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.

Showtime

I’ve held strong for many years that this movie was unfairly maligned by critics and ignored by audiences.

A wonderful satire with a whole lot to say – especially about policing – it still holds up 20 years later.

It follows a gruff detective and a fast-talking cop who moonlights as an actor. The two are pitted together in a police reality show after a series of missteps.

The unlikely companions attempt to foil a huge criminal plot – if they can put up with each other that long.

Eddie Murphy and Robert De Niro actually have pretty good chemistry, and they’re joined by the wonderful Rene Russo.

It isn’t some life-changing endeavour, but I certainly had a lot of fun.

3.5/5 Stars

A Perfect Getaway

This is one of my absolute favourite thrillers to recommend.

A well-to-do couple on vacation find themselves in precarious circumstances when they realize there are murders taking place in their vicinity.

They team with a new couple as they travel in the wilderness, and must fight for their lives when they believe there’s a pair killing tourists.

It’s bolstered by an absolutely incredible cast, including Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, Chris Hemsworth, Marley Shelton, Timothy Olyphant, and Kiele Sanchez.

This one will throw you for a loop, in an absolutely fantastic way.

4/5 Stars

Crank

An exercise in absolute excess, I’d say this is Jason Statham’s most underrated affair.

It follows assassin Chev Chelios, who wakes up to learn he’s been poisoned by a rival. The poison will kill him if his heartrate drops.

He goes on an adrenaline-fueled journey to find the antidote before it’s too late.

Statham, Amy Smart, Dwight Yoakam, and the rest of the cast are fabulous – They know exactly the kind of B-movie they’re making.

It’s a thrilling, over-the-top film, the kind of brash movie we don’t often see these days. It’s jam-packed with memorable moments and a true vehicle for Statham.

4/5 Stars

Without A Paddle

A go-to movie when I need to get into a better mood, Without A Paddle is one of those movies that reminds me of my teens.

It’s a nostalgic, hilarious little trip down memory lane. After the death of their friend, three former besties – now adults and living their own lives — go on a trip to find D.B. Cooper’s lost treasure, something the group always dreamed of doing.

But when they get lost in the woods and have a ton of misadventures, old wounds pop back up.

Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, and Dax Shepard are all hilarious. A couple great supporting turns from Rachel Blanchard, Ethan Suplee and Burt Reynolds keep things light.

I adore this movie, even if it’s infinitely silly, and I think you will too.

3.5/5 Stars

Life As We Know It

This is a romantic-comedy I had no idea would be as good as it was.

It follows two single adults who become co-parents to a girl when her parents die. They were chosen in the will by each parent to look after the girl, and must do so together.

Director Greg Berlanti – the man beyond all the CW superhero content – makes a really enjoyable flick here.

Stars Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel have sparkling chemistry, and the film hinges on them being believable together.

It’s all sorts of adorable, and sure to make you smile.

4/5 Stars

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