Movies
New Movies and Documentaries to Watch This Weekend
This weekend offers a diverse lineup of new movies and documentaries, with genres ranging from thrillers and dramas to festive comedies and innovative series. Viewers have a variety of options, including films from acclaimed directors, exciting new series, and thought-provoking documentaries available on various platforms.
Feature Films Hitting Theaters and Streaming Platforms
One of the most anticipated releases is Gus Van Sant's 'Dead Man's Wire', which comes out on January 16. The film, scripted by Austin Kolodney, is the third this year to feature a Gil Scott-Heron song and is noted for its gritty style reminiscent of Sidney Lumet's thrillers.
James L. Brooks returns with 'Ella McCay', starring Emma Mackey. Set in 2008, the film has been received as timely and relevant, though some critics point out its underdeveloped characters. In the realm of sports dramas, 'Christy' explores themes of domestic abuse, identity, and family.
Osgood Perkins's new movie, 'Keeper', is now available on VOD platforms. The film, starring Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland, is set in a secluded cabin and has received mixed reviews from critics. Meanwhile, 'Die My Love', featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, has been graded with a 'D+' CinemaScore.
Documentaries and Series Available Now
For documentary enthusiasts, 'Predators' delves into the public's obsession with true crime. On Netflix, viewers can find 'Jay Kelly', 'Christmas On The Alpaca Farm', and 'Elmo & Mark Rober's Merry Giftmas', alongside 'Robby Hoffman: Wake Up', all currently popular among the top 10 shows on the platform.
Kurt Sutter's first new series in seven years, 'The Abandons', is set in 1850s America and offers a fresh take on historical drama. Meanwhile, 'The New Years' on Mubi is a 10-episode series exploring a decade of love, releasing new episodes weekly until January 28.
Sequels and Franchise Entries
'Influencers', a sequel set in Southern France, expands on its predecessor's exploration of online facades and social media horror. Cassandra Naud's performance has been noted as star-making, maintaining the original's praised thematic depth.
For fans of the Spartacus franchise, 'Spartacus: House of Ashur' premieres Friday on Starz, created by Steven S. DeKnight. This latest entry continues the saga with a fresh storyline and dynamic characters.
Family and Animated Features
Matt Danner directs 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw', an adaptation of Jeff Kinney's third novel focusing on Greg's relationship with his father. This is the fourth animated installment in the series, continuing to bring the beloved books to life.
A new Christmas comedy, 'Oh. What. Fun.', adds a festive spirit to this weekend's offerings, providing light-hearted entertainment for families.
Overall, the weekend's releases provide something for every viewer, from suspenseful thrillers and heartfelt dramas to engaging documentaries and series. Whether through traditional theaters or streaming platforms, audiences can enjoy a wide range of new titles this weekend.