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 Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
There are few actors that represent more of an enigma than Nicolas Cage.
The man who won an Oscar for Leaving Las Vegas has also brought us unhinged performances, starred in classic actioners like Con Air, given us Disney entertainment, and starred in a litany of low-budget, D-movie content.
But Cage is an actor who’s self-aware, and he is completely willing to make fun of himself here in a film starring Cage as, well, himself.
Nicolas Cage is facing financial struggle and a dead career, and he reluctantly takes an offer to entertain a private superfan for a huge amount of money. But when the CIA intercepts him and tells him about the man’s shady dealings, he becomes a double-agent.
But Cage and enigmatic Javi form a bromance, and things become tricky as the line between professional and personal blur. Co-written and directed by Tom Gormican, this is an absolutely hilarious satire.
Also starring Pedro Pascal, Tiffany Haddish, and Neal Patrick Harris, this is one of the funniest things Cage has ever done, and he kills it.
On Amazon Prime Video – The Beekeeper
Count on Jason Statham to make even the most ridiculous movies enjoyable action showcases.
He stars as quiet beekeeper Adam Clay, whose violent past is re-ignited when a women he cares for is scammed and takes her own life as a result.
A former operative, he goes after an organization called “The Beekeepers” that steals money from normal citizens. He will stop at nothing to get to the top, and watching Statham kick butt is worth the admission.
Director David Ayer has had his hits (Fury, End Of Watch) and his misfires (Suicide Squad), but he remains a director to watch. This is one of his better works in the last few years because he keeps things simple.
Jeremy Irons, Phylicia Rashad, and Minnie Driver co-star, but curiously enough, it’s Hunger Games alum Josh Hutcherson who gives a really fun turn as manipulative villain Derek.
I really enjoyed this one. It doesn’t have anything incredibly important to say, but it was an awful lot of fun.
On Crave – Prey
I know I reviewed this one when it came to Disney+ a few months ago, but if you missed it, get ready for a real treat.
One of the biggest surprises of 2022, Prey is a Predator movie that no one knew coming. Director Dan Trachtenberg breathes new life into a long-stale franchise.
It follows hunter Naru of Comanche Nation, and her work to protect her tribe against a highly-evolved Predator. This is a prequel to anything you’ve seen in the predator franchise, and among the best.
With dialogue in Comanche, the subtitled version is far superior to the English, and remains closer to the intention of the film, a showcase for Indigenous actors.
Amber Midthunder gives a star turn as Naru, and is the centrepiece to an astonishing, violent and evocative action film with something important to say.
On Disney+ – The Greatest Hits
We all need a bit of light, airy romance sometimes, and this South By Southwest selection doesn’t pretend to be anything more.
It gives off the vibe of a lower-scale version of About Time, but it’s always engaging in its pursuit to make you absolutely bawl.
Writer-director Ned Benson centres on a love story between widowed Harriet and Max, the man she lost in a car crash. When she discovers songs they heard together can transport her to their old memories, she basks in the quiet, rhythmic moments with him.
However, these trips turn soon to obsession as she tries to stop the tragedy from ever happening. In the present, she’s also me David, a man also grieving a loss. They connect, but can she let go of her past to embrace something new?
Lucy Boynton is wonderful in the lead, and David Corenswet, Justin H. Min, and Austin Crute are all quite swoonworthy.
It’s a pretty breezy affair, but a wonderful one to turn on during a lazy Sunday for sure.
On Paramount+ – The Score
Perhaps best known as legendary Marlon Brando’s last film, The Score isn’t a classic, but it did showcase Brando well.
It follows a thief who is looking to retire and live off the treasures and cash he’s stolen with his partner. But when a young criminal convinces him to do a final heist with a huge amount of cash on the line, things get duplicitous.
Director Frank Oz – perhaps best-known as the voice of Yoda in Star Wars – creates a film full of twists and tension that succeeds because of those in front of the camera.
Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, Brando, and Angela Bassett all give their best to this genre film, and it mostly succeeds due to their on-screen talent.
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]
