Sure-Fire Streaming: Unhinged, Shameless, Switchback, and more!
By Jordan Parker
https://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/
Unhinged – Available On Netflix
One of the first films to have a run in theatres during the summer was this awesome thriller Unhinged.
It’s a simple concept: A driver snaps following a confrontation with a woman at an intersection, and spends a hellish day stalking and targeting her to teach her a lesson.
What really makes this film work is one truly unforgettable performance from the formidable Russell Crowe. He is absolutely jaw-dropping and terrifying as our antagonist, and he’s like a one-man wrecking crew.
He fully, entirely lets loose, which allows the film to succeed. As a woman protecting herself and her son, Caren Pistorius proves a formidable hero, but make no mistake. This is Crowe’s show.
It’s not high art, but you’ll certainly be on the edge of your seat for the entire runtime.
Shameless – Available On Netflix
This crass remake of the British hit came out of the gate a decade ago, and has been adored ever since.
It has spawned huge stars, made careers, made us love and hate these characters, and it’s finally coming to an end with an eleventh and final season, now airing on HBO.
Featuring the amazing William H. Macy as an alcoholic father whose kids mainly take care of themselves due to his ineptitude, it follows their lives and how their get by with almost nothing.
With Emmy Rossum, Steve Howey, Cameron Monaghan and Jeremy Allen White, it’s a huge showcase for young actors too.
If you’re not familiar with the Gallaghers, a family living on the south side of Chicago, strap in. This very NSFW show is hilarious and absolutely crass. It’s the most non-politically correct show I’ve ever seen, but the loveable turns make it worth it.
Switchback – Available On Prime Video
I came across this nifty little thriller the other day, because the cast intrigued me.
It’s a serial killer film with Dennis Quaid, Danny Glover, R. Lee Ermey, and young Jared Leto and Walton Goggins.
The performances are incredible in this story of an FBI agent chasing the killer who kidnapped his son cross-country.
It’s scary, interesting, and takes some unexpected turns along the way. But it’s the intense, skillful acting that will keep you wanting more.
Switchback is a post-Se7en thriller that does so much more than just imitate, and the screenplay does the actors justice.
Wind River – Available On Netflix
Writer-director Taylor Sheridan is a remarkable talent. With Hell Or High Water, Sicario and series Yellowstone under his belt, he tackles this incredible mystery film.
It follows a hunter who is enlisted by the FBI to investigate the murder of a woman on a Native American reserve.
Perhaps the most important thing about the film is it takes the topical killings of Indigenous women seriously, and puts a lot of focus on this underreported issue.
The performances from Jeremy Renner, Eliabeth Olsen, Graham Greene, Teo Briones and Jon Bernthal are incredible.
Talent from within the Native American acting community is in abundance here, and it’s an incredible showcase.
This is a brilliant film, and one of my favourites in recent years.
Chick Fight – Available On Prime Video
Never in my life did I think I’d be recommending this movie, but don’t let the reviews fool you. It’s a real gem of a comedy.
When a woman joins an underground, all-woman fight club to gain perspective and get control of her life, she finds out her mother has a huge history in the ring.
Main character Anna finds the strength she’s always needed within herself and begins to train to become stronger and tougher.
Malin Akerman – of Billions fame – is wonderful as the lead, and Bella Thorne plays antagonist fighter Olivia with huge prowess.
Alex Baldwin plays a version of most of his characters as a surly, drunken trainer to Akerman’s Anna, but he’s serviceable enough.
It’s the rounded out ensemble, though, that makes things really worthwhile. Watch for Dulce Sloan’s turn as a bar owner and fight mediator, as well as Dominique Jackson. This movie is hilarious.