Sure-Fire Streaming: Double Jeopardy, Lansky, Jack Ryan, and more
The best in TV and film from your living room.
By Jordan Parker
https://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/
Double Jeopardy – Available On Netflix
It may not be the most inventive crime thriller, but Double Jeopardy has endured for 22 years because of its fantastic cast.
Director Bruce Beresford – the man behind Driving Miss Daisy – puts together a spectacular ensemble that includes Ashley Judd, Tommy Lee Jones and Bruce Greenwood.
The film plays on the premise that you cannot be tried (and convicted) of the same crime twice. So when loving wife and mother Libby goes to prison for the suspicious death of her husband Nick, she sets out following her sentence to get her young son back and kill Nick for real.
The concept of double jeopardy means that because she already served a sentence for 'killing' Nick, she can't be tried if she does it for real the second time.
So as she pursues her elusive Nick – who has taken a new name – she's also pursued by her headstrong probation officer Travis.
Tommy Lee Jones is incredible and Bruce Greenwood is villainous as Nick, but it's Ashley Judd who steals the show in this one.
Lansky – Available On Netflix
This one took me by absolute surprise. The gangster tale from second-time director and co-writer Eytan Rockaway is sensible, smart and never veers too much into melodrama.
It follows Meyer Lansky, a retired mobster who is being investigated by the FBI for stashing millions of funds garnered from illegal enterprises.
He decides to tell his story – the sordid details and all – to a disgraced writer, who is only allowed to publish the memoir after Lansky dies.
The boss of the National Crime Syndicate shows writer David there are shades of grey to every story, and this one is no different.
Harvey Keitel is incredible here, in his best role in years. It truly is a starring vehicle he deserves, and he should get more of them. He's joined by Sam Worthington – a former late-2000s action star who is finally getting the chance to branch out.
Minka Kelly, AnnaSophia Robb, a fantastic David Cade and John Magaro co-star. Keitel gives one to remember in this one, and his performance is enough to make you forgive the softer points of the screenplay here.
It's an ambitious endeavour with a great cast, even if it falls flat here and there. It's definitely worth a watch if you love these stars or gangster flicks.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit – Available On Prime Video
While it pales in comparison to the great Harrison Ford films based on this Tom Clancy character, this is a pretty good entry on its own.
It follows Jack Ryan, a young C.I.A. Analyst who is plunged into action when he uncovers a plotted terrorist attack.
So, sure, the story is a bit convoluted, but with Chris Pine in the starring role, it's hard to ignore the merit of this one.
Kevin Costner and Keira Knightley are on board, and Kenneth Branagh serves as the villain onscreen and the director.
It's chalk full of intrigue, great action sequences and more. It certainly isn't a classic action tilt, but it's absolutely serviceable.
If you always enjoyed the Jack Ryan character, then you'll have some fun with this one.
A Million Little Pieces – Available On Netflix
This is a very difficult film to watch, but this story of addiction and the struggle to overcome has a lot to offer to movie-goers looking for serious fare.
Based on the mostly-true memoir from disgraced and lauded author James Frey, this tells the story of the man's time in rehab for drug and alcohol dependancies, and the things in his own life he has to work through to get better.
Sam Taylor-Johnson directs a stylish, intense and unflinching portrayal of addiction, and her husband Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives a defining performance as Frey.
The film is also marked by stunning turns from Odessa Young, Billy Bob Thornton, Giovanni Ribisi, and Juliette Lewis, and there's not one wrong note with the performances.
The film's tone can be uneven at times, but the screenplay is well-written and these thespians manage to overcome most of the issues you'll have with the film itself.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall – Available On Prime Video
Perhaps one of the best romantic-comedies to come out of the 2000s, this hard R-rated laugh-fest follows a man who decides to be spontaneous following the breakup of his years-long relationship.
Peter goes to Hawaii following an intense breakup with actress and public figure Sarah. He needs to get away from the spotlight and the tabloid news about the break-up, and recharge.
But when he arrives at the resort, he realizes his room is right next to his ex and her new, lothario boyfriend. The two have to put up with each other as Peter tries to heal.
If you love Knocked Up or you loved Jason Segel in How I Met Your Mother, this is for you.
He wrote the screenplay and stars as Peter. And he's absolutely fantastic.
Russell Brand is hilarious in a supporting turn, and Paul Rudd, Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis are all so much fun.
It's a hilarious take on heartbreak and picking back up and finding a new happiness in your life.
This one is strictly for adults, but you'll get an absolute kick out of it.