Now on Netflix: Rising Phoenix & High Score

Here are a handful of fresh finds to put on your playlists!

Rising Phoenix

I freaking love the Olympics. I remember watching Donovan Bailey win the gold medal in Atlanta with my fingers and toes crossed (and believing the “luck” that my tiny, coiled form had conjured played a small part) and have been obsessed ever since. But, sadly, I didn’t see much of the Paralympics until Vancouver 2010 when our local coverage showed them live. And when I did – wow! In many ways, the sports themselves are more interesting to watch, because, as Australian swimming star Ellie Cole says, “In the Olympics, all the bodies look the same. And in the Paralympics, none of the bodies look the same.” Seeing how these athletes adapt to their physical ability, and achieve things that most able-bodied individuals could only dream of, is impressive AF.

Rising Phoenix shines a deserved spotlight on these remarkable athletes that inspire and transform perceptions of disabled individuals around the world. Their stories of succeeding and excelling, often in the face of great personal tragedy, are truly inspiring. Be sure to stick around for Italian fencing wunderkind – Bebe Vio’s – moment of triumph, which is sure to get you cheering (or crying, in my case.)

High Score

This 6-part Netflix documentary series takes you through the evolution of gaming from Pac-Man and Space Invaders arcade games, into Nintendo and Sega home consoles, and the good old days of Doom and dial-up modems (kkkkksssh–de-dang-de-dang…ah so comforting.) Learn about some of the pivotal figures that propelled the gaming landscape through inventive (mushroom-induced) ideas, technological break-throughs (probably also mushroom-induced), and genius marketing ploys (like Gail from Western Washington who is largely responsible for the North American market wanting an NES.) Very entertaining for anyone who likes games or feelings of blissful nostalgia. 

National Parks Adventure & Dream Big: Engineering Our World

If you’re getting a bit of cabin-fever, as I was last week, I recommend two IMAX features on Netflix – National Parks Adventure and Dream Big: Engineering Our World. While a little bit campy at times (because they’re for family-friendly IMAX), both 40-minute features have some AMAZING cinematic footage of feats of nature and engineering, respectively. The opening of Dream Big starts with footage from inside the Cupola on the Space Station (so – yes – I was sold from the start.) These are bound to make make you feel like you’ve actually put on pants and taken a trip outside of the house today. Great success!

What are you watching?