Stream Warriors: April 7, 2023
Each week, Neon Splatter contributors offer up some viewing options found on streaming (U.S. unless otherwise noted). Movies, TV shows, specials, and more. New and old, from all sorts of genres and nations. Most importantly, we deem them worthy of your time.
Alexis M. Collazo: INCARNATE (2016)
What It Is: A scientist with the ability to enter the subconscious minds of the possessed must save a young boy from the grips of a demon with powers never seen before, while facing the horrors of his past.
Where It Is: Netflix
Why You Should Watch It: “This is not exactly your same old story of demonic possession and exorcism. I thought it was an interesting twist that Dr. Ember's (Aaron Eckhart) methods are based in science instead of religion and the spiritual realm. Although I did get some John Constantine-ish vibes from the the vendetta between Dr. Ember and the demon they call Maggie.”
Jeremy Lowe: BOSTON STRANGLER (2023)
What It Is: Loretta McLaughlin was the reporter who first connected the murders and broke the story of the Boston Strangler. She and Jean Cole challenged the sexism of the early 1960s to report on the city's most notorious serial killer.
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: “I'm a sucker for true crime exploitation, but this new BOSTON STRANGLER movie doesn't really check that box. It's much more of a crime drama that deals with gender dynamics. Wasn't really interested in this until I saw my old friend David Dastmalchian stars. Hats off to the superb acting from an amazing cast who told a well-crafted story that kept me engaged from beginning to end. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
Kiley Fox: JUMANJI (1995)
What It Is: When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped in it for decades - and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “I watched this movie so often as a kid. It felt like it was always on TV. You can't really go wrong with Robin Williams in anything, and I love Bonnie Hunt. I like to think about this movie is wondering what if the game isn't truly magic? What if we're seeing the story as the kids imagined it, like a table top role playing game? I love the idea of an imagination that much alive. I own the board game they released when the movie came out. I know I still have the power of my imagination because I still hear the elephants and feel the thunder of a stampede when I open up that game. Maybe being trapped in a jungle for 20 years is not so great, but watching Robin Williams have an adventure in one is pretty cool.”
Khayla McGowan: Scream Queens (2015 - 2016)
What It Is: A semi-anthology series that centers on characters being terrorized by a serial killer in different locations, including a university and a hospital.
Where It Is: Hulu, Apple TV+
Why You Should Watch It: “I'm a sucker for horror comedy and Jamie Lee Curtis. What happens when you pull them in together? A fun time where we basically get SCARY MOVIE with a wee bit less silly and a wee bit more suspense.”
Rob Dean: NEW JACK CITY (1991)
What It Is: A modern-day crime epic focusing on the efforts of two unorthodox police officers to bring down a drug gang at the height of New York City's crack cocaine epidemic of 10 years ago. The film also chronicles the rise and fall of Nino Brown, the antagonist of the film, in a light study of drug proliferation and its effects on poor neighborhoods. As numerous attempts to break the control of the gang fail and violence begins to escalate, how far will the police go to catch Nino Brown?
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “Sometimes classic movies are classic for a reason. But it’s highly probable that this remains a blindspot for many folks out there - seek it out. It is at once of a very specific time and place (New York in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s), but it’s general badassery and sense of style helps make it timeless.”