We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
The Wild Robot: This new DreamWorks Animation offering is directed by Chris Sanders—of ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch’ fame—with Lupita N’yongo and Pedro Pascal leading the star-studded voice cast. Based on the 2016 novel of the same name, the film’s premise involves a shipwreck on a deserted island, as a stranded robot named Roz is forced to adapt to a new environment and interact with the local animals.
Reviews are stellar. The Telegraph loves the fusion between computer-animation and a hand-painted style reminiscent of ‘Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, stating that “it’s hard to recall a time when the state-of-the-art felt this much like art.” According to IGN: “its dazzling, tear-jerking moments put it metallic-shoulder-to-metallic-shoulder with classics like ‘WALL-E’ and ‘The Iron Giant’.” Our take: DreamWorks has found a new lease of life and developed a clear creative identity following the success of 2022’s ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. ‘The Wild Robot’ represents another chapter of this confident era. Watch it in theatres now!
Smile 2: Written and directed by Parker Finn, the anthology sequel to the 2022 horror hit focuses on a pop star—played by Naomi Scott—who is about to embark on a world tour but experiences a series of terrifying hallucinations linked to her past. Kyle Gallner, who plays former cop Joel, is the only cast member from the first ‘Smile’ film to reprise his role as the film is a largely standalone story taking place in the same ‘Smile’ universe.
Reviews are good. New York Times says the sequel is “more thematically ambitious than the original, which also allows Finn to stage more satisfyingly ridiculous kills and ramp up its air of delirium”. AV Club concurs: “Anchored by a gripping and intensely committed performance from Naomi Scott…’Smile 2’ never forgets the pain behind every smirk. Our take: He may be early into his career, but Parker Finn has already shown how to expertly mine satire alongside jump scares and gore, with creepy grins for good measure. You can catch it in theatres.
Goodrich: This Los Angeles-set comedy-drama stars Michael Keaton as ageing art dealer Andy Goodrich, who is forced to reevaluate his life after his younger wife leaves him to join a rehab program. Goodrich reconnects with his adult daughter Grace from his first marriage—played by Mila Kunis—to repair their strained dynamic and help in raising his nine-year-old twin boys.
Reviews are decent. Collider labels it as a well-worn familiar narrative elevated by Keaton’s acting as he keeps a potentially sappy story grounded. According to Hollywood Reporter: “Keaton navigates his character’s mishaps with his signature self-assured humor, finding sympathetic moments in his chronic ineptitude”. Our take: Keaton’s long acclaimed career needs no introduction, and pairing him up with Mila Kunis is an inspired creative choice. The film is currently in theatres.
Reeta Sanyal: This Indian crime-thriller is based on Amit Khan’s crime novel series of the same name. The titular character Reeta Sanyal—played by Adah Sharma—is an eccentric but brilliant lawyer who uses unconventional investigative methods to solve her cases. She is up against a corrupt lawyer M Raj Thakral—played by Rahul Dev—who obviously wants her out of his way.
Reviews for the show are a bit confusing. MoneyControl calls it “outlandish, whacky, pulpy and unserious” but also concludes “Reeta Sanyal is a must-watch for harmless, weekend binge.” Huh? OTOH Times of India finds the show “amateurish”. Our take: We quite like the overall quirkiness of the show from the trailer and might give it a go. The first two episodes are on Disney+ Hotstar.
The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh: There has been many an attempt at showing an Indian family moving to America, this one’s a sitcom crack at it. Making it authentic, this is show creator Vijal Patel’s autobiographical account—starring Naveen Andrews and British comedian Sindhu Vee. As you can guess, the Pradeeps move to Pittsburgh where they struggle to assimilate into the system and the culture but ultimately persevere through.
We couldn’t find many reviews for the show and the one we have finds it middling. Los Angeles Times says it is a splendid comedy but not without its “weak spots”. Our take: We like the plot and the feel-good treatment of the story. This is definitely on our watchlist! You can catch it on Amazon Prime.
Rivals: Based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s eponymous hit novel from the 1980s, ‘Rivals’ is an eight-part show set in England’s social elite in 1986, and within the world of independent television. It is packed with sex, scandals, drama, and backdoor deals, with the rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant).
Reviews are great, with Collider calling the show “a fun, thrilling watch,... backed by strong and charismatic performers” which have a strong payoff. BBC News agrees, and recommends checking out this “racy, glamorous, camp – and very silly” show. Our take: An entertaining rivalry marked by witty banter and excess? Sign us up! You can stream the show on Disney+ Hotstar.
Woman of the Hour: The crime thriller is actor Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut. It tells the story of Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), a serial killer in 1978 who after having killed five women, took the time to appear on a reality show called ‘The Dating Game’. He managed to win a date with Cheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick). FYI: This is based on real events!
Reviews are mixed but unanimously praise Kendrick’s performance. New York Times says, “As a drama, ‘Woman of the Hour’ is effective and infuriating. But about midway through, it starts to feel a bit too self-consciously illustrative.” Associated Press calls it “a sometimes awkwardly plotted but consistently insightful thriller about the anxiety of the female experience and the grim game of constantly weighing the threat of potential danger in men.” Our take: We are actually sold on the premise and may decide to try it. Watch it on Netflix.
Here’s a new chapter…
Shrinking Season 2: The unlikely on-screen therapist duo Jason Segel and Harrison Ford are back for another season of no-filter processing of grief. Last season, Jimmy (Segel) comes up with a new approach called “Jimmy-ing” which prompts one of his clients to commit murder. Yikes. This season, he takes a step back and introspects with his buddy. Fair warning: Reviews aren’t that great. Variety says it is a “shapeless, listless mess.”
Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives Season 3: The brash and hilariously entertaining reality show is back for a third season—jumping back into the fabulous lives of the lead cast of Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Panday, Seema Khan, and Neelam Soni. But this time, the Bollywood wives will face off in the oldest desi rivalry: the one between Bombay and Delhi. Three new socialites—Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Shalini Passi, and Kalyani Saha Chawla—join the gaggle and stir the pot for what is promising to be another popcorn-worthy season.
Fresh off the big screen…
Longlegs: Directed by Osgood Perkins, 2024’s definitive horror sleeper sensation stars Nicholas Cage as the titular devil persona on a killing spree in Oregon, leaving no evidence. FBI agent Lee Harker—played by Maika Monroe—is assigned to solve these cold cases which date from the 1970s to the 1990s. You can catch the film on Amazon Prime Video.
