Sure-Fire Streaming: Space Force, Small Crimes, and more
By Jordan Parker
The best in TV and film from your living room.
Space Force – Available On Netflix
A show that plays like The Office in space, it's not surprising this one was created by Steve Carell and Greg Daniels, who were the respective star and producer of that show.
It follows a group tasked with creating the interstellar six branch of the armed services, and the hijinks these quirky personalities get up to.
Steve Carell is hilarious here, and John Malkovich absolutely steals it as a mad scientist. With Ben Schwartz, Diana Silvers, Lisa Kudrow, Tawny Newsome, Jimmy O. Yang and more, it's a divers, charismatic cast.
There's some zany, entirely out-there material here, but the performances ground this one to make it worthwhile. It's no Office or Parks & Rec yet, but here's to hoping season two finds its stride.
The Founder – Available On Netflix
One of Michael Keaton's more enjoyable performances during his career resurgence, you can tell the actor is just having a lot of fun here.
It follows Ray Kroc, the man who – mired in scandal – made McDonald's a household name. I had no idea about the tale behind the formation of the fast-food giant before I saw this.
Director John Lee Hancock – known for The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks – balances both the comedic and dramatic elements here to make a multi-dimensional film.
Writer Robert Siegel – currently enjoying a resurgence as showrunner of Hulu's Pam & Tommy – has difficulties keeping things on the track, but the cast helps navigate.
Keaton is joined by Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Linda Cardellini, Laura Dern, B.J. Novak, and Patrick Wilson.
It's an entertaining, eye-opening endeavour I found myself fully involved in.
Muriel's Wedding – Available On Prime Video
When I flipped on Muriel's Wedding, I truly had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into.
The Australian movie has long been touted to me as an iconic comedy and 2SLGBTQIA+ gem, but I knew barely anything about it.
Toni Collette makes any movie worth it, and the Oscar nominee absolutely knocks this one out of the park.
She's a small-town girl with no luck. She has no job, no friends, and dreams of a life so much bigger than what she has.
She steals money from her parents and heads on vacation with it in an attempt to change her fortunes and find love, but finds herself in the process.
Writer-director P.J. Hogan created a cult classic with this one, and Collette is absolutely fantastic.
This absurd little comedy won't be to everyone's taste, but those who love it will love it a lot.
Small Crimes – Available On Netflix
This little film wasn't well-received at all, but five years later it still sticks with me.
It follows a former cop – just out of prison – who comes home trying to start a better life. But his past catches up with him, and he can't shake it as easily as he hoped.
Game Of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is incredible here, and he's joined by a fantastic cast.
Robert Forster, Jacki Weaver, Molly Parker and Gary Cole all give formidable turns in this dark thriller.
Co-writer and director E.L. Katz crafts a difficult, tense film that may be hard to watch at times, but it's definitely one you should check out.
I Want You Back - Available On Prime Video
This romantic comedy really connected with me, and I can't recommend it enough.
It's an absolutely hilarious film with just enough tenderness and sweetness to make you feel something, without being entirely overwhelming.
When Peter and Emma – two downtrodden folks in their 30s – are dumped by their respective partners, they meet each other and hatch a devious plot.
The will try to sabotage the new relationship each of their exes are in, so they can win them back. I bet you know how this one ends, but the journey is so fun.
Charlie Day and Jenny Slate are fantastic, and have a wonderful chemistry together. Scott Eastwood – son of Clint – is uncharacteristically hilarious, and with Gina Rodriguez and Manny Jacinto verbally sparring together, it's a perfect cast.
It's sweet, adorable and you're going to laugh way harder than you could have imagined.