Looking for your next binge-worthy series or film to add to your streaming queue? Check back with Village Life every Frid0ay 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 Perfect Couple
Not every television series can be the next big hit, but many of them can get by on the signature screen presence of the talent involved.
For creator Jenna Lamia (producer and writer on Good Girls) the cast she’s assembled is formidable. Nicole Kidman and Liev Schrieber head things up as a wealthy couple whose world is upended when a suspicious death occurs the night before one of their sons’ weddings.
The Nantucket Harbor family is rocked, but young Amelia soon becomes suspicious about the possible involvement of her would-be in-laws.
Eve Hewson, Billy Howle, Jack Reynor, Dakota Fanning, Meghann Fahy, Michael Beach and more impress, even if the script sometimes feels cliche.
It’s a pulpy satire of the rich that doesn’t live up to the incredible Big Little Lies (also starring Kidman), but as a binge of entertainment, it works.
On Amazon Prime Video – The Fall Guy
One of the year's most underrated films takes form in this action-comedy with an adorable screen duo front and centre.
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have great chemistry as a stunt man and his director who must put aside their past romantic troubles to track down a missing movie star. However, they soon dig up a conspiracy bigger than they imagined.
Gosling is riding high off Barbie and delivers another high-energy summer performance here. Emily Blunt is right along with him and the two are clearly having a great time.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ted Lasso alum Hannah Waddingham, Stephanie Hsu, Teresa Palmer and Winston Duke all add a lot to this blockbuster.
This is what summer movie going is about – It has thrills, action set-pieces, hilarious dialogue and romance. You couldn’t ask for any more than The Fall Guy provides.
On Crave – Butcher’s Crossing
This film was one of the most-talked-about films to come out of TIFF a few years ago, for better or worse.
There seems to be no in-between, as critics either loved this dreary approach to the famous novel by John Williams or hated it. I fell into the former camp, largely due to the commitment of the film’s star.
Nicolas Cage shaved his head bald and went method for one of his best roles in years. It continues his streak of taking on edgy material after years doing Direct-To-Video schlock.
It follows a Harvard dropout who heads to Colorado to join buffalo hunters. But the group falls into disarray as Cage’s character Miller becomes obsessed with the trade. He’s willing to risk his life to bring back to biggest haul, but not everyone stands with him.
Cage gives a bravura turn, and he’s joined by the talented, young Fred Hechinger. Oscar nominee Paul Raci also stars.
It’s a depressing film, but I felt rewarded when it ended. I hope you’ll feel that way too.
On Disney+ -- What’s Love Got To Do With It?
I’ll start with a content warning – This Tina Turner biopic is not for the weak of heart. It chronicles her tumultuous, abusive relationship with her music partner husband.
If you can get past the distressing content, you’ll find some of the best performances of the 1990s within.
Tina Turner overcame a difficult childhood to become a star with her husband Ike Turner. But her joy soon became a hidden struggle as Ike’s abusive, drug-fuelled behaviour threatened her life.
The star risked it all to get herself and her children to safety, including her career. This story of her triumph in the face of such adversity is difficult but beautiful.
Angela Bassett is a revelation as Turner, and I’m not sure I’ll ever look at Laurence Fishburne the same way after seeing him as Ike.
With beautiful music and sterling direction by Brian Gibson, it’s one of the most impactful films of its decade.
On Paramount+ -- Jungleland
I’m a big fan of a no-frills character drama and Jungleland fits the bill.
The independent feature follows two brothers who try to make a better life for themselves. They embark on a road trip to take part in a boxing match that could change the trajectory of their lives.
The acting is top-notch, and I dare say Charlie Hunnam and Jack O’Connell are two of the most underrated working actors. Their interplay and dialogue crackles.
Director Max Winkler doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but he definitely makes Jungleland worth the foray.
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]
