What to watch: Not today, Satan! (Not you either, Sauron.)
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The scent of pumpkin spice is in the air, candy corn fills the shelves, and fresh horror films are ready to stream. Even though it’s still August, we can’t help but feel that fall vibe. Or “szn” as the youth say.
As Labor Day approaches, Netflix is kicking off the Halloween season with the spine-chilling film “The Deliverance,” directed by Lee Daniels. This is just one of many streaming picks I have for you over this extended three-day weekend. (The power of Watch Party calls you!) For fantasy fans, Amazon’s “Lord of the Rings” show is returning, with a spotlight on its main antagonist: “Hot Sauron,” which is now apparently a trend. Plus, it’s the perfect moment to catch up on shows or films you’ve missed because the exciting fall movie lineup is quickly approaching – and we have that covered as well.
Now, let’s dive into the highlights:
Trust in Lee Daniels’ Netflix horror film ‘The Deliverance’
While watching Daniels’ films like “Precious” and “The Butler,” I never sensed a strong horror director vibe from him. However, his favorite movie is “The Exorcist,” and he ranks “The Omen” and “Rosemary’s Baby” among his top picks as well. In “The Deliverance,” he creates some eerie scenes where Andra Day plays a mother struggling against an evil spirit that has taken over her three children. This story is inspired by actual events – you won’t want to miss this overview of the real-life occurrences. I had a chance to chat with Daniels about the truth behind his film, and he mentioned having a deliverance minister present on set to ensure no demons went unchecked. “Not today, Satan!” is his playful remark after learning about the strange experiences filmmakers had on the sets of “The Exorcist” and “Poltergeist.”
“The Deliverance” is among several new films available on streaming platforms, and I have a list of suggestions for what to watch tonight, including “The Fall Guy,” “Kinds of Kindness,” “The Watchers,” and for those who need a good cry, “Daughters.”
Catch the Season 2 premiere of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’
I confess, I’m a bit odd. I don’t really adore the “Lord of the Rings” films. They’re decent, but fantasy has never really been my thing. However, I do enjoy the show “Rings of Power,” which features a diverse cast of characters, impressive world-building, and, yes, some significant jewelry. The first episode of the new season is now streaming, and TV critic Kelly Lawler describes it as “confusing, directionless, and emotionally flat” in her ★½ review. Ouch!
Charlie Vickers portrays Sauron, the principal antagonist, who takes center stage after spending the first season hiding in plain sight. He’s certainly more conventionally handsome than the armoured Sauron from the original “Rings” films. In the end, the show is really about the Ents, Orcs, and all the intriguing creatures.
Mark your calendars for major fall film releases, from ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ to ‘Joker 2’
If you’re like me and gearing up for the school season with holidays around the corner, it’s all about planning. This includes movie viewing: This week, we released our extensive fall movie preview with exclusive insights on 15 films you’ll want to watch in theaters.
The season kicks off with a major release, the much-anticipated sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” The following months will feature titles like “Transformers One,” “Venom: The Last Dance,” “Smile 2,” “Joker: Folie à Deux,” and the festive-themed “Terrifier 3.” Because what says Christmas more than Art the Clown in a Santa suit?
And there’s even more to enjoy!
- If you missed “Yellowstone” First Look Week, we revealed exclusive images from the much-anticipated second half of Season 5, launching on Nov. 10. Kevin Costner’s absence is noticeable, but we do have glimpses of the gentle Dutton couple, Kayce and Monica
- Among the cast are Asbille, the deceitful Montana Attorney General Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), casino tycoon Chief Thomas Rainmaker (Gil Birmingham), and the fiery pair of Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). Unfortunately, there are no scenes featuring Rip taking anyone to the “train station.”
- It’s been four years since Chadwick Boseman passed away, and revisiting his best performances is a wonderful way to celebrate his legacy and remind us of his incredible talent. “Black Panther” co-star Lupita Nyong’o honored this moment with an Instagram post: “Grief never ends.”
- The Ronald Reagan film “Reagan” has hit theaters, and actor Dennis Quaid discusses portraying The Gipper (his favorite president, by the way) and his thoughts on the disappearance of “liberal Republicans” in our latest interview.
- The new film “Between the Temples,” featuring Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane, draws inspiration from the director’s mother’s experience while preparing for a bat mitzvah later in life.