This week brings a treasure trove of new entertainment to your screens, from blockbuster films and highly-anticipated series to groundbreaking music and immersive video games. The Associated Press entertainment journalists have curated the essential list of what's worth your streaming time.
Major Film Premieres Headline the Week
The spotlight shines brightly on several high-profile movie releases. Rian Johnson's third "Knives Out" mystery, titled "Wake Up Dead Man," arrives on Netflix on December 12. This instalment delves into religious themes, with Daniel Craig's detective Benoit Blanc investigating the murder of a charismatic church leader, Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin. The star-studded cast includes Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, and Jeremy Renner. However, AP critic Mark Kennedy found it "a gloomy and clunky outing that may test fans' faith in the filmmaker."
Racing onto Apple TV+ also on December 12 is "F1," starring Brad Pitt as a veteran driver seeking redemption. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film aims for authenticity, with Pitt and co-star Damson Idris performing many high-speed drives themselves. AP's Jake Coyle praised it as "a fine-tuned machine of a movie" that achieves "high-speed splendor."
Fans of cult comedy can revisit the legendary band as "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" streams on HBO Max from December 12. Rob Reiner reassembles the mockumentary cast, but the sequel, featuring a cameo from Paul McCartney, received a mixed response. Kennedy noted it "leans into the old favorite bits too needily" and the improv comedy feels forced, making it primarily for die-hard fans.
Music and Television Events You Can't Miss
In the realm of music, Taylor Swift dominates with two new Disney+ projects. First is a six-episode behind-the-scenes docuseries about her Eras Tour, "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era," with its first episodes premiering Friday. Secondly, a new concert film, "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show," includes performances from her 2024 album "The Tortured Poets Department," filmed in Vancouver.
On the television front, Magnolia Network and HGTV premiere "Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House" on Tuesday, marking Chip and Joanna Gaines' first major renovation project outside Texas. Meanwhile, Disney+ and Hulu launch the two-hour Season 2 premiere of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" on Wednesday, adapting "The Sea of Monsters" novel.
Reality TV mogul Simon Cowell is the subject of a new docuseries, "Simon Cowell: The Next Act," out Wednesday, which follows his quest to build a new boy band. For drama enthusiasts, Paramount+ releases all six episodes of "Little Disasters" on Thursday, starring Diane Kruger as a mother under suspicion after her son's injury.
New Music and Gaming Adventures
The music scene sees significant releases from legends and innovators. Rapper Nas and producer DJ Premier drop their collaborative album "Light-Years", continuing a strong year for hip-hop partnerships. Additionally, Grammy-winning producer Fred Again.. releases his eclectic 16-track "USB002" on Friday, featuring a surprising punk collaboration with Amyl and The Sniffers.
Gamers looking for a surreal challenge can try "Skate Story," launching Monday on PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and PC. Designed by Sam Eng, this unique game casts players as a glass skateboarder in hell, where defeating demons requires pulling off incredible tricks, with the ultimate goal of swallowing the moon.
This week's diverse streaming lineup offers something for every taste, ensuring your watchlist will be packed with must-see content from the worlds of film, television, music, and interactive entertainment.
