Streamers were busy last month, rolling out a bounty of programming — from returning mega-hit series like “The Pitt” and “Bridgerton” to much-hyped buzzy new offerings that may not be worth your time. So how about getting out the popcorn for a few streaming movies that deserve attention?
WATCH IT:
“The Rip”
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite as Miami cops who stumble upon an enormous pile of cash during a raid. As they debate how to handle the discovery, tensions build and trust frays — both from outsiders and within their own ranks. Writer-director Joe Carnahan (“Narc”) was inspired to make a cop thriller in the vein of ’70s classic films like “Serpico” and “Heat.” While it doesn’t quite reach that level of gritty intensity, “The Rip” delivers a serviceable action thriller powered by the stars’ easy chemistry. (Rated R) 2h 13m, Netflix.
“Jay Kelly”
“All my memories are movies,” laments the film star played by real-life Hollywood royalty George Clooney in Noah Baumbach’s masterful “Jay Kelly.” Baumbach, director and co-writer, achieves both an ode to movies and a poignant statement on the price of stardom. Feeling alone yet surrounded by a team of dutiful employees and adored by legions of fans, Kelly sizes up his life — regretting the personal sacrifices he made to chase his career. He’s metaphorically seen repeatedly running in this film. When his devoted manager (Adam Sandler) asks him, “Are you running to something or from something?” Kelly answers, “Yes.” (Rated R) 2h 12m, Netflix.
“The Family McMullen”
Ed Burns first introduced us to the McMullens with his 1995 Sundance Grand Jury winner, “The Brothers McMullen.” In his streaming sequel, “The Family McMullen,” Burns, actor, director, and co-writer, picks up 30 years later, reuniting largely the same cast. Patriarch Barry McMullen (Burns) is now in his 50s, with 20-something kids and a displaced brother living with him. It’s a sweet feel-good movie that’s exactly what he told People magazine he hoped to provide: “I wanted it to feel like a warm cup of tea.” (Rated R) 1h 50m, HBO.
“A House of Dynamite”
A radar spots a nuclear missile headed for Chicago. Who initiated it and how do we respond? A lot of questions are raised, but few answers provided in this riveting portrayal of the 18 minutes, in real time, before the missile hits the United States. Kathryn Bigelow (Academy Award winner for “The Hurt Locker”) shoots this nerve-wracking, powerfully human experience from three perspectives: the president, government officials, and military leaders. Bigelow’s warning: We’ve built and now live in a house of dynamite. What do we do about it? The controversial and polarizing ending keeps an urgent and important conversation going. (Rated R) 1h 52m, Netflix.
MAYBE:
“His & Hers”
If you want a bingeable slow-burn thriller, this twisty mystery based on Alice Feeney’s bestseller might be for you. Talented actors Tessa Thompson (“Hedda”), a journalist who returns to her small hometown to cover a murder investigation, and Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead”), the detective leading the case, are an estranged couple back together on opposite sides of the case. As they attempt to solve the crime, buried secrets from their shared past surface where someone is lying. Dubious character motivations, dark themes, and a wacky conclusion make this a middling watch. (TV-MA) Six episodes, Netflix.
“People We Meet on Vacation”
If you’re in the mood for a true “popcorn pic,” this adaptation of Emily Henry’s hit novel — from the Queen of Beach Reads — might fit the bill. After decades of summer vacationing together as friends, an incongruous pair finds themselves wondering if they are meant to be much more than that. The answer is no surprise, it’s a rom-com after all, but it’s also cliché entertainment that might work for the most ardent of romance fans. (PG 13) 1h 58m, Netflix.
SKIP IT:
“Run Away”
This adaptation of one of bestselling author Harlan Coben’s fast-paced, “easy-to-read” thriller novels translates into a frantic, disjointed portrayal of a father’s desperate search for his runaway daughter. Coben fans may want to go along for the ride, but this feels like an old-school, made-for-cable-TV thriller — too many ludicrous coincidences and one (maybe three!) too many plot twists. (TV-MA) Eight episodes, Netflix.
“Malice”
A stunning villa on a Greek island, a family with an enviable life of luxury — then creepy manny (Jack Whitehall, comedian/actor) enters the picture. He carries out menacing deeds that threaten the father (David Duchovny of “The X-Files”) and his unsuspecting family — while insinuating himself as a fixer/ally. A meandering dark plot strains credulity in this blunt thriller. Don’t be fooled by the exotic locale with danger lurking among the wealthy, pretty people, “White Lotus,” this is not. (Rated 16+) Six episodes on Prime.
UNDER THE RADAR:
“Drops of God”
Catch up now if you missed the first season of this exceptional 2023 drama since the second season is now available to stream. “Drops of God” follows a young French woman whose late father leaves behind a one-of-a-kind wine collection, but to claim it, she must compete with his brilliant young Japanese protégé. The international competition involves clues leading to identifying a specific wine. Estranged from her world-famous wine critic dad, she must explore her family’s wine history and legacy in pursuit of the grand prize. The series takes us on her visually beautiful journey that elevates wine tasting into a dramatic, cinematic experience. Apple TV+, Season 1, eight episodes; Season 2 premiered January 21.
