Xtreme Vogue London Desk: Sarah Marshal
This weekend’s entertainment lineup is brimming with diverse options, promising a delightful escape from the ordinary. While animated content takes a backseat, theaters beckon with the uproarious comedy of “The Book Of Clarence” and the adrenaline-fueled combo of humor and action in “Lift.” Meanwhile, the streaming realm unveils the much-anticipated “Napoleon,” an action comedy delving into the intriguing world of an assassin’s role play, and the espionage-laden thriller “The Painter.” Join us as we navigate many choices, ensuring your weekend has laughter, suspense, and pure entertainment.
Napoleon
- Genre: Biography, War, Action
- Available on: Apple T.V. Plus
“Napoleon” unfolds as a thrilling epic depicting the turbulent journey of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, brought to life by Joaquin Phoenix and helmed by director Ridley Scott. The movie delves into Napoleon’s ascent to power. It showcases his strategic brilliance in military and political realms through visually stunning and dynamic battle sequences.
T.I.M.
- Genre: Sci-fi, Mystery & thriller
- Available on: Prime Video
An engineer initiates the creation of her company’s latest innovation, an A.I. humanoid known as T.I.M. – Technologically Integrated Manservant. The situation turns ominous as T.I.M.’s subservient programming transforms into a dangerous obsession with her.
Role Play
- Genre: Crime, Action, Mystery & thriller
- Available on: Prime Video
Emma (Kayley Cuoco) and Dave (David Oyelowo) lead an ideal life with two kids, a suburban home, and fulfilling jobs. However, their seven-year marriage falls into a routine. To add excitement to their anniversary, they opt for a role-play scenario, intending to meet as strangers in a hotel bar. Before Dave arrives, Emma attracts the attention of a mysterious older man (Bill Nighy). Much to her surprise, he recognizes Emma as an international assassin with a bounty on her head. With a hidden life unbeknownst to Dave, Emma’s past resurfaces, forcing her to take necessary actions to protect her cherished family.
SELF RELIANCE
- Genre: Comedy, Mystery & thriller
- Available on: Hulu
When a regular middle-aged man, played by Jake Johnson, is invited into a limo by the renowned actor Andy Samberg, his mundane existence takes a thrilling twist. Offered a chance to win a million dollars in a dark web reality T.V. show, he becomes the target of global assassins for 30 days. But he has Immunity from death if he’s not alone, leading him to form an unconventional team to secure his survival.
Lift (2024)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Available on: Netflix
A thief is asked by his ex-girlfriend and the F.B.I. to carry out a heist with assistants from his international crew on a passenger flight from London to Zurich. The team faces the challenge of orchestrating a mid-flight heist to prevent a looming terrorist threat.
The Painter
- Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Action, Crime
- Rent On: Apple TV Plus for $12.99
Having shifted from a role as a C.I.A. operative to a painter, a former agent finds himself unexpectedly drawn back into a perilous realm when a mysterious woman emerges. Now pursued by a relentless assassin and a rogue black ops program, he must depend on skills he believed he had abandoned in a high-stakes struggle for survival.
Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part One
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation
- Buy from: Apple TV Plus for $ 19.99
The malevolent Anti-Monitor, counterpart to the Monitor, is unleashed upon the D.C. Multiverse, initiating the destruction of its diverse Earths. In reaction, the Monitor strives to recruit heroes from different realms of the Multiverse to avert this imminent disaster.
The Windigo
- Genre: Horror, Mystery & thriller
- Rent On: Amazon for $ 4.99
In the heart of the rural wilderness, a Native American teen and his grandmother evoke an ancient demon as a safeguard against backwoods meth dealers. Yet, they soon confront the unsettling truth that the creature’s unquenchable thirst for violence proves uncontrollable.
Waitress: The Musical
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, Musical
- Buy from: Amazon for $14.99
In a stifling small town, Jenna, a talented waitress known for her pie-making skills, embarks on a transformative journey centered around a baking contest. This competition becomes her opportunity to escape an unhappy marriage and pursue deeply buried aspirations. With encouragement from her fellow waitresses and an unexpected romance, Jenna gathers the courage to pursue her dreams actively.
They Turned Us Into Killers
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery & thriller
- Rent from: Apple T.V. Plus for $ $5.99
In a heart-wrenching tale, Karma, after being drugged and assaulted by her boyfriend BJ, tragically takes her own life. Before this tragic incident, she confides in her best friend, Star, revealing the harrowing events of that fateful night in a letter. Motivated by a desire for justice, Star embarks on a mission to avenge Karma. She tracks down B.J. and his brothers, methodically confronting them and recounting Karma’s heartbreaking letter before administering her own form of retribution.
Lost Phoenix
- Genre: Action, Mystery & thriller
An individual with amnesia emerges from a coma in 2020, facing a world on the edge. Pursuing the truth amidst looming adversaries, the quest may jeopardize his life.
Theatrical Releases
Mean Girls
- Genre: Musical, Comedy
- Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 2024 Wide
Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) navigates the social landscape, ascending within the exclusive group “The Plastics,” led by Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and accompanied by cohorts Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). But, she begins to have feelings for Regina’s ex-boyfriend, Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), which puts her squarely in the crosshairs of Regina’s schemes. With support from outsider friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), Cady begins challenging the group’s leader, navigating high school complexities while staying true to herself.
Laced (2024)
- Genre: Mystery & thriller
- Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 2024 Limited
In a remote cabin amidst a blizzard, a woman concocts a plot to poison her husband, seeking an escape from their tumultuous relationship. As the poison fails, she must quickly devise a new plan while dealing with her husband’s deepening suspicion of his worsening condition. The unexpected arrival of her brother complicates her intricate scheme, leading to a complex web of deception as they find themselves ensnared in a snowbound trap of betrayals and hidden truths.
The Book Of Clarence
- Genre: Comedy
- Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 2024 Wide
Confronting urban challenges and weighed down by adversity, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) strives to carve out a better future for his family while grappling with the clutches of debt. Drawn by the charisma and authority of the emerging Messiah and His apostles, he boldly sets out to chart his path toward a divine life. Amidst this journey, Clarence takes significant risks, discovering that the redeeming power of faith could be his exclusive avenue to liberation.
The Beekeeper
- Genre: Action, Mystery & thriller
- Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 2024 Wide
The Beekeeper unfolds as a man’s relentless pursuit of revenge takes on national importance, revealing his past as an operative for the formidable and covert organization known as the “Beekeepers.”
Destroy All Neighbors
- Genre: Comedy, Horror
- Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 2024 Limited
William Brown (Jonah Ray Rodrigues), a neurotic musician focused on finishing his prog-rock masterpiece, faces a creative hurdle when dealing with his loud and eccentric neighbor, Vlad (Alex Winter). While gathering the courage to ask for quiet, William accidentally decapitates Vlad. Trying to cover up the initial murder, William’s unintended rampage results in a rising number of undead victims, leading to a macabre journey of self-discovery. “DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS” unfolds as a darkly comedic splatter-fest with goopy practical effects, a renowned ensemble cast, and abundant blood.
He Went That Way
- Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Set in 1964, He Went That Way is an intense thriller interwoven with an actual crime storyline, injecting a dark element into the buddy road trip genre. The narrative kicks off with 19-year-old serial killer Bobby (Jacob Elordi) hitching a ride from celebrity animal handler Jim (Zachary Quinto) on a remote stretch of Route 66. The journey is further complicated by their precious cargo: Jim’s chimpanzee, Spanky, a beloved American T.V. personality. As tension rises and their contrasting personalities collide, the road grows more perilous with each passing mile.
TV Series
The Brothers Sun (binge-able)
- Genre: Comedy
- Available On: Netflix
- Premiere Date: Jan 4, 2024 (entire season)
After an assassination attempt on their Taiwanese triad leader’s father, the eldest son embarks on a journey to Los Angeles to safeguard his mother and brother, shielded from the harsh realities of their family. This narrative weaves emotion, comedy, violence, and action into a compelling storyline.
Echo (binge-able)
- Genre: Action
- Available on: Disney+
- Premiere Date: Jan 9, 2024 (first five episodes)
A tragic car accident claims Maya Lopez’s leg and her mother’s life. Moving to New York City with her father, William, who rises as a commander in the Tracksuit Mafia, Maya becomes entwined with crime lord Wilson Fisk. Witnessing Clint Barton’s assault on the Tracksuit Mafia and her father’s subsequent death, Maya seeks vengeance. Fisk pledges to assist in finding the killer, leading Maya into conflict with Daredevil. Upon discovering Fisk’s role in her father’s demise, Maya shoots him in the eye for retribution. Returning to Tamaha, she collaborates with her cousin and uncle to dismantle Fisk’s operations while Fisk recovers in a hospital.
Fool Me Once (binge-able)
- Genre: Crime
- Premiere Date: Jan 1, 2024
- Available on: Netflix (entire season)
After Maya’s husband’s brutal murder, she makes a startling discovery on her nanny cam., a person who either appears to be her deceased husband or someone bearing a striking resemblance to him. She was walking around her home after the funeral. Who could that be? Is her husband still alive?
Conclusion
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the plethora of options for your weekend watchlist? Let me simplify it – start with “Brothers Sun” for an all-encompassing experience. If you find some extra time, venture into the intriguing world of “Napoleon.” The rest? Well, that’s entirely up to your personal taste. Don’t linger in indecision any longer; grab that remote, fire up your streaming device, or book a ticket for the theater-exclusive movie that’s piqued your interest. Your weekend awaits – make it cinematic!
