Featured Streaming Films for the Week
Fancy catching some great movies via streaming platforms? So do I. Here, I've combed through the upcoming releases to bring you the best original and new-to-streaming films you can enjoy right now.
This week's highlights feature an assortment of documentaries. "Jim Henson: Idea Man" traces the inspiring journey of the legendary artist who created the Muppets, while "MoviePass, MovieCrash" uncovers the unethical aspects of the once-beloved MoviePass. Not into documentaries? You're in luck, as there's a brand new episode of "South Park" poking fun at weight-loss drugs.
"Jim Henson: Idea Man"
Disney+ debuts this fascinating original documentary about Jim Henson, the man behind the Muppets. Directed by Hollywood icon Ron Howard, the film uncovers the fascinating life and enduring legacy of this innovative artist. Witness his humble beginnings in local kids' TV right through to his groundbreaking work on "Sesame Street" and blockbuster Muppet movies. Currently, it's boasting a pristine 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, so there's no better film to watch this week.
Streaming location: Disney
"South Park: the End of Obesity"
"South Park" has been around since before most of us were born, yet it never fails to amuse with its biting wit and fearless satire. In this chuckle-fest of an episode, Cartman is prescribed Semaglutide for weight loss—here comes the hilarity as the gang takes us through the complexities of the American healthcare system.
Streaming location: Paramount
"The Beach Boys"
I'll admit, I'm a big fan of The Beach Boys. Their music is sublime and the band's insanely chaotic personal lives are as riveting as any rock and roll legend. Disney+'s doc user
- The Beach Boys *won't delve deeply into their more somber moments, but with their timeless music and an intriguing look at their relationship with their elusive father/manager Murry Wilson, it's bound to be a captivating watch.
Streaming location: Disney
"MoviePass, Moviecrash"
It might sound dull for a film about a failed movie ticket subscription service, but "MoviePass, Moviecrash" paints a gripping account of shaky business trends, brash ambitions, and corporate deception. The founder of MoviePass, who witnessed the spectacular rise and fall of the service, narrates this tale with flair, providing insider knowledge on the company's misadventures.
Streaming location: Max
Last week's picks
"Dune: Part Two (2024)"
This stunner of a film is a lavish, gripping world-building masterpiece. Director Denis Villeneuve packs in spectacle but never loses sight of the finer details. "Dune: Part Two" continues where "Dune" left off: Paul (Timothée Chalamet), along with his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), are fugitives from the House Atreides. They find refuge with the Fremen, some of whom view Paul as their foretold redeemer. Evil Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) has more sinister intentions. While theatrical screens are the ideal place to indulge in "Dune: Part Two"'s grandeur, watching it on streaming allows you to pause and rewind to fully appreciate every nuance.
Streaming location: Max
"Ferrari" (2023)
Michael Mann, the brilliant director, guides us through the life of the enigmatic man responsible for the iconic car: Enzo Ferrari. Portrayed by Adam Driver, Enzo is a former Formula 1 driver whose company, racing team, and marriage are all teetering on the brink of collapse. Unable to rest on his laurels, Enzo battles to win the Mille Miglia, a 1,000-mile race across Italy. Co-stars P and Patrick Dempsey—you know, the race car driver guy—as Piero Taruffi.
Streaming location: Hulu
"Atlas"
I never saw this coming, but Jennifer Lopez morphs into an action hero in sci-fi movie "Atlas." As agent Atlas Shepard, J-Lo is a one-liner-spouting badass who devotes her life to hunting down rogue artificial intelligence—cue intense battles, heart-racing car chases, and J-Lo beating up AI. This unique sci-fi thriller makes for a welcomed diversion from the usual superhero antics.
Streaming location: Netflix
This Apple-produced documentary showcases the incredible tale of Chelly Wilson, a former Holocaust survivor turned porn mogul in 60s, 70s, and 80s New York City. From her apartment located above the Adonis Theatre on 42nd Street, she constructed a vast adult entertainment business. It all began with the film "Come Ride the Wild Pink Horse", leading her to acquire infamous Times Square cinema houses that screened her productions. Simultaneously, she showered her adoration upon her cherished grandchildren.
Where to watch: AppleTV
Rachel Feinstein: Big Guy
Over the course of this month, you can't escape non-stop comedy on Netflix, no matter how hard you try. Rachel Feinstein, a renowned comedian with a quick wit and a knack for slapstick humor, is a favorite among her peers. Whether she's performing at a dimly-lit club on a weekday or co-hosting the iconic talk show "The View", this prodigious talent consistently delivers laughs. Don't pass up her latest Netflix special!
Where to watch: Netflix
The Straight Story (1999)
David Lynch, renowned for his off-beat, sometimes challenging cinema in movies like "Mulholland Drive", opted for a different approach in "The Straight Story". This extended piece lacks a conventional storyline, but its remarkably subtle and wholesome storytelling captivates its audience. The story follows an elderly man on a journey from Iowa to Wisconsin to visit his ailing brother who recently experienced a stroke. "The Straight Story" is part of the 1999 Criterion Collection, which includes other remarkable films such as "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai", "Ratcatcher", "Go", "The Virgin Suicides", and "Summer of Sam". Simply put, these movies are a must-see!
Where to stream: Criterion Channel
Read also:
This week, Disney+ is offering the best movie streaming experience with the highly-rated documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man." Featuring a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's a must-watch for fans of the legendary Muppets creator. If you're more interested in comedy, be sure to catch the latest episode of "South Park" on Paramount, which pokes fun at weight-loss drugs. In the realm of entertainment, there's always something for everyone when it comes to streaming.
