3 Praiseworthy Movies to Watch on Prime Video This Week
After a brief dip, Bart Layton’s Crime 101 is back at the top of Prime Video’s movie rankings this week. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Barry Keoghan, the slick new heist movie is an exciting modern action film that takes inspiration from the classics of the genre. It’s a thrilling watch for sure, but in case that’s not what you’re in the mood for this week, there are still a lot of other options to explore on the streaming platform, including some of the greatest films of all time. Without further ado, here’s a look at three great movies that we think you should watch on Prime Video.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Prime Video.
1
‘Do the Right Thing’ (1989)
Produced, written, and directed by Spike Lee, Do the Right Thing is a slice-of-life comedy-drama that explores the escalating racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood. Told over the course of one hot summer’s day, the film reveals how the conflicts between the Italian-American owners of a local pizzeria and the majority African-American residents explode into tragedy and violence. Lee also stars in the film, leading an ensemble cast that includes Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, John Turturro, and Samuel L. Jackson, with Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez in their feature film debuts.
Back in 1989, Do the Right Thing was a highly divisive movie that was as controversial as it was acclaimed. The film presents a realistic, clear-eyed perspective on the ever-present threat of racial violence, asking important questions with no easy answers. Widely regarded as one of Spike Lee’s greatest films, the movie garnered several accolades, including two Academy Award nominations, and it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1999.
2
‘Bad Words’ (2013)
Written by Andrew Dodge and directed by Jason Bateman in his feature directorial debut, Bad Words is a black comedy movie that revolves around a national spelling bee. Bateman also stars in the film as the lead character, Guy Trilby, an eighth-grade dropout who uses a loophole to enter the contest and causes utter chaos, but also finds unexpected friendship with a young competitor (Rohan Chand). The film also features Kathryn Hahn, Ben Falcone, Philip Baker Hall, and Allison Janney in key supporting roles.
Bad Words was not a critical or commercial success when it first arrived in theaters, receiving a very divided response from critics and audiences. Though it’s a polarizing movie, the film is very well directed and sharply funny, with an intentionally unlikeable main character who is brought to life through Bateman’s central performance. The movie may not be one of Jason Bateman’s best, but it is an enjoyable watch, so long as you don’t take it too seriously.
3
‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)
A classic jukebox musical rom-com, Mamma Mia! was directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Catherine Johnson and is adapted from the latter’s 1999 musical. The movie follows bride-to-be Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who invites three of her mother Donna’s former lovers to her wedding, believing that one of them could be her biological father. Meryl Streep stars as Donna, with Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, and Christine Baranski in other important roles.
When it first premiered in 2008, Mamma Mia! had a very mixed critical reception, but it was a breakout success at the box office, making over $700 million worldwide to become the fifth highest-grossing film of the year. In the years since, the movie has evolved into a beloved fan favorite, earning enduring praise from viewers for its feel-good narrative, campy tone, and the stellar soundtrack by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. The film was followed by a sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
- Release Date
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July 18, 2008
- Runtime
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108 minutes
- Director
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Phyllida Lloyd