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 – That ‘90s Show
One of the most wholesome, hilarious shows of my teens was That ‘70s Show. A nostalgic send-up of that decade centred on geeky Eric Forman, his next-door love interest Donna, and their whacky friends, it was must-watch television.
When it was airing, the technology to PVR didn’t exist. I rushed to my couch every Thursday to see each new episode. Now, this iteration takes place in 1995, and Eric and Donna have had a daughter, Leia.
She visits her grandparents (original show favourites) Red and Kitty over the summer, and learns about love, life and growing up.
This one may not be an instant-classic like its predecessor, but with cameos from original cast and a teen ensemble with a lot of promise, it can become great.
Now in it’s second season, the highlight is Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, who get elevated screen-time as Kitty and Red. I’m really excited to see how things progress here.
On Amazon Prime Video – I.S.S.
This is a hugely underrated 2023 film that taps into our complex, volatile political landscape more than I’m fully comfortable with.
The International Space Station is home to both U.S. and Russian troops, who live harmoniously together doing scientific work outside earth.
But when an on-planet nuclear war begins, both sides are ordered from their respective commands to take over the station – By any means necessary.
West Side Story actress Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, John Gallagher Jr. are incredible. But to me, Pilou Asbaek was fabulous and the real standout.
Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite allows her actors room to breathe and give sterling performances, and they keep the script from pushing into melodrama territory. Overall, I don’t quite understand the lukewarm reviews. It gets my endorsement.
On Crave – Con Air
This is a hugely entertaining camp picture from famed action producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
An all-star cast brings this absolutely silly premise some grounding. Nicolas Cage stars as ex-U.S. Ranger and new parolee Cameron Poe, who is catching a flight home from the facility where he was incarcerated.
The prisoner-transport plane also plays host to some of the most murderous, villainous cons in the world – many of whom are being transferred to other facilities.
When the cons take control of the plane, Poe must play double-agent to send discreet messages to Vince Larkin, an agent on the ground he hopes can help him get home safely.
Cage is joined by John Malkovich, John Cusack, Colm Meaney, Mykelti Williamson, Dave Chapelle, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, and so many more as part of one of my favourite ensembles ever.
It’s hilarious, action-packed, the dialogue is silly but instantly-quotable, and it has been revered by B-movie lovers for years.
Climb aboard Con Air for a two-hour thrill-ride.
On Disney+ – The Bear
The best show on Disney+ is back for a third helping.
The Bear is a heartfelt drama about young aspiring chef Carmy, who leaves the high-end dining life and goes back to Chicago following a family tragedy.
He puts his dreams on hold to run the family sandwich shop, much to his chagrin. The debts of the business and the years of neglect catch up, and he’s left picking up the pieces.
Jeremy Allen White (of Shameless fame) fronts a cast that also includes standouts Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Every performer adds a layer of nuance here, and I’ve cried more than a few times watching this one.
Did I mention the cinematography is incredible, and the writing is near-perfect? Seek this one out if you haven’t seen it. If you have, enjoy the third season.
On Paramount+ -- 21 Bridges
Perhaps best-known as one of the late Chadwick Boseman’s last films, it was a testament to his talent in every genre.
He stars as an NYPD detective facing personal strife who becomes the lead on a citywide manhunt for two men who kill cops during a robbery-gone-wrong.
But things are not as they seem, and with each thread the detective pulls, a new piece of the puzzle uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to take down the police department.
Boseman is joined by Sienna Miller, J.K. Simmons, Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James, and Keith David.
This one will never go down as a classic, but as popcorn entertainment, it’s a well-acted actioner that won’t disappoint.
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]
