Just when you're trying to catch up for Oscar Sunday, here comes Ghostface as a contenderfor best murder spree.
This weekend, the masked villain returns alongside new "Scream" franchise stars Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera for a New York City-based sixth installment of the horror series. March Madness begins next week, so Woody Harrelson slides his basketball shoes on for another hoops comedy, while Idris Elba reprises his London detectivefrom the British cop series "Luther" for a cinematic continuation on Netflix.
Here's a guide to new movies that willsatisfy every cinematic taste, plus some noteworthy theatrical films making their streaming and on-demand debuts:
If you've been watching Ghostface since the 1990s: 'Scream VI'
The young cast of 2022's fifth franchise film escapethe usual haunts of Woodsboro for New York City and of course the stabby antagonist followsthem.Full of meta riffs and self-references, the latest chapter doesn't break the mold but uses its franchise history in an intriguing way, getting to know the newer main characters while spattering themin blood duringthe most vicious "Scream" of them all.
Where to watch: In theaters
'Scream VI' review:Ghostface takes Manhattan in a solid but familiar stab-filled outing
If you're feeling the March Madness: 'Champions'
"White Men Can't Jump" fans can see Harrelson hoop it up again, but this time he's on the sidelines as a disgraced coach who had a drunken run-in with a cop car and his community service is leading a team of scrappy youngsterswith intellectual disabilities. It's a problematic minefield that director Bobby Farrelly navigates well in the endearing comedy, handling its subject matter with respect and charm even if leaningformulaic.
Where to watch: In theaters
If you're reallyfeeling the March Madness: 'ChangCan Dunk'
Bloom Li stars as the titlecharacter, a basketball-loving marching band kid who, to impress a new fellow drum line member (Zoe Renee), bets his school'sco*cky hoops star (Chase Liefeld) that he can dunk in 12 weeks' time.Changrecruits a local YouTube baller (Dexter Darden) to train him up, becomes a social media sensation but makes some mistakes in a satisfying teen twist on the usual underdog sports template.
Where to watch:Disney+
If you prefer a broody Idris Elba: 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'
We've watched Elba punch a lion, tackle monster alien starfish and ride horses recently but there's nothing like seeing him in action asrule-breaking British detective John Luther. After his iffy police work is revealed publicly, Luther is jailed but has to breakout to stop a psychopath (Andy Serkis in total creep mode). Cynthia Erivo'scrusading detective is a nice addition in this grimly over-the-top and entertaining crime thriller.
Where to watch: Netflix
Why 'Luther' is the coolest character Idris Elba will ever play:'He's a flawed superhero'
If you think Mozart should have done more teen movies: 'The Magic Flute'
There's a pleasant mix of drama, fantasy and sweet tunesin this coming-of-age adventurestarring Jack Wolfe as Tim, a youngster sent to a music school after the death of his father. After thepretentious headmaster (F. Murray Abraham) scoffs when the kid wants to audition for "The Magic Flute," Tim finds himselfwhisked away to the magical landscape of Mozart's opera and is forced to navigate obstacles in both worlds.
Where to watch: In theaters
If you dig modern survival thrillers with heart: 'Unseen'
A breakup leads to Emily (Midori Francis) beingkidnapped by her murderous ex and escaping into the Michigan woods, breaking her glasses and leaving her nearly blind. A wrong number, though, links her toFlorida convenience store clerk Sam (Jolene Purdy), who attempts to help Emilynavigate to safety via FaceTime. Lean and mean at under 80 minutes, it's a tense, clever and subtly comedic story about human connection.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play, Amazon
If you're all about dark fairy tales: 'Unwelcome'
After a traumatic home invasion, an expectingBritish couple (Hannah John-Kamen and Douglas Booth) ditches their city digs for a rural Irish cottage they've inherited. But it comes with one rule: They have to leave out fresh red meat daily before sundown or risk upsettinga mystical gang of murderous goblins. The little weirdos become an issue, as does a family of troublesome construction workers, in thenifty indiefolk horror flick.
Where to watch: In theaters (and Apple TV and on-demand platforms Tuesday)
Also on streaming
- The sports comedy "80 for Brady," starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field as big Tom Brady fans, is now availableon Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play and Amazon.
- The twisty mystery thriller "Missing," featuring Storm Reid as a teen girl desperately searching online for her missing mom, is also on Apple TV and on-demand platforms.
- Oscar-nominated animated adventure "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," with Antonio Banderas voicing the title feline adventurer, premiereson Peaco*ck Friday.
