Welcome to this week’s installment of That Hashtag Show’s What To Watch, a viewing guide for new releases from this week and the upcoming weekend. I will attempt to hit all of the major new releases across theatres, television, and streaming. But of course, if I’ve missed something, please let me know in the comments. Also, be sure to let us know what you are watching this weekend in the comments or on social media.
WATCH TO WATCH: THEATRE RELEASES
This week we have two major films making their way to theatres. Premiering this week is the latest entry in the DCEU Blue Beetle and the not-family-friendly dog film Strays
BLUE BEETLE
For whatever reason, this film is flying under the radar. This is partially due to the ongoing Writers and Screen Actors Guild strikes, which prevent anyone from promoting the movie. However, it seems even the marketing that usually accompanies films like this is non-existent. Which is really a shame. Blue Beetle has an opportunity to bring the representation of Latino culture to audiences. Early reactions are positive, as is our That Hashtag Show review, so hopefully, the lack of marketing will not hurt the film at the Box Office and future plans for the characters. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, due to the aforementioned lack of marketing, you can check it out below.
I was soundly proven wrong by Blue Beetle. I thought this would be just some lazy, nothing superhero movie coming out at the tail end of a DC regime. It’s not that. Blue Beetle is among the best movies that DC has made. Gritty realism and brooding heroes go out the window for Latino culture, levity, and one of the most relatable protagonists that’s been in a DC movie.
Blue Beetle is a triumph.
Hunter Bolding, That Hashtag Show
Release Date: August 18, 2023
What’s it about?: Jaime Reyes suddenly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology called the Scarab. When the Scarab chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he’s bestowed with an incredible suit of armor that’s capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.
Who’s in it?: Xolo Maridueña, George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Raoul Trujillo, Harvey Guillén, Susan Sarandon
STRAYS
While Strays might look like your typical “talking animals” family-friendly film, it certainly isn’t. This is an R-rated comedy starring Will Ferrell and Jamie Fox. The film received its rating for language, crude and sexual content, and drug use. Homeward Bound this is not. But, if you want to leave the kids at home and follow some foul-mouthed canines on the city streets, Strays might be a choice for you this weekend.
Release Date: August 18, 2023
What’s it about?: Abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner, Doug, a naive but lovable dog named Reggie falls in with a fast-talking, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier and his gang of strays. Determined to seek revenge, Reggie and his new canine pals embark on an epic adventure to get him home and make Doug pay for his dirty deed.
Who’s in it?: Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Will Forte, Isla Fisher, Randall Park.
WATCH TO WATCH: TV & STREAMING RELEASES
For those looking to stay home and see what’s new on streaming, we have the return of Solar Opposites and a slasher film, Bad Things.
SOLAR OPPOSITES
Season 4 of the adult animated series, debuted earlier this week on August 14. Solar Opposites is co-created by Justin Roiland, Mike McMahan. However, Roiland who also voiced one of the characters, Korv, is no longer a part of the series. This is no surprise, as Hulu and 20th Animation cut ties with Roiland in January 2023. Korv is now voiced by Dan Stevens in the new season.
Where’s it streaming?: Hulu on August 14
What’s it about? A family of aliens from a better world must take refuge in middle America, and they disagree on whether Earth is awful or awesome.
BAD THINGS
If you are looking to indulge in a slasher film this weekend, Bad Things is available on Shudder and AMC+. For more details on this movie, you can read the full That Hashtag Review here.
In essence, Bad Things stands out as an exceptional cinematic experience. This film masterfully weaves a captivating narrative around a tight-knit friend group, delving into intricate dynamics and simmering drama. Seamlessly interwoven within is a poignant portrayal of queerness, coupled with a palpable undercurrent of feminine rage. Bad Things succeeds in delivering an example of this synergy with a level of expertise that’s truly remarkable.
Amie Burke, That Hashtag Show
Where’s it streaming?: Shudder and AMC+ on August 18
What’s it about? For a group of friends in the Northeast, a weekend getaway at a snowy resort sounds like just what the doctor ordered. An opportunity to reconnect, relax, and recuperate among serene, snow-capped mountains and trees. But peace doesn’t last long as the ghosts of guests past and relationships long buried come to light. Soon enough, their trip transforms into a psychological tailspin and bloody nightmare, as both long-deceased guests and the space itself come to life, and the group turn on each other in a race to stay alive.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
What do you think about this week’s lineup for What to Watch? Are any of these on your list of films or shows to watch? Also, is there anything we missed that you will be watching? That Hashtag Show wants to hear from you!
You can tell us your thoughts by leaving a comment on our That Hashtag Show Facebook page. You can also let me know what you think by following me on social media at TheIndianaSlone. Also, stay up to date on all your Entertainment and Pop Culture news by following us at ThatHashtagShow.com.
