Raise your glass, or your remote…
Why yes indeed, it’s time for another round of ‘major streaming service uploads a generous handful of new movies and don’t bother telling anyone about it so we’ll do it instead’ – admittedly, we could tighten that up.
We can tighten up your viewing options, though.
Amazon Prime Video has added eight new titles to its library, ranging from comedy cult favourites to socially conscious thrillers to a few very decent biopics.
If you’re a subscriber, you can currently take your pick from…
13 Going on 30
Jennifer Garner delivers a tremendously committed performance as a young teenager who finds herself suddenly hitting adulthood, Big-style, when her wish leads to fantastical consequences.
Blood Diamond
Leonardo DiCaprio received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Oscars for his performance as a charismatic mercenary with a highly questionable accent.
Blood Diamond tells the story of conflict diamonds and the violent practices thereof. Djimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connolly provide strong support.
The Great Gatsby
Leo again, this time launching an endlessly popular meme – you know the one – as part of his take on Jay Gatsby; a playboy millionaire in search of his one true love.
Though this 2013 adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel proved divisive, director Baz Luhrmann drenches every frame in luxury.
The rest of his cast are no slouches, either – Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke and Elizabeth Debicki all turn heads accordingly.
Steve Jobs
Michael Fassbender is excellent in Danny Boyle’s episodic portrayal of the late Apple supremo.
The film showcases three key product launches in Jobs’ not-always-seamless career, displaying the compelling personal and professional clashes that arose on a regular basis.
Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Katherine Waterston, Michael Stuhlbarg and a pre-Succession Sarah Snook provide support, but Aaron Sorkin’s sharp script leaves the biggest mark.
Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts took home Oscar gold for her turn as unemployed single mother Erin Brockovich, who brought a major legal case against an energy corporation in the 1990s.
Trumbo
Bryan Cranston steps into the shoes of Dalton Trumbo, a Hollywood screenwriter who refused to testify before a committee designed to investigate alleged Communist influences in the film industry in the 1940s.
Yes Man
Jim Carrey says yes to everything. Hijinks ensue.
The Croods
Animated Stone Age comedy boasting the vocal talents of Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone.
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