Netflix Nuggets: Slam Dunks, Body Slams & Navy Seals!

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 TOURIST (2010)
Streaming Available: 07/07/2011
Synopsis: Watery Venice, Italy, provides the setting as Johnny Depp, playing an American tourist seeking solace for his shattered heart, instead finds it in danger again after encountering a beautiful Interpol agent (Angelina Jolie). Little does the Yank know that the artful lady has gone to great lengths to arrange their “chance” meeting and is using him to trap a thief who happens to be her ex-lover. The film earned Golden Globe nods for Depp and Jolie.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.5
My Recommendation: The scenery is captivating and Johnny Depp is enjoyable, but Angelina Jolie is boring and forgetful. Regardless of how much I disliked the movie, it seems others enjoyed it at an alarming rate.

NAVY SEALS (1990)
Streaming Available: 07/08/2011
Synopsis: This action-packed adventure finds Lt. Curran (Michael Biehn) leading a Navy SEAL unit on a mission to Beirut, Lebanon, to rescue a group of American hostages. But the SEALs face an even greater threat when they learn that the terrorists possess Stinger missiles. A reporter (Joanne Whalley) may be the key to helping them track down the stash of weapons before the terrorists can launch a deadly attack. Charlie Sheen and Bill Paxton co-star.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.2
My Recommendation: Bill Paxton, Michael Biehn, and yes… a pre-loose cannon Charlie Sheen, make this film a modern popcorn classic. Otherwise, Kevin Smith wouldn’t have written it into CLERKS.

WINGED MIGRATION (2001)
Streaming Available: 07/08/2011
Synopsis: Presented with almost no narration and filmed primarily from a bird’s perspective, this study of the lives and habits of migrating birds re-creates as nearly as possible the experiences of the birds themselves. Amazing cinematography and gorgeous music drive this Academy Award-nominated documentary, a thrilling visual adventure created by French filmmakers Jacques Cluzaud, Michel Debats and Jacques Perrin.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.8
My Recommendation: Award-winning, beautifully shot and a true treat for fans of nature documentaries, but if slow-paced films with classical music aren’t your thing, try something else.

WINNING SEASON (2009)
Streaming Available: 07/08/2011
Synopsis: Searching for a coach for his hapless girls’ basketball team, school principal Terry (Rob Corddry) turns to his friend, Bill (Sam Rockwell), a divorced, drunken dishwasher who isn’t even involved in his own daughter’s life. But Bill’s life changes as he bonds with the team. He develops a special connection with team captain Abbie (Emma Roberts), and while the girls start winning, Bill and his players still have a lot to overcome off the court.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.2
My Recommendation: This is a fun comedy, a sports film and another entry into Sam Rockwell’s career… which means it’s at least worth seeing for that reason.

VISION QUEST (1985)
Streaming Available: 07/08/2011
Synopsis: In this stirring coming-of-age story based on Terry Davis’s novel, a Spokane, Wash., high school wrestler (Matthew Modine) pursues his “vision quest” — winning the state championship and finding true love. But he won’t do it alone. Advising him are his best friend (Michael Schoeffling) and a seductive, slightly older woman (Linda Fiorentino, in one of her first roles). Madonna makes her first film appearance, crooning “Crazy for You” in a bar.
Average Netflix Rating: 3.5
My Recommendation: When it comes to movies about high school wrestlers, this is one of the best… ok, also one of the few. It’s not as good as WIN WIN (2011) but if you liked that film, it may be worth trying to pin this one down.