We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
Hit Man: Hollywood is saturated with hitman comedies, but here’s one that should be on your radar. Directed by Richard Linklater—who is known for the romantic ‘Before’ trilogy—this movie stars Glen Powell—of ‘Top Gun Maverick’ and ‘Anyone But You’ fame—as Gary Johnson, a nerdy liberal arts professor who works as a ‘fake’ hitman for the police. Until, of course, he gets entangled in a case where a real hitman shows up. FYI: this wild story is loosely based on a real life incident.
Reviews are great. New York Times says “it’s romantic, sexy, hilarious, satisfying and a genuine star-clinching turn for Glen Powell.” The Guardian leaves us with this parting line: “A hit is what it deserves to be.” Our take: Who are we to disagree! You can stream it on Netflix.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence make a comeback as the buddy-cop duo, Mike and Marcus, in the newest instalment of Bad Boys—a movie franchise that was first helmed by Michael Bay in 1995. In this film, they got framed and now are running around as fugitives, trying to clear their name.
Reviews are okay. BBC Culture gives it a ‘B’ movie rating. OTOH USA Today has a more cheery review: “While many Hollywood franchises are flailing, “Bad Boys” instead enjoys a renewed relevance thanks to revved-up emotional stakes and a couple of old favorites still at the top of their game.” Our take: This will appeal more to the fans and those who want to have a good time at the cinemas. You can watch it in theatres near you.
Blackout: Get a dose of black comedy with this crime thriller. The story takes place during a—surprise, surprise, city-wide blackout in Pune. Vikrant Massey plays the lead role of a crime reporter who gets into an accident and discovers loads of cash and gold in the truck he hit. He decides to loot the maal but unexpected hitchhikers, gang wars and a police chase make it hard for him to get away with it.
Reviewers are pretty disappointed. Scrolls concludes that it “could be diced into a handful of entertaining scenes, no more, and no less.” Film Companion echoes the sentiment, and says, “Blackout could have been sharp and entertaining had it constantly called itself out.” Our take: We think this will be a jolly good ride. Watch it on JioCinema.
Clipped: Based on the hit ESPN 30 for 30 podcast called ‘The Sterling Affairs’, this limited series goes behind the scenes of a notorious NBA owner—Donald Sterling—and his recorded racist remarks that were heard around the world. Coach Doc Rivers arrives to coach the LA Clippers in 2013—aiming to win them their first championship. Rivers tries to balance the promising roster of star players while minimising Sterling’s influence. While this entire saga is going down, a power struggle brews between Sterling’s PA and his wife & business partner of 60 years.
Reviews are great. The Guardian has a detailed review and describes the show as a “basketball scandal that makes for captivating small screen drama” while LA Times called it “smartly written and worth watching for the performers.” Our take: This scandal caused quite a ruckus during its time, we are eager to watch it come to life with this mighty cast. The series is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.
Star Wars: The Acolyte: This is the much awaited prequel series to the iconic franchise—set in a galaxy far far away—a hundred years before the rise of the Empire that traces the fall of Jedis and lays the seeds of hate and authoritarianism. Korean actor Lee Jung-jae—best known for ‘Squid Games’—is in the lead role of Master Sol and Amandla Stenberg plays the twins who wreck the power balance of their worlds..
Reviews are mixed. While Hollywood Reporter finds that “The Acolyte represents an intriguing shakeup” from the other spin-offs under the Star Wars banner, USA Today says it is “full of logical fallacies, hokey dialogue and nonsensical plots.” Our take: We think this would be a great show to get introduced to the world of Star Wars, if you’re not a fan already. The series has eight episodes, two of which have dropped on Disney+ Hotstar.
Under Paris: Paris—the city of love, fashion, food and more good things. But you would never think of a shark swimming in the Seine river while admiring the serene beauty of the city. Well, now you might have to. And it is apparently scarier than underground catacombs! The plot is that there is a shark preying in the waters of Seine the day of a triathlon.
The reviews are surprisingly very good. The Guardian says, “Under Paris is so fun, and so sturdily built, that you find yourself strapping in and enjoying the ride anyway”. Variety gives it a strapping honour by calling it quite like ‘Jaws’. Our take: NGL, the reviews are making us want to watch it. The movie dropped on Netflix on Wednesday.
Here’s a new chapter…
Sweet Tooth Season 3: This is the final season of the post apocalyptic series which follows the child protagonist Gus—a human-deer hybrid. While Gus and the other kids like him are being hunted and “eradicated” by adults, the kids have the responsibility of saving the cruel world that wants to get rid of them. You can watch the new season on Netflix.
Gullak Season 4: The newest season of this The Viral Fever (TVF) production follows Aman as a late teen who wants to assert his own independence in a middle class Indian household. This results with tropes that are all too familiar—like experiencing frustrations due to privacy, love, and adulting.
Fresh off the big screen…
Maidaan: Ajay Devgn’s Chak de India-style sports biography on the renowned India footballer Syed Abdul Rahim—and the coach of the Indian Football Team from 1951 to 1962 has dropped on the streaming platform. Going by the Indian Express review: “‘Maidaan’ is not without its flaws, but this underdog story makes you want to clap and cheer, and wipe away a proud tear.” Watch it on Amazon Prime.
