Continuing with our new feature, The Edge takes a look at ten of the best new releases coming to Netflix UK in September. This month sees the release of several nostalgic flicks, as well as some exciting new blockbusters.
The Flintstones (1st September)
This 1994 live-action comedy brought the town of Bedrock to life in a big way. Based on Hanna Barbera’s beloved animated TV series, the film stars John Goodman as Fred Flintstone and Rick Moranis as his best friend, Barney Rubble. When Fred unwittingly becomes embroiled in a dastardly scheme devised by his boss Cliff Vandercave (Kyle MacLachlan), it’s up to Barney to save the day. Also starring Elizabeth Perkins, Rosie O’Donnell, Halle Berry and Elizabeth Taylor, The Flintstones is a fun film that, if nothing else, will leave you feeling nostalgic.
Line of Duty: Series 1 & 2 (1st September)
The first two seasons of Jed Mercurio’s BBC police-procedural drama are coming to Netflix. The show revolves around an anti-corruption unit, commonly referred to as AC-12. Alongside his colleagues (played by Lennie James, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar), DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) is tasked with investigating the corrupt dealings of a detective inspector. Meanwhile, the second season sees Keeley Hawes and Jessica Raine join the cast as two suspicious characters. With a third series commissioned to air next year, now might be the perfect time to catch up.
The Decoy Bride (9th September)
David Tennant, Kelly MacDonald and Alice Eve star in this 2011 romantic comedy, written by Sally Phillips (Miranda) and Neil Jaworski. As the title suggests, the film revolves around Katie (McDonald), an ordinary Scottish lass who is roped into an elaborate plot to be the ‘decoy bride’ in the wedding of a famous actress (Eve). However in the midst of the staged ceremony, Katie and the groom-to-be (Tennant) begin to fall for each other. Of course, you could easily dismiss this as another naff rom-com – but as the nights get colder, it might prove to be just the kind of heart-warming mush you need.
Toy Story 1, 2 & 3 (11th/18th/25th September)
With the first film set to celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year, Pixar’s beloved series about toys that come to life is finally making it’s way to Netflix. Toy Story chronicles the long-lasting tale of a group of toys that belong to a young boy called Andy. Chief among them is Andy’s favourite – a cowboy doll named Woody (Tom Hanks). However, when Andy receives an impressive Buzz Lightyear action figure (Tim Allen) for his birthday, the dynamic between the toys changes. As the story progresses, Woody finds a friend in Buzz, and the two stick together – even when faced with abandonment when Andy heads to college.
Monsters University (11th September)
It’s not just us humans who are heading to uni this month! In this prequel to Pixar’s much-loved 2001 animation, we get to see the teenage exploits of James “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman) and Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal), before they became the top scaring team in Monsters Inc. After being faced with the threat of expulsion by the menacing Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren), the unlikely pair join the most hopeless sorority on campus, with the hopes of leading them to victory in the annual scare games. The film also features the vocal talents of Steve Buscemi and Nathan Fillion.
Only Fools and Horses: Series 1 & 2 (15th September)
The first two seasons of John Sullivan’s classic comedy series, Only Fools and Horses, is coming to Netflix. Set in South London, the series follows the Trotters – a family who run a dubious trading business in Peckham. The leader of the pack is Del Boy (David Jason), a loveable loser with high ambitions and an eye for a bargain. However, Del Boy’s money-making schemes often come to the despair of his younger brother, Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) and his elderly Grandad (Lennard Pearce). With a strong supporting cast, including the likes of Roger Lloyd-Pack, John Challis and Paul Barber, Only Fools is a golden nugget of British comedy, if ever there was one.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (16th September)
The third film in The Hunger Games franchise is coming to Netflix this month, albeit for a limited time. Based on Suzanne Collins’ popular novel, Jennifer Lawrence returns as ruthless teenage heroine, Katniss Everdeen. Following her escape from the Quarter Quell, Katniss finds herself in District 13 – an underground bunker that is home to hundreds of revolutionaries. To avenge her home and save the people she holds most dear, Katniss must use her status as ‘the Mockingjay’ to bring the districts of Panem together and put the Capitol’s reign of tyranny to an end.
Keith Richards: Under The Influence (18th September)
Under The Influence is a new documentary investigating the musical motivations of Rolling Stones guitarist, Keith Richards. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker, Morgan Neville, the documentary is said to give an “unprecedented look” into Richards’ influences, songwriting process and guitar playing. The film also includes snippets of interviews, archival material and original footage of him recording new music for his first solo album in over 20 years, Crosseyed Heart.
The Kite Runner (23rd September)
Based on the acclaimed novel by Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner tells the heartbreaking story of Amir – a man who remains tormented by guilt after he abandoned his childhood friend Hassan in war-torn Afghanistan. Years later, when he learns that the Taliban has murdered Hassan and his wife, Amir returns to his homeland to learn the fate of the couple’s son, Sohrab. An unflinching, yet poignant look into the relationships between men (friends, brothers, fathers), this is a hard but gratifying watch for anyone in the mood to watch a film with emotional substance.
Thor: The Dark World (24th September)
The latest Marvel film to premiere on Netflix, Thor: The Dark World revisits the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth), as he attempts to conceal a powerful element known as the Aether from one of Asgard’s age-old enemies; The Dark Elves. However, when Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) becomes the element’s host – harnessing its dangerous power – Thor is forced to join forces with his scheming step-brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in order to keep the Dark Elf lord, Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) from taking the Aether and using it to destroy the nine realms.
