We recommend: The best new movies and TV series
Superman: The OG caped crusader is back—twelve years since his last solo sojourn in ‘Man of Steel’—to save Metropolis from the clutches of Lex Luthor. The reboot kicks off a new cinematic universe for DC and Warner Bros—David Corenswet replaces Henry Cavill as Clark Kent, Nicholas Hoult is in for Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan of ‘Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ fame replaces Amy Adams as Lois Lane. The Zack Synder directorial experiment is dead and buried too, making way for James Gunn’s lighter, comedic tone.
Reviews are very good. USA Today says the film “features pervasive positivity, one really cool canine and a bright comic-book aesthetic. And while this fresh superhero landscape is extremely busy and a little bit familiar, it also feels lived-in and electric.” According to The Atlantic: “Gunn’s obvious disdain for the self-professed “geniuses” who make news in real life is nakedly on display; Hoult is a wonderful foil as Luthor, infuriated by Superman’s kindness while couching his disdain in intellectual gobbledygook. Our take: Given the success of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘The Suicide Squad’, there are few better equipped than James Gunn to make the definitive superhero interesting. Watch it in theatres now!
Ballard: This is the spinoff from the universe of Michael Connelly’s cop drama ‘Bosch’. It follows Detective Renee Ballard (played by Maggie Q), who has been assigned to the cold case department. With her group of volunteers, they investigate the death of Sarah Pearlman and find out that a serial killer is involved—opening the can of worms of cold cases.
Reviews are good. Variety is in all praises: “Smartly acted, beautifully paced and genuinely engaging, “Ballard” is a thrilling ride from start to finish.” Collider writes: “Ballard's ten episodes surge forward with their own distinct style defined by an irresistible combination of grace and grit.” Our take: We are big fans of detective series—especially the ones that involve cold cases. The series dropped on Amazon Prime on Wednesday.
Brick: In this German sci-fi thriller directed by Philip Koch, a couple—Tim, a workaholic game developer, and Olivia, an architect—wake up to find their apartment building sealed off overnight by a mysterious black brick wall. As they smash through floors and walls to connect with neighbours, the group struggles to survive without water or contact with the outside world, while theories swirl about what’s really going on. Starring Matthias Schweighöfer and Ruby O Fee, the film blends a survival mystery with the emotional fallout of shared grief and isolation.
No reviews are out as of yet. Our take: A high-concept mystery wrapped in claustrophobic tension and emotional drama—if you’re into survival thrillers with a side of sci-fi weirdness, give this one a go on Netflix.
Too Much: Lena Dunham—best known as the creator and producer of the HBO comedy series ‘Girls’—has a new show! This one stars Megan Stalter as Jess—the brash American who’s been dumped and ends up in London to find herself—whatever that means. She meets Felix (Will Sharpe) and they have a special bond which stays with them even after Jess returns to America.
Reviews are decent. Collider says it feels as “timely and relatable as ever.” But Hollywood Reporter complains that it “struggles to lose itself in its emotions, yielding a romance that’s sweet enough to like but too cool to fall head over heels for.” Our take: The trope seems to be typical, but may be just what we need for a good weekend binge. All ten episodes have been released on Netflix.
Jaws @ 50: This year marks Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ 50th anniversary and there might be a better way to celebrate it than just a rewatch. This is the official documentary of the making of the movie, featuring the behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the film crew and technicians, top shark scientists and conservationists.
There are no reviews for this docu. Our take: We think it is a must-watch for any Jaws fan or those who want to understand the cultural significance of the movie. You can stream it on JioHotstar.
Here’s a new chapter…
Foundation Season 3: Over a century after Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) launched his plan to save civilisation from collapse, a new threat emerges in the form of the Mule (Pilou Asbæk), a powerful telepath who upends the galaxy’s fragile balance. As chaos spreads, clone emperors Brother Day (Lee Pace), Brother Dusk (Terrence Mann), and Brother Dawn (Cassian Bilton) face rebellion and identity crises, while key figures like robot advisor Demerzel (Laura Birn) and a fresh cast of survivors grapple with the consequences. Directed by David S Goyer, the new season's first episode is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Fresh off the big screen…
Moonwalk: Set in the 1980s and ’90s in Thiruvananthapuram, ‘Moonwalk’ follows a group of young Michael Jackson fans who dream of becoming skilled dancers like their idol. Fueled by the global breakdance craze, they push themselves to master challenging moves and compete in the All Kerala Breakdance Competition. But their journey isn’t easy, as they face personal struggles and life challenges along the way. Now streaming on JioCinema.
