As a cinephile who has spent countless hours poring over films from every era and genre, I find it quite perplexing that some of the most critically acclaimed and beloved movies remain elusive to modern audiences. The case of “The Heartbreak Kid” (1972), a classic black comedy starring the inimitable Charles Grodin, is particularly vexing. This movie, which boasts an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered one of AFI’s 100 funniest American movies, remains out of reach for those seeking a streaming fix due to rights issues with Bristol-Myers Squibb. It seems that even pharmaceutical companies can dabble in Hollywood!
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the world of film distribution is quite intricate. It’s not uncommon for a studio to produce a film and not handle its distribution. This complexity is further compounded by various contracts in different nations, which explains why movies that aren’t shown in the U.S. can be enjoyed overseas. Sometimes, a movie might hop from one streaming service to another, or it could vanish altogether – an occurrence that can leave viewers feeling quite frustrated when their favorite films become hard to find.
If you’re searching for a specific movie but can’t seem to find it anywhere, it might be that the film isn’t accessible through any legal streaming platforms in the U.S. Instead, some of these movies may only be available as physical DVDs or Blu-rays. Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions, they are not legally viewable online, except for possibly unauthorized postings on platforms like YouTube.
As traditional movie formats become harder to find, it might become necessary to ask a film enthusiast if they possess a copy you could borrow, as stores no longer stock them. If not, it’s unfortunate to say, but for now, you won’t be able to watch these films in the US. It’s regrettable because some of them are timeless classics that you might never have another chance to see again.
Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
If you haven’t watched “Drop Dead Gorgeous” since its release in 1999, it’s quite possible that you haven’t seen it at all. But if you did catch it back then, chances are you still cherish it today. The movie initially flopped and garnered mixed opinions from critics, but it eventually became a cult favorite. In 2023, Hyperreal Film Club even claimed that it was the only reason to keep a DVD player, admiring its unique quality as “an outlier among a generation of clean-cut teenage rom-coms that dared not defy the dress code.
As a die-hard movie enthusiast and avid gamer, I can’t help but rave about this hilarious, satirical flick that I stumbled upon – “Drop Dead Gorgeous”. This mockumentary-style black comedy is an absolute gem, boasting an all-star cast. Kirsten Dunst takes the lead, joined by the likes of Ellen Barkin, Brittany Murphy, Allison Janney, Kirstie Alley, Amy Adams, and Denise Richards. This small-town beauty pageant is anything but ordinary; it’s a fierce competition that drives the contestants to extreme lengths in their quest for the title.
Who Am I? (1998)
One of the greatest martial arts actors in the history of cinema, Jackie Chan has made a ton of movies over the decades, and while some of them are more popular in his native Hong Kong than they are in the West, he remains a household name across the world. One of his more interesting films, “Who Am I?” features Chan in the starring role as none other than Jackie Chan — but with a bit of a twist. Chan plays an amnesiac, so when he comes to be in a tribal village in Africa, he repeatedly asks “Who Am I?” in English. This becomes his name, and throughout the film, Chan is referred to as “Whoami.”
Jackie Chan is widely recognized for movies like “Shanghai Noon” and the “Rush Hour” series within the U.S., with many of his top films accessible via multiple streaming platforms. However, if you’ve come across “Who Am I?” and are interested in watching it, unfortunately, it isn’t available on any streaming services at this time. This is unfortunate as it has been praised as an underrated masterpiece, with Fred Topel of About.com calling it “one of Jackie Chan’s best,” praising its intriguing mystery plot and some of the greatest action he’s ever performed. Fortunately, you can still watch “Who Am I?” by purchasing or renting the DVD or Blu-ray version.
Wild at Heart (1990)
Regardless of the accuracy, Nicolas Cage is often seen as accepting roles in less-than-stellar films today, some even earning a dismal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, during the 1990s, Cage was a force to be reckoned with. Kicking off the decade, he graced us with his presence in David Lynch’s “Wild at Heart,” a romantic crime drama featuring an impressive supporting cast including Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Harry Dean Stanton, Diane Ladd, and Isabella Rossellini. Unfortunately, this gem is currently unavailable for streaming anywhere.
The story revolves around fugitive couple Sailor Ripley (Cage) and Lula Fortune (Laura Dern), who are forced to flee after Lula’s mom puts a bounty on Ripley. This film, typical of David Lynch’s style, has an unconventional structure with a series of connected episodes. Although it initially struggled at the box office upon release, “Wild at Heart” has since been reappraised and is now widely appreciated. If you’re a fan of Lynch, Cage, or Dern, this movie is worth seeking out – but you’ll need to purchase a physical copy to watch it.
Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
The movie titled “Lady Sings the Blues” is a biographical drama based on the life of renowned jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, drawing inspiration from her 1956 autobiography with the same name. In this film, Diana Ross makes her first appearance as a leading actress, portraying Holiday alongside an accomplished ensemble that includes Richard Pryor and Billy Dee Williams. The narrative traces Holiday’s journey to stardom, commencing in 1928, and offers a glimpse into some of the significant events that shaped her life. Ross delivers a remarkable performance as she skillfully imitates Holiday’s voice during her portrayal, setting “Lady Sings the Blues” apart from numerous other musical biopics.
Initially, “Lady Sings the Blues” didn’t make a significant financial impact upon its release. Contrarily, the soundtrack peaked at the top of Billboard’s Hot 200 Album Chart, and the movie garnered five Academy Award nominations, with Diana Ross receiving a best actress nod. Over time, the film has received positive recognition, although it remains unavailable digitally. A Blu-ray version was released in 2021, making it accessible, albeit challenging to locate. If you’re a fan of either Billie Holiday or Diana Ross, it’s definitely worth seeking out.
Dogma (1999)
At the start of his filmmaking journey, director Kevin Smith constructed a shared movie world called the View Askewniverse, where several actors and personas from his movies recur. Although these recurrences may not always adhere to logical reasoning, they are integral to each individual storyline. “Dogma,” being Smith’s fourth installment in this universe, is a film that stirred much debate. The plot revolves around two angels, Bartleby (portrayed by Ben Affleck) and Loki (Matt Damon), who have been earthbound for millennia. They concoct a plan to win divine pardon, but this act would expose God’s (Alanis Morissette) fallibility, potentially leading to the annihilation of everything in existence.
Before its release, the movie already attracted notice from the Catholic League, as Smith shared with The Wrap. Interestingly, the director participated in a demonstration against the same film, “Dogma”, without being identified, and even spoke to reporters on site. This event is still fondly recalled today, and you can watch the news report of it on YouTube. However, the movie itself cannot be streamed online because Harvey Weinstein, who was discredited, continues to hold the rights and has refused to return them to Smith, the filmmaker also informed The Wrap. “My film about heaven is in a standstill,” he said.
The Brave Little Toaster (1987)
“The Animated Musical ‘Brave Little Toaster’ is adapted from Thomas M. Disch’s 1980 novella of the same name. In this imaginative world, appliances and electronic devices become sentient when humans are absent. The story revolves around characters Toaster (Deanna Oliver), Lampy (Tim Stack), Radio (Jon Lovitz), Blanky (Timothy E. Day), and Kirby (Thurl Ravenscroft), who live in a secluded cabin owned by their original owner, Rob McGroarty (Wayne Kaatz). These five appliances yearn for the return of their master and embark on a journey to find him, encountering various escapades during their quest.
Despite not being a hit at cinemas, “The Brave Little Toaster” found success on The Disney Channel and in the rental market. This prosperity sparked the production of two sequels (“The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue” and “The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars”), both now streaming online. Sadly, the first movie, a cult favorite among millennials and animation enthusiasts everywhere, isn’t available for streaming. Disney holds the rights to the sequels on their platform Disney+, but it seems unlikely that “The Brave Little Toaster” will be added to Disney+ (or any other platform) anytime soon, as the ownership of the original film lies with Hyperion Pictures instead.
Silent Movie (1976)
The movie titled “Silent Movie” by Mel Brooks is exactly as the name suggests – it’s a silent film, produced nearly 50 years after the initial release of a ‘talkie.’ Brooks cleverly utilized this concept to great acclaim, earning him glowing reviews. Renowned critic Roger Ebert praised it, stating that “Brooks has successfully taken a significant stylistic risk.” The comedy legend portrays a struggling film director who aims to persuade a financially stricken studio to produce the first silent movie in decades, as a means to prevent a takeover.
Unfortunately, although several of Brooks’ popular movies can be streamed, “Silent Movie” is currently missing from all streaming services. However, you can purchase it on DVD for approximately $18. Additionally, a VHS version exists at a lower cost, which might not provide top-notch quality but will undeniably enhance the nostalgic feel.
The Flamingo Kid (1984)
“The Flamingo Kid
The main actor received much acclaim for his touching portrayal, which demonstrated significant potential, and many continue to consider this role among his finest. Variety described it as “his most rounded, least self-centered portrayal yet.” Although the movie isn’t currently available for streaming, it hasn’t completely faded from public awareness: At one point, a remake was under discussion, and it was later transformed into a stage play that concluded in 2019.
Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982)
According to the 1979 album “The Wall” by Pink Floyd, the 1982 movie “Pink Floyd: The Wall” is an intriguing blend of surreal animation and live-action, woven into a musical journey exploring the band’s experiences. The film centers around a musician named Pink (portrayed by Bob Geldof), whose career triggers significant stress that eventually leads to psychological issues. In response, he builds a symbolic barrier to shield himself, but this strategy only causes more problems, leaving Pink yearning for liberation.
This work is richly layered with metaphor and symbolism, making it one of the most unique and strikingly beautiful films ever created. “Pink Floyd: The Wall” has received critical acclaim and is considered a cult favorite, but unfortunately, at the moment, it cannot be streamed. It’s not available on any streaming services, yet luckily, you can still find it in physical formats. If you don’t wish to purchase it, your best bet would be finding a fellow movie enthusiast who loves Pink Floyd and borrowing it from them instead.
To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
William Friedkin’s “To Live and Die in L.A.” is a movie that centers around themes of obsession and vengeance. Following the murder of his partner, only days before his retirement, Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William Petersen) vows to find the culprit – a counterfeiter named Eric Masters (Willem Dafoe). As Chance grows more ruthless in his pursuit, his new partner (John Pankow) expresses worry. The film offers unforeseen turns in its plot, along with an exhilarating, head-on freeway chase. However, what stands out most about the movie is its gritty, hardened spirit, a quality that would be reflected in later L.A. crime films like “Reservoir Dogs” and “Training Day.” According to the Los Angeles Times, this film is one of the finest portrayed in the city.
At present, the only method to view “To Live and Die in L.A.” is by purchasing a physical version of the movie (the film can be found on Blu-ray and DVD, though these aren’t inexpensive items; for example, DVDs are currently listed at approximately $30 on Amazon). Unfortunately, it’s regrettable that this neo-noir masterpiece isn’t accessible through any streaming service, as it boasts impressive performances and is widely considered William Friedkin’s most outstanding work.
28 Days Later (2002)
In an unconventional twist within the zombie apocalypse genre, Danny Boyle’s horror film “28 Days Later” portrays figures resembling zombies as victims of a rapid-spreading virus rather than traditional undead entities. Instead of the slow, shambling creatures often depicted by George A. Romero, these individuals exhibit uncontrollable rage due to their emotional vacancy – making them arguably more chilling. The story unfolds in London, where the protagonist, Jim (played by Cillian Murphy), a bike courier, wakes from a coma 28 days after the outbreak, discovering that the city has been taken over by the infected.
Originally released to massive acclaim and currently boasting an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “28 Days Later” was a smash hit. A sequel titled “28 Weeks Later” followed suit, with production for a third installment, “28 Years Later,” beginning in 2024. Unfortunately, the original film is no longer available for streaming on Hulu, as Disney no longer holds the rights to it. Additionally, the Blu-ray version of the movie is out of print. However, you can stream “28 Weeks Later” before the third movie arrives. Here’s hoping that Sony, the new owners, make the original film accessible again soon.
The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
The 2007 remake featuring Ben Stiller received harsh criticism from critics, whereas the original “The Heartbreak Kid” from 1972 continues to be cherished, boasting a high rating of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. This timeless black comedy features Charles Grodin portraying Lenny, a smooth-talking salesman who rashly marries a woman he’s only known for a short while, only to swiftly realize that she’s not the one for him. Even during his honeymoon, Lenny finds himself drawn to a younger girl vacationing with her affluent parents and decides to pursue her instead.
Although “The Heartbreak Kid” is ranked as one of the AFI’s 100 funniest American films ever made, it’s hard to find and watch because there are rights issues preventing it from being streamed. The film belongs to Bristol-Myers Squibb, a pharmaceutical company, but they only briefly ventured into Hollywood when they bought Palomar Pictures International. During this time, they produced a few films, including “The Heartbreak Kid”, but after just two years, Bristol-Myers Squibb closed down Palomar Pictures International. As a result, the fate of this cherished movie remains uncertain.
Il Postino (1994)
In the Italian movie titled “Il Postino” (The Postman), a solitary postman named Mario Ruoppolo, played by Massimo Troisi, is based on a small island where he harbors affection for a stunning waitress. However, he feels powerless to act upon his feelings. This all transforms when the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret) comes to the island. As Ruoppolo handles Neruda’s mail, he gains insights from the poet on how to win the heart of the woman he admires.
The movie, titled “Il Postino,” achieved success when it was first released (it received five Academy Award nominations, winning one for best music), and it continues to be one of the most financially successful foreign language films in the U.S. Given its best picture nomination and overwhelmingly positive critical reception (it has a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), you might expect “Il Postino” to be streamable in the States, but unfortunately, that’s not possible. However, you can still purchase the movie on physical formats such as VHS, DVD, or Blu-ray on Amazon.
Rebecca (1940)
It might seem like every Alfred Hitchcock film can be found streaming somewhere due to his esteemed status as a cinematic mastermind. Regrettably, this isn’t true, and it becomes puzzling when we consider the psychological thriller “Rebecca.” This is a Best Picture winner that was nominated for a total of 11 Academy Awards and is often considered a must-watch Hitchcock film in someone’s lifetime. However, it seems to have all but disappeared.
The movie titled “Rebecca” derives its storyline from Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name. In this film, the primary character Rebecca is not visually depicted, and instead focuses on Maxim de Winter (played by Laurence Olivier), a widower who continues to be haunted by memories of his late wife. When he remarries, his new spouse (Joan Fontaine) finds herself constantly overshadowed by the memory of his first wife. The film is engaging and intriguing; if you wish to watch it, I recommend checking Turner Classic Movies‘ listings for air times. If you can’t wait, Netflix has recently released a remake of “Rebecca” featuring Lily James in the lead role.
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2024-09-12 14:31