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
Premiering this week are the Liam Neeson-led action film, Retribution, and the teen sex comedy Bottoms, as well as the based on a true story, Gran Turismo. Also, this week would be a great time to go check out Blue Beetle, which came out last week and is not getting the attention it deserves.
Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo is based on the true story of Jann Mardenborogh, a teenager who wins a series of Nissan-sponsored video game competitions through his gaming skills and becomes a real-life professional race car driver. The film stars Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough alongside David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Emelia Hartford, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Djimon Hounsou. Check out our review of the film HERE!
Gran Turismo might not be for everyone. It’s car-heavy, jargon-heavy, and has antagonists that are about as one-dimensional as they come, but it makes up for that with some great visuals from Neill Blomkamp and David Harbour elevating the material.
Hunter Bolding
RETRIBUTION
Retribution stars Liam Neeson, which is really all you need to hear to get a general feel for what to expect. Based on the trailer, the film looks to be a cross between Speed and Die Hard with a Vengeance.
Release Date: August 25, 2023
What’s it about?: When a mysterious caller puts a bomb under his car seat, Matt Turner (Neeson) begins a high-speed chase across the city to complete a specific series of tasks. With his kids trapped in the back seat and a bomb that will explode if they get out of the car, a normal commute becomes a twisted game of life or death as Matt follows the stranger’s increasingly dangerous instructions in a race against time to save his family.
Who’s in it?: Liam Neeson, Matthew Modine, Noma Dumezweni, Andrew Rona, Andrew Baldwin.
BOTTOMS
The R-rated comedy, Bottoms follows Josie and PJ, two best friends and queer outcasts, who are crushing on two of the most popular girls in school. After a run-in with their football team, they decide to start an after-school fight club to impress their crushes and hopefully get laid.
The comedy hits so hard sometimes, that you will be rolling on the floor laughing… and then there are moments of humor that land with such a thud, you’ll be shaking your head or rolling your eyes. But, the thing about it is, Bottoms is always swinging for the fences and that to me, is so refreshing.
Shawn Jackson, That Hashtag Show
Release Date: August 25, 2023
What’s it about?: Two girls, PJ and Josie, start a fight club as a way to lose their virginities to cheerleaders. And their bizarre plan works! The fight club gains traction, and soon the most popular girls in school are beating each other up in the name of self-defense. But PJ and Josie find themselves in over their heads and in need of a way out before their plan is exposed.
Who’s in it?: Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri, Havana Rose Liu, Kaia Gerber, Nicholas Galitzine
WATCH TO WATCH: TV & STREAMING RELEASES
This week marks the premiere of Ahsoka, a series Star Wars fans have been anxiously awaiting. Also, those looking for a bit more humor can find Vacation Friends 2 on Hulu.
AHSOKA
The next chapter in the Star Wars Mando-verse debuted this week with Ahsoka. Continuing the journey of Ahsoka Tano, the new show also brings to live action the crew of the Rebels animated series. You can read our THS review of the first two-episodes here.
Ahsoka is a dream come true for fans of the work that Dave Filoni has done in recent years in Star Wars. The first two episodes bring back plenty of characters and themes from Star Wars: Rebels and The Clone War
Hunter Bolding, That Hashtag Show
Where’s it streaming?: Disney+ on August 22
What’s it about? Former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.
VACATION FRIENDS 2
Vacation Friends debuted in 2021. Now, two years later, these unexpected pals reunite for another trip. But can they recapture the magic and mayhem from their first vacation? Our THS review praised John in his role and the addition of Steve Buscemi. You can check the full That Hashtag Show review here.
Cena’s Ron is definitely the standout in this sequel, and the character that carries over the best from the first film. If you enjoyed Ron’s eccentricities in the original Vacation Friends, you’ve got more coming your way in this movie. Cena does a great job bringing Ron to life.
Jessica Lancaster, That Hashtag Show
Where’s it streaming?: Hulu on August 25
What’s it about? Marcus lands an all-expenses-paid trip to a Caribbean resort, and he and his wife, Emily, invite their uninhibited besties, Ron and Kyla. But when Kyla’s incarcerated father is released from San Quentin and shows up, things get out of control.
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.
