Weekly Entertainment Digest – September 21st

September 21, 2024

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I’m not sure we’re ready for everything hitting theaters this fall and winter but we definitely have a lot of great shows to watch soon. Add in some great local events, screenings, and more – we’ll be busy!

Be sure to stay up to date with the release schedule here, or check out the Latin American Heritage Month schedule on Hulu!

Metro Detroit Local Events

Free Activity Sheets

Screenings

The Wild Robot (9/23)

Movie and Series Reviews

Movie and Entertainment Updates

TRANSFORMERS ONE | Final Trailer – In Theaters Now

TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. In the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie, TRANSFORMERS ONE features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi with Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm.

TRUST IN LOVE – Now Available on VOD

Mickey Ferrara (Jimi Petulla) teeters at life’s crossroads: his record producing career is going down the tubes, his estranged wife wants a divorce, and his son is struggling with his sexuality. His only wingman is his beach bum brother Bobby (Tim Hazelip). Although plunged into adversity, Mickey is above all else a warrior and he’s poised to make a valiant stand, get in the trenches, and “trust in love” to try to keep his family together and maybe—just maybe—make one more good record.

MEGALOPOLIS | Spike Lee and Robert De Niro Join Francis Ford Coppola for Special Live Conversation at Megalopolis: The Ultimate IMAX Event on September 23rd

Academy Award® winning writer/director Spike Lee and Academy Award® winning Actor Robert De Niro will join Francis Ford Coppola for a captivating conversation at the MEGALOPOLIS: THE ULTIMATE IMAX EXPERIENCE on September 23, 2024.

In conjunction with the 62nd New York Film Festival, the special discussion will be live streamed to IMAX audiences in select cities across the U.S. followed by advance screenings of the film. Tickets are available at https://www.imax.com/movie/megalopolis.

Dennis Lim, Artistic Director of NYFF, will moderate the live celebratory conversation which will highlight Francis Ford Coppola’s legendary contribution and impact on cinema.

MEGALOPOLIS is a Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties, forcing her to discover what she truly believes humanity deserves.

BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE | Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD September 24th

The world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your-seat action and outrageous comedy, but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run. When Captain Howard is unjustly accused of a lifetime of drug-related crimes, the Bad Boys vow to clear his name. Pre-Order Bad Boys: Ride or Die Now

SPECIAL FEATURES
4K UHD and Blu-ray™ Exclusive Bonus Features:

Outtakes & Bloopers
Deleted Scenes

Also includes:

Will & Martin Chemistry, Legacy & Laughs
The Bruckheimer Legacy: Crafting Bad Boys & Beyond
Fights, Camera, Action
Partners in Crime

DVD Exclusive Bonus Features:

Will & Martin Chemistry, Legacy & Laughs
The Bruckheimer Legacy: Crafting Bad Boys & Beyond
Fights, Camera, Action
Partners in Crime

PLUS AN ALL-NEW POST CREDIT SCENE

4K, Blu-ray™ & DVD include a digital code for movie and bonus materials as listed above, redeemable via Movies Anywhere for a limited time. Movies Anywhere is open to U.S. residents age 13+. Visit MoviesAnywhere.com for terms and conditions.

SUMMER OF VIOLENCE | Official Trailer and Poster – In Theaters September 27th

In the turbulent summer of 1993, Denver was rocked by a wave of violent crimes, forever remembered as the “Summer of Violence.” Against this backdrop, Naomi, a recent college graduate, defies her parents’ expectations by turning down law school to follow her passion for poetry. As she navigates a city gripped by fear, Naomi’s creativity becomes her lifeline to the community. But as the violence claims those she loves, she spirals into a battle for her own survival. “Summer of Violence” is a powerful story of resilience, loss, and the fight to find one’s voice amidst chaos.

I’LL BE RIGHT THERE | Releases On Demand September 27th

Directed by Brendan Walsh, I’LL BE RIGHT THERE is a heartwarming yet hilarious film that features an ensemble of award winning cast, including Emmy and Golden Globe winner Edie Falco, Oscar nominee Jeannie Berlin, Charlie Tahan, Independent Spirit Award nominee Kayli Carter, Michael Rapaport, Michael Beach, Sepideh Moafi, and Emmy winner Bradley Whitford.

I’LL BE RIGHT THERE marks a reunion for Edie Falco and Brendan Walsh, renowned for their collaboration on Nurse Jackie.

Wanda has her hands full: her 8-month pregnant daughter wants a wedding which her ex-husband is flaking on paying for, her mother thinks she’s dying, her wayward son is either going into rehab or the army, her long-time boyfriend doesn’t excite her, but her new girlfriend doesn’t either, and she barely has time for herself, not that she would know what to do with it anyway.

BAGMAN | New Release Date – Coming to Theaters Nationwide on September 27th

In the dark horror film BAGMAN, a family finds themselves ensnared in a nightmare as they are hunted by a malevolent, mythical creature. For centuries and across cultures, parents have warned their children of the legendary Bagman, who snatches innocent children and stuffs them into his vile, rotting bag—never to be seen again. Patrick McKee (Sam Claflin) narrowly escaped such an encounter as a boy, which left him with lasting scars throughout his adulthood. Now, Patrick’s childhood tormentor has returned, threatening the safety of his wife Karina (Antonia Thomas) and son Jake (Caréll Rhoden).

Lionsgate presents, in association with Media Capital Technologies, a Temple Hill production. Written by John Hulme. Directed by Colm McCarthy.

The West Wing: The Complete Series | Coming to Blu-ray on October 1st

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will be releasing The West Wing: The Complete Series for the first time ever on Blu-ray, in celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the critically acclaimed series. Get ready to binge all 156 episodes from NBC/WBTV’sEmmy® Award-winning original series, along with hours of special features including over 20 commentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, unaired scenes, gag reels and more. The brilliant political drama, following an extraordinarily intimate look at an American President and the inner workings of the White House, will be available to own on Blu-ray on October 1. Pre-order your copy today.

Created by Aaron Sorkin who executive produced with Thomas Schlamme and John Wells, The West Wing stars Rob Lowe , Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, and Martin Sheen. The series was produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

The West Wing, which originally aired on NBC from 1999 to 2006, garnered widespread acclaim with three Golden Globe Awards, two Peabody Awards, and 26 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for four consecutive seasons (2000-2003). This year, the groundbreaking series celebrates its 25^th anniversary.

SYNOPSIS

Widely considered one of the best series of all time, The West Wing remains a landmark achievement in television, earning 26 Emmys, including four for Outstanding Drama Series. With its sharp writing and memorable ensemble cast, the show continues to inspire audiences with its intimate look at the triumphs, sacrifices and inner politics of the White House.

Series information

The West Wing: The Complete Series

Includes all 156 episodes from all seven seasons on 28 discs, plus over 20 commentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, unaired scenes, gag reels and more

CURSES! | Season 2 Trailer – Streaming on Apple TV+ October 4th

Apple TV+ today released the trailer for season two of the thrilling and spooky adventure series for kids from DreamWorks Animation, “CURSES!,” premiering globally on Friday, October 4.

“CURSES!” follows Pandora, Russ and Sky Vanderhouven, a family cursed by their ancestors’ pillaging of ancient artifacts from across the globe in which the father, Alex, was turned to stone. After reversing the curse on an adventure of a lifetime, the second season picks up with Alex rejoining the family as they continue working to undo the damage done by their greedy ancestors. But when something about Alex doesn’t seem quite right, the family must band together to solve the mysteries that confront them, both on the road and within the walls of Briarstone Manor.

The second season of “CURSES!” features the returning voice talents of Emmy Award nominee Gabrielle Nevaeh (“Monster High”) as “Pandora,” Andre Robinson (“The Loud House”) as “Russ,” Emmy Award nominee Lyric Lewis (“Waffles + Mochi”) as “Sky,” SAG award winner Reid Scott (“Veep”) as “Alex,” Rhys Darby (“Our Flag Means Death”) as “Stanley,” James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) as “Larry,” Emmy Award winner Rhea Perlman (“Barbie”) as “Margie,” Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad (“A Raisin in the Sun”) as “Georgia Snitker” and Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”) as “Cornelius.”

The hit family-oriented series is created and executive produced by Jim Cooper (“DreamWorks Dragons”) and Jeff Dixon (“The Hurricane Heist”). John Krasinski (“A Quiet Place” Parts I & II) also serves as executive producer and Allyson Seeger (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) as co-executive producer. Leo Riley (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Tron: Uprising”) is supervising producer, with Chris Copeland (“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts”) and Justin Copeland (“Wonder Woman: Bloodlines”) serving as creative consultants.

MR. CROCKET |Official Trailer – On Hulu October 11th

In 1993, a mysterious children’s show host, Mr. Crocket, magically emerges from television sets to kidnap young children, brutally slaying their parents in the process. After Mr. Crocket snatches her son, one determined mother embarks on a perilous quest to track down the demonic entertainer and rescue her boy.

WOMAN OF THE HOUR | Official Teaser – Releasing on Netflix October 18th

The stranger-than-fiction story of an aspiring actress in 1970s Los Angeles and a serial killer in the midst of a yearslong murder spree, whose lives intersect when they’re cast on an episode of The Dating Game.

CONCLAVE | Official Poster – Only In Theaters October 25th

From director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) CONCLAVE follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.

THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF IBELIN | New Trailer – On Netflix October 25th

When Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer, died of a degenerative muscular disease at age 25, his parents mourned what they thought had been a lonely and isolated existence. They were unaware that Mats had long been leading a vibrant digital life that had left a profound impact on a community of fellow gamers.

The film takes us on a journey through the breadth of Mats Steen’s adventurous online life, introducing us to Ibelin, his charismatic World of Warcraft persona. Through reconstructed animated moments from Mats’ gameplay, narrated entries from his blog and interviews with people who knew him as Ibelin, a picture of a remarkable young man emerges, one that underscores how community and soulful relationships can transcend the boundaries of the physical world.

Blitz | New Trailer – in select theaters November 1st and premiering globally on Apple TV+ November 22nd

Sir Steve McQueen’s “Blitz” follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.

Written and directed by Academy and BAFTA Award-winning McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Ronan and newcomer Heffernan, with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, CJ Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman and Sally Messham rounding out the cast. McQueen’s Lammas Park produces alongside Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films, Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan and Michael Schaefer for New Regency, with producers Anita Overland and Adam Somner.

McQueen reunites with production designer Adam Stockhausen (“12 Years a Slave,” “Widows”), costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“Small Axe”), and composer Hans Zimmer (“12 Years a Slave”), with cinematographer Yorick Le Saux (“Little Women”) and makeup designer Naomi Donne (“No Time to Die”).

FREEDOM | Official Trailer and Poster – Launches globally on Prime Video November 1st

Inspired by the daring exploits of a legendary outlaw in France in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Freedom follows the electrifying story of Bruno Sulak (Lucas Bravo, “Emily in Paris”), a suave and daring criminal who stole hearts alongside riches. Known for his charm and finesse, Sulak masterminded daring heists without firing a single shot. But as his infamy grew, so did the relentless pursuit of George Moréas (Yvan Attal, “Ad Vitam”), a tenacious police commissioner with a knack for outsmarting criminals. As Moréas closes in, Sulak’s escapes from prison become legendary, fuelled by a lust for freedom, and a burning desire for his lover Annie (Léa Luce Busato). Amidst the chaos of their criminal spree, Sulak and Annie become the ultimate symbols of defiance in the most exhilarating game of cat and mouse that gripped the nation. Co-written by Mélanie Laurent and Chris Deslandes (The Mad Women’s Ball),

Freedom is produced by Alain Goldman.

SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE | Official Trailer – In US Theaters November 8th

Oscar^® winner Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as devoted father Bill Furlong in this film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Claire Keegan. While working as a coal merchant to support his family, he discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent — and uncovers truths of his own — forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.

Lionsgate presents, an Artists Equity presentation, in association with Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, a Big Things Films production, a co-production with Wilder Content.

AFRAID | Available on Digital Today on Blu-Ray and DVD November 15th

Curtis (John Cho) and his family are selected to test a revolutionary new home device: a digital family assistant called AIA. Taking smart home to the next level, once the unit and all its sensors and cameras are installed in their home, AIA seems able to do it all. She learns the family’s behaviors and begins to anticipate their needs. And she can make sure nothing – and no one – gets in her family’s way.

SPECIAL FEATURES
BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL EXTRAS

5 Deleted & Extended Scenes including Alternate Ending
Dark Side of AI

Blu-ray™ & DVD include a digital code for movie and bonus materials as listed above, redeemable via Movies Anywhere for a limited time. Movies Anywhere is open to U.S. residents age 13+. Visit MoviesAnywhere.com for terms and conditions.

NOSFERATU | In-Theaters Nationwide on Christmas

Robert Eggers’ NOSFERATU is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.

THE FIRE INSIDE | Official Poster – Only in Theaters This Christmas

THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.

DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA | Official Poster – In Theaters January 10th

Gerard Butler (Plane, Has Fallen series) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Out of Compton, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) return in the sequel to 2018’s action-heist hit Den of Thieves. In DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA, Big Nick (Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (Jackson), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.

Lionsgate presents, in association with eOne and TT Entertainment, a TT Entertainment production. An eOne Features production. A G-Base and Diamond Film Productions production.

DOG MAN | First Trailer Available – In Theaters January 31st

Part dog, part man, all hero.

From DreamWorks Animation—creators of the beloved blockbuster franchises Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and The Boss Baby—comes the canine-crime-fighting film adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s New York Times bestselling literary phenomenon: Dog Man.

When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve—and fetch, sit and roll over.

As Dog Man embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief (Lil Rel Howery, Get Out, Free Guy), he must stop the pretty evil plots of feline supervillain Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson; Saturday Night Live, The King of Staten Island). Petey’s latest plan is to clone himself, creating the kitten Lil Petey, to double his ability to do crime stuff. Things get complicated, though, when Lil Petey forges an unexpected bond with Dog Man.

When Lil Petey falls into the clutches of a common enemy, Dog Man and Petey reluctantly join forces in an action-packed race against time to rescue the young kitten. In the process, they discover the power of family (and kittens!) to bring even the most hostile foes together.

Dog Man also stars Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers, Rango) as TV reporter Sarah Hatoff; Poppy Liu (Hacks, The Afterparty) as Petey’s assistant, Butler; Emmy nominee Stephen Root (Barry, King of the Hill) as Grampa; Billy Boyd (the Lord of the Ringsfranchise, Seed of Chucky) as Sarah’s cameraman, Seamus; and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) as Flippy the fish.

Dog Man is directed by Emmy winner Peter Hastings (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness), whose credits include the groundbreaking animated series Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain. The film is produced by Karen Foster (Spirit Untamed), who served as co-producer on DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon.

Launched in 2016 by Dav Pilkey—the #1 global bestselling author and award-winning illustrator of the Captain Underpants books—the Dog Man Scholastic series now includes 12 books. The series has more than 60 million copies in print and has been translated into 47 languages. Cat Kid Comic Club, a spin-off of Dog Man launched in 2020, has also topped bestseller lists around the world. The most recent Dog Man book, Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, was overall the #1 bestselling children’s book in the U.S. in 2023, across all children’s formats and ages. Pilkey’s newest book in the Dog Man Series, Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, is set to release on December 3, 2024.

DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man will be distributed by Universal Pictures.