“The Thoughtful Stories You Might Be Missing on NETFLIX and HULU”

“The Thoughtful Stories You Might Be Missing on NETFLIX and HULU”

NETFLIX:

LITTLE EVIL

(2017, TV-MA, 95 minutes, BLUEGRASS FILMS/MANDALAY PICTURES)

 

This little tale is about a ‘newly-indoctrinated’ stepfather discovering his stepson may be the antichrist.  Writer/director Eli Craig, a veteran of atypical comedic-horror stories - TUCKER AND DALE VS. EVIL and ZOMBIELAND, does not let you down with his simple vision.  Adam Scott (of STEP BROTHERS, “Parks and Recreation”, THE AVIATOR) teams up with Evangeline Lilly (of “Lost”, ANT-MAN, THE HOBBIT series) to make the cutest couple and are a perfect pairing.  With other familiar faces to round out the cast, and young, capable actor Owen Atlas as Lucas, the devilish boy in question, keeps you engaged and waiting to see how the mess will end.  Just don’t think too hard on how he married Lilly before getting to know the young child, something I ask even now.

WHAT HAPPENED TO MONDAY

(2017, NR, 123 minutes, NEXUS FACTORY/RAFAELLA PRODUCTIONS/SND FILMS)

Dystopian films can be a fun break from your normal viewing pleasures, but do not be hasty with this one.  Noomi Rapace (of PROMETHEUS, SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGONN TATTOO) takes on a demanding role, playing septuplets, which I would feel not beyond her talents.  The future is overpopulated and, just like China, there is a one-child per household policy.  Grandfather Willem Dafoe (of SPIDER-MAN, FINDING NEMO, PLATOON) takes the children after his daughter dies giving birth to them and teaches them how to survive under these unfortunate circumstances.  As is always the case, we are given too many subplots that converge on the ultimate demise of the government’s Child Allocation Bureau.  Sometimes I wish writers and studios would be more daring and not always think ‘big picture’.  There is enough drama and conflict with this unique family dynamic without having to go find a way to crumble the entire establishment.

HULU:

DIRK GENTLY’S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY

(2016, TV-14, Season 1 - 8 episodes approx. 30 minutes each, 3 ARTS ENTERTAINMENT)

Yes, I am catching-up on this one.  It was worth the wait to provide my undivided attention, and you should check it out if you haven’t already.  Creator Max Landis (known for writing CHRONICLE, VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN, MR. RIGHT, and the coming remake of AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON) brings to life Douglas Adams’ quaint series.  As an Adams’ work, this is a fantastic piece.  The characters are brilliant and the story is unlike anything you would expect.  Elijah Wood (THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, “Wilfred”, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER) and Samuel Barnett (of “Penny Dreadful”) lead the way in this unpredictable whodunit.  Hannah Marks (THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, THE RUNAWAYS) and the other cast members are all stand-outs, completing this character-driven, Picassoesque presentation. 

 

-- James S. Austin