Spy set for streaming

My first pick is The Thing, by John Carpenter (USA, 1982, Universal). I love the horror and suspense that permeates this movie. It generates the feeling of paranoia and a Lovecraftian feeling of hopelessness. The graphic horror depicted sets the stakes for the intellectual suspense of who could be the “thing.” I’ve watched this over and over. It’s timeless. Available on Vudu and iTunes.

My second recommendation is Spy, a funny comedy about the spy genre (USA, 2015, Twentieth Century Fox). I want to say it’s spoof, but it’s not. It plays off the sexist tropes and expectations most spy movies present. It’s intelligent, and the women in this movie rock and are not arm dressing. It made me think about how the media portrays women in poor light (or objectified), and doesn’t celebrate all depths of character a woman can bring to a movie. I need to see it again because I was laughing too hard and missed some scenes as a result. Available in October on Amazon Instant Video and Google Play.

• Simon Yee
• Mental health worker