Baby, it’s cold outside. In case it’s not cold enough for you in your own backyard, here are a dozen great choices for what to watch on Netflix Instant this weekend while you’re snowed in. All of these films and TV shows present plenty of winter weather, and they’re not all Christmas movies, either. 1- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – This might be the best Jim Carrey movie ever. It’s a near-future science fiction film, and Carrey plays a man whose ex-girlfriend has a medical procedure that forces her to forget all about him and their relationship. He decides to do the same thing, and things get weirder from there. Much of the action takes place in the winter. It’s hard to believe that this was made almost ten years ago (in 2004). 2- Fargo - This Coen Brothers movie from 1996 is as fresh and clever today as it was 17 years ago. William H. Macy plays a car salesman who hires kidnappers to abduct his wife, but things go awfully wrong awfully fast. Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare are both terrific, and all of the accents are brilliant. Most readers have probably already seen this, but it’s worth watching again. 3- The Grey - An intense survival drama starring Liam Neeson and directed by Joe Carnahan (who also directed the big screen version of The A-Team), The Grey is all about cold weather, snow, ice, and wolves. Did I mention the wolves? They’re important. This is a newer film (2011). If you dig existentialism on film, then check it out. 4- Let the Right One In - The American remake (Let Me In) wasn’t bad, but it doesn’t compare to the Swedish original. This is on my list of all-time favorite horror and vampire movies. It’s a masterpiece of pacing and atmosphere, and I’ve seldom seen a movie that made me shiver simultaneously from both fear and cold. If you’re looking for something to read, then the novel is good, too. 5- Lilyhammer - This is a black comedy television show about a fixer for the Mafia who goes into the witness protection program and relocates to Norway. It doesn’t take him long to return to his crooked ways. This one reminds me of a much darker (and colder) My Blue Heaven. Steven van Zandt stars. 6- Love Actually - Okay, so this made the list because it’s such a great Christmas movie. Love Actually features a terrific ensemble cast. It’s funny, sweet, sentimental, and sometimes sad, and it tells ten different stories in a single film. If you’ve never seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out. Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, and a whole mess of other famous actors and actresses co-star. 7- Masterpiece Mystery!: Wallander – This is another television show, but its only commonality with Lilyhammer is the wintry European setting. You won’t find much funny about this show, but you’ll love Kenneth Branagh’s performance as the world-weary title character, who is a detective for the police […]
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