One of the best free streaming services available anywhere, Pluto TV offers a vast selection of movies and shows catering to a wide spectrum of cinematic tastes. Among its library, five standout movies are essential viewing for any film aficionado or casual viewer looking to enjoy quality entertainment. Here’s a closer look at these must-watch selections.
Moonstruck (1987)
A romantic comedy that captures the complexities of love in a charming Italian-American community, “Moonstruck” stars Cher as Loretta Castorini, a widowed bookkeeper who finds herself in a complicated love triangle involving her fiancé and his estranged younger brother, played by Nicolas Cage.
Considered her breakout performance, Cher won an Academy Award for Best Actress in this beloved love story. Over 30 years later, “Moonstruck” is celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of love, family, and cultural identity. The film’s warm reception highlights its blend of humor with poignant moments, making it a classic in the romantic comedy genre. Also, the exploration of Italian-American traditions and the dynamics of love have cemented its status as a culturally significant piece, maintaining its appeal decades after its release.
No Country For Old Men (2007)
Featuring one of the most chilling and unique portrayals of an antagonist, Anton Chigurh, this Coen Brothers masterpiece is a gritty, suspenseful crime thriller based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel. It follows the chaotic aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong followed by the cat-and-mouse game between a hunter who stumbles upon the money, a relentless hitman, and an aging sheriff. It also popularized the term, “Friendo”.
“No Country For Old Men” received widespread acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances, particularly Javier Bardem’s chilling portrayal of the Chigurh, the hitman in the trio. The film’s stark depiction of violence and moral ambiguity won it four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its enduring relevance is a testament to its masterful storytelling and the Coen Brothers’ unique vision, making it a landmark film in modern American cinema.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Facing an uphill battle against comedic snobbery, Talladega Nights thumbed its nose at critics and provided viewers with corny comedy on its highest shelf. This high-speed farce stars Will Ferrell as Ricky Bobby, a NASCAR driver who faces a professional and personal crisis when a French Formula One driver, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, challenges his status at the top of the racing world.
Featuring one of Cohen’s first high profile non-character performances, “Talladega Nights” combines Ferrell’s comedic genius with sharp satire of sports culture, resulting in a film that’s both hilariously absurd and insightful. Its reception was positive, with audiences embracing its over-the-top humor and memorable one-liners. The film also critiques the American dream and celebrity culture, securing its place as a comedic staple with a lasting cultural impact.
Airplane! (1980)
Airplane? What is it? It’s a big metal flying machine with people in it, but that’s not important right now. The film that kicked off an entire genre of over-the-top parodies, “Airplane!” is a send-up of the disaster film genre, specifically targeting the conventions of 1970s air disaster movies. With a cast including Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, and Leslie Nielsen, it delivers a relentless barrage of gags and puns set against the backdrop of a flight in crisis. Haven’t seen it? Surely, you can’t be serious.
Celebrated for its groundbreaking comedy, “Airplane!” is widely regarded as one of the funniest movies of all time. Its success lies in its ability to deliver joke after joke while maintaining a coherent story. The film’s cultural significance is underscored by its induction into the National Film Registry, recognized for its enduring influence on the comedy genre and its innovative approach to humor.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
The type of film that stays in your brain long after you click off the television, “Girl, Interrupted”, based on Susanna Kaysen’s memoir, stars Winona Ryder as a young woman who finds herself in a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt. It is there where she meets a group of women, including Angelina Jolie’s unforgettable character, Lisa.
“Girl, Interrupted” offers an unflinching glimpse into mental health and the complexities of female friendship. Jolie’s performance earned her an Academy Award, with the film itself has been praised for its honest portrayal of mental illness. While it sparked debate over its depiction of psychiatric care, the movie’s exploration of personal and emotional turmoil has resonated with audiences, contributing to a broader conversation about mental health.