Max’s Picks: Three Movies to Escape Reality (and One Big Robot)

The Transformers are back on the big screen, but this time, they’re bringing the heat with an animated origin story focusing on Optimus Prime and his crew. This cinematic adventure is sure to appeal to both ’80s nostalgia buffs and younger audiences who love a good explosion. But if you’re not feeling the robot rumble, fear not! Max has a treasure trove of movies and TV shows ready to transport you to different worlds. Here are three fantastic movies that might not have won Oscars, but they’ll definitely leave you laughing, pondering, or shivering, depending on your choice:

Wild Mountain Thyme (2020):

Ignore the clunky title, because this heartwarming Irish romance is a real gem! Based on the play *Outside Mullingar*, the movie stars Emily Blunt (known for *The Fall Guy*) and Jamie Dornan (from *The Fall*) as Rosemary and Anthony, two childhood friends who’ve grown up side by side in the picturesque Irish countryside. Both are introverts, but when Anthony’s dad threatens to disinherit him due to his solitary ways, Anthony musters up the courage to pursue a love story with Rosemary. The talented John Patrick Shanley, known for his Oscar-winning film *Moonstruck*, directs and adapts the movie from his own play. You’ll see striking similarities between the two works, both featuring quirky characters surrounded by eccentric families. Blunt and Dornan have natural chemistry, and the Irish landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. The ending throws a curveball, leaving you to ponder its deeper meaning. (And that’s a good thing!) *Wild Mountain Thyme* is waiting for you on Max!

Le Samourai (1967):

This classic French film is deceptively simple, yet brimming with subtext, mood, and a sense of profound emptiness. It’s the cool kind of movie that makes you feel the origins of iconic characters like Leon the Professional and John Wick in its solitary protagonist, whose only companion is a tiny bird in a cage. Jef Costello (played by Alain Delon, who sadly passed away recently) is a professional hitman, and his solitary life is a consequence of his dangerous trade. After he takes out his latest target, Jef finds himself on the run from both the police and the mysterious person who hired him. The only bright spot in his bleak life is Valérie (Cathy Rosier), a pianist who witnessed the crime but didn’t identify Jef. Will Jef trust her enough to let her live? Or will his instinct to push people away lead to her tragic demise? *Le Samourai* is available to stream on Max.

Leviathan (1989):

The popularity of *Jaws* and *Alien* in the 1970s spawned a wave of imitators, but not all were as good as those groundbreaking classics. However, *Leviathan* (1989) is an exception, a schlocky, fun, and entertaining sci-fi horror film perfect for mindless streaming when you’re craving a bit of noise and action. Set in a deep-sea station, the movie follows a group of undersea miners who stumble upon an abandoned Soviet ship at the bottom of the ocean. Two miners become ill, and in a twist straight out of *Alien*, they die and transform into a deadly creature that picks off the crew one by one. While *Leviathan* isn’t original, it’s still enjoyable, with a surprisingly fast pace and effective special effects. *Leviathan* is streaming on Max.