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JANUARY 2012

Once again, I’ve pilfered the INSTANT WATCH avails to suggest some of the more interesting under-the-radar releases now streaming.

Especially of note this month: critically acclaimed indies, an IFC original series and a Disney flop worthy of your attention.

TINY FURNITURE
Movie geeks trust the ever expanding Criterion Collection for restorations of classic cinema, and often their quirky picks of what they deem modern masterpieces. This particular indie comedy takes place in New York’s downtown neighborhood Tribeca, and was a favorite at South By Southwest in 2010. It received a very warm reception from audiences who caught it and critics who covered it, but it also got a very tiny art-house release. Netflix and IFC Films have made it possible for the masses.

BEING HUMAN (U.S.)
 If you want to catch up on the American remake of the British series Being Human, you can now stream the entire first season on Netflix. Following the lives of a vampire, werewolf and ghost roommates (hey, it could happen), this Canadian, um, American version has captured its own audience on Syfy enough to continue a season two this year. By the way, the original series is also available to stream instantly on Netflix right now as well.

MARS NEEDS MOMS
This is arguably the strangest animated film to pop out of Disney since The Nightmare Before Christmas, so it’s no wonder why the marketing played to the lowest common denominator and audiences didn’t need the unfortunately titled Mars Needs Moms. It’s a surprisingly good (and somewhat heartwarming) sci-fi comedy done in motion capture with production design that doesn’t induce that vomity feeling you get watching The Adventures of Tintin. If you’re the mom of a pre-teen boy, add this to your list pronto.

 
TUCKER & DALE vs EVIL
Good comedy is all about a good set up and delivery. Then again, so is good gore. Combining all of the psycho killer conventions and perceptions with your standard teens-in-the-woods plot is this often over-the-top splater/slapstick movie. Tyler Labine is hysterical and the eye-rolling parts that don’t work are redeemed by the fast pace and ludicrous death scenes. Lots of fun.

MEEK’S CUTOFF 
Her Marilyn Monroe is steeling all the thunder, but Michelle Williams also received much critical acclaim for her performance in last year’s Meek’s Cutoff. Directed with care by Kelly Reichardt, who also directed Williams in the outstanding drama Wendy and Lucy, this one’s a period piece set in 1845 along the Oregon Trail. It won the Producer’s award for Anish Savjani at last year’s Independent Spirit Awards.

THE INCREASINGLY POOR DECISIONS OF TODD MARGARET
Just in time for a new season, this IFC comedy series from David Cross is as smart and funny as the best of Arrested Development. This Netflix addition should gain some fans of the show, or turn them off completely from anything with David Cross that doesn’t co-star a chipmunk.

* Author’s Note: all movies available to WATCH INSTANTLY on Netflix as of early-January and availability is subject to studio licenses. It is recommended to watch before the month ends!