Warner Bros. Jupiter Ascending

It’s never been easier to watch a movie. At the click of a remote button, you can access whatever movie suits your mood, whether it was released earlier this year or decades ago. Some movies are available for free with a subscription, while others cost only a few dollars to rent or buy.

Before you commit to a movie, though, you may wonder if it’s worth the time investment. There are some films that are so well-known, all you need to hear is a title to know what you’ll get. However, even a good reputation doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like a movie. Some viewers prefer intense action with plenty of fight scenes, while others like comedy woven into their films, no matter the genre.

If you’re renting or buying an older movie, one big question you’ll likely have is whether it stands the test of time. Today’s TVs are built to render visuals in vivid detail, so you’ll want to make sure your chosen movie supports that. Many older films have been digitally remastered to meet today’s high-definition standards, but you may find that not all of the movies online offer that.

In addition to visuals, the content of the movies themselves don’t always stand the test of time. What was unique or relevant to previous generations may no longer hold up. Some classics have been heavily imitated as well, making them seem less original when viewed after their successors. If you can think of the movie you’re watching in context, you’ll probably enjoy it more than if you compare it to today’s pop culture trends.

Lastly, you may wonder if the movie you’re choosing is family-friendly. Even if you won’t be watching with children, this is relevant. Profanity, violence and other mature content can be disturbing to some viewers, especially in extreme amounts. It’s important to look into that before you choose a movie to view, even if you’re watching a film that’s considered a classic.

• Released in 1994, Lionsgate’s “Pulp Fiction” was the movie that put director Quentin Tarantino on the map. It’s a collection of stories, woven together in creative ways. At the time, it was a gangster movie unlike anything ever seen before, bringing comedy and realistic dialogue to a genre that was traditionally very serious. The dialogue is, indeed, one of the best things about “Pulp Fiction,” making characters jump off the screen and entertaining you from start to finish.
• No matter when you were born, there’s no escaping the ongoing legacy of the “Star Trek” series. In 2009, Paramount Pictures rebooted the franchise with “Lost” producer J.J. Abrams behind the camera, taking the series back to the beginning. The movie was a big hit upon its release, bringing fresh faces to the characters previous generations knew all too well.
• Although Warner Bros.’ “Jupiter Ascending” was a bomb when it was initially released, it might be worth checking out now that you can rent it for a low price. The biggest problem with “Jupiter Ascending” was the expense to make it, putting it in the tough position of needing to sell an extraordinary amount of tickets once it hit theaters. But you can’t go wrong with stars Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis, and a space opera just sounds like a great time, no matter what it’s about.
• In 2020, “Dune” releases in theaters, remaking a film that has become a cult classic over the years. In 1984, Universal Studios’ “Dune” came out to bad reviews and lackluster ticket sales. Perhaps the most interesting thing about “Dune” is that it was made by a director with no interest in science fiction, yet somehow it’s managed to engage sci-fi fans in recent years. It’s also well worth watching to see Patrick Stewart early in his career.
• Whether you’re sharing movie night with children or not, content is important. Paramount Pictures’ “Star Trek,” Warner Bros.’ “Jupiter Ascending,” and Universal Studios’ “Dune” are all PG-13, making them suitable for audiences ages 13 and up. Lionsgate’s “Pulp Fiction,” on the other hand, has an R rating. If you’re averse to profanity, you’ll particularly want to avoid “Pulp Fiction” and “Star Trek,” since both feature strong language.
• Although Lionsgate’s “Pulp Fiction” has plenty of light moments, don’t be fooled by the comedy. The movie has some extremely violent moments, as well as mature content involving drugs and sex.
• Often what you sign up for when you rent or buy a movie is enjoyable characters. You won’t get much better than Lionsgate’s “Pulp Fiction” when it comes to that. The dialogue brings the characters to life, making them likable even when they’re doing very unlikable things. Paramount Pictures’ “Star Trek” doesn’t disappoint, either, staying true to the original characterizations of both Captain Kirk and Spock. With Warner Bros.’ “Jupiter Ascending,” you may struggle with the characters at times, but Channing Tatum’s performance makes the hero likable. Dune packs in director David Lynch’s famed abstract style, with characters who are likably quirky.
• If you enjoyed “Pulp Fiction” 25 years ago, you’ll find it just as powerful as it was originally. Even if you’re new to the film, though, you’ll still find it entertaining and unique.
• Paramount Pictures’ “Star Trek” had some big shoes to feel, and it did so capably. However, you won’t find the film as cerebral as “Pulp Fiction.” It’s designed for entertainment, with a big special effects budget that provides plenty to watch.
• With Warner Bros.’ “Jupiter Ascending,” you may find the story a bit hard to follow, and the characters don’t have quite the development necessary to make it a character-driven film.
• Universal Studios’ “Dune” is one of those movies that seem to get better in retrospect. Today’s viewers can appreciate the artistic vision Lynch brought to the project. Since the screenplay follows the book fairly closely, that means you’ll also get a legitimately riveting story as well.