By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow me on X.
Netflix this week (May 27-June 1, 2024) plans to remove 25 movies from its streaming lineup. Here are the three you want to watch before they leave, in my humble opinion:
LA Confidential (1997)
The 1997 Curtis Hanson-directed neo-noir drama about corrupt cops in the City of Angels in the 1950s is the best of pulp fiction on screen. Rapier dialogue, over-the-top action, stylish cinematography and juicy performances from Russell Crowe, Guy Pierce, Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger, among many, many others. It’s based on the James Ellroy novel, which was smartly pared down by Hanson and co-writer, Brian Helgeland. (Although Ellroy didn’t like the film; he’s wrong. It’s great.)
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Twenty-six years ago, when You’ve Got Mail premiered, the concept of meeting cute (online) felt so innocent, which was reflected in this sweet and satisfying comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The two stars are at their charming best here as they converse anonymously through America Online (remember, everyone? You’ve Got Mail!) while competing in real life in very different roles in the publishing industry. Having a bad day? You’ve Got Mail will put a smile on your face.
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Adam Sandler is hilarious as a former hockey player who turns golf pro to save his grandmother’s home from foreclosure. Christopher McDonald is superb as his foil, a star golfer named Shooter McGavin and the splendid supporting cast also includes the recently departed Carl Weathers as Happy’s mentor, former SNL pal Kevin Nealon as a fellow golfer, SCTV great (now also late) Joe Flaherty as a heckling fan and the great Bob Barker as himself. Fun film!
Movies Leaving Netflix After Friday, May 31
2012
Boyz n the Hood
Burlesque
The Choice
The Disaster Artist
Forever My Girl
The Great Gatsby
Happy Gilmore
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2
The Impossible
Insidious
LA Confidential
Lakeview Terrace
Noah
Oh, Ramona!
The Other Guys
Silent Hill
Skycraper
Split
Think Like a Man
Think Like a Man Too
You’ve Got Mail
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