The latest entertainment offerings include the much-anticipated “A Minecraft Movie,” led by Jack Black, and Lorde’s fourth studio album, aptly titled “Virgin.” These new releases span television, films, music, and games that are set to make waves in the coming days. Selected by The Associated Press's entertainment journalists, highlights include the complete fourth season release of FX's “The Bear” and the new reality show featuring music icons Nelly and Ashanti.
For film enthusiasts, a range of new streaming options will be available from June 23-29. Among these is “The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie,” featuring Porky Pig and Daffy Duck, which will be available on HBO Max starting Friday and will also broadcast on HBO on June 28 at 8 p.m. ET. Reviews for this animated feature have been mixed but leans toward the positive, with critics noting that while the humor varies, it generally satisfies the audience's funny bones.
Additionally, Mariska Hargitay’s documentary “My Mom Jayne,” reflecting on her mother Jayne Mansfield’s life after her tragic death at 34, will also stream on HBO Max on Friday. Fans of the Minecraft franchise can catch the film adaptation “A Minecraft Movie,” which has grossed over $950 million worldwide. Directed by Jared Hess and starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, critics have highlighted its ability to keep both preteen gamers and their parents engaged, with a blend of absurd humor and vibrant visuals.
Prime Video will see the release of an updated version of the 1922 silent vampire classic “Nosferatu,” directed by Robert Eggers and featuring Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, and Bill Skarsgård. Reviewers praise the film's chilling visuals but note the dialogue may feel more stylized than realistic, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a period painting rather than a contemporary horror experience.
Switching to music, June 23-29 brings exciting new singles and albums to streaming platforms. Lorde's new single “What Was That,” her first in four years, shifts back to her synth-pop roots after exploring folk in her last album, “Solar Power.” Fans will also be eager for her upcoming album, “Virgin,” releasing on Friday, which is expected to define her next artistic era. Furthermore, the soundtrack for the anticipated “F1” movie starring Brad Pitt will be released, featuring contributions from notable artists like Ed Sheeran and Blackpink’s Rosé.
The indie rock band Failure is also the subject of a documentary titled “Every Time You Lose Your Mind: A Film about Failure,” available for streaming on Hulu. The film, directed by frontman Ken Andrews, compiles insights from various notable personalities, including Paramore’s Hayley Williams and legendary producer Butch Vig.
As for new television series, all ten episodes of season four of “The Bear” were released on Hulu this Wednesday, continuing the story of Michelin-starred chef Carmy, played by Jeremy Allen White, as he attempts to manage a successful fine dining restaurant in Chicago. The series has garnered multiple accolades for its cast, including Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
Prime Video premieres a thrilling crime series titled “Countdown,” featuring Jensen Ackles as an LAPD detective investigating a government official's murder, which began streaming Wednesday. Additionally, a new reality series featuring the rekindled romance of Nelly and Ashanti, titled “Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together,” debuted on Peacock.
Wrapping up the week's offerings, Apple TV+ releases a new thriller called “Smoke,” starring Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, based on the true story of an arson investigator turned serial arsonist. And for fans of classic literature, AMC+ presents “Nautilus,” a reimagining of Jules Verne's “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas,” which delves into the origins of Captain Nemo.
Finally, June 29 will see the launch of “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,” the eagerly awaited sequel to the original post-apocalyptic game. Fans can expect a unique storyline from Hideo Kojima as Norman Reedus returns as the protagonist, Sam, once more navigating a surreal world filled with challenges and emotional depth.
