Netflix has quickly become the most popular way to spend a day, night, weekend and even now a date. The original series as well as the seemingly endless content coming from traditional networks and cable is enough to grab our attention for however long we choose to give it. This month, Netflix will be adding a few great new titles for any occasion whether that be binge-watching a sitcom, attentively enjoying a drama and, of course, watching a movie.
To Binge
The Netflix Original series, “Fuller House,” is a spin-off of one of the most nostalgic sitcoms of our generation. Although many of us still in college are a bit too young to have ever enjoyed the 1987 series “Full House” in its original go-around, many of us certainly remember the dawn of the Olsen twins on “Nick at Nite” reruns. The show will bring lots of new actors and actresses into the fold alongside special guest appearances from many of our former favorite characters. Netflix has had success in the past revamping previously successful cable TV series, such as with their renewed version of “Arrested Development.” Look for more of the same here with “Fuller House.”
To Enjoy
Sticking to the theme of spin-offs, AMC’s 2008 megahit “Breaking Bad” led to the follow-up series in 2015, “Better Call Saul.” Season one of the latter hit Netflix on Feb. 1. In true AMC fashion, “Better Call Saul” received significant praise in its first season and additionally managed to give itself an identity almost totally separate from its mother series. As is the case with “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” is a 45-minute drama that is best enjoyed attentively. If you are looking for something to take a little more slowly that requires a bit more thought than the binge watching nature of a sitcom, “Better Call Saul” is a promising option.
Big Screen on Your Small Screen
A number of quality titles hit Netflix in the movie category in the upcoming weeks. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” tells the story of a simple minded racecar driver whose only concern is being first. As can be expected with many Will Ferrell’s (“Step Brothers”) midnight comedies, “Talladega Nights” tells a quirky, entertaining story that comedy lovers will surely enjoy.
For those audiences hoping to enjoy a more dramatic few hours, “Atonement” starring Keira Knightley (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) and James McAvoy (“X-Men: First Class”) hit Netflix on Feb. 10. Many will be familiar with the story as the movie is based upon Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel of the same title.
The 2015 Sundance hit “Dope” appeals to audiences to somewhat of a mixture of the audiences of “Talladega Nights” and “Atonement” by offering a dramedy. The film tells the story of Malcolm (Shameik Moore, “Joyful Noise”), a bright young man from Inglewood, California, who wishes to attend Harvard. Malcolm and his friends take on any and all of the unexpected challenges one could imagine while attending their senior year of high school. The story provides plenty of opportunity for comic relief while also managing to achieve a dramatic effect.
Finally (because we can’t talk about February without talking about Valentine’s Day), “Cruel Intentions” arrived Feb. 1. Although not a typical rom-com, “Cruel Intentions” is a great addition to an already strong arsenal of possible Valentine’s Day picks for Netflix viewers. Reese Witherspoon (“Legally Blonde”) and Sarah Michelle Geller (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) star in the 1999 romantic drama.
