This month, we honour Remembrance Day with an interesting new documentary series connecting the past to our present by paying tribute to the many untold stories of World War I and II. We also take a look at some award hopefuls, from a new Jennifer Lawrence movie to a story about forbidden love and intolerance. But it's not all serious! A couple of Brits bring the laughs, one more successfully than the other, but both are pleasing to watch in their own way.
Check out the picks below, and read our past editions of Tune In or Turn Off here.
Turn Off: Causeway
(Apple TV+)
An understated film with two great performances from Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry that explores grief and guilt feels primed to be a runaway hit. Unfortunately, the predictability and superficial character studies create a bland film that never hits the emotional notes it seeks.
Tune In: Chivalry
(CBC Gem)
What grew out of real-life arguments/discussions about societal change and feminism, Steve Coogan and Sarah Solemani (who co-write and co-star in the series), developed a satirical comedy about men of a certain age and position working in a post-#MeToo Hollywood. The satire is clever and complex with hilarious performances from the two leads, Lolly Adefope, Aisling Bea and Sienna Miller.
Tune In: Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
(Apple TV+)
In his own words, Black & Blues tells the story of Louis Armstrong through never-before-heard recordings and archival footage, including interviews from those closest to the jazz legend. The documentary dives into his rise to fame, the struggles he faced in a Jim Crow-era America and seeks to explain his seeming reluctance in join the civil rights movement. A great entry point for the uninitiated, Black & Blues covers a lot of ground offering insight into the great musician's life.
Tune In: Mammals
(Prime Video)
I'm just as surprised as anyone to have found any enjoyment out of the James Corden-led dramedy about a man imploding after making a devastating discovery about his wife. It's trashy enough to fall into guilty pleasure category with solid performances from the supporting cast, particularly Melia Kreiling, Colin Morgan and Sally Hawkins, to prop up Corden's. There's also an unintentionally hilarious scene where Corden, playing a chef, berates the kitchen staff — an unfortunate scene for the late night host that gets a touch too close to reality.
Turn Off: My Policeman
(Prime Video)
The other Harry Styles movie. The road to My Policeman is paved with very good intentions; unfortunately, the execution just isn't there. David Dawson turns in a deeply moving performance as Patrick Hazelwood, a museum curator in a relationship with Styles's Tom Burgess, a married policeman. But for a premise that is inherently steeped in pain and frustration, My Policeman is surprisingly dull and uninspired.
Tune In: Our War
(StackTV)
A four part genealogical investigation, Our War connects a younger generation of Canadians with their ancestors who fought valiantly for our country during World War I and II. The docuseries takes the same format as Who Do You Think You Are? and uncovers stories and family members lost to war and time. Included in the show are the descendants of one of Canada's first Black servicemen, the story of an Onondaga message runner and many other amazing acts of bravery unknown to even their own families.
Tune In: Raymond & Ray
(Apple TV+)
A father who would name his sons Raymond and Ray for a laugh is either the worst father in the world or some sort of hippie. The latter is never really made clear, but the former is definitely confirmed. Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor play half-brothers who reunite after the passing of their estranged father and are tasked with planning his funeral. Filled with more funny moments than expected, Raymond & Ray is a sweet movie about fathers and sons, unfulfilled dreams and the brotherly tides that bind.
Tune In: V/H/S/99
(Shudder)
Spooky season may be over, but V/H/S/99 is the perfect Saturday night fright for the long winter nights ahead. Made up of five short films, 99 deals in urban legends, consequences and the supernatural with each segment offering something fresh and scary to the franchise. The practical effects are effective and each story brings its own flavour and vibes.
Check out the picks below, and read our past editions of Tune In or Turn Off here.
Turn Off: Causeway
(Apple TV+)
An understated film with two great performances from Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry that explores grief and guilt feels primed to be a runaway hit. Unfortunately, the predictability and superficial character studies create a bland film that never hits the emotional notes it seeks.
Tune In: Chivalry
(CBC Gem)
What grew out of real-life arguments/discussions about societal change and feminism, Steve Coogan and Sarah Solemani (who co-write and co-star in the series), developed a satirical comedy about men of a certain age and position working in a post-#MeToo Hollywood. The satire is clever and complex with hilarious performances from the two leads, Lolly Adefope, Aisling Bea and Sienna Miller.
Tune In: Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues
(Apple TV+)
In his own words, Black & Blues tells the story of Louis Armstrong through never-before-heard recordings and archival footage, including interviews from those closest to the jazz legend. The documentary dives into his rise to fame, the struggles he faced in a Jim Crow-era America and seeks to explain his seeming reluctance in join the civil rights movement. A great entry point for the uninitiated, Black & Blues covers a lot of ground offering insight into the great musician's life.
Tune In: Mammals
(Prime Video)
I'm just as surprised as anyone to have found any enjoyment out of the James Corden-led dramedy about a man imploding after making a devastating discovery about his wife. It's trashy enough to fall into guilty pleasure category with solid performances from the supporting cast, particularly Melia Kreiling, Colin Morgan and Sally Hawkins, to prop up Corden's. There's also an unintentionally hilarious scene where Corden, playing a chef, berates the kitchen staff — an unfortunate scene for the late night host that gets a touch too close to reality.
Turn Off: My Policeman
(Prime Video)
The other Harry Styles movie. The road to My Policeman is paved with very good intentions; unfortunately, the execution just isn't there. David Dawson turns in a deeply moving performance as Patrick Hazelwood, a museum curator in a relationship with Styles's Tom Burgess, a married policeman. But for a premise that is inherently steeped in pain and frustration, My Policeman is surprisingly dull and uninspired.
Tune In: Our War
(StackTV)
A four part genealogical investigation, Our War connects a younger generation of Canadians with their ancestors who fought valiantly for our country during World War I and II. The docuseries takes the same format as Who Do You Think You Are? and uncovers stories and family members lost to war and time. Included in the show are the descendants of one of Canada's first Black servicemen, the story of an Onondaga message runner and many other amazing acts of bravery unknown to even their own families.
Tune In: Raymond & Ray
(Apple TV+)
A father who would name his sons Raymond and Ray for a laugh is either the worst father in the world or some sort of hippie. The latter is never really made clear, but the former is definitely confirmed. Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor play half-brothers who reunite after the passing of their estranged father and are tasked with planning his funeral. Filled with more funny moments than expected, Raymond & Ray is a sweet movie about fathers and sons, unfulfilled dreams and the brotherly tides that bind.
Tune In: V/H/S/99
(Shudder)
Spooky season may be over, but V/H/S/99 is the perfect Saturday night fright for the long winter nights ahead. Made up of five short films, 99 deals in urban legends, consequences and the supernatural with each segment offering something fresh and scary to the franchise. The practical effects are effective and each story brings its own flavour and vibes.
