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 Lincoln Lawyer
Three seasons in, and I still can’t quite believe how much I adore this show.
This spin-off of the Michael Connelly novels that spawned a wildly-successful Matthew McConaughey film is turned into a series for the Netflix era here.
It follows slick lawyer Mickey Haller, a defense attorney known for working out of his Lincoln SUV as he rides between client meetings. The L.A.-set show looks at how he balances high-profile cases and his tumultuous personal life.
From David E. Kelley – who brought us The Practice, Ally McBeal and Big Little Lies – this blend of comedy and drama makes for invigorating television.
Manuel Garcia-Ruffo is great in the lead and he’s joined by Scream alum Neve Campbell, Angus Sampson, Becki Newton and Jazz Raycole.
This show goes a mile-a-minute and I love every second of the ride.
On Amazon Prime Video – Knox Goes Away
I was truly surprised that this straight-to-Prime Video film was as intense and well-done as it ended up being.
A life-long fan of Michael Keaton, I’ve seen him in a lot of duds. This happens to be one of his best in recent years and one he also directed.
When contract killer John Knox finds out he has a form of dementia that will leave him with no memory within a few weeks, he is presented with a chance to leave behind a better life for the family he left behind.
Keaton is fantastic and this may well be James Marsden’s best performance ever. They’re joined by Ray McKinnon, Al Pacino, Joanna Kulig, and Marcia Gay Harden.
This is an affecting look at a horrible ailment and a beautiful film everyone should see.
On Crave – Perfect Days
This is one of the most quietly beautiful films I’ve ever seen.
Writer-director Wim Wenders finds the beauty in a simple, undemanding life, and by doing so he allows scores of audiences to relate to our protagonist.
Hirayama works an unglamourous job cleaning public toilets in Tokyo, but finds enjoyment in little things like music and nature. But things he sees day-to-day make him begin to think about his own life.
Koji Yakusho is wonderful. In a film that has little dialogue, he evokes so much emotion with his movements. The music in the film is pitch-perfect, and it’s just a truly serene, satisfying film.
I understand it’ll be too slow for some viewers, but I just couldn’t get enough of it.
On Disney+ -- Broadcast News
Given my background as a professional reporter, I’m always pretty enamoured with a good journalism movie. This is truly one of the best ever made.
Writer-director James L. Brooks (Terms Of Endearment, As Good As It Gets) makes the best film of his career here. This is a fantastic story about three journalists and their professional & personal lives.
Two anchors – one neurotic and insecure and one handsome and less intelligent – vie for the big job at their network as well as the affections of their ambitious producer.
Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, and William Hurt are all uniformly fantastic. Joan Cusack, Jack Nicholson, and Robert Prosky are all also wonderful here.
I absolutely adore this movie – even if it’s a bit overlong – and it is a film worth investing in 100%.
On Paramount+ -- Apartment 7A
This film wouldn’t have garnered even near the criticism if it wasn’t billed as a sequel to the classic horror film Rosemary’s Baby.
I’ve never seen the latter, and I was mesmerized by this movie – which slow builds to a gut-punch of a climax and doesn’t let go.
It follows struggling dancer Terry, who struggles to find her footing following a fall that breaks her ankle and disrupts her career. She longs for a second chance, but things are looking grim.
That is, until she meets the Castevet family. They’re a wealthy couple who take her in, give her an apartment and do all they can to help her career. But their kindness soon begins to feel sinister as her dreams slowly turn into nightmares.
Ozark alum Julia Garner is affecting and anchors the film. Co-stars Dianne Wiest, Kevin McNally, and Jim Sturgess are serviceable, but she steals the show.
I may feel differently about this one when I see the classic continuation, but for now, Apartment 7A stands up as a smart fright-fest fit for spooky season.
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]
