Looking for your next binge-worthy series or film to add to your streaming queue? Check back with Village Life every week 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 – Mortal Kombat
To say the 1990s iterations of this classic video game were B-movie is putting is lightly. And yet, we enjoyed those films for what they were.
But a good 15 years on, we as fans definitely deserved a remake for the modern era. Enter this 2021 COVID-era film that follows MMA fighter Cole Young, and his quest to bring together the greatest champions on Earth.
Their task? Face enemies from the outerworld to save the universe. There also happens to be a ton of action along the way.
Director Simon McQuoid knows what game fans want – Blood, gore, an awesome techno soundtrack, and lots of fighting. He delivers in spades.
One thing I did love was just how good this cast was. Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawsom, Mehcad Brooks, Chin Han, and Hiroyuki Sanada bring the characters to absolute life.
It's mindless entertainment, but if you've been putting it off, a sequel is on the way. Time to catch up and delve in a bit of low-brow action entertainment.
On Amazon Prime Video – Fallout
This satirical, all-out fun series is another successful video game adaptation I'm surprised worked as well as it did.
With a grounding in reality but enough gleeful exuberance to allow us to suspend disbelief, this post-apocalyptic series is constantly entertaining.
Set in Los Angeles, nuclear war has ruined the world, and citizens live in underground bunkers to hide from radiation. But when one must break tradition, she encounters bandits, mutants and all kinds of survivors above-ground.
Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins, Moises Arias, and the entire ensemble are all absolutely fantastic.
There are beautiful set-pieces and this is so much fun to watch. I highly recommend it.
On Crave – The Green Knight
It's rare a film based on a poem ever ends well, and yet this adaptation of the 14th century Sir Gawain story is incredible for every second of its runtime.
Blood-soaked, eery, and playing out like a fever dream, this is definitely an acquired taste. But those who love this medieval tale won't be able to stop talking about it.
A film with themes of integrity, the importance of legacy, and the conflict between mankind and nature, it's definitely not a simple flick.
The fantasy film follows Sir Gawain – nephew to King Arthur – who goes on a quest to confront The Green Knight and prove his manhood. But on the journey to prove himself to his family, kingdom and himself, he comes to learn much about himself.
Keep in mind I'm purposely dancing around the plot, because Director David Lowery's spin on the old tale is breathtaking.
Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudrey, Sean Harrison, Barry Keoghan, and Ralph Ineson are all superb.
This is not an easily navigable watch, but if you stick with it, you'll be rewarded.
On Disney+ – A Bug's Life
As much as I hate to recommend a Kevin Spacey film, the work of other artists shouldn't be snuffed out.
A Bug's Life is a classic Pixar movie that I have loved for years. It follows an ant looking for brave souls in his colony to fight grasshoppers.
However, those he recruits turnout to be less-than-courageous.
Directors John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton created this classic all the way back in 1998, and I think it's incredibly under-appreciated.
David Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Phyllis Diller, Richard Kind, David Hyde Pierce, Denis Leary, Bonnie Hunt, and Brad Garrett all have voice roles.
I absolutely adore this movie, and it's a great one for the kids.
On Paramount+ -- Buffy The Vampire Slayer
One of the most enduring, beloved teen shows of all time, Buffy will always be close to my heart.
A show that came out back when live TV was the only avenue, I used to rush to sit down and catch this show. Missing it wasn't even an option.
Creator Joss Whedon – for all his faults – created a beautiful show here about a young woman who discovers her destiny is to slay vampires. A cheerleader and high-school student, Buffy's life is upended when she discovers her path.
She fights to keep her home safe while she hides her secret from her friends. A show of frights, fear, intrigue, and romance, this one was undeniably huge for my childhood.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Head, James Marsters, and more were all perfectly-cast.
If you've never seen it, it's near-perfect. If you have, don't you think it's time for a rewatch?
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]
