Add It To Your Queue: Vol. 3

So, you’ve seen the blockbusters, and all the Oscar contenders, but you still are looking for something to watch. Maybe something you missed. There are so many films that didn’t make a big splash, earn a lot of money or garner a lot of awards, but are 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 and Volume 2? Check them out here. And as always, more to come.

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

cutters way the limey hedwig Hairspray 1988 In the Company of Men

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Rollerball (1975)

There was a time when Sci Fi was not wall-to-wall action and CGI porn. It was about the human experience dealing with new technologies…and existence in the face of political and social challenges. Rollerball is the story of an elite athlete living in a world where corporations rule and an ultra violent sport is used to distract the citizens. Could never happen, right ?

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In the Company of Men (1997)

Two misogynists working in corporate America decide to toy with the emotions of a shy, young deaf girl at work. They plan on seducing and then humiliating her to get even with what they consider to be the treachery of all women. This dark comedy is a breakthrough role for Aaron Eckhart and for writer director Neil LaBute.

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Hairspray (1988)

No not the Glee-esque version of Hairspray that ran on Broadway and delivered a sugar sweet musical film that starred John Travolta. This is the down and dirty film about racial segregation in the early 60s by John Waters and the last starring role by Devine. For reasons we can’t even fathom, this original version has been all but forgotten. Great R&B music, dancing and the joy of being an outsider.  Also Debbie Harry, Ricki Lake, Sonny Bono, Jerry Stiller and a few other surprises.

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Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

John Cameron Mitchell directs and stars as Hedwig, a East German transgender singer in this glam rock n roll musical. Not only is the film hysterical — and at times heart breaking — but the sound track is some of the best music of the last 20 years.

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The Limey (1999)

A crime thriller and revenge film starring 60’s icons Terrence Stamp and Peter Fonda now living in the 1990s. Stephen Soderburg directed what film critic Edward Guthmann called “a wonderful antidote to the numbing sameness of [some] movies.”

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Cutters Way (1981)

Richard Bone (played by Jeff Bridges) is slacking his way through life with his alcoholic Viet Nam Vet friend (played by John Heard)
when a high profile murder case sets in action a scheme for them to make money. This dark thriller will remind you of “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Easy Rider”. Perhaps if were releashed in the 1970’s instead of the soulless 80’s it would be considered a classic.

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