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 Union
While it won’t change any lives, there’s something special about watching two endearing actors sparring.
Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry carry The Union – an action-comedy about spies – past its cliche script and make it an enjoyable romp.
It follows construction worker Mike, a man who is long past his glory days. He lives a mediocre life, but things change when his high school flame Roxanne comes back into his life. She recruits him into a dangerous mission he’s unknowingly been preparing for his whole life.
The leads have great chemistry, and the supporting cast includes Oscar winner J.K. Simmons, Mike Colter, and Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley.
I enjoyed it a whole lot more than I should have, but that’s because Wahlberg and Berry have so much fun here.
On Amazon Prime Video – Our Son
This film packs more emotional resonance than most of the mainstream flicks that hit theatres last year. It’s a shame it was shuffled on-demand so quickly.
It follows a married gay couple who become embroiled in a bitter divorce and custody battle following their split. Their relationship deteriorates, and the two begin to forget that they need to make the best decision for their son, not win the break-up.
Co-writer and director Bill Oliver takes us on a journey with these characters, and it was heartbreaking to watch their motivations and actions change as their separation got uglier.
Luke Evans and Pose’s Billy Porter are fantastic, and each gives a superb turn. Robin Weigert, Andrew Rannells, Phylicia Rashad and Gabby Beans are fabulous, but there is one clear star here.
Porter gives his best performance since FX drama Pose ended, and the film – though tonally uneven – is worth watching for him alone.
On Crave – Daniel’s Gotta Die
This movie was hilarious and had a dark sensibility to it that I absolutely loved.
It follows a young man who attempts to reconnect with his estranged family following the passing of his father. But when he realizes he’s inherited everything, they all plan his demise to get the cash.
Joel David Moore – a supporting star his whole career in films like Avatar and Dodgeball – has a fantastic leading turn here. Bob Saget, Iggy Pop, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Carly Chaikin all co-star in a movie about very bad people doing awful things.
The titular Daniel just wants the love of his brothers and sisters, but must fight them to survive. It’s outrageous, hilarious and truly a treat.
On Paramount+ -- Asphalt City
This film about paramedics and the trauma they face in their chosen career is gut-wrenching and brooding.
It’s frankly one of the most difficult, depressing films I’ve seen in recent memory. It may not have the punch of similar Bringing Out The Dead, but it does manage to elicit a response from the audience.
Whether you’re repulsed or fascinated by this story is entirely dependant on your stomach for sadness. Young Ollie takes a job as a paramedic on the NYC night shift and he’s paired with grizzled, disenchanted veteran Gene.
The two put themselves and their happiness in peril every day to help people – many of whom arguably don’t deserve it.
Sean Penn is magnetic and Tye Sheridan once again proves he’s a huge young talent. Michael Pitt and Mike Tyson shore things up.
It does get a bit melodramatic at the end, but to see Penn back in fine form is worth the two hours you spend.
On Disney+ -- Working Girl
This is one of the most adorable movies I’ve ever seen, and I enjoyed it for the first time a good 35 years too late.
It follows secretary Tess as she attempts to land a promotion and find career success, When her new boss Katharine steals her brilliant idea, she takes control.
When Katharine is sidelined after an accident, Tess pretends to be a high-level business executive and starts making moves way above her pay grade.
Melanie Griffith gives a winning, memorable performance. Sigourney Weaver is great in a villain role, and Harrison Ford is disarmingly debonaire. Alec Balldwin, Joan Cusack, and Oliver Platt co-star.
It’s hilarious, empowering and an intelligent romantic comedy that is a surefire classic.
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]
