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The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
What to Stream: Madonna, 'Happy Gilmore 2,' Judge Judy and Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd team up
Adam Sandler's hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore returning for a second movie and Madonna's long-rumored album 'Veronica Electronica' are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time, as selected by The Associated Press' entertainment journalists: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd playing father and daughter in the horror-comedy 'Death of a Unicorn,' gamers get a pirate adventure with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Judge Judy rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video, 'Justice on Trial.' New movies to stream from July 21-27 — It's been almost 30 years since we first met Adam Sandler's hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore, but Sandler finally got the gang back together for a sequel. 'Happy Gilmore 2,' coming to Netflix on Friday, July 25, brings back many familiar faces, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, alongside an army of new co-stars from Bad Bunny to Post Malone as well as a few familiar faces in the golf world. This time around, Happy also has kids, including four hockey goon sons played by Ethan Cutkosky ('Shameless'), Conor Sherry ('Shake Shack'), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a pro wrestler) and newcomer Philip Schneider. Here's hoping it's as quotable as the first — we've been needing some new Sandlerisms. — November, and 'Wicked: For Good,' is coming fast. What better time to catch up with 'Wicked,' which begins streaming on Prime Video on Friday, July 25? In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it might convert a non-musical lover into one, but that, 'if people breaking into song delights rather than flummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love 'Wicked,' well then, you will likely love this film.' — Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd play father and daughter in the horror-comedy 'Death of a Unicorn,' about, well, just that (and also exploitative billionaires). It was met with mixed reviews: Some enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and the fun it has with its outlandish plot, while others saw those efforts as strained and hollow. You can decide for yourself when it hits HBO Max on Friday, July 25. Richard E. Grant and Will Poulter also star. — AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr New music to stream from July 21-27 — It is the stuff of pop music mythology. Madonna's long-rumored album 'Veronica Electronica' — originally conceived as a remix companion to 1998's blockbuster 'Ray of Light' — finally arrives Friday, July 25. It is that and more. Begin with the new-to-fans, original demo of 'Gone, Gone, Gone.' — The second and final part of an expansive documentary series on the life and career of Billy Joel hits HBO Max on Friday, July 25. And it's not too late to catch up on the first half of 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes,' either. It's an in-depth look at the beloved singer-songwriter, replete with never-before-seen performance footage and more. — Rock 'n' roll fans, listen up. On Friday, July 25, the original Alice Cooper band lineup reunites to release 'The Revenge Of Alice Cooper,' the first album in over 50 years to feature that original lineup. It gives the album a sort of revived spirit — all high-octane riffs. — AP Music Writer Maria Sherman New series to stream from July 21-27 — Judy Sheindlin, beloved for her syndicated series 'Judge Judy' that ended production in 2021 after 25 years, rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video. In 'Justice on Trial,' actual criminal court cases are recreated by trial lawyers with Sheindlin presiding over the courtroom. Will she find the right decision was made? Find out Monday when all eight episodes drop. — Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow star in 'The Hunting Wives' for Netflix. It's based on a thriller mystery novel by May Cobb. Snow plays Sophie, a woman whose husband's job requires trading the East Coast for east Texas. She's a fish out of water until she meets Margot (Akerman,) the queen bee of a group of women known as the Hunting Wives. These wives aren't trading recipes or having tea — they like to party. Sophie finds Margot's carefree lifestyle and confidence to be intoxicating until she gets caught up in a murder investigation. All eight episodes drop Monday. — A new Hulu miniseries called 'Washington Black' is also based on a book of the same name, but this one was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2018. Set in the early 1800s, Wash — short for George Washington Black — is born into slavery in Barbados. Wash's talent for art and curiosity catches the attention of a scientist named Titch (played by Tom Ellis), who encourages his education and creativity. When danger strikes, Titch and Wash escape in a hot-air balloon that lands in Nova Scotia. The series follows Wash's adventures as he grows into a man played by newcomer Ernest Kingsley Jr. Sterling K. Brown is an executive producer and also has a role in the show. Stream the episodes beginning Wednesday. — An acclaimed British crime drama called 'Code of Silence' comes to BritBox on Thursday. Rose Ayling-Ellis plays a deaf cafeteria worker who begins working with the local police because of her ability to read lips. This new world is exhilarating but also dangerous. The show has already been renewed for a second season. — Alicia Rancilio New video games to play from July 21-27 — Last year's Black Myth: Wukong turned Chinese folklore into a blockbuster game, and another Chinese studio is hoping to repeat that success with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It tells the tale of a pirate who wakes up with amnesia and a bad case of 'feathering' — not only is she sprouting blue plumage, but it's driving her insane. The adventure takes place during the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, and Chengdu-based developer Leenzee Games promises a mix of historical figures and supernatural monsters. Take flight Thursday, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC. — Lou Kesten


Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Danny Dyer eyes Doctor Who job as he reveals plan for 'working class alpha' role
The Bafta-winning actor says he'd like to follow in the footsteps of the actors lucky enough to be cast in the 'iconic' role Danny Dyer has told how he'd love to star in Doctor Who - while admitting he'd play the Time Lord as 'a bit mental'. The actor says that while he's never been asked to try out for the TARDIS role, he certainly wouldn't rule it out if he was. 'It's such an iconic thing to do,' he explained. 'It's almost – not on the same level – like James Bond. It's a character that's loved by so many. Again, it gives you an opportunity with Doctor Who, because of the nature of the work, to bring something left-field, something a bit mental, a bit stylised, which I love. I love the idea of it.' Speaking ahead of the return of Sky's Mr Bigstuff this week, for which he earned a Bafta for best comedy performance earlier this year, Danny said no one would be surprised with how he'd play the Doctor, if he was ever given the chance. 'Well, he would be an incredibly working-class Dr Who,' he laughed. 'Yeah, maybe a bit alpha. What I do, really. You've hired me for a reason - I don't think you'd want me to come in and play Doctor Who, you know, really posh.' He said maybe his down-to-earth, no frills approach is what the series has been missing. 'I don't think we've ever had a working-class Doctor Who, have we? Well, Jodie Whittaker, she brought a bit of that to it,' he said, confessing that he doesn't know much about the complicated history of the 62-year-old sci fi series. 'I know it's hard work, and some of the dialogue he's got, he's got big monologues, talking about s*** you don't understand.' Other recent Doctors have included outgoing Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa, fellow Scot Peter Capaldi and English actor Matt Smith, who went on to play Prince Phillip in The Crown. The bookies are forever slashing Danny's odds when the runners and riders for who will next steer the TARDIS are being considered. 'I'll be honest, no one's ever approached me about it. But I see things now and again, my odds have been slashed to this, that and the other - it's definitely something I would consider." In Mr Bigstuff, the main cast will this time be joined by a raft of guest stars including two from EastEnders. One is Linda Henry, who played Queen Vic barmaid Shirley Carter for 16 years until leaving in 2022. Danny's character Mick thought Shirley was his sister until discovering she was actually his mum in 2014. The second series of Mr Bigstuff will also feature Shaun Williamson, who played Albert Square's Barry Evans, plus actress Rula Lenska. In the six-part comedy, Danny - who also stars in Disney's returning series Rivals - plays estranged elder brother Lee alongside Ryan Samson - who also writes the show - as his younger sibling Glen. The action picks up two weeks after the last one ended, with the shock news that the brothers' dad is not actually dead after all. - Mr Bigstuff, Sky and Now, Thursday 24 July

Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Western Telegraph
Mrs Browns Boys returning to the BBC after controversy
The fifth series of the comedy programme is now only weeks away and is returning despite the creator apologising for a racial slur. Teasing the new show, the corporation said: "Agnes Brown and the gang from Finglas are back! "Everyone's favourite Irish Mammy returns for a brand new fifth series featuring all your favourite characters, so get ready for more slapstick shenanigans this spring!" According to The Sun, the BBC's head of comedy, Jon Petrie, added: "Brendan has created an iconic comedy character in Agnes Brown. "Mrs. Brown's Boys is a BAFTA-winning comedy show and one of the BBC's most-watched comedies ever. I'm proud to have it in the BBC Comedy stable." Mrs Brown's Boys will return to UK telly on Friday, August 1 at 9:30pm on BBC One. BBC viewers dub Mrs Brown's Boys 'utter garbage' and 'worst thing' they have ever seen Despite this popularity, many are not so keen on the show, with one person penning: "The worst show I've ever seen. It's ghastly, and thankfully, no one I know likes it, because if they did, then I'd disown them. UTTER GARBAGE." Another said: "Quite possibly the worst thing I've ever watched in my life. "For something that is labelled as a comedy, it is incredibly unfunny. "The entire premise of this show is woefully outdated, predictable, cringe inducing, with an annoyingly overactive audience. "Of all genres, comedy is probably the most diverse in terms of its audience reception, but if 1920s-style slapstick is your jam, this will probably tick a box for you." However, with a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDb, most enjoy the programme. Recommended Reading: One person wrote: "Some of the funniest slapstick I have seen in years. The live audience and the accidentals (on-stage flubs) only serve to make what is already hilariously funny, even funnier." Another added: "Love this series. I can't stop watching it. Terrific cast, fantastic humour. I never want the show to end. So much craziness in the world today, so much to worry about, but this show takes you away from it. Brilliant, Mr. O'Carroll." A third fan said: "So glad I stumbled upon this show through a friend. It has to be the funniest show I've ever seen!"