Amazon Prime streaming video recommendations thread

[T & P]

Brand new film Being the Ricardos has just dropped. A biographical drama about I Love Lucy stars Lucille Ball and her screen & real life husband.

Not fantastic or particularly riveting, but still decent and certainly watchable imo. A very solid cast indeed as well.

My biggest bug with it wasn’t anything to do with the plot, production, or acting, but with the makeup/ prosthetics they slapped on Nicole Kidman’s face. A very weird, porcelain doll-like doll that feels as OTT as unconvincing. Certainly when she’s playing her off screen. Much more natural and convincing look when she’s recreating the show’s scenes.

Anyway, not bad enough to spoil it. 6/10 overall for me, certainly made more attractive by the fact that it came out in the cinemas just ten days ago and you feel you’re getting a bargain by being able to watch it so soon after. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend money to watch it at a cinema though.

 

[Iona56]

Well, I've done a search on this thread and I simply cannot believe that there's NO mention of the "coming soon" Amazon Original "Jack FUCKING REACHER" series

So far there's one trailer for it, and whilst I really like Tom Cruise in the films there's no getting away from the fact that I'm 1cm taller than Cruise (170 Vs 171cm) and I'm not a giant amongst men

The chap in the Amazon series definitely seem to fit the bill height wise and the trailer was lookin' good

Is this a new one or the original? Tom cruise was a quite crap jack reacher. But the series was ok and while it isn't like the books and Tom cruise just isn't reacher, it's watchable

 

[Reno]

Brand new film Being the Ricardos has just dropped. A biographical drama about I Love Lucy stars Lucille Ball and her screen & real life husband.

Not fantastic or particularly riveting, but still decent and certainly watchable imo. A very solid cast indeed as well.

My biggest bug with it wasn’t anything to do with the plot, production, or acting, but with the makeup/ prosthetics they slapped on Nicole Kidman’s face. A very weird, porcelain doll-like doll that feels as OTT as unconvincing. Certainly when she’s playing her off screen. Much more natural and convincing look when she’s recreating the show’s scenes.

Anyway, not bad enough to spoil it. 6/10 overall for me, certainly made more attractive by the fact that it came out in the cinemas just ten days ago and you feel you’re getting a bargain by being able to watch it so soon after. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend money to watch it at a cinema though.

Like many female Hollywood stars of her era, Lucille Ball basically had her face painted on when in character as "Lucille Ball" and she looked very different without make-up, so that's accurate.

 

[High Voltage]

Is this a new one or the original? Tom cruise was a quite crap jack reacher. But the series was ok and while it isn't like the books and Tom cruise just isn't reacher, it's watchable

As far as I'm aware this a brand new series, not to be mistaken with the, also on Amazon, Jack Ryan which is now in its second series I believe and the two Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher films

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

Brand new film Being the Ricardos has just dropped. A biographical drama about I Love Lucy stars Lucille Ball and her screen & real life husband.

Not fantastic or particularly riveting, but still decent and certainly watchable imo. A very solid cast indeed as well.

My biggest bug with it wasn’t anything to do with the plot, production, or acting, but with the makeup/ prosthetics they slapped on Nicole Kidman’s face. A very weird, porcelain doll-like doll that feels as OTT as unconvincing. Certainly when she’s playing her off screen. Much more natural and convincing look when she’s recreating the show’s scenes.

Anyway, not bad enough to spoil it. 6/10 overall for me, certainly made more attractive by the fact that it came out in the cinemas just ten days ago and you feel you’re getting a bargain by being able to watch it so soon after. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend money to watch it at a cinema though.

Sounds like an interesting story, though I would far far far rather see a good documentary about it than a film adaptation.
I reckon it could have lent itself to an American splendour style film. . . . Or maybe I think I would have liked to see in character Kidman talking Lucy style to the camera, narrating parts of her own bio pic.

 

[Johnny Vodka]

That LCD Soundsystem Holiday Special is up. Will watch later.

 

[BoxRoom]

Its not new but its quietly fucking brilliant, documentary film called The Street.

Just watching this now, definitely worth a viewing.

 

[8ball]

Wouldn’t call this a recommendation, but I watched the 2016 version of Suicide Squad last night, and while clearly no masterpiece, and while a lot of things make no sense, it’s fairly enjoyable dumb fun.

 

[kabbes]

Wouldn’t call this a recommendation, but I watched the 2016 version of Suicide Squad last night, and while clearly no masterpiece, and while a lot of things make no sense, it’s fairly enjoyable dumb fun.

If it had a completely different plot that meant the last 30 minutes didn’t involve the need to stop generic blue lasers going into the sky, it might even have been quite good. The characterisations were fun and Harley‘s bombastic OTT-ness was spot on.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

If it had a completely different plot that meant the last 30 minutes didn’t involve the need to stop generic blue lasers going into the sky, it might even have been quite good. The characterisations were fun and Harley‘s bombastic OTT-ness was spot on.

The end is a snooze fest, but the beginning is a mess. Some almost fun bits in the middle, but they really needed to not have the script being a complete load of nonsense from the ground up. The only good idea in it is 'quirky expendable villains get sent in a situation they will probably not survive in exchange for a reduction in their sentence'. Just slap a plot around that, with some wacky dialogue and a few set pieces. I really don't know how they screwed it up so badly.

 

[stockwelljonny]

Hyena (2014) ⭐ 6.2 | Crime, Drama, Thriller

1h 52m | 18

www.imdb.com

Hyena- violent British crime film. Really enjoyed this. Set in London showing the seedy side of London with great soundtrack. Well shot.

Corrupt cop life starts to unravel. Him and his team are supposed to be in the drugs squad. They spend most of their time getting off their faces and doing deals with local organised crime.

Then the Albanians turn up. Who don't play by the unwritten rules. Along with his team being investigated for corruption.

No good guys or redemption in this film. Goes along at hundred miles an hour.

The cop spends next days trying to avert disaster.

Extremely violent and plenty of bad language. Great Brit thriller.

By end of film I almost felt sorry for him.

Enjoyed this a lot, was well done and didn’t go cheesy London gangster. Good acting and nicely convincing seedy London.

 

[8ball]

The end is a snooze fest, but the beginning is a mess. Some almost fun bits in the middle, but they really needed to not have the script being a complete load of nonsense from the ground up. The only good idea in it is 'quirky expendable villains get sent in a situation they will probably not survive in exchange for a reduction in their sentence'. Just slap a plot around that, with some wacky dialogue and a few set pieces. I really don't know how they screwed it up so badly.

I think it helps if you go into it expecting something really bad.

 

[spanglechick]

The end is a snooze fest, but the beginning is a mess. Some almost fun bits in the middle, but they really needed to not have the script being a complete load of nonsense from the ground up. The only good idea in it is 'quirky expendable villains get sent in a situation they will probably not survive in exchange for a reduction in their sentence'. Just slap a plot around that, with some wacky dialogue and a few set pieces. I really don't know how they screwed it up so badly.

I wonder if it failed because they didn’t try hard enough to make it an ensemble piece, though - rather than focus too heavily on Will Smith’s sob story character and Harley’s charmIng persona and Joker thing.

I’d’ve liked to see more of some of the others. And actually, the whole thing would probably have done very well as a 10 episode series.

 

[Reno]

I wonder if it failed because they didn’t try hard enough to make it an ensemble piece, though - rather than focus too heavily on Will Smith’s sob story character and Harley’s charmIng persona and Joker thing.

I’d’ve liked to see more of some of the others. And actually, the whole thing would probably have done very well as a 10 episode series.

It worked very well this year as The Suicide Squad. All it needed was a good director and a decent script.

 

[T & P]

It worked very well this year as The Suicide Squad. All it needed was a good director and a decent script.

The Suicide Squad is not only much better and funnier than the 2016 effort, is a great and highly enjoyable film, period. Will watch again the moment it becomes available on Sky Cinema.

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Encounter is very good.

(Make sure you watch the right one: there are other films called Encounter and The Encounter.)

"A decorated marine goes on a rescue mission to save his two you sons from an unhuman threat. As their journey takes them in increasingly dangerous directions, the boys will need to leave their childhoods behind."

Riz Ahmed is very good as the father of the two boys, and the young lads who play his sons are very good too.

 

[sojourner]

Saint Maud (2019) ⭐ 6.7 | Drama, Horror, Mystery

1h 24m | 15

www.imdb.com

Saint Maud - British horror film. Came out recently. Nurse gets a job caring for an ex ballet dancer who is now disabled and dying.

Two great performances kept me gripped. Quite a surreal film. Some of it harking back to good old fashioned ghost story films. But still the film felt fresh and new. Not just tired old film cliches.

Its more psychological than violent. The nurse becomes obsessed by God and some of film is seeing things from her point of view. So it's got a surreal edge to it.

Its also a story of two needy people who are facing a crisis. One psychological one because they are nearing death.

Brilliant film that

 

[planetgeli]

We watched Parasite at the weekend. It's an acclaimed Korean black comedy/thriller about a poor family who insinuate themselves into the lives of a rich family. Very funny in places and quite entertaining but gets very dark in the second half. I read the reviews afterwards and they're all about the film being metaphorical and meaningful, which is probably a bit too highbrow for me as far as films are concerned, but it's a good watch.

Yep agree. Watched this last night. Well worth a watch. Is this 'a thing' with Korean stuff? Comedic then dark? Have just seen the first episode of Squid Game and that was...comedic then dark.

Anyway, recommended, though it's been out 2 years so you've probably all seen it.

 

[BristolEcho]

Yep agree. Watched this last night. Well worth a watch. Is this 'a thing' with Korean stuff? Comedic then dark? Have just seen the first episode of Squid Game and that was...comedic then dark.

Anyway, recommended, though it's been out 2 years so you've probably all seen it.

It's a great film. Pretty twisted. Liked the way it showed the differences between class and the use of the elevation to show this. Good film.

 

[T & P]

Yep agree. Watched this last night. Well worth a watch. Is this 'a thing' with Korean stuff? Comedic then dark? Have just seen the first episode of Squid Game and that was...comedic then dark.

Anyway, recommended, though it's been out 2 years so you've probably all seen it.

More than comedic then dark for the sake of it, they are more of a commentary on the significant socioeconomic inequality that exists in South Korea. Or so everyone says anyway.

Apparently that was also the case for the immensely popular Gangnam Style song. Which most non-Koreans took as just a meaningless catchy pop song, but being a fierce denouncement of middle class consumerism in South Korea to those who speak the language.

 

[krtek a houby]

Yep agree. Watched this last night. Well worth a watch. Is this 'a thing' with Korean stuff? Comedic then dark? Have just seen the first episode of Squid Game and that was...comedic then dark.

Anyway, recommended, though it's been out 2 years so you've probably all seen it.

Not seen it because no English subtitles on it yet.

It's not really a thing but the tone can change in some films like Welcome to Dongmakgol, or remain dark in OldBoy.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

Yep agree. Watched this last night. Well worth a watch. Is this 'a thing' with Korean stuff? Comedic then dark? Have just seen the first episode of Squid Game and that was...comedic then dark.

Anyway, recommended, though it's been out 2 years so you've probably all seen it.

If you like comedic, tragic, dark and Korean then I can recommend . . .

3 Iron - Kim Ki Duk
Sympathy for Mr Vengeance - Park Chan Wook

Actually Kim Ki Duk and Park Chan Wook both have many many films under their belt that are Parasite level good.

 

[Gramsci]

The American Friend (1977) ⭐ 7.4 | Crime, Drama, Mystery

2h 8m | A

www.imdb.com

The American Friend.

Found this on Prime. Wim Wenders film I've never seen.

Features a young Dennis Hopper and Bruno Ganz.

This is Wenders take on Ripley novel. I've never read the novels. Feel I should read one. Which is best?

This is off beat laid back take. Its quite odd in a way I liked. Didn't feel that violent. Whilst there was a lot of talking a lot of it was the settings people were placed in. In a way it was a gentle film. Despite the subject matter.

I particularly liked the way it felt surreal. The settings appeared normal but it didn't feel like it. Not sure how Wenders did this. I've never warmed to Wenders but everytime I see one of his films I like them. I was glad I gave this film a chance.

I found Hopper quite restrained in this film. It was excellent performance by him as Ripley.

Its well worth a look. Searching around and its possible to find some good films on Prime.

 

[Reno]

The American Friend (1977) ⭐ 7.4 | Crime, Drama, Mystery

2h 8m | A

www.imdb.com

The American Friend.

Found this on Prime. Wim Wenders film I've never seen.

Features a young Dennis Hopper and Bruno Ganz.

This is Wenders take on Ripley novel. I've never read the novels. Feel I should read one. Which is best?

This is off beat laid back take. Its quite odd in a way I liked. Didn't feel that violent. Whilst there was a lot of talking a lot of it was the settings people were placed in. In a way it was a gentle film. Despite the subject matter.

I particularly liked the way it felt surreal. The settings appeared normal but it didn't feel like it. Not sure how Wenders did this. I've never warmed to Wenders but everytime I see one of his films I like them. I was glad I gave this film a chance.

I found Hopper quite restrained in this film. It was excellent performance by him as Ripley.

Its well worth a look. Searching around and its possible to find some good films on Prime.

My favourite Wender's film together with Kings of the Road. I think he went downhill from there.

 

[Spymaster]

This is Wenders take on Ripley novel. I've never read the novels. Feel I should read one. Which is best?

The Talented Mr Ripley, according to Mrs S.

 

[belboid]

The American Friend (1977) ⭐ 7.4 | Crime, Drama, Mystery

2h 8m | A

www.imdb.com

The American Friend.

Found this on Prime. Wim Wenders film I've never seen.

Features a young Dennis Hopper and Bruno Ganz.

This is Wenders take on Ripley novel. I've never read the novels. Feel I should read one. Which is best?

This is off beat laid back take. Its quite odd in a way I liked. Didn't feel that violent. Whilst there was a lot of talking a lot of it was the settings people were placed in. In a way it was a gentle film. Despite the subject matter.

I particularly liked the way it felt surreal. The settings appeared normal but it didn't feel like it. Not sure how Wenders did this. I've never warmed to Wenders but everytime I see one of his films I like them. I was glad I gave this film a chance.

I found Hopper quite restrained in this film. It was excellent performance by him as Ripley.

Its well worth a look. Searching around and its possible to find some good films on Prime.

Read the novels in order, Talented is definitely the best but they’re all decent. I think there are a few more PH adaptions on prime, a marvellously filmic writer

 

[Orang Utan]

Has anyone watched anything on IMDb yet? The ‘with ads’ caveat has put me off so far.
I imagine they’re like every ten minutes or so

 

[8ball]

Has anyone watched anything on IMDb yet? The ‘with ads’ caveat has put me off so far.
I imagine they’re like every ten minutes or so

I always watch through the PS4 and I’m not sure they’ve updated it to make it work with it yet. I also had a few concerns about ad frequency, especially seeing what has happened to YouTube.

 

[DaveCinzano]

Has anyone watched anything on IMDb yet? The ‘with ads’ caveat has put me off so far.
I imagine they’re like every ten minutes or so

It's basically like watching a film on ITV, it's fine for what it is, plenty of familiar fare

 

[Orang Utan]

It's basically like watching a film on ITV, it's fine for what it is, plenty of familiar fare

The itv4 of streaming platforms?