Sure-Fire Streaming: 1917, Showtime, Crimson Peak, and more
By Jordan Parker
The best in TV and film from your living room.
1917 – Available On Netflix
One of the best movies of the decade, 1917 represented the very best war movie done since Saving Private Ryan, way back in 1998.
Co-writer and director Sam Mendes creates a spellbinding, emotional film that is impossible to take your eyes off of.
It follows two young infantry men in 1917, who are tasked with a race against time to get a message to a superior that could prevent the deaths of 1,600 men.
It’s a taut drama with absolutely perfect cinematography and some of the most intense scenes to be put to screen in years.
Young stars Dean Charles-Chapman and George MacKay own the screen, and prove they have long careers ahead of them.
Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Richard Madden and Benedict Cumberbatch are all fantastic, but our two leads take centre stage.
This is a feast for the eyes and a well-done drama for the soul, and you’ll adore it.
Showtime – Available On Netflix
One of the most unfairly-maligned movies of the 2000s was Showtime, a satire that just didn’t connect with audiences or critics.
In many ways ahead of its time, it’s a light-hearted study on our culture as shown through the lens of reality TV and showbiz, and it holds up.
It follows two cops – from very different walks of life – who, through a series of unfortunate circumstances, are put together in a reality-based cop television show.
As they contend with trying to do their jobs and new lives in the limelight, they cope very differently.
I won’t tell you Showtime is some classic, but it features breezy performances from the wonderful Eddie Murphy and Robert De Niro, who have more chemistry together than you’d ever expect.
Rene Russo is also a whole lot of fun as an executive tasked with managing the show and its stars, and lends some finesse to the proceedings.
It’s a spoof of buddy comedies and satire, and if you take it as such, you’ll have a good time.
21 Grams – Available On Prime Video
One of the best remakes ever to hit the screen, this re-imagining of Spanish film Amores Perros is astounding.
Chief among the reasons is the fact that the original’s director, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is also the director of the remake. He maintains the essence and tone of the original, and nothing gets lost in translation.
The four-time Oscar winner – including two for directing Birdman and The Revenant – makes visceral, emotional films, and this early work is no exception.
21 Grams follows the interconnected stories of a dying mathematician, a grieving mother and a born-again ex-convict, all brought together due to a tragic accident.
The performances are incredible, with Naomi Watts and Benicio Del Toro both receiving Oscar nominations for their work. I’d also argue Sean Penn was Oscar-worthy for this one, but he ended up winning the same year for Mystic River.
It’s an actor’s showcase and a film that’s remained unforgettable for me for nearly two decades.
The Gentlemen – Available On Netflix
This film represents a comeback for a director who’s floundered for years.
Guy Ritchie – known for British gangster hits Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch – returns to fine form with this one.
It follows an American trying to sell off his huge marijuana empire in London, as people try to take his ill-gotten gains for themselves.
As Michael Pearson, Matthew McConaughey chews the scenery in this best role since his Oscar win more than five years ago.
Charlie Hunnam, Jeremy Strong, Michelle Dockery, Henry Golding, Eddie Marsan and astounding turns from Colin Farrell and Hugh Grant also highlight this one.
It’s hilarious, entertaining, and full of great twists and turns. The Gentlemen is the way a gangster flick should be made.
Crimson Peak – Available On Prime Video
I’m a stark defender of this film, largely considered a weak point in its director’s arsenal.
Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro creates the kind of gothic horror film that we needed, but people expected something more traditionally scary.
It follows an aspiring writer trying to cope with things after a family tragedy. Dealing with her feelings for a friend from her past and a new stranger, she tries to come to terms what her changing life.
This one is a slow-burn, beautiful film that many del Toro fans just weren’t ready for.
Mia Wasikowska is amazing, and Jessica Chastain and Tom Hiddleston combine for an incredible pair as well.
This is one you’ll either love or hate, but I absolutely adored it.