If Ryan Gosling is one of the most beloved actors of his generation, that’s because he never fails to deliver great performances. From comedy to drama, the Canadian has proven he has the versatility for it all. While deciding which one of his movies is a difficult task, a case can be made for the romantic drama “Blue Valentine,” in which he stars alongside Michelle Williams.

This was Gosling’s first collaboration with director Derek Cianfrance, with whom he reunited again in “The Place Beyond The Pines,” released in 2012. The film has been one passion project for the director, who struggled to make it for seven years due to lack of financing. He even had to give up his director fee to finish it.

With a realistic and unsparing approach to storytelling, the film follows Gosling and Williams as a struggling couple, and it has become a classic. Even Paul Mescal mentioned it as one of the five films he “can’t stop thinking about.” So, if you haven’t watched it yet, you can find it on Max.

‘Blue Valentine,’ a realistic portrayal of romantic relationships

The film, written by Cianfrance, Cami Delevingne and Joey Curtis, follows Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams), who live a quiet life in a modest neighborhood. While everything seems normal, their relationship is in a downward spiral.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is that it follows two linear narratives, jumping back and forth between the beginning of Dean and Cindy’s relationship and their marriage several years later. This helps the viewer to feel the contrast between the two stages.

Originally, Cianfrance’s intention was to film the two timelines several years apart for even more realism. However, Gosling and Williams did embrace the process, living together and using a similar budget to their characters’ to build “tension.”

Blue Valentine, accolades and reception

The film received critical acclaim and Williams was nominated for both the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, while Gosling received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama.

“Blue Valentine” is celebrated as a great movie for its raw and unflinching portrayal of the complexities of love and relationships. The film draws viewers into the intimate, sometimes uncomfortable, moments of a troubled relationship, offering a profound and emotionally resonant look at the complexities of human connections, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.

With Spooky Season approaching, horror movies and TV shows are making a significant impact on streaming platforms. Notably, Netflix‘s latest offering, ‘The House of The Fall of Usher,’ created by Mike Flanagan, has become one of the most-watched new series in recent days.

According to FlixPatrol, this series, loosely inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s eponymous short story, currently ranks among the top five most-streamed shows worldwide on the platform. Many fans are also curious about other works from the cast.

For instance, Kate Siegel, who is both Flanagan’s wife and a frequent collaborator, has appeared in several other horror films available for streaming. On the other hand, one of the most prolific actors in the cast is Carla Gugino. Here, we’ve compiled a list of her best movies that you can stream, based on their IMDb scores.

Carla Gugino’s movies to stream

Sin City (2005)

Sin City is a neo-noir anthology film directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, based on Miller’s graphic novel series. The film weaves together multiple interconnected stories set in the gritty, crime-ridden streets of Basin City. It features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Gugino, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Jessica Alba, and Benicio Del Toro, among others.

Stream on Max.

American Gangster (2007)

Directed by Ridley Scott, American Gangster is a crime drama that chronicles the life of Frank Lucas, a real-life Harlem drug lord, portrayed by Denzel Washington. Russell Crowe plays the dedicated detective Richie Roberts, who is determined to bring Lucas to justice. The film delves into the complex world of drug trafficking and law enforcement in the 1970s.

Stream on Max.

Watchmen (2009)

Watchmen, directed by Zack Snyder, is a dark and complex superhero film based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore. Set in an alternate history where superheroes exist, the film follows a group of retired vigilantes who reunite to investigate the murder of one of their own, uncovering a conspiracy that could change the world. The ensemble cast includes Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, among others.

Stream on Prime Video and Max.

A Season for Miracles (1999)

A Season for Miracles, directed by Michael Pressman, is a heartwarming holiday drama. It tells the story of a woman, played by Gugino, who, during the Christmas season, takes her niece and nephew and embarks on a journey to escape their troubled past.

Stream on Fubo (seven-day free trial).

Spy Kids’ Saga (2001-03)

The Spy Kids film series, created and directed by Robert Rodriguez, features a family of secret agents. The original trilogy consists of Spy Kids (2001), Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002), and Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003).

These action-adventure films follow the adventures of siblings Carmen and Juni Cortez, played by Alexa PenaVega and Daryl Sabara, as they take on various missions to save the world. The cast includes Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino as their spy parents.

Stream on Netflix.

This week on Netflix, the most-watched film is “Fair Play,” an erotic thriller that’s been the talk of the Internet. Directed by Chloe Domont in her feature directorial debut, it stars Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich as a young couple whose relationship begins to unravel after an unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund firm.

The cast also includes Eddie Marsan, Rich Sommer, Sebastian de Souza, Geraldine Somerville, and Patrick Fischler. After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the film for $20 million, following a bidding war involving half a dozen companies.

“Fair Play” has received acclaim for its handling of themes like gender politics and greed in the financial world, as well as for its direction and performances. If you’ve already seen it and are looking for a story with similar vibes, you won’t want to miss this series on Max.

‘Industry,’ a Gen-Z series that will remind you of Fair Play

“Industry” is a television drama series crafted by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, and it’s a collaborative US-UK production. The series revolves around a group of young graduates vying for permanent positions at Pierpoint & Co, a prestigious investment bank based in London.

What sets this series apart is its extensive ensemble cast, featuring talents like Marisa Abela, Myha’la Herrold, Harry Lawtey, David Jonsson, Conor MacNeill, Freya Mavor, and Alex Alomar Akpobome. While some other cast members make occasional appearances, this core group carries the narrative.

When it comes to critical reception, the first season holds a respectable approval rating of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, drawing from 38 reviews. However, the second season shines even brighter with a remarkable 96% approval rating, gathered from 25 reviews.

Critics on the website correctly point out that in its impressive second season, “Industry” skillfully combines finance jargon with sharp dialogue. It explores the challenges of unmet goals and loyalty, making the show even better.

Is there going to be a third season of Industry?

In October 2022, HBO officially renewed the series for a third season. Despite ongoing labor disputes in Hollywood, such as the writers’ strike (which concluded after the Writers Guild of America ratified a new contract) and the actors’ strike (which is still ongoing), production continued smoothly. This is because the show’s cast and crew are operating under the UK-based union Equity. As a result, the next season is expected to be released next year.

Spooky Season is already here, and there are plenty of scary movies to enjoy. You can explore some classic horror films on Netflix, as well as family-friendly Halloween movies that you can watch for free. In this article, we’ll discuss a cult classic that’s currently trending on Max.

According to FlixPatrol, this movie is the fifth most-watched film in the US on the platform this week. Other horror movies that made it into the Top 10 include Corpse Bride (2nd), Beetlejuice (3rd), Trick ‘r Treat (4th), Dark Shadows (6th), and Scream (7th).

The top movie could be considered an action-horror, as it’s ‘Meg 2’ starring Jason Statham. However, the fifth most-watched film is ‘The Lost Boys,’ a vampire horror-comedy that’s widely regarded as one of the best movies in its genre. Here’s everything you need to know.”

‘The Lost Boys,’ a cult classic you can’t miss this Halloween

“The Lost Boys,” a cult classic released in 1987, is a unique blend of horror, comedy, and teenage rebellion. Directed by Joel Schumacher and featuring a star-studded cast including Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, and Corey Haim, this film left an indelible mark on ’80s pop culture and the vampire genre.

Set in the fictional town of Santa Carla, the movie follows the story of two brothers, Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (Corey Haim), who move to this coastal California town with their mother, Lucy (Dianne Wiest), following her recent divorce. As they integrate into their new surroundings, they encounter a group of charismatic and mysterious teenagers led by David (Kiefer Sutherland). Unbeknownst to Michael, his attraction to David’s gang leads him into the dark word of vampires.

The movie did really well, grossing over $32 million at the box office, against a budget of just $8.5 million. Apart from receiving critical acclaim, its success led to two sequels, “Lost Boys: The Tribe” and “Lost Boys: The Thirst,” and even spawned a couple of comic book series.

Why is ‘The Lost Boys’ so popular?

“The Lost Boys” stands out for its clever subversion of vampire tropes. It modernized the vampire mythos, depicting vampires as rebellious and youthful figures who remain eternally young. Their nocturnal escapades are set to a rocking ’80s soundtrack that includes iconic tracks like “Cry Little Sister.” The film captures the spirit of the decade, blending horror elements with a healthy dose of humor and teenage angst.

While “The Lost Boys” is remembered for its stylish and edgy portrayal of vampires, it’s also a story about the bonds of family. Michael and Sam’s journey to confront the undead forces threatening their family’s unity forms the heart of the film.

The movie’s lasting appeal lies in its fusion of horror, humor, and ’80s nostalgia. It remains a beloved film for fans of the vampire genre and those who appreciate its blend of dark fantasy, teenage rebellion, and pop culture references. Three decades later, “The Lost Boys” continues to captivate new audiences and solidify its status as an enduring cult classic.

Max has undergone several updates this year, not only changing the format of its platform but also refreshing its catalog both globally and in the United States. Now, it was confirmed that it has a new most-watched series worldwide.

It’s an original HBO production that premiered its second season, which consists of only eight episodes, and they have not all been released yet. The plot is based on the true story of Stede Bonnett, a landowner who joined the world of pirates.

The show has been available on the service since last year, and its episodes have been directed by various filmmakers, including Fernando Frias, the creator David Jenkins and Taika Waititi, who is also one of the lead actors.

Our Flag Means Death is the most-watched series on Max worldwide

Our Flag Means Death received various, but mostly positive, reviews. The success of the first season led to Max renewing it for another installment, offering fans of the show another eight episodes.

Flix Patrol, the specialized platform for streaming services and metrics, announced this morning in its daily report that the series had not only managed to secure a place in the Top 10 but had become the most-watched title worldwide.

The plot is set in 1717 and follows the wealthy landowner Stede Bonnet, who undergoes a midlife crisis and decides to forsake his comfortable landowner life to become a pirate, but things don’t go as smoothly as he had thought.

Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi bring the main characters to life: Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard/Edward Teach. Throughout the season, they have been joined by Kristian Nairn, Nathan Foad, Samson Kayo, Rory Kinnear and Con O’Neill.

Max has produced and released several big titles in recent years. Despite refreshing its catalog after the changes made by HBO and the platform, it still continues to add significant projects, like this comedic pirate series.

This series is created by David Jenkins, known for also writing the script for People of Earth. The adaptation is based on a true story and tells the life of Stede Bonnet. The second season was released just two days ago.

It consists of a total of eight episodes, but so far, only three have been released. The next two will come out on October 12, while the remaining three will be released on Thursday, October 19, and the finale on Thursday, October 26.

Our Flag Means Death ranked No. 3 on Max US

Our Flag Means Death premiered on the Max platform last year, and since then, it has become a favorite among fans of comedy and adventure. It is currently the third most-watched series in the United States.

The story is set in 1717 and follows the wealthy landowner Stede Bonnet, who has a midlife crisis and decides to blow up his comfortable life to become a pirate, but things don’t go so well.

Rhys Darby, Taika Waititi, Kristian Nairn, Nathan Foad, Samson Kayo, Rory Kinnear and Con O’Neill are some of the actors who have brought the main characters to life during the two seasons of the show.

With the astonishing success of ‘Barbie’ (2023), Greta Gerwig has reached new heights as a director. The film has become her biggest hit yet, surpassing $1.4 billion in worldwide box office earnings. Whether the movie will compete for an Oscar nomination is still uncertain.

However, before achieving recognition as an Academy Award-nominated director, she had already established herself as an actor. Some of her most memorable roles include those in Noah Baumbach‘s films such as ‘Mistress America’ and ‘Frances Ha,’ both of which she co-wrote

However, this independent rom-com, in which she shares the screen with two A-listers such as Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore, is also considered one of her best performances. And you can watch it on Max.

Maggie’s Plan with Greta Gerwig and Ethan Hawke

Written and directed by Rebecca Miller, the film ‘Maggie’s Plan’ is an adaptation of an original story by Karen Rinaldi, later published as the 2017 novel ‘The End of Men.’ Apart from the lead trio, the movie also stars Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, Travis Fimmel, Wallace Shawn, and Ida Rohatyn.

The plot follows Maggie (Gerwig), who had a plan to become a mother on her own, but her path takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with a married man (Hawke). As time goes on and her daughter is born, Maggie begins to question whether he truly belonged with the right woman (Moore) all along.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 86% approval rating based on 183 reviews. The website’s critics concur, stating, “Led by Greta Gerwig’s captivating performance, ‘Maggie’s Plan’ injects intelligence and subversive twists into the romantic comedy genre.”

Tim Burton has collaborated with Johnny Depp on multiple occasions, and many of their productions have been resounding successes, critically acclaimed, and have become favorites among Max users.

One of these collaborations debuted on the big screen in 2005 and is based on a popular Russian-Jewish folktale from the 19th century. It is set in a fictional Victorian-era village.

The Gothic director is the one who took charge of the camera work, along with Mike Johnson. It was filmed at 3 Mills Studios using the stop-motion technique, which they had already experimented with before.

Corpse Bride ranked No. 2 on Max in the US

Corpse Bride has not only become one of the audience’s favorites but is also one of the most acclaimed films in Tim Burton‘s career. It perfectly portrays the filmmaker’s gothic style and the intricate interplay between light and darkness.

Johnny Depp brought one of the main characters, Victor Van Dort, to life with his voice, while Helena Bonham Carter portrayed Corpse Bride and Emily Watson played Victoria Everglot. Many other stars have also been part of the film.

The popular story follows a timid groom who rehearses his wedding vows in the presence of an unwitting deceased young woman. She rises from the grave, assuming he has taken her as his wife.

Linda Blair is known for starring in one of the most terrifying movies in the history of cinema, which won two Oscars during the 1974 ceremony and is now one of the most-watched on Max.

It’s a horror thriller that debuted on the big screen in 1973. William Friedkin directed the project, based on a screenplay written by William Peter Blatty, which is adapted from his own novel of the same name.

It has not only become a classic but also a cult film. After its release, it received overwhelming acclaim from both the audience and critics, now being considered one of the best in the genre.

The Exorcist ranked No. 4 on Max US

The Exorcist arrived in the 1970s and changed the history of the genre, setting a high standard and inspiring many other titles with its storyline. It starred Linda Blair as Regan and Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil.

The author confessed that the story was inspired by a real event he began working on when he was still a college student, which was a supposed exorcism that took place in 1949, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The movie follows a teenager who is possessed by an evil entity. Her terrified mother, after subjecting her to multiple medical tests that yield no results, seeks the help of two priests to free her.

Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, William O’Malley and Jack MacGowran are some of the actors who joined the cast of the horror thriller, which is currently the eighth most-watched production on the Max platform.

Max has updated its Top 10 and this time, it’s the same horror, action and suspense movie that has captivated both lists, both globally and in the United States, becoming the most-watched title on the platform.

It appears to be the sequel to a classic, directed by Ben Wheatley, which was first released this year after debuting in theaters in August. The screenplay was written by Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber and Dean Georgaris.

The film was not only a success but also featured big industry stars, with Jason Statham (Spy and Fast & Furious 7) being one of the most prominent faces in the project. Check out which trend it is…

Meg 2: The Trench is the most-watched movie on Max

Meg 2: The Trench has once again topped the charts as the most-watched movie on Max and this time, it didn’t just captivate American users but expanded its popularity worldwide, becoming the most chosen title globally as well.

This time, the story focuses on a deep-sea exploration that spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens the mission and forces the research team into a risky battle for survival.

Jason Statham, Shuya Sophia Cai, Cliff Curtis, Page Kennedy, Sienna Guillory, Skyler Samuels, Wu Jing, Sergio Peris-Mencheta and Melissanthi Mahut are just a few of the mega stars who have been chosen to participate in the thriller of suspense, fantasy and action.

Martin Scorsese‘s latest film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” will hit theaters on October 20, and the anticipation couldn’t be higher. According to early reviews after its premiere in Cannes this year, this is one of the best movies from the acclaimed Oscar-winning director.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is set in the 1920s and centers around a series of murders in the Osage Nation of Oklahoma after the discovery of oil in the lands. It will star Lily Gladstone, as well as some of Martin Scorsese’s long-time collaborators, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

In fact, some of Scorsese’s most acclaimed works are the ones with DiCaprio as a lead man: “The Departed,” “The Aviator,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” However, the movie that started this iconic partnership between the star and the director is this one, and it’s currently trending on Max in the United States.

‘Gangs of New York,’ the gangster drama with Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis

‘Gangs of New York’ (2002) is currently the fifth most-watched movie on Max in the US, according to FlixPatrol. This epic gangster drama based on the 1927 non-fiction book by Herbert Asbury, ‘The Gangs of New York.’ The film stars DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cameron Diaz. Meanwhile, Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, John C. Reilly, Jim Broadbent, and David Hemmings appear in supporting roles.

Talking to GQ recently, Scorsese revealed that it was Robert De Niro who told him that he should work with DiCaprio one day after they shared the screen in “This Boy’s Life” (1993). The actor plays Amsterdam Vallon, a young Irish man recently released from prison who returns to the tumultuous Five Points of America seeking revenge against his father’s killer, William Cutting (Day-Lewis), a powerful anti-immigrant gang leader.

The movie received mostly positive reviews, but some aspects were divisive. One of them was Diaz’ performance as the Irish immigrant pickpocket Jenny Everdeane, as well as both the violence and the depiction of American society.