Below is a list curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment reporters of what’s on TV, streaming services, and music platforms this week.
MOVIES
Kunle (Donald Elise Watkins), and Sean (RJ Cyler), college seniors, set off for a wild night of partying and return to their home to find a shocking scene. A woman has fallen to the floor and their door is open. They know calling the police is difficult because the men are Black and women are white. Carey Williams directed the film and KD Davila wrote the script. It was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival for its incisive look at race dynamics in a humorous setting. The film is currently in theaters, but will be streaming on Amazon Prime Video beginning Friday.
The riveting documentary “Navalny” about Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is currently in theaters and on CNN. But, starting Thursday, it will also be available on HBO Max. The film, directed by Daniel Roher, is taut and suspenseful. It’s more of a John Le Carre thriller than a true story. Many of those involved claim that it has gained even more significance after the Russian war against Ukraine. Maria Pevchikh (head of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation’s investigative unit and executive producer on the film), said that the film provides a lot of context for what’s going on in Ukraine.
We wait to see which big breakthroughs at the Cannes Film Festival, but MUBI has one of its all-timer films: David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive,” which was awarded the directing prize at this festival in 2001. This award was shared with Joel Coen for his film “The Man Who Wasn’t There”. After you’re done exploring Hollywood’s fringes with Naomi Watts or Laura Elena Harding, MUBI offers a complete Cannes takeover section with films such as Andrea Arnold’s film “Fish Tank”, Joachim Trier’s “Oslo August 31st” (for Trier newbies thanks to “The Worst Man in the World”), Ruben Ostlund’s “The Square” and “Force Majeure.”
— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr
MUSIC
Def Leppard’s 12th studio album, “Diamond Star Halos”, is their first work since 2015. The first single, “Kick”, is more arena rock than hair metal. The lyrics to “Kick” read, “You never quit”, which is a fitting statement for the band. Def Leppard recorded in three countries: Joe Elliott, singer from Ireland, Rick Savage, bassist in England, and Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen, as well as Rick Allen, drummer in the United States. The album pays tribute to their earliest collective influences such as David Bowie, T. Rex and Mottthe Hoople. The title is a riff on T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong” (Get It On).
New music is welcome at the weekend’s big movie. The soundtrack to “Top Gun: Maverick” features Lady Gaga’s single “Hold My Hand” and OneRepublic’s single “I Ain’t Worried”. Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone”, which is the sequel to the film, returns, while Miles Teller plays Goose’s son and recorded a live version of “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic.
— AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy
TELEVISION
It was 60 million years ago that the dinosaurs ruled the Earth. “Prehistoric Planet” takes place in this setting. It uses a combination of wildlife filmmaking and paleontology findings, as well as visual effects, to create an immersive experience that is truly unique. The Mongolian Titan and Therizinosaurus are among the stars, and they, along with other dinos, are introduced in their respective air, land, and sea habitats. The Apple TV+ series’ five-part episodes will air Monday through Friday from May 23rd to 27, with narration by David Attenborough, and music by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer.
Martin Freeman continues to prove that he can play any role. The actor from “Sherlock” & “Breeders”, plays a troubled English officer in “The Responder”, which debuts Tuesday on Britbox’s streaming service. Chris Carson, a former inspector, is now a police officer in Liverpool, England. He confronts crime and his own anger while patrolling the streets. His marriage is in danger because he’s a reluctant partner to Adelayo Adedayo’s rookie. Inspired by Tony Schumacher’s experiences, the series unfolds over a week-long night shift as Chris attempts to save a young addict from certain death.
