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SALT LAKE CITY — The Sundance Film Festival is underway and if you're hoping to take in a few of the films you have your work cut out for you. Most shows are sold out and standing in line is well, cold.
So, I've searched through Netflix for you and found 5 former Sundance films that are worth watching from the warm comfort of your sofa. You're welcome.
Memento (R)
Christopher Nolan's breakout film, "Memento," ran the festival circuit in 2000 and wrapped up its tour at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival.
"Memento" is one of the most original films you'll ever see. It will mess with your head as you try and fully understand what is going on, and you'll love every minute of the confusion.
The film, however, is only worth your time if language does not bother you. There is a fair amount of strong and offensive language. So, be warned, in order to enjoy the imaginative and intriguing story you have to get through the coarse language.
Man on Wire (PG-13)
The documentary "Man on Wire" won the Grand Jury Prize: World Cinema Documentary and the World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.
The film tells the story of high-wire walker Philippe Petit and his plan to walk between the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Center.
While the movie is a documentary it plays more like a heist film that keeps you thoroughly entertained from start to finish. You can't help but be charmed by the brash and cocky Petit and his determination to high-wire walk between the Twin Towers.
Buried (R)
"Buried" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010 and people lined up for hours to see the claustrophobic film. Before the premier, star Ryan Reynolds told the audience "I hope you enjoy the film as much as I hated making it."
"Buried" is 95 minutes long and the entire thing takes place inside a coffin. Yes, a coffin.
In the film Reynolds is a U.S. truck driver working in Iraq who is kidnapped and buried alive. All he has with him is a cell phone and a lighter.
The film is not for the squeamish. The movie has moments of violence, nothing too extreme, except for one quick spot that may be difficult for some audiences. But what really gets you is that director Rodrigo Cortes literally never leaves the coffin. The entire film is shot inside this tiny space and by the time the film ends you feel as if you've escaped the underground tomb yourself.
If you can get through the fact that the film takes place inside the coffin and some harsh language, you will be taken aback by how inventive and tense the movie is. It keeps you white-knuckled from start to finish.
Primer (PG-13)
"Primer" won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 2004 and has built a cult following ever since.
The bizarre film follows four engineers who accidently discover a means of time travel and the responsibility that comes with their new invention.
"Primer" is not for everyone. The film can be slow at times, but the story telling is fantastic and to watch the film and realize it was made on a budget of just $7,000 is nearly unfathomable.
Know before going into this one that it is very much an "indie" film and will not appeal to everyone. The content isn't really offensive, but the entire premise is bizarre and not the "big" Hollywood movies you may be use to.
The film "Waiting for ‘Superman' " won the Audience Award for best documentary at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and then went onto win Best Documentary Feature at the Critic's Choice Movie Awards.
The film looks at the American public education system and follows students trying to be accepted to a charter school.
The documentary raises questions and opens eyes to some of the inner workings of the public education system and what some families go through to make sure their children get the education they need.
The film is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It's a documentary film with an entrancing narrative and an actual story.
There are 5 films streaming on Netflix to whet your Sundance appetite. Well, maybe you don't have one, but these are some good films to check out over the weekend anyway.
Have you seen any of these films? What do you think of them? Would you even recommend any of them? Let us know on the comment boards, Facebook or send me an email.
