Christian Bale’s latest and a magnificent 2SLGBTQIA+ drama: This week’s best and biggest on Netflix

Check out Jordan Parker’s ‘The week’s best and biggest on Netflix’ every Friday on CityNews Halifax

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Check out Jordan Parker’s ‘The week’s best and biggest on Netflix’ every Friday on CityNews Halifax.

Soul Surfer

I have a strong affinity for beautiful, uplifting films about people overcoming strife or adversity.

Soul Surfer is among the best of the bunch – a testament to the fact courage and faith can help you accomplish just about anything.

It follows real-life teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton, who fights her fears following losing her arm in a shark attack. Her journey to find solace and strength is an important tale.

AnnaSophia Robb is lovely in the lead, and joined by wonderful actors Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt. It’s a really nice cast.

Director Sean McNamara creates a really enjoyable, resonant drama that is incredibly memorable.

4/5 Stars

Cowboys

This movie is absolutely incredible, and I can hardly believe that no one paid attention when it came out.

Writer-director Anna Kerrigan’s film is one that showcases its stars in a way that will make you see them entirely differently by the end.

The queer film follows father Troy, who tries hard but can never seem to keep things together long. He takes off from his ex-wife Sally with his trans son into the Montana wilderness.

Both known primarily for their comedic strengths, Steve Zahn and Jillian Bell manage to give pitch-perfect dramatic turns. They’re joined by an absolutely brilliant young star in Sasha Knight.

This one requires tissues, and will keep you absolutely riveted.

4.5/5 Stars

A Quiet Place: Part II

When I first saw A Quiet Place, it instantly became one of my absolute favourite in-cinema experiences of all time.

Writer-director John Krasinski returns for this incredible sequel that literally rivals the original in almost every way.

This one follows creatures who are drawn to sound, and picks up as Evelyn and her two kids try to survive following the death of patriarch Lee.

The creatures have killed off most of the humans, and those who are left are struggling to survive.

Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Cillian Murphy, John Krasinski, Noah Jupe, Scoot McNairy, and Djimon Hounsou make a great ensemble.

It’s an amazing horror film and it certainly wreaks havoc on the senses.

4/5 Stars

The Pale Blue Eye

This atmospheric noir film could have been absolutely incredible, but a hit-and-miss 20 minutes will leave you stunned or disappointed.

Overall, Christian Bale’s Netflix original is a worthy effort – if only for his performance – but I wouldn’t say I loved it.

It follows detective Augustus Landor – who’s led a tragic life – as he’s hired to investigate a cadet’s murder at West Point.

With a group of men who won’t talk, he enlists the help of a young Edgar Allan Poe to get to the bottom of it.

Bale, Harry Melling, Timothy Spall, Toby Jones and Gillian Anderson make up a truly incredible cast in this one.

Writer-director Scott Cooper – who made Out Of The Furnace, Crazy Heart and Black Mass – makes an atmospheric film, but you’ll have a strong opinion either way based on your thoughts on the finale.

3.5/5 Stars

This Is Us

The incredible NBC drama just ended with its sixth season this year, and it was one of the best shows on TV during its run.

It’s the beautiful tale of parents, their triplets, and the family ties that form over time. Told partially in flashbacks, it follows the kids from childhood to their adult years.

Created by Dan Fogelman, it’s an Emmy-lauded show that is one of the greatest of the 2010s.

Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, the Emmy-winning Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson and Chris Sullivan are all masterful.

It’s an amazing show that I just truly can’t recommend enough.

4.5/5 Stars