When it comes to movies on Amazon Prime Video, you usually have your pick of the bunch. From new titles to classic library favorites, there are tons of options on the streaming service. But movies come and go from Amazon. One week, a movie might be available to stream with your basic Amazon Prime or standalone Amazon Prime Video subscription, and the next, it’s only available to rent or buy, or with an add-on channel.
We’re always keeping up to date with what’s on Amazon Prime. If you’re looking for a last-minute movie to watch, these five movies leaving Prime Video in August should be on your radar. They’re quality films ranging from two intense historical films and a neo-noir crime thriller to two hilariously silly comedies.
The Courier (2021)
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in this historical spy film as Greville Wynne, a real-life British businessman who was recruited by the Secret Intelligence Service in the 1960s. His job? To serve as a conduit for messages to Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze), a high-ranking Soviet official and source for Russian espionage. Wynne disguises his true intentions by pretending to be exploring business opportunities. Although he is reluctant to participate at first, the idea of being part of a plan that could prevent nuclear war puts pressure and great importance on his role.
The Mail was met with positive reviews, with many critics praising the film for turning what could have been a boring story into one full of drama and intensity. M.N. Miller of Ready Steady Cut describes The Mail as having “everything you want in a Cold War espionage thriller”, noting that it is “solidly paced and strikes a good balance between suspense and moving human drama”.
Flow The Mail on Amazon Prime Video.
Witness (1985)
Receiving eight Oscar nominations and winning two, including one for Best Original Screenplay, Witness delivers the best of Harrison Ford. The neo-noir crime thriller follows Detective Sergeant John Book (Ford) and his partner Sergeant Elton Carter (Brent Jennings) as they investigate the case of a young man named Samuel who witnesses the murder of an undercover police officer. As the only witness to this crime, Samuel (Lukas Haas) is now in trouble, especially when he points to a picture of a revered lieutenant as the perpetrator.
With corrupt cops, drug dealers and a terrified boy from an Amish community, Witness follows Book’s journey to try and do the right thing. While he has to take down criminals, even those who should be on his side, he also has to protect a boy who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Put succinctly, Matt Brunson of Film Frenzy says Witness is “an exceptionally good film”.
Flow Witness on Amazon Prime Video.
John dies at the end (2012)
This horror comedy film wasn’t a critics’ favorite, but has since been dubbed a cult classic by revered publications like Variety and Wired. The story begins when David Wong (Chase Williamson), a slacker, meets reporter Arnie Blondestone (The remnants star Paul Giamatti) to discuss the supernatural events that have occurred in their small town over the past year. Involving time travel to other dimensions, special powers, strange creatures and bizarre deaths, John dies at the end It’s just silly fun.
Critics were polarized about this film. Ironically, the same aspects that made some critics despise the film are the same ones that led others to enjoy it. John dies at the end for its unique charm. Andrew Pollard of Starburst advises to “go in, leave your sense of logic at the door, sit back and enjoy the ride.”
Flow John dies at the end on Amazon Prime Video.
Waiting… (2005)
If you just can’t get enough of Ryan Reynolds even after Deadpool and WolverineCheck it out Waiting…an independent comedy he starred in nearly 20 years ago about Monty (Reynolds), a waiter at a chain restaurant who doesn’t take his job seriously, nor does anyone else on the staff. He and his coworkers get up to a lot of mischief at the aptly named Shenaniganz restaurant chain. Justin Long stars as Dean, Monty’s coworker who begins to feel downhearted when he learns that an old classmate from high school has just graduated from college and landed a high-paying job.
A funny and spicy comedy about finding yourself, the cast also includes Anna Faris, David Koechner and Luis Guzmán. Waiting… is an absolute crass, a subgenre that rarely pleases critics. But most importantly, audiences loved the film for its ridiculous, juvenile humor and the wonderful performances of the cast. If you like other similar films, such as Superbad and American pieand if you love Reynolds, Waiting… It’s a fun movie to watch to end the summer.
Flow Waiting… on Amazon Prime Video.
High Ground (2020)
This Australian film is based on a real-life historical event that took place in a territory north of Australia after World War I. High ground tells the stories in a fictional style, the film was praised for the attention and respect it gives to Aboriginal culture. The plot revolves around Travis (The Mentalist(Simon Baker), a former sniper who now works as a police officer, is unable to prevent a massacre of a group of Yolngu people. To make matters worse, the police bury the truth. When Travis returns 12 years later to work alongside Gutjuk (Jacob Junior Nayinggul), the sole survivor of that mass murder, what really happened is discovered. Travis becomes the hunted instead of the hunter.
High ground is a compelling tale of a white man living with guilt and a young Yolngu Aboriginal man trying to reconcile his dedication to his people with his trust in the white man who saved his life. David Stratton of The Australian praises the film’s “sweeping cinematography” and “powerful story of white privilege and Aboriginal dispossession”.
Flow High ground on Amazon Prime Video.
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