Netflix in August has brought along some highly anticipated titles (Defenders!) and also continued to expand its catalogue with some interesting fare. Let's unpack the list and browse some titles.
TV:
Launching globally on August 18, The Defenders (trailer) series finally unites four superheroes – Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Daredevil/Matthew Murdock and Iron Fist/Danny Rand on the same page and screen. Not much is known at this stage about the direction of the series, but we do see legendary Sigourney Weaver as Alexandra who may or may not be in alliance with The Hand. Also returning for Defenders is Clare Temple, Colleen Wing, Elektra, Misty, and more.
Atypical S1 (trailer) – Family oriented story following Sam, a highschool student who is on the autism spectrum. He decides to take matters into his own hands and starts to learn more about deciphering girls. Led by Keir Gilchrist, and also starring Jennifer Jason Leigh who plays Edna (mum) who has to find her own way to support Sam on his journey.
Voltron Season 3 (trailer) returns on the 4th, Shiro has vanished after the last fight with Zarkon, leaving the team to search for a pilot for black lion. As the mysterious Prince Lotor threat looms closer, they will have to find the strength to keep fighting.
Couple of other series to boost your choices, Vikings S4, and Animal Kingdom S2.
Movies:
In a pleasant departure from typical superhero fare, Marvel's Dr Strange (trailer) is a neuro surgeon who searches for another path after his hands are injured in a car accident. Benedict Cumberbatch is convincing as an self involved everyman who has to take himself down a peg and turns away from science, seeking healing and direction from the mystical Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Alongside brilliant performances with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen and Benedict Wong.
John Wick (trailer) is like a hot sexy drink that sneaks up and punches you, then leaves you breathless as more and more surprises pile on until suddenly it makes sense. Keanu Reeves plays the title character with all the melancholia and angst of a man whose days are tinted in greys. He busts out of hitman retirement, tracking down the entitled upstart who stole his car and killed his dog. Fantastic replay value.
For younger viewers, we have the Lego Movie (trailer). Or have a look at Paper Planes, a homegrown feel good movie about young Dylan who enters competitive paper plane flight. Also supported by Sam Worthington, Deborah Mailman and David Wenham. Don't go past Queen of Katwe, a true story of Phiona who rises from her humble slum background in Uganda, and goes on to competitive chess playing.
Kids and young at heart will enjoy Disney's Moana (trailer), a courageous young woman who leaves her home island to capture demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and to find the source of a black scourge. With classic family qualities of bravery, self discovery and set against gorgeous crystal water, and blue skies – this is a great twist on the traditional fairytale, with no pesky princes involved.
Thanks folks, see you next month!
August 1
12 Angry Men
A Man Called Ove
Catch and Release
Dear White People
Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends)
Garfield: The Movie
Grimm: Season 4-5
Marvel’s Doctor Strange
Maz Jobrani: Immigrant
Opening Night
Penn & Teller: Fool Us: Season 1
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments: Season 2B (Episode)
Stigmata
Stranger: Season 1
The Autopsy of Jane Doe
The Hollywood Masters: Season 1
The Royal House of Windsor: Season 1
Animal Kingdom: Season 2 (Episode)
Shooter: Season 2 (Episode)
August 4
Alan Saldaña: Mi vida de pobre
Chelsea: Season 2 (Episode)
Icarus
The Machinist
Voltron: Legendary Defender: Season 3
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
August 6
Prisoners
August 8
Disney’s Queen of Katwe
Justice League Dark
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments: Season 2B (Episode)
The Age of Adaline
August 9
Animal Kingdom: Season 2 (Episode)
Shooter: Season 2 (Episode)
August 10
A Walk Among the Tombstones
Brick Mansions
Dark Places
Edge of Tomorrow
John Wick
Mad Max: Fury Road
Paper Planes
Stonehearst Asylum
The Best of Me
The Giver
The Lego Movie
The Spy Next Door
Tracers
Two Night Stand
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
August 11
Atypical: Season 1
Chelsea: Season 2 (Episode)
Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh: Season 3
Naked
True and The Rainbow Kingdom: Season 1
White Gold: Season 1
August 15
Barbecue
Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo
Cop Out
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments: Season 2B (Episode)
August 16
Animal Kingdom: Season 2 (Episode)
Shooter: Season 2 (Episode)
August 17
Suite Française
Wedding Crashers
August 18
Airplane!
Dinotrux: Season 5
Glitter Force Doki Doki: Season 1
Marvel’s The Defenders: Season 1
August 19
Hide and Seek
August 20
Little Nicky
August 21
The Wedding Ringer
Unacknowledged
August 22
Lynne Koplitz: Hormonal Beast
August 23
Animal Kingdom: Season 2 (Episode)
Shooter: Season 2 (Episode)
August 25
Death Note
Disjointed: Part 1
DreamWorks Dragons: Race to the Edge: Season 5
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Manchurian Candidate
The Mist: Season 1
Vikings: Season 4 New Episodes
August 27
A Perfect Ending
Scooby-Doo
August 29
Disney’s Moana
Ryan Hamilton: Happy Face
August 30
Animal Kingdom: Season 2 (Episode)
Shooter: Season 2 (Episode)
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Krystle Shrimpton (Facebook, LinkedIn) is a contributor for Streambly.
