Netflix Nuggets: The Tin Man, Mark Zuckerberg and a Burlesque Dancer Walk Into a Bar…

Netflix has revolutionized the home movie experience for fans of film with its instant streaming technology. Netflix Nuggets is my way of spreading the word about independent, classic and foreign films being made available by Netflix for instant streaming. Important Note: There may be some films that do not become available on the specified dates. This is merely a report of the most accurate release dates I can find, but is not directly confirmed by Netflix themselves.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK (2010)

Streaming Available: 06/20/2011
Synopsis: Director David Fincher’s biographical drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg from Harvard sophomore to Internet superstar, examining his relationships with co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Napster founder Sean Parker.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.9
Recommendation: If you haven’t seen this yet… where have you been? See it yesterday! Also, Trent Reznor’s Academy Award-winning score for the film is outstanding. An experience in itself.

BURLESQUE (2010)

Streaming Available: 06/20/2010
Synopsis: After leaving Iowa with stars in her eyes, Ali arrives in Los Angeles and at a burlesque lounge, where she dreams of taking the stage with her soaring voice. Club owner Tess is about to lose the place and thinks Ali may help business.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.8
Recommendation: I haven’t seen this myself, but can say based on how many people have scolded me for not seeing it, even people I was shocked to learn loved it, it must be worth a looksy.

LOUIE: Season One (2010)

Streaming Available: 06/21/2011
Synopsis: Cranky, loud and always ready to say the wrong thing to the wrong person, stand-up comic Louis C.K. displays his special warmth in this post-Seinfeld diary of a New York comedian trying to make his mark and raise two daughters alone.
Average Netflix Rating: 4.3
Recommendation: Yes. I realize it’s a TV show. I don’t care. It’s awesome… I’d say “hilarious,” but that’s overused. If you’ve not yet been introduced to Louis C.K., think of it like this… it’s sort of like an edgier everyman’s CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM.

WILD THINGS (1998)

Streaming Available: 06/24/2011
Synopsis: When guidance counselor Sam Lombardo rejects the advances of teen-socialite Kelly Van Ryan, she accuses him of rape. In short order Sam’s suspended by the school, rejected by the country club, and fighting to get his life back.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.4
Recommendation: Does the synopsis really matter? Guys, if you’ve seen it, you know what I mean. Anyway, it’s not a bad film… you know, for the story and what-not.

IRON MAN 2 (2010)

Streaming Available: 06/25/2011
Synopsis: Wealthy inventor Tony Stark — aka Iron Man — resists calls by the American government to hand over his technology. Meanwhile, Ivan Vanko has constructed his own miniaturized arc reactor, causing all kinds of problems for our superhero.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.9
Recommendation: Not quite as good as the first IRON MAN, but still very entertaining with plenty of action and high-octane special effects.

IP MAN 2 (2010)

Streaming Available: 06/25/2011
Synopsis: Newly arrived in Hong Kong, martial arts instructor Ip Man encounters stiff opposition when he begins teaching the Wing Chun fighting style. But instead of bowing to his rivals’ demands, he perseveres and retaliates with amazing speed and power.
Average Netflix Rating: 4.4
Recommendation: Hands down, one of the most spectacular martial arts movie in recent memory. Based on the true story of the man who eventually mentored Bruce Lee, this is an extremely well-choreographed film and jaw-dropping fight sequences, and not overdone.

KID’S KORNER

THE SWAN PRINCESS: MYSTERY OF THE ENCHANTED TREASURE (1998)

Streaming Available: 06/24/2011
Synopsis: In this charming animated film, the third in the “Swan Princess” series, an evil witch named Zelda destroys the peace in Swan Lake by stealing its treasures and spiriting Odette away. MPAA Rated: G.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.5

MOONDANCE ALEXANDER (2007)

Streaming Available: 06/24/2011
Synopsis: When plucky teen Moondance finds a lost pony named Checkers, she immediately feels a bond with him. Convinced that he’s a champion jumper, Moondance persuades Checkers’ owner into training the two of them for the Bow Valley Classic. MPAA Rated: G.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.8