weekend: September 6, 2013

It's a pretty light theater weekend but if you're looking for something to see, check out Drinking Buddies.  Otherwise, catch up on some DVD and streaming movies you might have missed!

In Theaters: Drinking Buddies

This romantic dramedy just arrived at DC's Landmark E Street. It's about two craft brewery coworkers (Olivia Wilde and New Girl's Jake Johnson) who seem perfect for one another, except that neither are single. It sounds incredibly generic, but it's gotten many good reviews praising its performances, complicated relationships and avoidance of formula. Lee hears it's like 2011 indie comedy Your Sister's Sister.

On DVD: Now You See Me

This magical caper has a great cast, fun character interaction, distracting CG and an increasingly convoluted heist plot. The characters feel like variations of the actors' best known roles, especially those played by arrogant Jesse Eisenberg and smartest man in the room Morgan Freeman, but the personalities work well together. Now's your chance to check it out. 

On DVD: The Place Beyond the Pines

The Place Beyond the Pines is a long, complex, and thoughtful movie about fathers' legacies and their effects upon their sons. However, its slow pace and length made me conclude that it was ultimately a rental. It starts as a crime tale about a dad (Ryan Gosling) taking desperate measures to provide for his family, but takes a very different path after the first act. Lee really liked the story's unconventional structure, along with Gosling and Bradley Cooper's performances. For those of you who listened to me, now's your chance to see it. For those that didn't listen to me, well, now you can see it again!

Streaming (Netflix): There Will Be Blood

This is the very acclaimed tale of the rise of a ruthless oilman in early 20th century California. Daniel Day-Lewis won numerous awards for his very intense lead performance. Paul Dano is great as twin brothers who butt heads with him during his conquest of the land, particularly as the local church-leading twin who annoys the heartless oilman throughout the story.

Streaming (Amazon): Zoolander

Zoolander is one of those movies that I can watch again and again and still enjoy it. It's not a great movie, but it's a very funny one and features some very funny actors at their funniest. If you haven't seen it, make sure to watch this one. If you have seen it, then watch it again.

Trailer: Anna Kendrick, Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, and Ron Livingston are Drinking Buddies

The trailer for Drinking Buddies, a romantic dramady about beer and friends, has dropped. In what appears to be a pretty predictable plot, Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson are co-workers at a brewery and best friends (hmm, wonder how this is going to work out). Wilde starts dating Ron Livingston. Johnson is dating Anna Kendrick. The best friends are clearly dating the wrong people. After Livingston is introduced to the group, awkwardness ensues. I think we can all imagine how the plot will progress from here but, come on, what romantic dramedy can you not guess the plot? I already love these types of movies and this one has the added bonus of a great cast and lots of beer drinking. Seriously, who is not going to see this movie? Drinking buddies taps the keg on July 25, 2013.