zZA month of possible spooky scares and fun slasher movies, and Netflix is practically dry when it comes to genre pics for the month of October.
Unless you count Pup Star: Better 2Gether. Which I do.
Aside from the highly-anticipated second season of Stranger Things, the super fun romp of Cult of Chucky and a small smattering of assorted second-rate horror pics such as The Reaping and 13 Demons, the streaming giant has practically nothing new to offer for the month in the way of Halloween offerings. Horror hounds will have to look to Hulu for their fair share of blood and guts for the month of October.
OCTOBER 1
88 Minutes
“A college professor (Al Pacino), who moonlights as a forensic psychiatrist for the FBI, receives a death threat that says he has only 88 minutes to live.”
Side note: Happy 10th anniversary to the 88 Minutes web site! Visit it here.
A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song
Another second-rate Cinderella rip-off in which a Disney Channel star must battle issues at home to go to a dance.
Before Midnight
The final installment in the “Before” trilogy revisits lovers Celine and Jesse on the final days of their vacation as they spend a few hours reflecting on their lives together.
Blood Diamond
Attempt four or five of Leonardo DiCaprio to win an Oscar, this time for as a South African native attempting do good amongst the evils of the local diamond trade.
Boogie Nights
Paul Thomas Anderson’s San Fernando Valley epic that follows the trials and tribulations of Eddie Adams, aka Dirk Diggler, as he rises from busboy to porn star in the late ‘70s.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The unnecessary remake to the slightly-haunting Gene Wilder classic that renews Tim Burton’s man-crush on Johnny Depp for another few years.
Cleverman (Season 2)
“(In) the very near future, creatures from ancient mythology have suddenly emerged and must coexist with humans. Known as “Hairypeople” for the matted hair covering their bodies, they have extraordinary strength, speed and longevity but are cast as social misfits and seek refuge in The Zone: a fragile community that finds strength in the brotherhood between Hairy and human.”
Death Sentence
Kevin Bacon plays a grieving father hell-bent on a revenge after his son is slayed in a robbery gone bad. Helmed by James Wan prior to his fast cars, underwater superheroes phase.
Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
Prior to just shitting out terrible parody movie after terrible parody movie, the Wayans brothers occasionally made culturally relevant and amusing films. Occasionally. Here is the proof.
Eagle vs. Shark
Waitress Lily falls for Jerk Jarrod at a costume party and a relationship ensues…despite his protests.
Eyes Wide Shut
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman explore the world of kink (or just the plain old world of marital /sex) in this final film from Stanley Kubrick.
I Love You, Man
Paul Rudd and Jason Segal are two men who discover a deep and unabiding bromance in this 2009 laugher.
Ice Guardians
“Exploring one of the most controversial and provocative positions in the history of sport, ‘Ice Guardians’ journeys into the lives of those who perform what is undoubtedly the toughest job within the National Hockey League today, the enforcer.”
Lockup: Disturbing the Peace (Season 1)
“This documentary follows former Palestinian and Israeli soldiers, tired of endless war, who form a group advocating peace through nonviolent action.”
Made of Honor
A gender swap, slightly more mediocre version of My Best Friend’s Wedding with Patrick Dempsey in the Julia Roberts role.
Miss Congeniality
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous
Sandra Bullock proves that it doesn’t matter how good you are at your job, if you don’t look really, really hot, no one will notice you and you will never succeed. Even in the FBI.
Must Love Dogs
John Cusack and Diane Lane in a romantic comedy about Internet dating. Spoiler: No one online looks like John Cusack or Diane Lane, but there is a good chance that they are using their pictures. Probably from this movie.
Never Let Me Go
Dark noir tale that hides a secret sci-fi story of four “orphans” who grow up together in a home. Alex Garland does a fantastic job of adapting the brilliant Kazuo Ishiguro novel for the big screen. Stars Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield.
No Reservations
Bland romantic comedy in which Catherine Zeta-Jones plays a chef whose life becomes complicated by a cute orphan and handsome dude with a penis.
Penelope
A modern-day fairy tale about a family curse, a drunk James McAvoy and how the perfect accessory can make a world of difference.
PJ Masks (Season 1)
“Catboy, Owlette and Gekko are our heroes, who swoop into action at night, solving mysteries that arise during the day and on a mission to make things right for everyone in the daytime world.”
The Reaping
Hilary Swank stars in this story about God’s wrath in a small town hit by plagues. Scored an 8% on Rotten Tomatoes, so probably best to just keep skipping this one on your “What’s New” list.
Tokyo Idols
“An eye-opening film gets at the heart of a cultural phenomenon driven by an obsession with young female sexuality and internet popularity. This ever growing phenomenon is told through Rio, a bona fide “Tokyo Idol” who takes us on her journey toward fame. Now meet her “brothers”: a group of adult middle aged male super fans (ages 35 – 50) who devote their lives to following her—in the virtual world and in real life.”
Tommy Boy
Chris Farley and David Spade star in the ultimate ‘90s buddy road trip movie about a dimwitted manboy who inherits his dad’s company and does everything he can to keep it afloat.
Veronica
Mexican psychological thriller about a therapist who begins treating a shady patient whose previous doctor mysteriously disappeared.
OCTOBER 2
Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown
“Pioneering the journey from rhythm and blues to funk, James Brown forever changed the face of American music. Mr. Dynamite follows the journey of Brown as he escaped his impoverished Southern roots to become the biggest name in soul music, and one of the most important music talents of the 20th Century.”
Sleeping with Other People
Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie star in this indie comedy about a womanizer and a cheater who try out a platonic relationship. But they are attractive people, who how long do you think that can last?
13 Demons
Gamers find out that their Dungeons & Dragons fantasy is real and now they have to vanquish demons. Think Mazes and Monsters, but without the cool Tom Hanks reference, or the anything else fun.
Cult of Chucky
Just in time for Halloween, we have another Chucky movie! This time, most of the original cast has returned to face their demons: a two-feet plastic evil entity in a red jumper. A fun addition to the franchise.
The Survivalist
A hermit who lives off the land in the not-so-distant future finds his secluded way of life threatened when a set of ladies impede on his privacy.
OCTOBER 4
Raw
Julia Ducournau’s unique horror pic sheds a new light on the cannibal genre with this twisted tale of Justine, a vegan veterinarian student. After the young student is forced to eat meat for the first time during freshman hazing, she finds herself a slave to her desires, unable to control herself. A must-see for any horror fan.
OCTOBER 5
Bonus Family (Bonusfamiljen) (Season 1; Netflix original)
“A new couple, their exes and their children navigate the emotional challenges and tricky logistics of blended family life in this Swedish dramedy.”
Schitt’s Creek (Season 3)
“After losing their fortune, the Rose family must relocate to their last remaining asset.” – Official site on Amazon
The Fosters (Season 5)
“The Fosters is a compelling, one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of adopted and biological teenage kids being raised by two moms.”
OCTOBER 6
ID-0 (Season 1; Netflix original series)
“In the midst of a field exercise operating I-Machines, Alliance Academy student Maya Mikuri is thrown into an entirely different kind of adventure.”
Skylanders Academy (Season 2; Netflix original series)
“Travel the vast Skylander universe in this animated series as a ragtag group of academy graduates build trust and heart in their fight against evil.”
Suburra (Season 1; Netflix original series)
“In 2008, a fight over land in a seaside town near Rome spirals into a deadly battle between organized crime, corrupt politicians and the Vatican.”
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix original)
“The police ruled Marsha P. Johnson’s death a suicide. This documentary challenges their claim while honoring the LGBT activist’s life and legacy.”
Word Party (Season 3; Netflix original)
“Meet Bailey, Franny, Kip and Lulu. They’re adorable baby animals, and they want you to join the party and help them learn!”
OCTOBER 7
Chris Brown: Welcome To My Life
“This compelling documentary moves beyond the spotlight and past the attention-grabbing headlines to give pop superstar Chris Brown a chance to tell his own story.”
NOTE: The official site has everything written is caps, like it is shouting at you.
Middle Man
“Lenny Freeman’s dream of being a famous comedian is about to become a nightmare. Not only is he stuck in a dead end accounting job, Lenny has a bigger problem — Lenny is not funny.”
OCTOBER 10
Christina P: Mother Inferior (Netflix original special)
“Filmed in front of a packed house at The Showbox in Seattle, Ms. P discusses the taboos of motherhood, gleefully recalls the rage she felt towards her husband while having their child, unflinchingly reminisces on growing up with a crazy mom and a dad raised to show no feelings, as well as sheds light to why she thinks people hate millennials and how Gen X survived without selfies.”
The Skyjacker’s Tale
“Ishmael Muslim Ali is the American convicted of murdering eight people on a Rockefeller-owned golf course in the US Virgin Islands. After years of trying to get his conviction overturned, he took matters into his own hands and hijacked an American Airlines plane full of passengers to Cuba on New Years Eve 1984, and got away with it. Until now.”
OCTOBER 11
Donnie Darko
Part John Hughes ‘80s teen melodrama, part mind-bending sci-fier with a time travel twist, Richard Kelly’s near perfect story of troubled teen Donnie Darko and his imaginary friend, giant bunny Frank is a tale that will stay with you long after the credits stop rolling. Imaginative storytelling graced with brilliant performances and a fanfuckingtastic soundtrack, Donnie Darko is a film for the ages.
OCTOBER 12
Kingdom of Us (Netflix original)
“As Alfred the Great defends his kingdom from Norse invaders, Uhtred — born a Saxon but raised by Vikings — seeks to claim his ancestral birthright.”
Mindhunter (Season 1; Netflix original series)
“An agent in the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit develops profiling techniques as he pursues notorious serial killers and rapists. Watch trailers & learn more.”
Super Monsters (Season 1; Netflix original series)
“Six preschool kids whose parents are the world’s most famous monsters try to master their special powers while preparing for kindergarten.”
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Will Ferrell stars in this mock-up folk-tale about a NASCAR driver’s fall from grace. Fun, but not the funniest effort from Ferrell.
The Babysitter (Netflix original film)
“When Cole stays up past his bedtime, he discovers that his hot babysitter is part of a satanic cult that will stop at nothing to keep him quiet.”
The Meyerowitz Stories(New and Selected) (Netflix original film)
“Grudges and rivalries abound as three adult siblings converge in New York to contend with their prickly artist father — and his fading legacy.”
Voltron: Legendary Defender (Season 4; Netflix original series)
“In an all-new series, five unlikely heroes and their flying robot lions unite to form the megapowerful Voltron and defend the universe from evil.”
OCTOBER 15
Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses
“Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses is a documentary film that lifts the veil of secrecy on exorcism to reveal the extraordinary true story of how both love and fear could drive a New Zealand family to kill one of their own.” – Official site
Money
Two swindlers find that their big plans for big money are thwarted by an unexpected visitor.
OtherLife
Science-fiction pic about a new type of drug that not only expands the senses, but creates a new reality, sans fancy machines and dorky goggles.
She Makes Comics
“She Makes Comics traces the fascinating history of women in the comics industry.” – Official site
OCTOBER 17
Patton Oswalt: Annihilation (Netflix original special)
“Comedian Patton Oswalt takes the stage in Chicago to discuss the current political climate, social media angst and using humor to work through grief.”
Slasher: Guilty Party (Netflix original series)
“Rampaging serial killers leave carnage in their wake as their next victims fight to stay alive in this horror anthology series.”
OCTOBER 19
Wedding Unplanned
A man having an affair with a wedding planner is trapped into getting married to his g.f. when she discovers her card among his things.
OCTOBER 20
1922 (Netflix original film)
“1922 is based on Stephen King’s 131-page story telling of a man’s confession of his wife’s murder. The tale is told from from the perspective of Wilfred James, the story’s unreliable narrator who admits to killing his wife, Arlette, with his son in Nebraska. But after he buries her body, he finds himself terrorized by rats and, as his life begins to unravel, becomes convinced his wife is haunting him.”
Haters Back Off (Season 2; Netflix original series)
“Dive into the oddball family life of the confident yet untalented Miranda Sings as she sets out to conquer the world, one viral video at a time.”
One of Us (Netflix original)
“When three Hasidic Jews leave their ultra-Orthodox community to join the secular world, they experience ostracism, lost relationships and even danger.”
Smurfs: The Lost Village
Smurfs. Again. They find a lost village.
The Day I Met El Chapo: The Kate del Castillo Story (Netflix original)
“Mexican superstar actress Kate del Castillo reveals her untold story of the encounter with the most-wanted drug lord in the world, El Chapo.”
Wheelman (Netflix original film)
“The getaway driver in a botched robbery puts his skills and smarts to the test when he receives shocking orders from an unknown caller.”
OCTOBER 23
Meet the Robinsons
One of the more underrated Disney pics that truly deserves its time in the spotlight. A fun film about a boy genius and his unique family of inventors.
While We’re Young
Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts play a middle age couple stuck in a rut when they meet a young couple (Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried) whose friendship add a little oomph to their lives.
OCTOBER 24
The Mist (Season 1)
The Stephen King series that came and went in a blink of an eye. Based on the novella of the same name.
OCTOBER 25
The Hateful Eight
Quentin Tarantino turns in his Hanzo sword for a Peacemaker with this epic little Western featuring Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth and a horribly racist Jennifer Jason Leigh.
The Final Master
A Wing Chun master must defeat a handful of martial arts schools if he wishes to open up his own school. Apparently, open teaching positions are hard to come by in that district.
OCTOBER 26
Strange Weather
Holly Hunter plays a grieving mother who goes to confront her deceased son’s former friend on a possible stolen idea.
OCTOBER 27
Stranger Things (Season 2; Netflix original series)
“When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.”
The lovely little sci-fier that launched a thousand Halloween costumes and gave Eggos a much needed boost in the highly-competitive breakfast pastry market.
Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold (Netflix original special)
“Acclaimed filmmaker Griffin Dunne explores the extraordinary life of his aunt, Joan Didion, one of the most influential American writers alive today.”
OCTOBER 28
Pup Star: Better 2Gether
All the drugs in Hollywood got together and made this movie for you.
Here. I gift you with this trailer:
OCTOBER 30
Judah Friedlander: America Is The Greatest Country In The United States (Netflix original special)
“In this special, I mostly satirize American Exceptionalism, including U.S. domestic & foreign policy. It’s a comedy about racism, sexism, imperialism, climate change, health care, LGBTQ rights, fascism, drones, and mass incarceration.” – From Judah Friedlander’s official site
OCTOBER 31
Zumbo’s Just Desserts (Season 1; Netflix original series)
“Australia’s very own Willy Wonka Adriano Zumbo and acclaimed British chef Rachel Khoo go in … Who will be named the Zumbo’s Just Desserts champion?”