Found-footage horror and Ricky Gervais series returns: This week’s best and biggest on Netflix

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

The Blair Witch Project

It has its detractors, but the horror film that started the found footage craze still chills me to my bones.

Filmed like a documentary, it follows a “crew” who head out to the forest in Maryland to research a horrific legend.

The three student filmmakers soon realize the legends of a witch in the dark woods may have more merit than they originally believed and find themselves in grave danger.

As they attempt to get out of the terrifying situation, they fear they may not live to present the footage they get of the Blair Witch.

I get it. The acting isn’t great, and the novel concept of video camera footage being used for realism isn’t new anymore.

But honestly, if you want a truly incredible psychological thriller, this is it.

4/5 Stars

Exit Wounds

I will concede that this film is so 2000s it hurts, but there’s something oddly soothing about a dated, pure action film when you need it.

Put out as genre titan Steven Seagal’s star was considerably fading, it was one of the last good films he did.

Directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak, also known for Romeo Must Die, Doom and being the cinematographer on Speed, it’s a brainless gritty crime drama for those times when you just want to escape.

It follows cop Orin Boyd as he discovers dirty cops, bad deeds and corruption in his precinct. He pushes to try to bring the misdeeds to light.

Seagal, DMX, Isaiah Washington (before the Grey’s Anatomy scandal), Eva Mendes, Anthony Anderson, Michael Jai White, Jill Hennessy and Tom Arnold star.

It’s nothing special, but every once in a while we need filler popcorn entertainment, and this B-movie spectacle is it.

3.5/5 Stars

The Last Castle

I can’t describe all the different ways I appreciate and love this movie.

Rod Lurie — the director behind gem The Contender, the Straw Dogs remake and the recent incredible war film The Outpost — makes a political masterpiece here.

This one follows a court-martialed general who sparks a riot among inmates against the vindictive warden.

The acting is incredible, with lead Robert Redford, the always-welcome James Gandolfini, a very young Mark Ruffalo and Delroy Lindo turning in fantastic performances.

Well-plotted with a brisk pace and strong, forceful visuals, this is one that I will recommend to anyone and everyone.

4.5/5 Stars

Cellular

This crime thriller is an absolutely fantastic, often-forgotten little gem from 2004 before its stars were truly big names.

Director David R. Ellis — who passed in 2013 — made B-movies like Final Destination 2, Snakes on a Plane and Shark Night, and I’d argue Cellular was by far his most ambitious, cohesive effort.

When a young man gets an emergency call on his cell from a woman who’s been kidnapped, he must race against the clock to help her.

Sure, you’re going to have to adjust to the technological limitations and forget about advancements, but some movies are a great little time capsule.

For me, it’s pretty fantastic seeing pre-Captain America Chris Evans and Jason Statham just barely after the first Transporter came out. They’re both early in their careers and having a great time.

William H. Macy and Kim Basinger — who I truly miss these days — also star, as does Jessica Biel in a smaller role.

It’s a really, really great film that never got enough credit when it was released. A fun little thriller, you’ll want to give this one a shot.

3.5/5 Stars

After Life

Say what you want about Ricky Gervais’ brand of comedy — the man knows how to make a great TV show.

A master of deftly mixing comedy and drama, the British funnyman’s 2019 Netflix show After Life is one of the best programs on the streamer.

It follows Tony — a newspaper columnist — who tries to get through his days after his wife dies. He’s transformed from an everyman to a droll, difficult character.

But he’s left to wonder if the way he’s acting would be a man his wife would approve of, and this little show was expertly leaving me in tears almost every episode.

With some great supporting turns from Tom Basden, Tony Way, Diane Morgan, Kerry Godliman and more, this is a truly worthwhile show.

4.5/5 Stars

Warning: contains language

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