Sure-Fire Streaming: The Vault, Everybody Loves Raymond, and more
By Jordan Parker
The best in TV and film from your living room.
No Strings Attached – Available On Netflix
A victim of circumstance, this hilarious relationship comedy came out the exact same year as more popular, flashier Friends With Benefits.
Despite sporting an Oscar winner as a co-lead and an Oscar nominee and comedy legend as the director, No Strings Attached was no match for its edgier, Justin Timberlake-starring counterpart.
However, this comedy about two friends who try to keep their relationship physical-only – to their own detriment is a better film in many ways.
Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher are adorable and hilarious here, and it features a strong supporting cast of Kevin Kline, Cary Elwes, Greta Gerwig, Ludacis, Jake Johnson and Mindy Kaling,
The script is whip-smart, and I really think you'll be surprised by how much you truly enjoy this one.
The Vault – Available On Netflix
Mostly known for his television roles in The Good Doctor and Bates Motel, star Freddie Highmore is fabulous in this small film about a huge robbery.
It follows an engineering graduate who's recruited to break into the Bank of Spain's safe to get treasure for his employer.
The Vault doesn't offer a huge amount of surprises, but it's so interesting and intriguing that it doesn't matter.
Highmore is joined by Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Sam Riley, and Game Of Thrones alum Liam Cunningham in this one, which is better than it has any right to be.
The set-pieces are gorgeous and the action is brisk. This one offers some thrills and excitement along with some wonderful performances.
It won't wow you, but it sure is worthwhile viewing if you're looking for a little adventure.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin – Available On Prime Video
This is the film that started the Judd Apatow craze. You don't get Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and the gang without this gut-busting comedy.
Steve Carell is at his most-awkward as a nerdy big-box store employee who is pushed by his friends at work to lose his virginity.
At 40, many around him wonder how he never got it done, but they're intent on helping him at all costs, without really wondering whether he wants it to be special or memorable.
Apatow – known for Knocked Up and Funny People – mixes the perfect amount of raunchy comedy and sweetness here, and it packs an emotional punch.
Carell is joined by Katherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Rogen, Leslie Mann, a scene-stealing Romany Malco, Elizabeth Banks and Jane Lynch.
Years later, even my father still quotes lines from this film. It's pretty wild, and not for anyone under 18, but if you like adult entertainment this one is for you.
Everybody Loves Raymond – Available On Netflix
It honestly doesn't get much funnier on network TV than this show.
It endured for nine years and won 15 Primetime Emmys because it was one of the most relatable, awkward shows to air, and I absolutely adore it.
It follows the life and times of sports writer Ray Barone, and his relationship with his wife, family, and parents, who happen to live across the street.
The shows explores so many topics and its entire run made for must-watch television.
Ray Romano became a household name because of this one, and Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, and the late Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle made this one well worth the time investment.
The situational comedy was absolutely perfect, and I can't wait to revisit this modern classic.
The Lodge – Available On Prime Video
This is a messed-up, terrifying affair that will be uncomfortable to sit through.
You'll be squirming in your seat as you watch this meditation on the blended family. It follows a future step-mom who becomes snowed in with her fiance's two kids at a holiday cottage.
She struggles to connect with the children, who have a severe disdain for her, but some unprecedented events could bring them together – or tear them further apart – for the rest of time.
It's a claustrophobic film that you won't soon forget. Co-directors Severin Fiali and Veronika Franz infuse the film with intense visuals, amazing stylings, and some truly horrific scenes.
Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell and Lia McHugh run the show here, and their performances are a huge reason to watch. Enter The Lodge if you dare.