We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
IF: What if your imaginary friends were real and they disappeared once you grew up? That’s the premise of this fantasy flick directed by John Krasinski—of ‘A Quiet Place’ fame. IF stands for Imaginary Friends of Bea (Cailey Fleming)—like Blossom played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and a lovable furry giant Blue voiced by Steve Carell. The star cast also includes Ryan Reynolds and Emily Blunt.
Reviewers are mixed on this—despite the excellent cast. Hollywood Reporter says “there’s much here to appreciate” but “IF may be guilty of trying too hard.” Variety writes ‘IF’ is a “sweetly old-fashioned yet messily conjured children’s tale that sadly falls short of its thematic ambitions.” Our take: We need something to fill the ‘Toy Story’-shaped hole in our heart. So we’ll be looking for it in the theatres this weekend.
Back to Black: Many have tried telling the story of the Grammy winner and icon Amy Winehouse, who sadly died of alcohol poisoning at the age of 27 in London in 2011. This is the new biopic by Sam Taylor-Johnson with Marisa Abela in the lead role of Amy. Taylor-Johnson focuses on the romantic life of the musician, instead of glamourising her depression, addiction or bulimia.
Reviews are okay. Associated Press says that it is “a tame and mediocre affair.” The Guardian is much kinder and writes: “Back to Black is essentially a gentle, forgiving film and there are other, tougher, bleaker ways to put Winehouse’s life on screen.” Our take: Amy Winehouse’s music is the sole reason we will be watching this movie. It is now showing in the cinemas.
The Big Cigar: This mini series is about Black Panthers leader Huey P Newton—who escaped to Cuba by pretending to star in a fake movie called ‘The Big Cigar’. Yes, it sounds like ‘Argo’-except in reverse. Those were US embassy folks trying to escape from Iran. This one is about a legendary Black leader trying to escape from America. The series has six episodes in total and stars André Holland as the lead.
Reviews are not as good as we expected. Hollywood Reporter bashes the movie saying, “The Big Cigar ends up being two different unsatisfying shows squished together.” Variety writes that it “never finds solid ground because the center of Newton’s story isn’t placed in focus.” Our take: The series is a perfect mix of comedy, action and drama. The first two episodes are streaming on Apple TV+.
Uncle Samsik: Those familiar with Korean cinema would instantly recognise veteran actor Song Kang-ho—best known for his roles in ‘A Taxi Driver’ and the Oscar winning film ‘Parasite’. This is his first time acting in a series. In this historical drama, he plays the titular character who is a wealthy political broker during the Korean War—who aids a newly graduated economics major to achieve his political ambitions.
Reviews are good. Decider verdicts “stream it” as they like the lead performances and call the show “somewhat of a Korean ‘House Of Cards’.” Mashable India is of the view that “a slow burn, the plot twist and their reactions to the same will keep you engaged till the end.” Our take: This series might be a great entertainer packed with much needed dose of Korean history. You can start watching it on Disney+ Hotstar.
Baahubali: Crown of Blood: The prequel of SS Rajamouli’s national blockbuster is now available in a cartoon format. The animation has been directed by Navin John—who made the animated series ‘The Legend of Hanuman’ in 2021—and directed this animation along with Jeevan J Kang—who has been also credited for character design.
Reviews are kinda meh. The Hindu writes, “both the animation and the writing needed more chutzpah to emerge from the shadows of the films.” Scroll says that it “ends with the suggestion of a new villain – ergo, more of the same, only this time in animation.” Our take: This one might be just for the Baahubali super fans. You can watch it on Disney+ Hotstar.
Here’s a new chapter…
Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1: The most anticipated fictional shaadi season has finally arrived. We’re not going to rehash its premise. Because if you haven’t heard of it yet, then you are not the target demo. But for fans and hate-watchers, this is a huge, huge event. This season will focus on the romance between the third Bridgerton son Colin and their neighbour Penelope Featherington—who is also the anonymous gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. The first four episodes dropped on Netflix on Thursday. FYI: Reviews are good—The Guardian calls it “still unbearably sexy.”
Fresh off the big screen…
Madame Web: This is the newest ladies-only Marvel movie with Dakota Johnson in the lead role as Cassandra Webb—a paramedic who begins to show signs of clairvoyance after a near-death event. Her life seems to be connected in mysterious ways to three young women—played by Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor and Isabela Merced—whose lives are in danger. Fair warning, the reviews weren’t that great as Variety describes Johnson’s character as “fringe with ill-defined powers and nothing especially interesting to do.” But if you want something light and removed from reality or simply want to hate-watch, head to Netflix.
