For those eager to explore the latest cinematic gems on Amazon Prime Video, we’ve carefully crafted a selection highlighting the very best movies currently streaming. Ideal for your January movie nights.

This excellent court drama based on the true story of funeral home owner Jerry O’Keefe, definitely kept my attention. The wonderful Tommy Lee Jones stars as O’Keefe, who decides to take on a large funeral company called The Loewen Group. Jamie Fox is the brash, flashy attorney Willie E. Gary he hires to help him. Tempers flare and laughter ensues as the unlikely pair bond while exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice in this inspirational, triumphant story. Jerry and Willie remained friends well after the trial was over.

Having just about exhausted my Christmas spirit after watching about 20 movies so far, I decided to take just one more as it stars Eddie Murphy doing the deck the halls gig in this Yuletide comedy. It’s not brilliant, but it’s not bad either and I did get a laugh here and there, mostly from those in the supporting roles, but Eddie has his moments of hilarity. Murphy stars as Chris Carver who is determined to win the neighbourhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win. Big mistake, as this is no ordinary elf. She’s an elf with issues and chaos ensures as she brings the 12 days of Christmas to life. Enjoyable viewing for all the family with a few life lessons thrown in.

Based on a true story, this is yet another confronting tale of corporate greed. Catherine Keener stars as small-town nurse Susette Kelo who emerges as the reluctant leader of her working-class neighbours in their struggle to save their homes from political interests who are bent on seizing the land and handing it over to Pfizer Corporation. Susette’s battle goes all the way to the US Supreme Court and the controversial 5-4 decision in Kelo vs. City of New London gave government officials the power to bulldoze lower middle-class neighbourhoods for the benefit of a multibillion-dollar corporation. The decision outraged Americans across the political spectrum, and that passion fuelled reforms that helped curb eminent domain abuse.

Tommy Lee Jones also stars in this crime drama set in the bayous of Louisiana as Lt. Dave Robicheaux, a detective in New Iberia, who is trying to link the murder of a local hooker to a New Orleans mobster who is co-producer of a Civil War film. At the same time, after Elrod Sykes, the star of the film, reports finding another corpse in the Atchafalaya Swamp near the movie set, Robicheaux starts another investigation, believing the corpse to be the remains of a black man who he saw being murdered 35 years before. There are a lot of threads to pull together in this story and I’m not sure that is achieved by the end of the film. Still, it was an interesting setting and explores issues that still exist in Louisiana. Watch for Buddy Guy as Sam ‘Hogman’ Patin and The Band’s Levon Helm as the ghostly General John Bell Hood.

I must say I was somewhat alarmed at the direction this thriller took by the end of the film. An unusual story, to say the least. Richard Hunter is a promising young lawyer at a prestigious firm, but a costly mistake with a powerful client puts it all at risk. In a desperate attempt to save his job, Richard and his wife Tara spend the weekend at the cottage of senior partner Preston Westwood. The young couple is quickly seduced by their charismatic hosts’ lavish lifestyle but it is clear that something ominous lies just below the surface as they become pawns in a blood feud between the Westwoods and a local family. I’m not sure any of us would go to the lengths Richard is prepared to go to, to save his job. These are people you don’t waste your sympathy on, except maybe Richard’s wife Tara, who appears oblivious to what’s going on.

Reviews were not promising for this drama, but it did hold my attention, even though the finale was a bit confusing. The story, which varies from the usual fare, revolves around Will and his wife Rosalind, who he believes is innocent of their son’s suspected murder. But he then discovers the devastating truth behind her past, which links her to another unsolved crime. He is thwarted at every turn by her treacherous father, Milton, who is played by Brian Cox. As we know from Succession, Cox is brilliant at portraying this type of role. Yes, it’s not perfect, but it is worth a look.

Prior to viewing this biographical drama, I had not heard of the wrestler Saul Armendariz. But I did enjoy this drama, especially with Gael Garcia Bernal in the starring role. The story follows the true story of Cassandro, the ”exotico” character created by Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom. Exoticos were usually straight male wrestlers dressed in drag portraying gay caricatures. Aremdariz and Babe Sharon were both gay. I found this drama very interesting as it was a subject I knew nothing about. There are some disturbing aspects as Cassandro faced many challenges and discrimination as he fought to achieve his ambition. Entertaining viewing.

I just missed out on Wiggles-mania as my three children were just out of their demographic when these four friends began to take over the world with their catchy tunes. I had been a fan of their previous band, The Cockroaches, so I was aware of their transition. A friend once said that the Wiggles brought rock and roll to a new generation, and I can see what he means after watching this documentary. This is an incredible true story of early childhood teachers who became superstar performers for kids and one of the greatest entertainment stories of all time. Four mates who rock and rolled their way into the hearts of millions of families around the globe. This is an ode to childhood and homage to the power of friendship and dreams. Excellent viewing whether you’re into The Wiggles, or not. After seeing this, I’m quite partial to Rock-A-Bye Your Bear.