Stream Warriors: August 19, 2022
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.
Jeremy Lowe: DEAD ANT (2017)
What It Is: When the 1989 one-hit-wonder glam-metal band Sonic Grave embark on a trip to Coachella in hopes of a comeback, their peyote trip pit stop in Joshua Tree incites an unworldly vicious attack, and they must rock themselves out of harm’s way.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “DEAD ANT is the best heavy metal movie since the splatterific DEATHGASM (2015)! Think THIS IS SPINAL TAP (1984) meets TREMORS (1990)! This homage to ‘80s hair metal and ‘50s nuclear monster movies is a laugh riot filled with rock n roll mayhem from beginning to end! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
Shafi Malik: THE LUNCHBOX (2013)
What It Is: The film, set in Mumbai, revolves around a mistaken delivery by the Dabbawalas (lunchbox service) of Mumbai, which leads to a relationship between Saajan, a lonely widower close to retirement, and Ila, an unhappy housewife, as they start exchanging notes through the daily lunchbox.
Where It Is: Starz
Why You Should Watch It: “SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE in the busy streets of Mumbai! A bored and lonely housewife starts a relationship with a widowed accountant through letters, lunch and love! I use this film as a go-to recommendation for anyone who wants a quiet & sweet small Indian indie movie. Both leads are fantastic and, upon rewatch, it makes me miss Irrfan Khan even more. RIP.”
Khayla McGowan: EYES OF LAURA MARS (1978)
What It Is: Suddenly Laura Mars can see through the eyes of a serial killer as he commits his crimes. She contacts the police and with the aid of a police detective, tries to stop the killer. But first, they have to figure out who it is.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “This movie plus BASKET CASE (1982) equals MALIGNANT (2021). Not only did I come for horror legend Brad Dourif and stayed for the always-pleasant Faye Dunaway...Tommy Lee Jones being in this is simply an extra cherry on top. Watch this movie for an early American stab at the giallo genre and make it a double feature with MALIGNANT or add BASKET CASE in before MALIGNANT as a triple feature if you want the perfect trifecta!”
Rob Dean: THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE (1997)
What It Is: American Wallace Ritchie gets a ticket for an audience participation game in London, England, then gets involved in a case of mistaken identity. As an international plot unravels around him, he thinks it's all part of the act.
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: “This is a goofy trifle of a movie that should be discussed far more often. Bill Groundhog-Day, Ghostbustin'-ass Murray is tremendous as an oblivious dolt. He’s so goodnatured and humble while having lots of silly tangents and moments. Alfred Molina is terrific as a ridiculous ex-Soviet assassin. Joanne Whalley nails the role of lovable femme fatale. The Hitchcock send up is better than most others (looking at you, HIGH ANXIETY) and is a delightfulwatch.”
Alexis M. Collazo - WHO’S WATCHING OLIVER (2017)
What It Is: Oliver aimlessly wanders the streets on what can only be described as a truly shocking and humiliating killing spree. His only savior is the beautiful Sophia with her sweet eccentricity and naivety to the danger she has put herself in.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Tubi, Epix, Vudu
Why You Should Watch It: “Can't say for sure whether the movie is good or bad, it was just impossible not to keep watching. It left me scratching my head thinking ‘What the hell?’ and I'd rather not be the only one fascinated, horrified and confused by this weird watch.”