12-04-2025
'G20,' 'North of North' and 'The Last of Us' — best and worst TV and movie new releases in Canada this week
There's an interesting evaluation that happens when you're watching a show that has something to prove, and that's very much the theme with the new releases next week. The big question is whether The Last of Us Season 2 can live up to its beloved status it earned in Season 1, while Hack strives to keep its momentum for Season 4.
In brand new entertainment, a Nunavut-set comedy, North of North, arrives on Netflix, showing the world what great TV Canada has to offer. While Viola Davis takes on an "old school" action movie on Prime fact that The Last of Us has already been renewed for Season 3 is a good starting point to understand that Season 2 of the show probably doesn't completely drop the ball.
But after the incredible success of Season 1, the show was in the almost impossible position to live up to its reputation.
A core element of Season 2 is that it really tugs at your heartstrings. While people are still processing The White Lotus Season 3 finale, I've found myself with a lot of lingers emotions about several events in The Last of Us Season 2.
Visually, the season still impresses, as the production moved from Alberta to British Columbia, but there are still incredibly breathtaking visual moments that really immerse you in this story.
A particular highlight, Catherine O'Hara and Bella Ramsey going back-and-forth with sarcastic remarks. They're such a perfectly witty pair.
Another success in our book, but get ready to feel all the feels.
Where to watch The Last of Us: Crave
North of North is one of those shows where you're having such a good time watching it and then you suddenly realized you've finished the whole thing, or almost the whole thing. It's just that watchable.
Anna Lambe has so much charisma and heart leading the show as Siaja. The Nunavut setting quickly makes the show stand out from other comedies, but it also has a heartfelt story that quickly draws you in.
The dialogue maintains its wit throughout the show and really leans into the fact that specificity in a story, for its characters and community, produces the best product for the audience.
Even thought we're in Season 4 of Hacks, I could watch Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder actor opposite each other for hours on end.
Yes, the cycle of of highs and lows with Deborah and Ava is maybe be feeling a bit repetitive, but that doesn't make the show any less appealing to watch.
As Season 4 dives into Deborah hosting her late-night show, we see more vulnerability with the character, while it's interesting to see Ava move into the next level of her career as a writer.
Of course, Megan Stalter's Kayla continues to be a highlight. Every scene she's in is absolute perfection.
While we're all for Viola Davis having her action hero moment, she still deserves and well-crafted story to do so. Add some questionable visuals effects, and it quickly becomes clear that Davis' performance saves this movie.
But in all honesty, many male-led action films get away with doing a lot less, and with Davis wanting to star in an "old school" action flick, that's exactly what she did. And because it's Davis, she just sucks you in, squeezing out every last drop of potential in each scene.
The actor plays U.S. President Danielle Sutton who arrives at a G20 summit in South Africa, with her strategy for how she plans to solve world hunger. But then a terrorist group executes a scheme to kidnap the world leaders.
Davis star doesn't miss a beat with her stunts and all the action, but it's really the saving grace with the absurdity of the plot, the predictable narrative pattern and cinematography that lacks excitement.
