Leigh Paatsch: Best new movies on streaming platforms
From an animated Christmas classic to the Aussie horror flick that banked $300m at the box office, streaming services are packed with new releases ahead of the weekend. Here are the best.
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THE ONE WHERE LIAM NEESON GETS REVENGE (AGAIN)
COLD PURSUIT (MA15+)
***
BINGE, FOXTEL, AMAZON
Last year’s release of Cold Pursuit was a hot mess due to the weapons-grade brain-fade of Liam Neeson in a publicity interview. Therefore the onus is on viewers to not so much separate the art from the artist, as to differentiate between a smart, sussed pulp thriller and its dumb, deluded star. If you can, one of Neeson’s better reckless revenge-spree offerings - and there has been a stack of them - is there for the taking. This one pitches up Neeson as an honest-toiling snowplow driver looking to mow down every member of the drug syndicate that iced his only child. The movie underscores its openly ridiculous body count with a surprisingly infectious sense of humour that never lets up. Co-stars Laura Dern.
THE ONE COMING IN FOR THE CHILL (AGAIN)
FROZEN 2 (PG)
***
Rent via FOXTEL STORE, GOOGLE, YOUTUBE MOVIES, APPLE TV
Parents should note that the this popular Pixar sequel is no longer simply exclusively found on Disney+. Now officially the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, Frozen 2 doubles down on both the gleefully goofy antics and asides of Olaf (Josh Gad) and a fleet of fresh catchy compositions. The plotting is arguably too busy (and a mite too dark) for its own good, but sisters Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) still vividly embody the right kind of values and vitality that won everybody over the first time around.
THE ONE THAT POUNDS ON THE DOLL-DRUMS
ANNABELLE: CREATION (MA15+)
***
BINGE, FOXTEL
Though a sizeable enough box-office hit upon release in cinemas, this origin story for the demonic little doll from The Conjuring had its thunder stolen by crackerjack horror rivals in 2017 such as Get Out and It. The time is the 1950s, the place is an orphanage for young girls, and Annabelle is having the time of her afterlife picking off the residents one by one. The pacing can get way too slow, and the gaps between big frights are way too wide. Nevertheless, this middle-of-the-road chiller still carries enough creepy oomph to have plenty of horror fans waking in the middle of the night. Stars Miranda Otto, Anthony LaPaglia.
THE ONE COMMITTED TO A LIFE OF CLIMB
SHERPA (M)
****1/2
SBS ON DEMAND
Here is how life goes down so high in the sky. This sobering, revealing and appreciably raw documentary presents a very different picture of what happens up on Mount Everest during peak climbing periods. Filmmaker Jennifer Peedom happened to be there on the spot in April 2014 when an avalanche claimed the lives of 16 Sherpa guides. A significant work destined to change many minds about the Everest experience.
THE ONE THAT GOES ON A BENDER
GIRLS TRIP (MA15+)
***1/2
BINGE, FOXTEL
The perfect double-bill play with the new Ali Wong stand-up special just has to be this quality women-behaving- badly affair, one of the few movie comedies that truly worked in 2017. The set-up is let’s-get-the-old-gang- together-for-the-weekend: a quartet of former college BFFs known as The Flossy Posse reconvene in New Orleans to test how strong the old bond might still be. The X-factor here is an incredible breakout performance by Tiffany Haddish, a lusty, gusty whirlwind of wrong decisions and right-on ways to rationalise them. What follows is an earthy, provocative, and undeniably funny raunch-fest which gives The Hangover a run for its money in its best (and bluest) scenes. Co-stars Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith.
THE ONE WHERE DENZEL DAZZLES YET AGAIN
ROMAN J. ISRAEL (M)
***1/2
SBS ON DEMAND
What we have here is one of the finest performances of Denzel Washington’s long and extraordinarily consistent career. To the surprise of many this summer, an uncharacteristically dialled-down depiction of a crusading civil-rights lawyer experiencing a crisis of conscience landed Denzel a Best Actor Oscar nomination. It is such a nuanced, near-flawless piece of acting that it is almost a shame the film itself struggles to match the same high standards. Nevertheless, this muted courtroom drama remains eminently watchable throughout as Washington grinds through the gears demanded by a difficult role. Roman Israel (Washington) is a legal eagle best described as a backroom activist. Having spent too long with his nose in the books - and not long enough speaking up for those in need of justice - Roman may not be equipped to win a complex case that could prove the worth of his principles once and for all. Watch out for a fine supporting turn from Colin Farrell as a slick lawyer who becomes an unhealthy influence on the title character.
THE ONE ARRIVING FOR CHRISTMAS RIGHT ON SCHEDULE
THE POLAR EXPRESS (G)
****
NETFLIX, FOXTEL
Christmas is just around the corner, which means a few streaming platforms have dusted off this emotionally arresting and visually striking animated adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s award-winning 1985 picture book for children. A small boy having trouble believing in Santa Claus is invited on a train ride to the North Pole to experience the true spirit of Christmas. There is something indescribably unworldly about this picture, and not just because of the pioneering use of motion-capture technology. Starring the many likenesses of Tom Hanks.
Originally published as Leigh Paatsch: Best new movies on streaming platforms
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