Movie Quarantine Chronicles: Part III

If this is your first time reading this blog, I think it’s obvious that I like to watch movies. However, the Coronavirus pandemic washing over the globe has created a sudden drop off in the number of new movies for not just mine, but others’, viewing pleasure. As many studios are moving their blockbusters to future dates or forgoing the silver screen to the flat screens of homes, it’s difficult to find new material to write about. Given that reality, I’ve turned to the streaming services and many decades of cinema preceding us for my viewing. While I am tempted (and will) go back to familiar favorites, I challenge myself to dive headfirst into films I have never seen. Sometimes that consists of a film in the last five years, ten years, maybe forty years! For the duration of this crisis, I’ll be keeping all my fans of the quality films that I’ve seen since being stuck at home. 

Without further ado, here are some of the movies that I’ve seen and recommend for your viewing pleasure while being trapped in the house. 

Isn’t It Romantic (2019)

With HBO providing free access to some of their films and shows, Hulu had this rom-com sitting in my new section for movies. Rebel Wilson stars as Natalie, a young female architect who is disenchanted with the idea of love finds herself trapped in a romantic comedy alternate reality. Co-starring Liam Hemsworth, Adam Devine and Priyanka Chopra, this movie pokes fun at the rom-com tropes but carries a great message about self-love. Full disclosure: Nothing against Rebel Wilson and the talented cast of this movie, but I had zero interest to see this in the theaters. It’s best as a rental or a watch in these uncertain time.

Extraction (2020)

As he waits to film the next entry in Thor’s cinematic journey, Chris Hemsworth traded in the red cape and his hammer for shades, a large gun, and hand-to-hand combat. Hemsworth is Tyler Rake, a fearless mercenary, who embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career when he is called up to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. If you are expecting a deep, three-dimensional story, find something else. However, if you want a violent action movie that’s filled with spectacular stunt work, camera work and no holds barred performance by Chris Hemsworth, go to this movie on Netflix and chill.

Hooking Up (2020)

While theaters have been closed and blockbusters being pushed months, small budget movies have found their spotlights on digital downloads for viewers at home to enjoy. It so happens that I took a chance on one a few weeks ago. Hooking Up stars Brittany Snow as Darla, a recently fired sex columnist and Sam Richardson as Bailey, a young man who received a new cancer diagnosis, embarking on a road trip that forces them to get intimate with not only each other, but their own personal issues. Again, another movie you shouldn’t try to read into but this late night rom-com with two likable leads and heart.

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Last Monday was May 4th, which is Star Wars Day. With the Skywalker Saga officially ending late last year with The Rise of Skywalker and The Clone Wars officially coming to an end, it was a special time to be a Star Wars fan. On that day, I returned to the original trilogy and one of my all-time favorite movies. Following the events of A New Hope, the Rebels are overpowered by the Empire and scattered throughout the galaxy, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) begins Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader. Let’s be real: Does anyone really need an excuse to watch Star Wars?

Thanks for reading! What are your thoughts on Part III of Movie Quarantine Chronicles? What movies would you recommend while we are all stuck inside? Comment down below!

Be on the look out for new reviews and Part IV!