The Suicide Squad
Watch in Theaters and on HBO Max
Task Force X is back in action for another mission! Five years after the original Suicide Squad movie, Warner Brothers has tasked director James Gunn with taking over this sequel. He’s switched up the cast, added an R rating, and according to early reviews, he’s made things MUCH weirder. In this case, it sounds like the weirder the better! Essentially the movie is about a group of Super-Villains who, in an attempt to get out of jail, gang up to accomplish a nearly impossible do-or-die assignment. The cast includes Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, and John Cena! If you’re into action with a side of absurdity- this is one for you.
Cooking With Paris
Watch on Netflix
That’s hot- but actually! Everybody’s favorite daft socialite is back and this time she’s conquering the kitchen with the help of her celebrity friends. Prepare to pick up some new lingo that you’ll want to start using in your everyday life. Just don’t expect to pick up many new recipes. Prepare your smoke detector and have take-out food at the ready because you never know what’s going to happen with Paris Hilton in the kitchen!
Vivo
Watch on Netflix
If you thought a pandemic could slow down Lin-Manuel Miranda- think again! Lin both provides original songs and voices a singing kinkajou named Vivo in this movie about this mammal’s journey from Havana to Miami to deliver a love song for an old friend. The movie is co-written by In the Heights writer, Quiara Alegría Hudes, and also features voice work by none other than Gloria Estefan!
Bonus Picks:
VAL (Watch on Prime Video)
Turns out that actor Val Kilmer has a mighty impressive home video collection! Known for his roles in movies such as Top Gun, The Doors, Tombstone, and Batman Forever, Val Kilmer is often referred to as being one of Hollywood’s most confounding actors. Though cancer has now taken his voice, he still has plenty to say. Through a collection of hours of home videos, this documentary tells Kilmer’s story in a way that only he can. This is an intimate portrait of an actor’s creative drive and a mediation on the highs and lows of a life in Hollywood.
ANNETTE (Watch in Theaters, or stream on Prime Video, August 20)
This operatic (literally) piece of cinema that both baffled and won over audiences at Cannes is hitting theaters. It marks the first English-language debut of director, Leos Carax and stars Adam Driver who plays a standup comedian who falls in love with an opera singer played by Marion Cotillard. They give birth to a daughter named Annette who is portrayed in this movie by a marionette. Did we mention that it’s a musical with a score by Sparks? We’re talking arthouse cinema with a capital A here…. but if you’re in the mood for something different this may be the perfect fit!
OBAMA: IN PURSUIT OF A MORE PERFECT UNION (Watch on HBO Max)
This three-part documentary series explores the political and personal journey of President Barack Obama. It’s remarkable recent history that nicely encapsulates Obama’s presidency for those who remember it well and for future generations to come.
MR. CORMAN (Watch on Apple TV+)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt created and stars in this series about the anxieties and uncertainties of a fifth-grade teacher in LA. The show is a slow-burn, but according to early reviews, it’s well worth the wait.
SMALL TOWN NEWS (Watch on HBO, Mondays at 9 PM)
In 1997, Vern Van Winkle had the crazy idea of starting a local TV station in Pahrump, Nevada. (An hour west of Vegas with a population of 37,000 people.) This six-part docuseries takes viewers along to show the colorful cast of characters both behind the scenes and in front of the camera at this unique station. You might never look at a local news station the same way ever again!
PRAY AWAY (Watch on Netflix)
Executive produced by Ryan Murphy, this documentary explores the damage done by Christian organizations that push conversion therapy. (This is the practice aimed at changing someone’s sexual orientation.) The documentary serves as a sobering reminder that this sort of archaic and damaging practice is still prevalent today.
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