“Texas stories deserve a Texas backdrop. That’s why I teamed up with Dennis Quaid, Woody Harrelson, Billy Bob Thornton, and Renée Zellweger for True to Texas.”
Last week, the Texas Senate announced its budget includes $498 million to revamp the Texas Film Inventive.
Now, McConaughey and friends are urging the Texas Legislature to pass the budget a campaign called “True to Texas.” It includes a four-minute video featuring McConaughey and Woody Harrelson reprising their “True Detective” roles on a road trip to Texas. Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton and Renée Zellweger also appear.
“You have to wonder if this industry of ours is just chasing its own tail,” Harrelson, who was born in Midland and went to school in Houston, says as he drives down a highway with McConaughey riding shotgun.
“No, I don’t wonder. Restrictions. Regulations. Nickle and diming productions. Political lectures,” McConaughey replies. “Hollywood, it’s a flat circle, ‘Wood,’ round and round like a record with the sound off.”
McConaughey, who was born in Uvalde and graduated from the University of Texas, said he’s ready to “change the tune” by turning Texas into a new hub for film and television.
The actors want the legislature to pass a bill that would add bigger and better incentives for the film industry, which they say would create thousands of Texas jobs and boost local economies.
He and other stars testified at a 2024 legislative hearing in Austin that featured clips of television shows filmed in Texas, including “Yellowstone” and “Friday Night Lights.”
They pointed out that Texas is losing millions of dollars to other states that offer better incentives for the industry.
“One of my great frustrations was that I wrote ‘Hell or High Water,’ and they filmed the darn thing in New Mexico,” “Yellowstone” writer and producer Taylor Sheridan testified last October. “My love story to Texas was shot west of where it should have been shot.”
A 17-year old program created under former Gov. Rick Perry attracts television, film, commercial, and video game production to Texas by offering grants, including the cost of hiring Texas workers and renting film space. Movie and television projects filmed in Texas receive a 5 to 20% rebate — but only until the program runs out of money each budget cycle.
The True to Texas campaign wants the program overhauled to make it more competitive with other states.
“So what do you say, Texas Legislature? You don’t like what Hollywood’s been dishin’? Let’s take over the kitchen,” McConaughey says at the end of his video.
Texas stories deserve a Texas backdrop. That’s why I teamed up with Dennis Quaid, Woody Harrelson, Billy Bob Thornton, and Renée Zellweger for True to Texas. It’s time to bring film and TV productions home! pic.twitter.com/iMpRMRx2Hj
Matthew McConaughey, the beloved actor and Texas native, is stepping up to lead a campaign to bring more film productions to the Lone Star State. With his signature charm and passion for his home state, McConaughey is rallying support to showcase Texas as a prime destination for filmmakers.
In recent years, Texas has played host to a number of successful film and television productions, including “Dallas Buyers Club,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” and “Friday Night Lights.” However, McConaughey believes that there is even more potential for growth in the state’s film industry.
By highlighting Texas’s diverse landscapes, talented workforce, and welcoming communities, McConaughey hopes to attract more filmmakers and production companies to bring their projects to Texas. Not only will this campaign create more job opportunities for local residents, but it will also shine a spotlight on the unique culture and beauty of Texas.
As a proud Texan, Matthew McConaughey is determined to make his state a top destination for filmmakers and to help boost the local economy through the power of film. With his star power and infectious enthusiasm, there’s no doubt that he will succeed in his mission to bring more movies to Texas.
Gladiator II has passed one final milestone at the global box office. Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator II takes place years after Maximus’ death and focuses on his son Lucius (Paul Mescal), who must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. The first movie, also directed by Scott, was a major success both critically and financially, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Despite its predecessor’s acclaim, Gladiator II received more mixed reviews, with many praising its performances and visuals, while others felt it didn’t capture the same essence as the original.
According to Box Office Mojo, Gladiator II has officially earned $460.5 million worldwide, achieving what will likely be its last milestone at the box office. It’s a solid total, but it does just fall short of the first film, which earned $465.5 million worldwide. However, the first film’s box office total includes its various re-releases, which provided additional revenue over the years.
What This Means For Gladiator II’s Box Office
Gladiator II Could’ve Flown Higher
The $460 million global total for Gladiator II means that, ultimately, it might not be that profitable thanks to its estimated budget of $250 million. It also falls short of surpassing the original film’s complete earnings. When accounting for the additional re-release figures as well, Gladiator‘s financial edge becomes clear, as the sequel hasn’t yet had the chance to reconnect with audiences. Nevertheless, Gladiator II shows that even an eagerly anticipated sequel may struggle to replicate the staying power of its predecessor.
Movies generally have to earn 2x its budget to be considered a financial success. In the case of a $250 million budget, that would be closer to $500 million.
In comparison to other films released around the same time in 2024, such as Moana 2and Wicked, Gladiator II’s performance aligns closely with the broader box office trends for major 2024 releases. Other films that performed similarly include Venom: The Last Dance and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. While it has managed to hold its ground, it has not been able to outperform the aforementioned titles. Though $460 million is a sizable total, especially in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, one could argue Gladiator II‘s performance is ultimately underwhelming.
Our Take On Gladiator II’s Box Office Performance
Gladiator II Falls Behind Its Predecessor
While Gladiator II might not have surpassed the original’s overall success, it has still proven itself to be a lasting contender at the box office, especially considering the competitive nature of 2024. Additionally, it now has the chance to make up some ground by streaming on Paramount+, at least in terms of its overall audience size. With strong performances and visuals, Gladiator II’s ability to earn a decent global total is an achievement in itself, as this shows it has held on in the weeks since its release, even if it could’ve reached higher.
“Gladiator 2 Lands Its Final Global Box Office Milestone & It Comes Just Short Of the Original Movie’s Overall Total”
The highly anticipated sequel to the iconic film “Gladiator” has finally reached its final global box office milestone, but it falls just short of the original movie’s overall total. Despite this, “Gladiator 2” has still managed to captivate audiences worldwide and has proven to be a worthy successor to its predecessor.
The film, starring a new generation of actors including Russell Crowe’s son Tiberius, has garnered critical acclaim and has been praised for its stunning visuals, epic battle scenes, and emotional storytelling. Fans of the original film have flocked to theaters to see their favorite characters return to the big screen, and the box office numbers reflect the immense anticipation and excitement surrounding the sequel.
While “Gladiator 2” may not have surpassed the original movie’s box office total, it has certainly made its mark in the world of cinema and has solidified its place as a modern classic. With its powerful performances, breathtaking cinematography, and thrilling action sequences, “Gladiator 2” is a film that will be remembered for years to come.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of “Gladiator 2” for reaching this final global box office milestone, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this beloved franchise.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Kraven the Hunter is the latest (and hopefully the last) Ssu film to bomb at the box office. The superhero genre in general and Sony’s Spider-Man Universe in particular have lost millions of dollars recently. However, fans would be surprised to know that neither Kraven and Madame Web nor The Marvels are among the 10 lowest-grossing films of the 21st century.
There are Marvel, DC, and even a James Gunn movie on this list. Some films are downright bad while others didn’t manage to appeal to a large crowd. These box office numbers vary from $23 million all the way down to around $30,000.
Kraven is not even on this list of the 10 lowest-grossing films Rainn Wilson in a still from James Gunn’s Super | Credits: IFC Midnight
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s latest film, “Kraven,” may have only earned $59 million at the box office, but it’s not the lowest grossing superhero movie of all time. Despite its modest earnings, “Kraven” has managed to avoid being in the top 10 lowest grossing superhero movies list.
While the film may not have been a blockbuster hit, it still managed to find an audience and make a decent amount of money. With the popularity of superhero movies on the rise, it’s no surprise that even a lesser-known character like Kraven can still attract viewers.
So, while “Kraven” may not have broken any box office records, it’s still managed to hold its own in the competitive world of superhero movies. And who knows, maybe with a sequel or a spin-off in the works, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Kraven could see even more success in the future.
In the never-ending age of sequels, prequels, midquels, reboots, revamps, and remakes [sits down from getting dizzy], you’d think Disney would tackle some of their forgotten stories in the hopes to revive without “encroaching on the perfection of the original”, which tends to be a fan-favorite phrase when they are annoyed with a remake. (Once again, I urge everyone to calm down.)
On a recent deep dive on Letterboxd and Disney+, I came across numerous stories that could be brought back into Disney’s zeitgeist. These tales remain known, but are less so than their recent counterparts (The Lion King, Moana, The Little Mermaid, etc.) which allows the ability to utilize a large set of fresh eyes, whether that comes from the team working on the project or the larger audience itself.
The Love Bug – While Herbie did become fully loaded back in 2025 alongside Lindsay Lohan, the iconic VW Beetle hasn’t been the star of a film or series since. The Love Bug, released back in 1969, was such a hit, it spawned three theatrical sequels, a short-lived CBS television series, an ABC made-for-television adaptation, and the aforementioned 2025 reboot. The story is simple: a sentient car and the world of racing. There are hijinks to be had and races to be one, but all in all, it’s a great family comedy concept that has stood the test of time. Herbie remains a known entity, with the number 53 plastered on numerous white beetles to this day. There’s an argument to be made about reviving this franchise, especially if it can remain a 1960s period piece. Psychedelic, man…I mean, bug!
The Rescuers – I have been a staunch Rescuers apologist for most of my life. The sweet tale of heroism has also been a comfort movie. The watercolor backgrounds and lilting 1970s pop songs add to the original incarnation’s charm, but the knowledge that Bernard and Bianca can go on any number of adventures (Down Under, even!) has always made me wonder why these delightful mice have been ignored. Either a new film (honestly, of any Disney property to receive the live-action treatment, this is the one) or an animated procedural are basically begging to exist. The crime-solving members of the Rescue Aid Society need to be back in the culture! Most definitely!
The Three Caballeros – The trio’s self titled film remains my favorite of the Disney Animated package films for its cultural beauty and absolute bonkers choices. (Cock fighting? Singing lady flowers? Birds’ faces on female legs?!) The iconic grouping of Jose, Panchito, and Donald remain fan favorites, even eighty years since the film’s release. So, why haven’t they been seen back on screens? Legend of The Three Caballeros was a strong idea, but the animated series received next to no promotion and created a supernatural plotline that didn’t serve the characters. To simplify their potential, why not help use them to help teach children bilingual and trilingual skills through a Disney Jr. series? Portuguese, Spanish, and English words can all be introduced to youngin’s, alongside the cultures of Latin America. As Disney Jr. is known to use existing properties for their new series, this is a great option.
Newsies – Now, hear me out, I am well aware what I’m about to write will sound redundant. Yet, there’s reason to believe, with the right director, a Newsies remake would do quite well. The original 90s film was a known flop that turned into a cult classic and a beyond successful Broadway musical. It remains one of the most produced musicals across the country. While a pro shot was filmed of the stage production (and for that, I am grateful), a proper movie utilizing the new story from the stage version would be a welcome live-action musical from Walt Disney Studios. Grab an inventive director, an up-and-coming cast, and keep the budget low, and you’ve got yourself a hit!
Babes in Toyland – This is a complete left-field pick, but perhaps there is something there. Weirdly enough, this forgotten (albeit not well received) picture has left its mark on the culture with the toy soldiers that walk through the Disney Parks during the holidays are from this feature film. Yet, no one remembers this technicolor wonder of nursery rhymes and musical numbers. With Wicked being a hit and it (hopefully) leading towards another resurgence of colorful musicals back on the big screen, maybe it’s best to take a film no one remembers or cares for and spruce it up. (See also: Atlantis)
Remake These Movies, Disney
Disney has been on a roll with their live-action remakes of classic animated films, but there are still plenty of movies in their library that could use a modern update. From forgotten gems to beloved classics, here are a few suggestions for Disney’s next batch of remakes:
The Black Cauldron – This dark and underrated fantasy film from the ’80s is ripe for a reimagining. With modern special effects and a fresh take on the story, Disney could breathe new life into this forgotten gem.
The Sword in the Stone – While there have been rumors of a live-action remake of this beloved tale of King Arthur, Disney has yet to officially announce it. With the success of films like "The Jungle Book" and "Beauty and the Beast," now is the perfect time to revisit this classic.
The Great Mouse Detective – This Sherlock Holmes-inspired adventure is a fan favorite, but it’s often overshadowed by other Disney films. A modern remake with a new spin on the detective genre could bring this charming story back into the spotlight.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire – This underrated animated film has a dedicated fan base that would love to see a live-action remake. With its unique setting and memorable characters, a new version of "Atlantis" could be a hit with audiences of all ages.
The Rescuers – This heartwarming tale of two mice on a mission to rescue a kidnapped girl is a classic Disney film that deserves a modern update. With the right cast and creative team, a live-action remake of "The Rescuers" could capture the magic of the original while introducing a new generation to its timeless story.
With Disney’s track record of successful remakes, these films could be the next big hits for the studio. Whether they choose to revisit forgotten classics or reimagine beloved favorites, fans are sure to be excited to see what Disney has in store for their next round of remakes.
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Throughout the history of film, no studio has had quite the same effect as that of the Walt Disney Company. The organization’s legacy has expanded beyond its humble beginnings, reaching nearly every corner of the entertainment and amusement industry. However, the heart of Disney has always been animation. Not only did it revolutionize the art form with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but animated films, like Beauty and the Beast and Frozen affected the filmmaking industry as a whole.
But with success comes failure, and not every Disney movie has been a success. The company has gone through several periods of low box office performance consisting of forgotten films. Likewise, Disney’s live-action remakes of their animated classics have yielded plenty of mixed results. However, this subgenre could actually work far better by revisiting some of the company’s flops, as opposed to their masterpieces.
Disney Has Plenty of Options for Better Live-Action Remakes
Disney’s series of live-action remakes came from humble beginnings. The trend started with 2015’s Cinderella, a film that worked thanks to its effortless balance of traditionalism and new ideas. However, later entries such as Beauty and the Beast and (perhaps most jarring of all) The Lion King felt like shot-for-shot remakes that sloppily crammed in new story elements for the sole purpose of padding the runtime and rarely amounting to any proper payoff. Now, with Mufasa: The Lion King in theaters, Snow White on the way, and a remake of Moana well into production, it doesn’t seem like this trend will be going away anytime soon. However, this doesn’t have to be something to be dreaded!
The live-action remake is based on Disney’s first feature-length animated classic.
For every Frozen, there’s an Atlantis: The Lost Empire or a Treasure Planet; films that are looked down upon for their box office performances but have plenty of merit in their own right. In fact, many of these pictures flopped due to their level of maturity. Atlantis is actually a vast film with fantastic mythology, visuals and characters. The film’s villain being a political mercenary, however, likely goes over the heads of many younger audiences. But, it would make a fantastic live-action epic, one that would have plenty of appeal for its key demographic, and would be more largely accessible to that audience when translated out of animation. If the Mouse House insists on continuing the practice, readapting failed films would also allow them the opportunity to correct stories and sequences that were missteps or hurt the film in some way. Out of all their potential flops that deserve to be remade, though, there’s one that towers among the rest.
‘The Black Cauldron’ Deserves to Be Remade
When it comes to Disney’s box office failures, there is no film more infamous than The Black Cauldron. The picture, which was meant to revitalize Disney’s then-struggling animation department, nearly brought about the studio’s end. Because of this, the film is often looked down upon. But, outside of its box office performance, the movie is actually a fantastic fantasy. For a Disney animated film, its heroes are wonderfully complex, with Taran (Grant Bardsley) and Eilonwy (Susan Sheridan) not motivated by romance, rather ambition, and determination — a rarity for the Mouse House.
Additionally, their adolescence helps raise the film’s stakes, as they set out to face the Horned King (John Hurt), by far Disney’s most hellish and bloodthirsty villain. The universe of the movie is filled with complex mythology and fascinating locations that could rival most big-budget fantasy epics. Though often deemed too dark for animation, the movie practically screams live-action epic. Additionally, the film is based on a series of books called The Chronicles of Prydain. Like most studios, Disney is always on the hunt for a franchise, thus a remake of The Black Cauldron could not only help redeem the film’s reputation, but set up a whole new slew of adventures.
For now, Disney will likely continue down the path they’re on. Most of their live-action remakes have been huge box office hits, but we certainly hope that they will revisit some of their long-forgotten films. Movies like Treasure Planet and The Black Cauldron never reached their full potential, but they deserve the chance! Translating the themes that hurt their box office performance to live-action would be key to turning these films from forgotten to iconic.
The Black Cauldron is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.
Disney has a long history of creating beloved classics that have stood the test of time, but let’s face it – not every film they’ve produced has been a hit. While it’s great to see remakes of fan-favorites like “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” perhaps it’s time for Disney to consider remaking some of their less-than-stellar movies.
By revisiting some of their less successful films, Disney has the opportunity to breathe new life into these stories and potentially turn them into something truly magical. This could also give them the chance to correct any missteps or missed opportunities from the original films.
Remaking their bad movies could also help Disney attract a new generation of fans who may have missed out on these films the first time around. With updated visuals, storytelling, and possibly even new songs, these remakes could capture the hearts of audiences in a way that the original films never did.
So, Disney, don’t just focus on remaking your masterpieces – take a chance on some of your less successful films and see what kind of magic you can create. Who knows, you may just surprise everyone with a hit that rivals even your most beloved classics.
Clockwise from top: Companion, Mo, You’re Cordially Invited, and Paradise. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Cara Howe/Warner Bros, Brian Roedel/Disney, Glen Wilson/Amazon, Eddy Chen/Netflix
No month has felt longer than January, and there wasn’t even an intermission. But with a new month comes fresh movies and television shows to enjoy. From the horrors of dating in Companion to the smooth-brained twists of Paradise, here’s everything to check out this weekend.
It’s better to go in blind to Companion, a thriller about a group of friends on a weekend vacation. What I can say is that it’s a familiar premise — shitty boyfriends are a dime a dozen, especially in horror movies — but Sophie Thatcher (of Yellowjackets) is pretty fun to watch here. Thatcher is joined by Jack Quaid, Harvey Guillén, Lukas Gage, and Megan Suri.
In this comedy, Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell star as warring wedding planners for their sister (Meredith Hagner) and daughter (Geraldine Viswanathan), respectively. The hook? Both weddings are booked at the same venue on the same day. You might expect a rom-com, but Witherspoon and Ferrell’s dynamic in the trailer is giving more Seth Rogen vs. Zac Efron in Neighbors, which makes sense when you realize You’re Cordially Invited was also directed by Nicholas Stoller. Then again, Stoller directed Bros, as well, so this could go either way!
A new drama with a nondescript name starring Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, and Julianne Nicholson may seem relatively rote, especially given a ho-hum description about “prominent individuals in a peaceful community being shocked by murder.” But this is a Dan Fogelman show, so the thing you think is the premise is actually not. Prepare for a twist. —Kathryn VanArendonk
Co-created by comedians Mohammed Amer and Ramy Youssef, Mo is a loose semi-autobiographical comedy series based on Amer’s life. Netflix is touting the second season as the “final” one. A shame, as Amer’s comedy tackles America’s complex (and infuriating) immigration system and meaningfully depicts Muslim and Palestinian culture. Season two finds Mo trying to get back to his family and girlfriend Maria (Teresa Ruiz ) in Houston after being stuck across the border in Mexico.
The awards show’s broadcast, which is set to take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, faces more uncertainty than usual this year owing to the fires. What we know for sure: Trevor Noah returns as host, and Beyoncé has the most nominations of any artist (11) and will likely come away with a few more statuettes to add to her record (she’s got 32 so far, more than any other Grammy winner in history). —Jen Chaney (Streaming live on Paramount+ with Showtime at 8 p.m. ET.)
Rob McElhenney’s Mythic Quest has been one of Apple TV+’s most consistent comedies. It produced an excellent pandemic special back in 2020 after its first season, and now it’s rolling on to its fourth season, complete with a spinoff anthology series out later this spring. So if you’re interested in a funny workplace comedy, tap into Mythic Quest.
February is no one’s favorite month; why not double down on the darkness with a docuseries adaptation of the popular podcast about a woman who scammed her whole community by pretending to have cancer! —K.V.A.
Kicking off another year of Marvel is an animated take on Spider-Man’s origin story. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man pulls from Tom Holland’s Peter Parker (voiced here by Hudson Thames) in the MCU, yet this will exist in an “alternate universe” where Parker is mentored by Norman Osborn (voiced by Colman Domingo) instead of Tony Stark.
From a creative team with credits on Veep and King of the Hill comes an animated series about the discovery of a mushroom that can heal almost anything and the fight among those trying to gain control of it. The unsettling animation style, in the mode of the canceled-too-soon Scavengers Reign, is reason enough to watch. —Roxana Hadadi
➼ And then, in theaters, there’s Dog Man. No, it’s not a sequel to Wolf Man or Better Man.
Halina Reijn’s erotic drama is hitting digital platforms, so congrats, you can replay Harris Dickinson dancing to George Michael’s “Father Figure” in front of Nicole Kidman as many times as you want.
Available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV+
One of 2024’s biggest box-office juggernauts has also sailed onto VOD. Unfortunately, Lin-Manuel Miranda didn’t return to provide the bops for this sequel to the beloved 2016 Disney musical. Still, if your kids are as inclined to watch the lesser movie just as many times as they watched the original, you might as well buy it. —Tolly Wright
Are you looking for something new to watch this weekend? Look no further! Here are some of the best movies and TV shows to check out from January 31st to February 2nd.
1. Parasite (2019) – This South Korean dark comedy thriller won the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and has been sweeping awards season. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a good twisty thriller.
2. The Witcher (Netflix) – Henry Cavill stars in this fantasy series based on the popular book series. With magic, monsters, and epic battles, The Witcher is sure to keep you entertained.
3. Little Women (2019) – Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the classic novel has been receiving critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. It’s a heartfelt and beautifully crafted film that is perfect for a cozy movie night.
4. The Mandalorian (Disney+) – This Star Wars spin-off series has been a hit with fans and critics alike. Follow the adventures of the Mandalorian and Baby Yoda as they navigate the galaxy.
5. Marriage Story (2019) – Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver give powerful performances in this drama about a couple going through a divorce. It’s a raw and emotional film that will stick with you long after watching.
So grab some popcorn, get cozy on the couch, and enjoy some of the best movies and TV shows available this weekend.
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Another weekend, another batch of shows and movies to wile away the hours with. Today is the last day of January, so this is the first streaming guide of February, 2025. And there are definitely a few things worth checking out new to the myriad streaming services we all subscribe to these days.
Every week, I search high and low for the best new TV shows, movies, comedy specials, documentaries and whatever else catches my eye and publish them here in this guide. Some I’ve seen and reviewed. Others are just as new to me as they are to you. I also list the current ongoing shows that air each week that I think are worth watching.
If you have any tips or I missed something, shoot me a message on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. You can check out last weekend’s streaming guide right here.
Paradise is a new sci-fi political thriller from Dan Fogelman, the creator of the huge hit series This Is Us as well as Only Murders in the Building and the wildly underrated fantasy musical series Galavant (which I highly recommend). It stars This Is Us alum, Sterling K. Brown as the chief security agent for a US President, Cal “Wildcat” Bradford (James Marsden). The first episode is filled with mystery and one genuinely shocking turn that I won’t spoil.
I’ve only seen the first episode and I thought it was pretty good, but not great. Good enough to keep watching, not good enough to sing its praises (at least not yet). The big twist has huge implications for the rest of the series, but I’m not sure that I love it. We shall see. The first three episodes are out now, with more following every Tuesday for a total of 8 episodes. Critics and audiences largely agree on this one. On Rotten Tomatoes it has an 80% with critics and 79% with audiences.
You’re Cordially Invited (Prime Video)
Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon star in this rom-com / comedy of errors from director Nicholas Stoller (Neighbors, Get Him To The Greek). The premise is simple: A bride and her father realize that the wedding venue they’ve booked for her wedding has also been booked by another bride and her sister. Comedy ensues, though critics and audiences both give this one a “Rotten” score (45% and 39% respectively). Might be a fun popcorn movie, though.
The Recruit – Season 2 (Netflix)
This looks right up my alley, but I missed the first season of The Recruit when it came out so I have some catching up to do. The series follows rookie CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo) as he becomes embroiled in some good old-fashioned international espionage. Critics seem to like Season 2 better than Season 1, while audiences give it a slightly lower score on Rotten Tomatoes. I’ll have to check it out.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Disney Plus)
X-Men 97 was a big hit on Disney+ so it’s no wonder we’re getting another “retro” animated series. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man brings back that old-school animation along with lots of fun adventure for our web-slinging hero. Critics give this a resounding “Fresh” score of 97% but audiences are more skeptical at 63%.
Saturday Night (Netflix)
Saturday Night follows a young Lorne Michaels and his crew as they prepare for the very first broadcast of Saturday Night Live. Director Jason Reitman teamed up with Gil Kenan on the script. Some critics really hated this one, but overall it’s done well with both critics and audiences (who liked it more) and I’ve been waiting for it to drop on Netflix. Fans of the original SNL cast—which included young Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase—should definitely give this one a shot. Matthew Rhys plays George Carlin who, you may recall, gave the very first ever opening monologue for SNL.
Babygirl (VOD)
Now out on Video-On-Demand, erotic thriller Babygirl from director Halina Rejin stars Nicole Kidman as CEO Romy Mathis. She’s unsatisfied with her sex life and turns to a younger man, Samuel (Harris Dickinson) to explore her submissive fantasies. I haven’t seen this, but I do find it funny that the actor who plays Kidman’s husband is Antonio Banderas, which ought to make suspending your disbelief at this entire scenario pretty difficult!
Dog Man (In Theaters)
Beloved kids book series Dog Man is now a feature film from DreamWorks. Sounds like it’s fun for the whole family with a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score. Parents should at least consider doing their civic duty and take their kids, if only to remind them that movie theaters still exist and can be a lot of fun.
What’s Streaming Weekly
As always, a number of TV shows continue to air each week—not everyone has adopted the Netflix binge model!—and I list some of those here.
Prime Target continues airing new episodes on Apple. This spy thriller follows a math genius obsessed with prime numbers who heads down a twisty turny path of no return. I still haven’t started it yet, as I caught up on the first season of Lioness and then started rewatching The Wire. But I’ll check it out soon. New episodes drop Wednesdays. (Apple)
The Pitt just dropped its fifth episode Thursday though I haven’t had time to watch it yet. I loved the first four episodes (my review) and I’m not even that into medical dramas. This one stars Noah Wyle of ER fame and takes on the 24 format where each new episode is another hour in the Pittsburgh ER. It’s incredibly bingeworthy, so consider holding off watching as episodes air and then binge a few at once. New episodes drop Thursday. (Max)
Traitors – Season 3is the most popular reality TV competition show out at the moment and I’ve heard great things, but as I am not a reality TV show fan, I have not watched it. I might have to break my own rules, however, just to see what all the fuss is about. (Peacock)
Dexter: Original Sinis one of those shows where each time I remember a new episode is out I get really excited. Like right now, as I type this post I realize there’s a new episode out because a new one drops each Friday. Maybe I’ll go watch it after I’m done writing this guide! It’s so much fun and such a pleasant surprise. Here’s my review. (Paramount)
What are you watching these days? What should I put on this list or add to my backlog? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky or Facebook.
Are you looking for some new shows and movies to stream this weekend? Well, you’re in luck because there are plenty of exciting options available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV, and more. Here are some of the latest releases that you won’t want to miss:
1. Netflix:
– “The Witcher” Season 2: Dive back into the world of Geralt of Rivia as he continues his quest to protect Ciri in this highly-anticipated second season.
– “Don’t Look Up”: This star-studded comedy film follows two astronomers as they try to warn the world about an approaching comet that will destroy Earth.
2. Hulu:
– “Pam & Tommy”: This new series tells the scandalous true story of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s stolen sex tape and its impact on their lives.
– “The Great”: Season 2 of this satirical period drama about the rise of Catherine the Great promises more royal intrigue and dark humor.
3. Prime Video:
– “The Expanse” Season 6: The epic sci-fi series comes to a thrilling conclusion as the crew of the Rocinante faces their biggest challenge yet.
– “Being the Ricardos”: Follow the behind-the-scenes drama of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s iconic sitcom in this biographical film.
4. Apple TV:
– “Severance”: This mind-bending thriller series follows a group of office workers who have their memories of work erased each day.
– “The Shrink Next Door”: Based on the true story of a therapist who manipulates his patient into giving him control of his life, this dark comedy stars Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd.
With so many new shows and movies to choose from, you’re sure to find something that will keep you entertained. So grab your popcorn, find a cozy spot on the couch, and start streaming!
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The Sundance Film Festival, it’s fair to say, has never been through a moment of sheer flux as profound as the one it’s now living through. The festival is preparing to announce the new city that will be its host, starting in 2027. And whether that city turns out to be Cincinnati or Boulder, it’s sure to alter the vibe of the festival, maybe its very chemistry. Yet even as the change of locale looms, Sundance is already in the midst of confronting a new world where independent film fights to hold onto its identity — in the marketplace, and in the culture. The streaming revolution has slowly but surely eaten into the indie revolution, the one that began with such high razzle-dazzle in the ’90s. Sundance films that go straight to streamers have a way of fading from the radar, and the theatrical opportunities for these films to be seen by a wide audience are less than what they once were.
Yet a shifting and, to a degree, less high-profile landscape should not blind us to the fact that the best of these movies remain what they always were: miracles of artful entertainment. The 2025 edition of Sundance proved, overwhelmingly, that the creative heart of the festival is alive and well and pulsating with filmmaking fervor. Here are Variety’s picks for the best films we saw there.
The Alabama Solution
Image Credit: Sundance Film Festival
A singularly powerful exposé of the inhumanity of the American prison system. Directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, the film looks at life inside several Alabama facilities, where it captures not just a culture of chronic abuse but of sanctified lawlessness. The incarcerated men deliver their eyewitness accounts through contraband cellphones, revealing the cover-up of one prisoner’s hideous murder at the hands of a guard. We’re confronted at every turn by the prisoners’ stubborn humanity, as the nightmare they’re caught up in gathers the force of a thriller. (Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
The Ballad of Wallis Island
Image Credit: Alistair Heap
Tim Key affably plays a two-time lottery winner who would do anything to bring together his favorite band, McGwyer-Mortimer, a folksy duo who have long since split up, both as musical and romantic partners — including spending a good chunk of his winnings on a private concert. As writers, Key and his comedy partner Tom Basden avoid toothless syrupy sentiments and handle the melancholic resolution of the couple’s story in a masterful and realistic way that rings true to the heart. (Read the full review by Tomris Laffly.)
BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions
Image Credit: BLKNWS
Director Khalil Joseph radically reimagines the world through a Black lens, while self-reflexively observing the difficulties of doing so. The film is a pulsing, essayistic docu-fiction piece that defies categorization. It unfolds partially on a futuristic, polygonal transatlantic vessel boarded by a journalist and an arts academic. However, this narrative framing device — which often loops back on itself, as a dreamlike film within the film — is merely an anchor for a more elliptical, esoteric narrative about personal and political history. (Read the full review by Siddhant Adlakha.)
Coexistence, My Ass!
Image Credit: Sundance
Utilizing one of Noam Shuster Eliassi’s uproarious stand-up routines as its narrative spine, Amber Fares’s urgent, eye-opening and enormously compassionate documentary takes its name from the comedy show that she developed at Harvard University upon an invitation. As we learn throughout the film, Eliassi owes much of her progressive worldview to her upbringing in the only village in Israel where the Palestinian and Jewish people live together. The film does the impossible and delivers radical ideas through humor. Rarely has comedy felt this serious and urgent. (Read the full review by Tomris Laffly.)
DJ Ahmet
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
Set in a remote North Macedonian village, Georgi M. Unkovski’s music-soaked, delightfully humorous and unpretentiously stylish debut tells the story of a teenage boy defying his traditional community. Neither saccharine nor emotionally slight, “DJ Ahmet” is grounded on the bruising realities of life in patriarchal societies where there’s little space for men to engage with their emotions or for women to have full agency over their lives. The wondrous drama seamlessly straddles the line between laugh-out-loud crowd-pleaser and art-house gem. (Read the full review by Carlos Aguilar.)
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Image Credit: Logan White
Delivering a feverish, raw-nerve performance, Rose Byrne drives a virtuosic portrait of mental unraveling that uses every tool in Mary Bronstein’s arsenal to re-create an end-of-the-world feeling on the most intimate scale. With her husband away and her daughter hooked up to a constantly beeping medical device, Byrne’s exasperated Linda may be going out of her mind, but Bronstein puts us squarely inside it, as the walls close in, the ceiling collapses and the floor buckles beneath her. (Read the full review by Peter Debruge.)
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley
Image Credit: Merri Cyr
Jeff Buckley had a voice that was so breathtaking, so ethereally soaring, he sounded like Nina Simone crossed with Robert Plant crossed with the most impassioned angel God had ever gifted. Amy Berg’s rapturous documentary follows Buckley’s extraordinary rise in the ’90s and his tragically cut-short life. The film captures how Buckley was on his way to becoming a staggeringly huge star. But it also charts his demons, and the way that his accidental death by drowning in 1997 had an eerie outline to it. (Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
Lurker
Image Credit: Sundance Film Festival
A nifty and unsettling parable of the pathology of fame in our time. It tells the story of Matthew (Théodore Pellerin), a nobody who works in one of those bare-bones L.A. clothing boutiques, and how he insinuates himself into the inner circle of Oliver (Archie Madekwe), a budding pop star who has legions of screaming fans but is trying to leap to the next level. Matthew becomes Oliver’s bro, his hanger-on, his social media camera buddy. And Matthew is grateful for the attention — so grateful, in fact, that he’ll do anything, and stop at nothing, to keep it coming. The writer-director, Alex Russell, works with a highly accomplished jittery cellphone-camera aesthetic that makes the entire movie a mirror of what it’s about: the fleeting I-shoot-a-video-of-myself-therefore-I-am celebrity that’s become the coin of the realm in the Instagram era. Pellerin turns Matthew the geek into a character of startlingly subtle and unnerving calculation. (Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
The Perfect Neighbor
Image Credit: Cinetic Media
Both formally innovative and philosophically necessary, Geeta Gandbhir’s tense true-crime documentary reconstructs a dispute that ended in tragedy — from the very first 911 call to the final courtroom verdict — almost entirely from official footage. The resulting thriller unfolds like a cross between “Paranormal Activity” and “End of Watch,” leaving audiences free to draw their own conclusions. Bodycam footage reveals shooter Susan Lorincz’s most insidious tool: the way she misrepresented the situation and tried to manipulate the authority figures when they arrived. (Read the full review by Peter Debruge.)
Peter Hujar’s Day
Image Credit: Sundance Film Festival
Ira Sachs’ magical time capsule of a movie consists entirely of Peter Hujar (Ben Whishaw), the noted New York photographer of the 1970s and ’80s, having a rambling conversation with his friend, Linda Rosenkrantz (Rebecca Hall), in which he recounts everything he did the day before. Whishaw is astonishing as the sweet, morose, gay, chain-smoking, furtively sincere, faraway-eyed Hujar. Even when what he’s talking about is quite ordinary, the film salutes the hidden transcendence of the everyday. (Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
Predators
Between 2004 and 2007, NBC’s pedophile-baiting “To Catch a Predator” captured the public’s imagination, announcing itself as not just reality-based entertainment but a protective public service. The show delivered justice as the people preferred to see it: visibly, ruthlessly and on television. David Osit was among the many who were hooked; 20 years on, his measured, nuanced and finally gut-punching documentary wonders why. His brilliant, subtly needling film leaves us unnerved and alert, but not certain of our convictions. (Read the full review by Guy Lodge.)
Ricky
Image Credit: Sundance Film Festival
Stephan James, with a pensive baby face and a moodiness torn from the depths, plays Ricky, a young man from East Hartford, Connecticut, who has just gotten out of prison (after spending half his 30 years there) and is struggling to find his way in a world that seems booby-trapped. He doesn’t want to go back. But why does he keep making it more difficult for himself? The writer-director, Rashad Frett, has a gift for pace and tension and mood, as he tells this story with lacerating honesty, dramatizing how the system’s road blocks mingle with Ricky’s self-sabotage. (Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)
Image Credit: Sundance Film Festival
A dazzling and definitive funk-pop documentary. Questlove, in his second feature (after “Summer of Soul”), confronts the life and legacy of Sly Stone, investigates it, holds it up to the light, tears it apart, and puts it back together like the bravura mixmaster he is. Jammed with penetrating interviews and extraordinary archival footage, the film flashes by in a kaleidoscopic way that tickles our eyes and ears. Yet Questlove takes the time to meditate on what he’s showing you — how Sly and the Family Stone took funk and gave it wings, smashing down walls and categories, elevating joy into an ideology. The movie also documents Sly’s descent, which was severe. It was fueled by his cocaine addiction, though as the film’s subtitle suggests, he’d achieved a new kind of Black fame that the system fed on and on some level didn’t trust. (Read the full review by Owen Gleiberman.)
Sorry, Baby
Image Credit: Mia Cioffi Henry
A standout of the U.S. dramatic competition, Eva Victor’s disarmingly funny, slow-to-unfold debut is less a film about sexual assault than it is a serious look at the process of rebuilding after such an experience. As sympathy merges with satire, and acceptance leads to questions (rather than the other way around), the film works because the writer-director-star strikes such a tricky tone: Her debut is warm and compassionate, advancing a conversation for which we’re still trying to find the words. (Read the full review by Peter Debruge.)
Train Dreams
Image Credit: Adolpho Veloso
Joel Edgerton channels the spirit of the men who tamed the American Cascades, chopping down trees and laying track. Somewhere between an elegy and an anthem, “Jockey” director Clint Bentley’s gorgeous, almost century-spanning film takes its inspiration from a slender, evocative novella by Denis Johnson that honors the manual laborers who built this country, focusing on one in particular, Robert Grainier, who carved out a window of happiness for a time. Just because Terrence Malick’s influence can be felt doesn’t mean that Bentley hasn’t found his own vocabulary. “Train Dreams” feels almost quilt-like in the way its pieces fit together, with certain sounds and images flickering briefly, almost subliminally, across our consciousness, often to echo further on. The film’s overarching design follows meaningful encounters, many of them with people Grainier meets just once or twice, but whose words shape his understanding of the world. (Read the full review by Peter Debruge.)
Twinless
Image Credit: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
In James Sweeney’s disarmingly funny second feature, two men meet in an emotional support group for those who’ve lost an identical sibling. That seems as good a place as any to talk about codependency, although it’s the even more universal subject of loneliness that animates the insightful coping comedy. “Twinless” treats bereavement with utmost sincerity, allowing Dylan O’Brien (in an impressive dual role) to play the tears and ensuing numbness as realistically as possible, while Sweeney plays a cringey, more complicated character. It’s a tonal tightwire act, as the writer-director-star balances unconscionable behavior with an earnest look at bereavement, anxiety and anger management. (Read the full review by Peter Debruge.)
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival has come and gone, leaving us with a plethora of groundbreaking films to watch and discuss. Among the standout movies of this year’s festival are “Twinless” and “Lurker,” both of which have garnered critical acclaim and buzz among audiences.
“Twinless” follows the story of twin sisters who are separated at birth and reunite years later, only to discover that they have very different lives and identities. The film explores themes of identity, sisterhood, and the complexities of family relationships in a truly captivating way.
“Lurker,” on the other hand, is a psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The film follows a young woman who becomes increasingly paranoid that someone is watching her every move, leading to a series of chilling and suspenseful events.
These two films are just a taste of the incredible lineup of movies that were showcased at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. From thought-provoking documentaries to heartwarming dramas, this year’s festival truly had something for everyone.
Be sure to keep an eye out for “Twinless” and “Lurker” as they make their way to theaters and streaming platforms in the coming months – these are films that you won’t want to miss.
Price: $99.98 (as of Jan 31,2025 13:39:55 UTC – Details)
The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you.[1,2] Get fast performance, responsive navigation, and tailored recommendations from Google’s most advanced streamer yet. And all your content is organized in one place – so you’ll do a lot less searching and way more watching. The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2] HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately) See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2] Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound The Google TV Streamer (4K) has a 22% faster processor and twice the memory of the previous generation for smooth navigation and quick switching between apps[5]; with 32 GB of storage, you can install more of your favorite apps[6,2] With the redesigned remote, use your voice to find shows, get answers, and control smart home devices[7,8]; the customizable button lets you open your favorite app or the home panel in one click; and easily find your lost remote by making it ring It’s even easier to control your smart home with the new home panel; dim the lights or check a camera’s live view without pausing your shows[9] Effortlessly cast content from multiple compatible Android and iOS apps on your phone, tablet, or laptop right to your Google TV Streamer (4K)[1] Please refer to the “Legal” section below for all applicable legal disclaimers denoted by the bracketed numbers in the preceding bullet points (e.g., [1], [2], etc.)
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AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
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Orlando Bloom recently told Entertainment Weekly that Kiera Knightley did “wonderful things” in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, a few months after she revealed that she endured public shaming because of her work in the movies. The two actors starred as love interests Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann in 2003’s “Curse of the Black Pearl,” 2006’s “Dead Man’s Chest” and 2007’s “At World’s End.” Knightley was just 17 years old when she filmed the first movie.
“It was such a huge moment in time that is almost like…it feels almost like another lifetime now,” Bloom said. “But it certainly was unique and, you know, I’m always grateful. But I definitely understand where Keira was coming from, and she does wonderful things…I have a lot of positive takeaways.”
“I was seen as shit because of them, and yet because they did so well I was given the opportunity to do the films that I ended up getting Oscar nominations for,” Knightley explained. “They were the most successful films I’ll ever be a part of and they were the reason that I was taken down publicly. So they’re a very confused place in my head.”
When asked about the possibility of starring in another Hollywood franchise, Knightley shut it down by saying: “The hours are insane. It’s years of your life. You have no control over where you’re filming, how long you’re filming, what you’re filming.”
A reboot of the “Pirates” franchise is currently in development from original producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Bloom told EW that he’s heard the producer is “pretty excited” about bringing the franchise back, adding: “It’ll be interesting to see. Jerry always brings out the big guns, as it were – pardon the pun. Cannons, I should say.”
Would Bloom return as Will Turner? “Listen, it was a wild and fun experience so, you know, never say never,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for that experience, and Jerry, and the whole thing. But who knows? I mean, it’s sort of one of those things I really haven’t thought about it, really. I’m happy that I got to be a part of something that feels like it’s standing the test of time, which is cool.”
Orlando Bloom recently praised his Pirates of the Caribbean co-star Keira Knightley, acknowledging her talent and hard work on the film series. This comes after Knightley opened up about the challenges she faced while working on the movies, stating that she was unfairly criticized and degraded by the public.
In a recent interview, Bloom expressed his admiration for Knightley, saying she did ‘wonderful things’ in the Pirates movies. He emphasized her dedication to her craft and the impact she had on the success of the franchise. Bloom’s words of support come in response to Knightley’s revelation that she was unfairly judged and demeaned during her time on the films.
Knightley recently shared that she was perceived negatively by the public and faced harsh criticism for her role in the Pirates movies. She described feeling ‘like s—‘ and being ‘taken down publicly’ because of her involvement in the blockbuster series. Knightley’s candid comments shed light on the challenges faced by actors in the spotlight and the impact of public perception on their mental health.
Bloom’s words of praise for Knightley serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the hard work and talent of performers in the entertainment industry. It is essential to support and uplift actors who face adversity and criticism, as they play a crucial role in bringing stories to life on screen. Knightley’s resilience and dedication to her craft are commendable, and her contributions to the Pirates movies should be celebrated.
Overall, Bloom’s acknowledgment of Knightley’s talent and the challenges she faced on the Pirates movies highlights the need for empathy and support within the entertainment industry. By standing up for his co-star and recognizing her achievements, Bloom sets an example for others to follow in promoting a positive and inclusive environment for all performers.
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Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Pirates movies, Hollywood, actors, film industry, career challenges, public perception, sexism, misogyny, entertainment industry, emotional struggles, movie roles, celebrity interviews, media backlash, empowerment, self-worth, overcoming adversity
