On Crave – Evil Dead Rise
The Evil Dead movies represent a horror franchise that has not once dipped in quality.
From an original trilogy to a television show, a remake and now this reboot, I have been consistently scared and endlessly fascinated by these films.
This new incarnation revolves around a woman forced to fight against her estranged sister, who has become possessed. As she and the woman’s three children battle in a gloomy apartment building post-seismic earthquake, they must come to grips with the demons they face – Both inside themselves and in the external world.
A horror movie is elevated or descended into the depths of mediocrity based on the credibility of its casting. Alyssa Sutherland, Lily Sullivan and young stars Gabrielle Echols, Morgan Davies and Nell Fisher are all convincing and committed.
While it will never attain the classic cult status Bruce Campbell-starring franchise entries enjoy, writer-director Lee Cronin has created a gory, suitably-terrifying film here worth checking out.
On Netflix – Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Where do I even start – This film has been the most gleeful, joyful surprise at the theatre this year by far.
After the absolute travesty that was 2000’s film version of the popular game, I was so skeptical about this one. But it was able to blend genres, keep me smiling and win me over entirely.
It follows thief Edgin and his partners who come together to retrieve a lost relic, but are faced with a plethora of misfortunes as they try to complete their mission.
Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Rege-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, and Hugh Grant in one of his most fun roles in years round out a lovely ansemble.
It’s an adventure that blends comedy, magic and high-flying stunts with ease, and there are plenty of surprises abound.
I absolutely love this movie, and you simply have to see it to believe how good it is.
On Amazon Prime Video – Manchester By The Sea
One of the most heartbreaking films I’ve ever seen, Manchester By The Sea still manages to get my teary-eyed seven full years after its initial release.
It follows quiet, isolated Lee, who is called home to care for his nephew following the sudden death of his brother Joe.
Lee is confronted with the past and all the things he was hoping to leave behind, all while grieving his loss.
Writer-director Kenneth Lonergan makes one of my favourite movies of the last 20 years with this one. Casey Affleck won an Oscar for his leading turn, and the screenplay also nabbed a trophy.
It co-stars Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, and Lucas Hedges, and the latter gives a particularly incredible turn.
This film will move you, and it’s a disquieting meditation on grief, loss and loneliness that cut my right to my core.
On Paramount+ -- Hearts Beat Loud
One of the most underrated, severely underappreciated comedies of all time, this one is a cheer-me-up film I can’t help but turn to after I’ve had a bad day.
Single dad Frank owns a record store and the only thing he loves more than the music is his daughter Sam. He deeply wants to connect with her, and attempts to do so through music.
As he pushes himself – and his finances – to afford to send her to college after that final summer, he begins playing music with her, and their collaboration soon goes viral.
But their relationships shifts over the course of the summer as the two recognize they need to reconcile a few things together.
Nick Offerman, Kiersey Clemons, Blythe Danner, Toni Collette, and Ted Danson make up a fantastic cast for this little indie.
Director Brett Haley (who also made wonderful Sam Elliott film The Hero) knocks it out of the park, combining catchy tunes, a winning ensemble and a big, beating heart for a near-perfect genre film.
On Disney+ – Chevalier
A period drama with bite, Chevalier covers the life of composer Joseph Bologne with style, aplomb and dramatic flair.
The Chevalier de Saint-Georges – son of a rich French plantation owner and an African enslaved woman – pushes up through the ranks of French society as a violinist, as he charms the women and brings jealousy out in men around him.
He has it all – including the friendship of Queen Marie Antoinette, but as he falls in love with a married Operatic singer and pushes for a title in the theatre, the racism of the time continues to push him down.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. is incredible as he portrays Chevalier’s fight for freedom, and Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, Minnie Driver and Marton Csokas are all on-board, but Harrison Jr. just further proves how big a star he’s going to be with this performance.
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]
