Sure-Fire Streaming: Shaft, The Upshaws, Southpaw, and more!
By Jordan Parker
https://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/
Shaft – Available On Netflix
When I first heard that a sequel to Shaft was in the works, I shook my head and cursed Samuel L. Jackson.
But upon seeing this flick, a witty, enjoyable comedy-actioner with tons of flair, it became clear this wasn’t just a cash grab.
Samuel L. Jackson stars with Jessie T. Usher as his son JJ, as the two try to uncover a conspiracy behind a man’s death. With original Shaft star Richard Roundtree in as well, it’s a rollicking, multi-generational film that delivers the goods.
While it leans more heavily on comedy than the earlier films, it’s a nice change of pace and provides a whole bag of entertainment.
The Upshaws – Available On Netflix
Not everyone will go for the stylings of this comedy series, which harkens back to the African-American 70’s sitcom ensembles. But it has a beating heart at the core that makes it worthwhile.
Created in part by Wanda Sykes, this story of a working-class family in Indiana and the things they do to get by every day is funny – if crass – and has some lovely performances.
It stars Mike Epps – who I’ve always loved – as a mechanic trying to do the best for his family, though he is consistently making mistakes along the way. His Bennie may not always do the right thing, but plenty of people put him in check.
Among them are his grown son Bernard Jr., played by Jermelle Simon, his wife Regina (Kim Fields) and his sister-in-law, played by Wanda Sykes, who steals her scenes.
It has some real potential, and it will require another season to see if it gets realized.
Southpaw – Available On Prime Video
Perhaps one of the most underrated movies of the 2010’s, this boxing film about a man who loses everything but the ring is incredible.
A tragic accident in his family sends champion boxer Billy Hope on a downward spiral, and he has to fight to try to get his life together and get back in the ring.
Director by Antoine Fuqua – known for Training Day – and directed by Sons Of Anarchy’s Kurt Sutter, the pedigree of the film is astounding.
With crackerjack performances by Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker, and more, this is a hard movie to watch.
This movie will surprise you in ways you never thought possible, and you’ll be surprised with how much you connect to it.
Synchronic – Available On Netflix
This sci-fi tilt is one of those movies you wouldn’t originally think to try, but once you do, you won’t be able to get it out of your head.
The story of two New Orleans paramedics who find their work blurring with home after a number of deaths are connected to a drug with otherworldly effects.
It transports people to other dimensions, and if they aren’t careful, they won’t be able to get back out.
With Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie giving performance that are heavily above-par for the genre, they’re constantly engaging.
Writer-directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead create a dark, incredible world and make an unforgettable film.
Heat – Available On Prime Video
I never realized just how good this film was until I revisited it for the first time in a decade last weekend.
This bank heist thriller about a slick group of robbers who take down big jobs, while a committed cop chases them down, is a genre great.
Writer-director Michael Mann’s movie defines the genre, and the acting is absolutely stunning.
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are paired as criminal and cop in this cat-and-mouse game, and they’re so good it’s astounding.
With supporting performances from Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Jon Voight, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Mykelti Williamson, a young Natalie Portman and more, it’s a stacked ensemble.
This now cracks my top ten of all time, and it’s a rewatchable must-see that should be on any cinephile’s list.