Always Be Streaming - 12 November 2021

Holy gosh there are a lot of major titles on the offer for you to sit down and enjoy this weekend.

Or to put it another way: Which streaming service do you want to watch that has a new release movie starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson? Netflix has Red Notice, a huge budget original action film starring three of the biggest stars on the planet - Old Rock, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. Reviews for that one haven't been kind with criticism that the action is a bit flat, but not as flat as Johnson and Gadot's comic sensibilities. Cruel. *I* would never say such things, obviously. This is what others have said.

Meanwhile over on Disney+ there is The Rock in new-to-streaming Jungle Cruise. This had been available as a premium add-on for Disney+ day and date with the cinema release, but it is now available for all Disney+ subscribers. I suspect that will be a very popular title over the weekend.

But Disney+ is stacked with big titles this weekend. Along with Jungle Cruise, Marvels' Shang-Chi film is being released, there's a Home Alone reboot starring the kid from JoJo Rabbit as a kid defending a home (alone), and there's a bunch of short films (including a Simpsons short) and promotional documentaries (one about Star Wars character Boba Fett is timed to spark more interest in the upcoming Book of Boba Fett series).

Apple TV+ has the debut of The Shrink Next Door starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd. It's okay and worth a look if you have Apple TV+, but to be honest, the only thing worth watching here is the really strong performances from the two stars. Also joining them on screen is Kathryn Hahn, who is her usual incredible self.

If you're after something really substantial, Passing is a feature film on Netflix about the relationship between two life-long African American friends and the code-switching one of them engaged in throughout her life. It's the feature directorial debut of Rebecca Hall, which is interesting in itself. It is reportedly very good.

It's a busy week.

returning:

Yellowstone (s04), Dexter (s09), The World According to Jeff Goldblum (s02), Snoopy In Space (s02), Genterfied (s02), Joe Pera Wants To Talk With You (s03)

new:

Red Notice - Netflix

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot
An Interpol agent tracks the world's most wanted art thief.

The Shrink Next Door - Apple TV+

Stars: Paul Rudd, Will Ferrell, Kathryn Hahn
The story of Marty and the therapist who turned his life around - then took it over. When he meets Dr. Ike, Marty just wants to get better at boundaries. Over 30 years, he'll learn all about them - and what happens when they get crossed.

Ragdoll - AMC+

Stars: Lucy Hale, Ali Cook, Lee Byford
Detectives look to untangle the case of the Ragdoll Killer, who has killed six people and sewn their bodies into the shape of one grotesque body nicknamed the Ragdoll.

Home Sweet Home Alone - Disney+

Stars: Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney, Archie Yates
A married couple tries to steal back a valuable heirloom from a troublesome kid.

Passing - Netflix

Stars: Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland
"Passing" follows the unexpected reunion of two high school friends, whose renewed acquaintance ignites a mutual obsession that threatens both of their carefully constructed realities.

Love Hard - Netflix

Stars: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet
An LA girl, unlucky in love, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.

Swap Shop - Netflix

When the "Swap Shop" radio show shares the scoop on sweet deals, collectors of cars, comics, creepy clown statues and more listen with ears wide open.

Paris in Love - Peacock

Stars: Paris Hilton
Follows Paris as she navigates adulthood, a demanding work schedule and her road to the altar with a few unexpected turns along the way.

Always Jane - Amazon Prime Video

Stars: Jane Noury, Gabriel Golam, David Noury
Jane Noury lives with her family in rural New Jersey, and like any teenager, must balance friends, family, and school. While today's political and social climate may not seem like the easiest time for a transgender teenager to grow up, you haven't met her family, the Nourys.