by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to the Buried Treasure of the Streaming World! This series takes a month’s worth of content at a time and sifts out the buried treasure that exists on all forms of streaming. These films most likely fly under the radar, but now it is time to shine that spotlight on them and give them the attention they truly deserve. Time to dive in, shall we?
McEnroe (9/10) – Showtime
What do you know about Johnny McEnroe? I always knew him as the crazy and angry tennis star who would pop up in Adam Sandler films. But this man was the number one male tennis star for FOUR YEARS. That is insane. There is so much beneath the surface with how he works and thinks. McEnroe is fascinating, and luckily Showtime has the right film to deliver this experience. McEnroe is an enthralling and engaging documentary that captures the thrills of two athletes competing at the highest level, while also capturing the inner works of such a misunderstood figure. This is one of the most significant sports documentaries in recent years. Make sure to check it out.
Cop Secret (8/10) – VOD
Who is ready for the crazy ‘80s fun we used to enjoy with cop comedies? Maybe it wasn’t something we expected. It certainly is a pleasant surprise with Cop Secret. This tongue-in-cheek lampooning of ‘80s cop films and masculinity in general is quite the blast. We have two unexpected partners who handle the law so differently (as always), but they don’t just become friends this time around. Their saucy sexual chemistry is off the charts and adds a fun layer to the film. Cop Secret has everything you expected from an ‘80s buddy cop film and so much more. The Icelandic people sure know how to make them, and this one is an incredible delight.
Donbass (9/10) – VOD
The effects of war and invasion are so devastating and hard to comprehend, aren’t they? Donbass does its best to show the real cost on all people, as this ensemble captures the many facets of Ukrainian society. We see the journalists who try to capture the horrors of Russia’s invasion, the soldiers who must fight through it, and the regular people who just want to survive. There are harrowing scenes of the filth that the populace must endure to survive. There are the lies portrayed that Russia tries to convey to the outside world and their twisted logic to destroy the press. This is a stark film with a tone that holds plenty of suspense and tension from start to finish. This ensemble war film is not quite anything you have seen before, and is so timely today.
Hello, Bookstore (8/10) – VOD
What is the one spot that you have that is your special place? For me, walking through a used bookstore is such a unique experience. The journey that each book has been through is probably as telling as the story printed on its pages. Like many places during the pandemic, these stores were on the brink of oblivion. But Hello, Bookstore shows a little engine that could, and the lengths that one store would go to survive. This is an inspiring documentary that will strike a chord inside every bibliophile out there. The heart that it holds is awe-inspiring — it’s a wonderful little watch.
This Much I Know to Be True (9/10) – Mubi
Do you want to know what it’s like in the creative space of Nick Cave? If you do, Mubi has you covered! This Much I Know to Be True is a concert film of sorts that finds Cave and his crew performing some of his iconic works, as well as his new tracks. We are engrossed by his perspective of the world, as well as the fleeting urge to experience his music. The performances are enthralling and full of life. This documentary captures the spark that has made Cave a beloved artist, and the depth that makes his music so unique. If you are ready for a striking and beautiful documentary experience, head on over to Mubi.
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