Sure-Fire Streaming: Single All The Way, 14 Peaks, The Crow, and more
The best in TV and film from your living room.
By Jordan Parker
Single All The Way – Available On Netflix
To say I've been waiting my whole life for a gay Christmas movie is, honestly, not an exaggeration one bit.
Single All The Way sees Peter heading home for the holidays after a break-up, and begging his roommate and best friend Nick to come play fake boyfriend so his singledom isn't the hot topic all Christmas.
Nick won't oblige – but comes for the trip anyway – during which the family realizes the two men truly should be together, and meddle to try to get them to realize it.
Writer Chad Hodge and director Michael Mayer create an adorable, hilarious little rom-com that's inclusive and peppy, and thank God for that.
The cast – including Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers, who share beautiful chemistry – is impeccable. Rounded out by Jennifer Coolidge, Kathy Najimy, Barry Bostwick, Luke Macfarlane and more, it's just a really lovely ensemble.
This one while have you joyous and bright for sure, so give it a whirl.
14 Peaks – Available On Netflix
This incredibly documentary is impossible not to become entirely enthralled in.
Director Torquil Jones gloriously captures the journey of Nimsdai Purja as he attempts the impossible, and the choreography is simply magnificent.
The Nepali mountaineer attempts to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in seven months, and his extraordinary work is all taken in on film.
It's intense, wonderful, and the views are magnificent. Every second, honestly, is captivating. I'm not usually a documentary person, but Nims' attempt to conquer this feat was worth every second of my time.
Mississippi Burning – Available On Prime Video
This remarkable, truly terrifying film remains an intense, affecting study on racism and its role in societal unrest.
It's the kind of movie I don't ever want to watch again – it made me supremely uncomfortable – but it's necessary viewing for all.
It follows two F.B.I. Agents who head to Mississipi to investigate the disappearance of civil rights advocates, and they soon find they're in danger as well.
Director Alan Parker – who died last year – was nominated for an Oscar for this film, and deservedly so. It's a searing portrayal of race relations and the seedy history of crimes on black people in the U.S.
The performances from Willem Dafoe and Gene Hackman are wildly different, but mark one of the best turns of both careers.
Joining them are Frances McDormand – nominated for an Oscar here – as well as Brad Dourif, R. Lee Ermey, Stephen Tobolosky, Michael Rooker, and Frankie Faison.
Its award-winning cinematography further propels the film to great heights, and it is an unforgettable experience.
Queen & Slim – Available On Netflix
The fact this indie feature wasn't nominated for a slew of Oscars in 2019 is an absolute travesty, and I remain steadfast it's one of the most important films to be released in the last 10 years.
It follows a black couple – driving home from a disastrous first date – whose lives change forever when a white police officer pulls them over.
They're forced to go on the run after a tragedy, and they're seen as heroes and villains, depending who you ask.
A Million Little Pieces author James Frey wrote the story, but Lena Waithe's explosive screenplay takes centre stage here.
With a star performance from Daniel Kaluuya, a breakout from Jodie Turner-Smith, and career-best work from character actor Bokeem Woodbine, the ensemble brings this home.
This story of police brutality and racism in a time when it needs to be front and centre on our minds is exactly the type of art people need to sit down, see, and be challenged by.
The Crow – Available On Prime Video
The legend and lore – not to mention tragedy – surrounding this film has perhaps taken on a larger life than the art itself.
When star Brandon Lee was killed in a gun-related accident on-set, the film would become a story of lore for decades. A great talent was taken too soon.
But let's not forget director Alex Proyas film based on the comic book series is a dark, B-movie, grim delight not to be ignored.
On its artistic merits alone, the story of a man brutally murdered with his fiance who comes back to live on Halloween to seek revenge a year later is fantastic and brutal.
Brandon Lee's performance is absolutely amazing, and with Michael Wincotte, Ernie Hudson, Bai Ling, Tony Todd and more on board, it's a character actor showcase.
This one isn't for the faint of heart, but those who watch it will be surely rewarded.