Stream Warriors: March 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.
Ashley Rappa: The Afterparty (2022—)
What It Is: When a high school reunion's afterparty ends in a death, everyone is a suspect. A detective grills the former classmates one by one, uncovering potential motives as each tells their version of the story - culminating in the shocking truth.
Where It Is: Apple TV+
Why You Should Watch It: “Come watch an ensemble cast of super talented, funny people fumble their way through a high school reunion/murder investigation. Each episode is told from a unique perspective, so what could be a silly comedy (and often is), also ends up being a funny way to examine bias, perspective, and doubt.”
Kiley Fox: THE KID WITH THE GOLDEN ARM (1979)
What It Is: Yang Hu Yan escorts a cargo of gold to an area stricken by famine, but the dangerous Chi Sha gang has plans to hijack it. Director Chang Cheh’s second biggest cult hit in the West. One of Lo Meng's most memorable performances; his showdown with fellow Venom Kuo Chue is artistically violent while being graphically artsy.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “Director Chang Cheh reunites the Five Venoms again for this Shaw Scope hit. Without movies like these, you wouldn't have got CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.”
Rob Dean: MOTORAMA (1991)
What It Is: A 10-year-old boy gets tired of life with abusive parents and cashes in his piggy bank and steals a Mustang. He rides off into a surreal America playing "Motorama," a game sponsored by Chimera Gas Company. He encounters different people and eventually reaches the Chimera Gas Company, where he finds they are not playing by the rules of the game.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “Around the late ‘80s to the early ‘90s, weird shit was being made with decent budgets. PARENTS, MEET THE HOLLOWHEADS, THE DARK BACKWARD, and more kinetic visions of suburbia and childhood filtered through Gen X absurdity and disdain. The films aren’t necessarily good but are unique and leave viewers often asking ‘Wait, what?’. MOTORAMA is an example: its plot is apt for a basic kids’ adventure, but the actual film is totally askew. Like WILD AT HEART + THE JOURNEY OF NATTY GANN.”
Khayla McGowan: FRESH (2022)
What It Is: The horrors of modern dating seen through one young woman's defiant battle to survive her new boyfriend's unusual appetites.
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: “I went into this movie with no expectations or knowledge of the plot other than the cast and WOW what a ride! When I say I immediately deleted all dating apps and will side-eye people in grocery stores for the next millennia, I mean it. Give this one a view if you love meet-cutes with a dark twist like You.”
Jeremy Lowe: GHOST KILLERS VS. BLOODY MARY (2018)
What It Is: Four YouTubers with expertise in supernatural events are seeking recognition from the audience whilst solving the urban legend of the Bathroom Blonde Case: the spirit that haunts the schools' bathroom in Brazil.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “This Brazilian horror comedy is possibly the most politically incorrect movie I've seen in a long time, and I mean that in the best possibly way. Lots of offensive humor in this self aware gore fest. Very reminiscent of early Sam Raimi and early Peter Jackson films.”