The NYC winter has lent itself to some severe bonding time between me, my couch, and my Netflix Instant Queue.  A lover of films, especially one’s that have NYC sparkling across the silver screen, I thought I’d share some of the best I’ve watched recently that are absolutely worth a two hour chunk of your time.  Spanning all genres, they have nothing in common except for the background, which I promise, you’ll thoroughly enjoy.  So grab your snuggle blanket, a glass of Pinot, and enjoy the show(s)!

1. Limitless (2011).  Genre: Crime and Psychological Thrillers. “With his writing career dragging and his girlfriend casting him off, Eddie Morra’s life turns around when he takes a drug that provides astonishing mental focus — but its deadly side effects threaten his future. -Netflix”  Author’s Note: Phenomenal script and storyline aside, the visuals presented of NYC while Eddie is on his drug are stunning.  Think Instagram on acid.
2. HappyThankYouMorePlease (2011).  Genre:  Independent Romantic Comedy.  “On the way to meet a publisher, aspiring novelist Sam encounters Rasheen alone on the subway. While struggling to decide whether to send the young boy back to foster care, Sam looks after Rasheen and learns a few important life lessons. Meanwhile, Sam’s friends deal with various romantic tribulations. -Netflix”  Author’s Note:  This is one of those indie films that sucks you in at first glance cause, well, you can actually see it happening to you.
3. Waiting For Superman (2010).  Genre: Political and Social/Cultural Documentaries.  “Dynamic documentarian Davis Guggenheim weaves together stories about students, families, educators and reformers to shed light on the failing public school system and its consequences for the future of the United States. -Netflix”  Author’s Note: As an educator myself, I don’t agree with all the topics that are discussed in this film, but it definitely makes for some great dinner-party debate.  And after you watch it, make sure to thank a teacher!
4. New York, I Love You (2008).  Genre: Independent Romantic Comedy with a side of Drama.  “This valentine to New York cleverly blends nearly a dozen love stories, each presented by a different filmmaker. From Central Park to Brooklyn and Queens, each tale features the Big Apple as a central character. -Netflix”  Author’s Note:  I first saw this on the big screen when it was released, and it was love at first watch.  Even though it stars all your favorite actors and actresses, I promise, New York will touch your heart most of all.
5. All About Eve (1950).  Genre: Classic.  “Writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s sharp script anchors this story about New York City theater life, with Bette Davis playing an aging Broadway diva who employs a starstruck fan as her assistant, only to learn the woman is a conniving upstart. -Netflix”  Author’s Note:  Glitz? Glamour?  Broadway?  Bette Davis at her snarkiest?  It’s easy to see why this one’s a classic.  As Davis says, “Fasten your seat-belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.”

These films are all available instantly with Netflix’s Unlimited Streaming Plan, just $7.99 per month.  Pretty awesome way to both save money and stay warm this winter!  What are some of your favorite flicks set in the Big Apple?

By: Jessica Tiare Bowen