Quarantine TV: Recommended Viewing During the Virus
The Coronavirus is running wild like Hulkamania, and it’s taking away many forms of entertainment. Restaurants are closing, stores are locking their doors, theatrical releases like F9 are being delayed, and everyone is encouraged to isolate themselves at home for the time being. It’s the ol’ “better safe than sorry” method, and we here at Bulletproof Action fully support any efforts that will keep our family, friends, and fans around the world safe. So with all of the bad news scrolling across the news tickers these days, I’ve compiled a list of things that you can pop on your TV, tablet or phone for an action packed distraction! As an added bonus, many of these suggestions are viewable on FREE streaming apps, which means you don’t have to feel left out if you aren’t Netflix and chillin’!
Bloodfist III: Forced To Fight
Getting a bit of cabin fever during this lockdown? Imagine how Don “The Dragon” Wilson felt when he was wrongly imprisoned and implicated in a race war! This was the first standalone entry in the Bloodfist series (meaning you do not have to see the first two in order to follow this one) and is what I consider to be the best in the series. It features “The Dragon” in the best role of his career, the fights are solid, and the story is supported by veteran actors like Richard Roundtree. Wilson has also remarked in past interviews that this was one of his favorite films to do, giving you another reason why this one is a must watch!
(Currently streaming on Tubi, also available in full on YouTube)
Renegade (TV Series)
Being stuck at home indefinitely can create a lot of stress, but it could also be used for a good ol’ fashioned binge session…and what’s better than five seasons full of crooked cops, bounty hunters, babes, and brawls? Lorenzo Lamas stars as Reno Raines, a good cop who is set up to take the fall for a murder committed by one of his shady superior officers. Raines goes on the run, linking up with brother/sister bounty hunters Bobby Sixkiller and Cheyenne, and decides to use his new identity of “Vincent Black” to help bring criminals to justice by while also seeking to clear his own name. Five seasons and 110 episodes is a whole lotta Lamas, but there’s a reason why Renegade is remembered as one of the best shows of the 90’s.
(All seasons streaming on Tubi, also streaming on YouTube)
Bad Boys
Two of television’s most popular stars broke out as action heroes in Michael Bay’s 1995 buddy cop thrill ride. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence play Miami police detectives who find themselves embroiled in a war with a ruthless drug dealer who will eliminate anyone in his path. There’s enough gunplay, explosions, and comedic banter to keep you on the edge of your seat, even if you’ve seen this one 20 times before. Bad Boys is considered a modern action classic for a reason, and it’s worth revisiting if you find yourself too distracted to commit yourself to something new. The best part about Bad Boys being on Netflix right now? Bad Boys II is also streaming if you need an extra dose of detectives Lowrey and Burnette.
(Currently streaming (along with its sequel) on Netflix)
Hollow Man
Don’t want to brave the theater for the new Invisible Man movie? Don’t want to pay $20 to check it out on VOD this weekend? Crackle’s got you covered! This blockbuster from back in 2000 features Kevin Bacon as a scientist who tests an invisibility serum on himself and turns into a transparent terror. Bacon’s Sebastian Caine commits numerous heinous acts once no one can see him, including an infamous scene where his invisibility enables him to rape a neighbor. The creep factor is amped up in this one, and it also features Hollywood favorites Josh Brolin and Elisabeth Shue in the main cast.
(Currently streaming on Crackle)
The cult favorite turns 35 this month (March 22nd), so for those of you that still haven’t seen it, now is the perfect time to right that wrong. A perfect blend of action, fantasy, comedy, and music have helped this product of the 80’s turn into a timeless masterpiece. It’s earned a spot in pop culture history, it’s been quoted endlessly (especially by most of us on the BPA staff), and it’s fun for the whole family. Kick back with the kids and let them enjoy Bruce Leroy’s battle with Sho’Nuff and Eddie Arkadian as he strives to become “The Master”. Already seen it? Pop open a cold one and order up some of Daddy Green’s Pizza to enjoy as Leroy kicks some Shogun ass!
(Currently streaming on Crackle)
Desert Kickboxer
The entry into the overflowing pool of 90’s action films features John Haymes Newton of Superboy fame as a lawman with a dark past. In his former life as a pro kickboxer, Joe Highhawk gets a little too aggressive and winds up killing an opponent during a match. Now he must once again unleash his skills in order to save a damsel in distress from her evil boss and his henchman, who just so happens to also be a kickboxer! Desert Kickboxer sat on the shelf for a few years before finding success in the home video market and on HBO, and has never had a DVD release. Since I’ve never noticed this on any of the streaming apps, and a lot of people tossed their VCR’s out a while ago (and how dare you!), this might be your only chance to check it out. Coming across the movie in full on YouTube is like finding $20 in that pair of pants you haven’t worn in 6 months; you forgot all about it, but you’re glad that you found it.
(Currently streaming on YouTube)
No One Lives
This thriller was produced by WWE Studios and features a cameo from Brodus Clay (current Fox News contributor Tyrus, who was a fairly popular WWE star at the time), but was overshadowed by virtually every other WWE related release. The plot focuses on a couple who wind up pitted against a gang who takes them for easy prey, only to find out that the man they’ve captured is actually a serial killer! Oh, and inside the trunk of his stolen car is the ”one who got away”…almost. It’s tense, it never lets up, and Luke Evans does a great job as the psychotic antihero. The title might rub a few people the wrong way in today’s climate, but to that I say stop worrying and start watching!
(Currently streaming on Tubi)
There you have it; seven different ways you can spend your day(s). While the world around us tries to right itself, sit back and distract yourself with some (or all) of these recommendations. A few of these have been reviewed right here at Bulletproof Action, while others are yet to be discussed. See for yourself how entertaining these suggestions can be, and hit us up on social media (@BulletproofPod and @ZackMalibu) on Twitter) to let us know your thoughts on these films and others that are easily accessible at this time!
