Sure-Fire Streaming: Charlie Wilson’s War, The Big Chill, Sicario, and more
By Jordan Parker
The best in TV and film from your living room.
No Country For Old Men – Available On Netflix
When I first saw No Country For Old Men in 2007, I absolutely hated it.
This adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s brilliant novel is methodical and a character-driven flick that I perhaps wasn’t ready for.
I now see brothers Joel and Ethan Coen have created one of the most definitive films of the last 20 years, a true genre masterpiece.
It seems like a simple concept – When Llewelyn stumbles upon the bodies of drug runners and $2-million in cash, he takes the money and runs. But as murderous stranger Anton tracks the ill-gotten gain, Llewelyn finds himself in mortal danger. All the while, ageing officer Ed Tom Bell tries to stop the violence.
It’s a wonderfully-crafter film, featuring amazing performances from Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, and an Oscar-winning turn from Javier Bardem.
No Country is etched into my mind forever now, and I hope it does the same for you.
Charlie Wilson’s War – Available On Netflix
One of those films you either love or hate, I found Charlie Wilson’s War to be a stunning affair.
Featuring an all-star cast, I haven’t seen a satire so biting in a while. The political comedy hits some great beats.
It follows Texas congressman Charlie Wilson, whose dealings in Afghanistan assisting rebels against the Soviets have consequences he never expected.
Translated to film off a crackling screenplay from the master, Aaron Sorkin, and directed by the late Mike Nichols – known for The Graduate, Closer, and Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? – this is a spectacle.
Tom Hanks, Jula Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman – nominated for an Oscar here – front an incredible ensemble in a film worth seeing for their turns alone.
The Big Chill – Available On Prime Video
A film I became acquainted with just this past week, The Big Chill was one of the most affecting pieces of art I’ve witnessed.
It follows seven former college friends who reconnect in South Carolina following the death of their mutual friend.
While they catch up on each other’s lives and spend the weekend together at a summer home, they contemplate life, the directions they went, and why their relationships with each other became so strained.
Featuring an absolutely wonderful soundtrack, top-notch writing from director Lawrence Kasdan, and a feeling of melancholy nostalgia, it’s a beautiful picture.
But it’s the ensemble that sells it, including Tom Berenger, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, JoBeth Williams, William Hurt, Jeff Goldblum, and Glenn Close, nominated for an Oscar for this role.
It’s equal parts funny and heartbreaking, and one that will make you hold your friends tight.
Sicario – Available On Netflix
One of the most intense films of the 2000s, Sicario will pull you in from the very first frame.
It follows a young FBI agent as she’s brought on to an elite task force. She’s fighting against the war on drugs and cartels at the border of the United States and Mexico.
The film is incredible, gruesome, and features absolutely stunning cinematography from Roger Deakins. Directed by Dune’s Denis Villeneuve and featuring a cracker-jack script from Taylor Sheridan, this one is full of talent.
Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya, Jeffrey Donovan and Victor Garber make up an all-star cast.
It’s one of the best films of the last 20 years, and will leave you breathless.
The Green Knight – Available On Prime Video
This is a film that will not – I repeat, WILL NOT – be for everyone.
But those who love it will want to scream it from the rooftops. It’s quite literally that good a film in every aspect.
It’s a fantasy following the medieval story about Sir Gawain and his deal with The Green Knight, but it’s stranger than you could ever imagine.
Based on the poem by The Gawain Poet, screenwriter and director David Lowery takes some fabulous liberties with the source material here.
The director is known for his interesting and unique style, and he really makes this one his own in every aspect.
Dev Patel is a revelation as Gawain, and he’s joined by Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris and the formidable Ralph Inneson.
It’s a fantasy you have to get fully on-board with to enjoy, but if you do, you may find yourself completely entertained.