New to stream in July: ‘Washington Black,' ‘Heads of State,' ‘Sharkfest' and more

San Francisco Chronicle​

3 days ago

Summertime is for adventure, thrills and high drama. Action fans have a chance to watch John Cena and Idris Elba play gun-toting politicians. A new drama mini-series explores race and scientific discovery, while in real life, a scientist confronts her greatest fear in the ocean. If that's too intense, how about some stop-motion 'Hello Kitty'? Netflix, Disney+ and Tubi all offer great summer content to stream.
'Heads of State'
If there's an award for the most ridiculous but fun action movie, then 'Heads of State' is already a top contender. John Cena ('Suicide Squad') and Idris Elba (also 'Suicide Squad') play the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Great Britain, respectively. Elba's character, a former commando, has little respect for and in common with Cena's action-star-turned-politician, but they have to work together after an aborted joint assassination attempt on Air Force One.
With a soundtrack that is apparently 87% Motley Crue and more guns than an East Texas wedding reception, the film is clearly leaning into self-parody territory of the action genre itself. That doesn't detract from the awesomeness in the slightest, though. Releasing on July 2 (marking the date in 1776 that Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain) is a nice touch.
Watch it: Action. Streaming on Prime Video starting Wednesday, July 2.
National Geographic 'Sharkfest'
Ever since National Geographic launched 'Sharkfest' in 2021, it's been the superior television celebration of the ocean's apex predator (sorry, 'Shark Week'). This year looks amazing, with a special starring documentarian Bertie Gregory diving with great white sharks without a cage, a retrospective of the film 'Jaws' at 50, and science educator Alanna Canaran's hunt for the sharks of the Northern Atlantic off the coast of Canada. The latter also explores Canaran's fear of the animals and her hope that by understanding them better she can turn phobia into wonder.
Watch it: Docuseries. Streaming on Disney+ starting July 5.
'Get Off My Lawn'
When you buy a house, it's not uncommon to find something weird left behind by the previous owner. In this case, a couple (Camila Banus and Tahj Mowry) must deal with a deranged teen named Alec obsessed with making sure they keep the house exactly as his late grandfather (who is buried in the backyard) wanted it. Jonah Hwang plays Alec with a terrifying suburban banality, making him the creepiest clean-cut monster since Terry O'Quinn in 'The Stepfather.' And you thought the HOA was tough to deal with.
'Washington Black'
An 11-year-old enslaved boy, born on a Barbados sugar plantation and gifted with a scientific mind, becomes a world-traveling adventurer. Based on the novel by Esi Edugyan, this miniseries a riveting story of perseverance and ingenuity as the young George Washington 'Wash' Black (Ernest Kingsley Jr. and Eddie Katanga as a child) seeks his fortune under the tutelage of an aspiring aeronaut (Tom Ellis).
Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, who penned the brilliant 'Replay' episode for Jordan Peele's reboot of 'The Twilight Zone,' serves as showrunner.
'My Melody and Kuromi'
In recent years, My Melody and Kuromi have become the faces of the Sanrio Hello Kitty brand. Now, they are together in an adorable stop-motion animated series from director Tomoki Misato (check out his excellent student short 'My Little Goat'). The sweet My Melody and sinister Kuromi run competing bakeries in town, leading to a rivalry until they stumble across an entire confectionary magical universe. It's not overly saccharine, though. The series also features some impressive looking car chases and other action pieces.
Watch it: Animated. Streaming on Netflix starting July 24.