Stream Warriors: February 11, 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.
Kiley Fox: GHOSTWATCH (1992)
What It Is: The BBC gives over a whole evening to an 'investigation into the supernatural'. Four respected presenters and a camera crew attempt to discover the truth behind 'The most haunted house in Britain', expecting a light-hearted scare or two and probably the uncovering of a hoax. They think they are in control of the situation. They think they are safe. The viewers settle down and decide to watch 'for a laugh'. Ninety minutes later the BBC, and the country, was changed, and the consequences are still felt today.
Where It Is: Internet Archive
Why You Should Watch It: “In 1992 the BBC pulled off a War of the Worlds level prank and this found footage set up scared the shit out of people. Still frightening and solid stuff!”
Rob Dean: RIDERS OF JUSTICE (2021)
What It Is: Markus, a veteran soldier in Afghanistan, returns home to take care of his daughter, Mathilde, after a horrible train accident. However, on his return, Markus has an unexpected encounter with the statistical analyst, Otto, one of the few survivors of the accident, who is convinced that there is more to this tragedy than meets the eye. Indeed, it seems that many secrets are hidden in plain sight. Now, pained and lethally dangerous Markus has no other choice but to delve deep into the mind-boggling world of possibilities to get answers to his unspoken questions. But, can he make sense of death?
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: An expert blending of genres, this action/drama/comedy manages to deliver on all fronts with engaging and brutally violent sequences, hilarious juxtaposition of characters, and genuinely emotionally affecting moments. It uses all three approaches in examining how we heal and what we do with the scar tissue left beihind.”
Khayla McGowan: Rizzoli & Isles
What It Is: Boston detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles are complete opposites and good friends who solve crimes and bust some of Boston’s most notorious criminals. Jane and Maura often find themselves working together as both use their brilliant minds and expertise to figure Boston’s most complex cases.
Where It Is: HBO Max
Why You Should Watch It: “This is my all-time favorite police procedural because of the relationship and world-building the series has as it goes along. Dr. Maura Isles and Detective Jane Rizzoli masterfully tackle various murders and crimes while giving a peek at both the medical examiner and police sides of the investigation, which I enjoy as an evolutionary next step from my other crime faves CSI, NCIS, and Law And Order: SVU! Additionally, because of the aforementioned relationships and lighthearted humor they share, it makes for easy viewing even when the crimes are heavier...it's all about balance.”
Ashley Rappa: IBIZA (2018) (aka IBIZA: LOVE DRUNK)
What It Is: Cute Harper works for an NYC PR firm. She's sent to Spain to convince a potential customer, a sangria producer, to choose them for promotion in USA. Her two BFFs join her to Barcelona. They go clubbing and she meets a cool DJ. They continue partying at a rich man's villa. Will Harper risk her job and fly with her BFFs to her new cool DJ friend on Ibiza? Adventures await.
Where It Is: Netflix
Why You Should Watch It: “Watching this movie is a good idea in the same way staying up all night with your friends doing shots and party drugs is a good idea. It's a nonsensical, super fun ride, but at the end of it all, you may find yourself wondering if you should be doing something more worthwhile with your life. Check it out for some female-friendship focused, good old fashioned escapist fun.”
Shafi Malik: MINNAL MURALI (2021)
What It Is: Jaison (Tovino Thomas), a tailor from the village of Kurukkanmoola obtains superpowers such as enhanced speed, high muscle power, reflexes and strength after being hit by lightning and becomes the superhero "Minnal Murali". The story follows him exploring his superpowers and how it leads to his clash between the movie's main antagonist, Selvan(Guru Somasundaram), a super-villain going by the name of "Vellidi Venkiti" , who has something to do with crows, wind and lightning.
Where It Is: Netflix
Why You Should Watch It: “Sure, there have been South Asian superhero movies before. But this Malayalam Netflix movie has the perfect balance of grounding while going for the big swings at the same time. You can see the influence of Sam Raimi and even Stephen Chow, but what I love the most is the music by Sushin Sayam. The soundtrack keeps things funky and sets the movie to a great rhythm. Check it out!”