While the box office is currently dominated by the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, ‘It Ends with Us’, there’s a whole world of entertainment waiting for you on streaming platforms. This weekend, as ‘Alien: Romulus’ attempts to capture sci-fi fans, home viewers have an array of captivating options. If you’re looking for some lighthearted fun, or a dive into the complexities of human relationships, here are three movies guaranteed to deliver entertainment as summer fades.
Into the Blue (2005)
Remember those carefree summer days spent watching mindless cable TV? Streaming has given us the power of choice, but sometimes, a good old-fashioned B-movie is all you need. ‘Into the Blue’ embodies this sentiment. This 2005 film stars the late Paul Walker and Jessica Alba as a couple of attractive beach bums who find themselves entangled in a thrilling underwater adventure. Their love for the ocean and deep sea diving leads them to a treasure, and a crashed plane filled with cocaine, bringing them face-to-face with drug lords, sharks, and corrupt cops. Expect plenty of shirtless Walker and bikini-clad Alba as they navigate this wild escapade. While it may be silly and over-the-top, ‘Into the Blue’ offers a fun and fast-paced escape, making it perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
Why create a sequel to the iconic ‘Wall Street’? The 1987 original, which catapulted Michael Douglas to Oscar glory, captured the essence of the 80s with its infamous line, “Greed is good”. ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’, released in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, takes a sharp turn, inverting the original’s message. Greed is now portrayed as a destructive force, and the film doesn’t shy away from exploring its consequences. Douglas returns as Gordon Gekko, a reformed financial tycoon, who attempts to mend his relationship with his estranged daughter. He enlists the help of her boyfriend, Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf), who idolizes Gekko, and together they embark on a complex venture to raise funds for a clean energy project. ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’ may not be flawless, with its convoluted plot and somewhat unrealistic ending. However, it offers a compelling exploration of greed and its impact on human relationships, particularly the dynamic between Gordon and Jake. It’s a reminder that even in a world where greed is deemed bad, its allure remains potent.
Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (2017)
The unexpected passing of Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds, casts a somber shadow over this documentary. Premiering on HBO just days after their deaths, ‘Bright Lights’ serves as a poignant tribute to their extraordinary lives. Fisher and Reynolds, both legends of their respective eras, offer a glimpse into their intelligence, humor, and vulnerabilities. It’s a bittersweet experience, witnessing these two remarkable women who were taken too soon. This documentary, filled with both love and honesty, captures the captivating essence of their lives, particularly Fisher’s candid reflections on her highs and lows. Despite the sadness of their untimely departure, ‘Bright Lights’ stands as a testament to their enduring legacy, a reminder of the profound impact they had on the world.
