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 – Godzilla Minus One
This foreign-language epic manages to be both a big, bold monster movie and a beautiful portrayal of grief and perseverance.
It follows Koichi, a kamikaze pilot during World War II who fakes a mechanical issue to get out of his duty. While on the Japanese base on Ono Island, Godzilla attacks, killing all but two of the men on the island.
With his home decimated by bombs, Koichi returns disgraced. Plagued by guilt at his failed role in the war, he is pushed to spring into action when Godzilla surfaces again.
The action, special effects, and cinematography are truly beautiful. It’s a Godzilla movie with heart, which puts it a cut above most films of its ilk.
I was enthralled, and this may just be one of my top five of 2023.
On Amazon Prime Video – Lisa Frankenstein
Okay, I have to first say I am fully aware this one won’t be for everyone.
However, if you were a fan of the deeply dark comedy Jennifer’s Body, or like your comedy-horror extra twisted, this may be the ticket.
It follows teenager Lisa, who lies next to the grave of a young man during a drunken night and wishes for a man like him. Her wish comes true when he rises from the grave and appears — dirt, undead stench, and all.
They try to find happiness together in the most strange circumstances.
From the mind of writer Diablo Cody — who made Juno — and director Zelda Williams comes a delightful undead romance.
Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse are fabulous together, with Carla Gugino, Liza Soberano, and Joe Chrest giving great supporting turns.
It’s gory and a bit out there, but I definitely enjoyed it.
On Crave – Ambulance
I think by this point, most people know what they’re getting with Michael Bay at the helm of a film.
Cheesy dialogue, frenetic action sequences, and outlandish plot points are his style — and as his recent efforts go, this is one of his better efforts.
It follows war veteran Will, who is fighting to get health insurance money to help financially with his wife’s cancer treatment. He visits Danny, whose father adopted him when he was younger.
Will thinks he’s going for a loan, but Danny pulls him into a bank robbery, and Will is pulled back into his brother’s seedy lifestyle. When things go awry, the brothers end up taking hostages in an ambulance, with $16-million in hand.
As they race around the city trying to find a way out of their situation, paramedic Cam plots her escape while also attempting to keep the cop the men shot alive.
This movies solely succeeds due to the incredible acting — This does not hit the mark without the splendid turns from Yahoo Abdul-Mateen II, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eliza Gonzalez. The trio play so well off each other.
Bay isn’t a “good” director, but action flicks like Armageddon, Bad Boys, and Transformers have proved mindless entertainment. Ambulance may not be as redeeming as those films, but it’s still a pretty enjoyable thrill-ride.
On Disney+ – The First Omen
The Omen films have terrified audiences for years, but the franchise has lay dormant for a while.
Enter this truly horrifying prequel, one that shook me to my core. I understand and fully acknowledge that horror may just be the most subjective genre. But this one really got me.
It follows American woman Margaret who heads to Rome to give her life in service to the church. But when she begins to have visions and witnesses terrifying events, she wonders if the church may be involved in an unspeakable evil.
Director Arkasha Stevenson uses truly astounding imagery as well as lighting trickery and a great score to captivate the audience.
Star Nell Tiger Free is intense, and performances from Ralph Ineson, Oscar nominee Bill Nighy, Sonia Braga, and Maria Caballero elevate things by a large margin.
It was a bit overlong, but otherwise I really loved this exploration into the birth of evil.
On Paramount+ -- Bad Boys
It’s a two-entry week for Michael Bay, as we honour the release of the new Bad Boys incarnation in theatres.
Bay did not direct the new one, but the spirit of the originals is definitely kept alive. This was his debut film after a number of years as a music video director.
It follows two fast-talking detectives who try to protect the witness to a murder. However, they’re also investigating police corruption and the theft of heroin from the evidence room of their police precinct.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence were a perfect pair, and the two were hilarious together. They are one of the best “buddy” duos to hit screens.
They’re joined by Tea Leoni, Nestor Serrano, Joe Pantoliano, and future Sopranos star Michael Imperioli.
It’s not a perfect film, but it launched a mega action franchise, and the careers of its stars.
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]
