By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on X.
Paramount Plus, the streaming service, plans to add 77 new movies on Wednesday, May 1. The list is packed with excellent choices, but here are the four best, in my humble opinion:
Boogie Nights (1997)
Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s inventive 1997 take on the 1970s adult cinema industry starring Mark Wahlberg as the cut out for the legendary John Holmes. However, PTA’s film is far more than a chronicle of the SoCal adult film world from decades ago. It’s a thrilling and sometimes tragic look at a collection of lost souls who yearn for acceptance and recognition. whether they are shedding clothes for cash or slinging stereos in the Valley.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Coen Brothers’ flawless neo-western stars Josh Brolin as a good old boy who stumbles upon a jackpot of money but is then pursued by a ruthless, coin-flipping killer, played deliciously by Javier Bardem. (And let’s not overlook the commanding performance of Tommy Lee Jones as the weather-beaten sheriff.) Joel and Ethan Coen have conspired to make cinema brilliance over the years with films such as Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and Miller’s Crossing. But there may be no better Coen Brothers film than No Country for Old Men. If you haven’t seen it, start streaming.
Serpico (1973)
The drama is based on the real-life New York police officer Frank Serpico who exposed widespread corruption on the force. Al Pacino is at his messianic best as Serpico in this iconic film directed by Sidney Lumet. But the supporting cast is overflowing with some great New York-based actors including John Randolph, Judd Hirsch, Tony Roberts and F. Murray Abraham.
Days of Heaven (1978)
Richard Gere stars in this hypnotic tale of love and deception set on a farm in the Texas Panhandle at the tail end of World War I. But the real star is director Terrence Malick who turns a routine romantic triangle into a glorious cinematic feast for the eyes. While some critics have said over the years that Days of Heaven lacks story, no one will accuse it of lacking beauty. The film, which was shot in Canada near the Montana border, is simply one of the best looking you will ever see.
Complete List of New Movies Coming to Paramount Plus On May 1:
All About the Benjamins
Annihilation
Anything for Fame*
Baywatch
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
Belly*
Belly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club*
Big Jake
Big Night
Black Lotus*
Boogie Nights
Clockstoppers
Crawl
Days of Heaven
Double Jeopardy
Ella Enchanted
Everybody Wants Some!!
Faster
Fences
Fire In The Sky
Flight Of The Intruder
Four Brothers
Frida*
Ghost
Harriet The Spy
Hellraiser III: Hell On Earth
Hellraiser IV: Bloodline
Hellraiser V: Inferno
Hellraiser VI: Hellseeker
Hellraiser VII: Deader
Hellraiser VIII: Hellworld
How She Move*
I Know What You Did Last Summer*
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer*
I’ll See You in My Dreams*
Imagine That
In the Cut
Indecent Proposal
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
Joy Ride
Kelly & Cal*
Kinky Boots*
Maid in Manhattan*
Margot At The Wedding*
Marvin’s Room*
Mommie Dearest*
No Country for Old Men
Once Upon A Time In The West
Point Break
Revolutionary Road*
Rocketman
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
Serpico
Shall We Dance?*
Shane
Sliver
Stand By Me*
Terms of Endearment
The Accused
The Back-up Plan
The Gift*
The Golden Child
The Guilt Trip
The Hateful Eight*
The Haunting
The Joy Luck Club
The Longest Yard
The Mechanic
The Original Kings of Comedy*
The Prince Of Tides
The Terminal
True Grit
Vantage Point
Virtuosity
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape*
What’s Your Number?
Zoolander 2
* denotes exclusive to Paramount Plus.
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
