Netflix is an overabundance of entertainment. However, when going on Netflix, people usually watch TV shows they heard about or movies that were recommended to them. What about the movies and TV shows that are not in the limelight?
The State Press has composed a list of unsung movies and shows that deserve to be seen on Netflix Instant Queue. This is a list of a few neglected movies and television shows that merit recognition.
“Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father”: This is probably the best documentary that the majority of people have never seen. While there are fantastic documentaries on Netflix like “Exit Through The Gift Shop,” “Food Inc.,” “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” and “Microcosmos,” there are not many documentaries on Netflix that have the emotional resonance that “Dear Zachary” has. It begins as a love letter to the filmmaker’s murdered friend and becomes a rhapsody of how murder can affect so many people and the obstacles a family will go through to obtain justice. The unpredictable nature of the film and the amount of heart that went into it truly makes this a must-see Netflix gem.
“Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey”: Another great documentary that flew under the radar, “Being Elmo” is not just about being Elmo. It is about how much it takes to accomplish a dream and the pride of sustaining it. Viewers will grow a deep respect for how much work is required being the hand of the most famous puppet of all time. There is a scene in which Kevin Clash — the puppeteer of Elmo — interacts with a sick child. This scene will make even the strongest man shed a tear. “Being Elmo” is heartwarming, inspirational and one of the best documentaries on Netflix.
“Tucker & Dale & Evil”: Critics were praising “Cabin in the Woods” for what “Tucker & Dale & Evil” did first. The difference between the two is that “Tucker & Dale & Evil” did it better. Although “Cabin in the Woods” has 5 percent more approval on Rotten Tomatoes, “Tucker & Dale & Evil” is the better horror-comedy. Imagine shifting the point of view of “Friday the 13th” to Jason, and have it turn out that the whole teenager-murder-spree was a total misunderstanding and Jason has a heart of gold and it’s actually the teenagers that are sick in the head. That is the basic premise of this movie. The success of the movie is in its execution — it was scary in the right areas, funny at the perfect moments and heartwarming in the best places. Fans of “Cabin in the Woods” and the “Scream” series should give this film a chance.
“Ip Man”: “Ip Man” has some of the greatest fight scenes ever captured on camera. The substance behind the marital arts scenes makes this film great. Fans of martial arts movies, or action movies in general, owe it to themselves to watch “Ip Man.” The movie’s narrative is well-crafted and contains solid acting by the lead role, Donnie Yen. Someone who just wants to see the movie for the fight scenes should fast forward to 57:57 and witness the movie’s best fight scene.
“IT Crowd”: It should be a crime that this hilarious show is unpopular. “IT Crowd” features Chris O'Dowd and Richard Ayoade as staff members of the IT department. Fans of British humor seen in “Mighty Boosh,” “The Office,” “The Inbetweeners” and “Peep Show” will cherish every second of it “IT Crowd.” “Community” and “Big Bang Theory” lovers will also love this show immensely.
“John Pinette: I'm Starvin'”: Netflix features great stand-up by a long list of great comedians like, George Carlin, Louis C.K., Jim Gaffigan, Brain Regan and Kevin Hart. However, these names are too well-known to qualify for this “hidden gems” list. A great non-mainstream stand-up special is “John Pinette: I'm Starvin'.” “Seinfeld” fans might know him from the “Seinfeld” finale. John Pinette’s “fat-man” humor might not be for everyone, but most people will find this stand-up special quite hilarious. It’s also refreshing to laugh at jokes that don’t use profanity as the driving force.
“Mary & Max”: Mary & Max is a unique and beautiful stop-motion animation that perfectly mirrors human nature. “Mary & Max” is about an unusual friendship between two lost souls from completely different environments, that try to figure out how to connect with the world around them. Both fail to blend into their own environments and luckily find solace in finding someone out there that feels the same way. “Mary & Max” is the kind of movie that comes out only once in a decade, and is a film that should not be missed.
Reach the reporter at tverti@asu.edu
