Although summer isn’t necessarily prime film-seeking season, there are still those occasional (or frequent, since we are in Illinois) rainy days where a bucket of popcorn, some chocolates, and Netflix are the perfect cure. So for those days, here is a list of ten Netflix films worth checking out.
1. “Safe Haven:” Released in 2013, this is the most recent Netflix film on the list. Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel (as well as “How I Met Your Mother’s” Cobie Smulders) star in the romantic drama based on a namesake Nicholas Sparks novel. So if you’re in a sappy mood and in need of a beautiful love story, all bets are on “Safe Haven.”
2. “Who Framed Roger Rabbit:” If you watched this film as a kid, I strongly suggest returning to it now that you’re older. Not only is it abundant with jokes most kids would miss, but it is also a classic. I mean, live-action mixed with animation? It’s always a good time.
3. “The Shrine:” With the tagline “Once you find it, they won’t let you leave,” the intrigue has already begun. This 2010 cult film may not seem like much, but I promise it’s well worth the watch. As a fair warning, it may be a bit gory for some. With the fast moving plot line and quickly developing characters, once you sit down for this film, you’re hooked to the end.
4. “Braveheart:” If you have not seen this movie yet, move this up to number one on your list of films to watch. Let me tell you, it’s worth it. Mel Gibson plays William Wallace, a man fighting not only for the freedom of his country, but also for the honor of his wife. Initially released in 1995, the film shows no age. It’s the perfect definition of timeless.
5. “Ever After:” I’ve never been a fan of all the different twists put on Disney’s classic fairy tale, “Cinderella,” but I do have to say this is one of the best I’ve seen. Released in 1998 and starring Drew Barrymore, this film is refreshingly different from all other remakes of the traditional story, and Barrymore really comes into her own right before your eyes. Don’t let it fool you though, the film is just as comedic as it is romantic, so don’t underestimate its cleverness.
6. “A League of Their Own:” Yet again, if you have not seen this film, I strongly suggest that you do. I’m not exactly one for sports movies, but a film on the first professional female baseball league is hard to pass up. On top of that, the cast is star-studded, with actors including Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, and Rosie O’Donnell. The film is classically funny and a great movie, so make sure this film makes your rainy day list.
7. “The Haunting:” This 1999 horror film has made its way onto my rainy day list simply because of its cast. Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Owen Wilson star in this classic haunted house story, and that alone makes it worth the watch. The storyline sounds strong as well, following three patients who’ve agreed to do a sleep study but end up with more than they bargained for in a haunted mansion with a spooky past. Sounds good to me!
8. “The Rebound:” Justin Bartha and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in the romantic comedy this list was in need of. Zeta-Jones plays a single mother living in New York City while Bartha plays a much younger neighbor that is smitten by her. The film seems to have mixed ratings, either one extreme or the other, so check it out for yourself and be the judge!
During the summer we live for the sunshine, but don’t let those rainy days get you down. Instead, check out this list, prop your feet up, and Netflix your day away!
Photo Sources
Photo One: http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/wp-content/uploads/SafeHaven_Quad.jpg
Photo Three: http://horrorfanzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/the-shrine-08.jpg
Photo Five: http://blog.costumeantique.de/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ever_after_01.jpg
Photo Seven: http://www.film.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/liamneeson_20.jpg
Photo Eight: http://cdn.mos.totalfilm.com/images/t/the-rebound-00-420-75.jpg