Super 8
Netflix | Amazon | Epix
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by J.J. Abrams
Starring Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Ron Eldard, Noah Emmerich, Glynn Turman
Paramount Pictures
Originally Released: June 9, 2011

After dealing with the tragic decision of viewing the should-have-been-an-abortion movie called Skyline, I really needed something to wash the remnants of shit out of my mouth. That film in the last streaming review was so terrible, I have been stuck in an almost catatonic state for the duration of week, rocking back and forth, weeping for my teddy bear and soiling my pants.

Cheers to the wonder that is J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg, for it was the epic science fiction movie Super 8, evoking a potent injection of nostalgia, which came to my rescue. From the opening sequence, I began feeling the haze of depression leave my tortured brain, in a manner that was akin to the pins-and-needles sensation of circulation returning to an appendage that was numbed.

Skyline
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by The Brothers Strause
Starring Eric Balfour, Scottie Thompson, David Zayas, Donald Faison
Universal Pictures
Originally Released: November 11, 2011

Does anyone happen to have a glass of bourbon for me? Because I am pretty sure I need it after sitting through Skyline. This film is a terrible movie; I think most people would prefer to participate in an emetophilia convention. No, I mean it. It is truly the most insufferable and cringe-inducing movie viewing experiences I have ever endured.

The science fiction movie is a disaster (pardon the pun) from start to finish, that it is ruined even further by acting that will make you facepalm yourself so much it will leave marks. The writing and direction is poorly executed, with insufficient substance or meaning to back itself up, and as a result, the only redeeming aspect of the movie are the special effects and musical score.

Batman Year One
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by Sam Liu and Lauren Montgomery
Starring Bryan Cranston, Benjamin McKenzie, Eliza Dushku, Katee Sackhoff, Alex Rocco
Warner Home Video
Originally Released: October 18, 2011

Speaking nostalgically, the Batman Year One comic series by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli instigates many happy memories for me. I, along with many other geeks, hold the earlier Miller Batman work in high esteem, and the Year One arc released back in 1987 is often regarded with much reverence. It, accompanied by titles like The Killing Joke and others, is often pointed to as being must-read material for new Batman readers.

Thus, when it was announced that Warner Brothers Animation and DC were going forward with an animated adaptation of the classic and timeless Batman Year One, it was a bittersweet moment. Would they stand true to the original material? Or make sweeping adaptations for the release?

Hugo
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Starring Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Chloë Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ray Winstone, Jude Law, Christopher Lee, Helen McCrory, Richard Griffiths
Paramount Pictures
Originally Released: November 23, 2011

With all the praise surrounding the immersive 3D experience of Hugo, I truthfully didn’t think I would enjoy watching the movie on the small screen in a streaming viewing experience. In fact, with the “kid’s movie” stigma attached to it, I’m fairly sure I wanted to dislike it.

But it is impossible to dislike a Martin Scorsese film.

Despite the deficiency of 3D immersion, Scorsese had my attention riveted from the very beginning of the movie. With several early sequences that embodies his trademark single-shot “how the hell did he film this” technique(s), connected with high standard acting from a stellar cast, Hugo stands well enough on its own without that 3D garbage, thank-you-very-much!

Actually, the coupling of Scorsese’s filming and direction techniques, with the excellent cast make this a superb movie experience. And when it comes to the cast, Scorsese most definitely has an eyeball for talent: Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Richard Griffiths, Jude Law, and more all favor the screen in Hugo, but it is Asa Butterfield‘s performance as the title character that tremendously grabs you.

It’s a big day for subscribers to Netflix’s streaming video service, as the company has announced a massive new deal.

In a press release sent out today, Netflix Inc. and The Walt Disney Company have announced that they have reached an exclusive deal that will bring Disney’s massive library of live-action and animated feature films to the streaming service.

Continue reading for more and to check out the full press release.