Some upcoming content for your viewing and listening pleasure includes Jason Momoa’s travel show “On the Roam” on Max and the Finnish rom-com “Fallen Leaves,” along with new TV shows, films, music, and games for your entertainment.

Some of the recommended streaming options, chosen by entertainment journalists from The Associated Press, include Hulu’s “Death and Other Details” featuring Mandy Patinkin in a mystery set on a cruise ship, the exciting action film “Fast X,” and a documentary about June Carter Cash on Paramount+.

The top romantic comedy of the year was a Finnish film called “Fallen Leaves” that ran for 81 minutes. It will be available for streaming on MUBI on January 19th. Director Aki Kaurismäki focuses on the story of an alcoholic construction worker, Holappa (played by Jussi Vatanen), and a recently fired supermarket employee, Ansa (played by Alma Pöysti). Despite their bleak surroundings, their awkward romance is anything but. Film critic Jake Coyle of the Associated Press named “Fallen Leaves” as his top film of 2023 and in his review, he described it as “short, sweet, and utterly delightful.” He also mentioned that the film is so charming that you’ll want to watch it again immediately after it ends.

At the age of 81, fashion model Bethann Hardison reflects on her fifty years as a Black woman in the fashion industry in a documentary called “Invisible Beauty.” Co-directed by Frédéric Tcheng, the film will be available for streaming on Hulu starting January 18th. Hardison gained recognition for her participation in the 1973 “Battle of Versailles” fashion show and later went on to establish coalitions that aimed to promote diversity in high fashion. In an interview with the AP last year, Tcheng praised Hardison’s impact, stating that she has “undoubtedly left a lasting legacy.” He also noted her efforts to challenge the lack of racial diversity in the industry and her involvement in creating a sense of community throughout her life, including working with designers.

“Fast X” will be available on Prime Video starting on Jan. 16 for those looking for mindless, exciting action. According to AP’s Mark Kennedy, the movie is incredibly silly and entertaining, with stunts that defy logic and everything appearing to be on fire. It resembles a combination of “Mission: Impossible,” 007, and “John Wick,” with all the action franchises seemingly merging together. However, Kennedy warns that the film lacks a satisfying ending, making it riskier than any of the stunts depicted in the movies. He also praises Jason Momoa’s performance as the villain and describes the movie as “purely insane entertainment.”

Lindsey Bahr is a film writer for the Associated Press.

In some aspects, the year 2024 kicked off with a performance by Green Day. The punk-rock trio played their song “American Idiot,” which is the title track of their 2004 rock opera, on the television special “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” on ABC. It was generally harmless, except for a slight alteration in the lyrics that sparked anger from certain political groups. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong sang, “I’m not supporting the MAGA agenda,” making a reference to President Donald Trump’s political campaign. This information is important to understand the context of the band’s 14th album, “Saviors,” which continues Green Day’s straightforward criticism of influential figures, accompanied by powerful guitar chords. The album is for both those who only dabble in punk and those who live it full-time, regardless of their work schedules.

In 2023, the audience for country music increased by 23.7%, marking one of the largest growths among all music genres. There are multiple factors contributing to this surge, such as the genre’s evolution in incorporating new elements into traditional instrumentation and storytelling through lyrics. This also signifies the emergence of a new generation of artists who are changing the landscape, including Brittney Spencer. Her first album, “My Stupid Life,” solidifies her spot on the list of “artists to watch” as she seamlessly blends soulful piano ballads (“Bigger Than the Song”) and energetic crowd-pleasers (“Night In”), showcasing her eclectic influences from R&B to the Chicks.

Some of the top music documentaries bring to light lesser-known truths and shed a new perspective on influential and larger-than-life figures. The most exceptional ones offer valuable lessons in history that are easy to digest. This is evident in “June,” Paramount+’s latest documentary on June Carter Cash. With interviews from notable names such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, and Reese Witherspoon (who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Carter Cash in the movie “Walk the Line” in 2005), as well as never-before-seen archival footage, “June” reexamines the country music icon’s place in the industry. She is more than just Johnny Cash’s spouse – let’s not forget that she wrote “Ring of Fire.”

Sleater-Kinney, the renowned indie rock duo of Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker, released their latest album “Little Rope” which was inspired by a period of mourning and contemplation. This was a time of personal loss and political uncertainty, following the tragic passing of Brownstein’s mother and stepfather in a car accident while on vacation in Italy in the fall of 2022. To cope with her grief, Brownstein turned to playing the guitar for hours on end. In an interview with The Associated Press, she expressed that the physical sensation of playing the guitar provided solace during a time when she was acutely aware of the tangible things left behind by those who have passed away. The end result is a fierce and anguished album, which stands as one of their most significant works.

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Maria Sherman, the music writer for the Associated Press

Mandy Patinkin and Violette Beane are the stars of Hulu’s “Death and Other Details,” a mystery set on a Mediterranean cruise ship. The show has been described as a combination of “The White Lotus,” “Knives Out,” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” Beane’s character, Imogene Scott, finds herself as the top suspect in a murder case on board the ship, and she turns to Rufus Cotesworth (played by Patinkin), an exceptional detective, to prove her innocence. The 10-episode series will debut on Hulu on Tuesday.

“It’s time for the return of One Chicago, also known as “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire,” and “Chicago P.D.,” on NBC’s Wednesday lineup. The Windy City will once again take center stage as these popular shows premiere new seasons. And don’t forget to tune in on Thursday for the highly anticipated season 23 premiere of “Law & Order!” Due to the Hollywood actors and writers strikes, the “Chicago” shows and “Law & Order” were delayed for eight months, but now they’re back and available to stream on Peacock.”

Momoa will be featured twice this week as he takes on the role of hosting a new travel documentary series on Max titled “On the Roam.” The show will follow Momoa as he explores the United States, seeking out talented and inspiring artisans such as a Hollywood prop maker, photographer, and motorbike builder. With his natural inclination to roam, Momoa states that the show gives an authentic glimpse into his world. The premiere is set for Thursday on Max.

Ruth Wilson is the lead actress in a new series titled “The Woman in the Wall” for Paramount+ and Showtime. Wilson plays the role of Lorna, who wakes up one day to find a dead body in her house and has no recollection of what happened. Lorna is immediately suspected by a local investigator, played by Daryl McCormack, due to her peculiar behavior. Lorna has suffered from trauma since her teenage years when she became pregnant and was sent to a religious institution, where her baby was taken away from her. “The Woman in the Wall” will premiere on Paramount+ on January 19th and will air on Paramount+ with Showtime (formerly known as Showtime) on Sunday, January 21st.

A new reality show on TLC explores the idea of love transcending language barriers. Titled “Love & Translation,” the show will debut on Sunday, January 21st, and feature three American men and twelve foreign women living together on a secluded island. The challenge, aside from the uneven gender ratio, is that the women do not speak English and the men do not speak their languages. The show will also be available for streaming on Discovery+ and Max.

— Alicia Rancilio

The Prince of Persia has experienced a great deal since his initial appearance on Apple II screens in 1989. He began in two dimensions, transitioned to 3D in a remarkable 2003 reboot, and even made his way to the silver screen in a 2010 film. He has finally returned after a lengthy absence, reverting to his 2D origins in Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Unfortunately, the Prince himself has been abducted, leaving it to a young warrior named Sargon to rescue him. But there’s no need to worry, as Sargon is just as skilled with a sword, able to wield two blades simultaneously, perform incredible acrobatics, and manipulate time by stopping and reversing it. Plus, he has a stylish haircut. The swashbuckling adventure commences once again on Thursday for PlayStation 5/4, Xbox X/S/One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

— Lou Kesten

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Stay updated on AP’s entertainment news at: https://apnews.com/entertainment.

Source: wral.com