Macabre Media: Strange Things, House of Cards, Under the Skin, Redbox, Salem, Twin Peaks
Posted: November 3, 2014 Filed under: *Macabre Media, Movies & Films, Music & Art | Tags: House of Cards, Macabre & Mysterious Music, Redbox, Renae Rude, Salem, Strange Things, The Paranormalist, The Sparrow Quartet, Twin Peaks, Under the Skin 15 CommentsNOW: I mentioned, last week, that there are two movies in the theaters right now that I want to see. We haven’t made it to either yet. I don’t see anything great on the horizon, so I concentrated on Netflix and Redbox this week.
& ALWAYS: I’ve been working my way toward a better understanding of what I’m doing with the Macabre Media posts. A while back I started dividing my finds into “now” and “& later.” Thanks to Netflix and Redbox and Youtube, determining what belongs in which category can be confusing. Here’s the new rule:
If an item is posted in the NOW section, I have seen (or in some way experienced) it, and am actively recommending it. NOW items are immediately available to you if you have access to the same basic services I do.
If an item is posted in the & LATER section, it may mean that it has not yet been released, but it may also mean I have become aware that something of potential interest is currently available, but have not yet sat down with it.
NOW:
YOUR MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Strange Things by The Sparrow Quartet
HOUSE OF CARDS (Netflix original series.)
Here’s a show that is totally off-topic for this blog, but I am completely addicted. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are riveting.
If you haven’t seen it yet, you have time to watch the first two seasons on Netflix streaming before the new season starts. That is, of course, if you want to do it a reasonable pace. Ogre and I came to it late, and watched the whole thing in about two weeks, but that’s crazy, right?
The third season is expected in February 2015.
UNDER THE SKIN (available in Redbox right now, also via Netflix DVD)
I can’t say I’m really recommending this film, but I want to mention it while it’s still easily obtainable. If it’s something you want to see, now is the time — when you don’t have to invest much money or time into it.
I pretty much hated Under the Skin (except for some beautiful visuals) while I was watching, but now I’m rather glad I’ve seen it.
It is extremely slow-paced and art-y. I guess I’m just old school — I like accessible movies that happen to be artistic and layered. The central question of the movie is pretty cool, and there are a couple of great moments. If you’ve seen it, let me know what YOU thought.
REDBOX: YOUR NEW VIDEO STORE
BTW, did you know that you can use Redbox in much the same way you used to use a brick and mortar video store? If you create an account online, you can view the current contents of all nearby kiosks, reserve titles, then go pick up your movie(s) at you convenience. Start here:
& LATER:
SALEM (WGN)
This week, I noticed that the first season of WGN’s Salem is currently available on Netflix streaming. I never caught an episode but was intrigued. If you’re in the same place, now’s your chance to see if the show is for you.
I have confirmed that the series has been renewed for the 2015 season, and is expected to begin in April.
The two-season cult series, Twin Peaks, is available on Netflix streaming. I have no idea why I didn’t watch it back in the day, but I’ve added it to my list because time has made me curious AND because I just found out from Rolling Stone that Showtime is bringing it back in 2016 as a 9-part miniseries.
I’m going to have to pony up the cash to re-subscribe to Showtime, aren’t I? I already miss: Penny Dreadful, Shameless (don’t judge me), Ray Donovan, and Homeland.
Renae Rude - The Paranormalist 
Okay, Season 2 House Of Cards, when he looks back at “us” and started talking. I gasped … like I was really there
That wasn’t the only thing in season two that made me gasp! 😀
for a moment I was all “HE SEES ME!’
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
I just let go of Showtime after Ray Donovan’s season wrapped. I figure I’ll find DVD’s or episodes streaming on Hulu or somewhere. Hasn’t TV gotten so much better than film in the last five years? I don’t have time to see everything I want to.
Yes! Not network TV so much, but cable and …independent(?) stuff like Netflix have become amazing. It’s hard for me now to get into a regular network show, even if I’m excited about the premise of the series. I’ve been spoiled by The Walking Dead, HoC, … and (going back,) to shows like Six Feet Under and The Sopranos. Cable has ruled for a long time now. You’re right, even the movies are having trouble staying competitive. It might help if they’d stop remaking old stuff and get back to being creative.
Oh Renae, aside from the awesome TV, you find the coolest music!
I’m glad you like it! I know I’m a little eclectic so I worry that I my choices seem random.
It’s a funny coincidence that someone for the first time today mentioned to me “House of Cards” and then I come home to read this post. From the sounds of it, I’ll have to add it to my Netflix playlist. As far as “Salem,” – I’ve been watching it since the first episode and it takes a few to get hooked – but I’m there. I can’t wait for season 2. I’ve also been taping “Sleepy Hollow”, which has its good episodes and not so good. But I’m a sucker for good-looking guys with accents and historical wear and if the writers tighten up on some of their story-lines – it can be just as good as “Salem”. Thanks for the post.
Good heads-up on Salem. With all the stuff I feel I should I should watch, a show (or movie) has to grab me right away so I don’t wander off. I’ll be a little patient with Salem.
I’ve been so on the fence with Under the Skin. ScarJo appeal should have been enough but there have been mixed reviews. Think I’ll give it a try.
I’ll have to check in with you on your thoughts after you see it. Like I said, I can’t say I enjoyed the actual watching of it, but the theme and some of the images linger.
I’m on the waiting list at the library for House of Cards and cannot wait to see it, especially after watching the trailer. I am a big Kevin Spacey fan! Just finished watching the series Treme and loved it, currently watching Boardwalk. The quality of all the HBO series I have seen to date is amazing!
You’re going to love it then! Now that you mention it, I should look at Treme and Boardwalk Empire. (Both are apparently available via Netflix DVDs.) I didn’t catch those when I had HBO.
Boardwalk is a Scorcese production so expect some violence and swearing. Great character development and interesting history as it is set in prohibition time.