Spectrum: Merucci's Picks (April 4, 2020)

Merucci’s Picks

Since we’ve all been asked to stay inside, what better time than this to sit down and watch some movies? I’ve included some of my favorite movies that are available for free on streaming services (with a subscription) and YouTube, as well as on Hoopla and Kanopy, which can be accessed with a library card. I tried to choose movies that differ greatly from one another, varying by popularity, genre, and story. Enjoy.

Pi (1998) - Amazon Prime/Hulu

After I chose this one for family movie night, I wasn’t allowed to choose the movie for a month. I thought it was pretty great, anyway. This is the perfect movie to watch while the world falls apart.

It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012) - YouTube

This animated movie from Don Hertzfeldt packs more emotion into stick figures than anything Disney could ever spend 300 million dollars on. Has the best effect when watched alone.

Blow Out (1981) - Amazon Prime/Hoopla

John Travolta‘s performances are the most unpredictable in the business, but this is his shining moment. This mystery thriller cranks paranoia up to 11 and showcases Brian De Palma (Scarface, Mission: Impossible) in prime directing form.

Logan Lucky (2017) - Amazon Prime/Kanopy

Ocean’s 11 at the racetrack, and absolutely hilarious. What more could you want? Daniel Craig, Adam Driver, and Channing Tatum, I suppose.

You Were Never Really Here (2017) - Amazon Prime

This is my second favorite Joaquin Phoenix performance after Her. It’s difficult to find an action movie as beautiful as this: You Were Never Really Here made me want to snap my fingers in poetic appreciation after the first watch.

There Will Be Blood (2007) - Netflix/Showtime

If you haven’t seen this, it’s a must. Daniel Day-Lewis blesses us with a legendary performance in a ruthless tale of the oil boom in the west. Easily one of the greatest films to come out of the 21st century.

Good Time (2017) - Netflix/Kanopy

#TeamEdward, I call on you to watch this gripping Robert Pattinson thriller filled to the brim with neon stylings and extreme closeups. Nothing like a bank robbery gone very very very very wrong.

They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969) - YouTube

Not gonna put a spin on this one. This might be the most depressing/physically exhausting movie I’ve ever seen. The masterpiece of Sydney Pollack.

A Serious Man (2009) - Netflix

The Coen Brothers have a knack for making hilarious movies, that much is obvious. This comedy, believe it or not, is seen as a modern retelling of the Book of Job.

City of God (2002) - Netflix/Hoopla

I hope you don’t mind subtitles: this Brazilian movie is one of the finest that international cinema has to offer. An illuminating peek into the streets of Rio de Janeiro, City of God is both brutal and beautiful.