Classic Albums – Iron Maiden: Number Of The Beast
Netflix Streaming
DVD
Directed by Tim Kirby
Starring EDDIE, Bruce Dickinson, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Steve Harris, Clive Burr, Martin Birch, Rod Smallwood, Nicko McBrain, Ross Halfin
Isis Productions/Eagle Vision
Originally Released: December 4, 2001

When Netflix added nearly all of the Classic Albums series to their streaming collection last week, it was inevitable that I would draw attention to the series in this review. The big question for me was: which Classic Albums episode do I review? Being a music geek, and especially (first and foremost) a Metal Head, the choice was incredibly tough. With bands such as Metallica, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Rush, and many more among the features now online, it took me a while before I settled on a title.

Favorably rated as one of the most memorable and cornerstone albums in Metal history, Iron Maiden: The Number Of The Beast now seems, in retrospect, the appropriate selection for this review. The band is frequently cited as one of the fundamental acts that bolstered the genre of metal, having blasted onto the scene among the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal – and they continue onwards to this day, renewing their legacy with new releases that strengthen their music identity.

The First Grader
Netflix Streaming
DVD
Directed by Justin Chadwick
Starring Oliver Litondo, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Vusi Kunene
National Geographic Entertainment
Originally Released: September 4, 2010

The First Grader is one of those rare dramas that is such enthralling viewing; you cannot turn away from the screen. The performances in this movie are well above standards and expectations, with some moving moments sure to bring some viewers to tears. Coupled with some extraordinary cinematography and an exceptional score, The First Grader is a film based on true events that is not to be missed.

In 2003, the People’s Republic of Kenya officially announced that they were introducing free primary education (what Americans refer to as Elementary School) across the country. The result saw a massive increase in enrollment and attendance (Wikipedia cites this as high as 70%), ushering forth a new era of potential for the children of the country.

The Last Circus
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-ray
Directed by Álex de la Iglesia
Starring Carlos Areces, Carolina Bang, Antonio de la Torre Martín, Manuel Tallafé
Magnet Releasing
Originally Released: September 7, 2010

Imagine, for a moment, if you combined Frank Castle aka The Punisher from the Marvel Universe, with The Joker from Batman in the DC Universe. Now: visualize there being two of these insane clowns fighting each other… and that is essentially what The Last Circus is.

And it is conceivably one of the most demented, disturbing movies I’ve ever seen, and would easily fit into my “Top 10 Most Fucked Up Movies Of All Time.”

But when I say, “Fucked Up,” I mean that in a delectable manner, because this film is both a tormenting and challenging, yet thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Star Trek – The Next Generation (Seasons 1 & 2)
Netflix Streaming
Complete Series DVD
Season One DVD | Season Two DVD
Created by Gene Roddenberry
Starring Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, LeVar Burton, Wil Wheaton, Whoopi Goldberg, John de Lancie
Paramount
Originally Broadcast: September 28, 1987

One of the greatest things about Netflix’s streaming service is the immediate accessibility to television series, both old and current, without being interfered with by lame advertisements interrupting your viewing experience. On top of that, there’s also the bonus of watching entire seasons in bulk, demolishing the week-to-week wait. But when we were discussing Star Trek on a recent episode of the Social Blend podcast, I couldn’t help but hop down Nostalgia Avenue for this week’s Netflix Review as well.

The Lincoln Lawyer
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Directed by Brad Furman
Based on the novel by Michael Connelly
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe, Marisa Tomei, Josh Lucas, Bryan Cranston, Margarita Levieva, Trace Adkins, John Leguizamo, William H. Macy, Frances Fisher, and Laurence Mason
Lionsgate
Originally Released: March 18, 2011

The Lincoln Lawyer is a surprisingly enjoyable ride, bearing in mind it was promoted as a courtroom drama. In fact, the Brad Furman film, based on the novel written by Michael Connelly, is much more than that – combining elements of crime films and thrillers, The Lincoln Lawyer hurriedly becomes a deeply strategic movie that demands your attention from start to finish, with excellent performances from the all-star cast.

The tale focuses on a criminal defense attorney, Mickey Haller played by Matthew McConaughey (in perhaps one of his finest roles caught on film), who takes on a case involving Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillipe). Roulet is accused of beating a prostitute named Reggie Campo (Margarita Levieva), though he claims he is innocent of the crime.