Never mind just a day for April Fools’, Netflix has a whole month of silliness planned in the run up to yet another Adam Sandler original hitting the streaming service. But if Sandler’s style of comedy isn’t your cup of tea, then take comfort in the fact that between some classic cinema, adventurous originals and some interesting reboots, there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the month of April.
Jaws (1 April)
As part of this year’s Belfast Film Festival, Banterflix is screening Joe Dante’s 1978 B-Movie satirical horror Piranha onboard the HMS Caroline, so why not warm up by revisiting the film that first made an entire generation too scared to get back in the water.
There’s been enough literature and analysis on the subject of Jaws that to add anything more here would not do it justice. All I can say is that after forty-three years, the film still holds up as being a masterclass in cinematic suspense and for many, is still one of Spielberg’s greatest.
The Return of the Living Dead (1 April)
A cult favourite at Banterflix HQ, The Return of the Living Dead may have been written by Night of the Living Dead co-writer John Russo, but is a clear departure from George A. Romero’s infamous zombie series.
Directed by Alien scriptwriter Dan O’Bannon, this horror comedy B-movie offers a grungier, gnarlier take on the zombie genre, a brilliant punk soundtrack, and is often credited with introducing many of the common zombie tropes we consider canon to this very day. Just don’t leave your brains at the door – they might get eaten!
American Psycho (4 April)
Based on the novel of the same name by Brett Easton Ellis, American Psycho was praised and condemned in equal measure when it was released back in the year 2000. Admittedly, I fell into the latter camp upon first viewing all those years ago.
Several viewings later and my opinion has changed to the point where I’m happy to argue the film’s case to any remaining naysayers that are still out. A satirical tale of modern excess contained within the skin of psychological slasher, American Psycho still stands up as one of Christian Bale’s best performances.
Orbiter 9 (6 April)
Originally from Spain and billed as a Netflix original, this romantic drama with a sci-fi twist looks like it could satisfy fans of Interstellar, The Martian and Moon all in one fell swoop.
Directed by Hatem Khraiche, Orbiter 9 stars Clara Lago as the singular passenger on a vessel searching for new habitable planets. When her ship falls in need of repair, she is introduced to a mechanic (Alex Gonzalez) who may know the truth behind the purpose of her ominous mission.
Come Sunday (13 April)
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, this Netflix original chronicles the life of Carlton Pearson, a Pentecostal minister who was branded a modern day heretic after believing he received an epiphany from God and grew suspicious of the teachings of his church.
Martin Sheen, Jason Segel and Danny Glover round out the cast in a drama that questions whether damnation waits for us in the afterlife, or if the world we’ve created is the true Hell of which the Bible speaks.
Dr Strangelove (13 April)
An anti-war masterpiece that is as relevant today was it was back in 1964, Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a political black comedy that takes MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) literally. Yet, despite being filled with memorable over-the-top characters and zany one-liners (“Your average Ruskie doesn’t take a dump without a plan!”), the film still manages to hold it all together and deliver one key message – no good can come of war.
Directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Peter Sellers, this iconic Cold War satire is one of cinema’s greatest, a comedy classic, and could well teach today’s politicians a thing or two about the dangers of the war machine.
Lost in Space S1 (13 April)
Danger, Will Robinson! Netflix’s upcoming Lost in Space reboot isn’t the first time the cult sci-fi series has been giving a shiny new update. Remember the movie version from 1998 that starred Matt Le Blanc? Oh, the pain….
But if the trailer and limited information from Netflix is anything to go by, then the future looks hopeful for the Robinson family. A shiny new take on a science fiction cult classic, Lost in Space could prove to be an edge-of-your seat adventure that the whole family can binge-watch together.
Monthy Python (15 April)
And Now for Something Completely Different! Monthy Python fans are in for a treat on April 15th when a boat load of the comedy troupe’s best sails onto Netflix and farts in our general direction.
If episodes of Monthy Python’s Flying Circus, Python related documentaries and even some of their live shows weren’t enough, both Monthy Python and the Holy Grail and The Life of Brian will leave you so fit to burst, that there won’t even be enough room for a wafer-thin mint afterwards
The Alienist S1 (19 April)
The first series of The Alienist may have already been broadcast across the fond to admittedly mixed reviews, but with an impressive cast and a gruesome murder mystery at its centre, it might find a more favourable response via Netflix.
Based on the novel by Caleb Carr, this period drama brings together Luke Evans, Daniel Bruhl, and Dakota Fanning as a trio of investigators who are tasked with uncovering the terrible truth behind a series of child murders in 1890’s New York City. Probably not recommended for the faint-hearted.
Anything we’ve missed? Disagree with our picks? Or just want to let us know what you thought? Feel free to tell us what you thought on Facebook and Twitter!
All dates/releases correct at time of print.