Suggestions for viewing this week: ‘Young Sheldon,’ Amy Schumer, ‘Oppenheimer,’ and a variety of shows featuring JLo.
Some upcoming additions to your television, movie, music, and gaming options include Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” on Peacock, a documentary, and an album by Jennifer Lopez.
The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists have recommended “Young Sheldon” for its seventh and last season, a PBS documentary featuring Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. on the influence of gospel music, and Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones pirate game as noteworthy options for streaming.
“If you’ve been waiting to stream ‘Oppenheimer,’ now is the perfect opportunity to catch up before the Oscars on March 10. The film has been nominated for 13 awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy. It will be available on Peacock starting Friday. While Nolan and his producer-wife Emma Thomas are strong proponents of the theatrical experience, they also recognize that many people will watch their films at home, possibly even as their first viewing. In fact, both have mentioned discovering some of their own favorite films in this way. Thomas shared in an interview with The Associated Press, “One of the great things about Chris’ films is that they are so intricate and can be enjoyed multiple times, making them perfectly suited for home viewings.”
On Friday, Jennifer Lopez’s new film will be released on Prime Video. Titled “This is Me…Now: A Love Story,” the movie is a musical about the journey of finding love. Lopez described it as her most intimate project yet and it features a star-studded cast including her husband, Ben Affleck, Keke Palmer, Sofia Vergara, Post Malone, and others. The film also coincides with the release of her first studio album in 10 years.
Another film coming to Prime Video is Emma Seligman’s “Bottoms,” a comedy about a group of misfits who form a fight club in order to impress the popular cheerleaders. Starring Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, the film has been described as a “gay high school fight club.” In a review by AP Film Writer Jake Coyle, he notes that while high school comedies often follow a predictable formula, “Bottoms” stands out for its rebellious and carefree attitude.
The film “Next Goal Wins” directed by Taika Waititi will be available on Hulu starting Thursday. It is inspired by the true story of the American Samoa men’s soccer team as they strive to qualify for the FIFA World Cup following a devastating loss (31-0) against Australia. Michael Fassbender portrays the coach who attempts to guide the team. In a review from the Associated Press, Mark Kennedy praises the film for its portrayal of Jaiyah Saelua, the team’s star player who identifies as nonbinary and made history as the first nonbinary player to compete in a men’s FIFA qualifier. Saelua is played with tenderness and joy by nonbinary actor Kaimana, and the genuine and touching relationship between Saelua and the team and coach is highlighted.
— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr
J.Lo is about to release a double dose of new content. On Friday, she will unveil the Amazon original movie “This is Me… Now: A Love Story” and her album “This Is Me… Now.” The album consists of 13 tracks, including titles such as “To Be Yours,” “Mad in Love,” “Greatest Love Story Never Told,” and “Dear Ben Pt. II,” which appears to be a follow-up to a song from her 2002 album “This Is Me… Then.” The music video for her latest pop single, “Can’t Get Enough,” features JLo’s signature strutting and is reminiscent of Paris Fashion Week. Her previous album, “A.K.A.,” was released in 2014 and peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Blackberry Smoke, a band from Georgia, has been making music for 24 years and has released seven studio albums. Their latest album, “Be Right Here,” combines elements of blues, Southern rock, and Americana. It features songs like “Hammer and the Nail,” which has a country feel, “Little Bit Crazy,” a rocking tune, and “Dig a Hole,” a bluesy track. The band also showcases their acoustic side with the heartfelt “Azalea,” which explores the consequences of a loved one’s poor choices. The lyrics reflect on the idea that coming back does not necessarily mean that leaving was the wrong decision, and that saying sorry does not always equate to moving on.
— AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy
Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the enduring role of sermons and music in America, specifically within the Black community, in a new PBS docuseries. With interviews from Dionne Warwick, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, and others, the four-part series “Gospel” will air over two nights on Monday and Tuesday on PBS.
Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche portray the iconic fashion figures of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel in the new historical drama “The New Look,” airing on Apple TV+. This 10-episode series is set in post-WWII Paris, as the city begins to recover from Nazi occupation. Dior’s revolutionary designs brought a sense of liberation and modernity to a previously oppressed France. However, this success also sparked a fierce rivalry with other established designers, including Chanel. Alongside Mendelsohn and Binoche, the star-studded cast includes Maisie Williams, John Malkovich, Emily Mortimer, and Glenn Close. The first three episodes of “The New Look” will be released on Wednesday on the streaming platform.
“Prior to Sheldon Cooper’s encounters with Leonard, Penny, and Amy, he was a gifted child raised in eastern Texas. In the CBS sitcom “Young Sheldon,” the character is portrayed as a teenager by Iain Armitage. Jim Parsons, Emmy-winning actor who played Sheldon for 12 seasons on “Big Bang,” serves as the narrator. The seventh and final season of “Young Sheldon” will premiere on Thursday.”
Amy Schumer’s show “Life & Beth” on Hulu was a hit with audiences in 2022 and it is now returning for a second season on Friday. Schumer is the writer, director, and star of the show, playing the lead character Beth alongside Michael Cera, who portrays John, a farmer. Despite their contrasting personalities and past issues, the two characters fell in love in the first season and are now preparing to get married. Schumer has revealed that the show is partly based on her own life, drawing inspiration from her real-life marriage to chef Chris Fischer. All 10 episodes of season two will be released on the premiere date.
— Alicia Rancilio
After many years of development and delays, Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones is finally ready to launch. Set in the 18th century Indian Ocean, you will take on the role of a pirate captain. Starting with a decent ship, you must gather loot to make it more powerful. This involves raiding merchant ships, battling other pirates, evading authorities, and surviving dangerous sea creatures. You can join forces with friends or engage in naval warfare against them, a feature that Ubisoft has successfully implemented in their Assassin’s Creed series. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC starting this Friday.
Focus Entertainment’s Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden follows the journey of two paranormal investigators, Red and Antea, as they venture to the New World during the 17th century. Their mission is to rid a haunted settlement of tormented wraiths. They have the ability to either guide the lost souls to peace or condemn them to eternal suffering, with far-reaching consequences. Things become more complex when Antea is killed, but she is able to use her supernatural abilities to aid Red in completing their task. Banishers is developed by French studio Don’t Nod, known for their popular narrative-driven games like Vampyr and Life Is Strange. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC starting Tuesday.
— Lou Kesten
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Source: wral.com