Looking for your next binge-worthy series or film to add to your streaming queue? Check back with Village Life every Friday for Jordan Parker's comprehensive insights on the week's most buzz-worthy programs from top streaming services like Netflix, Crave, Amazon Prime, and beyond.
On Netflix – Ready Or Not
This is one of my favourite thrillers in recent memory, and it has all the ingredients to be a cult classic.
Grace is enjoying her wedding night with her rich new in-laws, but things turn violent when they make her play a terrifying game.
She is thrust into a fight for her life and she soon realizes trust is a commodity.
The acting in this film is sumptuous, and far above most genre offerings. Samara Weaving is great here, and she’s joined by Adam Brody, Newfoundlander Mark O’Brien, Henry Czerny, and Andie MacDowell.
Directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett first made their mark with V/H/S and have gone on to do Abigail and Scream VI, but this one was really fun to watch them sink their teeth into.
It’s a great pick for genre fans and Weaving’s performance alone makes this one worth it.
On Amazon Prime Video – Serendipity
This is one of my favourite romantic comedies – and Christmas movies – of all time.
It’s a movie all about fate and the whimsical, adorable screenplay by Mark Klein is perfect.
Jonathan and Sara meet one night, but rather than exchanging numbers they leave a second meet to chance. Years later, the two are in separate relationships but begin to follow the signs in the world back to each other.
The universe tests their faith, and the two star-crossed lovers defy the odds to find each other again.
John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale are perfect here, and supporting performances from Jeremy Piven, Eugene Levy, Bridget Moynahan, and John Corbett round things out.
I really, really love this movie and I know you will too. It’s the definition of ‘wholesome’.
On Crave – Ezra
Critics didn’t love this movie, and I’ll never understand why. I thought it was fantastic.
It follows comedian Max who does his best to co-parent with ex-wife Jenna. Their autistic son Ezra has a beautiful heart but can be difficult to understand.
When difficult issues about Ezra’s future come to pass, Max takes Ezra on a cross-country trip that bonds the two together forever.
Directed by Scandal alum Tony Goldwyn, this is a beautiful tale that is only elevated by its cast.
Bobby Cannavale gives his best performance in years, and Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, and young William A. Fitzgerald are wonderful.
It’s a touching movie that will really endear itself to audiences.
On Paramount+ -- Yellowstone
Here we are – The final episodes of the final season of fan-favourite western Yellowstone.
Much has been made of the back half of season five, which is said to not feature star Kevin Costner following a contract dispute.
That said, the show from famous creator Taylor Sheridan still has plenty to look forward to. The story of a rich ranching family in Montana and their push against those who want to take their land.
The cast is wall-to-wall incredible. Costner is predictably great, but it’s turns from Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, and especially Cole Hauser that make this memorable.
This drama is well worth the investment if you have never seen it.
On Disney+ -- Deadpool & Wolverine
The Deadpool series is far and away the most enjoyable superhero franchise for me.
I was a little worried when Disney’s acquisition of Fox put the R-rated character under the Marvel banner.
However, this turned out to be a truly hilarious, violent affair that had all the irreverent humour I could have wanted.
Deadpool is offered a place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by the TVA, but he instead recruits a variant of X-Men's Wolverine to save his own universe from being wiped out.
I’m not going to lie – If that plot summary made no sense, then it’s probably best you do some education on the last few years of Marvel movies prior.
If you’re up to speed, though, boy does Ryan Reynolds’ Merc With The Mouth have some fun in store.
Seeing Reynolds and real-life best friend Hugh Jackman go at each other onscreen is a treat. This flick also features Matthew Macfadyen of Succession fame and more cameos and fan service than one could ever ask for.
Director Shawn Levy and writers Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Reynolds himself truly do deliver.
If you’re a superhero fan, you’ll absolutely adore this one.
About The Author:
Jordan Parker is a freelance journalist and runs entertainment firm Parker PR. A huge lover and supporter of the local arts scene, he’s an avid filmgoer and lover of all genres.
A 2SLGBTQIA+ professional, he also works doing Events & Fundraising for the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia, and has a passion for giving a platform to queer events and artists.
His writing often skews toward local businesses, productions, events, and covering arts & entertainment. He’s also an avid sports fan and spends every May getting let down by the Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs.
Jordan believes in an open-door policy, and welcomes story pitches and questions from readers.
Email: [email protected]
