What’s new on Netflix in May? Atlas, the sci-fi blockbuster starring Jennifer Lopez, hits the streamer on May 24. Bridgerton released the first four episodes of season 3 involving the courtship between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Other new titles include Jerry Seinfeld’s Unfrosted and the much-maligned Madame Web.
You know how this works. When new stuff comes in, old stuff must go out. There are several significant movies leaving Netflix at the end of the month that you have to watch now. Our selections include the final film in a beloved young-adult franchise, an iconic comedy involving golf, and a groundbreaking drama set in South Central Los Angeles.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2 (2015)
The entire Hunger Games franchise leaves Netflix at the end of the month. Because it’s the final chance to watch it on the streamer for the foreseeable future, we’ll spotlight the last film of the four, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2. At the end of the third film, a brainwashed Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) attacked Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), nearly ending her life. By seeing the evil of the Capitol firsthand, Katniss finally agrees to serve as the Mockingjay, the symbol for the rebellion.
Now, it’s personal between Katniss and President Snow (Donald Sutherland), the tyrannical leader of Panem. Katniss, Peeta, Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and other rebels embark on a mission to the Capitol to liberate the citizens of Panem once and for all. In the thrilling finale of a beloved series, Katniss risks it all to assassinate President Snow. Yet, the “girl on fire” slowly learns of an even greater danger that threatens the future of Panem.
Stream The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2 on Netflix.
Happy Gilmore (1996)
In the 1990s, Adam Sandler ruled the comedy scene with a string of original hits, including 1996’s Happy Gilmore. Happy (Sandler) eats, sleeps, and breathes hockey. Yet, Happy lacks the skills on the ice to turn pro. When he learns his grandmother (Frances Bay) has 90 days to pay off her debt to the IRS, Happy turns to an unlikely sport: golf. Happy possesses an innate ability to drive the ball farther than any golf professional. However, his short game and manners need some work.
Enter Chubbs Peterson (the late Carl Weathers), a former pro golfer forced to retire after losing his hand to an alligator. Under Chubbs’ tutelage, Happy succeeds at golf tournaments and wins money for his grandmother. As Happy becomes a lightning rod in the sport, star golfer Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) does everything to remove the hockey-loving golfer from the tour.
Stream Happy Gilmore on Netflix.
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
At 24, John Singleton became the youngest person to be nominated for Best Director at the Oscars. Singleton also was the first African American to receive that same nomination. The movie that garnered Singleton’s historic nomination was Boys n the Hood, 1991’s coming-of-age story told through the eyes of young African Americans in the gang-dominated South Central Los Angeles. As a teenager, Tre Styles (Cuba Gooding Jr.) moves in with his tough-loving father, Furious (Larry Fishburne), to learn about manhood and how to stay off the streets.
Tre spends his days hanging out with half-brothers Doughboy (Ice Cube) and Ricky Baker (Morris Chestnut), with the latter having a chance to play football at USC. Throughout the movie, Singleton’s script depicts police brutality, race relations, gang violence, and the African American experience in America. Boys n the Hood is Singleton’s magnum opus, a movie that still feels as groundbreaking now as it did in 1991.
Stream Boyz n the Hood on Netflix.
Forever My Girl (2012)
If you’re looking for an easy-to-watch romance movie with a happy ending, stream Forever My Girl. Liam Page is a country music superstar from a small town in Louisiana. Yet Liam grapples with the consequences of leaving his bride, Josie (Jessica Rothe), at the altar eight years earlier. After the death of a high school friend, Liam returns to town to attend the funeral and pay his respects.
Shortly upon arrival, Liam runs into Josie, who punches him in the stomach, deservedly so. Josie is not the only person Liam must face. Liam’s father, Pastor Brian (John Benjamin Hickey), remains upset that his son also deserted him. Liam has some explaining to do and must make up for lost time, especially when Josie reveals a shocking revelation that will change his life.
Stream Forever My Girl on Netflix.
Skyscraper (2018)
If you ever wanted to know what would happen if Dwayne Johnson played John McClane, watch Skyscraper. In this version of “Die Hard in an even taller building,” Johnson plays Will Sawyer, a former FBI agent and war veteran who lost his lower left leg in a bomb explosion. A decade later, Will is a private security consultant with a wife (Neve Campbell) and two children. Will is recruited to Hong Kong to review the security at “The Pearl,” the world’s tallest skyscraper at 3,500 feet (225 floors).
When a group of mercenaries start a fire at the Pearl and take the owner hostage, they frame Will for the destruction. To make matters worse, the mercenaries take Will’s family hostage. Using his elite combat skills and ingenuity, Will infiltrates the Pearl to save his family. However, the only way to safety inside the Pearl is up, not down.
Stream Skyscraper on Netflix.
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