Jordan Peele’s race-relations horror hit & an underrated Jake Gyllenhaal crime gem come to your screen: 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.

Get Out

Comedian Jordan Peele hit it big with this Oscar-nominated modern horror classic.

When a young African-American man visits the parents of his white girlfriend for the weekend, he’s struck by the cultural divides between them.

But things quickly move from ignorant remarks to a much sinister plot that forces the man to fight for his life.

Writer-director Peele is a master storyteller and a visual artist, and actor Daniel Kaluuya is spellbinding in his Oscar-nominated role as the unwitting boyfriend Chris.

It’s one of the best thrillers of the decade, and near-perfect in every way.

4.5/5 Stars

That Awkward Moment

Released during the sleepy month of January, the theatrical prospects for this raunchy romantic comedy with a heart were never big.

But stars Zac Efron, Miles Teller (of the Divergent series) and Michael B. Jordan (star of Creed) are reason alone to watch.

Their chemistry and breezy screen presence turn this run-of-the-mill comedy into a sweet, funny romp.

With some laugh-out-loud moments, a smart script and a game cast, this is one that will surely cheer you up if you need it.

3.5/5 Stars

Lost In Translation

This showcase for a dramatic performance from famed comedian Bill Murray ranks among his best.

He plays a jaded, wandering movie star with few prospects who meets a young, unhappily married woman while she’s vacationing in Tokyo.

They form a wonderful bond and change each other’s lives in ways they never thought possible.

Murray gives a career performance, and Scarlett Johansson is wonderful here. It’s an interesting, subtle work with just enough complexity to keep moviegoers intrigued.

4/5 Stars

End Of Watch

This Jake Gyllenhaal cop drama looks like it’s been shot from police body cams and cruiser dash cams, and that provides a grit this film takes full advantage of.

Gyllenhaal, paired with the unbelievable Michael Pena, provides an in-depth, tortured performance as a young cop who roams the streets of L.A. with his partner, dealing with the ins and outs of the job.

Directed and written by David Ayer, the man behind Suicide Squad, this was a huge example of the early promise the director had. With his own unique vision and style, End of Watch is impossible to resist.

It’s a difficult crime drama that will stick with you long after you see it.

4/5 Stars

Psycho

This Alfred Hitchcock classic is one of the most influential slasher films to ever be produced.

The black-and-white, dazzling film follows the search for a secretary on the run after embezzling from her employer.

All roads lead to a rundown hotel and a curious, quirky owner named Norman Bates. This is the film that defined the killer in horror movies as the most intense, interesting character, and Perkins is incredible.

Every slasher movie since owes its tropes, clichés and foundations to this incredible, Oscar-nominated movie.

It’s a true, blue American cinematic masterpiece, and it demands to be seen by aficionados and casual film watchers alike.

5/5 Stars

New Releases To May 7, 2019:

• The 100 (Season 6)
• Blackhat
• Fifty Shades Of Grey
• Identity Thief
• The Flash: Season 5

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