Randy the Ogre’s Top-Rated Netflix New Releases
NetFlix Top Rated New Releases for 2008-08-05
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Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion: Part 1 (2006)
In the year 2010, the Empire of Britannia uses robotic Knightmare Frames to invade Area 11 (formerly known as Japan). Meanwhile, Lelouch — a Britannian high schooler living in Area 11 — stumbles into the heart of the local resistance. Taking the side of the rebels, he receives the power of Geass, which ensures that any order he commands will be obeyed. The revolution is on in this stirring anime series from director Goro Taniguchi |
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Ben 10: Season 4 (2007)
With the help of his prized alien watch, which allows him to transform into any of 10 alien superheroes, young Ben Tennyson battles another round of evil forces in the fourth season of the Cartoon Network series. With the help of his detail-oriented sister, Gwen, and the tough-but-supportive Grandpa Max, Ben finds fun and adventure in these 10 action-packed episodes, culminating in the two-part season finale “Ben 10 vs. the Negative 10. |
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Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations: Collection 3 (2007)
Globetrotting culinary adventurer Anthony Bourdain brings his discerning palate, sly wit and hedonistic attitudes to eateries all over the world in the third season of the Travel Channel hit “No Reservations.” Tony encounters shashlyk and spies in Russia, chows down on chicken and waffles in Los Angeles, searches for the perfect dumpling in Shanghai, tries bone soup in Singapore and reflects on Dante’s Inferno during a trying journey to Tuscany |
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Robin Hood: Season 2 (2008)
Robin of Locksley (Jonas Armstrong) swings into action for a second season of this rousing BBC series. New threats emerge from the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen) and his henchman, Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage), while trouble brews in the Holy Land. Meanwhile, Maid Marian (Lucy Griffiths) joins Robin’s band of Sherwood Forest outlaws as they continue to fight for justice in England. Gordon Kennedy and Harry Lloyd co-also star |
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Gurren Lagann: Vol. 2 (2007)
The second half of this popular anime series finds Simon mourning the death of Kamina, while the earth begins to repopulate and mankind once again prospers, following the battle between Team Dai-Gurren and Lord Genome’s robot forces. At Simon’s side is the mysterious Nia, a beautiful young girl he discovered hidden in a crate. But a new threat emerges with the arrival of the Anti-Spiral forces and news of an impending natural disaster |
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Get Smart (1965): Season 1 (1965)
Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, this Emmy-winning spoof of the spy genre stars Don Adams as bumbling operative Maxwell Smart, who — aided by shapely Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon) — must outwit the dastardly KAOS organization. Despite his ineptness with the gadgets at his disposal, clueless Max invariably foils the baddies, but if he needs help, his boss (Edward Platt) is only a shoe-phone call away. First season guests include Leonard Nimoy |
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Foyle’s War: Set 5 (2008)
Detective chief superintendent Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen) is forced to come out of retirement to aid the undermanned police force in Hastings, a coastal English town surrounded by the chaos and confusion of the ongoing WWII campaign. Expertly blending fiction and history, the fifth season of this period crime drama has Foyle investigating a death linked to a priest, the murder of a young doctor, and a suicide |
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Hotel Babylon: Season 2 (2007)
This British dramedy exposes the outrageous goings-on at a five-star London hotel. Manager Rebecca Mitchell (Tamzin Outhwaite) has her hands full this season, as a cult leader plots Armageddon from his suite and a tycoon tries to take over the hotel. Also, the wife of a philandering politician seeks refuge, and a businessman threatens to jump from the roof. The series was inspired by the same-titled book and real events recounted by an insider |
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Doctor Who: The Time Meddler (1965)
After landing on an English beach in 1066, the Doctor (William Hartnell) discovers that another Time Lord, the Monk (Peter Butterworth), has arrived before him — and is planning to alter history by obliterating the Viking fleet sent to attack King Harold’s forces. Meanwhile, the Doctor and Vicki (Maureen O’Brien) try to convince new time traveler Steven (Peter Purves) that they are actually traveling through time |
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Inspector Lewis: Series 1 (2007)
Kevin Whately reprises his role as Inspector Robbie Lewis in this British spin-off of the popular “Inspector Morse” series, in which Lewis returns to Oxford after a five-year absence in an effort to rebuild his life after his wife’s sudden passing. With his new partner, the brainy Detective Sgt. James Hathaway (Laurence Fox), Inspector Lewis works hard to solve crimes while trying to gain recognition from his skeptical new boss |
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Doctor Who: Black Orchid (1982)
The Doctor (Peter Davison) is mistaken for a winning cricket player when he arrives in 1925 England just before a big match. Soon he and his fellow time travelers find themselves at team owner Lord Cranleigh’s (Michael Cochrane) country mansion, being pampered like celebrities. But a series of murders put a damper on the celebration, and it gradually becomes clear that Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) may be the killer’s next target |
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Code Monkeys: Season 1 (2007)
Both seasons of this unique animated series from the G4 television network are included in this video collection that is animated in the tradition of a classic home game console and centers on the exploits of employees at a 1980s video game company. Many of the plot lines and much of the bawdy humor in the show are inspired by the premises of real-life vintage video games, such as “Super Mario Bros.” and “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out! |
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Nim’s Island (2008)
When the young island-dwelling Nim (Abigail Breslin) loses contact with her scientist father (Gerard Butler) who’s lost at sea, she reaches out to her favorite author (Jodie Foster) for help. Problem is, the writer — of adventure stories no less — is a recluse who hasn’t left her house in years. Can the agoraphobic author summon the same courage she’s instilled in the hero of her novels in time to rescue her biggest fan? |
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Family Ties: Season 4 (1985)
The Keaton family continues to use 1960s values to cope with the 1980s in the fourth season of this beloved series. The year begins with a feature-length episode that sends the family to England when Alex is accepted at Oxford. This season also introduces Nick (Scott Valentine), Mallory’s dim-witted artist boyfriend, whose influence rankles Steven and Elyse, and Alex’s girlfriend, Ellen, played by Tracy Pollan, the future Mrs. Michael J. Fox |
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Buds for Life (2004)
This ensemble romantic comedy stars Eugene Byrd, Eddie Griffin Jr., Donn Swaby and Maurice Patton as four tight-knit pals who leave gritty New York City and make their way to sun-kissed Los Angeles hoping to find fame and fortune in Hollywood. But the road to the top is marked with potholes and barriers in the form of women who leave the guys confused, dizzy and distracted — and who may even put their ironclad friendships in jeopardy |
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Beastmaster: The Complete Series (1999)
Born with a gift to communicate telepathically with animals, lone warrior Dar (Daniel Goddard) travels a mystical and treacherous land on a quest to bring peace to all creatures. Season 1 of the swords-and-sorcery TV series finds Dar and his companion Tao (Jackson Raine) searching for Dar’s lost love (Natalie Mendoza) and battling ferocious foes, including King Zad of the Terrons, the Sorceress, the monstrous Chimera and the evil Spiderwitch |
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Pete Seeger: The Power of Song (2007)
Filmmaker Jim Brown blends archival footage, interviews and home movies to paint an affectionate portrait of pioneering folk singer and political activist Pete Seeger, best known for the classic anthems “If I Had a Hammer” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.” Highlights include candid conversations with legendary artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, who weigh in on Seeger’s far-reaching influence |
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Back at the Barnyard: Season 1 (2007)
It’s fun on the farm in this animated Nickelodeon series that was inspired by the feature film Barnyard: The Original Party Animals and features several of the movie’s most loveable characters, as well as a few new faces. The first season kicks off with Otis — a male cow with female udders — and his bovine pals causing trouble for a frightened family stuck in their car. Later, Pig gets his tail stuck in a bottle while lounging in the mud |
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Garfield’s Fun Fest (2008)
This sequel to Garfield Gets Real centers around FunFest, Cartoon World’s yearly competition for the funniest comic strip in the land, in which fat cat Garfield (voiced by Frank Welker) has long held bragging rights as the reigning title holder. But this time, Garfield must battle the tall, handsome Ramone for the coveted honor in a way that only a lasagna-loving tabby cat can do –with hilarious results |
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Life in Cold Blood (2008)
David Attenborough hosts this compelling documentary series that explores the world of reptiles and amphibians, using amazing new technology that gives viewers a real inside look at these creatures’ lives. A co-production between BBC and Animal Planet, the show follows a variety of cold-blooded creatures all over the world, examining the individual behavior and complex societies of these fascinating animals |
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TNA: Best of the Bloodiest Brawls: Scars and Stitches (2008)
Brace yourself for some of Total Nontstop Action Wrestling’s cruelest matches in this collection of fights from the Doomsday Chamber of Blood, Six Sides of Steel and Barbed Wire Massacre series of bouts. Watch as the likes of A.J. Styles, Jeff Jarrett, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Sting, Abyss, the Latin American Exchange and other TNA wrestlers work it out in the hexagon, where there is no victory without bloodshed |
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Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (2008)
When a Federation starship crash-lands on the far-flung alien planet OM-1, its passengers, including Starship leader Sky Marshal Anoke (Stephen Hogan) and pilot Lola Beck (Jolene Blalock), find themselves stranded, and their only hope for salvation lies with Col. Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien). Now, Rico — the hero of Planet P’s Bug Invasion — must mobilize a team of Troopers for a death-defying rescue mission. |
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Phish: Walnut Creek (1997)
In the midst of a torrential downpour at the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, N.C., legendary jam band Phish performs a truly memorable concert that showcases a collision of their astounding music with Mother Nature’s mighty power. As the musicians get soaked playing songs such as “Down with Disease” and “Bouncing Around the Room,” the lines between their performance and the storm’s effects are magically blurred |
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Strictly Background (2007)
Background actors get their moment in the spotlight in this quirky documentary from filmmaker Jason Connell that chronicles the lives of professional movie extras. One professes to have become “really good friends” with Richard Dreyfuss while he was working on set. Another admits that her odd hours and crazy costumes have led her neighbors to assume she’s a hooker. And a third … well, you get the picture |
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Slippery Slope (2007)
To amp her cash flow and bail her indie masterpiece out of hock at the lab, high-minded feminist director Gillian (Kelly Hutchinson) joins the crew of an independent film of a different sort — a pornographic skin flick. The plot thickens when the film’s director walks off the set and Gillian agrees to take the reins. All the while, her clueless husband (Jim True-Frost) has no idea how she’s been spending her days |
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Charlie and Lola: Vol. 8: I Am Collecting a Collection (2006)
In the title episode of this charming animated compilation, Charlie is collecting the plastic dinosaurs from his breakfast cereal boxes, and his set is nearly complete. As usual, little Lola wants to be just like her big brother. She decides she’ll collect something, too — but what? When water and leaves don’t work out, Lola assembles a collection that may not mean much to anyone else, but makes perfect sense to her |
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A Lobster Tale (2006)
Cody Brewer (Colm Meaney), a down-on-his-luck Maine lobster fisherman, stumbles upon an odd species of green moss that he soon discovers has magical properties in this fantasy tale. When word about the supernatural, miracle-producing substance spreads throughout the town, Cody finds himself torn between using it to help his fellow neighbors in their time of need and putting it to work to repair his tenuous family life. Alberta Watson co-stars |
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Pride FC: Bushido: Vol. 13 (2006)
Witness some of the planet’s best mixed martial arts action in Pride FC’s renowned Bushido series, including a lightweight championship bout between challenger Marcus Aurelio and defending champ Takanori Gomi. Also featured are a welterweight championship fight between Denis Kang and Kazuo Misaki and additional matchups with Gegard Mousasi taking on Hector Lombard, Shinya Aoki against Clay French and more |
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Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe: Live (2007)
In this live concert, Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe — a group composed of former members of the prog rock act Yes — take the stage with hits off their self-titled 1989 album as well as several songs that put a new spin on classic Yes material. Tracks from the set list include the Yes hits “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “Close to the Edge,” “Madrigal,” “Roundabout,” “And You and I” and “Starship Trooper. |
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Masters of Science Fiction: Season 1 (2007)
Preeminent physicist Stephen Hawking hosts this series, which features stand-alone science fiction episodes written and directed by various legends in the field, and stars celebrated actors such as Malcolm McDowell, Anne Heche and Sam Waterston. The collection includes all six episodes in the series, including “Little Brother” and “Watchbird,” both of which were never broadcast during the show’s initial run |
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He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Vol. 3 (2002)
This collection includes the final episodes of the animated series’ Emmy-winning 2002 incarnation, which finds young He-Man confronting Skeletor, King Hiss and his slithering subordinates, the Snake Men, as they try to vanquish Eternia. In the midst of the mayhem, He-Man discovers the source of his power and the origins of Castle Grayskull. Of course, his faithful cohorts — Teela, Duncan, Orko and Cringer — are also on hand |
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Aerosmith Videobiography (2008)
In this comprehensive review, music critics and journalists trace Aerosmith’s rise to the forefront of rock ‘n’ roll and weigh in on the band’s contributions to the industry, a thought-provoking analysis fueled by music videos and on-stage footage. Along the way, you’ll hear some of the most popular hits of Aerosmith’s career, including “Cryin’,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Love in an Elevator. |
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Wild China (2008)
This six-part series from the BBC uncovers some of the most exotic and uncharted natural habitats hidden within the vast and diverse topography of China, including Yunnan’s forests, the Tibetan plateau, the Silk Road and the Mongol steppes. Through high-definition and other cutting-edge camera technologies, the footage presented here captures stunning wildlife sequences, along with a plethora of breathtaking landscape photography |
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P.D. James: Devices and Desires (1991)
Roy Marsden stars as Scotland Yard sleuth Adam Dalgliesh in this epic miniseries based on the popular mystery novel by P.D. James, a tale that also features a brief appearance by a young Kate Beckinsale. After inheriting a seaside cottage from his aunt, Dalgliesh escapes the city for a little R&R, only to find himself neck-deep in a string of serial killings. Can he expose the killer before his vacation is completely ruined |
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Finn’s Girl (2007)
Following the untimely death of her partner, Nancy (Gail Maurice), Dr. Finn Jeffries (Brooke Johnson) struggles to single-handedly care for the couple’s angst-addled preteen daughter, Zelly (Maya Ritter), while taking on the responsibility of running the abortion clinic Nancy founded. Yanna McIntosh, Richard Clarkin, Nathalie Toriel and Gilles Lemaire also star in this sensitive drama from co-directors Dominique Cardona and Laurie Colbert |
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Queen: We Thank You All (2008)
Blending rare photos, archival performance footage and band interviews, this documentary traces Queen’s career arc and explores the group’s rise to prominence in the 1970s — as well as lead singer Freddie Mercury’s tragic death in 1991. Segments not only analyze Queen’s music but also profile the individual men who made it all happen with commentary from rock journalists and other critics who weigh in on the band’s lasting influence |
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Camp Out (2006)
It’s hard enough being a teenager, but toss being gay and a devout Christian into the mix, and you begin to get an idea of the confusion, not to mention isolation, many of the teens at the first camp for gay Christian youth have experienced. This documentary from the producers of Bravo’s “Boy Meets Boy” follows 10 of the young campers as they struggle to reconcile their sexuality with their faith in an atmosphere of acceptance and support |
