Add it To Your Queue: Volume 2

After the blockbusters, after the Oscar bait, you still need more. Something that maybe didn’t make a big splash, didn’t make a lot of money or garner a lot of awards, but is still worthy of being seen? Clear your Netflix queue (or itunes or amazon or epix queue) and make some room for a few of these overlooked gems that may not have come your way before but are well worth your time. Missed Volume 1? Check out our first eight here. More to come.

Volume 1  Volume 2.    Volume 3.  Volume 4.   Volume 5.  Volume 6: Comedies   Volume 7: Alternate Horror

 

 



Big Night (1996)

Why did no one ever think to cast Stanley Tucci and Tony Shaloub as brothers before this movie? It’s a no-brainer once you see them together here. Primo and Secondo own a little bistro that is going under, but have the chance to save it with one big night where they will be cooking for bandleader Louis Prima. A bit of a thin plot, but one that’s peppered with fun and interesting supporting characters and side storylines. One caveat: Do not watch this one if you’re at all hungry. And make sure you have reservations and an amazing Italian place for when it’s over because you will be craving it. The food takes center stage here, and the movie is all the more delectable because of it.

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Crossing Delancy (1988)

One of the few romantic comedies ever made that has a strong feeling of truth. There is still a class system in this country and one that is subtle . Can and educated arts loving girl fall in love with a pickle salesman? Are we truly defined by the work we do? Peter Reigert is always great and this is one his finest understated roles. It’s also one of the last films that you can see the Lower East side of New York as a Jewish neighborhood.

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Fast Walking (1982)

James Woods is playing ( who guessed it) a sleazy character, this time a corrupt prison guard. There is a double crossing plot about prison breakout and an assassination but those are just chances for Woods to play out his creepy role. You will want to watch this for the stunning Kay Lenz who is at her bewitching finest. An actor named Tim McIntire steals scenes and has huge star potenial but passed away a short time later. Susan Tyrrel and M.Emmet Walsh are great character actors that fill out the cast.  If you are a Tarantino fan, you should dig Fast Walking.

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King of the Hill (1993)

No, this has nothing to do with Mike Judge or Hank Hill. This is a lesser-known work by Steven Soderbergh about two young boys in the 30s, left to fend for themselves in the hotel where they live when their mother is sent “away” and their father is traveling on business. While the plot may sound bleak, the boys find ways to stave off the hunger and loneliness and are surrounded by characters that keep their lives interesting and fun (played by the likes of Adrian Brody and Spalding Grey)- even when their own predicament may seem dreary and sad. If it was the story of the adults, this would be a much more desolate movie. However, as it is, the film captures the mood of what troubled times are like from a younger point of view.

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