On Netflix – Survival Of The Thickest
One of the funniest shows to hit Netflix in quite some time, this romantic comedy succeeds due to the congeniality and charm of its characters.
Mavis is a Black, plus-sized independent woman who leaves her long-term partner after she catches him cheating with a young model.
A fashion stylist who often paired with her photographer partner, she soon has to begin a new career trajectory without him, while also moving to a new home.
Michelle Buteau is wonderful as Mavis, and she's the beating heart of an ensemble that also includes Tone Bell, Anissa Felix, a hilarious turn from Liza Treyger as Mavis's new roommate, and even drag star Peppermine.
It's hilarious with a big heart, and definitely had me smiling start-to-finish,
On Crave – Infinity Pool
I'm acutely aware that this movie is going to be incredibly divisive, and not everyone who checks this out based on my recommendation will like it.
It's one of the most uncomfortable movies I've seen, and those who aren't fans of body horror or difficult twists may not want to try.
For everyone else, Infinity Pool is writer-director Brandon Cronenberg's second consecutive incredible film. The son of legendary Canadian director David, he burst onto the scene with Possessor, and this one is just as good.
It follows couple James and Em, a rich couple spending their time at an all-inclusive beach vacation on island La Tolqa. But when a tragic accident leads them into a web of mystery on the island, their time away takes a turn.
Alexander Skarsgard and Mia Goth – of Pearl fame – are awesome here, and take a risk on a grotesque indie flick.
It's a truly terrifying ordeal, and to tell you any more about the plot would spoil it.
You really need to check this out, but only if you have a strong stomach. This one is a skin-crawling ride.
On Disney+ -- Love, Simon
One of my very favourite movies of the last five years, Love, Simon is an endeavour that legitimately made me bawl when I first saw it.
Director Greg Berlanti – known for CW TV shows like Riverdale, The Flash and Arrow – takes a different approach here.
His film is heartfelt and emotional in all the right ways, and I adore it as a timeless classic at this point.
It follows Simon, a popular high-schooler who has a loving family, great friends and everything going for him – Except he's hiding a big secret.
Simon is gay, and he's unsure how to tell everyone around him. But when he's blackmailed by a classmate, he's willing to do anything possible to keep his secret.
Nick Robinson is fabulous, and Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel are great as Simon's parents. Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Logan Miller, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Tony Hale, and Kelynan Lonsdale all turn in great performances as well.
This is an adorable movie I can never get enough of. I've seen it at least 20 times since it was released, and I'll see it many more times in the future.
On Amazon Prime Video – Champions
Sometimes a movie that would otherwise be a snooze breezes by on the sheer strength of its talented lead.
Champions is one such film. Woody Harrelson lends a gravitas and charisma to this comedy, which would be run-of-the-mill and a bit tedious otherwise.
In a Bad News Bears-ish scenario, a talented coach who can't keep his cool is forced to do community service or lose it all.
Marcus is sitting pretty with a great assistant coaching job, but a physical altercation with the coach during a game lands him in some hot water. In trouble with the law, he's ordered by a judge to manage a basketball team with intellectual disabilities for community service.
He begrudgingly takes the role, but his distaste soon turns to sheer joy as he gets to know the players and is inspired by their work ethic.
Director Bobby Farrelly – who directed comedies like There's Something About Marry and Dumb & Dumber with his brother – makes another poor taste film, but Harrelson keeps things light and breezy.
The whole ensemble is really great, and provide depth and warmth to the film. It's an average film made better by its performances, Harrelson especially.
On Paramount+ -- Midsommar
I can hardly describe how much I love this movie. But I'd be lying if I didn't say it's a claustrophobic, terrifying trip.
It follows a couple who travel to Europe to visit a huge Swedish summer festival. They're loving their time at the retreat, but soon things become violent and the wheels start to come off.
Writer-director Ari Aster – who left us with our jaws on the ground with Hereditary – manages to make a sprawling, even more ambitious horror film that I liked more in many ways.
Florence Pugh gives an incredible genre performance, and young stars Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, Ellora Torchla and Will Poulter are all great as well.
Midsommar is not a film for everyone, but those who love it will be left talking about it for years to come.
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]
