Streaming Highlights: Your Weekly Guide to New Releases
Boston.com presents its weekly streaming roundup, offering insights into five essential movies and TV shows now available across major platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, and Paramount+. For those seeking more streaming updates, consider subscribing to The Queue, a newsletter that delivers the latest entertainment news and recommendations directly to your inbox every week. Additionally, you can explore previous lists of must-watch titles for even more viewing options.
Featured Movies Now Streaming
‘Happy Gilmore‘ (1996)
Before the highly anticipated sequel, “Happy Gilmore 2,” arrives on Netflix next week, it’s an excellent time to revisit the original sports comedy that solidified Adam Sandler’s status as a leading comedic actor. At the time of its release, many former “Saturday Night Live” stars struggled to transition into successful film careers. In contrast, Sandler’s portrayal of a down-and-out hockey player who finds unexpected talent in golf defied the norms of the era, maintaining his distinctive comedic style. Nearly three decades later, Sandler continues to captivate audiences with his unique brand of humor.
How to watch: “Happy Gilmore” is available on Netflix.
‘Mission: Impossible’ (1996)
The inaugural film in the iconic “Mission: Impossible” series may not be the best installment—many fans argue that title belongs to 2018’s “Mission: Impossible — Fallout”—but it is undoubtedly the one that laid the groundwork for the franchise. Directed by Brian De Palma, this film emphasizes intelligence over sheer spectacle, despite delivering impressive action sequences that would set the stage for Tom Cruise’s adventures in the years to come. The tension-filled laser room scene remains a standout moment in cinematic history.
How to watch: “Mission: Impossible” streams on Netflix.
‘The Straight Story’ (1999)
Hidden within the vast collection of Disney+ is “The Straight Story,” a charming film by David Lynch, based on the true story of Alvin Straight, who embarked on a 240-mile journey on a lawnmower to visit his ill brother. Richard Farnsworth’s portrayal of Alvin is so authentic and heartfelt that it is surprising he was overlooked for an Academy Award in favor of Kevin Spacey in “American Beauty.” Growing up with someone reminiscent of Alvin Straight in my own life, I greatly admire how both Farnsworth and Lynch portrayed Alvin’s remarkable journey with respect and sincerity, free from any hint of condescension.
How to watch: “The Straight Story” can be found on Disney+.
New TV Series Available for Streaming
‘Dept. Q‘
Although I’m new to this series, “Dept. Q,” a Scottish crime drama created by Scott Frank (known for “The Queen’s Gambit”), features an intriguing early scene that dramatically shifts audience expectations. Additionally, Kelly Macdonald’s performance as the protagonist’s therapist adds depth to the narrative, which follows a grumpy detective, played by Mathew Goode, as he navigates life after a near-fatal shooting.
How to watch: “Dept. Q” is currently streaming on Netflix.
‘Dexter: Resurrection’
In a surprising twist, Showtime has breathed new life into the character of Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), following eight seasons, a sequel titled “New Blood,” and a prequel called “Original Sin.” “Resurrection” relocates the serial killer with a moral code to New York City, where he embarks on a mission to find his son, Harrison. Along the journey, he encounters a mix of familiar faces and new adversaries, including David Zayas reprising his role as Angel Batista and Krysten Ritter as a fellow serial killer hiding in plain sight.
How to watch: “Dexter: Resurrection” is available on Paramount+.
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