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 Pursuit Of Happyness
Will Smith's infamous Oscar win came for King Richard, but I think he deserved it for this incredible performance.
It was the only nomination for this drama, which marked the first time Smith appeared on-screen with his son Jaden Smith. The two made an adorable – and absolutely heartbreaking – tandem, and this one has endured as a modern classic.
It follows salesman Chris Gardner who – facing financial ruin – sees his partner Linda leave the marriage. He refuses to give up custody of his young son Christopher, and begins an unpaid internship at a brokerage to try to jump-start his career.
However, his long-term vision may spell poverty in the short-term for himself and his son. He attempts to continue to be a role model for his child while he undergoes a tumultuous change.
Smith is amazing and so is his son Jaden. Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, and Dan Castellaneta give great turns as well.
I really love this movie and always have. It will tug at your heartstrings for sure.
On Amazon Prime Video – Origin
This one came out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks.
It follows author Isabel Wilkerson as she examines the world around her – the racism, discrimination, and unconscious biases that rule America – all the while dealing with major tragedy in her own life.
Writer-director Ava DuVernay is a major auteur in this day and age who has lent her vision to films like Selma and A Wrinkle In Time while also dovetailing into television with When They See Us. To me, Origin has taken an uneven career and given us a glimpse into the brilliance she can offer.
Star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stunned with her Oscar-nominated performance in King Richard, and she's even better here in this starring turn. She will evoke every bit of emotion out of you, and was nothing short of stunning.
Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash, Finn Wittrock, Victoria Pedretti, Vera Farmiga, and Blair Underwood all also give great performances, but they're absolutely secondary to Ellis-Taylor.
This is a monumental film that I just cannot recommend enough. But I must warn you, it will challenge you. It will hurt.
On Crave – The Witches Of Eastwick
This no-holds-barred battle of the sexes may be a bit dated, but is it ever a whole lot of fun.
The special effects are definitely '80s all the way, but one cannot deny the sheer screen presence on display here. When three single women in a small village wish for a man to spice up their life, it's granted.
Enter the flamboyant and raucous Daryl Van Horne. They enter into a sort of quad relationship, but what they hoped for and the reality of the situation are not quite mirrored, leaving them wondering if they made a mistake.
This one is directed with a quirky, madcap energy by George Miller – the man behind the Mad Max films – and there's an inventiveness here you have to respect.
Jack Nicholson is absolutely hilarious, and Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer give glorious, strong turns. Richard Jenkins and the wonderful Veronica Cartwright are also really entertaining.
It falls apart some at the climax, but this is overall a really fun time.
On Disney+ – Jim Henson: Idea Man
Jim Henson was an absolutely fascinating man, so to see this documentary was a huge highlight of my week.
The creator of The Muppets is one of the most influential figures of the mid-1900s, and he left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
With a myriad of interviews of fans, co-creators, and folks within entertainment, it's a true encapsulation of his life and impact on those around him.
It also includes Wilkins and Wontkins Commercials previously lost and plenty of other archival footage for those who love Henson's work.
Documentaries work best when they make you feel closer to the subject, and Oscar-winning director Ron Howard accomplishes exactly that.
On Paramount+ -- Mayor Of Kingstown: Season Three
This is one of the best shows on television right now, and I feel like not enough people are aware of just how much talent is on display here.
Jeremy Renner is dynamite in the starring role, and gives his best since his Oscar-nominated turn in 2010 thriller The Town. He's an enigma as ex-con and prison fixer Mike McClusky, who tries to strike a balance between prison officials and inmates.
His family controls much of the small Kingstown, where the prison employs most of the residents and everyone has a stake on what happens inside those walls. But racism, politics, and corruption threaten the Michigan town and the McLusky family as well.
Renner is fantastic, as are co-creator and co-star Hugh Dillon, standout Tobi Bamtefa, Taylor Handley, Dianne Wiest, and Aidan Gillen.
Co-creator Taylor Sheridan – known for Sicario, Hell Or High Water, Wind River, and Yellowstone – creates a stirring thriller, and season three is airing now.
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]
