So you wanna watch something...

Thor: Love and Thunder: The fourth instalment of the franchise—directed by Taika Waititi—finds a now-retired Thor (Chris Hemsworth) seeking inner peace in a post-Thanos universe. Of course, since this is a Marvel movie, he’s rudely interrupted by a world-ending crisis—and teams up with ex-girlfriend, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) who now has similar superpowers. The widely anticipated movie has received mixed reviews. Cnet calls it a “fun, silly entry into the MCU canon” but says the movie “spreads itself too thin and ends up feeling shallow.” BBC News says it’s really a “romcom interspersed with Universe-saving battles” that is “enormous fun.” Catch it now in theatres.

Ranveer vs Wild with Bear Grylls: This is slated as India's “interactive adventure special”—and features Ranveer Singh braving the wilds with Bear Grylls. He is on a quest to find the flower that never wilts for his wife Deepika Padukone. Can it be truly Bollywood without a generous serving of cheesiness? But here’s the twist: viewers will make key decisions for Ranveer and decide whether he fails or succeeds in his quest. There aren’t any reviews as yet, but it promises to be a fun watch—especially since it’s Ranveer. Check it out on Netflix.

Black Bird: Based on James Keene’s autobiography, this true-crime series follows an ex-felon Jimmy (Taron Egerton)—who has been sentenced to a 10-year prison term on a narcotics charge. The prosecutor offers Jimmy a shot at freedom—but he’ll have to coax a serial killer (Paul Walter Hauser) to reveal where he buried his victims. Also notable: This is Ray Liotta’s last appearance as Jimmy’s father—and book-lovers may appreciate the fact that Dennis Lehane (‘Shutter Island’) is a co-director. AV Club praises the “nearly flawless performances” in this “intense cat-and-mouse chase.” Variety, however, is less impressed, calling it a “serviceable and solidly built” show that goes from “frustrating to serenely comfortable as the hours wear on.” Available on Apple TV.

Girl in the Picture: In 1990, a young woman named Tonya Hughes—an apparent hit-and-run victim—was found by the side of the road in Oklahoma City and later succumbed to her injuries. The investigation into her death began unravelling a convoluted plot of abduction, abuse and false identities. Netflix’s latest true crime offering is helmed by Sky Borgman (‘Abducted in Plain Sight’) and uncovers the incredibly tragic story of Suzanne Marie Sevakis aka Tonya—who was kidnapped as a child by a felon—who raised her as his own and later married her. The Guardian warns that the “scale of the monstrosity revealed” will leave audiences reeling, but notes that Borgman treats the story with great sensitivity and respect. Catch the documentary on Netflix.

A list of good reads

• Walter Kirn in Common Sense makes a much-needed case for just having fun.
• Politico explains how JK Rowling became the most hated figure among Harry Potter fans.
• The Atlantic talks to Kate Mangino who’s penned a new guide to establishing better gender equality in housework—titled ‘Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home’.
• Also in The Atlantic: Why ridding the world of superheroes isn’t such a bad idea.
• Founding member Basreena Basheer recommends this lovely Deccan Chronicle column by Krishna Shastri Devulapalli on the value of scarcity, absence and anticipation in love.
• Bloomberg News reports on the rising popularity of life insurance fraud in rural India—an example of quintessential jugaad.
• Conde Nast Traveler has a useful map of the best restaurants in the world.
• Article 14 reveals how a mandatory rule to log attendance on an app is destroying the livelihoods of MGNREGA workers.
• Here’s something for cheese lovers: Eat This, Not That’s guide to the unhealthiest varieties—so you can indulge your passion with a little care:)
• Daily Beast’s essay looks at the ancient Chinese mythology surrounding fairies—who are worshipped as deities. It offers an interesting look at a tradition we typically associate with the West.
• Vir Sanghvi pens an amusing and informative Hindustan Times column on the difference between dumplings of all sorts—be it dim sum, wontons or momos.
• The Quint reports on the BJP’s electoral strategy in the South—where it is sticking to its signature blend of Hindu nationalism.