Sure-Fire Streaming: Detective Pikachu, Honest Thief, The Painter And The Thief, and more!
By Jordan Parker
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Detective Pikachu – Available On Netflix
This adorable little nostalgia-trip will absolutely delight those of us 20-35 years of age, and this new generation of children as well.
Based on the ever-popular trading card and television dynasty, Pokemon, comes this truly awesome live-action movie set in a world where real-life people collect Pokemon and battle with them.
A young, lonely boy comes across a mythical creature named Pikachu, and soon realizes his new furry friend has aspirations to be a detective.
Featuring an animal voiced by loveable Canadian Ryan Reynolds, and a lovely performance from Justic Smith, this movie is about ten times more fun that it ever should be,
Honest Thief – Available On Netflix
Ever since Liam Neeson kicked butt and took names in Taken 11 years ago, the 69-year-old Oscar nominee has become an unlikely action star.
While Honest Thief doesn’t break much new ground, in a 2020 landscape that saw almost all our popcorn blockbuster fare delayed, it was a whole lot of fun.
It follow’s Neesons character Tom, a successful bank robber who decides to turn himself in when he meets the love of his life in Annie (played by Kate Walsh).
He’s ready to give the money he stole back and work out a plea agreement that won’t keep him from her too long, but at the hand-over, he’s double-crossed by two FBI agents looking to take the money themselves.
It’s one heck of an action tilt, with Walsh leading a set of great performances, including those from Jai Courtney, Jeffrey Donovan, Anthony Ramos and Terminator 2’s Robert Patrick.
Taken, it is not, but you’ll get your adrenaline kick from Honest Thief just the same.
The Painter And The Thief – Available On Prime Video
Okay, let me level with you. This is a foreign-language documentary. Have I lost 80 per cent of you?
Fair enough, but for those still with me, you’re in for a real treat.
Director Benjamin Ree creates this unbelievable narrative about an artist who becomes friends with a thief who stole her paintings.
The two form an unlikely bond and when he becomes hurt in a car crash and needs full time care, she’s there.
Despite the fact she still hasn’t recovered her paintings, she cares for the man. But there are more changes afoot, and the film will leave you floored.
If you’ll stick with it, this is one of the best things to come out of 2020. Be patient, and you’ll be rewarded.
The Ranch – Available On Netflix
When I caught up with this six-year-old series this week, it was like I was visiting an old friend.
Given the time I spent out in the prairies, this tale of two sons and the work they do on their family ranch with their curmudgeonly father rang pretty true.
With the same director as That 70s Show, and two of that show’s stars in this, it’s a nostalgia trip.
The difference? This is a foul-mouthed, no-holds-barred comedy that you’ll shake your head at while you’re laughing.
Starring Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Oscar nominees Debra Winger and the venerable Sam Elliott, and Elisha Cuthbert of 24 fame, it’s a lovely cast that has amazing chemistry.
Watch for awesome cameos, a big-hearted feeling and a little bit of drama mixed in.
Heads up: Trailer is NSFW. Beware.
Out Of The Furnace – Available On Prime Video
Put frankly, this is the most underrated films of all time, and the fact it never received Oscar love in 2014 annoys me to this day.
When an ex-con, fresh out of prison for accidental manslaughter, realizes his brother has gotten caught up in drugs and gangs, he sets out to find him.
The police are little help, so Russell Baze goes in search within the underbelly confines of his small town for younger brother Rodney.
With a high-wattage all-star cast including Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana, a ferocious, terrifying Woody Harrelson, Sam Shepard, Willem Dafoe and Forest Whitaker, it’s one of the best casts ever assembled.
Terrifying, moving and hugely powerful, Out Of The Furnace is can’t-miss cinema.