Are you looking for new releases in Film or Television to watch this weekend of August 13th!? Well, That Hashtag Show has you covered in our weekly series! So, make sure to come back each week as we compile all of our recommendations for you to check out on your days off. This weekend has a slew of new, exciting film releases… all of different quality. And we have the premiere of the final season of a beloved show and Taika Waititi’s return to television. So, let’s talk about it!
NEW RELEASE: FILMS
FREE GUY (IN THEATERS)
This long-awaited original sci-fi/comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, from director Shawn Levy of Stranger Things fame has finally hit theaters. Reynolds has done his darndest to promote the movie with his many promotional ads (those must be watched!) The film follows a bank teller (Reynolds), who discovers that he is living in an open-world video game. Luckily, it seems that the film was worth all of the wait through the COVID-Delay, as critics are rejoicing for Free Guy. That Hashtag Show’s own Hunter Bolding said that, “Free Guy is one of the most joyous and delightful experiences you’ll have at the movies in 2021.” [See Our Full Review Here!] Well, sign me up for a ticket.
DON’T BREATHE 2 (IN THEATERS)
This sequel to the surprise smash hit Don’t Breathe is looking to thrill audiences this weekend. Avatar lead villain Stephen Lang returns as Norman Nordstrom, who is dealing with the aftermath of the home invasion that occurred in the first. While the original has a whopping 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, this sequel is now sitting at a disappointing 50%. That Hashtag Show’s own Jessica Lancaster agrees with those sentiments, as she said in her review… “Don’t Breathe 2 isn’t a terrible sequel, but it doesn’t reach the depth of its premise or its predecessor.” [See Our Full Review Here!]
BECKETT (NETFLIX)
Beckett is an international mystery/thriller starring John David Washington and from the assistant director of Call Me By Your Name. It follows the titular American tourist Beckett, as he is on the run from assassins in Greece after a life-changing car accident. This film (for some reason) has been very divisive among critics. But in my review I say that Beckett is, “A brutal, thrilling and beautifully shot ode to the paranoid thrillers of the seventies.” And it is 100% worth your time to stream on Netflix this weekend. [See Our Full Review Here!]
RESPECT (IN THEATERS)
Oscar-Winning Jennifer Hudson returns to the screen with another musical role, after Dreamgirls, with Respect. This Aretha Franklin-biopic that follows much of her entire life… Will be a huge crowd-pleaser, no doubt. Some critics have been saying it is a bit of a basic retelling of Franklin’s story, though Hudson soars in the role. That Hashtag Show’s own Yael Tiegel says, “Regardless of how much fact is actually in the tale, it’s beautiful and exciting to watch. “ [See Our Full Review Here!]
CODA (APPLE TV+)
This heart-wrenching dramedy about a young woman trying to achieve a singing career, in a deaf family (Child of Deaf Adults)… has taken the world by storm. It is the highest-earning acquisition from the Sundance Film Festival EVER (for a whopping $25 million), as well as won the Critics and Audience Awards at the festival. It is also on its way to garnering multiple Oscar nominations (definitely for Marlee Martlin, the only deaf actress to ever win an Oscar in history). Despite all of the accolades it might win; this is still a must-see crowd-pleasing movie for most of the whole family (13+) [Full Video Review Above]
NEW RELEASES: TV
RESERVATION DOGS (FX ON HULU)
This half-hour comedy series is created by Thor: Ragnarok’s Taika Waititi, and follows the life of four teenagers in rural Oklahomo. Fighting crime and also fighting it. This is one of the first television shows to truly represent our Indigenous people (nearly all of the cast are Native American). Critics have also said (from Variety) that, “Reservation Dogs’ Is a Slice-of-Life Triumph From Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi”. It’s one of the best reviewed new comedies of the year, so I think it is definitely worth a watch.
The first two episodes premiered on HULU & FX Monday, August 9th. Expect a new episode weekly.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE: ONE LAST RIDE (NBC & STREAMING ON PEACOCK)
The eighth and final season of the beloved comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, starring the never-better Andy Samberg is upon us. Expect some laughs and some tears! If you are fan of this show, or ever have been in its past; this final season is not to be missed.
The first two episodes premiered on NBC Thursday, August 12th. Expect another two episodes weekly.
Which new release films or television shows are you most excited to watch this weekend of August 13th!? Have we missed anything here that you are looking forward to? Make sure to let us know in the comments.
For more on Movie and TV news, make sure to check back to That Hashtag Show.
