On this edition of Binge Gal's Watchlist, I've got one movie action fans absolutely need to see in theaters, a surprising new Apple TV+ favorite, and a few streaming picks that may or may not deserve a spot on your watchlist.
In Theaters: Must-See Movie Pick
The Furious
If you're an action and martial arts fan, The Furious is the one film you need to see this weekend.
Directed by Hong Kong cinema veteran Kenji Tanigaki, the film delivers relentless action from start to finish. What makes the fight scenes so impressive is that the cast is packed with real martial artists, including veteran Chinese action star Miao Xie and Joe Taslim from Mortal Kombat II and The Raid: Redemption.
Tanigaki shoots many of the fight sequences in long takes with minimal cutaways, allowing audiences to appreciate the choreography and athleticism fully. The result is an action that feels bigger, bolder, and more visceral than most modern Hollywood productions.
The story centers around a child caught in a criminal network, giving the action genuine stakes and emotional weight. While the plot is compelling, the real star is the combat.
The final showdown is nothing short of epic, featuring what may be the best fight choreography I've ever seen in a film.
Verdict: Fans of martial arts and action movies should make The Furious their top theatrical pick this weekend.
Masters of the Universe – Holdover
If you're looking for something lighter, Masters of the Universe continues its theatrical run with plenty of campy fun.
Director Travis Knight embraces the spirit of the classic cartoon while delivering an electric soundtrack featuring music from Queen guitarist Brian May. It's a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Streaming Picks
Office Romance (Netflix)
Starring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso), who also co-wrote the story, Office Romance hits nearly every familiar rom-com trope.
The chemistry between Lopez and Goldstein is serviceable but never quite catches fire. Lopez is essentially playing a variation of the romantic-comedy persona we've seen before, while Goldstein remains charming as a Brit navigating life in America.
The standout performance belongs to Betty Gilpin, who plays Lopez's right-hand woman. She steals every scene she's in and once again proves she's one of
If you're already paying for Netflix, it's an easy watch with little risk.
Apple TV+ Picks
Cape Fear
Two episodes into Cape Fear, I'm intrigued but not ready to fully judge the series yet.
Javier Bardem takes on the role of Max Cady opposite Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson as the Bowdens. This version takes a very different approach from previous adaptations.
Bardem brings the unsettling intensity audiences remember from No Country for Old Men, but his Cady is more charming and nuanced. One surprising twist is that this modern Cady rescues an abused Rottweiler, creating mixed signals about his true nature. Can an animal lover really be that bad?
The series also changes the relationship between Cady and the Bowdens, with both spouses playing a role in the events that led to his incarceration.
For now, I'm reserving judgment until I see more episodes, but the thriller has definitely captured my attention.
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
The title and key art caught my eye on the Apple TV+ interface, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. The series' soundtrack is an unsettling, manic percussion.
Tatiana Maslany stars as Paula, a divorced mother who becomes entangled in a blackmail scheme and quickly finds herself a murder suspect. Things spiral out of control as she digs deeper for answers.
Maslany is fantastic, as usual. She's one of the best actresses of her generation and carries the series effortlessly.
The villain is played by Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus Season 1), who delivers another memorable performance.
If you enjoyed The Flight Attendant, you'll enjoy this series. Every attempt Paula makes to solve her problems only makes things worse, creating an addictive mix of mystery, suspense, and dark humor.
Highly Recommended.
Disney+ Picks
Hoppers
Disney and Pixar's Hoppers may be aimed at younger audiences, but there's plenty of humor for adults as well. It's a fun family watch that works on multiple levels.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
With its home streaming debut arriving June 24, Avatar: Fire and Ash remains a visual spectacle.
While it's more of the epic world-building and action fans expect from the franchise, newcomer villain Varang, played by Oona Chaplin, adds a fresh dynamic that makes the journey worthwhile.
It's still best experienced on the biggest screen possible, but it looks stunning at home too.
Hulu Pick
The Devil Wears Prada 2
One of the pleasures of The Devil Wears Prada 2 is reuniting with these characters.
Once again, Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly dominates every scene she's in as she navigates the realities of a changing workplace and media landscape.
The sequel isn't as fun as the original, with more at stake, like people's jobs at Runway, now a digital publication, may cease to exist due to the changing climate. The storyline feels like art imitating life as traditional media continues to erode.
Binge Gal’s Favorite Picks This Week
Theatrical Pick
The Furious
The action is relentless, the stakes are high, and the fight choreography is the best I've ever seen on screen.
Streaming Pick
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
Tatiana Maslany delivers another excellent performance in a suspenseful mystery that keeps getting better with each episode.
Happy watching!
