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 – A Man Called Otto
Normally I’m almost immediately turned off by an English-language, Hollywood remake of a classic foreign-language film.
But there was something so charming about the trailer for this film that I couldn't ignore it.
A remake of A Man Called Ove, this Tom Hanks picture follows an elderly curmudgeon who has all but given up on having a happy existence. His wife has died, and he has nothing left to live for.
But when he meets new neighbour Marisol he’s given friendship in a way he didn’t expect.
Hanks is fantastic, as is Mariana Trevino. They are a great match and this is such a touching film.
Director Marc Forster – best-known for Finding Neverland, The Kite Runner, and Monster’s Ball – has needed a bonafide hit for a while, and this was the type of comedy drama he excels at.
It’s a beautiful blend of genres and a winning turn from Hanks.
On Amazon Prime Video – The Bikeriders
The Bikeriders won’t win any awards for originality, but it’s such a beautifully-shot endeavour no one will really care.
Equally inspired by Goodfellas and Easy Rider, it’s a brotherhood story about outlaws that never matches its ambitions, but manages to thoroughly entertain.
Writer-director Jeff Nichols – the man behind indie darlings Mud, Loving, and Midnight Special – makes his most commercial film yet, and one just wishes the screenplay matched the commitment the cast gives.
Austin Butler is magnetic and Jodie Comer is fully committed. Tom Hardy, Mike Faist, Michael Shannon, Boyd Holbrook, Norman Reedus, and a requisite who’s who of Hollywood character actors own their screentime.
The film wouldn’t have worked if it wasn’t so fascinating to see the stars dress down and fully inhabit their biker characters.
I truly enjoyed this one, even if I kind of expected more from it. At the very least you’ll get a beautiful time capsule on-screen, and that’s sometimes worth escaping into on its own.
On Crave – Trap
Before I discuss this movie, it’s incumbent upon me to let you know that you’ll only fully enjoy it if you give yourself over to the over-the-top, madcap sensibility of the thriller immediately.
It is a deeply satirical, insane film, and writer-director M. Night Shymalan knows it. Audiences who suspend their disbelief fully will get the utmost enjoyment.
It follows doting father Cooper, who brings his pre-teen daughter Riley to see her favourite musician Lady Raven at a huge arena show.
He soon realizes police have surrounded the arena because they have reason to believe a notorious killer bought tickets to the show and is inside. The hitch is that family man Cooper is the serial murderer they’re searching for.
Cooper pushes against time to try to escape with daughter Riley without her realizing something is amiss. He desperately tries to get out so his home life and terrifying extra curriculars do not collide.
Josh Hartnett commits to this one fully and gives one of the most fun, unique performances of his career. Ariel Donoghue, Alison Pill, and Hayley Mills are also great.
But it’s the director’s daughter Saleka Shymalan who surprises with a wonderful performance here as well.
Trap is absolutely insane, but if you adjust expectations you’re in for a bonkers, intense ride.
On Paramount+ -- Annihilation
Annihilation is one of the most gorgeous, complicated films I’ve ever seen. It definitely won’t be a hit for everyone. But for those who love a movie that leaves them thinking and talking, this is a great one.
Ex-military member and biologist Lena is ailing the loss of her husband Kane, also a member of the military. He disappeared in action a year prior. But when he shows back up in her home with a strange, debilitating illness, she and Kane are both quarantined.
Lena is then asked by the government to sign up for a secret mission to go into an area called ‘The Shimmer’, where the laws of nature don’t apply. Her husband Kane had previously gone in, and she goes with other team members to find answers.
Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, Tessa Thompson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Gina Rodriguez give show-stopping performances.
Writer-director Alex Garland makes a movie that isn’t the easiest to explain, and it takes a few viewings to get a full handle. Regardless, it will leave you chattering with others at the very least.
On Apple+ -- Shrinking
With season two just released, it’s a great time to remind folks to check this one out.
The Apple show follows a therapist dealing with grief who begins giving his patients the honest truth. But his unfiltered approach soon leaves him in a position where he’s affecting the lives of his patients and his own life in huge ways.
Jason Segel and Harrison Ford star in this show, co-created by Ted Lasso creator Brett Goldstein. Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, and Michael Urie also star.
It’s at once hilarious and difficult, and I have to say Harrison Ford deserves an Emmy here for a career-best turn.
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]
