A French drama-comedy remake and a DiCaprio classic: 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.

Blood Diamond

A movie more infamous for its Oscar season than for the fantastic quality of the film, Blood Diamond never really got its due.

Leonard DiCaprio pulled off an incredible year in 2006, starring in both this and The Departed, earning a nomination for the former. The problem was that, though DiCaprio is brilliant in both films, this was definitely the less deserving role.

It was unfortunate this movie got press for all the wrong reasons, because it’s also a stunning thriller about a fisherman, a smuggler and a number of businessmen all fighting for a blood diamond.

Directed by Edward Zwick – the Oscar winner known for Glory and Legends Of The Fall – this is a thrill-a-minute feature that won’t let go.

With Jennifer Connelly and fellow nominee Djimon Hounsou in the mix, this really is one of my comfort films. It’s a great showcase for its stars and this director.

4.5/5 Stars

First Blood

This movie made Sylvester Stallone a bonafide action star and spawned numerous sequels.

John Rambo is one of the biggest reluctant heroes of the genre, and he got his start in this 1982 film.

Stallone stars as a war veteran who heads into the mountains after clashing with the sheriff and police force in his town. What then ensues is a war that leaves bodies in its wake.

Stallone is absolutely perfect here, and he gives a top-notch performance. It cemented him as an action here, but the movie is largely helped by a great supporting turn from Brian Dennehy.

It will always be the best in this five-decade series, and I can go back to it on an almost-yearly basis.

4/5 Stars

The Upside

While I would first tell you to try the original, French-language film The Intouchables, I’ll settle for you seeing The Upside if subtitles aren’t your thing.

This remake offers star talent and huge talent behind the camera. Director Neil Burger – known for The Illusionist – makes this drama-comedy sing, and finds the exact right tone.

Kevin Hart – uncharacteristically fantastic and serious here – matches up with Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston perfectly. Their chemistry is the largest reason to see the movie.

Cranston plays Philip, a quadriplegic man who hired Hart’s Dell as his caretaker, though there’s a large learning curve for the ex-con who needs the money and a chance.

These two actors shine in their roles, with a wonderful supporting role from Nicole Kidman as well.

It’s a film that may not capture the depth of its source material, but it sure manages to be a crowd-pleaser.

4/5 Stars

Family

The number one reason to watch this incredibly offbeat, quirky indie comedy is its star, Orange Is The New Black lead Taylor Schilling.

She is an awkward, emotionless mess here as a career woman named Kate who doesn’t have time for trivial things like family and friends. She’s intent on climbing the corporate ladder at all costs.

So when her brother asks her to care for her niece while he and his wife deal with an ailing family member, it’s a nightmare come true. She doesn’t want, nor need to spend time with the strange Maddie, who is struggling under the weight of her parent's expectations.

As you can guess, minds are changed and hearts open. But the real reason this film soars is Schilling, the young Bryn Vale, and Brian Tyree Henry give this film their all. That alone is enough to make this oddball film work, even when not every narrative choice sticks.

3.5/5 Stars

Master Of None

With the recent news that this series is returning for a third season following a four-year hiatus, I think it’s time to prepare for the May release of the latest instalment.

These early seasons follow Dev, a 30-year-old New York actor, and his interactions with co-workers, friends and potential lovers.

Though creator-star Aziz Ansari is a fantastic talent, the spotlight will soon be on Lena Waithe’s character Denise. She has been a huge force in the series, and I’m excited for her to take center stage.

If you’ve seen these seasons, you should revisit them. If you haven’t now is the perfect time to catch up.

4/5 Stars

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