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Entertainment enthusiasts have a diverse slate of new releases to anticipate this week across multiple platforms, with high-profile projects spanning film, music, television, and gaming set to debut.
In the film world, Dwayne Johnson makes a dramatic departure from his typical action roles in “The Smashing Machine,” premiering Friday on HBO Max. Johnson portrays MMA pioneer Mark Kerr in what critics describe as a surprisingly nuanced drama exploring themes of addiction and self-worth. While the film earned director Benny Safdie recognition at the Venice Film Festival, reviews suggest the movie doesn’t fully engage with the violent realities of mixed martial arts despite Johnson’s compelling performance.
HBO Max also debuts “Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!” on Thursday, a two-part documentary featuring interviews with the comedy legend alongside insights from contemporary comedians including Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, and Conan O’Brien.
Music fans can stream highly anticipated releases from industry veterans and former boy band members alike. Thrash metal pioneers Megadeth will release their self-titled final album before embarking on a farewell tour, promising the technical guitar prowess that has defined their decades-long career. Meanwhile, Louis Tomlinson, formerly of One Direction, drops his third solo album “How Did I Get Here?” on Friday, featuring singles “Lemonade” and “Palaces” that blend Britpop influences with accessible pop-rock melodies.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams returns with “World’s Gone Wrong,” an Americana-infused collection featuring collaborations with Norah Jones, Brittney Spencer, and a powerful rendition of Bob Marley’s “So Much Trouble In The World” featuring Mavis Staples.
Television audiences can look forward to Ryan Murphy’s latest FX creation, “The Beauty,” premiering Wednesday on Hulu and Disney+ internationally. The horror-tinged series features an ensemble cast including Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher, Rebecca Hall, and supermodel Bella Hadid in a guest role. The plot centers on a tech billionaire who develops a drug promising physical perfection with dangerous consequences, based on a comic book of the same name.
Wine enthusiasts can uncork the second season of “Drops of God” on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, continuing the story of siblings competing for their late father’s valuable wine collection. The new season focuses on their search for an unlabeled bottle believed to be the world’s finest wine.
Netflix enters the competitive ice skating drama arena with “Finding Her Edge” on Thursday, adapted from a young adult novel about a figure skater caught in a love triangle with her current and former partners. Meanwhile, Prime Video offers the faith-based family drama “It’s Not Like That” on Sunday, starring Scott Foley and Erinn Hayes as single parents navigating life after loss.
Gamers have new titles to explore as well, with “Escape from Ever After” launching Friday on multiple platforms. The game features hero Flynt Buckler battling through storybook worlds corrupted by corporate greed, with visual inspiration drawn from Nintendo’s Paper Mario series. “MIO: Memories in Orbit,” debuting Tuesday, offers a Metroid-inspired adventure with a small robot exploring a massive starship, featuring distinctive hand-drawn, pastel aesthetics unusual for science fiction settings.
With blockbuster stars transitioning to dramatic roles, legendary bands releasing final works, and fresh interpretations of familiar genres across all entertainment platforms, this week’s releases offer something for virtually every taste and interest.
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16 Comments
Great to see a documentary on the legendary Mel Brooks! His unique brand of comedy has inspired so many over the decades. Eager to hear insights from fellow comedians.
Absolutely, Brooks is a true icon. The documentary should provide a fascinating look at his creative process and influence.
Lots of nostalgia in this week’s entertainment slate, from Megadeth to the Springsteen biopic. Curious to see how these established artists and franchises evolve for modern audiences.
Megadeth’s final album before their farewell tour – that’s the end of an era for thrash metal fans. Curious to hear how they choose to cap off their storied career.
Exciting week for entertainment fans! Curious to see Dwayne Johnson in a more dramatic role in ‘The Smashing Machine’. Hope the film explores the complexities of MMA beyond just the violence.
Agree, it’s an interesting departure for Johnson. Can’t wait to see his take on the real-life MMA pioneer Mark Kerr.
Great to see such a diverse array of new content across different mediums. Definitely something for every type of entertainment fan to enjoy this week.
Absolutely, the breadth of these new releases is really impressive. Lots of intriguing options to check out.
Interesting mix of new releases across film, music, and TV. Glad to see the industry continuing to churn out high-quality content for audiences to enjoy.
Surprised to see Dwayne Johnson take on such a heavy dramatic role in ‘The Smashing Machine’. Looking forward to seeing him stretch his acting chops beyond the typical action fare.
The Bruce Springsteen biopic sounds like it could be a fascinating look at the life and career of a true rock icon. Can’t wait to learn more about his creative process.
Agreed, Springsteen’s story is ripe for the big-screen treatment. Hoping the biopic does justice to his legendary status in the music world.
The Mel Brooks documentary is a must-watch for any comedy fan. Can’t wait to get an inside look at the creative genius behind so many iconic films.
Agreed, Brooks is a true legend. This documentary should provide great insight into his unparalleled comedic mind.
Lots of big names in music making moves this week – from Megadeth to Louis Tomlinson. Glad to see established artists still pushing boundaries and innovating.
Definitely, it’s great to see veteran acts like Megadeth and rising stars like Tomlinson all bringing fresh energy to the music scene.