Let's focus on what you can watch this weekend, though. My three picks for your streaming consideration include a riotous reboot of a thoroughly stupid TV show, a brand new Netflix Original thriller helmed by Ben Affleck, and what some folks would consider Christopher Nolan's finest film.
Belly laughs, intrigue and shredded nerves are all on the menu: Here are three new-to-Netflix movies you should definitely seek out this weekend.
Watch On Ben Affleck's latest directorial turn is a tense political thriller that centers around a politician who has to rescue his kidnapped son during the middle of a heated mayoral race. Affleck stars as Mark Kimball, while his wife is ably played by Kerry Washington. The strong supporting cast also contains Gillian Anderson and Steven Yeun, in what is yet another predictably well acted ensemble from an Affleck flick.
Sure, the premise is admittedly a little played out (oh look, another kidnap movie!). But both Affleck and Washington convince as thoroughly stressed out parents whose worlds have just been turned upside down. Anderson also excels as the shady fixer as the couple's long-kept secrets threaten to come to light. "Animals" is no "Argo" or "The Town", yet despite its slightly silly final act, the action is tense enough and Affleck directs proceedings with enough assurance that you definitely won't be bored by this latest Netflix Original.
3 best new to Netflix movies you should stream this weekend — including a Hitchcock classic (Oct. 2-4) 3 new to Netflix thriller movies to watch this week — including a magical Christopher Nolan movie with a stunning twist (Oct. 8-14) 3 best new to Netflix movies you should stream this weekend (August 7-9) Watch "Animals" on Netflix now
Watch On From the minds behind "Project Hail Mary" and "The Lego Movie" comes a reboot of a daft '80s Johnny Depp show no one remembers. Thank the Lord (Phil Lord in this case) and his fellow filmmaker Christopher Miller for deciding to reimagine said show about a pair of young-looking cops who go undercover at a high school to bust a drug ring. And you better believe this cracking comedy mines gold out of the fact that Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) are old enough to be teachers.
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The unlikely duo has genuinely electric chemistry right from the off, with Hill playing the dork who becomes popular against all the odds, while Tatum's dreaminess somehow lands him in chess club. Outrageous, sometimes a little offensive, but always thoroughly good fun, "21 Jump Street" is a straight-up joyous comedy. Oh, and Ice Cube has never been better as the pair's stern boss, Captain Dickson. If you want to double dip, the equally awesome sequel "22 Jump Street" also just hit Netflix.
