For some of you, this weekend is just the beginning of some well-deserved (we’re assuming) time off. Why not reward yourself with some hard-earned (again, assuming) couch time and stream some stuff that’s new to Netflix? Documentaries have a big week this week, and while not everything on this list looks must-see, you may strike gold in the most unusual places.
Not Fade Away (2012)
The late, great James Gandolfini reunites with director David Chase (“The Sopranos”) for this film about a musician rising out of 1960’s suburbia who, for various reasons, doesn’t quite get far enough. If nothing else, this movie is worth a watch for its great soundtrack.
Bo Burnham: what. (2013)
The semi-awkward, sometimes musical, north of Boston comedian has a new YouTube comedy special, which is also available on Netflix instant stream if you’d prefer a larger screen. The youngster does some musical numbers, poetry recitations, and some masturbation pantomimes.
Paradise (2013)
Academy Award-winner Diablo Cody directs this film with a surprisingly robust cast (Julianne Hough, Russell Brand, Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman, and more). But this off-beat film about a Montana girl headed for Las Vegas doesn’t look nearly as enticing as “Juno” did.
Punk in Africa (2012)
A documentary following the multiracial punk movement in three African countries amid political and social revolutions.
Little Birds (2012)
This story of two small town teenagers escaping to Los Angeles received mixed reviews from critics, but could be a good pick if you’re looking for a coming-of-age type of film. If you need a movie with emotion, maybe even too much emotion, this is a decent way to spend your time.
G-Dog (2013)
This documentary from Academy Award winning director Freida Lee Mock highlights the story of Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang intervention and rehab program in the US. G-Dog is an old white Jesuit priest who becomes an expert in gang lives and carries this surprisingly feel-good flick.
Lost and Found in Armenia (2013)
Jamie Kennedy stars as an American tourist who gets falsely accused of being a Turkish spy in a comedy that the Washington Post’s Sean O’Connell calls, “A broad, silly, dated, and insensitive mistake of a movie.” But then again, 73 percent of the audience on Rotten Tomatoes liked it.
Newlyweeds (2013)
Director Shaka King’s debut features a marijuana-induced love triangle in a dramedy that’s good for laughs, though it can be taken seriously. It’s not just for stoners, either. But if you get stoned and watch it, I’m sure that’s cool, too.
