Netflix Nuggets: October 2011

Netflix has revolutionized the home viewing market for movies with their instant streaming service. Netflix Nuggets is my way of spreading the word about films of all genres worth holding a spot on your instant viewing queue. (Release dates are subject to change.)

CLAUSTROPHOBIA (2008)

Streaming Available: 10/15/2011

Synopsis: Love and corporate policy collide in director Ivy Ho’s engaging drama that follows the arc of a quiet affair between marketing employee Pearl and her soft-spoken, married-with-kids boss, Tom.

Average Netflix Rating: 3

DREAM (2008)

Streaming Available: 10/15/2011

Synopsis: In this dark, surreal fantasy from Korean director Ki-duk Kim, a man named Jin (Jô Odagiri) discovers that he’s inextricably linked to a young woman (Na-yeong Lee) through his dreams, which she acts out to the letter while in a trance-like state. Their entwined lives become even more complicated when Jin’s dreams of an old lover lead the girl to reconnect with her own estranged ex. Can the duo make peace with their plight, or will it doom them?

Average Netflix Rating: 3.6

THE WARD (2011)

Streaming Available: 10/15/2011

Synopsis: Master of horror John Carpenter returns to form — and to the director’s chair — for this chilling thriller in which a young woman, Kristen (Amber Heard), is sent to a mental institution with a past as dark and haunted as her own. Terrorized by a ghost, each of the other patients in Kristen’s ward begin to disappear, and that’s just the beginning of her long nightmare. Jared Harris (“Mad Men”) and Danielle Panabaker (Friday the 13th) also star.

Average Netflix Rating: 3

THE NAKED KITCHEN (2009)

Streaming Available: 10/15/2011

Synopsis: When Mo-rae goes shopping to buy an anniversary present for her beloved husband, she meets and has a sudden fling with a handsome stranger named Du-re — only to discover that her new lover is her husband’s friend and business associate.

Average Netflix Rating: 3.3

PAJU (2009)

Streaming Available: 10/15/2011

Synopsis: After facing a life-altering tragedy, Joongshik (Seon-gyun Lee) moves to Paju, where he marries Eunsoo (Yi Young Shim). But his difficult relationship with Eunsoo’s younger sister, Eunmo (Woo Seo), who has conflicting feelings for Joongshik, complicates his life. Told over a period of eight years, this lyrical drama from Korean director Chan-ok Park had its North American premiere at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.

Average Netflix Rating: 3.3

ETHAN MAO (2005)

Streaming Available: 10/15/2011

Synopsis: After his family kicks him out of the house because he’s gay, teenager Ethan Mao (Jun Hee Lee) resorts to street hustling and befriends drug dealer Remigio (Jerry Hernandez). On a day when he’s sure his family is out, Ethan, accompanied by Remigio, goes home to get some things. But when he’s caught by his disapproving family, Ethan’s forced to hold them hostage. Tension builds and secrets are revealed as family members confront one another.

Average Netflix Rating: 3

BOYS ON THE RUN (2010)

Streaming Available: 10/15/2011

Synopsis: Nearing 30 and not even close to losing his virginity, socially awkward salesman Tanishi tries desperately to win the heart of his pretty co-worker and wreck the life of his arrogant, repulsively charming rival.

Average Netflix Rating: 3.1

THE GRACE LEE PROJECT (2005)

Streaming Available: 10/15/2011

Synopsis: Aspiring Korean American filmmaker Grace Lee leaves her Missouri home to travel the country and talk with an array of women who share her name. With camera in hand, she learns not all Grace Lees conform to the stereotype of shy, dutiful overachiever.

Average Netflix Rating: 3.6

F/X 2 (1991)

Streaming Available: 10/21/2011

Synopsis: Special-effects maven Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown) has left the business and set up shop developing high-tech, electronic toys. But when a cop (Tom Mason) persuades him to devise a cunning illusion aimed at nabbing a serial killer, Tyler gets entangled in a deadly world of make-believe. With ingenuity, help from ex-detective friend Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy) and a bit of movie magic, Tyler just may outwit the murderer in this fast-paced sequel.

Average Netflix Rating: 3.2

WELCOME TO THE RILEYS (2010)

Streaming Available: 10/29/2011

Synopsis: Devastated by their daughter’s death eight years ago, Doug (James Gandolfini) and his guilt-ridden wife, Lois (Melissa Leo), lead depressing lives without much meaning. But by forming an unconventional relationship with teen call girl Mallory (Kristen Stewart), the couple begins to rediscover hope. Directed by Jake Scott, this compelling family drama also stars David Jensen, Kathy Lamkin and Lance E. Nichols.

Average Netflix Rating: 3.3

NATIVITY! (2009)

Streaming Available: 10/31/2011

Synopsis: Grade school teacher Paul (Martin Freeman), charged with directing his school’s Nativity play, puts himself in a comedic bind when he boasts — falsely — that his ex-girlfriend, Jennifer (Ashley Jensen), plans to turn the production into a film. In fact, they haven’t communicated in years. But with Hollywood rumored to be calling, everyone involved — starstruck grownups and children alike — tries to elbow their way to fame and fortune.

Average Netflix Rating: 3.8