This week, streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Max are offering a number of new movies
One of the biggest films making its streaming debut this week is “My Spy: The Eternal City,” a sequel to the 2020 Prime Video original that promises an over-the-top action comedy Other highlights this week include Peacock's shambolic horror “Abigail,” Max's thrilling dark comedy “Loves Lies Bleeding,” and Netflix's glossy romantic comedy “Find Me Falling”
These are just a few snapshots of the new films appearing on streaming services this week For more viewing recommendations, check out our guide to the best new TV shows of the week And if you're looking to upgrade, check out our Prime Day TV deals live blog
Kevin Costner's ambitious “Horizon: The American Saga” project is in danger of stalling out of the gate The epic western series was to consist of four films, but due to the weak box office performance of “Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1”, a sequel already in the works (naturally titled ” Chapter 2") has been pulled from the August release schedule, and the future of the saga may depend on the success of this video-on-demand debut
“Horizon: Horizon: The American Saga” is truly a Cosner baby Not only did this film legend star in, direct, and co-write the first (and second) chapter of the burgeoning franchise, but he also put a lot of money into the production Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, which also stars Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, and Jena Malone, is set in the Old West during the turbulent American Civil War and has a running time of 181 minutes
Available for purchase or rental on Amazon beginning July 16
Netflix has become the US streaming home of several critically acclaimed and award-winning international films in recent months, and “Teacher's Lounge” is the latest addition to this growing niche It is the latest addition to this growing list of films The German drama was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards (although it ultimately lost to “Zone of Interest”) and holds a very impressive score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes This alone should convince you that it is worth watching
“Teacher's Lounge” features an educator named Kara Novak (Leonie Benesch) who has recently transferred to a new school As she adjusts to her new surroundings, she begins to investigate a series of thefts from the teacher's lounge The stolen items include Kara's stash of money, which adds to her personal resentment However, getting to the bottom of the mystery has unexpected consequences, and Carla finds herself caught between her morals and the strict school system
Watch on Netflix starting July 17
“My Spy” brought popcorn thrills to prime video at a time when movie theaters were closing across the board Now its belated sequel is being introduced to an entirely different viewing environment, and Amazon will be hoping that it enjoys a similarly enthusiastic reception and can dominate the service's viewing charts in the sunny months ahead
Like many sequels, My Spy: This time, JJ (Dave Bautista) and Sophie (Chloe Coleman) are in Italy for another goofy adventure The crazy trip begins when Sophie's high school choir leaves on a trip to Europe and JJ accompanies them as a chaperone, but their sightseeing tour quickly goes off the rails when the two learn of a sister's terrorist plot in their picturesque European destination Reluctantly putting their trip on hold, the two resume their activities as super-spies to save the world once again
Watch it on Prime Video starting July 18
On the surface, “Land of Bad” looks a bit like a generic munchkin movie, but the critical reception after its limited theatrical release in February was surprisingly solid (holding a respectable 64% score on Rotten Tomatoes ), it now seems likely that the action thriller will head to Netflix, find a larger audience (the box office was quite underwhelming), and receive a fairly warm welcome [Liam Hemsworth, Russell Crowe, Luke Hemsworth, and Milo Vintimiglia star in “Land of Bad,” which centers on the US Army Delta Force, who are ambushed and trapped in enemy territory This brave squad of soldiers faces an intense 48-hour battle for survival against overwhelming odds, but they are not alone in this fight Aiding them is an Air Force remote drone pilot (Crow), code-named “Reaper,” who serves as their eyes in the sky, determined to bring them home
Watch on Netflix beginning July 18
A bloody horror that mixes macabre terror with cartoonish comedy, “Abigail” is a delight It is also a film that is difficult to talk about because its most intriguing plot is also somewhat of a spoiler The trailer at the link above gives the game away, but for the most optimal viewing experience, I recommend watching this film at the Peacock without knowing anything about it
But if you need a little more convincing and want the full scoop, “Abigail” centers on a group of criminals who are hired to kidnap the daughter of a powerful businessman and hold her for ransom in a secluded compound The job seems simple on paper, but becomes less straightforward when they learn that the “innocent” girl being held hostage is actually a bloodthirsty vampire Starring Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Angus Cloud, and Giancarlo Esposito, “Abigail” may be too docile for true horror fans, but it is still a fun, blood-soaked pulp
Watch on Peacock starting July 19
British filmmaker Rose Glass burst onto the scene with her excellent 2019 debut, “Saint Maud,” a super-creepy horror that won critical acclaim and made her an up-and-coming director to watch Love Lies Bleeding” is Glass's long-awaited sequel, and while the horror aspect has been removed, this dark romantic thriller is just as unsettling as her previous work, adding a whole new layer of weirdness that is delightfully upsetting and seriously memorable
Jackie (Katie O'Brian) is a competitive bodybuilder who is on her way to Las Vegas in search of stardom At a small-town gym she stops at on the way, she meets her manager, Lou (Kristen Stewarts), and the two quickly fall in love But their intense romance leads to brutal violence and conflict with Lou's criminal family When Love Bleeds goes to some pretty strange places, but the acting is excellent (the film also features Jena Malone, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris), and Glass is once again in top directorial form
Watch Max from July 19
Hollywood often has the strange phenomenon of two films with similar plots being released close together; while Nyad is the story of Diana Nyad's attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida in the 2010s while “Young Woman and the Sea” is set in the 1920s and features Daisy Ridley in the best role of her career as Trudy Ederle, the great “Star Wars” star
Born in New York City in 1903, Ederle was a pioneer who defied social boundaries and the patriarchal society of her time until she competed in the 1924 Olympics But she did not stop there A few years later, she took on the mission of becoming the first woman to swim across the English Channel, a grueling 21-mile swim in treacherous open water conditions
Watch on Disney Plus starting July 19
“Find Me Falling” appears to have all the hallmarks of a Netflix rom-com While the critical reception seems lukewarm (if not outright negative), there is little doubt that the film has been well received by viewers, and like the recently released “A Family Affair,” this lighthearted film will probably rank among the streaming service's top 10 most-watched
Returning rock star John Allman (Harry Connick, Jr) retreats to an isolated cliffside home on the sun-drenched Mediterranean island of Cyprus after his comeback album fails He initially plans to lock himself away alone and wallow in self-pity, but his plans for total solitude are constantly thwarted by all manner of visitors Then things get even more complicated when an old lover reappears and new sparks begin to fly
Watch on Netflix starting July 19
Revenge thrillers are in full swing right now, but “Thelma” is looking to add a more comedic twist to this subgenre For starters, the protagonist is not a retired hitman or a one-man army, but a 93-year-old grandmother (June Squibb) who was swindled out of $10,000 in a phishing scam Unable to take this unjust punishment in stride, Thelma Post sets off on a trip across Los Angeles on a motorized scooter to recover the stolen money
“Thelma” may be a familiar storyline, but don't expect Thelma in full “John Wick” mode Instead, we will see a much lighter take But the film still touches on serious issues and is the perfect vehicle for the always dependable June Squibb to shine In fact, the film is Squibb's first starring role in a career spanning more than 70 years, and it's about time Critics have been raving about the film, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a score of 99%”
Buy or rent it on Apple starting July 19
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