Julia Roberts owns the screen and vampires hit the Bronx: This week’s best and biggest on Netflix

Check out Jordan Parker's “The week's best and biggest on Netflix” every Friday on HalifaxToday.ca.

Green Book

While people will forever debate the behind-the-scenes controversies, and whether Green Book deserved its Oscar for Best Picture, there’s no denying it’s a well-crafted flick.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, yes, of There’s Something About Mary & Dumb and Dumber fame, this is based on the true-life story of two people from entirely different walks of life who forge a friendship.

Italian-American Tony is a bouncer and an intolerant man who takes a job driving mild-mannered African-American pianist Dr. Donald Shirley to gigs in the dangerous South.

The 1960s setting sees the two clash and shows just how big a disparity there is between the rights the men have. As they push forward on their journey, things soften and the two become best friends.

It all wraps up a bit too easily, but it also features powerful acting from Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali that propels this film to new heights.

Watch it for the performances alone.

4/5 Stars

Vampires Vs. The Bronx

This underrated little Netflix original is about a young group of friends who come face-to-face with a group of vampires trying to take over their home in the Bronx.

As gentrification threatens their existence, they must also push against neck-biters and protect all those they love.

It’s an odd little movie, but I enjoyed this lighthearted endeavour a lot more than I expected to. Writer-director Oz Rodriguez blends comedy and horror together incredibly well, and it’s a film with a social conscience.

The young cast is incredible, and Jaden Michael, Gerald Jones III and Gregory Diaz IV have fantastic careers ahead.

It certainly helps to see Shea Whigham, Method Man and Sarah Gadon along for the ride.

It’s incredibly entertaining and if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief, I think you’ll enjoy it too.

3.5/5 Stars

The Intruder

I saw this movie on a rainy Sunday night in theatres during the summer of 2019. I was bored, and my friend and I just wanted something to keep us entertained.

We were the only ones in the theatre for the 10:15 p.m. showing, and this one absolutely delivered.

It was a fun little thriller about a married couple who cross paths with the former owner, who just can’t let go of the fact he lost the home.

Things take some incredibly uncomfortable and violent turns, and director Deon Taylor gives us a great thrill ride.

Michael Ealy and Meagan Good are really good here as a terrorized couple, but I had a really, really good time seeing nice guy Dennis Quaid at his creepy worst. He was an absolute highlight, and the main reason to see this genre fare.

3.5/5 Stars

Shot Caller

Perhaps the most interesting actor to watch since Game of Thrones began has been Jamie Lannister himself, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

He’s gone bad, good and everywhere in between. He’s a versatile and intense actor, and I’ve always found something to enjoy in his performances.

Shot Caller may be his most difficult film, and it’s a bit inaccessible due to the violence. But those ready to stick through it will be rewarded.

It focuses on a recently-released convict who is forced back into crime by gang leaders who make him attack a rival gang in Southern California.

The performances — from Coster-Waldau and co-stars Omari Hardwick, Lake Bell, Jon Bernthal and Emory Cohen — are incredible. But it’s Jeffrey Donovan, constantly underrated, who comes closest to matching the star.

It’s gripping, difficult and must-see cinema for those who can handle it.

4/5 Stars

Ben Is Back

To see Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges be ignored by the Oscars for this Herculian effort in 2018 was heartbreaking for me.

Hedges’ own father, Peter, directs him here. The Oscar nominee is responsible for writing What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, About A Boy and Pieces of April.

The father’s best accomplishment here is giving his son, an Oscar nominee himself, room to perform. As a drug-addicted teen who shows up at his family’s home unexpectedly on Christmas Eve, he’s absolutely flawless.

Hedges is tortured and gives the best performance of his career. Julia Roberts, as his mother, gives her best performance since her Oscar win in 2000 for Erin Brockovich.

It’s a masterclass in acting. Bring tissues and be ready for a whirlwind of emotions you won’t see coming.

4.5/5 Stars

Jordan Parker's weekly film reviews can be found on his blog, Parker & The Picture Shows.