Richard Tobin runs through the hidden gems that are leaving Netflix this May
Kung Fu Panda - Leaving Netflix on 19th May
A movie we all know but probably haven’t seen in a while. Po the panda (Jack Black), a clumsy noodle shop worker, is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior to defeat the evil snow leopard Tai Lung. Trained by Master Shifu and the Furious Five, Po must overcome self-doubt and unlock his true potential to protect the Valley of Peace with kung fu mastery.
Kung Fu Panda may not seem like an obvious recommendation but for those who haven’t watched it since they were a kid, there’s equally as much fun and learning to experience as an adult. The voice cast are all on top form, from Jack Black to Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan. The animation holds up well even fifteen years later - the character and world designs are creative, colourful, and vibrant. The film is all about developing self belief and embracing who we are now. This message might seem standard enough but the film handles it with such depth and care - it goes all in and delivers it in a simple but powerful way. A really uplifting, fun and inspiring movie.
Attack the Block - Leaving Netflix on 21st May
A gang of teenage boys in South London mug a woman, only to be interrupted by a strange creature crashing from the sky. When more alien beasts descend on their housing block, the gang and the woman are forced to unite and fight back. Trapped inside, they must survive the night and defend their home from a relentless extraterrestrial invasion.
Attack the Block is a phenomenal alien movie but more importantly, a great character movie first. The movie launches into gear with the Alien Invasion straight away, yet writer and director Joe Cornish allows time for the characters to develop and interact with each other, allowing us to understand each of the characters and their dynamic within the group.
With a tight 85 minute run time, Attack the Block never feels too pedestrian or overstuffed. The cinematography captures the stress of the invasion, bringing us through darkness and tight hallways. Fans of Edgar Wright movies like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz will like this movie, but in general Attack the Block is an amazing film - a creative and cool movie.
Legend - leaving Netflix on 31st May
In London’s East End in the 1960s, twin brothers Reggie and Ronnie Kray (dual roles played by Tom Hardy) rise to power as ruthless gangsters, building a criminal empire through brutality, intimidation, and charm. While Reggie seeks a more stable life through his relationship with fellow Eastender Frances Shea (Emily Browning), Ronnie’s violent behaviour and increasing paranoia escalates their notoriety. As tensions grow between loyalty and ambition, the brothers' empire begins to crack further and further.
Legend is a gangster film we’ve seen before, but Tom Hardy’s great performance and the world of the film is still more than enough to make for an engaging watch. Tom Hardy is brilliant playing both the smooth Reggie and the volatile Ronnie. Reggie is the more compelling character but you can tell Hardy had fun with the craziness of Ronnie. The film builds the world of 60s London through long sweeping one-shots, immersing us into the swing clubs and dark streets that the Kray brothers owned. Make sure to watch Legend before it leaves Netflix on 31 May - a very solid gangster film.