What’s Streaming This Week (1/25 – 2/1)

ANACONDA – $24.99 Sale / $19.99

Cast: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton, and Steve Zahn

Synopsis: A group of friends facing mid-life crises head to the rainforest with the intention of remaking their favorite movie from their youth, only to find themselves in a fight for their lives against natural disasters, giant snakes and violent criminals.

What we like:

• Director Tom Gormican showed a flair for meta-comedy with his last film, the Nicolas Cage – Pedro Pascal action comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
• Gormican and co-writer Kevin Etten watched all the Anaconda films, including the made-for-television ones, to prepare for the reboot. The original script had contained references to 2004’s Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, the only theatrical Anaconda sequel, but Gormican said, “everyone was like, ‘What is that?’ So we were like, ‘All right, let’s just reference the original.'”

What we don’t like:

• In the trailer, Doug (Jack Black) mentions how he and his friends have been wanting to remake this movie since they were kids. Jack Black and Paul Rudd were both 28 years old when Anaconda was released in 1997.

ELLA MCCAY – $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental

Cast: Emma Mackey, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Spike Fearn, Ayo Edebiri, Jack Lowden, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker, Joey Brooks, Albert Brooks, and Jamie Lee Curtis

Synopsis: An idealistic young politician juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor.

What we like:

• James L. Brooks is back in the director’s chair for the first time since his 2010 mega-flop How Do You Know. And no matter how sub-par his last few movies have been, we’ll always be happy to have him back. The man who made Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News gets a lifetime pass.
• Emma Mackey gets to lead a studio film after terrific performances in Emily and Hot Milk.
• This is Julie Kavner’s first role outside of The Simpsons (she’s the voice of Marge/Patty/Selma) since the 2006 Adam Sandler comedy Click. She is a national treasure and it’s great to see her on screen!

What we don’t like:

• There’s no way to sugarcoat it…this was a critical and commercial failure. It currently sits at 39 on Metacritic, though audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of “B-” (could’ve been much worse!).
• Not even The Simpsons could capitalize on the #EllaMcCayChallenge and get people to theaters. But they tried:

GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION – $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental

Cast: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, and Roman Griffin Davis

Synopsis: In the aftermath of a comet strike that decimated most of the earth, Greenland 2: Migration follows the Garrity family (Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, and Roman Griffin Davis) as they’re forced to leave the safety of their bunker in Greenland to traverse a shattered world in search of a new home.

What we like:

• Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin reprise their roles as John and Allison Garrity, while Roman Griffin Davis (the kid from JoJo Rabbit!) replaces the original child actor as their teenage son Nathan.
• This marks the fourth collaboration between director Ric Roman Waugh and Gerard Butler, who worked together on 2019’s Angel Has Fallen , 2020’s Greenland and the upcoming Night Has Fallen.

What we don’t like:

• In an upset, this sequel was only the second worst thing to happen to Greenland this year:

PETER HUJAR’S DAY – The Criterion Channel (8p ET)

Cast: Ben Whishaw, Rebecca Hall

Synopsis: A recently discovered conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz in 1974 reveals a glimpse into New York City’s downtown art scene and the personal struggles and epiphanies that define an artist’s life.

What we like:

• Ira Sachs’s historical drama stars Ben Whishaw as photographer Peter Hujar and Rebecca Hall as writer Linda Rosenkrantz. Much like Hallow Road, it’s a one-location film that’s carried by its fantastic actors.
• The film is the nominations leader at this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards, receiving nods for Best Feature, Best Director (Sachs), Best Lead Performance (Whishaw), Best Supporting Performance (Hall), and Best Cinematography (Alex Ashe).

What we don’t like:

• It brings us no joy to say we didn’t connect with this one. We’re huge fans of all the talent involved, and found no fault in the performances (which are excellent) or the direction. But at 75 minutes, it still felt like a bit of a slog. Quite frankly…we just didn’t find Hujar’s story all that compelling. So while we admire the film, we didn’t love it (like we hoped we would).

PRIMATE – $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental

Cast: Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, Tienne Simon and Troy Kotsur

Synopsis: Home from college, Lucy reunites with family including pet chimp Ben. Ben contracts rabies during a pool party and turns aggressive. Lucy and friends barricade in pool, devising ways to survive the vicious chimp.

What we like:

• This killer chimp thriller is directed by Johannes Roberts, who delivered some solid shark scares in the 2017 sleeper hit 47 Meters Down.
• Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (CODA) stars as Adam, the deaf father of the family whose pet goes savage, and his deafness is actually used creatively in key scenes, especially in sound design moments where silence and awareness play into the tension.
• For a January release (aka ‘Dump-uary’), this one got some good reviews. It currently sits at 79% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

What we don’t like:

• This ‘chimp as pet’ cautionary tale made us curious about the fate of one the world’s most famous chimps: Michael Jackson’s pet chimp Bubbles. But reading his Wikipedia page is depressing. The good news…he’s still alive! But let’s keep chimpanzees in the wild.

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT – $19.99 Sale / TBD Rental

Cast: Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine, David Tomlinson, Erik Athavale, Mark Acheson, David Lawrence Brown

Synopsis: After witnessing his parents’ brutal murder on Christmas Eve, Billy transforms into a Killer Santa, delivering a yearly spree of calculated, chilling violence. This year, his blood-soaked mission collides with love, as a young woman challenges him to confront his darkness.

What we like:

• This is the second reboot of the original 1984 Silent Night, Deadly Night (after a 2012 version called Silent Night), making it the seventh installment in the overall franchise.
• The movie was shot in Manitoba, Canada, especially Winnipeg and nearby small towns, to capture an authentic snowy atmosphere perfect for a Christmas horror backdrop. No fake snow in this one.
• After its world premiere as a ‘Secret Screening’ at the 2025 Fantastic Fest, the film has received mostly positive reviews. It currently sits at 77% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

What we don’t like:

• Cineverse opened this in wide release on December 12th, but it managed only $1.5M at the domestic box-office. Might it have fared better to release it a month earlier in theaters, and then launch it on digital a week or so before the holiday?

UNTITLED HOME INVASION ROMANCE – $14.99 Sale / TBD Rental

Cast: Jason Biggs, Justin H. Min, Meaghan Rath, Arturo Castro, and Anna Konkle

Synopsis: With his marriage on the rocks, Kevin (Jason Biggs) whisks his wife Suzie (Meaghan Rath) away on a romantic getaway with a wildly misguided plan: fake a break-in and play the hero. But when things spiral and someone turns up dead, Kevin finds himself at the center of a murder investigation, with lies piling up faster than the alibis.

What we like:

• Jason Biggs’ directorial debut! This marks the first time the American Pie star has directed a feature film, and he also stars in the lead role as Kevin.
• The screenplay is by Jamie Napoli and Joshua Paul Johnson. Originally titled Getaway, it won Script Pipeline’s 2017 Screenwriting Contest.
• Anna Konkle, who we love from the Hulu series PEN15, has a supporting role in the film.

What we don’t like:

• We’re a little mixed on the (un)title. On the one hand…it’s a clever play on expectations. Home invasion and romance are not two things that fit naturally together. But is it catchy enough to get attention while browsing the VOD listings? When we first saw it on the MPA ratings report, we assumed it was genuinely an untitled film. It wasn’t until the trailer came out that we realized the joke. Does that make us slow? Probably! But we might not be alone.

THE WRECKING CREW – Prime Video

Cast: Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Claes Bang, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Frankie Adams, David Hekili Kenui Bell, Miyavi, Maia Kealoha, Stephen Root, and Morena Baccarin

Synopsis: Two half-brothers, a loose cannon cop (Momoa) and a disciplined Navy SEAL (Bautista), must work together to unravel a conspiracy behind their father’s murder in Hawaii.

What we like:

• This action comedy is directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, who previously helmed the well-received 2023 DCEU (DC Extended Universe) superhero film Blue Beetle.
• The film is written by Jonathan Tropper, who co-created the under-seen Cinemax action series Banshee. The script reportedly came from an original idea from Tropper, Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista.

What we don’t like:

• The film is the final acting role for David Hekili Kenui Bell, who died last summer. His only other acting role in a film was in the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, which starred fellow co-star for The Wrecking Crew, Maia Kealoha.

DON’T LET’S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT – Netflix

Cast: Lexi Venter, Embeth Davidtz, Zikhona Bali

Synopsis: Growing up in the midst of the Zimbabwean War for independence, 8-year-old Bobo internalizes both sides of the struggle. Conflicted by her love for people on opposing sides, she tries to make sense of her life in a magical way.

What we like:

• The directorial debut for Embeth Davidtz! This movie marks the first time the actress (known for roles in Schindler’s List, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Matilda) has both written and directed a feature film. She also stars in it.
• The film adapts Alexandra Fuller’s acclaimed 2001 memoir of the same name, a deeply personal account of growing up on a farm in war-torn Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) at the end of the Bush War.
• Lexi Venter, who was just 8 years old at the time of filming, delivers a breakout performance as young Bobo Fuller, and her natural, unscripted portrayal anchors the entire film.

What we don’t like:

• Despite festival acclaim and strong reviews, Sony Pictures Classics failed to attract much business at the arthouse last summer. The film earned only $640k at the domestic box-office. Let’s hope it finds a broader audience now that it’s hitting Netflix.

IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU – HBO Max

Cast: Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien, Danielle Macdonald, Christian Slater, A$AP Rocky

Synopsis: With her life crashing down around her, Linda (Rose Byrne) attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.

What we like:

• A tour-de-force performance from Rose Byrne, earning her the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance (at the Berlin Film Festival in 2025) and a Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Comedy/Musical), alongside nominations for the Critics’ Choice Award, Actor Award and Academy Award for Best Actress.
• Writer/Director Mary Bronstein is nominated for Best Director at the upcoming Film Independent Spirit Awards, where Byrne is also up for Best Lead Performance.
• Talk show/podcast/Oscar ceremony host Conan O’Brien has a non-comedic supporting role in the film, and he’s great!

What we don’t like:

• Let’s be clear: this film is terrific and a must-see. But hoo-boy is it a stressful watch. Mothers in particular might find it a bit rough. But well worth your time!

MUZZLE 2: CITY OF WOLVES – AMC+

Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Tanya van Graan

Synopsis: LAPD officer Jake Rosser endeavors to lead a peaceful life with his family and retired K-9 officer, Socks. However, tranquility dissolves into chaos when a gang targets them in a brutal attack. Alongside his new K-9 partner Argos, Jake launches into a relentless pursuit of justice, determined to protect his loved ones.

What we like:

• A sequel to the 2023 film Muzzle, this actioner brings back director John Stalberg Jr. and star Aaron Eckhart.
• We’ll tip our hat to RLJE Films…they give most of their films a theatrical release instead of sending them right to streaming. This one came and went quickly from a few hundred screens…but at least it was in theaters!

What we don’t like:

• Critics were not impressed with this sequel, some calling it an incoherent mess. Still.. if you’re a fan of the first Muzzle, you’ll probably find this one appealing.

TIN SOLDIER – Hulu

Cast: Scott Eastwood, Jamie Foxx, Robert De Niro, John Leguizamo

Synopsis: When the leader of a dangerous cult triggers a standoff with authorities, a former soldier returns to the compound he left many years prior to face down the man he used to follow and search for his missing wife.

What we like:

• From director Brad Furman, who directed the pretty good 2011 feature film version of The Lincoln Lawyer, which starred Matthew McConaughey.
• Some big names in the cast, including Jamie Foxx, Robert De Niro, and John Leguizamo, whose daughter Allegra also has a small role in the film.

What we don’t like:

• Let’s see here…8% Rotten on Rotten Tomatoes…not an encouraging sign. Let’s hope Foxx, De Niro and the Leguizamos all got big paychecks.

HURRY UP TOMORROW – Starz

Cast: The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, Barry Keoghan, Riley Keough

Synopsis: A musician plagued by insomnia is pulled into an odyssey with a stranger who begins to unravel the very core of his existence.

What we like:

• Trey Edward Shults’ psychological thriller marks the feature film debut of Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd.
• The film draws inspiration from a real-life incident in 2022 when Tesfaye lost his voice during a concert due to psychological stress.
• Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan co-star, and they’re always interesting actors we’re excited to see. However…

What we don’t like:

• …hoo boy was this a misfire. We were hoping this could be The Weeknd’s Purple Rain, but it ended up being his Under the Cherry Moon. We salute all involved for taking a big swing.

THE KNIFE – Starz

Cast: Nnamdi Asomugha, Melissa Leo, Aja Naomi King, and Manny Jacinto

Synopsis: All Chris wants is to build a promising future for his wife, Alex, and their two daughters—a young family chasing the American Dream. But one fateful night, their world is upended when a stranger mysteriously appears in their home. As tensions rise and unsettling revelations come to light, they must also face Detective Carlsen, whose relentless pursuit of the truth threatens to unravel everything.

What we like:

• The feature directorial debut of Nnamdi Asomugha (he also stars), who co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Duplass.
• The film world premiered in competition at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won Best New Narrative Director (for Asomugha) and Best Cinematography (for Alejandro Mejia).

What we don’t like:

• Melissa Leo has a supporting role in the film, and we don’t think the culture does enough to celebrate her absolutely bonkers, self-funded Oscar campaign ad from 2011. She won Best Supporting Actress for The Fighter, but this was really what cemented her in history:

LOVE, BROOKLYN – Starz

Cast: André Holland, Nicole Beharie, DeWanda Wise, Roy Wood Jr., Cassandra Freeman and Cadence Reese

Synopsis: Three longtime Brooklynites navigate careers, love, loss, and friendship against the rapidly changing landscape of their beloved city.

What we like:

• A love letter to Brooklyn, this indie was filmed on location throughout the borough, with many scenes shot inside real restaurants, homes, and cafés owned by friends of the cast and crew.
• The film marks the feature directorial debut of Rachael Abigail Holder, and features a talented ensemble including André Holland, Nicole Beharie, DeWanda Wise, and Roy Wood Jr..
• Steven Soderbergh serves as an executive producer on the film.

What we don’t like:

• Indie distributor Greenwich Entertainment couldn’t drum up much arthouse business in the late summer. The film earned a mere $254K at the domestic box-office.

Happy Streaming Everyone!