Month: March 2022

Nearly two decades ago Liam Neeson made the leap from moody, dramatic actor to growly action star. In this 2014 offering these personas collide as Neeson broods with the best of them while carrying off some significant action sequences. This is A Walk Among the Tombstones.

Adapted from Lawrence Block’s 1992 novel of the same name, A Walk Among the Tombstones is a dark and calculating action film about a retired detective who gets pulled back into the world of drug dealers and violence when an old source comes to him for help. Matt Scudder’s (Liam Neeson) willingness to track the killers of a local drug boss leads him down a twisting path that challenges his hard-won sobriety and his determination to see the job through.

While this flick does fall within the action drama it is much more than a shoot ’em up serial cop thriller. It is nuanced and intelligent. The plot is unique and captivating and the characters are fleshed out and full of humanity. Neeson’s portrayal of Scudder is full of tension that brings an authenticity to the role that is a thing to behold.

The character of Scudder had a previous screen attempt that was a misfire. Fans of Block’s signature character will not be disappointed this time as the Frank Scott takes the screenplay and directing of this film firmly in hand. The result is a solid film that garnered much praise. The only criticism that was consistent was the raw depiction of the torture of women. This made a few scenes incredible difficult to watch and brought forth questions about this particular directorial decision.

All in though, Neeson does a superb job of bringing a solid piece of writing to the big screen. Frank Scott’s vision for a moody, dramatic crime flick comes to life in a captivating and engaging way. In the end, all elements conspire to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable movie experience. Check out A Walk Among the Tombstone now on Netflix.

As I have made very clear in previous pieces, I am a huge Harlan Coben fan. Admittedly, I’ve not read his books but the series adaptations of his writings are legit. I’ve watched international adaptations in several languages and each one is thrilling and captivating. My current favourite is Stay Close.

Stay Close launched in December 2021 and I stayed in all day and binged all eight episodes in one, stressful and exhilarating, day. This story focuses on a soccer mom with a past that comes screaming into her present in an unexpected and terrifying way.

Megan Pierce (Cush Jumbo) has built a life with her soulmate. She’s raising a family, do a job she loves and is finally planning her wedding. Life was easy and on track until a night out with the girls brings her past life and identity to her doorstep. At the same time a person goes missing on the 17th anniversary of an infamously unsolved case – that Pierce is intimately connected with.

Detective Michael Broome (James Nesbitt) is assigned to the new case and immediately relates it back to the previous case. As he begins his investigation he digs up old wounds and unearths dangerous secrets. Secrets that threaten the safety and security of Megan Pierce.

Stay Close is everything you want a thriller series to be. Smart, interesting, unpredictable and complicated. The way the story threads across years and connects people from the past to current happenings is so satisfying and well done. And all of this James Nesbitt is the grounding and magnetic force at the center of the mystery. He absolutely is the hub of chemistry in this series. He is actually the best.

Harlan Coben’s adapted series are growing in popularity and fans can’t seem to get enough. But good news, folks! Coben penned a deal with Netflix to see 14 of his 31 novels adapted to the small screen. So stay tuned, Stay Close, I will be sure to be chatting about these gems as they are released!

Stay Close and several more Coben thrillers are available now on Netflix.

In 2017, Margaret Atwood became on overnight sensation that was nearly five decades in the making. Atwood is a Canadian author, poet, and activist. She has told countless stories through poems, novels, short-stories, anthologies, non-fiction and scripts. In the midst of all of her brilliance is the true-crime story of Grace Marks, Alias Grace.

Written in 1996 as a novel, Alias Grace was adapted into a six part miniseries by CBC in Canada in 2017, hot on the heels of the runaway hit adaptation, The Handmaid’s Tale. In The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood tells the story of a dystopian world in the future. With Alias Grace, Atwood looks back to the trial of Grave Marks in 1843.

The novel tells the story of Marks, a maid living in Richmond Hill, Ontario who is in prison for the murder of her employer and his housekeeper. She was tried and convicted as an accomplice to the grisly murder and in Atwood’s story, Marks, 15 years into her prison term, is being subjected to a psychological evaluation.

Through a series of interviews, Marks tells the story of her immigration from Ireland, her relationship with her fellow maid, Mary and her connection to her employer, Thomas Kinnear. Through the weaving story, Dr. Simon Jordan becomes enthralled with the story and captivated by the innocent yet enchanting Grace Marks.

The series has a stellar cast in Sarah Gadon, Anna Paquin, Rebecca Liddiard and, Canadian screen royalty, Paul Gross. The pace and cinematography of the series brings tension to the well-written script as well as adding an ethereal quality to the scenes. The more Jordan is drawn into Marks’ story the less sure of reality the viewer becomes. The effect is stunning and adds so much depth to the story.

While the success of Handmaid’s has overshadowed Alias Grace, this limited series should not be overlooked. The original book is among Atwood’s best stories and the series is produced in a way that only enhances the original tale.

Be sure to catch this series on Netflix today.

During the first year of the COVID pandemic, when the world was shutting down and learning how to make sourdough bread and cloth facemasks, a Regency drama debuted on Netflix and exploded into our consciousness. Bridgerton launched in December 2020 and gave us something to hang on to over the the dark months of our first COVID winter.

The series, produced by Shonda Rhimes and created by Chris Van Dusen, centers around the eight Bridgerton siblings as they navigate the London season and all of the temptations and social games the season brings. Through teas, balls and orchestrated social maneuverings, the Bridgerton family stakes their claim on upper crust of London society.

The utterly unique thing about this series in that it exists in an alternate universe where racial integration and equality thrives in Regency era London. This idea came to show creator, Van Dusen, when they began to explore the debate surrounding the 1940s African ancestry claim of Queen Charlotte. Van Dusen was captivated by the idea of a fully embraced truth of a mixed-race monarch and what that would do for society in general.

Though the novels, by Julia Quinn, that the series are based on do not explore the racial diversity that the series does, this conscious decision is integral to the construct of the series. Creators are firm that the series is not colour blind but it explores an alternative history and narrative that would have embraced racial diversity and set the tone for a different reality for all.

The first two seasons of this sow have been devoured by fans. Interest continues to grow as the series nears the debut of their third season. Here are a few things you need to know.

The novel series contains eight books, one for each Bridgerton sibling. The first two seasons of the show followed the love stories of siblings Daphne (Season One) and Anthony (Season Two. While all of the siblings appear in these seasons, the stories revolve around Daphne and Anthony as main characters in their respective seasons. According to the books, it should be sibling Benedict’s turn in Season three but Rhimes has hinted that Colin or Penelope may be next up.

There have been no official announcements on casting decisions for Season Three yet there has been some heavy speculations. It is rumored that fan favourites Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie, Ruby Stokes and Will Tilson will all return this next season. Fans also have their fingers crossed that Golda Rosheuvel will return in her role of Queen Charolette.

Season two just dropped on March 22, 2022 but it has already been confirmed that Bridgerton will be coming back for Season Three and Season Four. More news will be coming as the series goes back in to development. For now, enjoy Season Two … streaming now on Netflix.

Oscar buzz is swirling and awards are already rolling in for this American Western psychological thriller. The tensions and complications onscreen are nothing compared to the hoopla The Power of the Dog has generated in the months since its release. Love it or meh it, there’s a story here, to be sure.

The Power of the Dog is a Western featuring the story and tensions of two brother ranchers in 1920s Montana. Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) is surly, secretive, mean and sad. Younger brother George (Jesse Plemons) is kind, friendly, helpful and genuinely good. While driving cattle the two meet a widow and her son who own an inn and restaurant.

George and the widow, Rose (Kirsten Dunst), fall for each other a wed quickly. Rose and her son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee) move into the brothers’ ranch but Phil suspects Rose of being a gold digger and relentlessly mocks her and her effeminate son. The mockery becomes so intense that, once Peter moves away for college, Rose falls into alcoholism. When Peter returns from college on his summer break, Phil’s secrets are uncovered and Peter decides to end the abuse towards his mother once and for all.

Written and directed by Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog, is based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Savage. The novel was published in 1967. At the time, many of the themes of the story were fresh, nuanced and untested. Turning the book into a film 55 years later has drawn criticism that the movie is full of familiar tropes and expired stereotypes.

The depiction of an angsty gay cowboy has arguably been one of the key elements that has drawn the attention of the Oscar decision-makers. At the same time this is the plot point that many have found fault with – both within the queer community and without. While some still can’t wrap their head around the idea of gay cowboys at all, others feel that this particular depiction has been overdone and does not serve the truth of many real life gay cowboys.

One thing most folks can agree on is he suburb casting of this film. All key players brought their A-game to this project. The Cumberbatch-Plemons-Dunst chemistry is for real. This may be in part because Plemons and Dunst have been together for more than five years and are parents to two wee boys.

The Power of the Dog has been nominated for dozens of awards. It has already taken home Best Director, Best Film and Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes, which is generally a good predictor of what the Academy Awards will bring.

You can catch The Power of the Dog now on Netflix.

Netflix is cooking up a new drama series that’s taking over the streets of Vancouver! The Night Agent is an upcoming limited series chock full of intrigue, action and a stellar cast.

Based on the novel by the same name by Matthew Quirk, The Night Agent is about a lowly FBI agent, Peter Sutherland, with a dud gig. He’s responsible for answering a phone that never rings. Until the night that it does and he suddenly finds himself in a dangerous conspiracy that has ties to the Oval Office.

An encounter with a young tech CEO, Rose Larkin, who was laying low at her aunt and uncle’s place after burning out, Sutherland finds himself on the run from assassins. The further they run, the more questions and dangers they encounter.

By all accounts this is an extremely well-written series with a smart plot, full of unexpected twists and connections. The characters are fleshed out and relatable. The story is intriguing and gripping. And the action sequences are of the same caliber as some of our favourite action flicks.

When showrunner, Shawn Ryan, cast his leads the internet erupted. Gabriel Basso of Hillbilly Elegy has been cast as Peter Sutherland. Luciane Buchanan will be playing opposite of Basso in the role of Rose Larkin. She comes fresh off the success of Sweet Tooth.

The Night Agent is currently shooting in Vancouver and is aiming for a mid-2022 release but an early 2023 date seems much more likely as the production still has a fair bit of filming to do in DC. Stay tuned for more information in the coming month.

The word on the street is Mike Myers is cooking up something new but familiar for his new Netflix series. Set to launch in May, this limited comedy series comes from a joke made in one of his earlier films. We’ll get into all of that in a minute. First, here’s the low down.

The premise of The Pentaverate is one of conspiracy and rumors going back to the Plague of 1347 and an unlikely Canadian journalist who stumbles into the middle of it all. Myers plays the role of the journalist as well as four or five other roles throughout the series. Fear not, he is not really a troop of one.

It is reported that Ken Jeong, Keegan-Michael Key and Debi Mazer are all picking up roles on this one. Jeremy Irons also lends his talent, and voice, to the role of narrator. There are a few other of Meyers’ favourite folks joining the cast throughout the series.

Myers has laid low over recent years, not appearing much on either the big or small screen. The one most notable exception to this is his pivotal role in the 2018 Bohemian Rhapsody.

Netflix has dabbled in this type of offer to comedians who had a hearty following in previous decades. Often times, they try to emulate the comedians’ past popularity with recycled gags and jokes just past their prime. But one never knows what to expect when it comes to the humour and imagination of Mike Myers, especially when he’s got an expansive costume department and endless prosthetics at his disposal.

Regardless of the this, die-hard fans of Meyers will, no doubt, enjoy his particular brand of humour and his versatile embodiment of a wide range of characters. Apparently there are a few gags that harken back to So I Married an Axe Murderer, so that should be fun.

Keep an eye out for Myers re-appearance in the limited series, The Pentaverate, on May 5, 2022 on Netflix.

Though you may not find The Long Kiss Goodnight on a list of the top action movies of all time, I promise there is plenty to make this one a worth while watch. Not the least of these is seeing leading lady, Geena Davis, in action, literally.

Eight years after being found, washed up on a beach and pregnant, Samantha Caine (Davis) had settled into her life as a doting mom and school teacher. Well, mostly settled. Having suffered from amnesia since she was found, Samantha was on a constant quest to discover more about herself. She had already hired a string of private eyes and investigators but all had come up empty handed.

Something shakes loose after a terrible car accident. Samantha begins to have random flashbacks that provide little incite into her past. In fact, these choppy memories only leave her with more questions. When a particular set of skills begin to accompany these memories, Samantha hires yet another investigator to help piece together the puzzle.

Mitch Hennessy (Samuel L. Jackson) is not what you would consider a top-notch detective but he does have is connections. One of these connections leads to some vital information that not only sheds light on Samantha’s real identity but also launches her into the fight of her life against all sorts of powerful people who would much rather see her dead than see her full memory restored.

While there were some mixed reviews on the film upon its release, there was one unanimous thought; Geena Davis is brilliant. Her performance was strong, nuanced and a true highlight of the film. Sam Jackson, always a fan favourite, brings humour and a particular air of confidence that adds a fun dynamic to the film.

The Long Kiss Goodnight has become somewhat of a cult classic and is well worth the watch. See it now, on Netflix.

I don’t even know how to intro this film. It is undeniably one of the most gut-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat, hopeful, beautiful, brutal flicks based on a true story that I can think pf. I, clearly, love it from the first shot til the last. Let me tell you why I love The Impossible so much.

During the Christmas season of 2004, a tsunami, that originated in the Indian Ocean, devastated the the islands and seaside communities of more than a dozen countries and killing hundreds of thousands of people. The Impossible is one story, of one family, who worked to survive and to find each other after the initial destruction of the waves. This is the story of Maria Belon and her family.

On vacation for Christmas break, Dr. Maria Bennet (Naomi Watts), her husband Henry (Ewan McGregor), and their three young boys are playing poolside when the tsunami hits. The screen in filled with chaotic, swirling water and snippets of screams and crashes. Finally, Maria breaks the surface of the water. She surveys the decimation of the resort community as the currents of the waves carry her away.

Unbelievably, in the middle of this mayhem, Maria spots her eldest son, Lucas (Tom Holland) and manages to make her way to him. The pair allows the current to take them wherever it will as they catch their breath. Eventually they make their way to a tall tree, rescuing a toddler along the way. It is as they approach the tree that they realize just how injured Maria is.

At the same time, her husband, Henry, miraculously found both of their younger sons and was able to carry them to safety on the upper floors of the resort. As the rescue efforts begin, Henry and the boys are compelled to leave the resort to find safety in the inland hills. Henry sends his young sons with another family as he stays behind to find his wife and other son. What follows is a harrowing tale of survival, chaos and unbelievable odds and yet, the Bennet family never gives up on each other.

The film was a hit with fans and critics alike. Fellow survivors of the tsunami said that the film was beautiful and yet horrifically accurate. The Impossible along with its director, AJ Bayona, lead cast and effects department were nominated for all the major awards. Critics praised Watts and Holland in particular for their skill and nuance of bringing life to characters who faced such unspeakable trauma.

This is a film my teens and I love. To be sure, it is difficult to watch, in parts, but the humanity and love that fills the screen for the entire 113 minute is stunning and captivating. Naomi Watts is beyond brilliant and Tom Holland gives an unbeatable performance, especially considering her was just 16 years old at the time of filming.

Clear a couple of hours, gather your family, and settle in to have your heart broken and healed again as you watch The Impossible, now available on Netflix.

In a time when it seems that critics are dead set against giving positive reviews for anything Ryan Reynolds touches, fans remain, not only loyal but, enthusiastically so – especially when it comes to Reynolds’ latest project to hit Netflix, The Adam Project.

This sci-fi action flick is another collaboration with Free Guy director, Shawn Levy. (The two are set to team up again for Deadpool 3) In this offering, its not just big explosions and quick-paced action sequences, it’s witty banter, a wickedly talented kid and a screen full of our favourite actors, just hanging around and being awesome.

Reynolds is joined onscreen by Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Zoe Saldana, Catherine Keener and, new comer, Walker Scobell. Together they conspire to draw us in with remarkable chemistry, tons of Adam-on-Adam quips and shots, and more than a couple of heartwarming moments interrupted with on-brand Reynolds humour.

The story follows “middle-age” Adam (Reynolds) time travelling back to 2022 to set the space time continuum or something sciencey straight after the future runs amok due to more sciencey things. In his return to the past, he encounters his 12 year old self (Scobell). Though an under-sized kid with a mouth that constantly lands him in trouble, he is smart, fearless and just nerdy enough to trouble shoot alongside his grown counterpart when things go haywire.

Along the way, both Adams cross paths with their dad (Ruffalo), who had died a year earlier yet plays an important role in their joint mission. As the Adams work to stop the manipulation of time by their dad’s business partner (Keener), they come to terms with the death of their dad and how they each remember him. Garner and Saldana round out the cast as Adam’s mom and wife, respectively.

The Adam Project is fun, heart-warming and the best of Ryan Reynolds style humour. The cast is awesome and the chemistry of the whole thing works in a way that draws you in from the start. Be sure to make some time to catch The Adam Project, now streaming on Netflix.