Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
THE VAULT — With the weekend quickly approaching and the new releases in theaters leaving a little something to be desired, we thought we’d introduce you to some great flicks on Netflix.
There are some big blockbusters streaming now, but if you need a moment to step back from all the explosions and big budgets that come along with summer, here’s your change of pace.
Here are five under-the-radar movies streaming on Netflix.
Kon Tiki
The 2012 film “Kon Tiki” isn’t well known here in the states, but the movie tells a powerful true story in a beautiful way.
The movie recounts the journey of Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl as he and his crew sailed from Peru to the South Sea Islands on a balsa-wood raft.
The movie is utterly mesmerizing and beautiful.
“Kon Tiki” is currently rated at 100-percent worth-your-time on OK.com and sits at a 14+ age rating.
Much Ado About Nothing
Do you like Marvel’s “The Avengers”? Do you like Shakespeare? If both of those answers are yes then you’re going to love “Much Ado About Nothing.”
The 2012 version of “Much Ado About Nothing” utilizes Shakespeare’s original text, but inserts it into a modern-day setting. “The Avengers” director Joss Whedon directs the film and it is filled head-to-toe with his unique style and sense of humor.
It’s a new take on a very old story and in the hands of Whedon it’s at least worth a watch to see what you think.
“Much Ado About Nothing” is at a 13+ on OK.com with a 75- percent worth-your-time rating.
Bernie
This isn’t the first time we’ve suggested “Bernie,” and that’s because it’s a really good movie.
“Bernie” stars Jack Black as Bernie, a small-town mortician who will do anything to escape the grasp of an overbearing widow who’s making his life miserable. Anything.
The movie is based on a true story that is almost too insane to believe and too fascinating to ignore.
The movie is also backed by fantastic performances from both Black and Matthew McConaughey.
“Bernie” is at an 84-percent worth-your-time rating on OK.com and an age rating of 13+.
The Way Back
“The Way Back” tells the tale of escapees from a Siberian gulag and their 4,000-mile journey to freedom.
You’ve likely seen “The Way Back” on Netflix before, but probably never actually watched it. The movie is powerful, inspiring and heartbreaking.
The film is backed by excellent performances from Jim Sturgess, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell and Ed Harris.
“The Way Back” is rated at a 12+ on OK.com with a 64-percent worth-your-time rating.
The Sapphires
The 2012 biographical film “The Sapphires” is an Australian film that didn’t gain much traffic here in the U.S.
The movie chronicles the struggles of an Australian singing group, The Sapphires, as they entertain U.S. troops in Vietnam.
The movie is funny and touching as it exposes us to a true story that most of us never knew about.
The movie contains some great performances, but you will fall in love with the group’s manager played by Chris O’Dowd.
“The Sapphires” is rated 100-percent worth-your-time with an age rating of 14+.
