Netflix Gems of 2010

Netflix has been a huge part of my effort to declutter the media in my life. I have almost eliminated all physical DVDs from my “stuff”.

As you probably already know, Netflix Instant Watch is one of the greatest things ever. It’s how you know you’re in the 21st century. Each week it rises from an ocean of cinema and spreads a net of glittering gems recovered from the depths.Here are some of the more noteworthy experiences that I encourage you to check out for yourself.

This American Life – The two seasons of this show are every bit as poignant and masterful as the audio program.

Dear Zachary – A documentary about the depths of human evil and the saint-like goodness people are capable of.

Avatar the Last Airbender – I cannot say enough about how important and excellent this series is. One of the best, fully realized stories ever brought to television.

TiMER – Really great social sci-fi about dating and relationships.

That Mitchell and Webb Look – British sketch comedy at its finest. Balances between the absurdity of The Mighty Boosh and the crassness of Little Britain.

Below – A submarine thriller written by Aronofsky and directed by David Twohy.

Me and You and Everyone We Know – I fell hard for Miranda July and I wish she made more films.

I am a Sex Addict – Incredibly compelling autobiography.

A Town Called Panic – I had already seen this in the theater, but it was just as delightful the second time around. Imaginative and hysterical.

Cashback – A guy with insomnia gets a job at a supermarket. He then realizes he has the ability to stop time.

Zero Effect – This is one of those defining Bill Pullman movies.

The Secret of Kells – I had to see this because it was nominated for an academy award in animation and I had never heard of it.

Son of Rambow – Pure joy. A reconnection with vibrant childhood creativity.

Dead Like Me – This is one of those shows that everyone raves about and I think “Yeah, yeah, it can’t be *that* amazing.” But it is. Rube is one of the greatest characters since Deadwood’s Al Swearengen.

Wristcutters: A Love Story – A black comedy that takes place in the special limbo reserved for those who commit suicide.

Exit Through the Gift Shop – Just as amazing as advertised. A commentary on what constitutes art.

Valhalla Rising – A meditation on the decline of old religions and the arrival of Christianity. Felt like a tangent from Gaiman’s American Gods.

I’m Still Here – Knowing the history of this documentary actually made it more relevant and moving.

This Film is Not Yet Rated – A revealing documentary about the MPAA and the completely bizarre and mysterious process by which films receive their rating.

Cold Souls – I can’t believe I had never heard of this movie. Reaffirms Paul Giamatti as one of our great under appreciated actors. His performance in just the first few minutes of the movie took my breath away.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse – Like Justice League: New Frontier, this is a comic book movie done right. Mature storytelling, solid writing, great action.

16 Years of Alcohol – Kevin McKidd’s defining performance. It puts Bunraku in stark contrast, revealing just how much talent was wasted on that film.

Louie: Louis C.K.’s refinement of the Seinfeld formula. The show is very funny but so depressing it hurts. Yet I can’t look away.

2 Comments on "Netflix Gems of 2010"

  1. Kelly says:

    I loved TiMER…wish it were that simple sometimes. And I really loved Cashback…also a beautiful soundtrack.

  2. Drey says:

    Sometimes I really want a TiMER and sometimes I’m glad I don’t know.

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