We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
Ballerina: The first of several planned spinoffs in Chad Stahelski’s ‘John Wick’ action franchise stars Ana de Armas as ballerine-turned assassin Eve Macarro who seeks revenge against those responsible for her father’s death. Since it takes place in the same cinematic universe, there are several returnees from the ‘John Wick’ films—Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, the late Lance Reddick and of course, Keanu Reeves. Len Wiseman directed this one, with Stahelski overseeing action reshoots.
Reviews are decent. Hollywood Reporter says “de Armas is a magnetic presence with all the right moves, and Wiseman’s muscular direction…makes for mindless summer action entertainment with a lot of style.” According to AV Club: “Stahelski productions may have a familiar bag of tricks at this point, but their variations are blessedly well-crafted; anyone sick of low-contrast color schemes and hazy lighting in big-budget fantasies should take refuge in Wick-world.” Our take: We’ll never say no to more slick action from the world of ‘John Wick’. Catch it in cinemas now!
Materialists: The director of ‘Past Lives’ Celine Song is back with a love triangle… only this time it is between Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and (our fave) Pedro Pascal! Johnson plays Lucy, a matchmaker in New York, Evans is her ex, John, a cater-waiter and Pascal portrays a rich bachelor, Harry. The usual ensues: their paths cross, Lucy is torn between them. Who will she choose as her own life partner? Money or love?
The reviews are mixed for this one. Variety alludes to how the movie is not just any other rom-com and calls it “Sex and the City” filtered through a sobering reality check.” The Guardian concludes: “Inconsistent but never insubstantial, Materialists is far from perfect, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of a date.” Our take: We are crushed that the reviews are not that great, but nevertheless interested to check it out. ‘Materialists’ hit the theatres yesterday.
How to Train Your Dragon: Set on the Viking island of Berk, this [yet another] live-action reimagining follows Hiccup (Mason Thames), the inventive but overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler). In a world where dragons are feared and hunted, Hiccup forms a secret bond with a wounded Night Fury named Toothless. Their friendship challenges deep-rooted beliefs and pits them against tradition, fear, and an emerging threat that could destroy both their worlds. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the visionary behind the original animated trilogy.
Reviews are so-so. Hollywood Reporter says the film plays it safe and retains the heart of the original, with “formidable performances” and a “more robust characterization” of Astrid, even if the live-action remake feels “entertaining, if not quite necessary.” According to IGN, Dean DeBlois’ live-action 'How to Train Your Dragon' may “play things pretty safe” with its near shot-for-shot fidelity, but it still “recaptures the heart and soul” of the original, proving that “the story of Hiccup and Toothless’ bond is just that potent.” Our take: A faithful reimagining that brings Hiccup and Toothless to life with heart, scale, and sky-high nostalgia—catch it on the big screen now.
Deep Cover: This star-studded English comedy features Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat, an improv comedy teacher and her two students (played by Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed) and Sean Bean who is an undercover cop. Kat and her students get a lifetime opportunity to infiltrate London’s gangland by impersonating dangerous criminals—with nothing but improv skills to get them out of difficult situations.
Reviews are positive. Empire says 'Deep Cover' “commits to the bit” with escalating chaos, standout laughs, and “a new lease on life” for its hapless heroes. The film spins gold from its “almost funny enough” premise, Hollywood Reporter says, but truly shines because the cast “leans into the earnest aspects of their characters even while reveling in their goofiness.” Our take: We think the plot is hilarious and would definitely give it a watch this weekend. The movie dropped on Amazon Prime this Thursday.
The Traitors: This is the Indian spinoff of the Dutch reality TV show of the same name. In it, contestants have to figure out who the traitor is before all the innocents are killed—sort of like the mafia game. The Indian version is hosted by KJo with 20 influencers and famous personalities as contestants. You’ll recognise some of these names (or not): Karan Kundrra, Raftaar, Uorfi Javed, Sumukhi Suresh, Sufi Motiwala, Apoorva Mukhija (Rebel Kid), etc.
No reviews are out as yet. Our take: Sometimes we just want to hate-watch something. This is that show. The series is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In Transit: Directed by Ayesha Sood and created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, ‘In Transit’ is a four-part documentary series that journeys across India to follow nine trans individuals as they navigate life beyond the gender binary. From a forest-based educator to a classical musician in Bangalore and a corporate executive in Mumbai, the series captures deeply personal moments of love, identity, and resistance.
There are no reviews as of now. Our take: Real stories, real people—the series offers a moving look at life beyond the gender binary. Now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Here’s a new chapter…
FUBAR Season 2: This action-filled comedy TV series is headlined by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who plays a CIA agent close to retirement. He gets caught up in a new mission involving his daughter, who also secretly works for the CIA—leading to a hilarious journey of rediscovering the father-daughter relationship. In season two, the characters have to figure out the Russian mole in the CIA. You can watch the series on Netflix.
