Don't the months just fly once October comes to a close? September starts the rocket slide that is the end of the year, and October seems to push things further downhill, leaving us with such a feeling of momentum that it's over before we know it. Which means more good movies are going to be leaving Netflix, because every month we're given that reminder that the queue may giveth, but it also taketh away. Here's our list of 16 films you should marathon through, before they're "taketh'd" away.
The Addams Family
Admit it folks, if you don't have kids or aren't doing anything for Halloween, you probably don't have a pumpkin carved. It's ok, we won't judge you, but what we will do is give you a handy suggestion. Go to the farm tomorrow with some friends, pick up a couple decorative gourds and carving accoutrements as you so desire, and flip on some darkly funny Addams Family magic. If you do have your pumpkins in a row, though... watch it anyway, as it's just as funny and beautiful as it was so many years ago. Hope you remember the right book to open the Addams family safe.
The 'Burbs
Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern and Joe Dante are a combination that sounds like the beginnings of a fever dream. Well, put on an ice pack and relive this hidden gem of the 80's as The 'Burbs puts all of those talents together into one thrilling package! If you took Rear Window, but made it into a horror-comedy similar to Dante's work on Gremlins, then you'd have a good idea on what The 'Burbs is all about. With Hanks leading a team of friendly neighborhood busy-bodies, the gang investigates a shady neighbor and some suspicious activity. No, this isn't The Watch... this movie's actually funny.
Can't Hardly Wait
Earlier this month, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the theatrical release of That Thing You Do, a film that helped kickstart the career of one Ethan Embry. While he may not have had a name on screen in that film, he went on to play a front and center role in the teen comedy Can't Hardly Wait, a film we'll undoubtedly be celebrating the 20th anniversary of when 2018 rolls around. You know the story by heart: geek is in love with the prom queen, other geek gets drunk off of a spiked watermelon, the most unlikely couple gets locked in the bathroom together and an alien abduction occurs. Classic 90's comedy, folks.
Deliverance
Taking a canoeing trip into the darkest regions of the South is dangerous enough on its own, but when you run into the wrong type of people, it could be downright murder. Deliverance made audiences very aware of this fact, as Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ronny Cox, and Ned Beatty fought their way to survival against some backwoods folks who really didn't like them. It's as uncomfortable as it is suspenseful, and after watching this film, you'll know why Sterling Archer is such a huge Burt Reynolds fan.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg's The BFG was a "BFF" at the box office this summer. While we'll leave you to decipher the acronym when the kids are out of the room, we'd like to suggest that it's not really that disastrous of a movie. In fact, here's a way to truly test the film's effectiveness: go back and watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial before it leaves Netflix, then rent a copy of The BFG later this month, and see how that film holds up with Elliot and E.T.'s classic journey fresh in your mind.
Fatal Attraction
Not too long ago, we put together a list of the 13 best Horror movies on Netflix right now, and Fatal Attraction was one of the short list titles we'd considered putting onto that list. Unfortunately, it didn't make the cut, because the line between thrillers and horror films is so thin, it's easy to land on either side with this flick and be in the right. However, if a vicious Glenn Close trying to strike out against a misguided Michael Douglas after a torrid affair goes horribly awry isn't horror, then that rabbit scene apparently has lost its touch.
The Holiday
All of the excitement in this month's departures has left little room for low-key entertainment, perfect for a relaxing night in. Well, since everyone's undoubtedly going to leap frog over Thanksgiving to Christmas once Halloween has faded from view, you may as well prepare yourself for the holidays with The Holiday. One of the best romantic comedies of the past decade, the film stars Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz as a pair of women who are having personal problems, and are in need of a change in scenery. With Diaz going to the snowy English countryside and Winslet heading to sunny California, the two women will learn a little more about themselves, and fall in love in the process. If you've ever needed to see a charming, not so zany Jack Black, now's your chance.
Major League
Talk about bad timing, Netflix! Just as the Cleveland Indians start to head to the World Series, they pull the flick that showed that same team heading down a very similar path of glory. Though the real-life Indians don't have the likes of Charlie Sheen's Jake "Wild Thing" Taylor, Wesley Snipes' Willie Mays Hayes, and Dennis Haysbert's Pedro Cerrano. While we won't hold that against the real team, we do suggest that if you're a Cleveland Indians fan, you celebrate with a viewing of this sports comedy classic as soon as possible.
Meet Joe Black
Believe it or not, Meet Joe Black has an interesting footnote in its history: it was walked out on quite a bit after Star Wars fans looking to get their fill of the newly released trailer for Episode I: The Phantom Menace was over. Granted, it was an ill fit, as the trailer to a sci-fi blockbuster doesn't really belong in front of a slow paced drama that delves into live, death, and love in great depths. But for those who stuck around once the film had started, they were treated to the antics of Brad Pitt's Joe Black, better known to the rest of us as Death, learning what it means to be human. Both funny and bittersweet, it's a three hour epic that pairs Pitt with Sir Anthony Hopkins, which is always an occasion to celebrate.
Rounders
"Three stacks of High Society." If that line doesn't perk your ears up, then you probably aren't a fan of Rounders. In which case, that needs to change pretty damned fast if we're going to continue being friends. The line refers to the ridiculous amount of chips Matt Damon's character, Mike McDermott, bets and loses against the intimidating poker czar Teddy "KGB" in the opening of the film, causing him to swear off of gambling for as long as he cares to keep it up. Of course, the right old friends have a way of bringing our darkest habits out of hiding, and that's exactly what Edward Norton's Lester "Worm" Murphy plans to do, in order to get himself out of a huge debt. Let this flick wash over you in its dark brilliance, it's well worth the ride.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story isn't due out for another couple of months, and you and/or your children have probably worn out Star Wars: The Force Awakens' welcome in your house. So may we suggest the high flying adventure of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow? It's not exactly the Skywalker Saga, but it's a film inspired by the 1930's serials that George Lucas based his blockbuster franchise off of. Also, Jude Law makes for one hell of a retro-cool hero type. Just a kind suggestion.
Something's Gotta Give
While Jack Nicholson has made his fair share of creeptastic delights, none of them are on the Netflix chopping block for this month. However, if you really liked the fact that The Holiday was included earlier on in the list, then you'll undoubtedly love another Nancy Meyers rom-com set to leave this month, Something's Gotta Give. Believe it or not, Nicholson is legitimately more charming than cantankerous in this film, as he tries to win Diane Keaton's heart through self reflection. Well, that, and trying to compete with Keanu Reeves' dashing doctor.
Spy Game
You know, for as high profile as Brad Pitt is, some of his best work is lying in a $5 bin without proper attention. Spy Game is the epitome of Pitt flicks that need to find an audience, as Tony Scott's clever espionage thriller puts him and Robert Redford in the same, Cold War themed boat. It's slick, it's surprising, and most of all it's leaving Netflix as of this month. So if you haven't treated yourself to the hidden gem that is Spy Game, and you really liked The Night Manager, then wait no further.
The Boxtrolls
There's just something about Laika that makes us smile. Be it the stop-motion magic they bring to the table each time out, or the stories they choose to tell, their work consistently pleases us. The Boxtrolls is certainly no exception, as the adventures of an orphaned boy raised by the titular creatures are fun for the whole family. Yet at the same time, the stunning artwork and "heart on its sleeve" storytelling is something that even us adults can enjoy, guilt free. Try watching this one without a smile.
Varsity Blues
Football! That's basically Varsity Blues on the surface, though if you dig a little deeper, a more subversive film shines through. Unlike most of its contemporaries, the James van der Beek led film showcases characters who understand that this might be the highest point in their lives. With high school running down, and the world of football becoming even more competitive in the college circuit, there are many existential crises to be had by our featured players. Come for the rockin' soundtrack, stay for the well nuanced angst.
xXx
xXx: The Return of Xander Cage is heading our way in January, and it's probably been a good long while since you've seen the original Vin Diesel actioner at work. While you can still get a Diesel fix in Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, it won't be as action packed or thrill seeking as his initial adventure in the Cage saga. Whatever you do though, skip xXx: State of the Union, unless you're a completionist. But don't say we didn't warn you!
