Q Wave’s Watchlist: July 2022
"There's nothing to watch" is not a phrase that should exist in a world drowning in content. Join us every month to get curated content - from the latest and greatest to revisiting oldies - we'll help you avoid the dreaded “Netflix Block” and find something to watch!
The Man From Toronto (Netflix)
It feels like we’ve been hearing about this movie forever, but the long wait is over, and The Man From Toronto is finally streaming on Netflix.
Kevin Hart (Jumanji: The Next Level) plays Teddy: a bumbling entrepreneur who, while staying at an Airbnb, is mistaken for deadly assassin Randy AKA ‘The Man from Toronto’, played by Woody Harrelson (Venom: Let there be Carnage). Comedic hijinks ensue, and Teddy is forced to play along as the deadly assassin.
The film was initially set to be released in theatres almost two years ago in November 2020. The pandemic led to multiple delays in its release until last summer, when Sony signed a deal with Netflix that would allow the streamer exclusive access to its films, including this one.
Funny enough, The Man from Toronto was initially set to be shot in Atlanta, Georgia, but due to all the aforementioned scheduling conflicts, the film's production was moved and eventually ended up shooting in Toronto itself. The filming location gives the movie some authenticity, even if the main characters' pronunciation of the city is questionable.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Hitmans Bodyguard, Ride Along
Runtime: 117 minutes
Genre: Drama
The Terminal List (Amazon Prime)
One of the biggest movie stars in the world is taking a break from guarding the galaxy and chasing dinosaurs. Chris Pratt is ready to investigate a conspiracy in the new summer thriller The Terminal List.
Based on the Jack Carr bestselling novel of the same name, The Terminal List follows Lt. James Reece (played by Pratt), who returns home after his entire platoon of NAVY SEALs is ambushed while on a secret mission. Upon returning home, Reece finds he has conflicting memories about what happened, and as new evidence comes to light, he discovers dark forces working against him, putting his life and the lives of his family in danger. The series is part action, part psychological thriller that looks like it will give Pratt room to perhaps step outside his typical blockbuster movie roles and flesh a bit of depth. There’s also some solid talent rounding out the cast with Taylor Kitsch (21 Bridges), Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians), Riley Keough (Zola), Jeanne Tripplehorn (The Gilded Age), and Pratt’s real-life brother-in-law, Patrick Schwarzenegger (The Staircase).
The series is directed by Antoine Fuqua, who is noted for directing crime thrillers such as Training Day, The Equalizer, and The Guilty, which is a promising sign for the show.
All eight episodes of The Terminal List will be available on July 1st on Amazon Prime.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Americans
Runtime: 8 episodes, approx. 60 mins each
Genre: Action, thriller
Our Flag Means Death (Crave)
With the recent tidal wave of shows coming out there have been a few that have risen to the top of critics’ ‘Must See Lists’, and one of those is the surprise hit comedy, Our Flag Means Death.
Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, the series is (very) loosely based on the real life of Stede Bonnet AKA The Gentleman Pirate played by Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords). Stede voluntarily gives up his comfortable life of luxury and wealth in exchange for life at sea aboard his ship, the ‘Revenge.’ Stede and his crew struggle with the day-to-day of pirate life, and during their misadventures, they cross paths with the legendarily-feared Blackbeard, played by Taika Waititi (Free Guy) with whom Stede eventually becomes close.
Series creator David Jenkins became interested in Stede Bonnet after hearing his wife talk about him and deciding to read his Wikipedia page. He found it interesting trying to understand why Stede would give up his life to become a pirate and why Blackbeard would’ve taken him under his wing.
The series has received many accolades, many of which commend its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. All episodes are currently available on Crave, and it’s a good time to binge as it was recently announced the show would be getting a second season.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: What We Do in the Shadows, The Great
Runtime: 10 episodes, approx 30 mins each
Genre: Comedy
Abbott Elementary (Disney Plus)
One of the biggest hits on TV this year has no doubt been Abbott Elementary, which ran weekly on ABC, and if you missed it thankfully it’s now available to stream on Disney Plus.
Relative newcomer Quinta Brunson created, writes and stars in the mockumentary style show as Janine Teagues, a fresh-faced, optimistic second-grade teacher whose sole purpose is to improve the lives of her students. To do so, she’ll have to navigate harsh conditions at the underfunded school she works at, in addition to a comically inept and somewhat mean principal played by stand up comedian, Janelle James.
Brunson developed the series based on the real life experiences of her mother, who was a public school teacher in Philadelphia where the show is set. Abbott became an unexpected ratings hit almost immediately upon airing, which is rare for a network program. Because of this, Brunson and the rest of the producers took some of the money that was budgeted for advertising and marketing, and used it instead to buy supplies for real life teachers.
Season 1 is available to stream in its entirety right now, with season 2 beginning this September.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Modern Family, Parks & Recreation
Runtime: 13 episodes, approx 30 mins each
Genre: Comedy
Cha Cha Real Smooth (Apple TV+)
Hot off the heels of its Oscar-winning indie drama CODA, Apple seems to be betting on a similar formula for snapping up smaller budget films and giving them a platform, which it’s done for Cha Cha Real Smooth.
In the follow up to his 2020 film S#!%house, Cooper Raiff once again directs, writes and stars, this time as fresh out of college, 22 year old Andrew. Andrew is back home in New Jersey with his family, grinding out a dead-end part-time job at a mall food court until he lands a gig as a ‘party starter’ at bar and bat mitzvahs for his younger brother’s classmates. At one of the celebrations, he meets Domino, played by Dakota Johnson (The Lost Daughter), who is the mother of Lola, a teenager with autism. The film explores Andrew’s transition into adulthood and the relationships that develop as a result.
Earning an Audience Award from the Sundance Film Festival as well as several other honours at various festivals, the movie represents a success for Cooper Raiff who is now two for two in his young, burgeoning career. Considering he was an Uber Eats driver just a few years ago in New York City, that’s a pretty decent career trajectory.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: Adventureland, Together Together
Runtime: 107 minutes
Genre: Comedy, drama