Andrew Garfield shines & A Nic Cage Christmas 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 CityNews Halifax.

Tick, Tick … Boom!

This is – point blank – one of the most incredible, entirely enjoyable films of this or any year.

It follows Jonathan Larson, a real-life playwright who is filled with existential dread as he tries to finish his masterpiece, just days before his 30th birthday.

He prides himself on his artist's life in New York City, but the composer begins to forget about his romance, friendships and family as he's driven to just finish his work.

This is an incredible musical about the man who would create one of the most formidable musicals of all time in Rent.

Directed by Hamilton and In The Heights auteur Lin-Manuel Miranda, it's a film you just won't be able to shake.

Andrew Garfield gives the performance of a lifetime here, and seeing him do Oscar-worthy work is work your time alone.]

4.5/5 Stars

Procession

This searing Netflix-produced documentary hit me harder than I ever expected.

It follows survivors of abuse by Catholic priests who crusade together for justice decades later.

Director Robert Greene's documentary is searing, stirring and absolutely heartbreaking at the same time, and it's terrible subject matter is impossible to look away from.

Everyone in this work has a different story to tell – though the subject matter is similar – and you become enveloped in the fates of these people.

The emotions run the gamut between fear, anger, acceptance, and ultimately trying to find peace and strengths through their bonds with each other.

It's a beautiful film, and one that made my eyes well up more than a few times.

4/5 Stars

The Family Man

I don't think I've gone a single Christmas since 2000 without this moving film going into my DVD player.

It follows an investment broker – greedy and vain – who's visited by someone who gives him a peek into the life he would have had if he chose love over money.

He wakes up with his sports car and funds traded in for a mini-van and a wedding ring – with his high school sweetheart by his side.

But he must wrestle between which life he ultimately loves the most. Nicolas Cage is actually mute and affecting here.

He's joined by Tea Leoni, Don Cheadle, and Jeremy Piven in this absolutely adorable little film.

It's going to warm your heart, guaranteed, and it's a great little winter delight.

4/5 Stars

Britney Vs. Spears

I figured we could honour Britney Spears' release from her conservatorship with a look at this truly wonderful, eye-opening documentary.

There have been numerous takes on every streaming platform imaginable that chronicle what's happened to Britney Spears, but this one takes an interesting look.

Done by journalist Jenny Eliscu and filmmaker Erin Lee Carr, there's a polish and bravura to this one that endeared itself to me.

It's intricately-told, and Spears' journey to get out of a restrictive conservatorship controlled by her father is told with a whole lot of flair. It's researched endlessly, and I appreciated the candour.

For any fan or lover of docs, this one is definitely worth a look.

4/5 Stars

The Holiday

It doesn't get more cutesy than this adorable little film from writer-director Nancy Meyers.

The woman who brought us such gems as It's Complicated, Something's Gotta Give and Private Benjamin makes one of her most pleasing films here.

It follows two women plagued by guy troubles who do a house-swap for the Christmas holiday, and find more than they bargained for.

This is a beautiful, heart-warming feature that I can always revisit, and the casting is impeccable.

Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and a scene-stealing Jack Black are all pitch-perfect in this one.

I have yet to find a single person who hates this movie, and that's because it's one of the most upbeat, lovely things I've ever seen.

4/5 Stars

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