Stream Warriors: March 18, 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.
Shafi Malik: GANGS OF WASSEYPUR (2012)
What It Is: Inspired by the real-life exploits of local gangs and beginning with the bandit-like career of Shahid Khan in the 1940s, the film follows the ruthless rise of his son Sardar and his offspring, Danish, Perpendicular and Definitive Khans. The least likely of Sardar's children - the perpetually stoned Faizal who rises to the top ranks of the Khan crime family, vowing brutal revenge on their longtime nemesis, the wily and seemingly unstoppable Ramadhir Singh.
Where It Is: Mubi (split into two parts)
Why You Should Watch It: “If you thought you've seen it all in the gangster genre, you're wrong! This Hindi epic offers pathos, comedy and brutalism all in the running time of five hours. Yes, I know, that's a very long running time. But it's brilliant, nonetheless!”
Kiley Fox: THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE (1986)
What It Is: In Victorian London, England, a little mouse girl's toymaker father is abducted by a peglegged bat. She enlists the aid of Basil of Baker Street, the rodent world's answer to Sherlock Holmes. The case expands as Basil uncovers the crime's link to a plot against the Crown itself.
Where It Is: Disney+
Why You Should Watch It: “With music and score written by Henry Mancini, voice acting by Vincent Price, plus beautiful and innovative 3D style animating for the 1980s (peep that clocktower scene), this Disney movie deserves to be higher up in the classics list.”
Rob Dean: GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN (1985)
What It Is: Janey is new in town and soon meets Lynne, who shares her passion for dancing in general and Dance TV in particular. When a competition is announced to find a new Dance TV regular couple, Janey and Lynne are determined to audition. The only problem is that Janey's father doesn't approve of that kind of thing.
Where It Is: Amazon Prime
Why You Should Watch It: “This was a staple growing up—along with other “female targeting” ‘80s films like THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN, TROOP BEVERLY HILLS, and DIRTY DANCING. (The benefit of having two older sisters) This film is formulaic but still entertaining with some cheesy work in early roles by Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, and Shannen Doherty. There’s a terrific slobs crash a snobs event and Hunt has some of the weirdest goddamn outfits of all time (a fedora with a giant fake grasshopper on it? WHY?).
Khayla McGowan: Welcome To Earth (2021—)
What It Is: Will Smith embarks on an awe-inspiring journey to unlock the secrets of this planet's most extraordinary, unexplained phenomena. Guided by experienced National Geographic Explorers, Smith sets out to offer an insight into some of the world's most remote and uncharted locations, from islands in the Pacific to the Namib Desert.
Where It Is: Disney+
Why You Should Watch It: “Who knew we'd end up in a world where seeing Will Smith rappel into a volcano next to a scientist and blind hiker would come to fruition? It's happened. Welcome to Earth is so fun and informative with the flair Smith brings to every screen he's on. I find myself feeling lost and awed about the world we are part of while watching this, and that sets it apart from other series about Earth.”
Jeremy Lowe: FP2: BEATS OF RAGE (2018)
What It Is: Despite hanging up his boots following the events of THE FP, JTRO must return to the blood sport of Beat-Beat Revelation one last time. JTRO and KCDC—his mystical hype man—will quest deep into The Wastes, a land destroyed by the Beat Wars, to compete in the ancient Beat-Beat tournament, "Beats of Rage," face AK-47—and, hopefully, save the world.
Where It Is: Amazon
Why You Should Watch It: “FP2: BEATS OF RAGE is a post-apocalyptic tale of redemption filtered through a trailer park lens. In this film, wars are won and lost through Beat Beat Revelation (essentially Dance Dance Revolution) battles. Yes, it's ridiculous, but also super fun. For fans of TURBO KID (2015) and HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN (2011).”