Big screen, small screen, these Netflix options are close to the source

We’re part of the Stream Team for Netflix and were compensated for this post. All thoughts are our own. The remaining part of 2017 has lots of great movies coming to theaters. Not surprisingly, many of them have prequels, sequels or movies that are similar to them showing on Netflix. If you watch something then it will pop up the next time in the “Because You Watched…” line that’s below Trending Now. Let’s take a looks at five major movies coming out and some Netflix options that fans of those films will want to see.

 

It-The Shining

It is the scary story of a red balloon carrying clown that Stephen King wrote and was turned into a ho-hum ABC mini-series. It is coming to movie theaters on September 8 as a legit film that’s scaring audiences, in addition to looking like a very high ranging Rotten Tomato.

Prior to this, the most appreciated King film from critics was The Shining from 1980. This almost 40-year old film is a true masterpiece from Stanley Kubrick. It’s rated R, however, I suspect that if it were re-examined by today’s standards it would be a hard PG-13. This is a great film that is also a great thriller, with elements of horror.

Bonus: If it’s a scary clown film that you’re looking for check out Clown. It’s the story of a possessed clown costume that turns its hosts into a demon. This has all the hooks and turns you expect in a horror film, with a premise that is downright creepy. It’s also for adults, this is creepy, graphic stuff that horror fans might enjoy.

Flatliners-Portal to the Unknown

Flatliners was a passable thriller when it came out in 1990. It’s being remade by a new crop of actors, with Keifer Sutherland reprising his role in the new film also. The updated version of Flatliners will most likely be a passable thriller that will open in theaters on September 29.

We are complete suckers for television shows that recreate mysterious events and Portal to the Unknown hooks us in. It’s 46 minutes of great stories that you never knew, with elements of mystery, but at the end completely explainable.

Boo! 2 A Madea Halloween-White Chicks

Boo! 2 A Madea Halloween opens in theaters on October 20 and knows exactly who its audience is and what they want to see. Madea will see ghosts, confront killers and people who try not to laugh will fail miserably.

Likewise White Chicks from 2004. Marlon Wayons and Shawn Wayons dress up as two white girls. Its script is seemingly cobbled from extracts from 2002’s The Hot Chick, albeit with more FBI references. However, just like Madea, you’ll laugh at this comedy gem that manages to be horrible and fabulous at the same time.

Jumanji-Harry and the Hendersons

We were quite skeptical of the Jumanji sequel until we saw the trailer. The first film was OK, but the new one looks fabulous as an action comedy for the PG-13 audience. That film lands in theaters on December 21.

For us, Harry and the Hendersons is in the category of never, ever remake. This film is such a gem, it’s more story than special effects, genuinely funny with enough of an edge (thanks to language and a couple scenes) to make six-year old viewers feel like they’re watching something forbidden. In reality, this is our 80’s gateway film for children. They’ll start here and then move their way through the cannon of Speilberg. Gremlins, Adventures in Babysitting and Roger Rabbit are in the Netflix queue too

Star Wars: The Last Jedi-Rogue One

It’s a little film coming out on December 15 called Star Wars: The Last Jedi, have you heard about it?

Almost as important is Rogue One, which is currently streaming on Netflix. That film is a high water mark in the Star Wars cannon. OK, maybe it ties the high point set by Empire Strikes Back, but that accounts for several films that were on the low end. Rogue One is such a fabulous film that it makes non-Star Wars fan appreciate and enjoy it.  We just re-watched it and the humor, action, bit set pieces and story are even better. I grimaced when the Death Star was brought up too, but that aspect of the story fits like a glove here.

What are you currently watching on Netflix?