Subscribers of Paramount+ in the U.S. have plenty to be excited about. Zoe Saldaña returns to the screen leading covert operations in a new season of Taylor Sheridan’s eagerly awaited series, Lioness. Additionally, fans of UFC have several fights to look forward to, and an impressive 71 movies were introduced on August 1 alone.
This week, there are four notable titles that undoubtedly deserve a spot on your watchlist: an animated classic that celebrates creativity, an intense space thriller that swept the Oscars, a hilarious mockumentary that’s both clever and engaging, and my top recommendation this week—a thrilling concert film featuring an iconic artist known for their rebellious spirit.
4
The Lego Movie
The delightful animated adventure that makes everything feel awesome
Since its debut on streaming platforms in 2015, The Lego Movie has been a staple in our home, rivaling hits like Frozen. My four-year-old might not have understood its Oscar snub for Best Animated Feature in favor of Big Hero 6, but they certainly loved belting out Everything is Awesome, which did receive a nomination for Best Original Song.
If you haven’t seen it countless times, The Lego Movie follows Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt), a cheerfully average construction minifigure. He randomly falls into the role of the “Special,” a figure prophesied to save the Lego universe. Joined by the fierce rebel Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), the self-absorbed Batman (Will Arnett), and other beloved Lego characters, they must thwart the plans of Lord Business (Will Ferrell), who aims to cement the world together using the dreaded Kragle. The film boasts a remarkable 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3
Gravity
Sandra Bullock stranded in space, struggling for survival
While it may not have set box office records like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Gravity (2013) captivated audiences with its stunning visual effects, sound design, score, and cinematography. This film, enjoyed in IMAX theaters, swept seven Oscar awards due to its exceptional quality.
In an alarming scenario, Dr. Ryan Stone (Oscar nominee Sandra Bullock), a medical engineer on her inaugural shuttle mission, finds herself floating in space with seasoned astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney). When debris from a satellite obliterates their shuttle, they become stranded 372 miles above Earth, with dwindling oxygen and no communication from Houston. Stone has to summon all her skills to navigate the wreckage of the space station and make her way back home. Gravity offers a tight 91 minutes filled with nail-biting suspense—definitely worth your time.
2
Best in Show
Christopher Guest’s dog show satire is a comedic masterpiece
Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara are an unbeatable comedy duo, and their talent shines in Best in Show. This film, the second in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary series (after Waiting for Guffman), humorously follows five sets of quirky dog owners as they compete in the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show in Philadelphia. From Levy and O’Hara’s eccentric characters to the high-strung yuppies portrayed by Parker Posey and Michael Hitchcock, Guest brilliantly pulls the absurdities from life’s subtle quirks, making this film one of his finest works.
1
Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live)
A concert film experience directed by Billie Eilish and James Cameron
If you have a sizable screen and an impressive sound system, prepare for an exhilarating experience with this beautifully captured concert film. Directed by James Cameron alongside Eilish, Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live) showcases her record-setting tour with cutting-edge 3D technology. Shot in sold-out arenas across locations like Manchester and Phoenix, the 114-minute film immerses you in the performance, capturing the energy of Eilish’s standout tracks, including Bad Guy and her poignant Barbie ballad, What Was I Made For?.
As the parent of a teenage Eilish enthusiast, I’ve seen this stunning documentary/concert film twice in theaters, witnessing firsthand the exhilarating atmosphere as fans cheered from the front row. Expect to move some furniture and prepare for an unforgettable viewing experience when we stream it this week.
New movies for the month of August kick off with excitement
As August begins, numerous new films are available to enjoy. Whether one catches your interest or not, there are plenty of other weekly streaming recommendations to explore.
