Movies For Guys Who Like Movies: Streaming Edition

In the late 90's and early 2000's when cable ruled the media landscape, TBS use to run a movie block called Movies For Guys who like Movies. Movies played during this block were often action movies, high octane, high adrenaline and outside a rerun of a major Hollywood blockbuster. They were often B-level and cult classic movies as well, so I decided to take the concept and bring it to the streaming world. 

Here are 5 action filled B Movies streaming right now, if you want to watch some non sense action movies.

Aftermath

This 2024 movie currently airing on Netflix stars Dylan Sprouse, of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody all grown up. He plays an ex-Army ranger who must save the day, when the Tobin Memorial bridge is overtaken by radicals with a mission.

It definitely has the DNA of films like Die Hard and Under Siege. For a straight to streaming film has some solid action scenes. 

The Tax Collector 

This 2020 film starring Shia LaBeouf got caught up in the pandemic. Shia plays a "tax collector" basically an enforcer for a crime boss alongside his best friend played by Bobby Soto. When their crime boss business is in jeopardy, he senses a double cross. Well someone has to pay the price, and Cueva's played by Bobby Soto family is the target.

Written and directed by David Ayer who wrote films like Training Day, Dark Blue, the OG Fast and Furious, and End Of Watch. While this film may not be on the same level as those films, you definitely see similar DNA. It's worth the watch and is available on Hulu.

Havoc

Another Netflix film, this one starts with a bang and never ever slows down. It stars Tom Hardy as a police detective caught up in the middle of a war between criminal organizations. As he gets in the mix, he runs into corruption and political conspiracy.

Think of the movie Crank and how it never slows down. Mixed with a plot along the lines of Street Kings and its that this film. Non stop action amidst the corruption.

Boss Level

Another movie that was lost in the midst of the pandemic, released in March of 2021. This Hulu original stars Frank Grillo and Mel Gibson, that throws you for a loop. A time loop at that, imagine Groundhog Day but action packed. Grillo is a former delta force soldier, who everyday is thrawting an assassination attempt on his life. He continually repeats the cycle, until he searches to break it.

A modern crime drama with some sci-fi mixed in. It has action and suspense and for a straight to streaming movie, keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Heads Of State

This prime video original just released earlier this month. It stars John Cena as a former movie star who is now President of the United States. And Idris Elba who is the United Kingdom's prime minister. While the two don't get along, they must team together on the run after an assassination attempt on their lives. They must team up with a MI6 agent played by Priyanka Jonas to save the day.

It's absurd and silly, funny and has some good action scenes. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.

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5 MGM Films Amazon Should Remake

 

Amazon/MGM Studios just released a remake of the 1980's classic film that starred Patrick Swayze Roadhouse. The updated version stars Jake Gyllenhaal and UFC star Connor McGregor. I plan to watch the film this weekend, but it has already got me wondering about remakes.

Amazon bought MGM Studios for $8 billion back in 2021, with the deal completing in 2022. That's alot of coins that still hasn't been fully utilized yet. I previously wrote about how I would like to see The American Ninja series rebooted. Amazon is sitting on alot of intellectual properties right now, so here are five films from the MGM library that could be good material for a reboot.

5. MadHouse

MadHouse released in 1990 stars Kristie Alley and John Larroquette as Mark and Jessie, a yuppie couple who live a perfect life that works for them. That is until their lives are turned upside down when relatives come to visit at different intervals, and one by one for whatever reason they end up having extended stays. 

Until the couple loses their shit and can't take it any longer. If you ask the average person if they have heard of this movie, I guarantee the overwhelming answer will be no. That's what makes it perfect for a reboot, most people wouldn't have anything to compare it to. And getting rid of unwanted house guests is a story that stands the test of time.

4. Delirious 

This 1991 film starred John Candy as a soap opera writer who takes a bump on the head. He wakes up in the world of his soap opera where everyone assumes he is a new main character he created. He has to stop a nefarious plot while keeping his cover and realizing he can still write his story as he goes along.

I love a good meta movie that works like Pleasantville The movie is often overlooked among Candy's films. I'll admit it's not one of his best, while the humor in the movie is kind of dry, and the villains are typical scheming rich men. The plot of a writer waking up in a world he created is always ripe for good material and opportunity.

3. Cutthroat Island

One of the biggest box office bombs in movie history, Cutthroat Island is infamous for the film's budget bankrupting it's production company. The film was released in 1995 and starred Geena Davis and Matthew Modine as swashbuckling pirates.

Ok, so the scripts dialogue is very stiff and campy (not sure if that was by design), the plot gets wonky. However the movie fits the bill of a roller coaster ride, and if you turn your brain off you may like it. Pirate movies aren't the top of the heap right now but the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise proved there is a market for it, if done right. With such a bad stench on it, a remake could be given a fair chance.

2. The Beastmaster

A film losely based on a 1959 novel and made  in the mold of Conan The Barbarian. This 1982 film starred Marc Singer as Dar a warrior during an ancient time who is very skillful with a sword, and can communicate with animals. 

The film spawned two sequels Beastmaster: Through The Portal Of Time which was a limit theater release and Beastmaster III: Eye of Braxus (made for TV movie) and a syndicated television series. The potential is there to revive this property and maybe bring sorcery themed properties back into pop culture.

1.Hackers

Out of all the film's mentioned Hackers is the one most ripe for the picking. Especially with the digital world we live in now and technical geniuses with the potential to change the world getting younger and younger. Released in 1995, the film is best known for being Angelina Jolie's breakout film.

It involves a group of teen hackers who get themselves caught up in something way bigger than they anticipated. We now live in a world of ethical hackers, cyber security analysts, and breaches left and right. A updated film touching on digital concerns and social media playing a part in our everyday lives. Could really spark a new cult favorite or potential franchise.

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Subscribe To It: Black As Night

 

It's spooky season which means the air is getting crisp, leaves are falling, and it's time to sit down to watch some Halloween classics, cult classics, horrible B-movies, and hidden gems. I stumbled onto a new hidden gem available on Amazon Prime Video called Black As Night. Black As Night is a movie about vampires, and I love a good vampire movie. Even greater to see an vampire movie with a majority Black cast which is rare.

Black As Night follows a teenager Shawna played by Asjha Cooper over one weird summer where she notices vampires are lurking in New Orleans. After a traumatic event caused by these new neighbors,she along with some reliable friends set out to enact revenge on the creatures of the night. Headed by the always welcome Keith David who is creepy enough and loves to ham it up.

The movie has some socio-economic and political tones to it while the vampires are being hunted. The city of New Orleans with it's unique style and it's rich history of citizens practicing voodoo is shown some love. The vampires themselves even have a nice backstory that intertwines with the horrors of this country. 

Some of the dialogue is a little cringy, but Shawna will remind you of a modern day Buffy only with more style and flair. It's an relatively short film clocking in under 90 minutes, but it will be worth every minute. Every Halloween from here on out you will turn it on as part of your routine.

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