SANTA CLARITA DIET: SEASON 1
A suburban zombie story that takes a bite out of the imperfections of marriage and parenthood is hard to do. Nonetheless, Drew Barrymore makes the undead look good and feel fresh in an outrageous, gory show where the laughs are just as consistent as the bloodshed. Her and Timothy Olyphant (Justified) play husband and wife realtors, and after one horrendous puking incident, their lives are never the same.
Olyphant is the highlight of the show for me. Him and Barrymore are a dynamic duo, but he is hilarious trying to keep up being a dad and husband in the most unlikely situations imaginable. Their daughter Abby (Liv Hewson) is no dummy, never agreeing with her parents on what she should and shouldn’t know. And her friendship with the next door neighbor’s kid, Eric (Skyler Gisondo) is awesomely awkward. With the last episode, their season finale doesn’t give you much, but even in the most disgusting scenarios, the show is absolutely adorable.
VERONICA
This Spanish spookfest is giving anyone who is willing to watch it on Netflix nightmares. I must’ve seen something different because this “true story” is everything we’ve come to expect from ghost possession movies. Director Paco Plaza ([Rec]) brings some intriguing ideas to a worn out premise, and the finale attempts to get some suspense going. Yet, what we’re mostly handed is a slow, unoriginal journey of a daughter bringing her father back using a Ouija board, and whatever she’s called ain’t playing nice. The reactions to watching this is way more disturbing than what you’ll actually see. Don’t believe the hype.
TAKE YOUR PILLS
A dense documentary focusing on the amphetamine epidemic that ironically has trouble concentrating on one topic. The reasons why people should or shouldn’t use pills, the history and how they can help mentally and physically is a lot to swallow; but, none of it tends to have much thought or exploration behind it. It’s 87 minutes long—they had time.
OZARK: SEASON 1
A terrific thriller, a captivating crime drama, and we’re just getting started with the Byrde family. The plot is cleverly complex, keeping the stakes high while throwing wrenches in to one good plan after another. The way this show brings characters and environment together is incredible, the locals and out-of-towners all walking with the same shady skepticism. Carrying the weight of the ever twisting narrative is the brilliant cast, lead by a never better Jason Bateman. It’s his best role to date, squaring off against his own fear, guilt, and utter brilliance. There’s plenty of room for this show to get riskier, greedier, and more rewarding in its next season, but they’re off to a stellar start.
RAVENOUS (LES AFFAMÉS)
People struggling to survive after a zombie apocalypse is nothing new. However, director Robin Aubert presents this torment in such a beautiful and tension-filled way, it feels fresh. Along with scary silence, there’s an emotional connection that’s rare for this sub-genre. It’s actually made up of more than just blood and guts; but there’s no leaving it out, either.
THE OUTSIDER
An awkward, arid movie with a miscast Jared Leto numbingly playing his part. It’s quite baffling how unfulfilled and generic this crime story is with no attempt to come up with anything original.
COLLATERAL (Limited Series)
A British psychological thriller that starts with a pizza delivery guy being killed, and uncovers a darker truth about the political, religious and legal institutions we hold so dear. There’s no mystery for the viewers. It’s more about learning the reasons why it happened. Nothing wrong with that. Carey Mulligan is stellar as a detective who takes her own path to get the answers she needs. Also, Jeany Spark is excellent as a soldier who has war in her blood, serving for the love of her country that doesn’t seem to love her back. For just being four hours, this crime drama has a lot to say, and certain elements aren’t told in the most effective way. Still, the intricate storytelling being centered around complicated characters is what keeps everything thriving and tense.
“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter@SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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