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 – The Merry Gentlemen
Elegantly described by my sister-in-law as “Hallmark Magic Mike”, this Netflix Christmas movie is a bit too tame for the subject matter.
For a movie about a big-city choreographer raising money from “all-male dance revue” events to save her parents’ bar, there’s less nudity than one would assume. And yet it’s all so darn cute, you kind of can’t help but enjoy it.
When Ashley is fired from her dream job, she returns to her small town to see her parents. But she quickly realizes the $30,000 debt they owe on their once-glorious live music bar could leave them evicted.
With the help of local carpenter and handyman Luke – as well as other local hunks – they try to save the business.
Britt Robertson is a wonderful actress and always enjoyable, and she’s joined by the completely game, endearing Chad Michael Murray. The two have sparks, but I’ll be honest, the dialogue does them no favours.
It’s your typical rom-com schtick, and co-writer and director Peter Sullivan does little to raise the stakes here.
That said – No one likes a Grinch at Christmas. It’s got (mostly) everything you’d expect. With adorable leads, shirtless bodies, and some Christmas spirit, it’s a serviceable holiday offering.
On Amazon Prime Video – Cross
The James Patterson book series about detective Alex Cross is hugely popular.
It’s spawned three movies and this series, but I think Aldis Hodge may just be my portrayal of the character.
After a disastrous 2012 film starring the ill-suited Tyler Perry, this is an absolute reinvigoration from creator Ben Watkins.
Alex Cross – psychologist and detective – uses his skills and knowledge to get inside the minds of murderers and their victims, which allows him to gain more insight than the average person.
After the murder of his wife, Cross finds himself hot on the trail of a suspect who chooses victims with similar physical features than those of famous serial killers. But Cross also begins receiving clues that this case may have something to do with his wife’s recent death as well.
Hodge – known for City On A Hill and One Night In Miami – is formidable, and the supporting cast includes former Old Spice commercial star Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Johnny Ray Gill, and and Ryan Eggold.
I love this show and I am already clamouring for a second season.
On Crave – Bones And All
Further proving he’s one of this generation’s best filmmakers, director Luca Guadagnino made a cannibalism movie mainstream.
It follows a young woman who – after a violent encounter – meets a drifter and falls for him. They travel across America together but are both haunted by their difficult pasts.
Timothee Chalamet is intense and brooding here, but Taylor Russell steals it. Mark Rylance and Michael Stuhlbarg are both also fantastic.
It’s a dark, suitably creepy affair that somehow also manages to be deeply romantic. I found myself surprised at just how much I cared for these characters.
Bones And All will not be for everyone, but many will find it spectacular.
On Paramount+ -- Collateral
One of my favourite movies of all time turns 20 this year and it couldn’t be a better time to revisit the gem of a thriller.
It follows cab driver Max, who dreams of a better life with his wife. His life is upended when his fare Vincent turns out to be a contract killer. He forces Max to drive him from hit to hit all night in L.A.
Director Michael Mann – known for Heat and Miami Vice – makes one of his most stirring with this one.
Jamie Foxx was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar here (and won one the same year for Ray in the Best Actor category). I will never understand it, but Tom Cruise’s cold, calculated turn didn’t get recognized, despite being one of the best of his career.
This is a top-notch thriller with great acting across the board, and was one of the best films of the 2000s.
On Disney+ -- Alien: Romulus
I’m always terrified when a studio tries to reboot a classic film franchise, but this film might well be the best Alien movie made since the first two.
When a group of space colonists go looking through an abandoned station for supplies, they come upon more than they bargained for.
They are soon stalked by a life form that begins systematically killing them off, and they must try to escape before it’s too late.
The young cast includes Cailee Spaeny – of Priscilla fame – David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. They’re all really great and lend a ton of talent to the proceedings.
Co-writer and director Fede Alvarez has a sure hand for the genre and his affection for the franchise clearly shines through. I’d suggest watching the original before you see this one for heightened enjoyment.
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]
