Every month, a bunch of new films and shows are uploaded to streaming services for you to binge watch until your eyes pop. But how to sort through such an overwhelming list? Much like Fantine in Les Misérables, we here at Milwaukee Film have streamed a stream in times gone by. Here's what's coming your way in February!
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Pretty In Pink
(February 1 via Netflix • Dir. Howard Deutch • 1986)
In 8th grade I MAY have gotten a perm so I could match the poofy hair of Jon Cryer's Duckie. I may also have worn bolo ties, round sunglasses, and deck shoes to the same end. No big deal. This movie, like all John Hughes' scripts, encapsulates being a teenager in the 80s perfectly. Still holds up. Also, Harry Dean Stanton is one of the sweetest/saddest dads in film history.
– Kristopher, Membership Manager
Generation Wealth
(February 1 via Amazon Prime • Dir. Lauren Greenfield • 2018)
Lauren Greenfield's previous documentary about unhealthy obsessions with wealth, The Queen of Versailles, remains one of my favorite films. So I'm very excited to see what she does in this new exploration of all the ways in which having too much money is not enough.
– Anna, Senior Programmer
The Sisters Brothers
(February 18 via Hulu • Dir. Jacques Audiard • 2018)
I unfortunately missed this one during it's blink-and-you'll-miss-it theatrical run locally, but the Patrick DeWitt novel it's based on is a marvel - a delirious picaresque every bit the equal of Charles Portis' finest. And putting together John C. O'Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix as the titular brothers? Well,
- Tom, Professionally Handsome
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
(February 9 via HBO • Dir. Morgan Neville • 2018)
This world could always use more kindness, compassion and definitely more Mr. Rogers. To all those raised on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and those who've yet to discover it (come on already!), this documentary is a wonderful glimpse into the magic of a children's public television show and the man who encouraged creativity, curiosity, honesty, the art of make-believe, and the radical importance of recognizing your feelings to kids and adults alike. Good luck getting through this film without sobbing. xoxo
– Rachel, Development Manager
Jeopardy Collection 2
(February 28 via Netflix • Various • Various)
When there’s nothing on, I turn to Jeopardy streaming (or Frasier). It will be great to have more episodes, because rewatching really doesn’t work when you play along...
- Cara, Programming & Education Director
Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.
(February 27 via Netflix • Dir. Joseph Trapanese • 2018)
10 episodes of solving the two most notorious murders in hip hop history.
– Niña, Public Ally
Three Identical Strangers
(February 26 via Hulu • Dir. Tim Wardle • 2018)
In an exploration of nature vs nurture, what starts off as a tale of triplets separated at birth reuniting in young adulthood quickly turns into a horror story. The story of these three brothers twists together laughs and tears in a film that will have you on the edge of your seat and still talking about it even after the credits role. Also, as a twin, I couldn't help but connect deeply with the conversation on how being a part of a duo (or trio!) innately impacts a person's life. Which is to say I cried a bunch in this movie. Like, ugly cried. A lot.
-Emily, Communications and Press Manager
The Guilty
(February 28 via Hulu • Dir. Gustav Möller • 2018)
If you missed out on this compact Danish banger (a classic CDB) at last year's festival your wait is nearly over - a single-location thriller following a dispatch officer's frenzied attempts to rescue a kidnapped woman, the film uses immersive sound design, careful shot selection, and a full-tilt committed performance from Jakob Cedergern to wend its way into your nervous system and wreak havoc.
-Tom again, still very good looking
One Day at a Time Season Three
(Feburary 8 via Netflix • Various • 2017-Present)
One Day at a Time -- a remake and revamp of Norman Lear's show of the same name -- sometimes feels campy, but it's sweet and full of heart. Without ever swaying from its classic sitcom roots, it addresses gender, sexuality, religion, race, passing, mental health, etc. and how all of those facets of life intersect within one family. Plus, I want to support it because we really need more queer people of color on screen. And more Rita Moreno.
–Molly, MFA Manager
Pet Names
(February 1 via Amazon Video (NOT ON PRIME) • Dir. Carol Brandt • 2018)
Filmed in Wisconsin in 21 days and premiering at no less than SXSW - local hero Carol Brandt's heartfelt & nervy dramedy, Pet Names, asks the question "Can you ever really go camping with an ex?" The film features electric performances from screenwriter Meredith Johnston, Rene Cruz, and Chato, the cutest pug known to man (or pugs?) as well as warm cinematography (in nearly 4:3 aspect ratio) by Dana Shihadah. I've got goosebumps thinking about the incredible regional talent that came together to make this film. Watch it! #WisconsinProud
-Jessica, Development Director
Tickled
(February 27 via Hulu • Dirs. David Farrier, Dylan Reeve • 2016)
This is a story about the sinister side of competitive endurance tickling. Is there really any more explanation needed?
-Emily again, Communications and Press Manager
Personal Shopper
(February 1 via Netflix • Dir. Olivier Assayas • 2017)
This movie has everything! Paris! A personal shopper! A person rich enough to hire someone to do their personal shopping! Communication with the dead! Kristen Stewart lip biting action! Put on your Team Edward hoodies (or Team Jacob, if you're one of those people) and break out your ouija board - it's going to be a bumpy night.
– Amelia, Operations Manager
Sparrows
(February 1 via Amazon Prime • Dir. William Beaudine • 1926)
It looks like Amazon Prime is adding a lot of pre-1950 films this month, which is great news for people like me, who want to bundle up inside and watch a lot of old movies. Sparrows is a silent film starring Mary Pickford as the oldest orphan at a "baby farm," who gets wind that the orphans are in mortal danger, and leads them through a swamp to freedom. It's horrifying to modern audiences, but served up with enough melodrama to go down smooth.
- Dana, Grants Coordinator
Posted by: Tom Fuchs