This week on Netflix, Max, Hulu, and other big streaming services, we have a blockbuster and an Oscar candidate in addition to numerous others.
With a half a billion dollar global box office haul and another movie star credit for Timothée Chalamet, “Wonka” is this week’s obvious front-runner.
It’s not the only noteworthy film this week, though. The film “Past Lives” from A24, which debuted this week on Paramount Plus with Showtime, is nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. While it’s streaming on Netflix, you won’t want to miss this Oscar-worthy picture, especially because it has a chance to win the biggest award in the film business.
You may buy some of these titles at a premium price since they are now accessible digitally, but for others, all you need is the correct streaming subscription. While you’re here, be sure to check out the best of what’s new on Netflix as well as the newest TV series available to streamers this week.
Here are the top new movies streaming this week. And be sure to check out our Apple Vision Pro review to see what the future of watching movies looks like.
‘Wonka’ (PVOD)
The teaser doesn’t reveal that this Willy Wonka origin story is a musical. Indeed, there’s a scene in the teaser when Hugh Grant’s character, Lofty the Oompa-Loompa, is beseeched by Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) to refrain from singing.
Nevertheless, “Wonka” is often seen as a fun justification for popping some popcorn and spending the evening watching a movie with the family. Critics have lauded Chalamet’s portrayal, especially that of the young chocolatier, despite the fact that the screenplay does not always work in his favor.
‘Shortcomings’ (Netflix)
I laughed out loud several times in the 120-second teaser for “Shortcomings,” the feature-length directorial debut of well-liked actor Randall Park. Ben (Justin H. Min) is an aspiring filmmaker who is in a romantic relationship with Miko (Ally Maki). A number of things cause their relationship to fail, including Ben’s lack of respect and Miko’s internship in New York. This makes Ben strive to perceive other people and work on himself, both of which he does — not very well.
Netflix this week is a must-watch for anybody looking for a quirky comedy about coming of age with a dash of drama. Sundance 2023 produced this gem.
Watch on Netflix as of February 1.
‘Past Lives’ (Paramount Plus with Showtime)
Since its Sundance premiere last year, Celine Song’s romantic drama has received nothing but positive reviews, thus it was expected that it would be nominated for Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars. The true surprise, though, was that Greta Lee didn’t win greatest Actress, even though her performance was frequently considered as one of the greatest of the year.
“Past Lives” is semi-autobiographical and tells the story of Nora (Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), two childhood sweethearts who fall out of touch until Hae Sung arrives in New York to see her one last time. The only problem? She’s already married to Arthur, and despite his jokes, he’s not the “evil white American husband” that would be easy for Nora and viewers to hate. This heartbreaking movie is one of the best movies this year, let alone this week, so don’t let it pass you by.
Stream on Paramount Plus with Showtime starting Feb. 2
‘Dicks: The Musical’ (Max)
While “Wonka” may steer clear of its musicality in its trailer, “Dicks: The Musical” steers — nay, crashes — into it. Starring Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson as Craig and Trevor, this adaptation of their off-Broadway Musical “F****** Identical Twins” is basically what would have happened if Lindsey Lohan portrayed a pair of misogynistic salesmen in “The Parent Trap” rather than two relatively sweet teenagers.
Oh, and it has Megan Thee Stallion doing a musical number. What’s not to love?
Stream on Max starting Feb. 2
‘Freelance’ (Hulu)
“Freelance” may be one of the worst-rated movies in the history of Rotten Tomatoes. Starring John Cena as a retired Special Forces operative (a recurring theme this week) who walks away from his job as a lawyer to protect journalist Claire Wellington (Alison Brie) on a mission to the fictional country of Paldonia, this movie scored a whopping 6% “fresh” from critics.
However, it also scored a (relatively) impressive 77% “fresh” with audiences, who praised it for being an entertaining action movie. So, since it’s free to Hulu subscribers, there’s no better time to see who is right about “Freelance.”
Stream on Hulu starting Feb. 2
