Couch Cinema: Weekly Streaming Roundup (August 15th – 21st, 2024)

— Selecting a movie from streaming apps can be a daunting task, and I appreciate the value of a good recommendation. Whether it’s a film you’ve never heard of or one you’ve been meaning to watch but forgot about, just having someone suggest a title can make all the difference. Each week, I’ll share a curated mix of personal recommendations that I’ve seen and films from my own watchlist. I’ll spotlight a few titles that have just landed on streaming services and highlight why they might deserve your attention. If this helps you find something to watch, then mission accomplished. —

Week two of “Couch Cinema” finds us highlighting a few more standout films from this year, including some truly great horror. We’ve also uncovered a new series perfect for your weekend binge. Plus, I’m excited to share a film I helped market and a few more titles that deserve some more attention.”

LATEST SCARES

IMMACULATE (2024)

Directed by Michael Mohan
NEON | 89 min | Rated R

“Immaculate” is shaping up to be one of my top horror picks of the year. With Sydney Sweeney delivering a stellar performance as a nun, it far surpasses “The First Omen.”

BEYOND REALITY

POLITE SOCIETY (2023)

Directed by Nida Manzoor
Focus Features | 103 min | Rated PG-13

“Polite Society” blends humor, action, and sci-fi into a unique cinematic experience. Premiering at Sundance 2023, it features Priya Kansara as an aspiring stuntwoman battling to keep her sister from moving out after meeting a new love interest.

MUST-STREAM OF THE WEEK

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA (2024)

Directed by George Miller
Warner Bros Pictures | 148 min | Rated R

Despite not performing well at the box office, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is one of the best films of the year. A prequel to the much better “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth face off in George Miller’s post-apocalyptic wasteland.

UNDERRATED & OVERLOOKED

POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING (2013)

Directed by Akiva Schaffer & Jorma Taccone
Universal Pictures | 86 min | Rated R

“Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” delivers everything you’d expect from the Lonely Island crew. It’s one of those hidden comedy gems that doesn’t get much buzz, but everyone who’s seen it, loves it.

KID-APPROVED PICK

MIGRATION (2023)

Directed by Benjamin Renner
Illumination | 83 min | Rated PG

I had the pleasure of cutting the trailers for “Migration” and was blown away by this fresh and original journey from Illumination. With a star-studded voice cast and stunning animation, it’s a must-watch for kids!

TOP OF MY QUEUE

THE CROW: SALVATION (2000)

Directed by Bharat Nalluri
Dimension Films | 102 min | Rated R

The newest installment in “The Crow” series swoops into theaters this weekend, prompting many to revisit the original classic. Surprisingly, this is the fifth film in the franchise! With “The Crow: Salvation” now streaming, it’s the perfect time to dive into this gem starring Kirsten Dunst, Walton Goggins, and Fred Ward.

DOCUMENTARTY DISCOVERIES

COMBAT OBSCURA (2019)

Directed by Miles Lagoze
Oscilloscope Laboratories | 70 min | Not Rated

Having been captivated by “Restrepo,” a gripping firsthand account of the War in Afghanistan, I consider it one of the finest documentaries ever made. Now, with “Combat Obscura” diving into similar territory, I’m eager to see if it can deliver the same powerful impact.

A-LIST ATTRACTIONS

MAYFAIR WITCHES (2023)

Created by Esta Spalding & Michelle Ashford
AMC Studios | 351 min | Rated TV-MA

I might not know much about “Mayfair Witches,” but with Alexandra Daddario in the cast, it’s already on my must-watch list. Her talent always shines, and I’m thrilled to dive into this series and see what magic it holds.