Gareth’s Picks

Monsters (2010)

Gareth Edwards first film became his calling card for being able to helm much bigger projects like Star Wars: Rogue One and Godzilla.  Here, he shows what can be done with a minimal budget and a great lead actor.  Scoot McNairy does a fantastic job as a man trying to escort a young girl across the border while evading giant, mysterious monsters.  A great example of hiding the major baddie to build suspense.

Available on TUBI

Colossal (2016)

Another take on the giant monster film is Nacho Vigolando’s Colossal where Ann Hathaway’s imaginary giant creature comes to life in another part of the world.  A fun, inventive film that makes us think about how our actions can affect others.

Also available on TUBI

Craig’s Picks

The Big Sick (2017)

Written by Kumail Nanjiani and his partner Emily V. Gordon about their real-life relationship after Gordon gets serious ill. All actors give stellar performances, especially Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan. But man, that subplot with Emily’s parents played by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano is a whole other movie in itself. Also stars Aidy Bryant, Bo Burnham and David Alan Grier.

Available to stream on Amazon

The Comedy (2012)

Who doesn’t find Tim  & Eric hilarious?? Let’s put Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim in a movie called The Comedy and let hilarity ensue!  Yeah, it’s not funny. But it’s not supposed to be. It’s maddening and cringeworthy and a statement on white male privilege and it doesn’t always land, but I respect the comedy duo for making it. It also stars LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy and Gregg Turkington being very non-Neil Hamburger.

Streaming on the free platforms