Settle into the October grind with Netflix’s new offerings

September 28, 2016

It’s October. The middle month. The half way point. The happiness of summer break wanes in the distance, but winter break only faintly glimmers ahead. Midterms are upon us, and Netflix’s October lineup of new shows has come just in time to save you from nights full of study-induced misery.

Bueller … Bueller?

Oct. 1 will start the month off strong with some classic films you won’t want to miss. If you don’t want to go to school for a day, chill out at home with the greatest ditching-school movie of all time: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The film tells the story of Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) as he skips class for a day accompanied by both his girlfriend and best friend. Through their adventures in the city, they learn more about themselves, each other and life as a whole, which is at least more than they would have learned in school that day.

Major Archie Gates and company

The David O. Russell military action-comedy “Three Kings” will also hit Netflix on Oct. 1. The film stars George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and Ice Cube as US soldiers trying to locate a mysterious pot of gold in Iraq after the end of the Gulf War. This intense, satirical and wonderfully entertaining film brings out the best from both its stars and director.

Ghosts and dry humor

Viewers will have another cinematic treat on Oct. 1 when “Ghost Town” starts streaming. The comedy, starring Ricky Gervais and Greg Kinnear, tells the story of dentist (Gervais) who, after a near-death experience, discovers he can see and talk to ghosts, one of whom Kinnear plays. This oddball film relies heavily on the token dry humor that Gervais has built his career and serves as a solid niche comedy.

More AHS and Black Mirror

Netflix is already ahead of the Halloween game with its fill of scary material starting to stream this month. “American Horror Story: Hotel” will stream Oct. 4, and new episodes of “Black Mirror” will begin to stream Oct. 21 for anyone looking to satisfy their frightening-entertainment fix during the creepiest month of the year.

Mediocre superhero show fans, unite!

Fans of less-than-spectacular superhero television shows are in for an exciting month because new seasons of “Arrow,” “The Flash” and “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” will all become available at various points throughout the month. Hopefully, the shows’ average storytelling capabilities will tide you over until the next superhero film hits theaters.

J.T. behind the scenes

Music fans have something to get excited about on Oct. 12 when “Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids,” becomes available, fulfilling the dreams of any fans itching to get a behind-the-scenes look at J.T.’s most recent tour.

More Netflix originals

On Oct. 13, the Netflix original film “Mascots” will hit the site. “Mascots” is a new mockumentary from the minds behind “Best In Show,” a hilarious satirical take on American dog shows. “Mascots” offers a look into the world of sport mascot competitions, similar to the dog show competitions in the film that inspired this one. If the same recipe can work twice in a row, then this should prove to be a much-needed comedic relief for the mid-semester blues.

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