August is here, bringing exciting new original films to the Netflix lineup. Among them is a sci-fi horror titled The Last House, featuring Greta Lee, and later in the month, a gripping murder thriller called The Whisper Man, starring Adam Scott and Robert De Niro.
However, as we kick off August, there are several classic films available for lease on Netflix. Among these selections are a tear-jerking entry in a beloved car racing franchise, a timeless ’90s comedy set in Beverly Hills that’s highly quotable, and my standout choice this week—a legendary action film about a bus that can’t slow down.
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Furious 7
A heartfelt tribute to Paul Walker
This month, fans of the adrenaline-fueled Fast & Furious series are in for a treat, as the first seven films of this ten-part saga are now available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S. Instead of focusing on the initial film that ignited it all, let’s celebrate Furious 7, the final chapter featuring Paul Walker before his untimely passing in 2013, and one that has garnered critical acclaim.
The narrative picks up after Fast & Furious 6, where rogue agent Deckard Shaw, played by Jason Statham, seeks vengeance against Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), and their crew for wreaking havoc on his brother Owen. Rather than idly waiting for danger, Dom and his family make a deal with government operative Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell). He assists them in apprehending Shaw, while they help him track down a kidnapped hacker.
As with the previous films, expect high-speed chases, stunts that defy logic (think skydiving cars), massive explosions, and a genuinely emotional farewell to Walker. Furious 7 holds an 81% approval rating from critics.
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Clueless
Alicia Silverstone shines as Cher Horowitz
If you have teenagers at home, it’s time to introduce them to a film that defined a generation, filled with memorable quotes, and introduced Paul Rudd to the big screen: Clueless, a modern twist on Jane Austen’s Emma, is now on Netflix.
Alicia Silverstone plays Cher Horowitz, a fashionable and affluent high school student in Beverly Hills, who loves influencing her social circle. When she and her friend Dionne (Stacey Dash) decide to transform newcomer Tai (Brittany Murphy) into a popular girl, they get more than they bargained for when Tai’s makeover leads to her unexpected rise in popularity.
If lines like “As if!” and “Totally buggin'” were part of your youth, prepare for a sweet dose of nostalgia packed with humor that defined its era.
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Speed
High-octane thrills with Keanu and Sandra
This film not only won two Academy Awards for its sound design but also paired the dynamic duo of Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. The plot is straightforward yet thrilling: disgruntled ex-bomb squad officer Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) rigs a city bus to explode if it slows down. LAPD officer Jack Traven (Reeves) boards this rolling danger, and when the driver is injured, courageous passenger Annie Porter (Bullock) takes over, navigating through traffic and even down an airport runway.
Prepare for 116 minutes of escalating tension. If you dare, the infamous sequel, Speed 2: Cruise Control, which garnered a mere 4% on Rotten Tomatoes, is also available to stream.
Exciting new developments ahead
August kicks off fantastically for film enthusiasts with a blend of classic favorites and fresh original content sure to make waves on the streaming charts. Stay tuned for more recommendations in the upcoming weeks!
