This is a pretty uneventful week for the Netflix stream. We lose a few movies, though not too much of substance. We also gain a movie. That’s right – one. Unless of course there’s some sort of phantom update that I’m completely missing. I’m suspicious.

Leaving the Stream

1. ‘The Sugarland Express’ (8/11): I often talk about my love for early Spielberg films, but what I really mean is that beautiful time between 1975 and 1984 when it seemed like the man could do no wrong. Also ’91 to ’93. (Yeah, I think ‘Hook’ is awesome.) My point is, as big a fan as I am, I still haven’t gotten around to Spielberg’s first film made for theatrical release. ‘The Sugarland Express‘ doesn’t get the same love as a movie like ‘Jaws’ or ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, but it’s early Spielberg and it received its share of good reviews. Check it out. I sure will be!
2. ‘Field of Dreams’ (8/6): Never will you see a finer movie about supernatural baseball players. And no, ‘Angels in the Outfield’ isn’t better, no matter how much you like Christopher Lloyd. ‘Field of Dreams‘ is a touching flick that’s recognized as a contender for AFI’s Top 100, even if it didn’t make the list. Watch it now, before it’s gone. “If you remove it from Netflix streaming, they will come.” Yeah, I mangled that quote for my own uses and no I don’t feel bad about it!

Entering the Stream

1. ‘Betrayed’ (8/7): The metal band I played keyboard for in high school had a song called “Betrayed,” but this movie is almost certainly better. If not better written, then certainly better produced. It stars folks like Debra Winger and Tom Berenger, neither of whom I have a strong opinion about. Reviews for the flick are mixed, but if you want to be one of the first to stream a film or you’re just a huge fan of Costa-Gavras (does he have fans? I have no idea) then check out ‘Betrayed‘.